초록 ▼

A device that can be loaded with appropriate pills and programmed to automatically dispense the proper amount(s) and proper type(s) of pill(s) at the proper time(s) each day. The device also includes a system for alerting the pill taker that pills have been dispensed and need to be taken, a system f

A device that can be loaded with appropriate pills and programmed to automatically dispense the proper amount(s) and proper type(s) of pill(s) at the proper time(s) each day. The device also includes a system for alerting the pill taker that pills have been dispensed and need to be taken, a system for providing voice messages to coach the pill taker to use the device and consume the pills, a system for alerting an off-site caregiver when the pill taker has not responded as required or when there is a problem with the operation of the device, and a system for the efficient and accurate loading of pills into the device. Major components of the device include a pill storage wheel (100), a cabinet (102), a pill release gate (110), a pill loading indicator template (118), a programmable timer (130), a power spring (134), an index wheel (138), a double ended pawl assembly (144), a solenoid assembly (146), a battery (500), an one shot timing and solenoid driving circuit (504), a blinking LED and buzzer driver circuit (506), a voice message record and playback system (514), and an automatic telehone dialer system (510).

대표청구항 ▼

[ I claim:] [1.] A method of automatically dispensing a preselected pill and alerting a user to take said preselected pill at a preset time, comprising:(a) providing a programmable timer,(b) programming said programmable timer to transmit a signal at said preset time,(c) providing a series of moveab

[ I claim:] [1.] A method of automatically dispensing a preselected pill and alerting a user to take said preselected pill at a preset time, comprising:(a) providing a programmable timer,(b) programming said programmable timer to transmit a signal at said preset time,(c) providing a series of moveable pill storage compartments and an outlet, each compartment of said series being able to receive at least one pill and discharge said pill by gravity into said outlet when said compartment moves into registration with said outlet,(d) loading a compartment of said series with said preselected pill to provide a loaded compartment,(e) providing an actuation means for automatically moving said loaded compartment into registration with said outlet in response to said signal from said programmable timer, said actuation means including an intermittent action actuator, an index wheel, and a pawl mechanism for effecting the registration of said loaded compartment with said outlet, and(f) providing an alarm to alert said user to take the pill that is discharged, said alarm being activated when said loaded compartment moves into registration with said outlet.