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An apparatus for accepting return of unused medical items is part of a system (10) used for automated dispensing and tracking of medical items within a medical facility. The apparatus includes a return drawer (52) and a retrieve drawer (54) which are opened responsive to signals received from a disp

An apparatus for accepting return of unused medical items is part of a system (10) used for automated dispensing and tracking of medical items within a medical facility. The apparatus includes a return drawer (52) and a retrieve drawer (54) which are opened responsive to signals received from a display terminal (26) which is networked with a computer (12) which includes a database (14). The return drawer includes a pocket (74) therein. The pocket is accessible from outside of a housing (56) when the return drawer is moved to an open position. The pocket includes an opening (76). The pocket is closed by a trap door (78) when the return drawer is in the open position. Medical items to be returned (132) are placed in the pocket and the return drawer is closed. Upon the closing of the return drawer the trap door is moved to an open position by an actuator. The returned medical item passes from the pocket to a retrieve area (84) in the retrieve drawer. Medical items are stored in the retrieve area until the retrieve drawer is opened by a user authorized to retrieve items from said retrieve area. The opening of the return and retrieve drawers is controlled responsive to the input of data at the display terminal corresponding to information in records (16) in the database.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] Apparatus for accepting return of unused medical items and for storing and delivering the returned medical items comprising:a housing;a return drawer movably mounted in supporting connection with the housing, the return drawer having a pocket therein, the pocket having an opening,

[ We claim:] [1.] Apparatus for accepting return of unused medical items and for storing and delivering the returned medical items comprising:a housing;a return drawer movably mounted in supporting connection with the housing, the return drawer having a pocket therein, the pocket having an opening, and wherein the return drawer is movable between an open position wherein the pocket is accessible from outside the housing, and a closed position wherein the pocket is within the housing;a retrieve drawer movably mounted in supporting connection with the housing, the retrieve drawer including a retrieve area therein, wherein the retrieve area of the retrieve drawer is bounded by a lead surface, and wherein the retrieve drawer is movable between a secure position wherein the retrieve area is within the housing, and a delivery position wherein the retrieve area is accessible from outside the housing;a trap door adjacent the opening of the pocket of the return drawer, wherein the trap door includes a supporting surface, wherein said trap door is movable between a first position wherein the supporting surface closes the opening and a second position wherein the trap door enables access through the opening;an actuator in operative connection with the trap door, wherein the actuator is operative to position the trap door in the first position when the return drawer is in the open position and to position the trap door in the second position when the return drawer is in the closed position, wherein in the second position the lead surface is generally aligned with the supporting surface.