Abstract: A single, traveling actuator services multiple medication dispensing carousels to selectively dispense medication. The traveling actuator carries a tray that receives the dispensed medication. The tray flips to discharge the medication for patient use. The single actuator simplifies operation and reduces drop distance, thereby leading to a compact, low profile assembly.

Abstract: An interactive patient assistance device houses a compartment for storing a testing device. A delivery mechanism makes the testing device available to the patient in response either to a prescribed schedule stored in resident memory or upon a command signal from the patient. The schedule may also be altered by a prescribed command issued by the patient.

Abstract: A medication delivery device includes a housing containing separate first and second storage locations for holding medication dosages away from access by the user. Associated separate first and second delivery mechanisms permit selective delivery of a medication dose from either the first or second storage locations to the patient. The invention provides a control element that discriminates between the actuation of the first delivery mechanism and the second delivery mechanism, thereby discriminating between the delivery of medication housed in the first and second storage locations. The control element discriminates between different first and second input criteria. In response to the first input criteria but not in response to the second input criteria, the control element actuates the first delivery mechanism. In response to the second input criteria, the control element actuates the second delivery mechanism.

Abstract: A system for dispensing medication includes a dispensing device unto which a prepackaged cassette can be releasably installed. The cassette contains medication that has been prepackaged in individual pockets along a strip. The strip is wound between a supply reel and a take up reel within the cassette. A control mechanism associated with the dispensing device advances the strip within the cassette by winding the strip onto the take up reel, while unwinding the strip from the supply reel, and while moving a dispensing mechanism also associated with the device into contact with the strip for opening a medication pocket to expel the medication from the strip and out of the cassette.

Abstract: A medication delivery device includes a housing that encloses a storage chamber for holding at least one pill/caplet. The housing also includes a dispensing chamber. The storage chamber has a first opening communicating with the dispensing chamber for conveying a pill/caplet from the storage chamber into the dispensing chamber. The dispensing chamber has a second opening for dispensing the pill/caplet from the housing. A shuttle member is movable within the dispensing chamber between a first and second position. The shuttle member has a delivery mechanism that receives a pill/caplet through the first opening as the shuttle member is moved from its first position toward its second position. The delivery mechanism carries the received pill/caplet to the second opening for dispensing as the shuttle member is returned to its first position.

Abstract: A medication delivery device includes a housing containing separate first and second storage locations for holding medication dosages away from access by the user. Associated separate first and second delivery mechanisms permit selective delivery of a medication dose from either the first or second storage locations to the patient. The invention provides a control element that discriminates between the actuation of the first delivery mechanism and the second delivery mechanism, thereby discriminating between the delivery of medication housed in the first and second storage locations. The control element discriminates between different first and second input criteria. In response to the first input criteria but not is response to the second input criteria, the control element actuates the first delivery mechanism. In response to the second input criteria, the control element actuates the second delivery mechanism.

Abstract: A medication delivery device measures a preselected physical parameter of a patient as well measures at least one preselected parameter in the patient's immediate environment that relates to the physical parameter. A control element compares the preselected physical parameter measured with the preselected environmental parameter measured. A first command signal is generated when a predetermined correlation exists between the two parameters, while a second command signal is generated when it does not. The command signal can be used to base a decision to dispense medication to the patient, or to change the patient's immediate environment.

Abstract: An interactive patient assistance device houses both preselected doses of medication and a physical testing device. Both medication and the testing device are normally retained within separate compartments within the device away from access by the patient. The device keeps track of medication and diagnostic testing schedules. The device is also capable of receiving and interpreting verbal commands of the patient. The device makes a preselected dose of medication available to the patient in response to either the medication schedule or the receipt of a verbal command by the patient. Likewise, the testing device is made available to the patient in response either to the testing schedule or the receipt of a verbal command from the patient.