Abstract: A system is provided for interactively assisting a patient. The system includes a speech synthesizer and recognition unit coupled to a programmed computer. The computer can keep track of a medication and diagnostic testing schedule. The system also includes diagnostic testing equipment coupled to the computer along with medication dispensing equipment. In accordance with a predetermined schedule, the system verbally communicates with the patient, prompts the patient through the various steps necessary to carry out the diagnostic testing and further prompts patient at appropriate times for taking medication. The medication is also provided in combination with the verbal prompts. The system also provides access to a telecommunications link in response to verbal requests of the patient and in one embodiment can move in a limited area adjacent the patient.

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 dispensing device has a storage compartment for holding one or more of the medication containers. The compartment has an opening. A push member moves in a path aligned with the opening between a first position, spaced from the opening, and a second position, adjacent the opening. A first mechanism moves one container held within the compartment into the path as the push member is moved from its second position toward its first position. The push member, when subsequently moved from its first position toward its second position, ejects the one container in the path from the compartment through the opening. The first mechanism also serves to move another container held within the compartment into the path after the one container is ejected and the push member is moved from its second position back toward 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 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 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 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 mechamism 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: An interactive patient assistance device houses first and second compartments for storing a first item and a second item away from access by the patient. First and second delivery mechanisms are associated with the first and second compartments for making the first stored item available to the patient in response to a first command signal and for making the second stored item available to the patient in response to a second command signal. The first and second items are delivered to the patient according to schedules stored in resident memory. The schedules may 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 dispensing device for medication that has been prepackaged in individual pockets along a strip includes a first holder for securing one end of the strip and a second holder for securing the opposite end of the strip. A drive mechanism advances the strip along a predetermined path leading from the first holder, through a dispensing mechanism and to the second holder. The dispensing mechanism has a first assembly that moves into contact with the strip and opens a medication pocket. A second assembly presses against the strip as it is further advanced to expel the medication from the opened pocket.

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.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system has a container with an integrally attached sample cell. A selected fluid can be accumulated in the container. The sample cell can be filled with part of the fluid in the container and then isolated from the container by heat or dielectric sealing. The fluid in the sample cell can be brought into contact with selected test reagents. The test reagents can provide a visual indicia of the presence of selected characteristics in the fluid.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system has a container with an integrally attached sample cell. A selected fluid can be accumulated in the container. The sample cell can be filled with part of the fluid in the container and then isolated from the container by heat or dielectric sealing. The fluid in the sample cell can be brought into contact with selected test reagents. The test reagents can provide a visual indicia of the presence of selected characteristics in the fluid.

Abstract: Apparatus for the automated transfer of contents between a rubber diaphragm port-type vial and a flexible, collapsible bag for medical solutions, which bag has at least one needle-pierceable access port. A double-pointed hollow needle is positioned so that the vial is held with its rubber diaphragm facing one pointed end of the needle and the medical solution bag is held with its needle-pierceable access port facing the other pointed end of the needle. Apparatus is provided for bringing the vial and bag into needle-penetrated relation, to provide flow communication therebetween through the hollow needle. Means are also provided for compressing the bag to force liquid from the bag into the vial, and for releasing the compression to allow the liquid to flow from the vial back to the bag. As a result of this, the original contents of the vial may be carried into the bag in automated manner.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system has a container with an integrally attached sample cell. A selected fluid can be accumulated in the container. The sample cell can be filled with part of the fluid in the container and then isolated from the container by heat or dielectric sealing. The fluid in the sample cell can be brought into contact with selected test reagents. The test reagents can provide a visual indicia of the presence of selected characteristics in the fluid.

Abstract: A container adapted for the mixing of a liquid and a solid initially placed in separate compartments. The compartment containing the solid has two access ports so liquid can pass through the compartment carrying the solid with it for better mixing.