Abstract: An external sound system for a portable electronic device includes a mount configured to be secured to the portable electronic device, at least one sound panel coupled to the mount to selectively move between storage and operational positions relative to the portable electronic device, and at least one flat panel loudspeaker. The flat panel loudspeaker forms a portion of an exterior surface of the sound panel and is operably coupled to the portable electronic device to selectively produce sound. The sound panel can include a frame. The flat panel loudspeaker can include a vibratable panel having inner and outer surfaces, an exciter fixed to the frame and coupled to the inner surface of the vibratable panel to selectively impart vibrations to the vibratable panel, and a flexible support sheet secured to the outer surface of the vibratable panel and coupled to the frame to partially support the vibratable panel.

Abstract: An external sound system for a portable electronic device includes a mount configured to be secured to the portable electronic device, at least one sound panel coupled to the mount to selectively move between storage and operational positions relative to the portable electronic device, and at least one flat panel loudspeaker. The flat panel loudspeaker forms a portion of an exterior surface of the sound panel and is operably coupled to the portable electronic device to selectively produce sound. The sound panel can include a frame. The flat panel loudspeaker can include a vibratable panel having inner and outer surfaces, an exciter fixed to the frame and coupled to the inner surface of the vibratable panel to selectively impart vibrations to the vibratable panel, and a flexible support sheet secured to the outer surface of the vibratable panel and coupled to the frame to partially support the vibratable panel.

Abstract: A medical care administration system that continuously provides accurate identifications of what medical care orders are due for administration in a medical care facility. The system uses a services oriented architecture to provide an interface with a pharmacy. The architecture provides message formats and respective data definitions in a web services descriptive language. Thus, data relating to medical care orders may be stored in a relational database in normative format of definitions that is independent of known pharmacy codes and definitions. With the system, all written orders are sent to a pharmacy by facsimile copy and returned to the care facility in electronic form for comparison with the written order. The system further provides a user interface that leads a person through an administration process and simplifies creation of an electronic administration record.

Abstract: A medical care administration system that continuously provides accurate identifications of what medical care orders are due for administration in a medical care facility. The system uses a services oriented architecture to provide an interface with a pharmacy. The architecture provides message formats and respective data definitions in a web services descriptive language. Thus, data relating to medical care orders may be stored in a relational database in normative format of definitions that is independent of known pharmacy codes and definitions. With the system, all written orders are sent to a pharmacy by facsimile copy and returned to the care facility in electronic form for comparison with the written order. The system further provides a user interface that leads a person through an administration process and simplifies creation of an electronic administration record.

Abstract: A locking system for a cart having at least one drawer movable between an open position and a closed position. The locking system includes a cam that is movable between a locked position, wherein the drawer of the cart is prevented from moving between the closed and open positions, and an unlocked position, wherein the drawer is released for movement between the closed and open positions. A manually actuated lock mechanism is coupled to the cam and is operable to move the cam between the locked and unlocked positions. An electronically actuated lock mechanism cooperates with the manually actuated lock mechanism to permit automatic operation of the locking system.

Abstract: A locking system for a cart having at least one drawer movable between an open position and a closed position. The locking system includes a cam that is movable between a locked position, wherein the drawer of the cart is prevented from moving between the closed and open positions, and an unlocked position, wherein the drawer is released for movement between the closed and open positions. A manually actuated lock mechanism is coupled to the cam and is operable to move the cam between the locked and unlocked positions. An electronically actuated lock mechanism cooperates with the manually actuated lock mechanism to permit automatic operation of the locking system.

Abstract: A pill storage container is provided and includes a housing having an open first end and a closed second end with a first locking feature being formed proximate the open first end. The pill storage container also includes a removable lid assembly positionable between a locked position and an unlocked position with respect to the housing. The lid assembly includes an outer cover; a first part having depressable locking tabs; and a second part rotatably coupled to the outer cover. The second part includes first locking slots for receiving the locking tabs to prevent rotation of the second part in the locked position and the second part further includes a second locking feature which releasably mates with the first locking feature in the locked position, wherein depressing the locking tabs and rotation of the second part results in the second locking feature disengaging from the first locking feature and the lid assembly being removable in this unlocked position.

Abstract: A keyless locking system for a cart includes a lock mechanism with a drive mechanism in the form of a solenoid that is electrically coupled to an integrated circuit and a long lasting power supply. In an unenergized state, an armature of the solenoid prevents operation of the lock mechanism to release drawers supported by the cart. Upon entry of a correct access code via a keypad associated with the integrated circuit, current is supplied to the solenoid to permit operation of the lock mechanism and thereby release the drawers. Advantageously, the lock mechanism only draws from the power supply to temporarily release the solenoid only thereby requiring minimal power and significantly reducing the re-charging, replacement and maintenance requirements for the power supply and the down time for the cart.

Abstract: A keyless locking system for a cart includes a lock mechanism with a drive mechanism in the form of a solenoid that is electrically coupled to an integrated circuit and a long lasting power supply. In an unenergized state, an armature of the solenoid prevents operation of the lock mechanism to release drawers supported by the cart. Upon entry of a correct access code via a keypad associated with the integrated circuit, current is supplied to the solenoid to permit operation of the lock mechanism and thereby release the drawers. Advantageously, the lock mechanism only draws from the power supply to temporarily release the solenoid only thereby requiring minimal power and significantly reducing the re-charging, replacement and maintenance requirements for the power supply and the down time for the cart.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing self-propelled motion to a medication cart comprises a driving unit which is mounted to a base of the medication cart. The driving unit includes a drive wheel which is movable between extended and retracted positions. In the extended position, the drive wheel engages the floor to provide self-propelled motion to the medication cart. In the retracted position, the medication cart is freely movable on supporting castor wheels. Foot operated pedals are provided to move the drive wheel between the extended and retracted positions. Forward and reverse motion of the cart is provided by a rocker switch which is positioned on a top panel of the cart.

Abstract: A front loading dispenser for dispensing medication pouches in a roll/strip form. The dispenser preferably includes a top door pivotally hinged to the top of the dispenser and a bottom door pivotally hinged to the bottom of the dispenser. Medication pouches in roll/strip form are inserted into the dispenser, and the top and bottom doors are then closed to define a dispensing channel for dispensing of the medication pouches. One of the doors includes a pouch engaging member which extends into the dispensing channel to engage the roll/strip of medication pouches and prevent them from retracting into the dispenser.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing self-propelled motion to a medication cart comprises a driving unit which is mounted to a base of the medication cart. The driving unit includes a drive wheel which is movable between extended and retracted positions. In the extended position, the drive wheel engages the floor to provide self-propelled motion to the medication cart. In the retracted position, the medication cart is freely movable on supporting castor wheels. Foot operated pedals are provided to move the drive wheel between the extended and retracted positions. Forward and reverse motion of the cart is provided by a rocker switch which is positioned on a top panel of the cart.

Abstract: A front loading dispenser for dispensing medication pouches in a roll/strip form. The dispenser preferably includes a top door pivotally hinged to the top of the dispenser and a bottom door pivotally hinged to the bottom of the dispenser. Medication pouches in roll/strip form are inserted into the dispenser, and the top and bottom doors are then closed to define a dispensing channel for dispensing of the medication pouches. One of the doors includes a pouch engaging member which extends into the dispensing channel to engage the roll/strip of medication pouches and prevent them from retracting into the dispenser.

Abstract: A medication cart has a base formed of a pair of molded plates interconnected by rails. The plates have molded grooves and holes for receiving structural elements of the cart. Molded hollow plastic end panels have horizontal ribs that support drawers. The end panels are seated in grooves in the base plates. A top cap covers the top of the cart. Lock bars are provided to retain the drawers in the cart.

Abstract: A vertically adjustable extension rail system for a drawer used in a housing having opposed vertical walls with a plurality of horizontally-extending, vertically-spaced guide ribs leaving alternating guide grooves. The extension rail system comprises two spaced apart extension rail assemblies with each extension rail assembly having a carrier rail and a slide rail which are slidably interconnected. A guide arm is mountable at a plurality of vertical levels along each of the slide rails. The guide arms are adapted for being lengthwise slidably received by opposing guide grooves on the vertical walls. A fixed or removable drawer receptacle can be mounted between the two extension rail assemblies.

Abstract: A medication cart has a base formed of a pair of molded plates interconnected by rails. The plates have molded grooves and holes for receiving structural elements of the cart. Molded hollow plastic end panels have horizontal ribs that support drawers. The end panels are seated in grooves in the base plates. A top cap covers the top of the cart. Locking bars which can be made to automatically open are provided to secure the drawers in the cart.

Abstract: A medication cart has a base formed of a pair of molded plates interconnected by rails. The plates have molded grooves and holes for receiving structural elements of the cart. Molded hollow plastic end panels have horizontal ribs that support drawers. The end panels are seated in grooves in the base plates. A top cap covers the top of the cart. Lock bars are provided to retain the drawers in the cart.

Abstract: A vertically adjustable extension rail system for a drawer used in a housing having opposed vertical walls with a plurality of horizontally-extending, vertically-spaced guide ribs leaving alternating guide grooves. The extension rail system comprises two spaced apart extension rail assemblies with each extension rail assembly having a carrier rail and a slide rail which are slidably interconnected. A guide arm is mountable at a plurality of vertical levels along each of the slide rails. The guide arms are adapted for being lengthwise slidably received by opposing guide grooves on the vertical walls. A fixed or removable drawer receptacle can be mounted between the two extension rail assemblies.