Medical Supply Cabinet with Lighting Features
A medical supply cabinet having improved features for user access, user control, and illumination is provided. The supply cabinet is provided with a selectively controllable illumination source, such as light-emitting diodes, that provide the operator with visual information regarding access to individual compartments of the supply cabinet.
This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/042,418, filed Feb. 12, 2016, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/257,785, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,291,341 filed Apr. 21, 2014 which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/015,349, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,746,908, filed Jan. 27, 2011, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/336,809 filed Jan. 27, 2010, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present disclosure relates generally to the field of supply cabinet. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a cabinet system for storing medical supplies.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONSupply cabinets having access controls are employed in a variety of medical and therapeutic settings for inventory control, tracking, and replenishment, limiting user access to specified individuals, and tracking distribution of medical supplies, medications, and controlled substances. It would be desirable to provide a medical supply cabinet having improved user interface and access controls, customizability, and lighting.
The invention provides such a supply cabinet. These and other advantages of the invention, as well as additional inventive features, will be apparent from the description of the invention provided herein.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIn one aspect, the invention provides a cabinet with electronic and manual access controls for compartments, doors for each compartment, independent access control for each compartment, and selectively operable light-emitting diode illumination for each compartment.
In another aspect, the invention provides a supply cabinet system with one or more cabinets with multiple compartments and electronic locks. Each lock is configured to control access to a compartment, and is in communication with a user access control. The user access control is configured to selectively unlock one or more compartment doors in response to a user request. Each compartment also including selectively operable light-emitting diode illumination. The electronic access control is configured to operate the light-emitting diodes at a first illumination level in response to a first operating condition, and operate the light-emitting diodes at a second illumination level in response to a second operating condition.
In yet another aspect, the invention provides a supply cabinet system including adjacent cabinets, where each cabinet has a plurality of compartments and each cabinet is affixed to an adjacent cabinet. The system also includes electronic locks, where each lock controls access to a compartment. A user access control communicates with the electronic locks, and is configured to selectively unlock one or more compartment doors in response to a user request. Each compartment includes light emitting diode illumination, with selectively operable light-emitting diodes arranged vertically within each compartment. The user access control is configured to operate the light-emitting diodes at a first illumination level in response to a first operating condition, and operate the light-emitting diodes at a second illumination level in response to a second operating condition.
Other aspects, objectives and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
The present disclosure will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, in which:
While the invention will be described in connection with certain preferred embodiments, there is no intent to limit it to those embodiments. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONBefore turning to the figures, which illustrate the exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.
All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.
I. Cabinet TowerReferring to
The tower 114 (e.g., user access center tower) includes a user interface 122 (e.g., user access center, controller, computer monitor and keyboard, etc.). A user may control features of the cabinet system 110 (e.g., locks, lighting, etc.) or catalog inventory of the cabinet system 110 via a processor (see, e.g., processor 2060 as shown in
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Where lighting feature 1212 includes light-emitting diodes 1214, illumination levels may be variably operated by pulse-width modulation of the power input to the light-emitting diodes 1214, to output any illumination level between zero brightness and full brightness. Illumination levels may be selectively applied to individual compartments, or uniformly to all compartments of a cabinet. In one embodiment, lighting feature 1212 is activated in at a first brightness (such as full brightness), when a door is opened, and activated at a second brightness (such as 50 percent of full brightness, 25 percent of full brightness, zero percent of full brightness) when a door is closed. In other embodiments, activation of lighting feature 1212 (preferably in a compartment having a transparent or translucent door) may be used to provide information to an operator, such as whether a particular door 216 has been placed in an unlocked condition. Lighting feature 1212 may be modulated (e.g. on-off flashing, bright-dim pulsing) to provide visual information to an operator. Lighting features 1212 of cabinet 1210 may also be placed in a second brightness mode after a period of inactivity or during defined times of day.
In other embodiments, traditional light bulbs or other lighting elements are used.
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The construction and arrangements of cabinet system, as shown in the various exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process, logical algorithm, or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention.
The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) is to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.
Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
Claims
1. A system for controlling access to medical products securely stored in a customizable cabinet comprising:
- a customizable cabinet defined by a cabinet frame having a top, bottom, rear, first side and second side wall arranged to define a cabinet interior;
- one or more covers attached to at least one of the top, bottom, first side and second side wall of the cabinet frame, the one or more covers defining at least a portion of the front exterior surface of the cabinet;
- a mounting structure attached to the cabinet frame at a location within the cabinet interior;
- a housing defining an interior and exterior of a control system, the housing comprising a mounting element configured to engage the mounting structure to mount the housing within the cabinet interior of the customizable cabinet;
- a monitor defining at least a portion of a front exterior side of the housing;
- wherein in a first mounting position, the housing interior is supported within the cabinet interior and the front exterior side of the housing extends along a first plane that is generally coplanar with the plane along which the one or more covers defining the front exterior of the cabinet extend; and
- wherein in a second mounting position, the housing is supported by the cabinet frame such that at least a portion of the housing interior extends outwards relative to the front exterior of the cabinet and the front exterior side of the housing extends along a second plane that is displaced relative to the plane along which the one or more covers defining the front exterior of the cabinet extend; and
- a processor within the control system, the processor electrically coupled to the monitor and keyboard.
2. The control system of claim 1 further comprising a printer portion having a body portion defined at a first end by an output panel having a first output slot, the printer portion supported by the housing and slidable relative to the housing from a first location in which the printer body portion extends within the interior of the housing and the output panel defines a portion of the front exterior side of the housing to a second location in which the printer body portion and output panel extend outwards relative to the front exterior side of the housing,
- wherein the printer portion comprises: a first printer behind the first output slot, the first printer electrically coupled to the processor; a first recessed portion; and a first spool housed in the first recessed portion, the first spool configured to support materials for printing and to feed the materials to the first printer; and
- wherein the first printer is configured to print information on the materials and feed the materials having the printed information through the first output slot.
3. The control system of claim 2 wherein the printer portion further comprises:
- a second output slot;
- a second printer behind the second output slot, the second printer electrically coupled to the processor;
- a second recessed portion;
- a second spool housed in the second recessed portion, the second spool configured to support materials for printing and to feed the materials to the second printer; and
- wherein the second printer is configured to print information on the materials and feed the materials having the printed information through the second output slot.
4. The control system of claim 2 wherein the printer portion further comprises a tensioning member, the tensioning member configured to maintain tension of materials supported by the first spool.
5. The control system of claim 1 further comprising:
- a printer portion having a body portion defined at a first end by an output panel having a first output slot, the printer portion supported by the housing and slidable relative to the housing from a first location in which the printer body portion extends within the interior of the housing and the output panel defines a portion of the front exterior side of the housing to a second location in which the printer body portion and output panel extend outwards relative to the front exterior side of the housing, and
- a handle coupled to the printer portion, the handle configured to pull the printer portion relative to the housing.
6. The control system of claim 5 wherein the handle is recessed grove on one side of the printer portion.
7. The control system of claim 1 further comprising a latch coupled to the housing and configured to secure the control system to the customizable cabinet such that access to the interior is limited to qualified personnel.
8. The control system of claim 7 wherein the latch has a pivot, the pivot configured to engage with a secure tool to rotate and lift the latch relative to a knob securing the control system to the customizable cabinet.
9. The control system of claim 8 further comprising a printer portion having a body portion defined at a first end by an output panel having a first output slot, the printer portion supported by the housing and slidable relative to the housing from a first location in which the printer body portion extends within the interior of the housing and the output panel defines a portion of the front exterior side of the housing to a second location in which the printer body portion and output panel extend outwards relative to the front exterior side of the housing,
- wherein the printer portion includes an access port configured to allow the secure tool to engage the pivot when the printer portion is slid out relative to the housing.
10. The control system of claim 1 further comprising an identification card reader located proximate a slot configured to receive user credentials.
11. The control system of claim 1 further comprising a printer portion having a body portion defined at a first end by an output panel having a first output slot, the printer portion supported by the housing and slidable relative to the housing from a first location in which the printer body portion extends within the interior of the housing and the output panel defines a portion of the front exterior side of the housing to a second location in which the printer body portion and output panel extend outwards relative to the front exterior side of the housing,
- wherein the printer portion includes a locking mechanism configured to secure the printer portion to the housing.
12. The control system of claim 2 wherein the printer portion further comprises indicator lights configured to provide status information about the first printer.
13. The control system of claim 1 wherein the monitor is configured to be removable from the housing.
14. A control system for controlling access to medical products securely stored in a customizable cabinet comprising:
- a frame having a first plurality of slide rails, the first plurality of slide rails configured to be mountable within the structure of the customizable cabinet such that, when the frame is in a first position, a front exterior surface of the frame defines a portion of a front exterior surface of the customizable cabinet;
- a monitor coupled to the frame, the monitor defining a portion of the front exterior surface of the frame; and
- a processor supported by the frame, the processor electrically coupled to the monitor;
- wherein the movement of any of the frame relative to the cabinet, the movement of the second plurality of slide rails relative to the frame, and the movement of the keyboard tray relative to the frame may occur independent of the movement of any of the other of the frame relative to the cabinet, the movement of the second plurality of slide rails relative to the frame, and the movement of the keyboard tray relative to the frame.
15. The control system of claim 14 further including a printer portion comprising:
- a second plurality of slide rails, the second plurality of slide rails configured to be mounted to the frame;
- a first output slot extending through an output surface; and
- a printer located behind the first output slot;
- wherein when the printer portion is in a first position, the output surface defines a portion of the front exterior surface of the frame;
- wherein the printer portion further comprises: a first recessed portion; and a first spool housed in the first recessed portion, the first spool configured to support materials for printing and to feed the materials to the first printer; and
- wherein the first printer is configured to print information on the materials and feed the materials having the printed information through the first output slot.
16. The control system of claim 15 wherein the printer portion further comprises:
- a second output slot;
- a second printer behind the second output slot, the second printer electrically coupled to the processor;
- a second recessed portion;
- a second spool housed in the second recessed portion, the second spool configured to support materials for printing and to feed the materials to the second printer; and
- wherein the second printer is configured to print information on the materials and feed the materials having the printed information through the second output slot.
17. The control system of claim 14 further comprising a latch coupled to the frame and configured to secure the control system to the customizable cabinet such that access to the interior is limited to qualified personnel.
18. The control system of claim 17 wherein the latch has a pivot, the pivot configured to engage with a secure tool to rotate and lift the latch relative to a knob securing the control system to the customizable cabinet.
19. The control system of claim 18 further including a printer portion comprising:
- a second plurality of slide rails, the second plurality of slide rails configured to be mounted to the frame;
- a first output slot extending through an output surface; and
- a printer located behind the first output slot;
- wherein when the printer portion is in a first position, the output surface defines a portion of the front exterior surface of the frame;
- wherein the printer portion further comprises an access port configured to allow the secure tool to engage the pivot when the printer portion is slid out relative to the frame.
20. A control system for controlling access to medical products comprising:
- a medical cabinet having a support structure and at least one storage location for securing medical products, the storage location including an electric lock operable between a locked and unlocked state, wherein the medical products are inaccessible when the electric lock is in the lock state and accessible when the electric lock is in the unlocked state;
- a plurality of support rails attached along an interior surface of the support structure;
- a frame having a first plurality of slide rails, the first plurality of slide rails configured to engage the plurality of support rails to slidably mount the frame relative to the support structure;
- a monitor coupled to the frame such that the monitor moves when the frame is moved relative to the support structure; and
- a processor supported by the frame, the processor electrically coupled to the monitor and the electric lock and configured to switch the state of the electric lock from locked to unlocked in response to a control command entered on the keyboard.
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 11, 2018
Publication Date: May 17, 2018
Inventor: James A. Michael (Cranberry Township, PA)
Application Number: 15/868,455