Automated smart storage of products

Abstract

Automated, environmentally monitored and controlled storage units and systems for storing, monitoring, and maintaining a supply of products, particularly temperature sensitive pharmaceutical and / or other high-value products, be they temperature sensitive or not. Such automated storage units contain an array of independently addressable holding locations for containers with product in one or more environmentally monitored (e.g., for temperature, humidity, etc.) and controlled zones fitted with appropriate environmental sensors. In preferred embodiments, the automated storage units also include a reader to track product information and status. Product loading, retrieval, and movement within such automated storage units is performed by a computer-controlled robot. A user interface device, preferably in communication with an application service provider to provide remotely managed inventory management and other services, provides users with inventory- and product-specific information.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. bypass continuation under 35 U.S.C. 120, 365(c), and 37 CFR 1.78 to U.S. international patent application serial no. PCT / US20 / 26591, filed 3 Apr. 2020 and published as WO 2020 / 206263 on 8 Oct. 2020 (attorney docket no. TRU-0030-PC), which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16 / 839,552, filed 3 Apr. 2020 (attorney docket no. TRU-0030-UT), and U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62 / 828,955, filed 3 Apr. 2019 (attorney docket no. TRU-0030-PV), each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for any and all purposes.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to automated storage and inventory management of temperature or non-temperature sensitive products, including pharmaceuticals (including small molecule and biologic drugs, drug candidates, vaccines, etc.), veterinary medicines, research re...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]This invention provides automated product storage units for the storage of one or more different types of non-temperature or temperature sensitive products, for example, pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and research reagents, as well as inventory management systems to manage the storage, stocking, and dispensing of products stored in such automated units (preferably by single dose and in compliance with regulatory requirements applicable to such products, if any), and the data associated with such storage, stocking, and dispensing. Thus, objects of the invention include providing smart (i.e., automated, computer-controlled) temperature controlled and / or monitored storage units, systems, and methods that provide proper storage of pharmaceuticals and other products, particularly temperature sensitive products, and simplify associated inventory and data management protocols. The design of the cold storage unit further takes human factors into consideration, optimizing and reducing the time required for loading and dispensing of product, providing a user interface that is user friendly and easy to view and use, and providing an exterior structure that makes all elements required for the loading and dispensing of products readily accessible.

[0009]Furthermore, the associated data and information generated in the use of the automated storage units and systems of the invention allow for the more efficient, optimized product stocking and inventory management, in addition to enabling billing and marketing efficiencies for users (e.g., healthcare providers, pharmacists, scientists, etc.) and sellers (e.g., drug companies, research reagent suppliers, etc.) of products, e.g., temperature sensitive products, stocked and stored in such units and systems.

Problems solved by technology

Some pharmaceutical and other temperature sensitive product formulations require a storage temperature of about 5° C. and lose effectiveness and potency when stored at temperatures below freezing, while others require subzero storage.

Generally, effectiveness and potency decrease with every freeze-thaw cycle.

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