Systems and methods for multimodal drug delivery devices

Abstract

A system (100) and method (900) for multimodal administration of a product (254) are provided. The system provides a control base (106) for connecting to one of a plurality of different cartridges (108) containing the product (254), at least two of the cartridges (108) having different modes of delivery, the connected control base (106) and the selected cartridge (108) providing a drug delivery device (104). Each cartridge (108) has at least a unique identifier (258) that can be read by the control base (106) and associated with a database (118) to confirm that the user (102) is authorized to use the cartridge (108) and that the cartridge (108) containing a dose of the product (254) will not conflict with other products (254) accepted by the user (102) and known to the system (100). Cartridges (108) not connected to the control base (106) are non-functional and cannot dispense the product (254) as intended by the system (100). Related methods (900) of use are also provided.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit under 35 USC §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 787,650, filed January 2, 2019, entitled “MEDICIAL DOSING DEVICE AND SYSTEM,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] In addition, the following patent applications are also incorporated herein by reference in their entireties: U.S. patent application serial number 62 / 660,974, entitled “SMART VAPORIZER AND SYSTEM FOR CONCENTRATE PRODUCTS” (hereinafter “the '974 application”), U.S. patent application serial number 62 / 721,699, entitled “VAPORIZER CARTRIDGE SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE” (hereinafter “the '699 application”), U.S. patent application serial number 16 / 541,062, entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VAPORIZING CARTTIDGE SYSTEM WITH DIFFUSER” (hereinafter “the '062 application”), and U.S. patent application serial number 16 / 541,062, entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING AN APPROPRIATE DOSE OF A PRODUCT”. PRODUCT)" (hereinafter referred to as the "'556 application"). Technical Field

[0004] The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for pharmaceutical drug delivery devices that are constructed and arranged to allow for a variety of different ways of delivering a dose of a given product to a user. The product is generally understood to be a drug or pharmaceutical compound, and the various ways include, but are not limited to: inhalation, spray, pill or tablet, dropper, soluble strip, injection, nebulizer and / or transdermal gel or ointment. In particular, the present invention provides systems and methods for accurately administering a product by providing a variety of different multi-dose cartridges that are constructed and arranged for different delivery methods, the cartridges being safe and inoperative unless connected to a control base that is configured to identify the type of product within the cartridge and control the administration of the product to the person. Background Art

[0005] Drug products can be provided in a variety of different forms—topical sprays for absorption through the skin, topical gels or ointments, pills or tablets, dissolvable strips, mists, and vapors, to name a few. In fact, the same product can even be available in multiple different forms, allowing a person to choose the delivery method they find most effective. Furthermore, one person may prefer to swallow a pill, while another may prefer an inhaler, and yet another may prefer a topical ointment.

[0006] Because different delivery methods may or may not involve additional transport agents—i.e., oils, creams, soluble waxes, etc.—the expected dosage of a product may vary depending on the method. While for some conditions, such as poison ivy rash, the issue of dosage may not be a significant concern, this is not always the case. In fact, with the increasing popularity of plant-based medicinal products, proper dosage is an important part of patient care to consistently and reliably treat a given condition or disease. In fact, in some cases, different dosages of the same product may be appropriate for different conditions or diseases—thus further emphasizing the importance of proper product dosing for a specific condition or disease.

[0007] Prior art delivery devices, such as vaporizers, are often configured with multi-dose cartridges or reservoir systems for vaporizing and delivering specific compounds. Some of these devices are quite complex and involve wireless communication systems and interaction with other computing systems to verify that a person is properly authorized to use the product, the dosage they should receive, as well as tracking their use and even providing feedback on their effectiveness. However, such devices are strictly intended for a specific delivery method—inhalation of vapor.

[0008] In fact, different delivery methods traditionally require method-specific devices - pumps or squeezable tubes for ointments, vaporizers, nebulizers, pill dispensers, etc. For people who may have multiple different diseases or conditions and therefore require different delivery methods, multiple different devices can be cumbersome and confusing. In addition, some devices - such as vaporizers - may be very sophisticated and able to track and adjust dosages, while other devices may not.

[0009] Because different devices can be provided by different entities, the methods of hardware and / or software control can vary significantly. Additionally, for smart devices that strive to help manage dosages, devices from different vendors may require users to have multiple accounts, and information in one account may not be shared with another—again allowing for the opportunity for inconsistent dosing.

[0010] Some devices may allow for dosage adjustments, while others may not, and still others may have no actual dosage controls – relying on a person to measure or otherwise assess how much product has been dispensed.

[0011] In fact, in some cases, with some modes of delivery, there may be little, if any, control over dosage resulting in inconsistent administration and the potential for use by unintended individuals.

[0012] Furthermore, a person may have many different devices that deliver the same or different products in a variety of delivery formats—vapor, tablet, spray, cream, etc.—with little or no knowledge of the remaining doses left in some devices and / or effective methods for managing their dosing. Furthermore, caregivers may have no easy or direct way to review dosing history across multiple different devices to adjust or confirm treatment.

[0013] Therefore, there is a need for methods and systems that can overcome one or more of the challenges identified above. Summary of the Invention

[0014] The present invention solves the problems of the prior art by providing new systems and methods to provide controlled dose delivery across multiple delivery modes.

[0015] In particular, and by way of example only, according to at least one embodiment, a multimodal product delivery system is provided, comprising: a delivery device provided by temporarily engaging one of a plurality of cartridges with a control base, wherein at least two cartridges have different modes of delivery; a control base characterized by a housing at least partially surrounding: a cartridge receiver constructed and arranged to temporarily engage one of a plurality of different cartridges; a cartridge reader constructed and arranged to read identification information from the cartridge; a wireless transceiver constructed and arranged to wirelessly communicate with at least one remote computing device; at least one lock deactivator constructed and arranged to unlock at least one locking mechanism of a cartridge received by the cartridge receiver; and a control base constructed and arranged to receive information from the cartridge. a controller that reads cartridge information, detects dosing events, and communicates the cartridge information and each detected dosing event to at least one remote computing device via a wireless transceiver; each of the plurality of cartridges being characterized by: a housing that at least partially surrounds a reservoir of product, a dispenser that is constructed and arranged to dispense a predetermined amount of product via a predetermined delivery method; a counting trigger that is constructed and arranged to indicate each instance of dispense of the product; at least one data chip that is constructed and arranged to store data about the cartridge; a unique identifier associated with the cartridge and the product, the unique identifier being constructed and arranged to be determined by a control base; and at least one locking member that is constructed and arranged to lock the dispenser, the at least one locking member being unlocked by the control base when the cartridge is temporarily engaged to the control base.

[0016] In still another embodiment, a system for a multimodal product administration system is provided, comprising: a cartridge characterized by: a reservoir at least partially enclosing a product, a housing of a dispenser constructed and arranged to dispense a predetermined amount of the product via a predetermined delivery method; a counting trigger constructed and arranged to indicate each instance of dispensing of the product; at least one data chip constructed and arranged to store data about the cartridge; a unique identifier associated with the cartridge and the product, the unique identifier constructed and arranged to be determined by a control base; at least one locking member constructed and arranged to lock the dispenser, the at least one locking member being disengaged by the control base when the cartridge is temporarily engaged to the control base; wherein the cartridge is temporarily controlled The base is engaged, the control base being characterized by a housing that at least partially encloses the following: a cartridge receiver constructed and arranged to temporarily engage one of a plurality of different cartridges, at least two of the cartridges having different delivery modes; a cartridge reader constructed and arranged to read identification information from the cartridge; a wireless transceiver constructed and arranged to wirelessly communicate with at least one remote computing device; at least one lock deactivator constructed and arranged to unlock at least one locking mechanism of a cartridge received by the cartridge receiver; and a controller constructed and arranged to receive cartridge information from the cartridge reader, detect dosing events, and communicate the cartridge information and each detected dosing event to at least one remote computing device via the wireless transceiver.

[0017] For yet another embodiment, a system for a multimodal product dosing system is provided, comprising: a cartridge characterized by: a reservoir that at least partially surrounds a product, a housing for a dispenser that is constructed and arranged to dispense a predetermined amount of product via a predetermined delivery method; a counting trigger that is constructed and arranged to indicate each instance of dispense of the product; at least one data chip that is constructed and arranged to store data about the cartridge; a unique identifier associated with the cartridge and the product, the unique identifier being constructed and arranged to be determined by a control base; and at least one locking member that is constructed and arranged to lock the dispenser, the at least one locking member being disengaged by the control base when the cartridge is temporarily engaged to the control base.

[0018] Further, for another embodiment, a method for administering a multimodal product is provided, comprising: providing a control base characterized by a housing at least partially enclosing: a cartridge receiver constructed and arranged to temporarily engage one of a plurality of different cartridges; a cartridge reader constructed and arranged to read identification information from the cartridge; a wireless transceiver constructed and arranged to wirelessly communicate with at least one remote computing device; at least one lock deactivator constructed and arranged to unlock at least one locking mechanism of a cartridge received by the cartridge receiver; a controller constructed and arranged to receive cartridge information from the cartridge reader, detect a dosing event, and communicate the cartridge information and each detected dosing event to the at least one remote computing device via the wireless transceiver; providing a plurality of cartridges, at least two of which have different delivery method, each cartridge is characterized by: a reservoir that at least partially surrounds the product, a housing of a dispenser that is constructed and arranged to dispense a predetermined amount of product via a predetermined delivery method; a counting trigger that is constructed and arranged to indicate each instance of dispensing of the product; at least one data chip that is constructed and arranged to store data about the cartridge; a unique identifier associated with the cartridge and the product, the unique identifier being constructed and arranged to be determined by a control base; at least one locking member that is constructed and arranged to lock the dispenser, the at least one locking member being unlocked by the control base when the cartridge is temporarily engaged to the control base; determining the unique identifier associated with the selected cartridge after the cartridge is temporarily engaged with the control base; and providing an operating setting to the control base for controlling the dispenser in response to the determined unique identifier.

[0019] For still another embodiment, a multimodal product delivery system is provided, characterized by a control base connected to one of a plurality of cartridges, at least two of the cartridges having different delivery modes, the control base comprising: a housing at least partially enclosing: a cartridge receiver constructed and arranged to temporarily engage one of the plurality of different cartridges; a cartridge reader constructed and arranged to read identification information from the cartridge; a wireless transceiver constructed and arranged to wirelessly communicate with at least one remote computing device; at least one lock deactivator constructed and arranged to disengage at least one locking mechanism of a cartridge received by the cartridge receiver; and a control base configured and arranged to receive cartridge information from the cartridge reader, detect a delivery event, and a controller that communicates cartridge information and each detected dosing event to at least one remote computing device via a wireless transceiver; wherein each of the plurality of cartridges is characterized by: a housing of a dispenser that at least partially surrounds a reservoir of product and is constructed and arranged to dispense a predetermined amount of product; a counting trigger that is constructed and arranged to indicate each instance of dispense of the product; at least one data chip that is constructed and arranged to store data about the cartridge; a unique identifier associated with the cartridge and the product, the unique identifier being constructed and arranged to be determined by a control base; and at least one locking member that is constructed and arranged to lock the dispenser, the at least one locking member being disengaged by the control base when the cartridge is temporarily engaged to the control base.

[0020] In still another embodiment, a multimodal product delivery system is provided, characterized by a control base connected to one of a plurality of cartridges, at least two of the cartridges having different delivery modes, the control base comprising a portable housing that at least partially encloses: a cartridge receiver constructed and arranged to temporarily engage one of a plurality of different cartridges, at least two of the cartridges being constructed and arranged for different delivery modes for the products contained therein; a cartridge reader constructed and arranged to read identification information from the cartridges; a wireless transceiver constructed and arranged to wirelessly communicate with at least one remote computing device; at least one lock deactivator constructed and arranged to disengage at least one locking mechanism of a cartridge received by the cartridge receiver; and a controller constructed and arranged to receive cartridge information from the cartridge reader, detect a delivery event, and communicate the cartridge information and each detected delivery event to at least one remote computing device via the wireless transceiver.

[0021] For still another embodiment, a multimodal product delivery system is provided, characterized by a control base connected to one of a plurality of cartridges, at least two of the cartridges having different delivery modes, comprising a control base characterized by a portable housing at least partially enclosing: a cartridge receiver constructed and arranged to temporarily engage one of a plurality of different cartridges, the at least two cartridges being constructed and arranged for different delivery modes for the products contained therein; a cartridge reader constructed and arranged to read identification information from the cartridges; a wireless transceiver constructed and arranged to wirelessly communicate with at least one remote computing device; at least one lock deactivator constructed and arranged to unlock at least one locking mechanism of at least one cartridge received by the cartridge receiver; and a cartridge information reader constructed and arranged to receive cartridge information from the cartridge reader. , a controller for detecting dosing events and communicating cartridge information and each detected dosing event to at least one remote computing device via a wireless transceiver; at least one database provided by at least one of the remote computing devices, the database further comprising: user data for each user known to the database; control base data for each control base associated with at least one user known to the database; and product data associated with one or more unique identifiers known to the database, the unique identifiers further being associated with one or more cartridges, the database allowing the user data to be associated with the control base data and the product data to allow each user to track each product and the product provided by each cartridge; wherein the database further provides at least one operation to add new user and / or product data to the database.

[0022] And for still another embodiment, a method for a multimodal product dosing system is provided, characterized by a control base connected to one of a plurality of cartridges, at least two of the cartridges having different delivery modes, comprising: providing a control base, the control base characterized by a housing at least partially enclosing: a cartridge receiver constructed and arranged to temporarily engage one of a plurality of different cartridges, at least two of the cartridges having different delivery modes; a cartridge reader constructed and arranged to read identification information from the cartridge; a wireless transceiver constructed and arranged to wirelessly communicate with at least one remote computing device; at least one lock deactivator constructed and arranged to disengage at least one locking mechanism of at least one cartridge received by the cartridge receiver; a controller constructed and arranged to receive cartridge information from the cartridge reader, detect dosing events, and communicate the cartridge information and each detected dosing event to the at least one remote computing device via the wireless transceiver; and The control base receives a selected cartridge having: a reservoir that at least partially surrounds a product, a housing of a dispenser that is constructed and arranged to dispense a predetermined amount of product via a predetermined delivery method; a counting trigger that is constructed and arranged to indicate each instance of dispense of the product; at least one data chip that is constructed and arranged to store data about the cartridge; a unique identifier associated with the cartridge and the product, the unique identifier being constructed and arranged to be determined by the control base; at least one locking member that is constructed and arranged to lock the dispenser, the at least one locking member being unlocked by the control base when the cartridge is temporarily engaged to the control base; determining the unique identifier associated with the cartridge; sending the unique identifier to a remote computing device that queries a data record to identify the product contained in the cartridge and the reservoir; sending at least one operating setting to a controller to activate a locking member deactivator; and sending a confirmation to the remote computing device that a dose of product has been administered. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 illustrates a high-level diagram of a system for multimodal drug delivery according to the present invention;

[0024] Figures 2A-2G Illustrated is a control base according to the present invention and an optional cartridge that when connected provides a drug delivery device;

[0025] Figures 3A-3C Illustrated is an inhaler cartridge to be connected to a control base to provide a drug delivery device according to the present invention;

[0026] Figures 4A-4C A cartridge incorporating a cycloidal gear assembly and a metered dose delivery system according to the present invention is illustrated.

[0027] Figures 5A-5C Illustrated is a pump cartridge according to the present invention to be connected to a control base to provide a drug delivery device;

[0028] Figures 6A-6CIllustrated is a pill cartridge to be connected to a control base to provide a drug delivery device according to the present invention;

[0029] Figures 7A-7B Illustrated is a strip cartridge according to the present invention to be connected to a control base to provide a drug delivery device;

[0030] Figure 8 Illustrated is an injection cartridge according to the present invention to be connected to a control base to provide a drug delivery device;

[0031] Figure 9 illustrates a flow chart for multimodal drug delivery according to the present invention; and

[0032] Figure 10 is a high-level block diagram of a computer system according to at least one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Before proceeding to a detailed description, it should be understood that the present teachings are exemplary only and not restrictive. The concepts herein are not limited to use or application to a particular system or method for multimodal delivery of a product. Therefore, while the apparatus described herein is for ease of explanation with respect to the exemplary embodiments shown and described, it should be understood and appreciated that the principles herein are equally applicable to other types of systems and methods for multimodal delivery of a product.

[0034] The following description describes the present invention with respect to preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals represent like or similar elements. Further, with respect to the numbering of like or similar elements, it should be recognized that a leading value identifies the figure in which the element is first identified and described, e.g., element 100 first appears in Figure 1 middle.

[0035] Various embodiments presented herein are descriptions of apparatus, systems, articles of manufacture, etc., for systems and methods of multimodal drug delivery. In some embodiments, an interface, application browser, window, etc. may be provided that allows a user of a computing device to direct the behavior of the computing device.

[0036] In addition, some portions of the detailed description below are presented in terms of the manipulation and processing of data bits within a computer memory. Steps involving such manipulation are those requiring manipulation of physical quantities. Typically, although not necessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transmitted, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that these signals are often referred to as bits, values, element numbers, or other clearly identifiable components.

[0037] It will, of course, be understood and appreciated that all of these terms are to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to these quantities. Furthermore, it will be understood that throughout the following description, use of terms such as "process" or "evaluate" or "receive" or "output" refers to the action of a computer system or similar electronic computing device and processor that manipulates and transforms data represented as physical (electrical) quantities within the computer system's memory into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer system's memory.

[0038] The present invention also relates to an apparatus for performing the operations described herein. The apparatus may be specially constructed for the desired purposes as further described below, or the apparatus may be a general-purpose computer selectively adapted or reconfigured by one or more computer programs stored on a computer-readable storage medium suitable for storing electronic instructions in the computer.

[0039] To further assist in the following description, the following defined terms are provided.

[0040] "User" - typically a person or at least a computing device used by a person known to a drug delivery system or a management system in communication with the drug delivery system, in the sense that he or she has established a user account by providing data thresholds (e.g., attributes) to identify themselves. Typically, it is expected that the user's interaction with the drug delivery system or associated management system will also help establish additional attributes about themselves.

[0041] "Product" - a compound that can be provided as a liquid, liquid concentrate, edible medium, inhalant, tablet, semisolid, cream, or other form that can be consumed by a natural person. Typically, this is understood and recognized as a plant-based medicinal compound. However, it should be understood and recognized that, in various embodiments, one or more products may also be pharmaceutical, organic, and / or synthetically derived compounds. Furthermore, in yet another embodiment, the product may be provided as a combination of ingredients selected from plant, animal, mineral, organic, pharmaceutical, and synthetic compounds.

[0042] "Component" - an identifiable ingredient of a plant-based product, such as, but not limited to, cannabinoids and / or terpenes, and various specific forms thereof, including, but not limited to, cannabinoids selected from THC, THC-A, CBN, CBG, CBC, CBD, CBD-A, THCV, and CBDV, and terpenes selected from α-ocimene, β-ocimene, camphene, careen, caryophyllene, caryophyllene oxide, cymene, eucalyptol, isopulegol, limonene, linalool, myrcene, pinene, terpinene, and terpinolene. Furthermore, at least for cannabis plant products, there are over 400 different compounds known, of which over 60 have been identified as cannabinoid compounds. In various embodiments, a component may also be a non-cannabis component, such as, but not limited to, dimethyl-4-hydroxytryptamine phosphate.

[0043] "First Device" - a computing device having at least one processor, used by a person / user who requires a dosage of a product for specific user reasons.

[0044] "Administration System" - a computing system having at least one processor to which a user connects when requesting administration / dosage of a product. The administration system maintains or at least interacts with a database of products.

[0045] “Dosage Delivery Device” – a combined and operable assembly provided by a selected one of a plurality of different delivery mode cartridges connected to a control base, the drug delivery device being operable to provide a metered dose of a product to a user and to communicate information about the dose to a remote computing device, such as a first device and / or a drug delivery system.

[0046] "Control Base" - the base component of a drug delivery device that provides power, communication, and control features to allow activation of a cartridge to dispense a metered dose to a user. The control base wirelessly communicates with the first device and / or drug delivery system to obtain and configure drug delivery settings, such as dosage amount and dose authorization.

[0047] "Cartridge" – one of a plurality of different product delivery components that are removably connected by a user to a control base to provide an operable drug delivery device. Each cartridge provides a reservoir of product and is constructed and arranged for dispensing a metered dose of the product from the reservoir in a specific delivery manner. Dispensing of the product is dependent upon at least temporary connection of the cartridge to the control base and / or activation of the cartridge by the control base.

[0048] "Delivery method" - the method of delivery of a product, selected to correspond to the type and nature of the product and generally understood to be selected from vaporization, inhalation, edible, sublingual, topical, oral, suppository and ophthalmic.

[0049] "Database" – An indexed set of records associated with products, users, cartridges, and control bases. For at least one embodiment, for each product, the database further associates one or more components of each product, the stated reason for using the product, the dosage associated with that reason, and user feedback. In various embodiments, user data may include user account information (such as name, age, gender, address, email, phone number, etc.), as well as the user's registered control base and cartridges, product prescriptions, physician or supplier contact information, and past and current dosage quality and history. In various embodiments, cartridge data includes a unique identifier for each cartridge, the identity of the product contained in the cartridge, the supplier of the product and / or cartridge, the initial and / or remaining dosage of the product in the cartridge, etc. The database may also provide operational settings for controlling the cartridges and / or dispensers. Furthermore, the database may be a single database or a collection of different databases—such as a user database and a product database—but for ease of discussion and illustration, it will be referred to herein as a single database. The database may be established as a relational database and may be located in a specific location on one or more computing systems or distributed, such as in a cloud computing environment.

[0050] With respect to the terms defined above, it should be understood and appreciated that, for at least one embodiment, each module or system is implemented as a collection of independent electronic circuits that are packaged as units on a printed circuit board or as chips attached to a circuit board or other component of a computer to provide basic functionality within the computer. In various embodiments, one or more modules may also be implemented as software that adapts the computer to perform specific tasks or basic functions as part of a larger whole. Additionally, in still other embodiments, one or more modules may be provided by a mix of software and independent electronic circuits.

[0051] Briefly, a system and method for multimodal drug delivery of a product is provided. The system primarily consists of a control base to which a user connects a removable cartridge containing a product for dispensing. When the control base is connected to the cartridge, a fully operational drug delivery device is provided. As further described below, different cartridges provide different delivery modes for product doses.

[0052] Because the same control base is used with multiple different cartridges having different delivery modes, the control base streamlines and simplifies dose management, as well as record keeping, authorization, feedback, and such other elements that may be required in different embodiments.

[0053] To facilitate dose management and user record keeping, generally, the user has a smartphone or other portable computing device that has been configured with internet access and adapted through specific software instructions to implement specific features and benefits for communicating with a control base of a drug delivery device and / or drug delivery system according to at least one embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, for at least one embodiment, the user has an application installed on his or her portable computing device that allows the user to connect to a remote computing system, such as a drug delivery system, with which the user can establish an account and provide information about the product in the cartridge connected to the control base, as well as user history, product identification, product history, product manufacturer, dose management settings, component composition of the product, lockout controls, and such other data as may be desired in various embodiments.

[0054] This overview can be more fully understood with regard to the following description and accompanying drawings.

[0055] Turning now to the drawings, and more particularly, Figure 1 , shows a high-level diagram of an embodiment of a system, such as an SMMDP 100 , for multimodal delivery of a product to a user 102 , having a drug delivery device 104 provided by connecting a control base 106 to one of a plurality of different cartridges 108 .

[0056] It should be understood and appreciated that, while the SMMDP 100 advantageously provides a variety of different ways to deliver a dose of product, for at least one embodiment, only one cartridge 108 can be engaged with the control base 106 at any given time. As further described below, cartridges 108 that are not engaged with the control base 106 are essentially inert in that they have no function and do not dispense product in any intended manner.

[0057] Furthermore, the choice of delivery method is determined by the selection of different cartridges 108, and the control base 106 provides a consistent and unified platform for selectively operating the cartridges 108 to dispense the product in the manner desired by the user 102, and tracking data associated with the cartridges 106, the user 102, and the dispensed dose.

[0058] As shown, each user 102 also typically has a first computing device 110 having at least one processor and an application 112. For at least one embodiment, the application 112 is substantially as described in the aforementioned '556 application. Each first device 110 is also capable of network communications 114, such as via a wireless network. Furthermore, each first device 110 also has location-determining capabilities, such as GPS.

[0059] For the present example, each first device 110 has been illustrated as a wireless smartphone, but may alternatively be comprised of a portable computer or data assisting device capable of portable wireless communication using a WiFi network, a wireless network access point, a cellular network, GPS transmission, and / or other such technologies. Furthermore, for at least one embodiment, each first device 110 is a smartphone device, such as, but not limited to, an Apple Computers or Samsung device.

[0060] For at least one embodiment, each drug delivery device 104 is operable when assembled as a standalone device—that is, the drug delivery device 104 is operable without interaction with one or more remote computing devices, such as a first computing device 110 owned by a user 102, or a remote computing system 116 providing a database 118, such as the drug delivery system 120 described in the aforementioned '556 application.

[0061] For yet another embodiment, each drug delivery device 104 achieves an enhanced operational state when interacting with one or more remote computing devices, such as the first computing device 110 and / or the remote drug delivery system 120 .

[0062] Furthermore, at least one advantageous aspect of the SMMDP 100 relates to monitoring and controlling user dosages across the use of one or more cartridges 108. Such monitoring and control is advantageously facilitated by using a drug delivery system 120 having at least one database 118 having user data 122 for each user known to the drug delivery system 120 / database 118, control base data 124 for each control base 106 associated with each user 102, cartridge data 126 and product data 128 associated with one or more identifiers to identify products known to the drug delivery system 120, a unique identification of each cartridge 108 (including, for at least one embodiment, the mode of delivery and the product provided by the cartridge), and such other information as may be desired.

[0063] Furthermore, while the cartridge data 126 and control base data 124 have been illustrated simply as identifying values, it should be understood and appreciated that these categories, and indeed all data categories, may be adapted for use in different implementations to provide additional detail / data as may be desired.

[0064] For convenience Figure 1In the illustration of FIG, user data 122 has been shown separately from database 118, which has been illustrated primarily with respect to products and various data elements associated therewith. In practice, in various embodiments, there may be a single unified database that provides all or substantially all data associated with SMMDP 100, or, as shown, data components such as product data and user data may be separated into separate databases, which in turn may be provided by different physical computer systems.

[0065] It should be understood and appreciated that the drug delivery system 120 is a remote system, meaning that it is physically distinct from the first device 110. Similarly, the database 118—whether part of the drug delivery system 120 or another system in communication with the drug delivery system 120—is distinct and separate from the first device 110.

[0066] Furthermore, the drug delivery system 120 is provided by at least one physical computer system 130 (including at least one microprocessor, memory, I / O device(s), etc.) adapted by hardware or software to provide the drug delivery system 120. For embodiments in which the database 118 is a separate system from the drug delivery systems 120, 132, the database 118 is also understood and appreciated as being provided by at least one physical computer system (including at least one microprocessor, memory, I / O device(s), etc.) adapted by hardware or software to provide the database 118.

[0067] In various embodiments, one or more of the elements of the SMMDP 100 may be directly connected to, if not integrated with, each other, but it should be understood and appreciated that in most cases, incorporation of the Internet 132 as a common means of communication and information exchange is within the scope of the present invention.

[0068] It should also be understood and appreciated that the elements of the SMMDP 100 need not maintain a continuous communication link 114, whether physically wired or wireless. In other words, the user 102 may log in or out, thereby establishing a link to the drug delivery system 120. Similarly, the drug delivery system 120, the database 118, and such other network systems and / or devices may be intermittently connected—connected only when necessary for the intended operation of the SMMDP 100.

[0069] In different embodiments, a plurality of cartridges 108 can be selected from but are limited to inhaler carriages, spray cartridges, strip delivery cartridges, gel cartridges, lotion cartridges, tablet cartridges or injection cartridges. In addition, different delivery modes provide different options for delivery rate, general delivery and targeted delivery, and user comfort during delivery.

[0070] for Figure 1 In the present example shown in FIG, cartridge 108 ′ is an inhaler cartridge, cartridge 108 ″ is a tablet cartridge, cartridge 108 ′″ is a strip cartridge, and cartridge 108 ″″ is a spray cartridge.

[0071] When the inhaled vapor dissipates into the lungs, the product can enter the bloodstream faster than can be achieved by swallowed tablets or topically applied oils or lotions. Alternatively, a pill, tablet, or skin patch may be desirable for long-term release, while a spray, cream, or ointment may be desirable for site-specific application. Users who have difficulty swallowing pills may desire oral sprays, eye drops, or dissolvable strips. And injection may be the most suitable for blood system dispersion or subdural tissue treatment.

[0072] Inhaler cartridge 108 is understood and recognized as the product of the certain dose of inhalant form.This inhaler cartridge can be provided as a vaporization cartridge, and wherein the product of metered dose is vaporized into the mist that is applicable to the user's suction by heating.Inhaler cartridge can also be provided as an atomizer, which atomizes the liquid product into a breathable gas form, for example, by ultrasonic vibration.The product of the metered dose that inhaler cartridge can also provide with the fine powder form, is usually arranged in the air flow channel, and the user inhales air and the powder of distribution by this air flow channel.In addition, inhaler cartridge can provide product with the form of compressed gas, is distributed to the user with metering pulse (burst).Further understand and recognize that inhaler cartridge can provide metered dose to the user by mouth and / or nose.

[0073] For each method of delivery, it should be understood and appreciated that each cartridge 108 is constructed and arranged to provide a metered dose of product—in other words, a specific known amount of product. For at least one embodiment, some cartridges 108 of the SMMDP 100 can be adjusted so that the known dose can be changed by the user 102, an application adapted to the first computing device 110, and / or the drug delivery system 120. In all cases, dispensing a metered dose via any delivery method enabled by the cartridge 108 depends on the cartridge being properly connected to the control base 106.

[0074] For this example, multiple users 102 are shown, of which users 102A, 102B, and 102C are exemplary. Each user 102A, 102B, 102C has a drug delivery device 104A, 104B, 104C consisting of a control base 106A, 106B, 106C and at least one cartridge 108A, 108B, 108C. As shown, each user 102 has multiple different cartridges 108, thereby providing the option of selecting different delivery methods or products provided by each cartridge 108.

[0075] The exemplary drug delivery device 104 can be more fully understood with respect to 2A-2E. Figure 2A An oblique perspective view showing the bottom of the control base 106 and the bottom of the cartridge 108, Figure 2B is a top perspective view showing the top of the control base 106 and the top of the cartridge 108, and Figure 2C For the currently joined assembled Figure 2B The drug delivery device 104, the drug cartridge 108 and the control base 106 are shown.

[0076] The control base 106 has a housing 200, which may further provide buttons 202 and / or lights 204 and other display components. For at least one embodiment, the base 206 of the control base 106 provides a port 208 that can be used to recharge the internal power supply and / or provide new firmware to the electrical and computing components within the housing 200. Opposite the base 206, the housing 200 provides an opening 210 constructed and arranged to receive any one of a plurality of different cartridges 108 compatible with the SMMDP 100, at least two of which provide different product delivery forms.

[0077] The cartridge 108 also provides a housing 212 and as Figure 2A As will be appreciated, the base 214 of the cartridge 108 provides a data chip 216, one or more ports 218 for locking device control, power contacts 220, dose counting communications, and / or other elements for exchanging data or physical control.

[0078] The cartridge 108 may also provide a retainer 222, such as a clip, which at least temporarily engages the interior of the control base 106 housing to hold the control base 106 and cartridge 108 engaged. For at least one embodiment, the retainer 222, such as a clip, is also a locking member. Additionally, as shown, the retainer 222 may be a cantilevered arm extending away from the cartridge housing 212. When so deployed, an internal element or linkage (not shown) locks operation of the cartridge 108. For example, the upper portion of the retainer 222 may engage with a slot, groove, or other structure of the dispenser 256 when the retainer 222 is deployed, but when connected to the control base 106 and thereby pressed in, the retainer 222 not only temporarily engages the cartridge 108 with the control base 108, but the upper portion of the retainer 222 is also released from the slot, groove, or other structure of the dispenser 256. For at least one embodiment, because these cantilevered arms are pressed inward, this action also disengages at least one locking member that prevents operation of the cartridge when disconnected from the control base 106. As Figure 2B and 2C As will be appreciated, the top of the cartridge 108 provides one or more openings 224 from which the product is dispensed to the user. Figures 2A-2CIn the case of the exemplary cartridge 108 shown in FIG2G , the cartridge is an inhaler cartridge and the opening 224 is a vent through which a user can inhale the vapor.

[0079] Figure 2D and 2E Provides perspective and cross-sectional views of the control base 106, and Figure 2F and 2G A perspective view and a cross-sectional view (enlarged to facilitate illustration and discussion) of an exemplary cartridge 108 are provided. Figure 2E As shown, for at least one embodiment, the control base features a housing 200 that at least partially encloses a cartridge receiver 226, a cartridge reader 228, a wireless transceiver 230, a lock deactivator 232, a controller 234, and a power source 236 such as a battery.

[0080] The cartridge receiver 226 is constructed and arranged to temporarily engage one of a plurality of different cartridges 108 and, in various embodiments, may provide one or more spring clips, sockets, pins, magnets, or other structures configured to engage and temporarily hold an engaged cartridge 108. The cartridge receiver 226 may also provide electrical contacts that engage corresponding contacts of the cartridge 108 to supply power to and exchange data with the engaged cartridge 108.

[0081] The cartridge reader 228 is constructed and arranged to read identification information from the cartridge 108. The identification information can be provided by a variety of different means, such as, but not limited to, a smart chip, such as an EPROM, EEPROM, or other data chip 216, a QR code, a barcode, a physical pattern, or other mechanism that encodes identification information. This identification information can be used to uniquely identify both the cartridge 108 and the product it contains, such as, but not limited to, the batch and manufacturer of the product.

[0082] The wireless transceiver 230 is constructed and arranged to communicate wirelessly with at least one remote computing device. Figure 1 As shown, the initial remote computing device may be the first device 110 of the user 102, which in turn provides greater communication access, such as Internet access, such that the control base 106 can send and receive information to at least one remote computing device providing the database 118. Of course, for some embodiments, the first device 110 may provide a cache of information from the database 118, such that the control base 106 typically interacts with the first device 110. For still other embodiments, the wireless transceiver 230 may allow the control base 106 to directly implement wireless network access to the remote computing device providing the database 118, without requiring the first device 110 to act as an access point and / or data bridge.

[0083] The lock deactivator 232 is constructed and arranged to disengage at least one locking mechanism of a cartridge 108 received by the cartridge receiver 226. Furthermore, for at least one embodiment, the cartridge 108 is in a disabled or locked state and cannot be used until at least one lock is disengaged. Although the lock deactivator 232 may alternatively be referred to as a lock activator because it engages one or more locking mechanisms, it is referred to herein as the lock deactivator 232 to help reinforce the advantageous property of the SMMDP 100 that it is not to be used unless authorized. In various embodiments, the lock deactivator 232 may be an electronic or electromechanical device, such as, but not limited to, an electrical switch that enables or disables power, a solenoid, or a gear mechanism that is operable to apply or remove pressure on at least a specific feature of the cartridge or other operable element that mechanically, electrically, or magnetically activates or disables the lock of the cartridge 108 that is engaged with the control base 106.

[0084] In practice, for at least one embodiment, multiple locking elements may be employed—such as a first locking device serving as a cartridge lock and a second locking device serving as a dose control lock. Furthermore, the first locking device may be constructed and arranged to inhibit use of the cartridge when not connected to the control base, while the second locking device may be constructed and arranged to allow activation and deactivation when the cartridge is connected to the control base. As shown and described above, for at least one embodiment, retainers 222, such as opposing cantilevered arms extending from either side of cartridge housing 212, serve as external lever elements of the cartridge locks, such that during use, when they are deployed away from cartridge 108, the cartridge 108 is mechanically disabled, but when pressed inward, in addition to temporarily coupling the cartridge 108 to the control base 106, the first locking device is also disengaged. For design and production reasons, it may be desirable in different embodiments to provide at least these first and second locking devices as distinct elements.

[0085] Furthermore, an advantageous feature of the SMMDP 100 is that the cartridges 108 can properly dispense a dose of product only when they are connected to the control base 106. For at least one embodiment, dispensing a dose of product from the cartridge 108 is also dependent on other factors, such as, but not limited to, whether the user is authorized to receive a dose of product, whether the user requests a dose of product at an approved time or within an approved window, whether the user requests a dose of product in a permitted location, and / or other such factors that may be determined to be suitable for enhanced product dosage management in various embodiments.

[0086] Indeed, embodiments of the SMMDP 100 may optionally confirm a variety of factors, such as, but not limited to, that the user is the owner or authorized user of the cartridge 108, is of age to use the cartridge 108, has a prescription for the cartridge 108, has not previously taken a dose of the same product or another product that could be potentially harmful if combined with the current dosage requirement for the product from the cartridge 108, etc. In other words, even if the cartridge 108 is temporarily engaged with the control base 106, for at least one embodiment, the control base 106 will confirm that the user is authorized to use the cartridge 106.

[0087] The controller 234 is constructed and arranged to receive cartridge information from the cartridge reader 228, optionally control the lock deactivator 232 to allow or deny a dosing event, detect a dosing event, and communicate the cartridge information and each detected dosing event via the wireless transceiver 230 to at least one remote computing device, such as the user's first device 110 and / or the dosing system 120, particularly a remote computing device providing the database 118.

[0088] Controller 234 may also optionally be electrically connected to one or more lights or display panels and buttons to provide visual information to the user and receive commands from the user.

[0089] For at least one embodiment, the control base 106 can also include a dose counter 238, such as a microswitch that is triggered as each dose is dispensed from the temporarily engaged cartridge 108. For at least one alternative embodiment, the dose counter is part of the cartridge 108, and each dispensed dose is also reported to the control base 106. In addition, for at least one alternative embodiment, the cartridge 108 has a display (not shown) that reports the number of doses remaining in the cartridge, regardless of whether the dose counter is part of the control base 106 or the cartridge 108. Furthermore, the user can view this remaining dose count regardless of whether the cartridge 108 is connected to the control base 106.

[0090] A power source 236, such as a battery, provides power to the control base 106 and, in at least some embodiments, to the received cartridge 108. The power source 236 can be a rechargeable battery, and the housing 200 can further provide a charging port 240 so that the power source 236 can be replenished without being removed from the housing 200.

[0091] As mentioned above, Figure 2F and 2G Perspective and side views are provided of an exemplary cartridge 108. For ease of illustration and discussion, the exemplary cartridge 108 is for an inhaler 250, but it will be understood and appreciated that all cartridges 108 of the SMMDP 100 share substantially the same parts.

[0092] More specifically, each cartridge 108 features a housing 212 that at least partially encloses a reservoir 252 of a product 254 (e.g., a medication) and a dispenser 256. The cartridge 108 also provides at least one data chip 216, a unique identifier 258 (which may be incorporated into the data chip 216), a lock 260, and a count trigger 262. As described above, the product 254 may be a plant-based product having one or more ingredients that have been or may be associated with the treatment of one or more conditions for which a user may desire a dose of the product 254.

[0093] The housing 212 is constructed and arranged so that at least a portion is disposed within the housing of the control base 106 and is received by the cartridge receiver 226 of the control base 106. All cartridges 108 within the housing share a common reservoir 252 of at least one product 254. The dispenser 256 is constructed and arranged to dispense a predetermined amount of product 254 when the cartridge 108 is connected to the control base 106 and the lock 260 is disengaged.

[0094] Additionally, the lock 260 is constructed and arranged to lock the dispenser 256 when the cartridge 108 is not engaged with the control base 106. As described above, for at least one embodiment, the controller 234 of the control base 106 has the functional capability to engage and disengage the lock 260 when the cartridge 108 is connected to the control base 106. This optional control advantageously allows the SMMDP 100 to enhance dose management.

[0095] In practice, for at least one embodiment, the cartridge 108 has at least two locking mechanisms: a first locking feature that is disabled when the cartridge 108 is connected to the control base 106, and a second locking feature that is activated or deactivated by the controller 234. For example, the first locking feature can be a physical structure, such as one or more spring pins within the cartridge 108, which are disengaged by aligned protrusions within the control base 106. The second locking feature can be an electrical locking feature, such as a switch, a screw drive, or a solenoid or gear-operated lever (level), which is optionally engaged or disengaged by the controller 234. Moreover, for at least one embodiment, the first locking feature is disengaged by the physical action of the user 102 to connect the cartridge 108 to the control base 106 to provide the desired form for the drug delivery device 104, while the second locking feature is controlled by the controller 234 to advantageously ensure that the appropriate dose is administered only to authorized / permitted users. Such authorization / permission can be based on a variety of factors, such as, but not limited to, a user registered with the drug delivery system 120, a user in possession of the control base 104 and cartridge 108, a user having a prescription or other authorization on file with the drug delivery system, a user located in a physical location where use of the product is permitted, the dose being requested at a time known by the drug delivery system 102 to not potentially conflict with previously administered doses of the same or different product, and the like.

[0096] When the cartridge 108 is connected to the control base 106, the smart chip 216 or data chip 216 is disposed on or within the housing 212, proximate to the cartridge reader 228. For at least one embodiment, a direct physical or electrical connection may exist between the cartridge reader 228 and the smart chip 216.

[0097] Each cartridge 108 has a unique identifier 258, which can be a physical element, such as a QR code, barcode, RFID tag, physical pattern, or other mechanism that encodes information. The unique identifier 258 is used to uniquely identify each cartridge 108. In addition, the unique identifier can also be used to identify the product 254 within the reservoir, and even more specifically, the batch / manufacturer of the product 254. In addition, for at least one embodiment, the unique identifier can have at least two elements - a first part (e.g., 904) that uniquely identifies the cartridge and a second part (e.g., 1184) that uniquely identifies the product 254. In this way, a first cartridge 108 having unique identifiers 904-1184 can be distinguished from a second cartridge 108 having unique identifiers 905-1184, even though both cartridges can be easily identified as containing the same product 254.

[0098] Although the unique identifier 258 can be an established part of the smart chip 216, such as in the case of an EEPROM, the unique identifier is generally understood to be a fixed data element that remains unchanged for the cartridge, while the smart chip 216 is recognized as a device to which additional data can be added, such as the remaining dose, the last dose, or the nature or identity of the product after the cartridge 108 is filled. Of course, the fixed ID established at the time of manufacture may later be associated with the identity of a product later placed within the cartridge, especially if the cartridge 108 is manufactured before the cartridge 108 is filled with the product.

[0099] It should also be understood and appreciated that the unique identifier 258 can be indexed by a database to identify the product 254. Additionally, the unique identifier 258 can be indexed to the user 102 and / or the merchant supplying the cartridge 108 for sale or distribution.

[0100] For at least one embodiment, unique identifier 258 is part of data chip 216 and, therefore, may not be visible to user 102. In other embodiments, unique identifier 258 may be part of data chip 216 and represented by human-readable indicia.

[0101] Furthermore, for at least one embodiment, the controller 234 is constructed and arranged to control the lock deactivator 232 based on at least information determined from the cartridge 108, such as the unique identifier 258. In other words, for at least one embodiment, the controller 234 is operable to determine whether the cartridge 108 can be activated to dispense a dose of the product 254 based on the unique identifier 258.

[0102] For example, a first user 102A may configure his or her control base 106 to operate with a first subset of products, while a second user 102B may configure his or her control base 106 to operate with a second subset of products, at least some of which are different from the first set of products.

[0103] For still other embodiments, the controller 234 can be configured to recognize only cartridges 108 from the same manufacturer or supplier as the control base 106, or for a particular grade or category of devices—a “green” cartridge with a “green” control base, a “red” cartridge 108 with a “red” control base 106, a “gold” control base 106 accepting both “green” and “red” cartridges 108, and so on.

[0104] When the unique identifier 258 and / or other data is communicated by the control base to the first device 110 and / or drug delivery system 120, in various embodiments, the lock deactivator 232 is activated or deactivated by the controller 234 based on information received by a remote computing device, such as the first device 110 and / or drug delivery system 120. This information from the remote computing system may include, but is not limited to, that the user is the owner of the cartridge, that the user has a prescription for the product provided by the cartridge, that the user requires a dose during an approved window or in an approved location, and other circumstances described herein or the like.

[0105] For at least one embodiment, the controller 234 can deactivate the lockout deactivator 232 for a period of time following a drug administration event. In other words, if a user has just received a dose of a product from the drug administration device 104, he or she cannot obtain an additional dose of the product from the current cartridge 108 or another cartridge 108 until a period of time has passed. This lockout period may be beneficial in reducing the likelihood of overdose and / or helping the user gradually reduce the amount of product used.

[0106] Additionally, for at least one embodiment, the controller 234 provides operational settings for controlling the dispenser 256 in response to the unique identifier 258 provided by the cartridge 108. For example, for a vaporizer cartridge 108, the controller 234 may provide operational settings for temperature and heating duration to optimally vaporize the identified product 254 within the cartridge 108.

[0107] The counting trigger 262 is constructed and arranged to allow for counting of each dispense of the product 254. In various embodiments, the counting trigger 262 can be an electronic or electromechanical device, such as, but not limited to, an electrical switch, a pressure sensor, a Hall effect sensor, a solenoid, a rod, a lever or a gear mechanism, or other operable element, that mechanically, electrically, or magnetically indicates to the control base 106 that a dose of the product 254 has been dispensed from the cartridge 108.

[0108] In summary, for at least one embodiment, a multimodal product delivery system 100 is provided, comprising: a delivery device provided by temporarily engaging one of a plurality of cartridges 108 to a control base 106, at least two of the cartridges having different delivery modes; the control base 106 being characterized by a housing 200 at least partially enclosing: a cartridge receiver 226 constructed and arranged to temporarily engage one of a plurality of different cartridges; a cartridge reader 228 constructed and arranged to read identification information from the cartridge 108; a wireless transceiver 230 constructed and arranged to wirelessly communicate with at least one remote computing device 116; at least one lock deactivator 232 constructed and arranged to unlock at least one locking mechanism of a cartridge received by the cartridge receiver 226; and a control base 106 configured and arranged to receive cartridge information from the cartridge reader 228, detect a delivery event, and initiate a delivery of the drug via the wireless transceiver. a controller 210 that communicates cartridge information and each detected dosing event to at least one remote computing device 116; each of the plurality of cartridges 108 is characterized by: a reservoir 252 that at least partially surrounds a product 254, a housing 212 of a dispenser 256 that is constructed and arranged to dispense a predetermined amount of product 254 via a predetermined delivery method; a counting trigger 262 that is constructed and arranged to indicate each instance of dispense of the product 254; at least one data chip 216 that is constructed and arranged to store data about the cartridge 108; a unique identifier 258 associated with the cartridge and the product 254, the unique identifier 258 being constructed and arranged to be determined by the control base 106; and at least one locking member 260 that is constructed and arranged to lock the dispenser 256, the at least one locking member 260 being unlocked by the control base 106 when the cartridge is temporarily engaged to the control base 106.

[0109] Of course, in yet another alternative embodiment, the SMMDP 100 of the present invention is primarily embodied in a control base 106 for use with one of a plurality of different drug cartridges 108 to provide an alternative delivery method.

[0110] More specifically, for at least one embodiment, a multimodal product delivery system 100 is provided, characterized by a control base 106 connected to one of a plurality of cartridges 108, at least two of the cartridges having different delivery modes, the control base 106 comprising: a housing 200 at least partially enclosing: a cartridge receiver 226 constructed and arranged to temporarily engage one of the plurality of different cartridges; a cartridge reader 228 constructed and arranged to read identification information from the cartridge 108; a wireless transceiver 230 constructed and arranged to wirelessly combine with at least one remote computing device 116; at least one lock deactivator 232 constructed and arranged to disengage at least one locking mechanism of a cartridge received by the cartridge receiver 226; and a housing 200 constructed and arranged to receive cartridge information from the cartridge reader 228, detect a drug delivery event, and deliver the drug to the patient via the wireless transceiver. 230 A controller 210 that communicates cartridge information and each detected dosing event to at least one remote computing device 116; wherein each of the plurality of cartridges 108 is characterized by: a reservoir 252 that at least partially surrounds a product 254, a housing 212 of a dispenser 256 that is constructed and arranged to dispense a predetermined amount of product 254; a counting trigger 262 that is constructed and arranged to indicate each instance of dispense of the product 254; at least one data chip 216 that is constructed and arranged to store data about the cartridge 108; a unique identifier 258 associated with the cartridge and the product 254, the unique identifier 258 being constructed and arranged to be determined by the control base 106; and at least one locking member 260 that is constructed and arranged to lock the dispenser 256, the at least one locking member 260 being unlocked by the control base 106 when the cartridge is temporarily engaged to the control base 106.

[0111] And for still another embodiment, the SMMDP 100 of the present invention is primarily embodied in a plurality of different cartridges 108 , providing optional delivery modes for use with a control base 106 .

[0112] More specifically, for at least one embodiment, a system for a multimodal product administration system 100 is provided, comprising: a cartridge characterized by: a reservoir 252 at least partially enclosing a product 254; a housing 212 comprising a dispenser 256 constructed and arranged to dispense a predetermined amount of the product 254 via a predetermined delivery method; a count trigger 262 constructed and arranged to indicate each instance of dispensing of the product 254; at least one data chip 216 constructed and arranged to store data regarding the cartridge 108; a unique identifier 258 associated with the cartridge and the product 254, the unique identifier 258 constructed and arranged to be determined by the control base 106; at least one locking member 260 constructed and arranged to lock the dispenser 256, the at least one locking member 260 being disengaged by the control base 106 when the cartridge is temporarily engaged to the control base 106; wherein the cartridge is temporarily engaged by a control base 106, which is characterized by a housing 212 that at least partially encloses: a cartridge receiver 226 constructed and arranged to temporarily engage one of a plurality of different cartridges, at least two of which have different delivery modes; a cartridge reader 228 constructed and arranged to read identification information from the cartridge 108; a wireless transceiver 230 constructed and arranged to wirelessly combine with at least one remote computing device 116; a deactivator 232 of at least one locking member 260 constructed and arranged to unlock at least one locking mechanism of a cartridge received by the cartridge receiver 226; and a controller 210 constructed and arranged to receive cartridge information from the cartridge reader 228, detect dosing events, and communicate the cartridge information and each detected dosing event to at least one remote computing device 116 via the wireless transceiver 230.

[0113] With the above overview of the general structure of each cartridge 108 currently established, the specific cartridges used for different delivery methods can now be more fully understood. As described above, Figure 2F and 2G An inhaler cartridge 108 / 250 is presented. For ease of illustration and discussion, the exemplary inhaler cartridge 250 is a vaporizer inhaler cartridge 250 .

[0114] The dispenser 256 is provided by a rotating top 268 disposed on a tube 270. Rotation of the top 268 rotates the tube 270, which in turn drives a gear 272, which moves a plunger 274 longitudinally downward. This downward movement of the plunger 274 compresses the reservoir 252 of product 254, causing a metered amount of the product to be dispensed through a valve 278 into a vaporizer chamber 276. Activated by the controller 234, the vaporizer chamber 276 heats the dispensed product to provide a vapor through the tube 270 that is inhaled by the user.

[0115] In various embodiments, the reservoir 252 and dispenser 256 are substantially as depicted and described in the aforementioned '062 application, with the heating element being incorporated as part of the cartridge 108 rather than the control base 106 .

[0116] The lock 260 prevents the top 268 from rotating by means of a locking rod 280 which may be engaged by a spring 282 by default, which drives the locking rod 280 into a sleeve 284 of the top 268. When the controller 234 activates the lock deactivator 232, the locking rod 280 retracts from the sleeve 284 and allows the top 268 to rotate. Figure 2G , the locking bar 280 is shown engaged with the sleeve 280, thereby preventing the top 268 from rotating.

[0117] In various embodiments, the mechanism for engaging the lock deactivator 232 and the locking rod 280 is selected from, but not limited to, a threaded engagement, a magnetic engagement, and a ball-and-socket snap. Furthermore, a suitable engagement structure is selected and employed to temporarily engage the lock deactivator 232 of the control base 106 with the locking element 260 of the cartridge 108 and control the locking element 260 of the cartridge while the control base 106 and the cartridge 108 engage to provide the drug delivery device 104.

[0118] With respect to rotation of the top portion 268 for dispensing a predetermined amount of product 254, in various embodiments, rotation in increments of, for example but not limited to, 90 degrees is possible - allowing for 90-, 180-, 292-, and 360-degree increments, which may be suitable for metered doses of 1, 2, 3, and 4 volumes of the contained product 254.

[0119] With each rotation increment, the counting trigger 262, such as a rod 264, can be depressed by a nub or other protrusion on the bottom of the rotating top 268 to indicate to the control base 106 that one or more metered doses of product have been dispensed. A spring 266 returns the rod 264 to a ready position to wait for depression during the next rotation of the top 268.

[0120] about Figure 2G Although shown and described with respect to an inhaler based on heated vaporization, a nebulizer cartridge 108 / 290 may be provided by modifying the configuration of the vaporization chamber 276, as shown in the partially enlarged portion 292, to provide a piezoelectric vibrating element 294 proximate to a receiving surface 296 upon which the extruded product 254 is deposited from the reservoir 252. As with the heated vapor, the atomized product 298 is provided through the tube 270 for inhalation by the user.

[0121] Figure 3A 、 3B and 3C provide optional versions of the inhaler cartridge 108 / 300 for vaporizing properties. Figure 3B For the Figure 3A A cross-sectional view of the side section view shown, and Figure 3C An enlarged portion of the vaporization region 302 is heated.

[0122] For consistency and correlation with the structure of the general cartridge 108 , the vaporizer cartridge 300 provides a housing 212 , a reservoir 252 providing a product 254 , a dispenser 256 , a data chip 216 (providing a unique identifier 258 ), a lock 260 , and a counter trigger 262 .

[0123] More specifically, vaporization zone 302 is a vaporization chamber 304 provided by a cavity 306 into which dispensed product 254 is extruded. Cavity 306 is circumferential with a central elevated conical structure 308. Cavity 306 itself is constructed of a thermally conductive material such that cavity 306, and more specifically central conical structure 308, provides a heating element to effect vaporization of extruded product 254.

[0124] Furthermore, for at least one embodiment, cavity 306 and tapered structure 308 are constructed and arranged to induce wicking of the extruded product 254 across their surfaces, and in doing so, promote close proximity between the heat source and the extruded product 254. Furthermore, the narrow shape of cavity 306 and central tapered structure 308 facilitates concentrating the extruded product during vaporization and ensures that the extruded material 254 does not dissipate on non-heated surfaces, further advantageously ensuring that the entire dose of the extruded product is vaporized. Furthermore, because cavity 306 is relatively deep, this type of vaporization chamber advantageously accommodates varying metered doses of extruded product 254.

[0125] For at least one embodiment, either or both of the cavity 306 and the tapered structure 308 are formed of an oleophilic material or at least incorporate an oleophilic material on their surfaces to further induce the oil-based product 254 to spread on their surfaces, thereby improving heat transfer and vaporization. For at least one alternative embodiment in which the cartridge 108 provides a water-based product 254, either or both of the cavity 306 and the tapered structure 308 are formed of a hydrophilic material or at least incorporate a hydrophilic material on their surfaces.

[0126] The exemplary embodiment of the inhaler cartridge 108 / 300 also provides an optional plunger drive mechanism, which is related to the following Figure 4A 、 4B and 4C are more fully shown and described.

[0127] For at least the inhalation cartridges 108, such as, at least the exemplary inhaler cartridges 108 / 250, nebulizer cartridges 108 / 290, and inhaler cartridges 108 / 300—and most specifically those cartridges 108 in which heat is applied to achieve vaporization, it should be understood and appreciated that, for at least one embodiment, the vaporization chamber 304 is thermally isolated from the reservoir 252 so that the heat applied to achieve vaporization does not inadvertently heat and potentially degrade or alter the remaining product 254 within the reservoir 252. Additionally, for embodiments involving atomization, the vaporization chamber 304 (or, as it may also be referred to, the atomization chamber) is isolated from the reservoir so that vibrations used to achieve atomization are not inadvertently transferred to the remaining product 254 within the reservoir 252.

[0128] About the embodiment of inhalation cartridge 108, as, at least exemplary inhaler cartridge 108 / 250, nebulizer cartridge 108 / 290 and inhaler cartridge 108 / 300, in at least one embodiment, the exemplary device for preparing each metered dose of product 254 relates to at least the partial rotation of rotating top 268.The lateral motion along the longitudinal center can be realized by gears, and most specifically around the angular pitch of the thread of plunger 274 around the rotation of longitudinal center.In addition, for at least one embodiment, drive assembly is based on involute gear---it can comprise spur gear, helical gear and bevel gear design.Further, other embodiments can be incorporated into other intermittent gear systems to realize high gear ratio, such as but not limited to spline mechanism / gear system.

[0129] For some embodiments, an alternative mechanical structure has been developed that incorporates Figures 4A-4C The cycloidal gear assembly 400 is shown. For at least one embodiment, the cycloidal gear assembly 400 advantageously provides a high gear ratio (e.g., the number of revolutions between the rotating top 268 and the rotation of the shaft) to impart lateral motion to the plunger 274, with low friction, high torque, compact size, and excellent wear resistance—desirable characteristics for promoting consistent extrusion of the product 254 for consistent metered dosing. Additionally, for at least one embodiment, the exemplary inhaler cartridge 108 / 250, nebulizer cartridge 108 / 290, inhaler cartridge 108 / 300, or other cartridges for dispensing a liquid, mist, spray, oil, ointment, or other non-solid product 254—wherein the plunger is actuated against the product 254 in the reservoir 252 of the cartridge 108—can incorporate the cycloidal gear assembly 400.

[0130] More specifically, Figure 4A shows a side view of the cartridge 108 incorporating a cycloidal gear assembly 400, Figure 4B A cross-sectional view is shown. Figure 4C A perspective view of the cycloidal gear assembly 400 is shown with the components removed to facilitate identification.

[0131] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the cycloid gear assembly 400 is a toothed gear assembly based on epicycloid and hypocycloid curves, which are generated by a circle rolling around the outside or inside of another circle. When two toothed gears are engaged, an imaginary circle, the pitch circle, can be drawn around the center of either gear through the contact points between their respective teeth. The curve of the teeth outside the pitch circle is called the tooth addendum, and the curve of the tooth gap inside the pitch circle is called the tooth root. In addition, the tooth addendum of one gear is located inside the tooth root of the other gear. The tooth addendum of the gear tooth is a convex epicycloid, and the tooth root of the pinion gear is a concave hypocycloid curve generated from the same parent circle. This ensures that the motion of one gear is transmitted to the other gear at a locally consistent angular velocity.

[0132] As in Figure 4C The most easily recognized of these is the rotating head 268 ( Figure 2F &2G or 3A & 3B) is connected to a shaft 402, which in turn is eccentrically mounted to a roller bearing 404, causing a cycloid gear 406 to move in a circular motion. The cycloid gear 406 rotates independently about the bearing 404 when it is pushed against the ring gear pin 408 of the outer ring gear 410. As shown, the cycloid gear 406 has a plurality of holes 412, each of which receives a roller pin 414 from an output shaft 416 (see FIG. Figure 4B The diameter of hole 412 is larger than the diameter of each roller pin 414, and the number of ring gear pins 410 of outer ring gear 410 is greater than the number of teeth 418 on cycloid gear 406. Roller pins 414 of output shaft 416 move back and forth in hole 412 to achieve stable rotation of output shaft 416, which is in turn connected to plunger 274.

[0133] about Figure 4B , the cycloidal gear assembly 400 drives the plunger 274 to extrude the product 254 from the reservoir 252 through ports 430 and 432, which are aligned alternately with the extrusion orifice 434. For at least one embodiment, the ports 430 and 432 are substantially identical, and the volume of the dispensed product 254 is determined at least in part by the volume of each port. For this example, and for ease of illustration and discussion, the ports 430 and 432 are shown and described as being substantially identical.

[0134] More specifically, it will be understood and appreciated that the mother plate 436 is connected to the rotating shaft 402. Thus, a 180 degree rotation of the shaft is sufficient to transpose the positions of the ports 430 and 432 while driving the cycloid gear assembly 400 for precise downward movement of the piston 274 as described above. Figure 4B and 4CIt will also be appreciated that the valve cover 426 remains in a relative position - it does not rotate with the motherboard 432. The valve cover 438 is constructed and arranged with a lower portion 440 that is sized to substantially fit within either port 430 or 432. As the motherboard 436 rotates, the valve cover 438 will rise from one port and, after completing a 180-degree rotation, insert into the second port, expelling the product 254 from the port (the alighted port 430 or 432) through the extrusion hole 434 and effectively sealing the port (the alighted port 430 or 432) so that only the intended metered dose of product 254 is dispensed.

[0135] Figure 5A 、 5B 5C provide perspective, side, and cross-sectional views of the conceptualized pump cartridge 108 / 500. Again, for consistency and correlation with the structure of the general cartridge 108, the pump cartridge 500 provides a housing 212, a reservoir 252 providing a product 254, a dispenser 256, a data chip 216 (providing a unique identifier 258), a lock 260, and a counter trigger 262.

[0136] More specifically, for pump cartridge 500, dispenser 256 is provided at least in part by a spring-biased pump head 502. For at least one embodiment, pump shaft 504 incorporates an internal chamber 506 having top 508 and bottom 510 one-way valves such that when pump shaft 504 is expanded, liquid product 254 is drawn into chamber 506, and when pump shaft 504 is depressed, product 254 is expelled from chamber 506 and dispensed to a user through orifice 512.

[0137] For yet another embodiment, the pump cartridge 400 can be incorporated into an airless pump system substantially similar to the pump system disclosed in the '062 application.

[0138] It should be understood and appreciated that variations in orifice size and internal fluid passages allow for different embodiments of the pump cartridge 500 to provide a range of delivery modes from extrusion of a gel or lotion to a fine spray. Additionally, in different embodiment configurations, the pump cartridge 108 / 500 can be configured as a spray cartridge, a lotion / rinse / paste dispensing cartridge, or a dropper cartridge (e.g., an eye dropper cartridge).

[0139] Figure 6A 、 6B6C provide side and cross-sectional views of the conceptual pill cartridge 108 / 600. It should be understood and appreciated that, whether described as a pill, tablet, gelcap, capsule, or other unit, the pill cartridge 108 / 600 is constructed and arranged to dispense a substantially solid preformed unit. The distinction between tablets formed from compressed powder and liquid-filled capsules is essentially irrelevant, and for the purposes of this discussion, pill or tablet is understood to be an interchangeable term encompassing all such product units, including capsules, gels, chopped pieces, etc. More simply, a pill or tablet as used herein is understood and appreciated to be a substantially uniform, distinct product unit that will not dissolve into one another when inadvertently contacted.

[0140] Again, for consistency and correlation with the structure of the general cartridge 108 , the cartridge 600 provides a housing 212 , a reservoir 252 providing a product 254 , a dispenser 256 , a data chip 216 (providing a unique identifier 258 ), a lock 260 , and a counter trigger 262 .

[0141] More specifically, for pill cartridge 600, dispenser 256 is provided at least in part by an articulated head 602 positioned above reservoir 252 of stacked product 254. When lock 260 is disengaged, head 602 rotates upward, causing dispensing tab 604 to rotate forward to contact and laterally move the uppermost pill 606 for dispensing to user 102. When the articulated head is closed, counting trigger 262 in the form of lever 608 is depressed, which is registered by control base 106.

[0142] The lock 260 is similarly provided by the actuation rod 610 shown in a locked position such that the distal end 612 abuts the dispensing tab 604 of the articulating head 602, thereby preventing articulation.

[0143] Figure 7A and 7B A conceptual cross-sectional view of a strip cartridge 700 is provided. In various embodiments, the strip 702 can be for sublingual consumption, or for temporary adherence to the skin for transdermal application of the product 254. Again, for consistency and relevance with the general cartridge 108 structure, the strip cartridge 700 provides a housing 212, a reservoir 252 providing the product 254, a dispenser 256, a data chip 216 (providing a unique identifier 258), a lock 260, and a counter trigger 262.

[0144] More specifically, for the strip cartridge 700, the dispenser 256 is provided by a rotating dispenser pad 704. This has a sticky outer surface 706, as the rotating dispenser pad 702 makes contact with the topmost strip 708 in the reservoir 252. Upon such contact, the sticky surface 704 will temporarily grab the topmost strip 708 and dispense it to the user through the side opening 710.

[0145] A strip cartridge 700 is also shown to illustrate at least one alternative for the locking member 260. Figure 7A and 7B As shown, the locking member is achieved by rotating a rod 712, with a distal end 714 providing a flange 716. When the rod 712 is rotated to a first position 718, the flange 710 blocks rotation of the dispenser pad 702. Because rotation of the dispenser pad 702 is not possible using the flange 716 in this first position 718, a lock is achieved. The locking member 260 is released by rotating the rod 712 to a second position 720, which positions the flange 716 in a position without the dispenser pad 702, thereby allowing rotation and dispensing of strips 702, such as the top strip 708.

[0146] When the top strip 708 is dispensed, the roller 716 actuates the counter trigger 262 and the spring 724 presses the stacked product 254 (strip 702) upward so that the next strip is ready to be dispensed.

[0147] Figure 8 A conceptual cross-sectional view of an injection cartridge 800 is provided. Again for consistency and correlation with the structure of the general cartridge 108, the injection cartridge 800 provides a housing 212, a reservoir 252 providing a product 254, a dispenser 256, a data chip 216 (providing a unique identifier 258), a lock 260, and a counter trigger 262.

[0148] More specifically, for the injection cartridge 800, the dispenser 256 is provided at least in part by an injection needle 802, which is actuated by a needle safety feature 804, such as a permeable and cleanable membrane 806. For at least one embodiment, the injection cartridge 800 is a single-use cartridge preloaded with a single dose of the product 254. Furthermore, for at least one embodiment, the reservoir 252 is pressurized to dispense substantially all of the product in a single, smooth injection.

[0149] For at least one alternative embodiment, an internal belt (not shown) for replacement needles 802 may also be incorporated so that each dose is provided by a new needle 802. The preparation of a dose of product 254 for injection may be accomplished as described above with respect to plunger extrusion or pump extrusion, or pressurized gas. Furthermore, the locking member 260 may be implemented in a variety of optional ways, including but not limited to an internal mechanical linkage 808 that lifts the needle 802 and triggers the counter trigger 262 via a safety feature 804.

[0150] It has been described about Figure 1-8 The embodiment of the SMMDP 100 shown will now be described with respect to Figure 9 Combine Figure 1-8The discussion relates to other embodiments of at least one method for providing multimodal drug delivery. It should be appreciated that the described methods need not be performed in the order described herein, but rather that the description is merely an example of one method of multimodal drug delivery according to the present invention.

[0151] like Figure 9 As shown, the method 900 generally begins by providing a control base 106, block 902. The control base 106 is characterized by a housing 200 that at least partially encloses: a cartridge receiver 226 constructed and arranged to temporarily engage one of a plurality of different cartridges; a cartridge reader 228 constructed and arranged to read identification information from the cartridge; a wireless transceiver 230 constructed and arranged to wirelessly communicate with at least one remote computing device; a lock deactivator 232 constructed and arranged to disengage a lock 260 mechanism of a cartridge 108 received by the cartridge receiver 202; and a controller 234 constructed and arranged to receive cartridge information from the cartridge reader 228, detect drug administration events, and communicate the cartridge information and each detected drug administration event to the at least one remote computing device via the wireless transceiver 230.

[0152] The method continues by providing a plurality of different cartridges 108, at least two of which provide different modes of delivery for the product contained within each cartridge, block 904. Even with the different modes of delivery, each cartridge 108 is characterized by: a reservoir 252 at least partially surrounding the product 254; a housing of a dispenser 256 constructed and arranged to dispense a predetermined amount of the product 254; a count trigger 262 constructed and arranged to indicate each instance of dispensing of the product 254; at least one data chip 216 constructed and arranged to store data about the cartridge; a unique identifier 236 associated with the cartridge 108 and the product 254, the unique identifier 258 constructed and arranged to be determined by the control base 106; and a lock 260 constructed and arranged to lock the dispenser 256, the lock 260 being disengaged by the control base 106 when the cartridge is temporarily engaged to the control base 106.

[0153] The method 400 continues with the user 102 selecting a cartridge to provide the desired delivery method for the desired product. The selected cartridge 108 and the control base 106 are then connected together to provide the drug delivery device 104.

[0154] For at least one alternative embodiment, a user can use their first computing device 110, and more specifically, an application 112, to configure the first computing device 110 to specify a disease / condition, i.e., the reason for their request for a dose of a product 254. Because the database 118 contains user data, this user data may include a record of the different cartridges 108 that the user owns. If the user 102 does not have a product 254 suitable for their reason, as described in the aforementioned '556 application, the drug delivery system 120 can also notify the user 102 where they can obtain a suitable product 254. Furthermore, for at least one embodiment, the drug delivery system 120 of the SMMDP 100 can advantageously recommend the best delivery method for the product 254 suitable for the user's specified reason. More simply, for at least one embodiment, the SMMDP 100 advantageously informs the user which cartridge 108 provides the most suitable delivery method for the user's stated reason.

[0155] When the cartridge 108 is received within the control base 106, the data chip 216 of the cartridge 108 is read and at least the cartridge's unique identifier 258 is obtained. The drug delivery device 104, and more specifically the control base 106, can communicate with at least one remote computing device and, based on one or more identifiers received from the cartridge and compared to the database 118 (i.e., a unique identifier and / or additional data about the product), obtains the data.

[0156] Additionally, the method continues by receiving at least the unique identifier 258 from the drug delivery device 104, block 906, and querying a database to determine that the user is authorized to use the cartridge 108, block 908. The database may also provide dispensing data, such as dosage, heating characteristics, or other information for use by the control base to advantageously optimize dispensing of the product in a manner selected by the user.

[0157] If the user 102 is authorized, the control base 106 unlocks the lock 260 via the lock deactivator 232 and allows the user to receive a dose of the product 254 in the delivery method provided by the cartridge 108. If the user is not authorized, the control base does not unlock the lock 260 and prevents the user from receiving a dose of the product 254. For at least one embodiment, if the user 102 is not authorized, he or she is informed of this fact as a basis for denying the requested dose of the product 254.

[0158] Information regarding the dose dispensed, such as, but not limited to, the time, date, and number of doses, is reported to the database 118 and recorded with the user data and / or cartridge data, block 910. When the control base 106 is operated with the SMMDP 100 having all intended cartridges 108, the use of different cartridges and / or different products is advantageously monitored and recorded.

[0159] Substantially real-time feedback from users, such as, but not limited to, their assessment of the effectiveness of the product for a given reason for requesting a product dosage, may also be captured and recorded—and used to correlate the composition of the product with such given reason in order to increase the accuracy of recommended / prescribed products in the future.

[0160] In summary, for at least one embodiment, a method for administering a multimodal product is provided, comprising: providing a control base 106 characterized by a housing 200 that at least partially encloses: a cartridge receiver 226 constructed and arranged to temporarily engage one of a plurality of different cartridges; a cartridge reader 228 constructed and arranged to read identification information from the cartridge 108; a wireless transceiver 230 constructed and arranged to wirelessly communicate with at least one remote computing device 116; at least one lock deactivator 232 constructed and arranged to unlock at least one locking mechanism of the cartridge received by the cartridge receiver 226; a controller constructed and arranged to receive cartridge information from the cartridge reader 228, detect administration events, and communicate the cartridge information and each detected administration event to the at least one remote computing device 116 via the wireless transceiver 230; providing a plurality of cartridges 108, at least two of which have different delivery modes, each cartridge having a different characteristic. Characterized by: a reservoir 252 that at least partially surrounds a product 254, a housing 212 of a dispenser 256 that is constructed and arranged to dispense a predetermined amount of product by a predetermined delivery method; a counting trigger 262 that is constructed and arranged to indicate each instance of dispense of the product 254; at least one data chip 216 that is constructed and arranged to store data about the cartridge 108; a unique identifier 258 associated with the cartridge and the product 254, the unique identifier 258 being constructed and arranged to be determined by the control base 106; at least one locking member 260 that is constructed and arranged to lock the dispenser 256, the at least one locking member 260 being unlocked by the control base 106 when the cartridge is temporarily engaged to the control base 106; determining the unique identifier 258 associated with the selected cartridge after the cartridge is temporarily engaged with the control base 106; and providing an operational setting to the control base 106 for controlling the dispenser 256 in response to the determined unique identifier 258.

[0161] For still another embodiment, the method can be summarized as a method 100 for a multimodal product delivery system, characterized by a control base 106 connected to one of a plurality of cartridges 108, at least two of the cartridges having different delivery modes, comprising: providing a control base 106, the control base 106 being characterized by: a housing 200 at least partially enclosing: a cartridge receiver 226 constructed and arranged to temporarily engage one of a plurality of different cartridges, at least two of the cartridges having different delivery modes; a cartridge reader 228 constructed and arranged to read identification information from the cartridge 108; a wireless transceiver 230 constructed and arranged to wirelessly communicate with at least one remote computing device 116; at least one lock deactivator 232 constructed and arranged to disengage at least one locking mechanism of at least one cartridge received by the cartridge receiver 226; a controller constructed and arranged to receive cartridge information from the cartridge reader 228, detect a dosing event, and communicate the cartridge information and each detected dosing event to the at least one remote computing device 116 via the wireless transceiver 230; receiving a selected cartridge via the control base 106, the cartridge The invention also includes a housing 212 having a reservoir 252 at least partially surrounding a product 254, a dispenser 256 constructed and arranged to dispense a predetermined amount of the product via a predetermined delivery method; a count trigger 262 constructed and arranged to indicate each instance of dispensing of the product 254; at least one data chip 216 constructed and arranged to store data about the cartridge 108; a unique identifier 258 associated with the cartridge and the product 254, the unique identifier 258 being constructed and arranged to be determined by the control base 106; and a device constructed and arranged to lock the dispenser 256 to the user. at least one locking element 260, at least one locking element being disengaged by the control base 106 when the cartridge is temporarily engaged to the control base 106; determining a unique identifier 258 associated with the cartridge 108; sending the unique identifier 258 to the remote computing device 116, which queries the data record to identify the cartridge and the product 254 contained in the reservoir 252; sending at least one operational setting to the controller 210 to activate the locking element deactivator 232; and sending a confirmation to the remote computing device 116 that the dose of product 254 has been administered.

[0162] To expand upon the initial suggestion that at least the first device 110, the dosing device 104 (more specifically, the control base 106), the drug delivery system 120, the database 118, and other systems comprising the SMMDP 100 are computer systems appropriate to their specific functions, Figure 10 is a high-level block diagram of an exemplary computer system 1000, such as may provide one or more of the elements including a first device 110, a dosing device 104 (more specifically, a control base 106), a drug delivery system 120, and a database 118 (whether provided as distinct separate systems or integrated together in one or more computer systems).

[0163] Computer system 1000 has a housing 1002 that encloses a motherboard 1004. Motherboard 1004 has a system bus 1006, connection ports 1008, a processing unit such as a central processing unit (CPU) 1010 having at least one microprocessor (not shown), and memory storage devices such as a main memory 1012, a hard disk drive 1014, and a CD / DVD ROM drive 1016.

[0164] A memory bus 1018 connects the main memory 1012 to the CPU 1010. The system bus 1006 connects the hard disk drive 1014, the CD / DVD ROM drive 1016, and the connection port 1008 to the CPU 1010. A plurality of input devices may be provided, such as, for example, a mouse 1020 and a keyboard 1022. A plurality of output devices may also be provided, such as, for example, a video monitor 1024 and a printer (not shown). Because the computer system 1000 is intended to be interconnected with other computer systems in the CSE 100, a combined input / output device such as at least one network interface card or NIC 1026 is also provided.

[0165] The computer system 1000 may be a commercially available system, such as a desktop workstation unit provided by IBM, Dell Computers, Gateway, Apple, or other computer system vendors. The computer system 1000 may also be a networked computer system in which memory storage components such as a hard drive 1014, an additional CPU 1010, and output devices such as a printer are provided by physically separate computer systems that are typically connected in a network.

[0166] Those skilled in the art will understand and appreciate the physical makeup of the parts and interconnections of the parts that make up computer system 1000 and select one or more of the computer systems suitable for incorporation into the formation and operation of CSE 100 .

[0167] When the computer system 1000 is activated, the operating system 1028 is preferably loaded into the main memory 1012 as part of the boot sequence and prepares the computer system 1000 for operation. At the simplest level, in the most general sense, the tasks of the operating system fall into specific categories such as process management, device management (including application and user interface management), and memory management. The form of the computer readable medium 1030 and the language of the program 1032 are understood to be suitable for use with the computer system 1000 and to function in conjunction with the computer system 1000.

[0168] Furthermore, variations of the computer system 1000 may be adapted to provide the physical elements of one or more of the components comprising each of the first devices 110, the dosing device 104 (more specifically, the control base 106), the drug delivery system 120, the database 118, switches, routers, and other components that may be required and suitable for use in the methods and systems for determining an appropriate dosage of product as described above.

[0169] The above methods, systems, and structures may be modified without departing from their scope. It should be noted that the contents contained in the above description and / or shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as illustrative and not restrictive. In fact, many other embodiments are feasible and possible, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The appended claims are not limited to or by the embodiments discussed herein, but are limited only by their terms and the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims

1. A multimodal product delivery system, characterized in that A control base connected to one of a plurality of cartridges, at least two of the cartridges having different delivery modes, the control base comprising: A housing at least partially enclosing: a cartridge receiver constructed and arranged to temporarily engage one of the plurality of different cartridges; a cartridge reader constructed and arranged to read identification information from the cartridge; a wireless transceiver constructed and arranged to wirelessly combine with at least one remote computing device; a power source constructed and arranged to provide power to a cartridge received by the cartridge receptacle; at least one lock deactivator constructed and arranged to disengage at least one locking mechanism of a cartridge received by the cartridge receptacle, the lock deactivator being independent of electrical power supplied to the cartridge; and A controller constructed and arranged to: receiving cartridge information from the cartridge reader; detecting drug administration events; and communicating the cartridge information and each detected drug administration event to the at least one remote computing device via the wireless transceiver; wherein each of the plurality of cartridges is characterized by: A housing at least partially enclosing: Storage container for the product; a dispenser constructed and arranged to dispense a predetermined amount of product; a counting trigger constructed and arranged to indicate each instance of dispensing of said product; at least one data chip constructed and arranged to store data regarding the cartridge; a unique identifier associated with the cartridge and the product, the unique identifier being constructed and arranged to be determined by the control base; and at least one locking mechanism constructed and arranged to lock the dispenser, the at least one locking mechanism being disengaged by the control base when the cartridge is temporarily engaged thereto, the locking mechanism being independent of an electrical switch that enables or disables power from the control base; wherein each of the plurality of cartridges has a delivery method for a product selected from the group consisting of a vapor, a spray, a gel, an ointment, a tablet, a strip, and an injection.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the controller is further constructed and arranged to control the at least one lock deactivator, the at least one lock deactivator being activated based at least on information determined from the cartridge.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the at least one lock deactivator is activated based on information received from a remote computing system.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the cartridge is selected from the group consisting of: an inhalation cartridge, a spray cartridge, a strip delivery cartridge, a gel cartridge, a tablet cartridge, and an injection cartridge.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the dispenser of the cartridge further comprises a cycloidal gear assembly to actuate a plunger against a reservoir of the product to extrude a metered dose of the product.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the cartridge further comprises a vaporization chamber constructed and arranged to receive a metered dose of product from the reservoir, the reservoir being thermally isolated from the vaporization chamber.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the vaporization chamber is a circumferential cavity having a centrally elevated conical structure.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the first locking device is constructed and arranged as a cartridge lock, and the second locking device is constructed and arranged as a dose lock.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the second locking device is controlled independently of the first locking device.

10. The system of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the remote computing devices provides a database, the database further comprising: user data for each user known to the database; control base data for each control base associated with at least one user known to the database; product data associated with one or more unique identifiers known to the database, the unique identifiers further associated with one or more cartridges; The database allows user data to be associated with control base data and product data to allow each user to track each product and each cartridge provided; The database further provides at least one operation for adding new user and / or product data to the database.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the database further provides operational settings for controlling the dispenser in response to the unique identifier associated with the cartridge identified by the control base.

12. A multimodal product delivery system, characterized in that A control base connected to one of a plurality of cartridges, at least two of the cartridges having different delivery modes, the control base comprising: A portable housing at least partially enclosing: a cartridge receiver constructed and arranged to temporarily engage one of a plurality of different cartridges, at least two of the cartridges constructed and arranged for different modes of delivery for the products contained therein; a cartridge reader constructed and arranged to read identification information from the cartridge; a wireless transceiver constructed and arranged to wirelessly combine with at least one remote computing device; a power source constructed and arranged to provide power to a cartridge received by the cartridge receptacle; at least one lock deactivator constructed and arranged to disengage at least one locking mechanism of the cartridge received by the cartridge receptacle, the lock deactivator being independent of electrical power supplied to the cartridge; A controller constructed and arranged to: receiving cartridge information from the cartridge reader; detecting drug administration events; and communicating cartridge information and each detected drug administration event to the at least one remote computing device via the wireless transceiver; wherein each of the plurality of cartridges has a delivery method for a product selected from the group consisting of a vapor, a spray, a gel, an ointment, a tablet, a strip, and an injection.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein each of the plurality of cartridges is characterized by: A housing at least partially enclosing: a reservoir for said product; a dispenser constructed and arranged to dispense a predetermined amount of product; a counting trigger constructed and arranged to indicate each instance of dispensing of said product; at least one data chip constructed and arranged to store data regarding the cartridge; a unique identifier associated with the cartridge and the product, the unique identifier being constructed and arranged to be determined by the control base; and At least one locking mechanism constructed and arranged to lock the dispenser, the at least one locking mechanism being disengaged by the control base when the cartridge is temporarily engaged thereto, the locking mechanism being independent of an electrical switch that enables or disables power from the control base.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the controller is further constructed and arranged to control the at least one lock deactivator, the at least one lock deactivator being activated based at least on information determined from the cartridge.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the at least one lock deactivator is activated based on information received from a remote computing system.

16. The system of claim 12, wherein the cartridge is selected from the group consisting of: an inhalation cartridge, a spray cartridge, a strip delivery cartridge, a gel cartridge, a tablet cartridge, and an injection cartridge.

17. The system of claim 13, wherein the dispenser of the cartridge further comprises a cycloidal gear assembly to actuate a plunger against a reservoir of the product to extrude a metered dose of the product.

18. The system of claim 13, wherein the cartridge further comprises a vaporization chamber constructed and arranged to receive a metered dose of product from the reservoir, the reservoir being thermally isolated from the vaporization chamber.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the vaporization chamber is a circumferential cavity having a centrally elevated conical structure.

20. The system of claim 12, wherein at least one of the remote computing devices provides a database, the database further comprising: user data for each user known to the database; control base data for each control base associated with at least one user known to the database; product data associated with one or more unique identifiers known to the database, the unique identifiers further associated with one or more cartridges; The database allows user data to be associated with control base data and product data to allow each user to track each product and each cartridge provided; The database further provides at least one operation for adding new user and / or product data to the database.

21. The system of claim 20, wherein the database further provides operational settings for controlling the dispenser in response to the unique identifier associated with the cartridge identified by the control base.

22. A multimodal product delivery system, characterized in that A control base connected to one of a plurality of cartridges, at least two of the cartridges having different delivery modes, comprising: The control base is characterized by: A portable housing at least partially enclosing: a cartridge receiver constructed and arranged to temporarily engage one of a plurality of different cartridges, at least two of the cartridges constructed and arranged for different modes of delivery for a product contained therein, the mode of delivery for the product selected from the group consisting of vapor, spray, gel, ointment, tablet, strip, and injection; a cartridge reader constructed and arranged to read identification information from the cartridge; a wireless transceiver constructed and arranged to wirelessly combine with at least one remote computing device; a power source constructed and arranged to provide power to a cartridge received by the cartridge receptacle; at least one lock deactivator constructed and arranged to disengage at least one locking mechanism of the cartridge received by the cartridge receptacle, the lock deactivator being independent of electrical power supplied to the cartridge; A controller constructed and arranged to: receiving cartridge information from the cartridge reader; detecting drug administration events; and communicating the cartridge information and each detected drug administration event to the at least one remote computing device via the wireless transceiver; at least one database provided by at least one of the remote computing devices, the database further comprising: user data for each user known to the database; control base data for each control base associated with at least one user known to the database; product data associated with one or more unique identifiers known to the database, the unique identifiers further associated with one or more cartridges, the database allowing the user data to be associated with the control base data and the product data to allow each user to track each product and the product provided by each cartridge; The database further provides at least one operation for adding new user and / or product data to the database.

23. The system of claim 22, wherein each of the plurality of cartridges is characterized by: A housing at least partially enclosing: a reservoir for said product; a dispenser constructed and arranged to dispense a predetermined amount of product; a counting trigger constructed and arranged to indicate each instance of dispensing of said product; at least one data chip constructed and arranged to store data regarding the cartridge; a unique identifier associated with the cartridge and the product, the unique identifier being constructed and arranged to be determined by the control base; At least one locking mechanism constructed and arranged to lock the dispenser, the at least one locking mechanism being disengaged by the control base when the cartridge is temporarily engaged thereto, the locking mechanism being independent of an electrical switch that enables or disables power from the control base.

24. The system of claim 23, wherein the controller is further constructed and arranged to control the at least one lock deactivator, the at least one lock deactivator being activated based at least on information determined from the cartridge.

25. The system of claim 24, wherein the at least one lock deactivator is activated based on information received from a remote computing system.

26. The system of claim 22, wherein the cartridge is selected from the group consisting of: an inhalation cartridge, a spray cartridge, a strip delivery cartridge, a gel cartridge, a tablet cartridge, and an injection cartridge.

27. A method for a multimodal product delivery system characterized by a control base connected to one of a plurality of cartridges, at least two of which have different delivery modes, the method comprising: A control base is provided, characterized in that: A housing that encloses at least: a cartridge receiver constructed and arranged to temporarily engage one of the plurality of different cartridges, at least two cartridges having different delivery modes for a product selected from the group consisting of vapor, spray, gel, ointment, tablet, strip, and injection; a cartridge reader constructed and arranged to read identification information from the cartridge; a wireless transceiver constructed and arranged to wirelessly communicate with at least one remote computing device; a power source constructed and arranged to provide power to a cartridge received by the cartridge receptacle; at least one lock deactivator constructed and arranged to disengage at least one locking mechanism of a cartridge received by the cartridge receptacle, the lock deactivator being independent of electrical power supplied to the cartridge; A controller constructed and arranged to: receiving cartridge information from the cartridge reader; detecting drug administration events; and communicating the cartridge information and each detected drug administration event to the at least one remote computing device via the wireless transceiver; A selected cartridge is received by the control base, the cartridge having: A housing at least partially enclosing: Storage container for the product; a dispenser constructed and arranged to dispense a predetermined amount of product via a predetermined delivery method; a counting trigger constructed and arranged to indicate each instance of dispensing of said product; at least one data chip constructed and arranged to store data regarding the cartridge; a unique identifier associated with the cartridge and the product, the unique identifier being constructed and arranged to be determined by the control base; and at least one locking mechanism constructed and arranged to lock the dispenser, the at least one locking mechanism being disengaged by the control base when the cartridge is temporarily engaged thereto, the locking mechanism being independent of an electrical switch that enables or disables power from the control base; determining the unique identifier associated with the cartridge; sending the unique identifier to the remote computing device, the remote computing device querying a data record to identify the cartridge and the product contained in the reservoir; sending at least one operational setting to the controller to activate the lock deactivator; and Confirmation that the dose of product has been administered is sent to the remote computing device.

28. The method of claim 27, further comprising sending operating settings to the controller for controlling the dispenser.

29. The method of claim 27, wherein the cartridge is selected from the group consisting of an inhalation cartridge, a spray cartridge, a strip delivery cartridge, a gel cartridge, a tablet cartridge, and an injection cartridge.

30. The method of claim 27, wherein the first locking means is constructed and arranged as a cartridge lock and the second locking means is constructed and arranged as a dose lock.

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