Medication dispensing cabinet with emergency override

Abstract

The present invention relates to a dispensing cabinet with emergency override. The dispensing cabinet can include a safety plate and a plunger, the plunger having a disengaged position and an engaged position. The plunger can be secured in the disengaged position by the safety plate. The safety plate can be overridden to transition the plunger from the disengaged position to the engaged position. The dispensing cabinet can further include a lever configured to interface with the plunger and one or more latch assemblies. The lever can be displaced upward in response to the plunger transitioning from the disengaged position to the engaged position. The upward movement of the lever can override the one or more latch assemblies by rotating a cam bracket included in each of the one or more latch assemblies to a limit. The dispensing cabinet can be unlocked by overriding the one or more latch assemblies.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 183,599, filed May 3, 2021, entitled “DISPENSING CABINET WITH EMERGENCY RELEASE,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The subject described in this article generally relates to a medication management device, and more specifically to a medication dispensing cabinet with emergency release features. Background Technology

[0004] Transfer can refer to the transfer of controlled and / or high-value substances to a third party without legal authorization to receive, possess, and / or consume the substance for personal use or benefit. High-value and / or controlled prescription drugs, especially opioids, can be particularly vulnerable to transfer. For example, prescription analgesics may be transferred when clinicians retain them for unauthorized personal use instead of prescribing them to patients, or when they discard them. Accordingly, detecting, investigating, and preventing transfers, as well as other aberrations (e.g., medical errors, risky behavior, and non-compliance with protocols), may require controlling access to high-value and / or controlled substances. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Systems, methods, and articles are provided for medication cabinets with emergency release features. Various high-value and / or controlled substances, such as prescription analgesics, can be stored in the medication cabinet, which is configured to provide controlled access to these substances. For example, the medication cabinet can utilize an electromechanical lock to ensure security, preventing clinicians from accessing the cabinet without verifying their identity and generating electronic records documenting the interactions. Controlling access to high-value and / or controlled substances in this way enables the detection, investigation, and prevention of various anomalous behaviors (including, for example, transfers, medical errors, dangerous behavior, protocol non-compliance, etc.). Furthermore, exceptional events such as power outages, software errors, and mechanical failures may render the electromechanical lock inoperable. In the absence of an alternative mechanism for accessing the medication cabinet, clinicians may be unable to retrieve life-saving medications stored in the cabinet. Accordingly, in some exemplary embodiments, the medication cabinet may include an emergency access feature configured to provide alternative access to the cabinet when access via the electromechanical lock is unavailable.

[0006] In some exemplary embodiments, the emergency access feature may include a plunger having a disengaged position and an engaged position. In the disengaged position, the plunger is secured by a safety plate accessible from the bottom of the medication cabinet (e.g., from below the door of the medication cabinet). The safety plate may be configured to prevent the plunger from moving to the engaged position without needing to release the safety plate. Furthermore, the safety plate may include one or more locks (e.g., padlocks, tubular locks, etc.) configured to hold the safety plate in a locked position, in which the safety plate secures the plunger in the disengaged position. The safety plate can be released by unlocking one or more locks. Releasing the safety plate allows the plunger to move from the disengaged position to an engaged position where the plunger engages with an emergency release lever. For example, in the engaged position, the plunger may cause the emergency release lever to move upward (or in a different direction) to release one or more latches securing the medication cabinet door. Releasing one or more latches in this way can thus provide access to the contents of the medicine cabinet, for example, when the electromechanical locks that secure the medicine cabinet are inoperable.

[0007] In one aspect, a medication cabinet with an emergency release feature is provided. The medication cabinet may include: a safety plate, a plunger, and a first rod, the plunger having a disengaged position and an engaged position, the plunger being secured in the disengaged position by the safety plate, wherein the safety plate is released to move the plunger from the disengaged position to the engaged position; the first rod is configured to engage with the plunger and a first latch assembly, the first rod being configured to move upward in response to the plunger moving from the disengaged position to the engaged position, and the upward movement of the first rod releases the first latch assembly to unlock the medication cabinet.

[0008] In some variations, one or more features disclosed herein (including the following features) may optionally be included in any feasible combination. The first latching assembly may include a cam support. Upward movement of the first lever can release the first latching assembly by rotating the cam support to its limit at least.

[0009] In some variations, the first latch assembly may further include a second lever configured to prevent the cam support from rotating beyond its limits.

[0010] In some variations, the dispensing cabinet may further include a spring connecting the first rod and the cam support. The cam support may be at least partially arranged within a slot in the first rod. As the first rod moves upward by shifting to the engaged position via a plunger, the cam support can rotate due to the tension of the spring on the cam support.

[0011] In some variations, the dispensing cabinet may further include a bracket fixed to a side panel of the dispensing cabinet. The bracket may include a first finger and a second finger, the first finger being configured to support the plunger in a disengaged position and the second finger being configured to support the plunger in an engaged position.

[0012] In some variations, with the plunger in the disengaged position, the cam support can be rotated to its limit by moving the support at least upwards to unlock the dispensing cabinet.

[0013] In some variations, the safety plate can be released by unlocking at least one or more locks that hold the safety plate in the locked position.

[0014] In some variations, one or more locks may include padlocks. The medicine cabinet may include hooks configured to engage with the hook holder of a padlock.

[0015] In some variations, one or more locks may include tubular locks in a safety panel. The tubular locks may include cams configured to engage slots in a sheet assembly in a dispensing cabinet.

[0016] In some variations, the security panel may include anti-pry devices to prevent unauthorized access to one or more locks.

[0017] In some variations, the anti-pry device may include one or more pieces of material that form at least a portion of the housing surrounding one or more locks.

[0018] In some variations, the dispensing cabinet may further include a skirt panel that covers at least a portion of the safety panel.

[0019] In some variations, the plunger may be visible through a cut in the safety plate.

[0020] In some variations, the first lever can be configured to engage with the second latch assembly. Upward movement of the first lever can further release the second latch assembly to unlock the dispensing cabinet.

[0021] In some variations, the release of the first latch assembly can unlock one or more doors that make up the medicine cabinet.

[0022] In some variations, the first rod and the first latch assembly can be arranged within the U-shaped channel to form a U-shaped channel assembly.

[0023] In some variations, the U-shaped channel assembly and plunger can be arranged on one side of the dispensing cabinet. The hinges of one or more doors of the dispensing cabinet can be arranged on opposite sides of the dispensing cabinet.

[0024] In some variations, the dispensing cabinet may further include an access detection feature configured to generate a signal in response to an upward movement of a first lever.

[0025] In some variations, the access detection feature may include an electromechanical switch configured to shift between an open and closed position in response to an upward movement of a first lever.

[0026] In some variations, the access detection feature may include an optical sensor configured to detect upward movement of the first rod.

[0027] Details of one or more variations of the subject matter described herein are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Other features and advantages of the subject matter described herein will be apparent from the specification, drawings, and claims. While certain characteristics of the subject matter currently disclosed are intended to illustrate purposes relating to providing emergency access to medication cabinets, it should be readily understood that these characteristics are not intended to be limiting. The appended claims are intended to define the scope of the protected subject matter. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate some aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein, and together with the specification, help explain some principles related to the disclosed implementations. In the drawings,

[0029] Figure 1A A perspective view depicts an example of a medicine cabinet according to some exemplary embodiments;

[0030] Figure 1B A perspective view depicts another example of a medicine cabinet according to some exemplary embodiments;

[0031] Figure 1C A floor plan of an example medicine cabinet according to some exemplary embodiments is depicted;

[0032] Figure 1D Another floor plan depicts an example of a medicine cabinet according to some exemplary embodiments;

[0033] Figure 1E A close-up view of the bottom of an example of a medicine cabinet according to some exemplary embodiments is depicted;

[0034] Figure 2A A close-up view depicts an example of a plunger being secured in a disengaged position by a safety plate in a dispensing cabinet according to some exemplary embodiments;

[0035] Figure 2BAnother close-up view depicting an example of a plunger being secured in a disengaged position by a safety plate in a dispensing cabinet according to some exemplary embodiments;

[0036] Figure 2C Another close-up view depicting an example of a plunger being secured in a disengaged position by a safety plate in a dispensing cabinet according to some exemplary embodiments;

[0037] Figure 3A A close-up view depicts an example of a safety panel being removed from a medication cabinet according to some exemplary embodiments;

[0038] Figure 3B A close-up view depicts an example of a safety panel being removed from a medication cabinet according to some exemplary embodiments;

[0039] Figure 3C A close-up view depicts an example of a safety panel being removed from a medication cabinet according to some exemplary embodiments;

[0040] Figure 3D A close-up view depicts an example of a safety panel being removed from a medication cabinet according to some exemplary embodiments;

[0041] Figure 3E A perspective view of an example of a safety panel according to some exemplary embodiments is depicted;

[0042] Figure 4A A close-up view of an example of a plunger in the disengaged position according to some exemplary embodiments is depicted;

[0043] Figure 4B A close-up view depicts an example of a plunger moving from a disengaged position to an engaged position according to some exemplary embodiments;

[0044] Figure 4C An exploded view depicts an example of a mechanical interface between a plunger and a U-shaped channel assembly according to some exemplary embodiments;

[0045] Figure 5A An exploded view of a portion of an example of a U-shaped channel component according to some exemplary embodiments is depicted;

[0046] Figure 5B A plan view of an example U-shaped channel component according to some exemplary embodiments is depicted;

[0047] Figure 5C A cross-sectional perspective view depicts an example of a fastener for securing an emergency release rod in a U-shaped channel assembly according to some exemplary embodiments;

[0048] Figure 5DA cross-sectional perspective view depicts an example of a fastener for securing a cam support in a latch assembly according to some exemplary embodiments;

[0049] Figure 6A A close-up view depicts an example of a latch assembly being released according to some exemplary embodiments to provide emergency access to a medicine cabinet;

[0050] Figure 6B Another close-up view depicting an example of a latch assembly being released according to some exemplary embodiments to provide emergency access to a medication cabinet;

[0051] Figure 6C Another close-up view depicting an example of a latch assembly being released according to some exemplary embodiments to provide emergency access to a medication cabinet;

[0052] Figure 7A A close-up view depicts an example of a plunger undergoing an unconventional emergency access process according to some exemplary embodiments;

[0053] Figure 7B Another close-up view depicting an example of a plunger undergoing an unconventional emergency access process according to some exemplary embodiments;

[0054] Figure 7C A close-up view depicting a latch assembly being released in an example of an unconventional emergency access procedure according to some exemplary embodiments is shown;

[0055] Figure 8A A plan view of an example U-shaped channel component according to some exemplary embodiments is depicted;

[0056] Figure 8B Another plan view depicting an example of a U-shaped channel component according to some exemplary embodiments;

[0057] Figure 8C An exploded view of an example of a U-shaped channel component according to some exemplary embodiments is depicted;

[0058] Figure 8D An exploded view of an example of a U-shaped channel assembly with a left-side hinge construction according to some exemplary embodiments is depicted.

[0059] Figure 8E An exploded view of an example of a U-shaped channel assembly with a right-side hinge construction according to some exemplary embodiments is depicted.

[0060] Figure 9A A plan view of an example U-shaped channel component depicting access detection features according to some exemplary embodiments;

[0061] Figure 9BA perspective view of an example U-shaped channel component with access detection features according to some exemplary embodiments is depicted;

[0062] Figure 10 A flowchart illustrating an example of a process for accessing a medicine cabinet with emergency release features, according to some exemplary embodiments, is provided.

[0063] In fact, similar reference numerals indicate similar structures, features, or elements. Detailed Implementation

[0064] Abnormal behavior (e.g., transfer, medical errors, risky conduct, and protocol non-compliance) can occur at any point in the drug's lifecycle, including, for example, the transportation, receipt, storage, dispensing, administration, and / or disposal of the drug. Prescription analgesics may be particularly vulnerable to transfer due to a lack of adequate custodial oversight during, for example, the transportation, receipt, storage, dispensing, administration, and / or disposal of prescription analgesics. Detection, investigation, and prevention of abnormal behavior may therefore require providing controlled access to prescription analgesics so that interactions with them can be subject to various security measures, such as authentication and credentials. For example, prescription analgesics may be stored in a dispensing cabinet that is inaccessible to the clinician without verifying their identity and generating electronic records to document the interactions.

[0065] Traditional medication cabinets rely on electromechanical locks for security, but lack any alternative mechanism for accessing the cabinet. Therefore, when the electromechanical lock becomes inoperable due to exceptional events (e.g., power outages, software errors, mechanical failures, etc.), the cabinet's contents (potentially vital life-saving medications) may become inaccessible. Accordingly, in some exemplary embodiments, the medication cabinet may include an emergency access feature configured to provide alternative access to the cabinet when it is inaccessible via the electromechanical lock. The emergency access feature may include a plunger secured in a disengaged position by a safety plate. The safety plate may be held in a locked position by one or more locks, including, for example, padlocks, tubular locks, etc. To move the plunger from the disengaged position to the engaged position, the safety plate may be released by unlocking one or more locks. In the engaged position, the plunger may engage with an emergency release lever, including by moving the emergency release lever upwards (or in different directions). This can release one or more latches that secure the medicine cabinet door to provide access to the cabinet's contents, for example, when the electromechanical locks securing the medicine cabinet are inoperable.

[0066] In some exemplary embodiments, activation of an emergency access feature can trigger a sensor (or other switch) configured to signal a processor included in the medication cabinet to indicate the involvement of the emergency access feature. The processor can respond to the involvement of the emergency access feature by generating a log, the contents of which may include, for example, time, date, and / or other information, to facilitate review of the medication cabinet and its contents. In some implementations, the processor may include a visual indicator on a graphical user interface to indicate that the medication cabinet has been accessed using an emergency access feature. The visual indicator may be a light or visible element on the graphical user interface. In some implementations, the processor can adjust the dispensing workflow at the medication cabinet after detecting the involvement of an emergency access feature. For example, the processor may prohibit any additional dispensing from the medication cabinet until a reset code or authorization for dispensing is received. In another example, the processor may require the user to provide a count of items in one or more storage locations within the medication cabinet before allowing further access to the medication cabinet. Once the count is received, subsequent requests for items in the counted locations can be omitted. In this way, the inventory of the medication cabinet after a potential emergency access can be confirmed and documented.

[0067] Figures 1A to 1D An example of a dispensing cabinet 100 according to some exemplary embodiments is depicted. Figure 1E A close-up view of the bottom of an example of a medicine cabinet 100 is shown. (Reference) Figures 1A to 1E The medication cabinet 100 may include one or more doors, including, for example, a first door 104a, a second door 104b, etc. The contents of the medication cabinet 100 can be accessed, for example, by opening and closing the first door 104a and / or the second door 104b. Figures 1A to 1E As shown, the first door 104a and the second door 104b can be opened and closed by at least partially pivoting (or rotating) about a hinge 102, which can be arranged on either side of the dispensing cabinet 100. Figure 1A and Figures 1C to 1D In the example of the dispensing cabinet shown, hinge 102 can be arranged on the left side of the dispensing cabinet 100. Alternatively, hinge 102 can also be arranged on the right side of the dispensing cabinet 100, such as... Figure 1B and Figure 1E As shown.

[0068] To prevent unauthorized and / or unauthorized access to the contents of the medication cabinet 100, electromechanical locks can be used to secure the first door 104a and the second door 104b. For example, the electromechanical locks can remain locked to prevent the first door 104a and the second door 104b from being opened without the authentication of a clinician accessing the medication cabinet 100 and the generation of an electronic record of the interaction. However, the electromechanical locks may become inoperable due to one or more exceptional events (e.g., power outage, software error, mechanical failure, etc.). Accordingly, in some exemplary embodiments, the medication cabinet 100 may include an emergency release feature to provide an alternative mechanism for accessing the medication cabinet 100, for example, when access to the medication cabinet 100 is not possible via the electromechanical locks.

[0069] In some exemplary embodiments, the emergency release feature may include a plunger 116 having a disengaged position and an engaged position. In the engaged position, the plunger 116 may engage with a rod 130 included in a U-shaped passage assembly 106 disposed on the side of the dispensing cabinet 100 opposite to the hinge 102. For example, in the engaged position, the plunger 116 may displace the rod 130 upward (or in a different direction) to release one or more latch assemblies 134 included in the U-shaped passage assembly 106. Doing so may unlock the first door 104a and / or the second door 104b to provide access to the dispensing cabinet 100. Conversely, when the plunger 116 is in the disengaged position, the first door 104a and the second door 104b may remain locked. To prevent accidental and / or unauthorized engagement of the plunger 116, the emergency release feature of the dispensing cabinet 100 may further include a safety plate 110 configured to hold the plunger 116 in the disengaged position.

[0070] Refer again Figures 1A to 1E The dispensing cabinet 100 may include a skirt 108, which can be removed to expose a safety panel 110. Figures 1A to 1E In the example of the dispensing cabinet 100 shown, the safety plate 110 can be held in a locked position by one or more locks, including, for example, a padlock 104, a first tubular lock 112a, a second tubular lock 112b, etc. When the safety plate 110 is in the locked position, the plunger 116 can be seen through the cut 117 in the safety plate 110. However, the safety plate 110 in the locked position prevents the plunger 116 from moving from the disengaged position to the engaged position. Before the plunger 116 can move from the disengaged position to the engaged position where the plunger 116 can abut with the lever 130, the safety plate 110 can be released from the locked position and, in some cases, removed from the dispensing cabinet 100 to unlock the first door 104a and / or the second door 104b.

[0071] Figures 2A to 2CVarious close-up views depict the plunger 116 being secured in the disengaged position by the safety plate 110. For example... Figures 2A to 2C As shown, in the locked position, the safety plate 110 can be secured to the medicine cabinet 100 by one or more locks, including, for example, a padlock 104, a first tubular lock 112a, a second tubular lock 112b, etc. For example, the safety plate 110 can be held in the locked position by the first tubular lock 112a and the second tubular lock 112b, each having a tubular lock cam 113 configured to engage with a corresponding slot 121 in the sheet assembly 122 in the medicine cabinet 100. Alternatively and / or additionally, the safety plate 110 can be held in the locked position by a padlock 104, the hook holder (or handle) of which engages with a hook 115 in the medicine cabinet 100.

[0072] Figures 3A to 3D Various close-up views are depicted showing the safety panel 110 being removed from the dispensing cabinet 100 to expose the plunger 116 according to some exemplary embodiments. For example... Figure 3C As shown, the safety panel 110 may include one or more hooks 119 configured to engage with one or more corresponding slot features 123 of the side panel 126 of the medication cabinet 100. Therefore, releasing the safety panel 110 may include unlocking the padlock 104, the first tubular lock 112a, and the second tubular lock 112b. Furthermore, once the padlock 104, the first tubular lock 112a, and the second tubular lock 112b are unlocked, the safety panel 110 can be released and removed from the medication cabinet 100 by unhooking at least one or more hooks 119 from one or more corresponding slot features 123. This can be accomplished by rotating the unlocked safety panel 110 outwards and downwards before pulling it forwards and upwards. However, it should be understood that in some exemplary embodiments, the safety panel 110 may be released without needing to be removed from the medication cabinet 100. For example, the safety plate 110 can rotate (or pivot) about the hinge, and thus remain attached to the dispensing cabinet 100 when the safety plate 110 is rotated downward to expose the plunger 116.

[0073] Figure 3E A perspective view of the back of a safety panel 110 according to some exemplary embodiments is depicted. For example... Figure 2C and Figure 3E As shown, the security panel 110 may include one or more anti-pry devices 118 configured to deter attempts to pry open the first tubular lock 112a and the second tubular lock 122b. For example, as Figure 2CAs shown, the anti-pry device 118 may include one or more pieces of material forming at least a portion of a housing surrounding each of the first tubular lock 122a and the second tubular lock 122b. When the safety plate 110 is in the locked position, the housing formed by the anti-pry device 118 can prevent unauthorized access to the first tubular lock 122a and / or the second tubular lock 122b, including, for example, attempts to remove the tubular lock nut from the first tubular lock 122a and / or the second tubular lock 122b by inserting a wrench (or other tool) behind the safety plate 110.

[0074] In some exemplary embodiments, releasing the safety plate 110 can expose the plunger 116, allowing the plunger 116 to move from a disengaged position to an engaged position. For example... Figures 4A to 4B As shown, plunger 116 can mate with bracket 124, which is attached to the side panel 126 of the dispensing cabinet 100 by one or more fasteners, including, for example, fastener 125, fastener assembly 135, etc. Bracket 124 may include one or more fingers (or other protrusions) configured to support plunger 116 in a disengaged position and an engaged position. For example, in... Figures 4A to 4B In the example shown, the support 124 may include a first finger 121a and a second finger 121b, the first finger 121a being configured to support the plunger 116 in a disengaged position, and the second finger 121b being configured to support the plunger 116 in an engaged position. Furthermore, in... Figures 4A to 4B In the example shown, one or more slot features 123 of one or more hooks 119 of the engagement safety plate 110 may be part of the bracket 124.

[0075] Refer again Figures 4A to 4B When the plunger 116 moves from the disengaged position to the engaged position, releasing (and / or removing) the safety plate 110 provides sufficient space to accommodate the plunger 116. Figure 4B An example of this transfer is depicted, wherein the plunger 116, abutting against the first finger 121a of the support 124, rotates laterally in the disengaged position to obtain the clearance required to shift upward to the engaged position before rotating in the opposite direction, thereby remaining in the engaged position when abutting against the second finger 121b of the support 124. Figure 4CAs shown, the plunger 116 in the engaged position can engage with the rod 130, which is at least partially arranged within the U-shaped channel 132 to form the U-shaped channel assembly 106. A cutout 131 in the U-shaped channel 132 allows the U-shaped channel assembly 106 to be installed and removed without removing the plunger 116 and the bracket 124. It should be noted that the plunger 116 can engage with the rod 130 by displacing it upwards (or in a different direction) to unlock the first door 104a and / or the second door 104b of the dispensing cabinet 100 by releasing one or more latch assemblies 134 included in the U-shaped channel assembly 106.

[0076] Figures 5A to 5B and Figures 6A to 6C Various schematic diagrams depict examples of a U-shaped channel assembly 106 according to some exemplary embodiments. For example... Figures 5A to 5B As shown, the U-shaped passage assembly 106 may include a lever 130, which can engage with a first latch assembly 134a and a second latch assembly 134b to unlock the first door 104a and / or the second door 104b and provide access to the dispensing cabinet 100. Figures 5A to 5B and Figures 6A to 6C In the example shown, the rod 130 may include one or more slots, such as a first slot 133a, a second slot 133b, and a third slot 133c. The rod 130 may be secured to the U-shaped channel 132 by one or more corresponding fastener assemblies 135. The fastener assemblies 135 may be configured to provide at least a degree of mobility to the rod 130, for example, by allowing the rod 130 to move upward (or in different directions) along the length of the first slot 133a, the second slot 133b, and the third slot 133c.

[0077] exist Figures 5C to 5D An example of fastener assembly 135 is shown. Figures 5C to 5D In the example shown, fastener assembly 135 may include a support 501, a washer 503, and a fastener 505. In some exemplary embodiments, the support 501 may be a double-threaded fastener configured to provide space allowing the rod 130 to move upward (or in different directions). Figure 5DAs shown, the same fastener assembly 135 can also be used to secure the cam support 136 included in the first latch assembly 134a and / or the second latch assembly 134b. For example, the support 501 can provide space that allows the cam support 136 to rotate (or pivot). The first latch assembly 134a and the second latch assembly 134b can be released by rotating (or pivoting) the cam support 136 in each of the first latch assembly 134a and the second latch assembly 134b to unlock the first door 104a and / or the second door 104b.

[0078] To further illustrate, Figures 6A to 6C Various close-up views depict an example of a latch assembly 134 being released to provide emergency access to the medicine cabinet 100. Figure 6A In the locked position, the latch assembly 134 holds the cam support 136 within a slot 137 in the rod 130 and in contact with the top of the slot 137, under tension from the spring 141 that connects the cam support 136 to the rod 130. For example, an eyelet at one end of the spring 141 may be attached to one or more fingers of the rod 130, while an eyelet at the opposite end of the spring 141 may be attached to one or more fingers of the cam support 136. Figure 6B As shown, the upward movement of rod 130, actuated by the upward displacement of plunger 116, causes rod 139 to rotate. Rotation of rod 139 allows cam support 136 to remain in contact with the top of slot 137 in rod 130. Figure 6C As shown, the lever 130 can continue to move upwards until the lever 139 reaches its limit within the latch assembly 134, maintaining contact between the cam support 136 and the top of the slot 137 in the lever 130. The cam support 136 may not be able to rotate beyond the limit imposed by the lever 130. At that point, Figure 6C The diagram shows that the cam support 136 can stop its rotation and disengage from the top of the slot 137, thereby releasing the latch assembly 134 to unlock the first door 104a and / or the second door 104b. That is, once the cam support 136 has rotated to its limit imposed by the lever 139, the latch assembly 134 can be released. It should be understood that, to minimize tolerance issues, the lever 130 can be configured to continue its upward movement after the cam support 136 has stopped rotating. The lever 130 is configured to allow at least a certain degree of overtravel to ensure that both the first latch assembly 134a and the second latch assembly 134b can be successfully released by moving the plunger 116 from the disengaged position to the engaged position, even if there are differences in the various components of the U-shaped channel assembly 106.

[0079] In some exemplary embodiments, the emergency release feature of the medication cabinet 100 can be configured to support both routine and non-routine emergency access procedures. For routine emergency access procedures, the first door 104a and the second door 104b of the medication cabinet 100 can be unlocked by moving the plunger 116 from a disengaged position (e.g., abutting against the first finger 121a of the bracket 124) to an engaged position (e.g., abutting against the second finger 121b of the bracket 124). It should be noted that moving the plunger 116 from the disengaged position to the engaged position can cause the lever 130 in the U-shaped passage assembly 106 to move upward to release one or more latch assemblies 134 of the first door 104a and the second door 104b. Conversely, for non-routine emergency access procedures, additional operations can be performed to unlock the first door 104a and the second door 104b of the medication cabinet 100. Non-routine emergency access procedures can be deployed due to various exceptional circumstances, including certain hardware failures within the U-shaped passage assembly 106.

[0080] To further illustrate, Figures 7A to 7B A close-up view depicts an example of a plunger 116 undergoing an unconventional emergency access process according to some exemplary embodiments. Figure 7C The diagram illustrates the release of latch assembly 134 during such unconventional emergency access procedures. It should be understood that... Figures 7A to 7C The example of the unconventional emergency access procedure shown can be performed in response to a failure of the spring 141 that connects the cam support 136 to the lever 130. Under normal circumstances, as the lever 130 moves upward, the tension from the spring 141 allows the cam support 136 to rotate until the latch assembly 134 is released by the cam support 136 reaching its limit imposed by the lever 139. In the absence of tension in the spring 141, releasing the latch assembly 134 can cause the lever 130 to move further upward to allow full rotation of the cam support 136.

[0081] Refer again Figures 7A to 7B Additional upward displacement of the rod 130 can be achieved by further upward displacement of the plunger 116 in the engaged position. For example, Figure 7A A perspective view depicts the plunger 116 in an engaged position, where it abuts against the top of the second finger 121b of the bracket 124. Additional upward displacement of the lever 130 can be achieved by removing at least one of the fasteners 125 securing the bracket 124 to the side plate 126 of the dispensing cabinet 100. Doing so, while the plunger 116 continues to abut against the top of the second finger 121b of the bracket 124, allows the entire bracket 124 to be displaced upward, enabling the lever 130 to travel the additional distance required to rotate the cam bracket 136 to its rotational limit (e.g., imposed by the lever 139) and to release the latch assembly 134 in the absence of the functional spring 141.

[0082] Figures 8A to 8E Various schematic diagrams depict examples of a U-shaped channel assembly 106 according to some exemplary embodiments. In some exemplary embodiments, the U-shaped channel assembly 106 may have, for example... Figure 8D The left-side structure shown or as Figure 8E The right-hand structure is shown. Furthermore, as... Figures 8A to 8C As shown, the U-shaped channel assembly 106 may include an illumination bracket 138 and a light-emitting diode (LED) assembly 142. The illumination bracket 138 and the LED assembly 142 may be secured to the U-shaped channel 132. The illumination bracket 138 and the LED assembly 142 may house one or more LEDs (or other types of light sources) configured to provide a visual indicator of the status of the medication cabinet 100. For example, one or more LEDs may display different colors and / or patterns of light to indicate when the electromechanical lock of the medication cabinet 100 is operable and when alternative methods of access to the medication cabinet 100 may be required (e.g., in the event of a power outage, software error, mechanical failure, etc.).

[0083] In some exemplary embodiments, the U-shaped passage assembly 106 may include one or more access detection features 140 configured to detect when an emergency release mechanism intervenes to release the first latch assembly 134a and / or the second latch assembly 134b and gain access to the medication cabinet 100. Figure 8C and Figures 9A to 9B As shown, access detection feature 140 may be attached to U-shaped channel 132 and configured to dock with lever 130. For example, access detection feature 140 may be an electromechanical switch that moves between an open and closed position via movement of lever 130. By moving between the open and closed positions, access detection feature 140 may generate a signal when lever 130 presents a threshold height of upward movement (e.g., when plunger 116 moves from a disengaged position to an engaged position). Alternatively and / or additionally, access detection feature 140 may be an optical sensor configured to respond to movement of lever 130 by generating a corresponding signal. Access detection feature 140 may further include corresponding software configured to process and respond to signals generated by the electromechanical switch and / or optical sensor, for example by generating one or more alarms, electronic records, etc.

[0084] In some exemplary embodiments, a signal generated by one or more access detection features 140 (or another sensor or switch) when an emergency access feature is activated can be sent to a processor included in the medication cabinet 100 (or at a remote location) to indicate the involvement of the emergency access feature. The processor can respond to the involvement of the emergency access feature by generating a log to review the medication cabinet 100 and its contents; the log may include, for example, time, date, and / or other information. In some implementations, the processor can respond to the signal by triggering a visual indicator on a graphical user interface to indicate access to the medication cabinet 100 using the emergency access feature; the visual indicator may include, for example, a light-emitting diode (or other type of light source) and / or a light-emitting diode (LED) assembly 142 in a lighting bracket 138. In some implementations, the processor can adjust the dispensing workflow at the medication cabinet 100 after detecting the involvement of the emergency access feature. For example, the processor can prevent any additional dispensing from the medication cabinet 100 until a reset code or authorization for dispensing is received. In another example, the processor may request a count of items in one or more storage locations within the medication cabinet 100 before granting further access. Once the count is received, subsequent requests for items in the counted locations can be omitted. In this way, the inventory of the medication cabinet 100 can be confirmed and documented following a potential emergency access.

[0085] Figure 10 A flowchart illustrating an example of a process 1000 for accessing a medication cabinet with emergency release features, according to some exemplary embodiments, is provided. Refer to Figures 1 to... Figure 10 The procedure 1000 can be executed to access the medication cabinet 100, which may include emergency access features to provide an alternative means of accessing the medication cabinet 100 when the electromechanical locks that ensure the security of the medication cabinet 100 become inoperable due to exceptional events (e.g., power outage, software error, mechanical failure, etc.).

[0086] At 1002, the skirt of the dispensing cabinet can be removed to expose the safety plate that holds the plunger in the disengaged position. In some exemplary embodiments, to access the safety plate 110 in the dispensing cabinet 100, the skirt 108 can be removed to expose the safety plate 110. Although the plunger 116 may be visible through the cutout 107 in the safety plate 110, when in the locked position, the safety plate 100 can be configured to hold the plunger 116 in the disengaged position (e.g., against the top of the first finger 121a of the bracket 124).

[0087] At 1004, the safety plate can be released to expose the plunger, allowing the plunger to move from the disengaged position to the engaged position. In some exemplary embodiments, the safety plate 110 can be held in a locked position by one or more locks including, for example, a padlock 104, a first tubular lock 112a, a second tubular lock 112b, etc. The safety plate 110 can be released from the locked position and, in some cases, removed from the dispensing cabinet 100 before the plunger 116 can be moved from the disengaged position to the engaged position where the plunger 116 can abut with the lever 130, in order to unlock the first door 104a and / or the second door 104b. For example, the safety plate 110 can be released by unlocking at least each of the padlock 104, the first tubular lock 112a, and the second tubular lock 112b. Otherwise, with the safety plate 110 in place, there may not be enough space to manipulate the plunger 116 from the disengaged position to the engaged position.

[0088] At 1006, one or more doors of the medication cabinet can be unlocked by at least moving the plunger from the disengaged position to the engaged position. In some exemplary embodiments, once the safety plate 110 is disengaged and, in some cases, removed from the medication cabinet 100, the plunger 116 can be moved to the engaged position by laterally rotating it and displacing it upward against the top of the second finger 121b of the bracket 124. Doing so displaces the lever 130, which abuts the plunger 116, upward to disengage the first latch assembly 134a and the second latch assembly 134b. For example, upward movement of the lever 130 can cause the cam support 136 in each of the first latch assembly 134a and the second latch assembly 134b to rotate to the limit imposed by the lever 139. The first latch assembly 134a and the second latch assembly 134b can be disengaged by rotating the cam support 136 to its limit. It should be noted that releasing the first latch assembly 134a and the second latch assembly 134b can unlock the first door 104a and / or the second door 104b to provide access to the medicine cabinet 100.

[0089] At 1008, in response to one or more doors of the medication cabinet failing to unlock when the plunger is in the engaged position, the plunger is further displaced upwards by moving at least upwards the support holding the plunger to unlock one or more doors. In some exemplary embodiments, an unconventional emergency access procedure can be deployed when the cam support 136 of the first latch assembly 134a and / or the second latch assembly 134b cannot rotate sufficiently to unlock the first door 104a and / or the second door 104b of the medication cabinet 100. For example, in the absence of tension in the spring 141, additional upward displacement of the lever 130 may be required to achieve full rotation of the cam support 136. This additional upward displacement of the lever 130 can be achieved by further displacing the plunger 116 in the engaged position upwards. For example, by removing at least one of the fasteners 125 that secure the bracket 124 to the side plate 126 of the dispensing cabinet 100, the entire bracket 124 can be displaced upward when the plunger 116 is already in the engaged position against the top of the second finger 121b of the bracket 124, so that the rod 130 travels the additional distance required to rotate the cam bracket 136 to the limit imposed by the rod 139.

[0090] In view of the above-described implementation of the subject matter, this application discloses the following list of examples, wherein a single feature of an example or a combination of more than one feature of the examples, and optionally combined with one or more features of one or more further examples, are also further examples falling within the disclosure of this application:

[0091] Item 1: A dispensing cabinet, comprising: a safety plate; a plunger having a disengaged position and an engaged position, the plunger being secured in the disengaged position by the safety plate, wherein the safety plate is released to move the plunger from the disengaged position to the engaged position; and a first lever configured to engage with the plunger and a first latch assembly, the first lever being configured to move upward in response to the plunger moving from the disengaged position to the engaged position, and the upward movement of the first lever releasing the first latch assembly to unlock the dispensing cabinet.

[0092] Item 2: The dispensing cabinet according to Item 1, wherein the first latch assembly includes a cam support, and wherein upward movement of the first rod releases the first latch assembly by rotating the cam support to its limit at least.

[0093] Item 3: The dispensing cabinet according to Item 2, wherein the first latch assembly further includes a second rod configured to prevent the cam support from rotating beyond its limit.

[0094] Item 4: The dispensing cabinet according to any one of items 2 to 3 further includes a spring connecting the first rod and a cam support, the cam support being at least partially disposed in a slot in the first rod, and the cam support being rotated by the tension of the spring on the cam support when the first rod is moved upward by the plunger to the engagement position.

[0095] Item 5: The dispensing cabinet according to any one of items 2 to 4 further includes a support, the support being fixed to a side panel of the dispensing cabinet, the support including a first finger and a second finger, the first finger being configured to support a plunger in a disengaged position, and the second finger being configured to support a plunger in an engaged position.

[0096] Item 6: The dispensing cabinet according to Item 5, wherein, when the plunger is in the disengaged position, the cam support is rotated to its limit by moving the support upward at least to unlock the dispensing cabinet.

[0097] Item 7: A medicine cabinet according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein the safety panel is released by unlocking at least one or more locks that hold the safety panel in the locked position.

[0098] Item 8: The dispensing cabinet according to Item 7, wherein the one or more locks include padlocks, and wherein the dispensing cabinet includes a hook and loop configured to engage with the hook and loop holder of the padlock.

[0099] Item 9: A dispensing cabinet according to any one of items 7 to 8, wherein the one or more locks include a tubular lock in a safety plate, and wherein the tubular lock includes a cam configured to engage a slot in a sheet assembly in the dispensing cabinet.

[0100] Item 10: A medicine cabinet according to any one of items 7 to 9, wherein the security panel includes anti-pry devices to prevent unauthorized access to one or more locks.

[0101] Item 11: The medicine cabinet according to Item 10, wherein the anti-pry device comprises one or more pieces of material forming at least a portion of the housing surrounding one or more locks.

[0102] Item 12: The dispensing cabinet according to any one of items 1 to 11 further includes a skirt panel that covers at least a portion of the safety panel.

[0103] Item 13: The dispensing cabinet according to any one of items 1 to 12, wherein the plunger is visible through a cut in the safety panel.

[0104] Item 14: A dispensing cabinet according to any one of items 1 to 13, wherein the first lever is configured to engage with a second latch assembly, and wherein upward movement of the first lever further releases the second latch assembly to unlock the dispensing cabinet.

[0105] Item 15: A medicine cabinet according to any one of items 1 to 14, wherein the release of the first latch assembly unlocks one or more doors constituting the medicine cabinet.

[0106] Item 16: A dispensing cabinet according to any one of items 1 to 15, wherein the first rod and the first latch assembly are arranged within a U-shaped channel to form a U-shaped channel assembly.

[0107] Item 17: The dispensing cabinet according to Item 16, wherein the U-shaped channel assembly and plunger are arranged on one side of the dispensing cabinet, and wherein the hinges of one or more doors of the dispensing cabinet are arranged on opposite sides of the dispensing cabinet.

[0108] Item 18: The dispensing cabinet according to any one of items 1 to 17 further includes an access detection feature configured to generate a signal in response to an upward movement of the first lever.

[0109] Item 19: The dispensing cabinet according to Item 18, wherein the access detection feature includes an electromechanical switch configured to shift between an open position and a closed position in response to an upward movement of a first lever.

[0110] Item 20: The dispensing cabinet according to any one of items 18 to 19, wherein the access detection feature includes an optical sensor configured to detect upward movement of the first lever.

[0111] One or more aspects or features of the subject matter described herein can be implemented by digital circuits, integrated circuits, specially designed ASICs, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), computer hardware, firmware, software, and / or combinations thereof. These aspects or features may include implementations of one or more computer programs executable and / or interpretable on a programmable system comprising at least one programmable processor, a storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device. The at least one programmable processor may be connected, for special or general purposes, to receive data and instructions from the storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device, and to send data and instructions to the storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device. The programmable system or computing system may include clients and servers. Clients and servers are typically geographically isolated from each other and typically interact via a communication network. The relationship between clients and servers is established by means of computer programs running on respective computers and having a client-server relationship with each other.

[0112] These computer programs (also referred to as programs, software, software applications, applications, components, or code) include machine instructions for a programmable processor and can be implemented by high-level programs, and / or object-oriented programming languages, and / or assembly / machine languages. As utilized herein, the term "machine-readable medium" refers to any computer program product, apparatus, and / or device for providing machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor, such as disks, optical disks, memories, and programmable logic devices (PLDs), including machine-readable media that receive machine instructions as machine-readable signals. The term "machine-readable signal" refers to any signal used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor. Machine-readable media can non-volatilely store such machine instructions; such machine-readable media are, for example, non-volatile solid-state internal memory or magnetic hard disk drives or any equivalent storage medium. Machine-readable media can alternatively or additionally store such machine instructions in a temporary manner; such machine-readable media are, for example, the processor's cache memory or other random access memory associated with one or more physical processor cores.

[0113] To provide interaction with the user, one or more aspects or features of the subjects described herein can be implemented on a computer having a display device, as well as a keyboard and pointing device, such as a cathode ray tube (CRT), liquid crystal display (LCD), or light-emitting diode (LED) monitor for displaying information to the user, and a keyboard and pointing device such as a mouse or trackball, which the user can use to provide input to the computer. Other types of devices can also be used to provide interaction with the user. For example, feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, such as visual, auditory, or tactile feedback; and input from the user can be received in any form, including auditory, voice, or tactile input. Other possible input devices include touchscreens or other touch-sensitive devices, such as single or multi-point resistive or capacitive trackpads, speech recognition hardware and software, optical scanners, optical indicators, digital image acquisition devices, and related interpretation software, etc.

[0114] In the foregoing description and claims, phrases such as “at least one” or “one or more” may appear after a list of connected elements or features. The term “and / or” may also appear in a list of two or more elements or features. Unless otherwise implicitly or explicitly contradicted by the context in which the phrase is used, such a phrase is intended to mean any of the listed elements or features alone, or any of the listed elements or features in combination with any other recited elements or features. For example, the phrases “at least one of A and B,” “one or more of A and B,” and “A and / or B” are intended to mean “A alone, B alone, or A and B together,” respectively. Similar interpretations are also intended for lists comprising three or more items. For example, the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” and “A, B, and / or C” are intended to mean “A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A and B and C together,” respectively. The term “based on” as used in the foregoing and claims is intended to mean “at least partially based on,” thus allowing for the omission of recited features or elements.

[0115] Depending on the required configuration, the subject matter described herein may be embodied in systems, devices, methods, and / or articles. The implementations set forth in the foregoing specification do not represent all implementations conforming to the subject matter described herein. Rather, they are merely examples of aspects relating to the described subject matter. While several variations have been described in detail above, other modifications or additions are possible. In particular, further features and / or variations may be provided in addition to the embodiments set forth herein. For example, the implementations described above may be intended for various combinations and sub-combinations of features not disclosed and / or combinations and sub-combinations of several further features disclosed above. Furthermore, the logical flows depicted in the accompanying drawings and / or described herein do not necessarily require a specific order or sequential sequence to achieve the desired result. Other implementations are within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A medicine dispensing cabinet, comprising: Safety board; Emergency access features include a plunger, a first lever, a first latch assembly, and one or more doors that can rotate at least partially about a hinge; The plunger, the first rod, and the first latch assembly are arranged on one side of the dispensing cabinet, while the hinge is arranged on the opposite side of the dispensing cabinet. The plunger has a disengaged position and an engaged position. The plunger is fixed in the disengaged position by a safety plate, and the plunger can move from the disengaged position to the engaged position after the safety plate is released. In the engaged position, the plunger engages with the first rod. Wherein, the first lever is configured to engage with the plunger and the first latch assembly, the first lever is configured to move upward in response to the plunger moving from a disengaged position to an engaged position, wherein the first latch assembly includes a cam support and the dispensing cabinet further includes a spring connecting the first lever and the cam support, the cam support being at least partially disposed within a slot in the first lever, wherein the cam support is configured to rotate by tension of the spring on the cam support when the first lever moves upward by the plunger moving to the engaged position, thereby releasing the first latch assembly by rotating the cam support at least to the limit of unlocking one or more hinged doors of the dispensing cabinet; Furthermore, the plunger is configured to move to an engaged position by lateral rotation and subsequent upward displacement, wherein the dispensing cabinet includes a bracket fixed to a side panel of the dispensing cabinet, the bracket including a first finger and a second finger, the first finger being configured to support the plunger in a disengaged position and the second finger being configured to support the plunger in an engaged position.

2. The medicine dispensing cabinet according to claim 1, wherein, The first latch assembly further includes a second lever configured to prevent the cam support from rotating beyond its limits.

3. The medicine dispensing cabinet according to claim 1, wherein, The security panel is released by unlocking at least one or more locks that hold the security panel in the locked position.

4. The dispensing cabinet according to claim 3, wherein, The one or more locks include padlocks, and the medicine cabinet includes a hook that is configured to engage with the hook holder of the padlock.

5. The dispensing cabinet according to claim 3, wherein, The one or more locks include tubular locks in a safety panel, and wherein the tubular locks include cams configured to engage with slots in a sheet assembly in a dispensing cabinet.

6. The dispensing cabinet according to claim 3, wherein, The security panel includes anti-pry devices to prevent unauthorized access to one or more locks.

7. The dispensing cabinet according to claim 6, wherein, The anti-pry device comprises one or more pieces of material that form at least a portion of the housing surrounding one or more locks.

8. The dispensing cabinet according to claim 1, further comprising a skirt panel that covers at least a portion of the safety panel.

9. The dispensing cabinet according to claim 1, wherein, The plunger is visible through a cut in the safety plate.

10. The dispensing cabinet according to claim 1, wherein, The first lever is configured to engage with the second latch assembly, and wherein upward movement of the first lever further releases the second latch assembly to unlock one or more hinged doors of the dispensing cabinet.

11. The dispensing cabinet according to claim 1, wherein, The release of the first latch assembly unlocks one or more doors that constitute the medicine cabinet.

12. The medicine dispensing cabinet according to claim 1, wherein, The first rod and the first latch assembly are arranged within the U-shaped channel to form a U-shaped channel assembly.

13. The dispensing cabinet according to claim 12, wherein, The U-shaped channel assembly and plunger are arranged on one side of the dispensing cabinet, and the hinges of one or more doors of the dispensing cabinet are arranged on the opposite side of the dispensing cabinet.

14. The dispensing cabinet according to claim 1, further comprising: Access detection features are configured to generate a signal in response to the upward movement of the first lever.

15. The dispensing cabinet according to claim 14, wherein, The access detection feature includes an electromechanical switch configured to shift between an open position and a closed position in response to an upward movement of a first lever.

16. The dispensing cabinet according to claim 14, wherein, The access detection feature includes an optical sensor configured to detect upward movement of the first rod.

17. The dispensing cabinet according to claim 1, wherein, The plunger is configured to move from a disengaged position abutting against the first finger to an engaged position via a first step and a second step. In the first step, the plunger is rotated laterally to create a gap, allowing the plunger to move upward to the engaged position. In the second step, the plunger is moved upward to the engaged position, wherein once the plunger is moved upward to the engaged position, the plunger can rotate in the opposite direction to the lateral movement, such that the plunger abuts against the second finger while remaining in the engaged position.

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