AUTOMATED PET MEDICATION DISPENSER

Abstract

The present invention proposes a complete and innovative device for the automated, secure, and connected administration of medications for domestic animals. It addresses a critical need among owners, veterinarians, and breeders while offering significant technical and practical advantages. Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Fig. 4

Description

Title of the invention: AUTOMATED PET MEDICATION DISPENSER Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of automated drug administration devices for domestic animals. It particularly aims at an automated drug dispenser enabling reliable, precise and secure administration of drug treatments for domestic animals such as cats, while simplifying treatment management for owners. Technological background

[0002] Existing devices for administering medication to domestic animals have several major limitations: - Lack of autonomy: Current devices (pill dispensers, syringes, mixing in food) require constant human presence. - Difficulty of administration: Manual methods expose owners to risks of bites or scratches and are often ineffective, especially with aggressive cats. - High costs: Pet boarding services that accept medication treatments are rare and expensive. - Multiple treatments: In homes with several animals on different treatments, close monitoring is essential to avoid errors. - Limited monitoring: Monitoring of drug administration by veterinarians is often inaccurate in the absence of reliable data. - Time constraints: Administering medication at specific times requires rigorous organization, limiting the flexibility of owners.

[0003] There is therefore a need for a device capable of ensuring automated, secure and traceable administration of medicines to domestic animals, while being easy to use for owners.

[0004] A domestic animal is an animal living in or near a human dwelling, and which is raised, fed, and cared for by the human. The invention is intended more particularly for a companion animal requiring medical treatment, for example, a cat, a dog, a rabbit, a ferret, etc. Description of the invention

[0005] The invention aims to overcome at least some of the drawbacks of known drug delivery devices for domestic animals.

[0006] In particular, the invention aims to provide, in at least one embodiment of the invention, a dispenser enabling automated and secure administration of medicines to a domestic animal, while ensuring precise monitoring of the actual intake of the prescribed doses.

[0007] The invention also aims to provide, in at least one embodiment, a dispenser allowing programmed or remote control of drug treatments, via a connected interface for owners and animal health professionals.

[0008] The invention also aims to provide, in at least one embodiment, a compact, hygienic and easily demountable dispenser, in order to guarantee simplified maintenance and reduced bulk. Summary of the invention

[0009] The present invention relates to an automated pet medication dispenser, particularly for cats, designed to administer doses of medication at predetermined times autonomously and safely. The invention includes: - A pillbox allowing the storage of medications in the form of tablets, liquids or capsules. - A palatability distribution system to simplify voluntary drug intake. - An automated mixing system capable of homogenizing the drug with a palatability to encourage voluntary intake. - A secure distribution system ensuring that the drug is administered only to the target animal. - An animal recognition system to identify the target animal. - A system to monitor the actual intake of the distributed dose. - An automated alert system to inform the owner of the conditions criticisms (medication not taken, breakdown, etc.). - A network interface allowing the distributor to connect to the Internet and thus control the control unit remotely and / or receive data (such as reports) and alerts transmitted by the distributor on an external control terminal, such as a computer, smartphone, tablet, smartwatch, etc. The distributor is thus intelligent and connected. - A dedicated application allowing configuration of the target animal profile, setting up distributions, real-time monitoring, remote tracking of treatments, etc. Detailed description of the invention

[0010] The dispenser is equipped with a pillbox.

[0011] Advantageously the pillbox is airtight and / or refrigerated to ensure optimal preservation of medicines in the form of tablets, liquids or capsules.

[0012] The pillbox can contain several doses prepared in advance.

[0013] The pillbox is easily removable and interchangeable, allowing for an additional supply. Advantageously, the additional supply can be stored in the refrigerator.

[0014] Advantageously the pillbox includes a secure lock to prevent any accidental ingestion.

[0015] The dispenser generates an automatic alert when a replacement or refill of the pillbox is necessary.

[0016] Advantageously, the pillbox is easily disassembled and dishwasher-safe to ensure optimal hygiene

[0017] An integrated mixing system allows the drug to be prepared homogeneously. The mechanism may include a rotating blade, a magnetic stirrer, a mechanical pestle, or any other device for grinding, crushing, and mixing the drugs.

[0018] Advantageously, the components of the mixing device are easily removable and dishwasher-safe to ensure optimal hygiene.

[0019] The dispenser incorporates a palatability addition system to facilitate voluntary drug intake. It may include soft or solid capsules for coating the drug, a palatability paste dispensed in a tube, or any other liquid, powder, paste, or solid palatability and its container.

[0020] Advantageously, the system can automatically add water to standardize the contents and improve intake. The dispenser then includes a water reservoir and a water distribution system, which can be a pump, a tap, or any other controlled water distribution system.

[0021] A protection system ensures that the medication is dispensed only to the identified animal. The system may be a secure hatch, a rotating cover, or a fixed cover. In the latter case, the pill dispenser moves behind the fixed cover to prevent the medication from being taken by an animal other than the target animal.

[0022] Advantageously the bowl and / or pillbox are easily removable and dishwasher safe to ensure optimal hygiene.

[0023] The dispenser is equipped with a system that identifies the target animal. The identification system can be a camera coupled with recognition software for facial or nasal recognition, an RFID reader to read the animal's subcutaneous chip in the immediate vicinity, or a Bluetooth, NFC, or RFID reader to identify the animal's collar in the immediate vicinity.

[0024] Advantageously the recognition software is an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm.

[0025] To ensure that the animal has taken the medication, the dispenser uses a system to monitor the fill level of the bowl and / or pillbox from which the animal consumes the dispensed dose. The system may consist of a camera coupled with AI to analyze the bowl, optical sensors to detect the remaining contents, for example by reading a code (QR code or barcode at the bottom of the bowl) revealed only when the bowl is empty, or an integrated scale to verify the weight before and after administration.

[0026] The device is configured to issue electronic alerts in the form of notifications on the application, by SMS, or by email in the following situations: - Confirmation of taking the medication. - Medication not taken. - Breakdown, power outage, or malfunction. - Blockage of the distribution system. - Empty water or bait reservoir. - Low battery. - Need to change or refill the pillbox.

[0027] A monitoring system is integrated to ensure precise control of the treatment for: - Owners: monitoring via a dedicated mobile application, a web interface, or an automated report. - Veterinarians: possibility of remote control via a professional application or integration with their CRM.

[0028] The monitoring includes the detailed history of catches and alerts generated.

[0029] A network interface allowing the distributor to connect to the Internet and thus control the control unit remotely and / or receive data (such as reports) and alerts transmitted by the distributor on an external control terminal, such as a computer, smartphone, tablet, smartwatch, etc. The distributor is thus intelligent and connected.

[0030] An application allows you to: - Manage animal profiles (weight, breed, age, sex, sterilization, pathology). - Configure processing and distribution based on entered data. - Follow the treatment. - Check the condition of the device (battery, connection, reserve level).

[0031] Advantageously the application is able to identify the prescribed medications and the appropriate dosage.

[0032] Advantageously this identification can be done by scanning the barcodes of medicine boxes or by recognizing the packaging using the camera of the mobile device of the application (smartphone or tablet) and identification by AI.

[0033] The distributor can operate on mains power for a stable and durable power supply.

[0034] Advantageously, it is equipped with a backup battery ensuring continuity of processing in the event of a power outage.

[0035] According to this aspect of the invention, the battery makes it possible to maintain the vital functions of the distributor in the event of a power outage.

[0036] Advantageously, in the event of a power outage, the distributor can operate on battery power in degraded mode, in which, for example, one of these steps is implemented: - All wireless and / or internet communication is cut off, - Refrigeration is stopped.

[0037] The vital functionalities of the dispenser, i.e. distributing medicines to a target animal and according to a defined protocol, therefore remain ensured. Benefits provided

[0038] Increased autonomy: Reliable administration in the absence of the owner.

[0039] Reduction of animal stress: Easier handling without forced manipulation.

[0040] Accuracy and reliability: Exact distribution of doses.

[0041] Monitoring and traceability: Complete history for veterinary monitoring.

[0042] Optimized hygiene: Components that are easy to clean.

[0043] Flexibility: Suitable for various types of medication.

[0044] Economy and ecology: Optimizing treatments without waste.

[0045] Better knowledge of users (for pharmaceutical laboratories): Collection of detailed data on animals using their drugs (profile, frequency of administration, pathology).

[0046] Monitoring the effectiveness of treatments: Analysis of the effects of drugs in relation to the profiles of the animals treated, allowing therapeutic adjustments or the development of new products. Presentation of the figures

[0047] Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, given by way of non-limiting example only, and which refers to the accompanying figures in which:

[0048] [Fig-1]: Top view of the medicine dispenser according to one embodiment. This figure shows elements 1 (baiting reserve), 2 (fixed cache), 3 (pill box) and 4 (opening in the cache).

[0049] [Fig.2]: Top view of the pillbox according to one embodiment. This figure shows elements 3 (pillbox) and 5 (compartments for preparing drug doses).

[0050] [Fig.3]: View of the hermetic lid of the pillbox. This figure represents element 16 (hermetic lid) for the airtight preservation of medications while awaiting their installation in the dispenser.

[0051] [Fig.4]: Front view of the medication dispenser according to an embodiment. This figure shows elements 2 (fixed cover), 3 (pillbox), 4 (opening in the cover) and 6 (camera coupled with an AI).

[0052] [Fig.5]: Partial cross-sectional view of the dispenser according to one embodiment. This figure details the elements 1 (appetizer reservoir), 7 (rotating mixing blade), 8 (appetizer injection system), 9 (pillbox rotation and lifting system), 10 (cooling tray), 11 (sealing gasket), 12 (appetizer level control system) and 17 (motor activating the mixing blade).

[0053] [Fig.6]: Communication diagram between the dispenser and the mobile application via the cloud. This figure illustrates elements 13 (cloud), 14 (medicine dispenser) and 15 (application display system on mobile or connected terminal). Best embodiment of the invention

[0054] The embodiment described below represents one possible application of the invention, without however limiting its scope. The numbers in parentheses refer to the numbers of the accompanying figures. These embodiments are only examples, and numerous variations can be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention. The scales and proportions of the figures are not to scale for clarity.

[0055] Overview of the distributor

[0056] Figure 1 shows a top view of a drug dispenser (14) according to one embodiment. The dispenser is designed to administer doses of medication at predetermined times, autonomously and safely, facilitating administration by the target animal.

[0057] The dispenser includes a pillbox (3) divided into several compartments (5), allowing the preparation and storage in advance of the necessary doses of medication for several days. In this embodiment, the pillbox has seven compartments (5), but this number is given only as an example.

[0058] In this embodiment, the distributor (14) is composed of: - Pill dispenser (3) and sealing system: The pill dispenser (3), shown in more detail in [Fig. 2], is mounted on a cooling tray (10) which keeps the medication cool if necessary. Each compartment (5) of the pill dispenser is hermetically sealed by a sealing gasket (11), preventing any alteration of the medication before dispensing. An airtight lid (16), illustrated in [Fig. 3], can be used to store the pill dispenser in the refrigerator before it is installed in the dispenser. - A mixing and palatant dispensing system: A rotating blade (7), powered by a motor (17), is integrated to homogenize the medication with a liquid palatant from a reservoir (1). The palatant is injected into the compartment containing the next dose using an injection system (8). This mixing facilitates voluntary intake by the animal. - A secure dispensing system: A fixed cover (2), visible in [Fig. 4] (front view), protects access to the remaining medication doses and prevents the animal from consuming a dose until it is identified as the target animal. An opening (4) in this cover allows the animal to access the prepared dose when all dispensing conditions are met, by lowering, rotating, and then raising the pill dispenser. - An identification and control system: A camera coupled with artificial intelligence (6) identifies the target animal, controls the contents of the compartment in use, and confirms that the dose has been consumed. - A rotation and locking system: The pillbox (3) is put into position by means of a rotation and lifting system (9) which brings the active compartment to the level of the opening (4) and presses it against the airtight seal (11) to ensure secure distribution.

[0059] The operation of the dispenser is controlled via a mobile application or other terminal (15), as shown in [Fig. 6]. This interface allows: - To configure the medication distribution schedules. - To monitor the condition of the dispenser (appetizer level, battery, etc). - To access administration histories and reports transmitted to the cloud (13), where data relating to processing is stored.

[0060] A palatability level control system (12) sends alerts when the reserve (1) is low. Similarly, notifications are generated in case of non-consumption of the dose, malfunction, or other anomaly.

[0061] This embodiment illustrates an automated and connected medication dispenser, combining safety, practicality, and efficiency. It is particularly suitable for pet owners requiring regular treatments, reducing stress related to administration and ensuring optimal medication management.

Claims

Demands

1. Automated pet medicine dispenser (14), characterized in that it comprises: - A hermetically sealed and / or refrigerated pillbox (3) allowing the storage of medicines in the form of tablets, capsules or liquids, - A palatant dispensing system (1 and 8) facilitating voluntary administration of the medicine, - An automated mixing system (7 and 17) ensuring the homogenization of the medicine with a palatant, - A target animal recognition system (6) by facial, nasal identification or via an RFID, NFC or Bluetooth reader, - A protection system (2) ensuring that the medicine is dispensed only to the target animal.- An effective taking control system (6) based on a camera coupled with AI, optical sensors or an integrated scale, - An automated monitoring and alert system (13), allowing users to be informed of the administration status, via a dedicated mobile application (15) or an external terminal.

2. Dispenser (14) according to claim 1, characterized in that the pillbox (3) is easily removable, interchangeable and compatible with cleaning in a dishwasher.

3. Dispenser (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the automated mixing system (7 and 17) includes a rotating blade (7), a magnetic stirrer or a mechanical tamper for homogenizing the drugs.

4. Dispenser (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the palatant addition system allows the use of different types of palatants and their container, including liquid, paste, solid and powder palatants, which can be automatically mixed with water to ensure homogeneous distribution and simplify consumption by the animal.

5. Distributor (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the protection system comprises a hatch secured or a fixed (2) or rotating cover preventing access to the drug by another animal.

6. Dispenser (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the recognition system (6) uses an artificial intelligence algorithm to identify the target animal.

7. Dispenser (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it includes an automated alert system (13 and 15) generating notifications in the event of non-administration of the drug, malfunction or empty reserve (12).

8. Distributor (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is equipped with a connected network interface (13) enabling real-time and remote monitoring of treatments via a dedicated application (15).

9. Distributor (14) according to claim 8, characterized in that the mobile application (15) allows the management of animal profiles, the setting of treatments, the monitoring of the status of the device, and the traceability of treatments.

10. Dispenser (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device enables remote monitoring of treatments.

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