Automatic Gravity Fed Solid Dose Dispenser

Abstract

The automated gravity-fed solid dose dispenser comprises at least one rotatable volumetric dispensing wheel having a central drive mount and including a plurality of solid volumetric holding compartments, a wheel housing having a base plate having a first side and a second side and having first and second housing walls extending from the base plate to a sub-housing, each housing wall disposed on a respective side of the base plate for receiving the dispensing wheel, and an interactive user interface device configured to control independent rotation of the dispensing wheel. The dispensing wheels are disposed along a common axis of rotation perpendicular to the base plate of the wheel housing. The interactive user interface device is mounted to the wheel housing such that it is tangent to an outer circumferential surface of the wheel housing wall.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the general field of solid dose dispensers, and in particular to gravity-fed solid dose dispensers for drugs or medicines. [Background technology]

[0002] Gravity-fed solid dose dispensers have been known for some time in connection with, for example, confectionery dispensers, or dispensers or other small or medium-sized solid objects that are usually stored in a container or vessel located on top of the dispenser and below which an actuatable closure system is provided at the outlet port that can be actuated manually or by some other means, for example a mechanical or motorized system, to open the closure. When the outlet port of the closure system is actuated to open the closure, the solid dosage form falls by gravity through the dispenser and exits through the outlet port. A classic example of such a system is known as the bubble gum dispenser commonly found, for example, at wharves, confectionery shops, and grocery stores.

[0003] More recently, mechanization and automation have taken over from the purely manually operated devices of the past. This is especially true with regard to the dispensing of medicines or drugs for specific patients or patient groups.

[0004] For example, US Patent No. 4,573,606A discloses an automatic tablet dispenser system for dispensing medical tablets having different prescribed dosing schedules. The dispenser provides a plurality of tablet storage compartments, each capable of holding two or more tablets, an automatic release mechanism for dispensing the tablets at predetermined time intervals corresponding to the respective dosing schedules, and a tablet receptacle coupled to a tablet detector. When a tablet is dispensed from the tablet dispenser and received by the receptacle, a signal is generated to alert the patient to take the dispensed medication. The dispenser system provides a single rotatable dispensing wheel having a central mounting portion and including twelve storage compartments arranged in a ring and defined by at least first and second opposing walls each extending outwardly from the central mounting portion of the rotatable wheel. The wheel is mounted perpendicularly on an axis projecting forward toward the front face of the dispensing device. Thus, the loading faces of the storage compartments lie parallel to the front face of the dispenser. The storage compartments are individually preloaded from the front by the patient with all the tablets prescribed to be taken during a 24-hour period. The patient loads the tablets into the individual storage compartments from the front according to the loading codes corresponding to the tablets' respective dosing schedules. The tablet dispenser automatically rotates the storage compartments sequentially over a trap door that is operated to empty each compartment located on it. A photoelectron detector detects tablets that have fallen into the cup and responds by alerting the patient with an audible or visual signal. Alternatively, the preloadable storage canister may be provided fully loaded for a given 24-hour period by the pharmacist.

[0005] Other such front-facing, vertically mounted, rotatable wheel-shaped drug storage compartments for automatic tablet dispensers are also known from US Pat. No. 5,915,589 A and US Patent Publication No. 2006180600 A1.

[0006] Similarly, automated tablet dispensers are known in which a wheel-like drug storage compartment is mounted on an axis perpendicular to the front face of the dispenser, in which the wheel is edge-mounted and rotates relative to the front face of the dispenser, as disclosed, for example, in U.S. patent application published as US2014277702A1.

[0007] Despite the above proposed solutions, many problems still remain with their use. For example, these known devices tend to be rather bulky and very heavy, which makes them difficult to use or place, for example, in a domestic environment or in a care home. Moreover, they often do not accommodate simultaneous dispensing of two different treatment regimes for different people, for example in the case of elderly or frail couples. Moreover, they require a certain degree of manual dexterity in order to be filled accurately with the relevant prescribed dosage forms. Although such manual dexterity may be available in pharmacies or via the supply of preloaded cassettes, using these dispensing devices, for example, in a home or care home for elderly or frail people or for people suffering from neurological disorders with less than optimal hand-eye coordination, is potentially frustrating and entails significant risks of filling the storage chamber with either the wrong solid dose or the wrong number of solid doses, with potentially life-threatening consequences. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Accordingly, a first aspect of the present invention is an automatic, gravity-fed, solid dose dispenser comprising: a first rotatable dose distribution wheel and a second rotatable dose distribution wheel, each of the first and second rotatable dose distribution wheels having a central drive mount and each of the first and second rotatable dose distribution wheels having a plurality of solid dose retaining compartments defined by at least first and second opposing walls extending outwardly from or proximate to the central drive mount of the first and second rotatable wheels, respectively, toward an outer periphery of each of the first and second rotatable wheels; a wheel housing having a base plate having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, and respective first and second housing walls extending outwardly and circumferentially from and along an outer peripheral edge of the base plate to form two sub-housings, each sub-housing being disposed on a respective side of the base plate and defining a respective first and second outward opening for receiving the first and second rotatable dose distribution wheels, respectively; an interactive user interface device configured to control operation of the automated solid dose dispenser; said first and second rotatable dose distribution wheels are configured to be rotatable independently of one another via respective central drive mountings; each of the first and second rotatable dose distribution wheels and the central drive mounting is arranged along a common axis of rotation perpendicular to the base plate of the wheel housing; the interactive user interface device is mounted to the wheel housing in a plane substantially tangent to an outer circumferential surface of both the first and second housing walls of the wheel housing; Independent rotation of each of said first and second rotatable dose dispensing wheels within their respective first and second wheel housings is controlled via an interactive user interface device.

[0009] In the present context, the expression "gravity fed" should be understood to mean that the solid doses are introduced into the dispenser using the effect of gravity, in other words, using the natural effect of the gravitational attraction of a planet or similar body or artificially generated gravity to fill or fall into the dispenser. Likewise, this expression extends to the actual delivery of the solid doses at the exit point of the dispenser, where the solid doses fall due to the gravitational attraction of a planet or similar body or artificially generated gravity.

[0010] The dispensing device includes both a first rotatable dose distribution wheel and a second rotatable dose distribution wheel. The first and second rotatable dose distribution wheels each have a central drive mounting, e.g., in the form of a hub, and each wheel includes a plurality of solid dose holding compartments or storage chambers. The holding compartments are defined by at least first and second opposing walls that extend outwardly from or adjacent to the central drive mounting of the rotatable wheels, respectively, toward the outer periphery of each of the rotatable wheels. Each compartment wall has a periphery that faces radially outwardly from the central drive mounting. Thus, the outer periphery of each wheel is an imaginarily defined, or imaginary, periphery and circumference line, which are formed by the intersection of the imaginary line with each of the outwardly facing peripheries of the radially extending compartment walls. The first and second distribution wheels may thus be understood to be similar in shape to a bicycle wheel having a hub for a central axle and a series of spokes representing opposing outwardly extending walls which define holding compartments or storage chambers for the solid doses, the radially outward ends of the spokes defining the outer periphery of the wheel.

[0011] According to another advantageous aspect, each distribution wheel further includes a base plate, which extends radially outward from the central drive mounting, for example along a first side of the wheel, forming a disk. The base plate is preferably in contact with the radially outwardly extending walls or is formed as an integral part of the distribution wheel structure as a whole. Such an integral structure including the wheel base plate and the radially extending compartment walls can be suitably provided by forming, molding, or depositing any other suitably formable polymeric material, such as, for example, a polymeric material such as an impact resistant ABS polymer, or a polymeric material such as, for example, a polymer commonly used in 3D printing. For example, light metals or metal alloys such as aluminum or titanium alloys, or any alternatively acceptable material formed to provide the desired configuration and shape, can be used.

[0012] The central drive mounting can advantageously be formed as a hub having a peripheral circumferential wall extending and projecting from a second side of the distribution wheel base plate opposite the first side. The peripheral circumferential wall can be provided with a concave wall extending from the peripheral circumferential wall towards a central point to close the hub and form a concave outwardly facing surface. In such a configuration, the compartment wall of the distribution wheel extends radially outwardly from the peripheral circumferential wall of the hub-shaped central drive mounting along the distribution wheel base plate. The central drive mounting is further advantageously provided with a seating nipple projecting outwardly from the concave wall at its central point. The nipple is configured and formed on the inwardly facing surface of the nipple and is configured and arranged to receive and engage the drive motor, for example via a drive gear or a gear connected to the drive shaft of the drive motor.

[0013] Each of the first and second distribution wheels is housed within a wheel housing. The wheel housing has a base plate having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, and a respective first housing wall and a respective second housing wall. The first and second housing walls each extend circumferentially outwardly from the outer peripheral edge of the base plate to form two sub-housings, each sub-housing being disposed on a respective side of the base plate and defining a respective first outward opening and a respective second outward opening. Each opening receives and houses a respective distribution wheel. It will thus be understood that the wheel housing is shaped like a cylinder with a central partition extending across the cylinder bore from one inner wall of the cylinder to an opposite inner wall of the cylinder. The internal volume defined by the inner wall of the cylinder and the central partition is the volume used to receive and house each of the respective distribution wheels and to house the respective central drive mounting of each distribution wheel. The wheel housing base plate is configured to receive a drive motor on each of the first and second opposing sides, whereby the respective drive motor shaft and drive cog or gear are arranged to allow corresponding driving engagement with a suitably configured and shaped inwardly facing surface of the nipple of the respective distribution wheel. The wheel housing may be suitably provided, for example, by forming, molding, or depositing a suitable material, for example, a polymeric material such as an impact resistant ABS polymer, or any other suitably moldable polymeric material, for example, a polymer commonly used in 3D printing. Alternatively, a light metal or alloy, such as an aluminum or titanium alloy, or any alternatively acceptable material formed to provide the desired form and shape may be used.

[0014] As can be seen from the description of the distribution wheel and wheel housing, the first and second rotatable dose distribution wheels are configured to be rotatable independently of each other via their respective central drive mountings. This is believed not to have been disclosed or suggested yet in any of the known devices described in the art. Such an arrangement makes it possible to provide an automated solid dose distribution device that is suitable for two different people, each with their own individualized dosing regimen.

[0015] Moreover, according to a further aspect, each of the first and second rotatable dose distribution wheels and the central drive mount are arranged along a single common axis of rotation perpendicular to the base plate of the wheel housing, and it is believed that such a configuration, in combination with the provision for independent rotation of each of the distribution wheels, has not been disclosed or suggested in any of the known devices described in the art.

[0016] Optionally, and advantageously, according to another aspect, the wheel housing can comprise an aesthetically shaped outer enclosing shell, for example made of the same material as the wheel housing. The aesthetically shaped outer enclosing shell is configured and dimensioned to engage with and extend around the wheel housing while leaving maintenance openings for the user to access each of the two distribution wheels, for example for maintenance purposes. To this extent, the aesthetically shaped outer enclosing shell can be considered as an extension of the wheel housing and forms the outer peripheral surface of the wheel housing. Each maintenance opening of the aesthetically shaped outer enclosing shell can advantageously be closed by a first and a second removable cover, respectively shaped and dimensioned, adapted to fit and fill the corresponding first and second maintenance openings. The aesthetically shaped outer enclosing shell can, for example, be molded in two halves and then assembled on or with the wheel housing, thereby enclosing the wheel housing.

[0017] According to another aspect, the dispensing device comprises an interactive user interface device configured to control the operation of an automatic solid dose dispenser. The interactive user interface device can be integrated directly into the wheel housing, for example, or alternatively, advantageously, arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the wheel housing. In case the wheel housing includes an aesthetically shaped outer enclosing shell, the interactive user interface device can be integrated or attached to such enclosing shell, since it can be considered as an extension of the wheel housing. The interactive user interface device is thus attached to the wheel housing in a plane that is substantially tangential to the outer peripheral surfaces of both the first and second housing walls of the wheel housing. In this context, the expression "substantially in a tangential plane" should be understood to mean that the user interface device is located on a plane that is tangential or substantially tangential to the outer peripheral surface of the wheel housing. In case the aesthetically shaped enclosing shell is also included as part of the wheel housing structure, the user interface device is correspondingly attached in a plane that is substantially tangential or tangential to the outer peripheral surface of the aesthetically shaped enclosing shell.

[0018] Thus, according to another aspect, as appreciated from above, the solid dose dispensing device further comprises first and second central shaft drive motors, each central shaft drive motor disposed within a respective wheel housing along a common axis of rotation and configured to engage a respective central drive mounting of a corresponding dispensing wheel to drive said wheel in response to corresponding commands received from the interactive user interface device.

[0019] The interactive user interface device is configured to control independent rotation of each of the first and second rotatable dose distribution wheels within the respective first and second wheel housings. Such a configuration, in combination with other features provided, is believed not to be disclosed or suggested in any of the known devices described in the art.

[0020] According to another aspect, the interactive user interface device includes one or more of a touch screen, a microphone, a speaker, a camera, and wireless communication, and corresponding functional programs, configured for interaction with a user. The interactive user interface may be, for example, a smartphone, or a tablet, or other similar user interface and input / output device, configured for a user to operate the device, transmit appropriate command and control signals to the dispensing device, and report or signal the respective status or operation of the dispensing device to the user. For example, touch screen interactive user interface devices are known per se, such as tablets or smartphones, or even personal computers and command screens, and are regularly provided for interaction between a user and a correspondingly connected mechanical, electromechanical, or electronic device to operate the device or report the device's functions and status. Similarly, voice-operated command and control interfaces are also known per se, as are interfaces that provide audio feedback, for example, via synthetic voice. All and any of these may be considered useful or appropriate with respect to the user interface device envisaged herein.

[0021] According to another aspect, the dispenser comprises an interactive user interface device configured to implement one or more biometric identification mechanisms for identification and / or authentication of a user of the dispenser. Such biometric identification mechanisms may be embodied, for example, as a retina or fingerprint scanner, or a facial or voice pattern recognition program, or may combine one or more of a variety of different biometric identification mechanisms as illustrated. The objective behind the provision of such biometric identification mechanisms is to enable access to one or more of the various functions of the dispensing device only upon successful identification of the user through the use of biometric parameters. Such functions may be programmed into the user interface device. In this manner, it is possible, for example, to provide multiple user profiles that are accessible only upon successful biometric identification, and any corresponding functions associated with those profiles for operation or signaling of the dispensing device. For example, if the dispensing device is configured for two people with different treatment regimens, the dispensing device is operable for each user only upon successful identification of the respective user through the use of such biometric identification mechanisms. Similarly, any signaling or reminders of actual or upcoming medication events may be accordingly programmed to be triggered only upon successful identification of a given user's biometric information or associated parameters.

[0022] According to another aspect, the dispenser includes a seating base support configured to seat the wheel housing such that the housing base plate is in an upright position on a portion of the outer periphery of said base plate. The seating base support can be as simple as a horizontal flat base plate, but is advantageously shaped and configured to define an interior volume between the base plate and a corresponding bottom of the wheel housing, the bottom of the wheel housing in this case including both a portion of the outer periphery of the wheel housing base plate and at least a portion of the corresponding peripheral wall of the wheel housing.

[0023] According to another embodiment, the solid dose dispenser includes a solid dose fill inlet. The fill inlet is located in an upper region of the wheel housing when the wheel housing is in a normal upright position for use of the device, e.g., when the wheel housing is seated on a seating base support. The solid dose fill inlet extends from an outer surface of a portion of both the first and second circumferentially extending housing walls of the wheel housing to an inner surface of the first and second circumferentially extending housing walls of the wheel housing. The base plate of the wheel housing in such a configuration forms a partition between the first and second circumferentially extending housing walls, thereby forming respective first and second fill inlets, which are arranged side by side and each separated by a corresponding housing wall.

[0024] Advantageously, according to yet another aspect, the solid dose filling inlet is provided with a selectively rotatable lid. The selectively rotatable lid is configured to rotate about an axis of rotation aligned with the plane of the first and second surfaces of the base plate. In other words, the axis of rotation of the selectively rotatable lid passes through the natural plane of the base plate. The lid may advantageously be configured and shaped to support the outer surfaces of the first and second housing walls of the wheel housing. To aid in effecting rotation of the lid using, for example, the fingers of one hand, including the fingers and thumb, or only the fingers, the lid may advantageously be provided with one or more appropriately shaped handles, protrusions, or other grippable or depressable members that effect or impart rotation to the lid about the axis of rotation. According to yet another aspect, the selectively rotatable lid is configured to rotate from a first closed position in which access to a first one of the filling inlets is closed and access to a second one of the filling inlets is opened. Similarly, according to yet another embodiment, the selectively rotatable lid is configured to rotate from a first closed position, in which access to the second one of the fill inlets is closed and access to the first one of the fill inlets is open. Corresponding to the above embodiment, a further embodiment is that the selectively rotatable lid is configured to rotate from a first open position, in which access to the first or second fill inlets is open, to a second closed position, in which access to neither the first or second fill inlets is possible. From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the selectively rotatable lid is generally in one of three different positions, namely a position in which both fill inlets are closed, only the first fill inlet is open, or only the second fill inlet is open. As mentioned above, the user interface device is advantageously configured to only allow operation of the rotatable lid depending on successful biometric identification, for example, or alternatively or additionally, when the dispensing device signals via the user interface device that the dispensing wheel is empty and needs to be refilled with solid doses.

[0025] According to another aspect, the dispenser comprises at least one position sensor connected to the interactive user interface device. The at least one position sensor is advantageously configured to indicate on the dispensing device or the user interface device, or both, when the selectively rotatable lid is in an open or closed position. This represents an additional safety feature for the dispensing device and can serve to remind the user that the rotatable lid may need to be closed again before dispensing resumes. The position sensor can also be advantageously configured to selectively transmit a blocking and / or enabling signal that controls the rotation of the respective dispensing wheel corresponding to the open filling inlet while the inlet remains open. The position sensor can be selected from any suitable sensor used to detect or signal the position of one object relative to another object, for example using light, sound, electromagnetic radiation, electrical conductivity, temperature, magnetism or electromagnetism, etc., but preferably the sensor is a magnetic sensor that utilizes the principle of detection or change of a magnetic field or magnetic vector to signal a change in the position of the rotatable lid relative to the housing wall of the wheel housing, for example. As an example of a suitable configuration for the present solid dose dispenser, one or more magnetic field sensors can be located on or in the wheel housing and one or more corresponding magnetic field generating elements, such as permanent or inductive magnets, can be located in the rotatable lid, or vice versa. Movement of the lid about the axis of rotation causes a change in magnetic flux to the sensor, and a predetermined minimum of the magnetic flux or magnetic vector detected at the sensor can be used to determine when the lid is in the open position and whether the lid has rotated to open the first or second fill inlet, and correspondingly, whether the lid has rotated to return both fill inlets to the closed position, for example, by detection of saturation or a maximum threshold of the sensor by the magnetic field generating element.

[0026] In yet another aspect, the dispenser includes a solid dose dispensing outlet. The outlet is located in a lower region of the wheel housing. The dispensing outlet extends from an inner surface of a portion of both the first and second circumferentially extending housing walls of the wheel housing to an outer surface of the first and second circumferentially extending housing walls of the wheel housing. In such a configuration, the base plate forms a partition between the first and second circumferentially extending housing walls, thereby forming first and second dispensing outlets, disposed side by side and each separated by a respective one of the housing walls.

[0027] According to another aspect, the dispenser comprises a first selectively openable and closed shutter and a second selectively openable and closed shutter, the first and second selectively openable shutters configured to be selectively closed or opened, independent of one another, thereby preventing or respectively enabling dispensing of a solid dose by gravity from within the respective first or second housing to an exterior of the dispenser.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the first and second selectively openable and closable shutters are sliding doors. The doors are advantageously shaped and configured to conform to the inner or outer surface of the housing wall. It should therefore be understood that the shutters or doors can move along either the inner periphery of the housing wall, or the outer periphery of the housing wall, or a combination of the inner and outer periphery of the housing wall. However, preferably, for simplicity of the dispenser device, the shutters or doors are shaped to conform to and move along the outer periphery of the housing wall. The first and second shutters or doors are displaced by a suitable corresponding displacement mechanism. While there are many different mechanisms for displacing the doors or shutters in a mechanical device, the applicant has found that advantageously, according to another embodiment, the first and second selectively and independently openable and closable shutters or doors are connected to first and second linear displacement mechanisms, respectively. Thus, the first and second linear displacement mechanisms are configured to move the first and second shutters or doors, respectively, independently of one another along the outer or inner surfaces, or a combination of the outer and inner surfaces, of the corresponding circumferentially extending housing walls. An example of such a linear displacement mechanism suitable for use in the present dispenser is a motorized rack and pinion mechanism, in which a pinion gear driven by a motor drive shaft, e.g., a micromotor, is mounted on the outer circumferential surface of the wheel housing and engages with a corresponding rack of gauge teeth fixed to the door. When the motor is driven, the teeth of the pinion gear engage with the teeth of the rack, moving the shutter or door in one direction or the other, depending on the direction of the motor's driving rotation. The travel limits of the door are defined by the length of the pinion and the positions at which it is fixed along the length of the shutter or door, and are configured to ensure that the shutter or door can slide from a fully closed position to a fully open position and vice versa.

[0029] According to another aspect, the sliding shutter or door is further advantageously seated between a corresponding pair of guide members arranged in parallel on the circumferential surface of the wheel housing and engage and guide the circumferential translational movement of the sliding door via a pair of parallel grooves arranged correspondingly along the length of the sliding shutter or door. The interaction of the guide members with the grooves further has the advantage of preventing or limiting lateral movement of the shutter or door as it moves along the grooves by the action of the pinion teeth engaging the rack teeth when the motor is driven, thereby preventing mispositioning of the shutter relative to the distribution outlet.

[0030] According to yet another aspect, the dispenser comprises a dispensing chute configured to transport dispensed solid doses from a dispensing outlet of the dispenser to a user or a user's recipient by gravity. The dispensing chute can be formed and configured, for example, as a spout having a first end connected to the dispensing outlet, and engages with the spout such that the first end of the spout is held against the dispensing outlet. This can be accomplished, for example, by providing a resiliently deformable lug that projects outwardly from the dispensing chute and engages with a corresponding opening in the wall of the wheel housing. When the dispensing device is assembled, the resiliently deformable lug of the chute is constrained to allow the lug to pass through an opening provided in the wall of the wheel housing, and then the constraining is released to allow the lug to seat and / or engage behind an inner surface of the wall of the wheel housing. The dispensing chute can have a body that is generally arcuate along its length, the arc of the body terminating at a second end from which the dispensed solid doses fall into a corresponding freely positioned recipient, for example, a small beaker, a cup, or even the user's hand.

[0031] According to another embodiment, the dispenser comprises at least one wheel position indicator disposed on each of the first and second dispensing wheels. The at least one wheel position indicator is configured to indicate the relative position of each dispensing wheel, for example, when the wheels rotate to effect delivery of the solid dose by moving the holding compartment from a non-dispensing position to a dispensing position where the solid dose contained therein can be dispensed via the dispensing outlet and the dispensing chute. The wheel position indicator can be one of many possible indicators, including an indicator such as an electromagnetic radiation source, for example a light source such as an LED, or an electric switch, or preferably, advantageously, a magnetic field generating element, for example a permanent magnet or an inductive magnet. The position indicator is designed to function as an independent indicator or alternatively, preferably together with a sensor.

[0032] Another aspect of the dispenser is therefore that it comprises at least one wheel position sensor arranged in the base plate. The at least one wheel position sensor is configured to interact with the position indicator. For example, if the indicator is a source of electromagnetic radiation such as a light source, the sensor is an optical sensor, such as a charge-coupled device array or an equivalent sensor. However, preferably, the sensor is a magnetic sensor and is configured to detect variations in the magnetic field or magnetic flux caused by the movement of a magnetic field generating element. In such a configuration, the magnetic field generating element can advantageously be arranged on or integrated into the inwardly facing surface of the base plate of the distribution wheel. As the wheel rotates, the magnetic field generating element moves towards or away from the magnetic sensor arranged on or in the base plate of the wheel housing. The magnetic sensor in the base plate of the wheel housing is arranged in a fixed position. Advantageously, each distribution wheel is provided with a position indicator and a corresponding position sensor is provided in the base plate of the wheel housing. As a result, the associated changes or variations in the magnetic field or magnetic flux caused by the rotation of each distribution wheel are detected by each corresponding sensor and used to determine the position of each distribution wheel relative to the sensor. This is useful during dispensing of solid doses, not only to know where the distribution wheel is in relation to the remaining doses to be dispensed, but also to allow each compartment of the distribution wheel to be loaded with the appropriate number or type of solid doses when the corresponding inlet fill port is opened, whereby the compartments of the wheel are presented to their respective inlet fill ports by rotation of the wheel such that a given compartment is aligned with the respective inlet fill port. As each holding compartment is filled, the wheel is rotated to present the next empty holding compartment until each compartment is properly filled. The positioning sensors and indicators assist in this task by allowing the constant and instantaneous accurate position of the distribution wheel to be calculated and any necessary corrections of the distribution wheel to be made.Similarly, if during dispensing of a solid dose the distribution wheel is moved too far or too little in either direction, for example due to mechanical tolerances of the motor, drive gear or distribution wheel, a combination of position indicator and position sensor is used to perform a corrective repositioning of the distribution wheel.

[0033] According to yet another aspect, the dispenser comprises at least one stabilizing roller respectively extending from the base plate of each wheel housing, the at least one stabilizing roller being arranged to stabilize the rotation of the corresponding wheel about the central axis of rotation. The stabilizing roller is an additional means to assist in the accurate positioning of the distribution wheel, in particular to assist in preventing or limiting lateral movement or wobble of the distribution wheel relative to the central axis out of the axial alignment for which the distribution wheel is designed to function. Such undesirable lateral movement may cause the wheel to become misaligned with its respective inlet fill port and / or dispensing outlet, which may cause inaccurate filling of the holding compartment and / or jamming of the wheel if any of the solid doses fall out of the holding compartment at an incorrect angle.

[0034] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are provided for the purpose of illustrating a preferred example of a dispensing device contemplated by the invention. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0035] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a right side front perspective view of an automatic gravity fed solid dose dispenser according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a left rear perspective view of the automatic gravity-fed solid dose dispenser of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an exploded perspective view of the dispenser according to FIGS. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an exterior side view of a distribution wheel of a dispenser according to the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an inner side view of a distribution wheel of a dispenser according to the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a peripheral view of a distribution wheel of a dispenser according to the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a perspective view of a distribution wheel similar to FIGS. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a front perspective view of FIG. 1 with components partially removed to illustrate some details. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a front perspective view of FIG. 1 with components partially removed to show further details. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional view of the dispenser according to FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a more detailed schematic diagram of a portion of the dispenser shown in FIG. [Figure 12A] FIG. 12A is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional view of a detail of a dispenser in a first position. [Figure 12B] FIG. 12B is a schematic diagram of a top view of the detail of FIG. 12A in a first position. [Figure 13A] FIG. 13A is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional view of a detail of a dispenser in a second position. [Figure 13B] FIG. 13B is a schematic diagram of a top view of the detail of FIG. 13A in a second position. [Figure 14A] FIG. 14A is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional view of a detail of the dispenser in a third position. [Figure 14B] FIG. 14B is a schematic diagram of a top view of the detail of FIG. 14A in a third position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0036] (Detailed Description) An automatic gravity-fed solid dose dispenser (1) according to the present invention is shown in perspective views in Figures 1 and 2, showing a front right perspective view and a left rear perspective view, respectively. As can be seen from Figures 1 and 2, the dispenser (1) in this example is presented as a substantially round object similar to a circle or disk (2) with an interactive user interface device (4) arranged vertically at its edge (3) and attached to the front of the dispenser (1) substantially tangent or actually tangent (t1, Figure 2) to a plane (p1, Figure 2) coinciding with the vertical face of the disk (2). The tilt angle θ of the user interface device (4) with respect to the disk (2) is optimized to allow precise user interaction and reduce muscle fatigue or stress in case of touch screen interaction with the user's hand, fingers or thumb or other pointing device, e.g., a stylus. The interactive user interface device (4) has a screen (5) for displaying information and is configured to enable interaction with a user, for example, via a touch-activated or touch-sensitive interface and / or voice commands. To that end, the interactive user interface device (4) may also usefully include one or more of a microphone, a speaker, a camera, and a wireless communication system, as well as corresponding functional programs configured for interaction with the user. The user controls and operates a substantial portion of the functionality of the dispenser (1) through the interactive user interface device (4). The interactive user interface device (4) serves to receive commands or instructions from the user and convert those commands or instructions into executable signals or executable operations to be performed by the dispenser (1). The interactive user interface device (4) may further include one or more biometric identification mechanisms, such as voice or face recognition, fingerprint or thumbprint recognition, retina scan, etc.Such biometric identification mechanisms are known per se in the art and are often used to authenticate users or to enable specific access to the underlying functions of the device to which they are connected. The interactive user interface device (4) is also configured to emit other warning signals, such as sound or visual cues, depending on the usage or a given state of the dispenser. The interactive user interface device (4) may also include one or more ports, for example located at the top end of the interactive user interface, which serve, for example, as a means to enable communication of data to and / or from the interactive user interface device, for example for programming the interactive user interface device, or for any or all of the functions of the electronic components contained in the dispenser.

[0037] As can be seen from Figures 1 and 2, the dispenser (1) comprises an aesthetically shaped surrounding shell (6), which represents the outer body (6) of the dispenser device (1). The surrounding shell or outer body (6) comprises maintenance access openings (7a, 7b) on both sides of the outer body (6). In normal operation, the maintenance access openings (7a, 7b) are closed by first and second removable side covers (8a, 8b), respectively. These side covers (8a, 8b) are for example screwed or snap-fitted into the maintenance access openings (7a, 7b) using elastically deformable tabs (see Figure 3, references 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d), which engage with the inner surface (see Figure 3, reference 10) of the surrounding shell or outer body (6). Removal of the covers (8a, 8b) is performed in the reverse manner to the way they are inserted or snap-fitted into the maintenance access openings (7a, 7b). 1 and 2 also show a support base (11) on which the disk-shaped outer shell body (6) is mounted and supported. The support base (11) engages and supports at least a portion of the outer shell body (6) around the periphery of the dispenser and extends around at least a portion of the peripheral wall (12) of the shell body (6). The support base (11) further defines an internal volume (13) below the outer shell body (6) in which a number of components may be located, such as a power supply unit (14) for providing power to the interactive user interface device (4) and various electronic components housed within the dispenser (1), as will be described in more detail below. The power supply unit (14) housed within the support base (11) may be connected to an external power supply cable (15), which may be connected to a domestic mains electrical outlet socket or via a transformer to such a domestic mains electrical outlet socket (not shown). At the top of the disc-shaped dispenser (1) is found a smaller disc-shaped structure which represents an inlet port cover (16) molded to substantially correspond in curvature to the top of the outer periphery or circumferential wall (12) of the outer shell body (6), the details and function of which are described below.

[0038] FIG. 3 shows an exploded perspective view of an example of an automatic gravity-fed solid dose dispenser (1) according to the present invention, exposing various components of the dispenser (1) separated from one another. As seen in FIG. 3, the dispenser (1) includes a central structure, referred to herein as a wheel housing (17). The wheel housing (17) has a base plate (18) having a first side (19) and a second side (20) opposite the first side (19), and a first housing wall (21) and a second housing wall (22), respectively. As shown in FIG. 3, the first side (19) is located on the right side of the dispenser and the second side (20) is located on the left side of the dispenser. For all intents and purposes, the first side (19) and the second side (20) of the wheel housing are mirror images of one another. The first housing wall (21) and the second housing wall (22) extend outwardly and circumferentially, respectively, from and along the outer peripheral edge (23) of the base plate (18) to form two sub-housings (24a, 24b), each disposed on a respective side (19, 20) of the base plate (18) and defining a respective first outward opening (25) and a respective second outward opening (26). The respective outward openings (25, 26) receive and house a respective distribution wheel (27, 28). More specifically, the internal volume of each sub-housing (24a, 24b) defined by the respective inward facing surfaces (29, 30) of the housing walls (21, 22) is the volume used to receive and house each of the respective rotatable dose distribution wheels (27, 28).

[0039] The first and second rotatable dose-dispensing wheels (27, 28) each have a central drive mounting (29, 30), e.g., in the form of a hub (31, 32), and each wheel (27, 28) includes a plurality of solid dose-retaining compartments (33, 34), or storage chambers. The retaining compartments (33, 34) are defined by at least first and second opposing walls (35, 36), respectively, extending outwardly from or adjacent the central drive mountings (29, 30) of the rotatable wheels (27, 28) toward respective outer peripheries (37, 38) of the rotatable wheels. Each compartment wall (35, 36) has a peripheral edge (39, 40) facing radially outwardly from the central drive mounting (29, 30). The outer periphery (37, 38) of each wheel (27, 28) is thus an imaginarily defined, or imaginary, circumferential and peripheral line formed by the intersection of the imaginary line with the respective outwardly facing peripheral edges (39, 40) of the radially extending compartment walls (35, 36).

[0040] Each distribution wheel (27, 28) further includes a base plate (41, 42) that extends radially outwardly from the central drive mounting portion (29, 30) to form, for example, a disk along a first side (43, 44) of the wheel. The wheel base plate (41, 42) is preferably in contact with the radially outwardly extending walls (35, 36) or formed as an integral part of the overall distribution wheel structure (27, 28).

[0041] The central drive mounting (29, 30) is formed as a hub (31, 32) having a peripheral circumferential wall (45, 46) extending away from a second side (48a, 48b) opposite the first side (43, 44) of the distribution wheel base plate (41, 42). The peripheral circumferential wall (45, 46) may be provided with a concave wall (47a, 47b) extending from the peripheral circumferential wall (45, 46) towards a central point (49, 50) closing the hub and forming a concave outwardly facing surface. In such an arrangement, the compartment walls (35, 36) of the distribution wheel (27, 28) extend radially outwardly from the peripheral circumferential wall (45, 46) of the hub-shaped central drive mounting (29, 30) along the distribution wheel base plate (41, 42). The central drive mounts (29, 30) are further provided with seating nipples (51, 52) projecting outwardly from the concave walls (47a, 47b) at their central points (49, 50). The nipples (51, 52) are configured and shaped on their inwardly facing surfaces (53, 54) to receive and engage the drive motors (55, 56), for example, via drive gears (57, 58) or gears connected to drive shafts (59, 60) of the drive motors (55, 56).

[0042] The interior volume of each sub-housing (24a, 24b) also serves to seat a respective central drive mounting (29, 30) of each distribution wheel (27, 28), and thus the wheel housing (17) base plate (18) is configured to receive first (19) and second (20) opposing sides of the drive motors (55, 56), respectively, whereby the respective drive motor shafts (59, 60) and drive cogs (57, 58) or gears are disposed along a common central axis (61) perpendicular to the wheel housing base plate (18) to enable corresponding driving engagement with suitably configured and shaped inwardly facing surfaces (53, 54) of the nipples (51, 52) of the central drive mountings (29, 30). The shaped inwardly facing surfaces (53, 54) of the nipples (51, 52) are therefore advantageously provided with one or more series of teeth (62, 63) which are located on the inwardly facing surfaces (53, 54) about a common central axis (61) and which engage with drive cogs (57, 58) or gears of the drive motors (55, 56) to enable the wheels (27, 28) to rotate about the central common axis (61) when the drive motors (55, 56) are driven. It should be appreciated that each drive motor (55, 56) is independently drivable via the interactive user interface device (4), thereby enabling the dispenser to operate independently, for example in a domestic situation, for two separate persons, such as a couple having different solid dosing regimes.

[0043] 3 also illustrates the presence of at least one stabilizing roller (64, 65) extending from each of the first (19) and second (20) sides of the wheel housing (17) base plate (18). The illustrated arrangement has at least two sets of stabilizing rollers (64, 65), with each pair of oppositely disposed rollers axially aligned along a common axis that is parallel to, but spaced apart from, the common central axis (61). The at least one stabilizing roller is positioned to stabilize rotation of a corresponding wheel about its central axis of rotation and provides a stabilizing engagement surface (66, 67) that engages with an inwardly facing surface (68, 69) of the peripheral circumferential wall (45, 46) of the central drive mount (29, 30).

[0044] FIG. 3 also shows two inlet openings (70, 71) arranged side-by-side on the top of the wheel housing walls (21, 22). The inlet openings (70, 71) define two inlet fill ports that allow top loading of solid doses into the holding compartments (33, 34) of each wheel (27, 28) in preparation for later dispensing. The inlet openings (70, 71) are closed by an inlet port cover (16) and are partially surrounded by a horseshoe-shaped overlay (72) sandwiched between the inlet port cover (16) and the outwardly facing surfaces of the wheel housing walls (21, 22). The function of the inlet port cover (16) and the horseshoe-shaped overlay (72) will be explained in more detail with respect to FIGS. 12-14.

[0045] Also visible in Figure 3 are two slidable shutters (73, 74) mounted on the outwardly facing surfaces of the peripheral housing walls (21, 22) of the wheel housing (17) and associated with two linear drive mechanisms including rack and pinion linear drives having pinion gears (75, 76) driven by motors (77, 78) and corresponding racks of teeth (79, 80) disposed on the outwardly facing surfaces of the slidable shutters (73, 74). A more detailed description of these elements is given with respect to Figures 8 and 9.

[0046] Figure 3 further shows a distribution chute (81) connected or attached to the wheel housing (17) and provided in the wheel housing walls (21, 22) towards the bottom of the wheel housing (17) and aligned with two distribution outlet openings (82, 83) located at a level below an imaginary horizontal line perpendicular to the common central axis (61). Further details of the distribution chute (81) are provided with respect to the description of Figures 8 and 9.

[0047] Figures 4, 5, 6 and 7 provide further details regarding the distribution wheel (27, 28). Figure 4 shows a view of a distribution wheel included in a dispenser exemplified herein, from the outwardly facing surface of the wheel. In this view, the wheel (27) resembles a bicycle wheel having a central hub (31, 32) and spokes extending radially from the central hub (31, 32). The hub has a peripheral peripheral wall (45, 46) extending away from and projecting from a second side (48a, 48b) opposite the first side (43, 44) of the distribution wheel base plate (41, 42). The peripheral peripheral wall (45, 46) comprises concave walls (47a, 47b) extending from the peripheral peripheral wall (45, 46) towards a central point (49, 50) to close the hub (31, 32) and form an outwardly facing concave surface. A plurality of solid dose holding compartments (33, 34), or storage chambers, in this case 14 such holding compartments, one per day, corresponding to a 14 day supply of the prescribed solid dose medication, are defined by at least first and second opposing walls (35, 36) which extend radially outwardly from or adjacent the peripheral circumferential walls (45, 46) of the central drive mounts (29, 30), respectively, toward the outer periphery (37, 38) of each of the rotatable wheels (27, 28). Each compartment wall (35, 36) has a peripheral edge (39, 40) extending radially outwardly from the central drive mounts (29, 30). Thus, the outer periphery (37, 38) of each wheel (27, 28) is an imaginarily defined, or imaginary, outer periphery and circumference line formed by the intersection of the imaginary line with the respective outwardly facing peripheral edges (39, 40) of the radially extending compartment walls (35, 36). In Figure 4, the wheel base plates (41, 42) extend outwardly from the inwardly facing edges of the peripheral circumferential walls (45, 46) to the same peripheral extent as the radially extending compartment walls (35, 36), and thus the circumference of the base plates corresponds to the outer periphery (37, 38).From FIG. 4 it can be seen that the radially extending compartment walls (35, 36) do not extend radially in a straight line from the notional center of the central drive mountings (29, 30); rather, they are inclined from one to the other, and in this particular example, each compartment wall is oriented along an imaginary normal (n) passing through both the common central axis of the wheels (27, 28) and the point at which the compartment wall begins to extend from the peripheral walls (45, 46). v ) at a 20° angle. As a result of the compartment walls being inclined relative to the next compartment wall, successive pairs of compartment walls defining any compartment within the wheel have a peripheral opening angle of 26°. This angle is believed to be the optimum angle to ensure that the solid doses stored within each compartment fall naturally under the action of gravity as the wheel is rotated in a counterclockwise direction to effect dispensing, and that they do not become lodged within the compartment at any time.

[0048] The central drive mounts (29, 30) have seating nipples (51, 52) projecting outwardly from the concave walls (47a, 47b) at their central points (49, 50). As seen in Figure 5, which depicts the inward-facing side of the distribution wheels (27, 28), the nipples (51, 52) are configured and shaped at their inward-facing surfaces (53, 54) to receive and engage the drive motors (55, 56), for example, via drive gears (57, 58) or gears connected to drive shafts (59, 60) of the drive motors (55, 56). The inward facing surfaces (53, 54) of the nipples are provided with a plurality of teeth (84), in this embodiment three sets of five teeth, the shape and size of which correspond to the shape and size of the teeth of the drive gears (57, 58) so that the drive gears mesh with the set of five teeth on the nipples to drive the wheels in any direction determined by the drive direction of the motors (55, 56).

[0049] FIG. 6 shows an end view of the distribution wheels (27, 28) having a common central axis (61) and base plates (41, 42), peripheral walls (45, 46) of central drive mounting hubs (29, 30, 31, 32), and corresponding compartment walls (35, 36) and peripheral edges (39, 40) of those compartment walls.

[0050] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of one of the distribution wheels (27, 28), where the molded inwardly facing surface of the nipple can be seen with three sets of five teeth that mesh with the drive gears (57, 58) of the drive motors (55, 56). Furthermore, the base plate (41) comprises one or more, and here four or two pairs of separate position indicator housings (85, 86) for receiving position indicators (87, 88), such as button-shaped permanent magnets. As can be seen from FIG. 7, each member of each pair of position indicator housings is disposed diametrically opposite to the other member of the same pair. A first pair of position indicator housings (85a, 85b) are disposed at the radial periphery of the inwardly facing surface of the wheel plate, while a second pair of position indicator housings (86a, 86b) are disposed radially inward of the first pair. It should be noted that the position indicators (87, 88) are only introduced into and accommodated by one such pair for each wheel (27, 28), i.e. either the radially inner pair or the radially outer pair, but advantageously, none of the distribution wheels has the same pair occupied by a corresponding position indicator. Such an exclusive arrangement with respect to the occupation of the position indicator housings (85, 86) provides an optimal configuration of the position indicators (87, 88). The position indicators (87, 88) are used to enable the interactive user interface device to calculate the exact position of any of the distribution wheels of the dispenser at any given moment and, if necessary, to command and control the corrective rotational movement of the distribution wheels (27, 28). The position indicators (87, 88) work in combination with corresponding position sensors, which will be explained in more detail with respect to FIG. 10.

[0051] Figures 8 and 9 are perspective views of the dispenser device (1) in an assembled state, with a portion of the outer body shell removed along with the interactive user interface device (4) for ease of understanding. These figures show some of the details of some further aspects of the dispenser (1) already briefly mentioned elsewhere in this specification and described in more detail here. At the top of the device (1) is visible an inlet port cover (16), which partially surrounds a horseshoe-shaped overlay (72) attached to the outwardly facing surfaces of the wheel housing walls (21, 22). The inlet port cover (16) is positioned to allow access from the top of the dispensing device to the right-hand side fill inlet opening (70) below. The function of the inlet port cover (16) and the horseshoe-shaped overlay (72) will be explained in more detail with respect to Figures 12-14. Furthermore, and more specifically, Figures 8 and 9 also show two slidable shutters (73, 74) shaped and configured to allow closing and opening of the outlet openings (82, 83). The slidable shutters (73, 74) are constructed and shaped as relatively thin, long plates, with widths less than that of the circumferential housing walls (21, 22) and lengths optimized for minimum translational displacement and maximum effective range for the outlet openings (82, 83). The slidable shutters (73, 74) are mounted to the outwardly facing surfaces of the circumferential housing walls (21, 22) of the wheel housing (17) and are further associated with two respective linear drive mechanisms. Each linear drive mechanism includes a rack-and-pinion linear drive having a pinion gear (75, 76) driven by a motor (77, 78) and a corresponding rack of teeth (79, 80) disposed on the outwardly facing surface of the slidable shutters (73, 74).The slidable shutters (73, 74) move in a first direction along the outer surfaces of the circumferential housing walls (21, 22) to close the respective outlet openings (82, 83), thereby preventing the solid doses from falling out of the respective wheel compartments aligned with such outlet openings (82, 83), and move in the opposite direction to open the respective outlet openings (82, 83), thereby allowing the solid doses to fall out of the wheel compartments through the outlet openings (82, 83) under the action of gravity. Translational movement in one direction or the opposite direction is effected by the pinion gears (75, 76) engaging corresponding racks of teeth (79, 80) attached to or formed integrally with the slidable shutters when the pinion gears (75, 76) are driven by corresponding drive motors (77, 78). To prevent the slidable shutters from moving laterally due, for example, to uneven traction or meshing engagement between the pinion gears (75, 76) and the racks of teeth (79, 80), the slidable shutters (73, 74) engage a pair of guide members (91, 92) for each slidable shutter that are also disposed on the exterior surface of the circumferential walls (21, 22) of the housing and are disposed parallel to and corresponding to a pair of parallel grooves (93, 94) or tracks provided along the length of the slidable shutters (73, 74). Each guide member (91, 92) of the pair of guide members engages a corresponding groove (93, 94) of the pair of grooves, thereby ensuring that the slidable shutters (73, 74) do not move laterally outside the tolerances of the grooves and guide members. In this manner, the slidable shutters (73, 74) can move along their lengths and along the outer surfaces of the housing's circumferential walls (21, 22) to close and open the exit openings (82, 83) without risk of jamming, kinking, or otherwise becoming out of alignment, thereby ensuring that the slidable shutters (73, 74) are either completely covering or completely removed from covering the exit openings (82, 83).The limits of translational movement of the slidable shutters (73, 74) are defined by both the length of the grooves (93, 94) and the relative positions of the guide members (91, 92) and are selected to ensure that the slidable shutters function as intended.

[0052] Figures 8 and 9 further show the positioning of the distribution chute (81) with respect to the outlet openings (82, 83), which is connected or attached to the wheel housing (17) and is aligned with two distribution outlet openings (82, 83) provided in the wheel housing walls (21, 22) towards the lower part of the wheel housing (17) and located at a level below an imaginary horizontal line perpendicular to the common central axis (61). The role of the distribution chute is to guide the solid doses as they fall out of the outlet openings (82, 83) under the action of gravity when the slidable shutters (73, 74) are moved to an open position where they no longer cover the outlet openings (82, 83). The dispensing chute (81) is shaped like a spout and has a curved or arcuate profile extending from a first end (95) attached to the peripheral wall (21, 22) of the wheel housing to a delivery lip (96) located at a free second end (97) of the spout-shaped dispensing chute (81).

[0053] The main differences between Figures 8 and 9 are as follows: Figure 8 shows the left sliding shutter (74) in the open position, such that communication is established between the left outlet opening (83) and the dispensing chute (81). In this position, the shutter (74) has been moved upwards around the housing wall (22) by the drive motor (78) and the pinion gear (76) engaging with the teeth (80). Thus, in this open position, the solid doses previously held in the holding compartment (34) of the left dispensing wheel (28, not visible) are free to fall under the influence of gravity through the left outlet opening (83) into the spout-like dispensing chute (81), falling or being guided by the curved contour of the spout-like dispensing chute (81). Also visible in Figure 8 is the position of the right shutter (73), set in the closed position and completely covering the right outlet opening (82). Furthermore, the limits of the permissible translational movement of the slidable shutter (73) are defined by the interaction between the pair of parallel arranged guide members (91, 92) and the pair of parallel arranged corresponding grooves (93, 94). Meanwhile, Fig. 9 shows the same positioning of the left hand sliding shutter (74) in the open position, but also shows the right hand sliding shutter (73) in the open position setting, thereby allowing any solid doses held in the holding compartment (33) to fall by gravity through the right hand outlet opening (82) into the dispensing chute (81). Again, the limits of the translational movement of the shutter (73) are defined by the interaction between the pair of guide members (91, 92) and the corresponding grooves (93, 94) of the sliding shutter (73).

[0054] FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of a dispenser according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the rear of the dispenser. This view shows an inlet port cover (16) located on top of the dispenser and having an outwardly facing surface that follows the shape and curvature of the outer shell body (6). The inlet port cover is connected to the periphery of the wheel housing base plate (18) via a protruding spigot (98) extending from the periphery of the wheel housing base plate (18) to form an axis of rotation for the inlet port cover (16). The inlet port cover (16) is shaped and configured to engage the spigot (98) via an inwardly directed bore (99) extending from an inwardly facing surface (100) of the cover (16) and elastically deform to engage the spigot (98) to hold the cover (16) on the spigot (98), while allowing the cover (16) to be rotated about the spigot (98), for example, via manual interaction between a user and the inlet port cover (16). The inlet port cover (16) is provided with a suitable grip or operating member (101), for example formed as a raised button or handle, extending from the outer surface of the inlet port cover (16). Figure 10 also shows the relative positions and mounting of the wheel housing (17), wheel housing base plate (18), distribution wheels (27, 28), central drive mountings (29, 30), nipples (51, 52), and corresponding common central shaft (61) and respective drive motors (55, 56). Two sets of stabilizing rollers (64, 65) are also located on either side of the common central shaft (61), above and below the common central shaft (61), respectively, and the rollers are seen to engage the respective inward facing surfaces of the hubs of the central drive mountings (29, 30) of each distribution wheel (27, 28). The distribution wheel base plates (41,42) can further be seen to extend from the inner edges of the peripheral walls (45,46) which form the central drive mountings (29,30).The inside or inward facing surfaces of the wheel base plates (41, 42) feature position indicator housings (85, 86), with the left wheel base plate (42) having mounted thereon a position indicator (87, 88), such as a button-shaped permanent dipole magnet, in the radially outermost upper left position indicator housing (85a). A similar such magnetic position indicator (87, 88) is typically similarly disposed on the right side of the wheel base plate in a corresponding radially innermost position indicator housing (86a or 86b), e.g., 86a. Additionally, FIG. 10 illustrates a position sensor system (102) located toward and within the bottom or lower region of the wheel housing base plate (18).

[0055] FIG. 11 shows an enlarged and partially broken away detail of the position sensor system (102) of FIG. 10. The position sensor system includes a printed circuit board (103) and one or more position sensors (104, 105) electrically connected to the printed circuit board (103). The position sensors (104, 105) are advantageously magnetic position sensors, functioning on the principle of detecting variations in a magnetic field or magnetic flux with respect to a magnetic field generating member, such as the permanent dipole button magnet position indicators (87, 88) described above. It will be appreciated that the wheel position sensors (104, 105) are located in fixed positions relative to the position indicators (87, 88) which are moved or rotated about a common central axis (61) by the drive motors (55, 56) when the distribution wheels (27, 28) are driven by the drive motors. The movement of the magnetic position indicators (87, 88) about the axis of rotation (61) causes the level of the magnetic field or magnetic flux detected at the magnetic position sensors to change as the wheels rotate. The position sensors (104, 105) are connected to and communicate with the interactive user interface device (4) to allow the exact positioning of the wheels to be determined at any time. Such position monitoring allows corrective drive instructions or independently actuated movements of the corresponding respective drive motors (55, 56) to be performed, if necessary, to correct the position of the distribution wheels (27, 28). This may be necessary, for example, to precisely align the compartment walls (35, 36) with the respective inlet openings (70, 71) when filling the dispenser holding compartments of each wheel (27, 28), and similarly, to perfectly align the compartment walls (35, 36) of the distribution wheels (27, 28) with the corresponding respective outlet openings (82, 83) when dispensing solid doses, before the sliding shutters (73, 74) are opened to allow the solid doses to fall by gravity from the respective wheel compartments.

[0056] Figures 12A to 14B are a series of views illustrating the function of the inlet cover (16), which is designed to allow the filling or refilling of the dispensing device with solid doses to be dispensed. Figures 12A and 12B are a cross-sectional view of the inlet cover (16) in a first position in the direction A-A' and a top view of the same cover (16), respectively, showing in particular the closed position of the cover (16) with respect to the inlet openings (70, 71). The inlet cover (16) is shaped and configured to engage a mounting spigot (98) via an inwardly facing bore (99) extending from an inwardly facing surface (100) of the cover (16) and to elastically deform to engage the spigot (98) and retain the cover (16) on the spigot (98) while allowing rotation of the cover (16) about the spigot (98), for example, via manual interaction of the user with the inlet cover (16). The inlet cover (16) is provided with a suitable grip or operating member (101), for example formed as a raised button or handle, extending from an outer surface of the inlet cover (16). To set the cover (16) to any of the available positions, the operating member (101) is operated via the hand, finger, thumb, or combination thereof of a device user to rotate the cover (16) about a vertical axis of rotation (106) that coincides with the vertical plane of the wheel housing base plate (18). The inlet cover (16) further includes an opening (107) extending through the cover (16) and located opposite the operating member (101). As the handle (101) moves about the vertical axis of rotation (106), the opening (107) moves by the same amount. In this manner, the opening (107) provided in the inlet cover (16) can be moved to a number of positions that, in a mutually exclusive manner, do not provide access to either the inlet fill opening, the first inlet fill opening (70), or the second inlet fill opening (71). In the first position, the fill system is essentially, and to all intents and purposes, closed to the filling of the wheel compartments (33, 34) with solid doses. This closed position is therefore shown in Figures 12A and 12B.

[0057] Figures 13A and 13B are, respectively, a cross-sectional view of the inlet port cover (16) in a second position and a top view of the same cover (16), particularly showing the second position of the cover (16) with respect to the inlet openings (70, 71). In the second position as illustrated in Figures 13A and 13B, the left inlet opening (71) is accessible for filling the wheel compartment with solid doses.

[0058] Figures 14A and 14B are, respectively, a cross-sectional view of the inlet cover (16) in a third position and a top view of the same cover (16), particularly showing the third position of the cover (16) with respect to the inlet openings (70, 71). In the third position illustrated in Figures 14A and 14B, the right inlet opening (70) is accessible for filling the wheel compartment with solid doses.

[0059] The horseshoe overlay (72), located between the cover (16) and the inlet openings (70, 71) therebelow, includes a printed circuit board (108) having at least one position sensor (109), preferably two, more preferably three, such as magnetic position sensors (109, 110a, 110b), connected to or integral with the circuit board (108) and preferably located at each end (111, 112) of the horseshoe overlay (72) and at an intermediate position. The circuit board (108) is electrically connected to or otherwise in communication with the interactive user interface device (4). The position sensors (109, 110a, 110b) function in conjunction with a position indicator (113), such as, for example, a permanent dipole button magnet, that is positioned, seated, or otherwise housed within the inlet port cover (16), preferably within a peripheral housing (114) provided within the cover (16). Similar to how the position of the distribution wheels (27, 28) is detected, the position sensors detect and read the fluctuations or changes in the magnetic field or magnetic vector as the inlet port cover moves between the corresponding position sensors (109, 110a, 110b). These readings are used to determine where the cover is currently located with respect to the inlet openings (70, 71). For example, in Figures 12A and 12B, the magnet (113) is located above the position sensor (109) at a midpoint along the length of the horseshoe (72). In Figures 13A and 13B, the magnet is located at a first end (111) of the horseshoe (72) after rotation about the axis (106). In Figures 14A and 14B, the magnet is located at a second end (112) of the horseshoe (72) after rotation about the axis (106) in the opposite direction to Figures 13A and 13B.

[0060] A brief description will now be given of the functionality of the dispenser in relation to filling the dispenser with solid doses. The inlet cover (16) is rotated about a vertical axis of rotation (106) to move from a first closed position to either a second open position or a third open position, and an opening (107) in the cover (16) is moved into a superimposed relationship over either the right inlet opening (70) or the left inlet opening (71), thereby mutually exclusively allowing access to one or the other of the inlet openings (70, 71), respectively. Patients and dispenser users, or medical professionals, are identified and / or authenticated at the dispenser via a biometric identification mechanism, such as fingerprint, facial recognition, or voice recognition. The identification and / or authentication is performed via the interactive user interface device (4) in a manner known per se in the art. Upon successful identification, the interactive user interface device (4) unlocks the corresponding drive motors (55, 56) of each distribution wheel (27, 28). The user then fills the first compartment made accessible through the entrance opening with solid doses corresponding to the desired dosing regimen of the person or intended recipient of the doses. The required solid doses fall by gravity into the available compartment. Once that available compartment is filled, the interactive user interface device commands the drive motor to move the distribution wheel in a counterclockwise direction to position the next adjacent compartment under the entrance opening. The exact position of each compartment is automatically adjusted through the functional interaction of the wheel housing position sensor and the position indicator located on the distribution wheel. Each compartment is filled with the required amount of solid doses until all of the compartments of that distribution wheel are filled. The user then rotates the cover (16) to another open position to allow access to the other distribution wheel through the correspondingly accessible entrance opening. The procedure for filling each compartment of the second wheel is repeated until all of the compartments are properly filled.The dispenser is now ready to dispense a solid dose. The inlet cover is moved again to the closed position, where none of the inlet ports are accessible.

[0061] Dispensing of the solid doses occurs at programmed intervals according to a preprogrammed dispensing recipe transmitted to the interactive user interface device, which dispensing recipe produces only solid doses of any given compartment at the appropriate time or interval. Additionally, release of the doses from the compartments can be conditional upon successful identification and / or authentication of the user or intended patient of the dispenser. The interactive user interface device can alert the user as to the time when a given set of solid doses is to be taken, for example, via an audio alert displayed or emitted by the interactive user interface device, or other form of audible or visual notification. Each time a compartment is set to deliver the solid doses held therein, the dispenser automatically rotates the corresponding dispensing wheel into the correct position with the outlet opening and moves the corresponding respective slidable shutter to an open position, allowing the solid doses contained within the compartment to fall by gravity into the recipient's hand or into a corresponding appropriately positioned container, such as a beaker positioned under the spout of the dispensing chute.

Claims

1. 1. An automatic gravity-fed solid dose dispenser comprising: a first rotatable dose distribution wheel and a second rotatable dose distribution wheel, each of which has a central drive mounting, each of which has a plurality of solid dose retaining compartments defined by at least first and second opposing walls extending outwardly from or adjacent to the central drive mounting of the first rotatable wheel and the second rotatable wheel, respectively, toward an outer periphery of each of the first rotatable wheel and the second rotatable wheel; a wheel housing having a base plate having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, and respective first and second housing walls extending outwardly and circumferentially from and along an outer peripheral edge of the base plate to form two sub-housings, each sub-housing being disposed on a respective side of the base plate and defining respective first and second outward openings for receiving the first and second rotatable dose distribution wheels, respectively; an interactive user interface device configured to control operation of the automated solid dose dispenser; said first and second rotatable dose distribution wheels are configured to be rotatable independently of one another via respective central drive mountings; each of the first and second rotatable dose-dispensing wheels and the central drive mounting are arranged along a common axis of rotation perpendicular to the base plate of the wheel housing; the interactive user interface device is mounted to the wheel housing in a plane substantially tangent to an outer circumferential surface of both the first and second housing walls of the wheel housing; an automatic gravity-fed solid dose dispenser, wherein independent rotation of each of said first and second rotatable dose dispensing wheels within said first and second wheel housings, respectively, is controlled via said interactive user interface device.

2. 2. The automatic gravity-fed solid dose dispenser of claim 1, wherein the housing base plate includes a seating base support configured to seat the wheel housing in an upright position on a portion of the outer periphery of the base plate.

3. 3. The automatic gravity-fed solid dose dispenser of claim 1, further comprising a solid dose fill inlet disposed in an upper region of the wheel housing and extending from an outer surface of a portion of both the first and second circumferentially extending housing walls of the wheel housing to an inner surface of the first and second circumferentially extending housing walls of the wheel housing, the base plate forming a partition between the first and second circumferentially extending housing walls, thereby forming respective first and second fill inlets, one for each of the housing walls.

4. 4. The automated gravity-operated solid dose dispenser of claim 3, wherein the dose fill inlet is provided with a selectively rotatable lid configured to rotate about an axis of rotation aligned with the plane of the first and second surfaces of the base plate.

5. 5. The automatic gravity-fed solid dose dispenser of claim 4, wherein the selectively rotatable lid is configured to rotate from a first closed position in which access to a first one of the fill inlets is closed and access to a second one of the fill inlets is open.

6. 5. The automatic gravity-fed solid dose dispenser of claim 4, wherein the selectively rotatable lid is configured to rotate from a first closed position in which access to a second one of the fill inlets is closed and access to a first one of the fill inlets is open.

7. 7. The automatic gravity-fed solid dose dispenser of claim 4, wherein the selectively rotatable lid is configured to rotate from a first open position, in which access to either the first or second fill inlet is open, to a second closed position, in which access to neither the first or second fill inlet is available.

8. 8. The automatic gravity-fed solid dose dispenser of claim 4, comprising at least one position sensor connected to the interactive user interface device and configured to indicate when the selectively rotatable lid is in an open or closed position.

9. 9. The automatic gravity-fed solid dose dispenser of claim 1, further comprising a solid dose dispensing outlet arranged in a lower region of the wheel housing, the dispensing outlet extending from an inner surface of a portion of both the first and second circumferentially extending housing walls of the wheel housing to an outer surface of the first and second circumferentially extending housing walls of the wheel housing, the base plate forming a partition between the first and second circumferentially extending housing walls, thereby forming respective first and second dispensing outlets, one for each of the housing walls.

10. 10. The automatic gravity-fed solid dose dispenser of claim 9, comprising a first selectively openable and closed shutter and a second selectively openable and closed shutter, the first and second selectively openable shutters being configured to be selectively opened and closed independently of one another to prevent or respectively enable dispensing of solid doses via gravity from within the respective first or second housing to an exterior of the dispenser.

11. 11. The automatic gravity-fed solid dose dispenser of claim 10, wherein the first and second selectively openable and closable shutters are sliding doors shaped to fit against an inner or outer surface, or a combination of an inner and outer surface, of the housing wall.

12. 12. The automatic gravity-fed solid dose dispenser of claim 10 or 11, wherein the first and second shutters, which are selectively and independently openable and closable, are connected to first and second linear displacement mechanisms, respectively.

13. 13. The automatic gravity-fed solid dose dispenser of claim 12, wherein the first and second linear displacement mechanisms are configured to move the first and second shutters, respectively, independently of one another along an outer surface, an inner surface, or a combination of an outer surface and an inner surface of a corresponding circumferentially extending housing wall.

14. 14. The automatic gravity-fed solid dose dispenser of claim 13, wherein the housing wall of the wheel includes at least a pair of guide members for each shutter disposed on the circumferential surface of the wheel housing, the guide members engaging and guiding the circumferential translational movement of the shutters via at least one corresponding pair of grooves provided along the length of each sliding shutter.

15. 10. The automatic gravity-fed solid dose dispenser of claim 1, comprising a dispensing chute configured to transport dispensed solid doses from a dispensing outlet of the dispenser to a user or user-recipient by gravity.

16. 10. The automatic gravity fed solid dose dispenser of any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one wheel position indicator disposed on each of the first and second dispensing wheels.

17. 10. The automatic gravity fed solid dose dispenser of any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one wheel position sensor located within the base plate.

18. 13. The automatic gravity-fed solid dose dispenser of any one of the preceding claims, comprising first and second central axle drive motors, each central axle drive motor disposed within a respective wheel housing along a common axis of rotation and configured to engage a respective central drive mounting of a corresponding dispensing wheel to drive the wheel in response to corresponding commands received from the interactive user interface device.

19. 13. The automatic gravity-fed solid dose dispenser of any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one stabilizing roller extending from the base plate of each wheel housing, the at least one stabilizing roller being positioned to stabilize rotation of the corresponding wheel about a central axis of rotation.

20. 13. The automatic gravity-fed solid dose dispenser of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the interactive user interface device comprises one or more of a touch screen, a microphone, a speaker, a camera, and wireless communication and corresponding functional programs configured for interaction with a user.

21. 13. The automated gravity-fed solid dose dispenser of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the interactive user interface device is configured to implement one or more biometric identification mechanisms for identification and / or authentication of a user of the dispenser.

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