SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR LOCKING A CONTROLLED MEDICAL TREATMENT DEVICE - Patent application

Abstract

Systems and methods for controlling a locking medication dispensing device are presented herein. The dispensing device can include a housing portion and a nozzle portion that can be depressed into the housing to administer the medication. The device can include a vial lock for securing a medication vial within the device and a nozzle lock for controlling administration of the medication. The dispensing device can further include a sensor for identifying the user, such as a biometric sensor and / or a microgesture sensor. Parameters for locking the nozzle and / or vial can be configured via a physician's device. Reminders, user pairing, and other user communications can be facilitated via a patient's device. The dispensing device can include a partial depression sensor and a lockout feature to further prevent tampering. The top-loading dispensing device can include a disposable nozzle.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] [CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 969,421, filed February 3, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present invention relates to a system and method for controlling the dispensing of medication, and more particularly to a system and method for dispensing medication via a time control device coupled to a web platform. [Background technology]

[0003] Conventional personal medication dispensing devices, such as intranasal spray devices, are often effectively used to deliver atomized medication. Conventional intranasal spray devices consist of a pump with an elongated nozzle that atomizes liquid as it is propelled through the nozzle and out of a delivery orifice. The resulting mist is inhaled and efficiently absorbed by tissues, thereby providing effective treatment.

[0004] Nasal spray devices have been utilized to deliver medications for conditions ranging from allergies, pain relief, and depression. For conditions such as pain relief and depression, there is a high risk of abuse associated with the medications provided within the device due to the addictive nature of the medications treating these conditions. For example, ketamine has shown great effectiveness in treating serious conditions such as bipolar depression. However, given the addictive nature of medications such as ketamine, health care providers are hesitant to administer or otherwise prescribe them for home use. Health care providers are often concerned with patients who are abusing or misusing medications, people other than the patient who are abusing the medication, and the theft and / or sale of the medication.

[0005] Abuse and misuse are not only due to the addictive nature of drugs, but also due to their efficacy in delivering relief to patients' conditions. Patients may be driven to use more than the prescribed dosage because of the relief that drugs provide. As a result, patients who need such drugs may only receive small dosages or supplies per visit to a health care provider. As a result, some patients must visit a health care provider frequently, such as multiple times a week. The need for frequent visits to a health care provider is not only inconvenient, but can also act as a barrier to accessing drugs for people who cannot afford to bear burdensome transportation costs or leave their place of employment for long periods of time. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Systems and methods are provided for dispensing medications with a locking dispensing device. The dispensing device can be molded to form an exoskeleton around a pharmaceutical vial. The dispensing device can include one or more locking mechanisms to prevent removal of the vial and / or administration of a dosage. The system can include the dispensing device and a computing device that can be linked to the dispensing device to configure parameters of the dispensing device (e.g., timeout, tamper detection, improper use, biometric input, user authentication) for engaging and / or disengaging the locking mechanisms.

[0007] The dispensing device can comprise a nozzle and a housing, which can be integral or separate components that can slidably engage with each other to form an exoskeleton around the vial. The nozzle can comprise a housing interface configured to slidably engage the nozzle with the housing.

[0008] The dispensing device can include a vial lock that can be locked to prevent removal of the vial from the dispensing device and unlocked to allow removal of the dispensing device. In some examples, the vial lock can further include a stop to limit movement of the nozzle relative to the housing (e.g., setting a fully extended position of the nozzle and / or a fully depressed position of the nozzle). In examples where the nozzle is separate from the housing, the vial lock can further prevent separation of the nozzle from the housing when locked and allow separation of the nozzle from the housing when unlocked.

[0009] The dispensing device may comprise a dosage lock that may be locked to prevent movement of the nozzle relative to the housing, thereby preventing dispensing of the medicament. The dosage lock may be unlocked to allow the nozzle to be depressed into the housing and / or extended out of the housing, thereby allowing dispensing of the medicament. In instances where the nozzle is separate from the housing, the dosage lock, when locked, may further prevent separation of the nozzle from the housing and / or removal of the vial from the device.

[0010] The dispensing device may comprise a sensor configured to detect partial depression of the nozzle and an electrical circuit configured to lock the dose lock in response to a signal from the sensor. The sensor may comprise an optical sensor positioned to view movement of the nozzle relative to the housing.

[0011] In examples where the nozzle is detachable from the housing, the nozzle can function to deliver medication with the vial without the housing. The housing can include a dose lock and a vial lock. The nozzle can include features that can engage and lock the dose lock and / or the vial lock. The housing can include a sensor for detecting movement of the nozzle. The nozzle can include features on the nozzle that are detectable by the sensor on the housing. The sensor and features on the nozzle can be positioned and otherwise configured to enable the device to detect partial depression of the nozzle.

[0012] The present invention will be more fully understood and appreciated from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a system according to the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the system in an unlocked position taken along line A. [Figure 3A] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the system in a locked position taken along line A. [Figure 3B] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the system in a locked position taken along line B. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a method according to the invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a method according to the invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a method according to the invention. [Figure 7A] FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of an embodiment of a motor assembly in a locked position. [Figure 7B] FIG. 1 illustrates a side perspective view of an embodiment of a motor assembly in an unlocked position. [Figure 7C]FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a motor assembly in an unlocked position. [Figure 8A] FIG. 13 is a side perspective view of an embodiment of a first portion and a second portion of a housing having a motor assembly. [Figure 8B] FIG. 13 is another side perspective view of an embodiment of the first and second portions of the housing in an unlocked position. [Figure 8C] FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of the first and second portions of the housing in a locked position. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a side view of another embodiment of a dispensing device according to the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a side view of a nozzle and vial according to the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an orthogonal side view of the nozzle and vial shown in FIG. 10, in accordance with the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a side view of a vial, retaining ring and spring according to the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing device shown in FIG. 9 and oriented with components removed to visualize the dose lock and vial lock, according to the present invention. [Figure 14A] FIG. 2 is a top view of a housing according to the present invention. [Figure 14B] FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional view of the housing oriented in FIG. 14A according to the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the dispensing device shown in FIG. 9 according to the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a view of an alternative handle portion of the nozzle of the dispensing device shown in FIG. 9 according to the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is an exploded view of another embodiment of a dispensing device according to the present invention. [Figure 18] 17A is a cross-sectional view of a dispensing device according to the present invention shown in FIG. 17 cut along plane A, and FIG. 17B is a cross-sectional view of a dispensing device according to the present invention shown in FIG. 17 cut along plane B. [Figure 19] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] With reference to the drawings, the present invention may be a system, a method, and / or a computer program product. The computer program product may include a computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable program instructions for causing a processor to perform aspects of the present invention.

[0015] A computer-readable storage medium may be a tangible device that can hold and store instructions for use by an instruction execution device. A computer-readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of the above. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of computer-readable storage media includes portable computer diskettes, hard disks, random access memories (RAMs), read-only memories (ROMs), erasable programmable read-only memories (EPROMs or flash memories), static random access memories (SRAMs), portable compact disk read-only memories (CD-ROMs), digital versatile disks (DVDs), memory sticks, floppy disks, mechanically encoded devices such as punch cards or raised structures in grooves with instructions recorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the above. As used herein, a computer-readable storage medium should not be construed as a transitory signal per se, such as electric waves or other freely propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagating through a waveguide or other transmission medium (e.g., light pulses through a fiber optic cable), or electrical signals transmitted over wires.

[0016] The computer-readable program instructions described herein can be downloaded from a computer-readable storage medium to the respective computing / processing device or to an external computer or storage device via a network, such as the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network, and / or a wireless network. The network can include copper transmission cables, optical transmission fiber, wireless transmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers, and / or edge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in each computing / processing device receives the computer-readable program instructions from the network and transfers the computer-readable program instructions to a computer-readable storage medium within the respective computing / processing device for storage.

[0017] The computer readable program instructions for carrying out the operations of the present invention may be assembler instructions, instruction set architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state setting data, or source or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including object oriented programming languages ​​such as Smalltalk, C++, and conventional procedural programming languages ​​such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages. The computer readable program instructions may be executed entirely on the user's computer as a stand-alone software package, partially on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer and partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a computer or server. In the latter case, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer via any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be to an external computer (e.g., via the Internet using an Internet Service Provider). In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example, a programmable logic circuit, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or a programmable logic array (PLA), can execute computer readable program instructions by utilizing state information of the computer readable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry to carry out aspects of the invention.

[0018] Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer readable program instructions.

[0019] These computer readable program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to generate a machine such that the instructions, executed via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions / acts specified in the block or blocks of the flowcharts and / or block diagrams. These computer readable program instructions may be stored on a computer readable storage medium and may direct a computer, programmable data processing apparatus, and / or other device to function in a particular manner, such that the computer readable storage medium having the instructions stored thereon includes a product including instructions implementing aspects of the functions / acts specified in the block or blocks of the flowcharts and / or block diagrams.

[0020] The computer-readable program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to cause the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device to perform a series of operational steps to generate a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions executing on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device perform the functions / operations specified in one or more blocks of the flowcharts and / or block diagrams.

[0021] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that each block in the flowcharts or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions, including one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function. In some alternative implementations, the functions described in the blocks may be performed in a different order than that described in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially simultaneously, or the blocks may be executed in reverse order depending on the functionality involved. It should also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and / or flowchart diagrams, as well as combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowchart diagrams, may be implemented by a dedicated hardware-based system that executes the specified functions or operations, or executes a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

[0022] Referring again to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a system according to the present invention, with like reference numbers referring to like parts throughout. FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a system including a dispensing device 100 and a computing device 200. The computing device 200 can be a smart phone, a portable tablet, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, and any other similar device. FIG. 1 also shows the exterior components of an embodiment of the dispensing device 100. The dispensing device 100 includes a cylindrical housing 102 having a first closed end 104 and a second closed end 106. A nozzle 108 extends perpendicularly from a surface 104a of the first closed end 104. The second closed end 106 can further include a base plate 106a secured to the housing 102 with fasteners such as star screws, which prevents easy tampering with the housing 102. Other fasteners are contemplated, such as magnetic fasteners, custom "keyed" screws, or similar locking devices. The housing 102 further includes a recess 110 having a display screen 112 therein. The display screen may be, for example, a panel display such as a monochrome OLED graphic display, or other LED display.

[0023] Referring to Figure 2, a schematic cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the system in an unlocked position is shown taken along line A. Figure 2 shows the internal components of the dispensing device 100 in an unlocked position, with the nozzle 108 depressed. The housing 102 of the dispensing device 100 further includes a first portion 114 and a second portion 116. The first portion 114 of the housing 102 is connected to both the first closed end 104 and the second portion 116.

[0024] In the illustrated embodiment, a second portion 116 of the housing 102 is connected to the second closed end 106 or base plate 106a and provides a base for the dispensing device 100. The second portion 116 houses a liquid container 118 configured to store a liquid medical composition. In the illustrated embodiment, the liquid container 118 is cylindrical in shape so as to fit efficiently within a similarly cylindrical housing 102. An example of a cylindrical liquid container 118 is a thread-sized stock vial.

[0025] To provide access to the medicinal contents of the liquid container 118, the liquid container 118 includes a pump assembly 120. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the pump 120 is centrally located within the liquid container 118. The pump assembly 120 is constructed and operates substantially as a standard pump assembly used in conventional intranasal spray devices. When pressure is applied to the nozzle 108 toward the surface 104a of the first closed end 104, the pump assembly 120 propels the liquid medical composition stored within the liquid container 118 through a channel 122 in the nozzle 108, expelling the liquid medical composition from the dispensing device 100. Thus, in the unlocked position, the liquid medical composition can be freely expelled from the dispensing device 100.

[0026] 3A-3B, schematic cross-sectional views of an embodiment of the system in a locked position are shown along lines A and B, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the first portion 114 of the housing 102 further includes a solenoid 124 locking mechanism therein. The solenoid 124 is actuated perpendicular to the movement of the pump assembly 120. In one embodiment, when the solenoid 124 is actuated, the solenoid 124 moves into the path of the nozzle 108, thereby blocking full movement of the nozzle 108 toward the surface 104a of the first closed end 104 and preventing the pump assembly 120 from expelling the liquid medical composition from the dispensing device 100. The solenoid 124 is shown in an unlocked position in FIG. 2 and in a locked position in FIGS. 3A-3B. In an alternative embodiment, the solenoid 124 can include a fitting, such as a U-clip, that blocks the path of the nozzle 108 and interrupts the movement of the pump assembly 120.

[0027] 3A-3B, in the illustrated embodiment, the solenoid 124 is actuated in response to an electrical signal provided from a processor, such as a printed circuit board 126. As shown in FIGS. 3A-3B, the printed circuit board 126 is disposed within the second portion 116 of the housing 102 toward the second closed end 106. The printed circuit board 126 is operatively coupled to and powered by a battery 128, which is also disposed within the second portion 116 at the second closed end 106. The battery 128 may be a rechargeable lithium ion battery or a similar type of power source.

[0028] In an alternative embodiment, the locking mechanism is a motor assembly 300. In Figures 7A-8C, various views of one embodiment of a locking mechanism for the motor assembly 300 are shown. Referring first to Figure 7A, a top perspective view of the motor assembly 300 is shown in a locked position. The motor assembly 300 includes a motor 302 connected to a first gear 304 disposed within an opening 306 in an internal gear 308. The internal gear 308 includes a central lock 310 with a keyway 312 extending therethrough. Similar to the embodiment in which the locking mechanism is a solenoid 124 (Figures 3A-3B), the motor assembly 300 suspends or otherwise blocks the movement of the pump assembly 120. In the embodiment shown in Figure 7A, a shaft 314 of the pump assembly 120 extends through the central lock 310 of the internal gear 308. To facilitate locking, there are one or more keys 316 protruding from the shaft 314 of the pump assembly 120. The key 316 is configured or fitted to slide into the keyway 312 of the central lock 310. In the embodiment shown in Figure 7A, the key 316 rests on the central lock 310 and is prevented from sliding into the keyway 312. Thus, the nozzle 108 attached to the pump assembly 120 is not compressible when the key 316 is not aligned with the keyway 312.

[0029] 7B-7C, a side perspective view and a top view of the motor assembly 300 in the unlocked position are shown. From the locked position shown in FIG. 7B, the motor 302 is actuated by an electrical signal from the printed circuit board 126, which rotates the gear 304, which in turn rotates the internal gear 308. The opening 306 in the internal gear 308 limits the rotation of the internal gear 308, as it can only rotate in either direction until it hooks onto the gear 304. As the internal gear 308 rotates, the lock 310 and keyway 312 also rotate. The internal gear 308 rotates until it is in the unlocked position shown in FIG. 7B. In the unlocked position, the key 316 on the shaft 314 of the pump assembly 120 aligns with the keyway 312 extending through the lock 310. Once the motor assembly 300 is in the unlocked position, the nozzle 108 can be compressed. When the nozzle 108 is compressed, a key 316 on the shaft 314 of the pump assembly 120 slides into the keyway 312 of the lock 310, as shown in Figure 7C. When the nozzle 108 is released, the key 316 on the shaft 314 slides out of the keyway 312 and the internal gear 308 may be rotated back to the locked position shown in Figure 7A.

[0030] 8A-8C, various perspective views of the first portion 114 and the second portion 116 of an embodiment of the housing 102 with the motor assembly 300 are shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the first portion 114 of the housing 102 includes the pump assembly 120, the printed circuit board 126, and the battery 128 (not shown), and the second portion 116 of the housing 102 includes the liquid container 118 (not shown). Referring first to FIG. 8B, a side view of the first portion 114 of the housing 102 and the second portion 116 of the housing 102 in an unlocked position is shown. The first portion 114 of the housing 102 has an aperture 318 along the periphery of its bottom surface 320. A disk 324 stacked on the bottom surface 320 of the first portion 114 of the housing 102 has a notch 326 along the periphery of the disk 324. The notch 326 is configured to align with the aperture 318 in the bottom surface 320 of the first portion 114. With continued reference to FIGURE 8B, the motor 302 of the motor assembly 300 includes a second gear 322 on an opposite side of the motor 302 from the first gear 304. The second gear 322 is used to rotate a disk 324 on the bottom surface 320 of the first portion 114.

[0031] 8A, the second portion 116 of the housing 102 includes a plurality of L-shaped flanges 328 extending from a top surface 330 of the second portion 116. The L-shaped flanges 328 are configured to fit through the apertures 318 in the bottom surface 320 of the first portion 114 and the notches 326 in the disk 324. In the unlocked position shown in FIG. 8B, the L-shaped flanges 328 are aligned with the apertures 318 in the bottom surface 320 of the first portion 114 and the notches 326 in the disk 324. Thus, the second portion 116 can be pulled and removed from the first portion 114 of the housing 102.

[0032] 8C, the motor 302, upon receiving an electrical signal from the printed circuit board 126, rotates the second gear 322, which rotates the disk 324. The disk 324 rotates such that the notch 326 is no longer aligned with the L-shaped flange 328. Thus, the L-shaped flange 328, and therefore the second portion 116 of the housing 102, cannot be removed from the first portion 114. In some embodiments, the disk 324 is spring loaded such that the locked position is the default position of the disk 324.

[0033] The circuitry described to activate the locking mechanism may also be connected to one or more signal LEDs 130 on the housing 102, as shown in Figure 1. In one embodiment, the signal LED 130 is illuminated when the solenoid 124 is activated and the dispensing device 100 is in the locked position. In an alternative embodiment, the signal LED 130 may be illuminated red when the solenoid 124 is activated and the dispensing device 100 is in the locked position, and green when the solenoid 124 is deactivated or otherwise deactivated and the dispensing device 100 is in the unlocked position.

[0034] The circuitry also connects to and provides power to the screen 112 within the recess 110 of the housing 102. In the embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 3A, the recess 110 is surrounded by a lens 132. The lens 132 protects the screen 112 from liquids, debris, and other contaminants while still allowing a user to clearly view the screen 112. In the illustrated embodiment, the lens 132 is flush with the housing 102, allowing the user to easily operate the dispensing device 100. In one embodiment, the lens 132 can include a biometric sensor therein. In an alternative embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the biometric sensor 134 is at a separate location along the housing 102. The biometric sensor 134 can include a fingerprint scanner, an iris scanner, a heart rate detector, and the like. The lens 132 can also include touch screen functionality so that a user can enter a passcode on a keypad displayed on the screen 112. The biometric sensor 134 and passcode element provide an additional layer of security for accessing the medication, authenticating the individual using the device and sending a signal to the printed circuit board 126 to move the solenoid 124 to the unlocked position.

[0035] In some embodiments, the dispensing device 100 may further comprise a photocell 136 disposed within the housing and connected to the circuit. The photocell 136 detects light conditions inside the device. Thus, the photocell 136 may detect when the dispensing device 100 has been tampered with or destroyed. In other embodiments, the dispensing device 100 may further comprise a drug sensor 138 connected to the circuit that monitors the level of drug in the liquid container 118. Thus, the drug sensor 138 may send a signal to the printed circuit board 126 when the liquid container 118 is empty or low on drug.

[0036] The pump assembly 120 may further include a tactile switch 140. The tactile switch 140 operates as a momentary switch that is activated when the pump assembly 120 is fully actuated. The tactile switch 140 is operatively coupled to a printed circuit board 126 on which the complete actuation of the pump assembly 120 is recorded. Circuitry from the printed circuit board 126 further extends to a real time clock chip 142. The real time clock chip 142 may be used to provide a date and time for display on the screen 112. As described below, the real time clock chip 142 may also be used in combination with the solenoid 124 and the tactile switch 140 to lock the dispensing device 100.

[0037] 4-6, diagrammatic representations of an embodiment of a method according to the present invention are shown. In use, components within the dispensing device 100 may communicate with a web platform accessible on the computing device 200 to control the dispensing of medication. The printed circuit board 126 may utilize Bluetooth low energy (BLE) as a wireless protocol for communicating with the computing device 200. Thus, the printed circuit board 126 may be programmed from the computing device 200. For example, a healthcare provider may adjust settings on the web platform via a terminal on the computing device 200. The healthcare provider may indicate the number of doses of medication stored in the liquid container 118 and the minimum period between doses. This information is then transmitted to the printed circuit board 126. The printed circuit board 126 calculates the number of doses based on feedback from the tactile switches 140 and determines the period between doses based on data from the real-time clock chip 142.

[0038] In addition to programming the dispensing device 100, the web platform may be utilized by the healthcare provider to view status information from the dispensing device 100. For example, dosage times, lock status, tamper alerts, and remaining dosages are information that may be pushed from the dispensing device 100 to the web platform via wireless network and / or cellular data, which is ultimately accessible by the healthcare provider at a terminal on the computing device 200. Additionally, the web platform may also include a calendar interface or other scheduling format for tracking the patient's dosage and prescription regimen. Thus, the dispensing device 100, the healthcare provider's computing device 200, and the patient's smartphone (described below) may exchange status information via GSM or some other similar digital cellular network.

[0039] The biometric sensor 134 may be programmed by the patient in the presence of a healthcare provider. For example, the healthcare provider can adjust settings on a web platform to allow programming of the biometric sensor 134. The biometric sensor 134 can then scan the patient's fingerprint to, for example, assign a patient ID to a particular dispensing device 100. Once programmed, the biometric sensor 134 requires an ID check before the dispensing device 100 can be used.

[0040] Once the dispensing device 100 has been programmed via a web platform on the healthcare provider's computing device 200, the patient may use the dispensing device 100. To access medication, the patient first proves their identity by activating the biometric sensor 134, such as by placing a finger on the biometric sensor 134 for fingerprint scan verification. Once the patient's identity has been verified, the patient may self-administer the first dose of medication.

[0041] In an alternative embodiment, the patient's smartphone or other computing device can act as a second layer of authentication to utilize the dispensing device 100. For example, the patient can access a web platform patient interface on their smartphone. At the time of medication administration, the patient may be requested to authenticate themselves via the smartphone. For example, the patient can complete the authentication by unlocking their phone via a passcode or fingerprint sensor. In another embodiment, the healthcare provider can send a temporary or one-time PIN code from the web platform healthcare provider interface to the web platform patient interface. Thus, the patient can access the web platform on their smartphone, retrieve the PIN code, and enter the PIN code on the dispensing device 100 to unlock it.

[0042] To administer the first dose, the patient holds the dispensing device 100 so that the nozzle 108 is adjacent to or partially within the nostril and exerts pressure on the nozzle 108 toward the surface 104a of the first closed end 104. The pump assembly 120 expels the medication from the nozzle 108 so that the patient can inhale the medication. When the pump assembly 120 is actuated, the tactile switch 140 is also triggered. The tactile switch 140 sends a signal to the printed circuit board 126 that the pump assembly 120 has been actuated, indicating that a dose has been administered. At the same time, the printed circuit board 126 correlates the signal from the tactile switch 140 to a time provided by the real time clock chip 142.

[0043] If the healthcare provider has set a minimum period between doses, receipt of a signal from the tactile switch 140 also causes the printed circuit board 126 to activate the solenoid 124. The solenoid 124 moves into the path of the nozzle 108, thereby preventing the patient from administering the next dose of medication. The dispensing device 100 remains in a locked position in which the solenoid 124 prevents actuation of the nozzle 108 until the minimum period has elapsed. The printed circuit board 126 can monitor the time using data received from the real-time clock chip 142. Once the minimum period has elapsed following actuation of the tactile switch 140, the printed circuit board 126 triggers the solenoid 124 to retract, thereby allowing the patient to fully depress the nozzle 108 to administer the next dose. The locking process is then repeated.

[0044] In an embodiment in which one or more signal LEDs 130 are disposed on the housing 102, the signal LED may illuminate red when the solenoid 124 is in the path of the nozzle 108, indicating that a dose will not be administered, and illuminate green when the solenoid 124 is retracted, informing the patient that a subsequent dose is available. Because the printed circuit board 126 may wirelessly communicate with the computing device 200, a signal from the printed circuit board 126 may be sent to the computing device 200 to alert the patient that a next dose is available. In an alternative embodiment, the medication sensor 138 may send a signal to the printed circuit board 126 and ultimately to the computing device 200, indicating that the fluid container 118 is empty or low on medication. This alerts the patient to begin the process of refilling the prescription.

[0045] In embodiments in which the housing 102 includes a photocell 136, the photocell 136 can be configured to send a signal to the printed circuit board 126 when it detects light above a programmed threshold. The printed circuit board 126 can be programmed to send a signal to a computing device 200 accessible to a healthcare provider. The signal can appear as an alert on a web platform notifying the healthcare provider that the dispensing device 100 has been tampered with. In additional embodiments, the printed circuit board 126 can be programmed to transmit data from any component or combination of components of the dispensing device 100 to a computing device 200 operated by a healthcare provider and / or a patient. Healthcare providers and patients can then access this data to improve compliance with treatment plans.

[0046] 9-15 and 17, 18A and 18B respectively show two additional embodiments of dispensing devices 400, 600. The components and / or design strategies of the various dispensing device embodiments 100, 400, 600 are combinable or interchangeable as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the relevant art following the teachings of this disclosure. For example, although not explicitly shown, the additional embodiments 400, 600 can include a signal LED 130, a lens 132, a screen 112, a photocell 136, a drug sensor 138, a tactile switch 140, a real-time clock 142, any combination thereof, or variations thereof. Similarly, the additional embodiments 400, 600 can include appropriate electrical circuitry and mechanical structures to support such components.

[0047] One of the illustrated embodiments 400 includes sensors 442, 444, 446 (FIG. 14B) and visual features 490, 492, 494 (FIG. 10) for detection of the depression level of the nozzle 460. Such sensors and visual features can be incorporated into the other dispensing device embodiments 100, 600 illustrated herein or variations thereof, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the relevant art following the teachings of this disclosure. The dispensing device 100, 400, 600 can be configured to lock the nozzle 108, 460, 660 when the nozzle is partially depressed for an extended period of time and / or when the user performs a partial depression and returns the nozzle to a fully extended position. This prevents the user from administering multiple partial doses in an attempt to circumvent the security of the dispensing device 100, 400, 600.

[0048] The dispensing device 100, 400, 600 may further include a ratcheting dose lock, such as the dose lock 420 shown in FIG. 13 and the dose lock 620 shown in FIG. 18A. The dose lock 420, 620 shown ratchet to allow the nozzle 460, 660 to return to a fully extended position and prevent the nozzle from being further depressed when the dose lock 420, 620 is in the locked position and the nozzle is partially depressed. Alternatively, the ratchet may be shaped to allow the nozzle to be depressed and prevent the nozzle from extending. Each design has some advantages. For example, a lockout ratchet (which prevents the nozzle from being depressed) immediately prevents further dispensing of the medication when the lock is engaged, which may be a desirable feature if preventing dispensing too much medication is a primary concern. A dose force ratchet (which prevents extension of the nozzle) prevents partial depression from occurring when the lock is engaged, but may not prevent completion of a dose, which may be a desirable feature if preventing underdosing is a primary concern.

[0049] Additional embodiments 400, 600 can function with one or more computing devices, such as the computing device 200 shown in FIG. 1, other computing devices disclosed herein, and / or one or more computing devices as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the relevant art following the teachings of this disclosure. The dispensing device 400, 600 can be used to execute the methods shown in FIGS. 4-6. The dispensing device 400, 600 can connect directly and / or remotely to a computing device (e.g., the computing device 200 shown) via Wi-Fi / , Bluetooth, cellular, etc. to control (lock / unlock, load biometrics / load new nasal spray device / change medication scheduling) the dispensing device 400, 600. The dispensing device 400, 600 can communicate with the computing device 200 and alert the physician via push notification if the patient has missed a dose or tampered with the device. The dispensing device 400, 600 can be configured to generate an output to remind the patient when to take a dose (e.g., by the physician). The output can be many different outputs known in the art, including, but not limited to, a light, display, sound or other alert or communication to another device, such as the patient's mobile phone. The dispensing device 400, 600 can further monitor the patient's usage of the dispensing device 400, 600 and provide information / data regarding the patient's usage directly to the computing device 200 via a display on the device 400, 600 or other means to inform the physician regarding the patient's compliance. The dispensing device 400, 600 can have a timed lockout (pre-set by the physician) and / or a scheduled lockout. The timed lockout can be pre-set by an authorized user (e.g., physician). The scheduled lockout can be set and / or edited remotely via a web platform (or other networked platform) accessible via the physician's computing device.

[0050] Both options still require patient credentials to unlock the device, which can be done using a biometric scanner on the device, or in the future, using biometric (fingerprint / face / eye) scanning capabilities on the user's mobile phone.

[0051] Typically, the dispensing device 400, 600 provides safe drug delivery and comprises a disposable part including the drug and a reusable exoskeleton or housing component. The exoskeleton secures the disposable part containing the drug / medicine and controls how and when the substance is dispensed. In some embodiments, the exoskeleton can secure (e.g., encapsulate) the standardized nasal spray device 500. The exoskeleton can lock and unlock the nozzle movement of the standardized nasal sprayer 500. Locking and unlocking of the device 400, 600 (medication) can be controlled and / or configured remotely (Wi-Fi / BT) via a mobile phone application and web platform as prescribed by the doctor / physician. The nozzle can include a locking detail that interacts with the exoskeleton locking mechanism.

[0052] The standardized nasal spray device / vial 500 can be inserted into the exoskeleton from locations including, but not limited to, the top (see dispensing device 400 shown in FIGS. 9-15) and the bottom (see dispensing device 600 shown in FIGS. 17, 18A and 18B). The top-loading dispensing device 400 can include a nozzle 460 that can be detached from the housing 402. The nozzle 460 can be disposable and can be attached to a standardized nasal sprayer. Alternatively, a custom disposable vial can be constructed that includes a nozzle portion that follows the design strategy of the disposable nozzle 460. Because the nozzle 460 of the top-loading dispensing device 400 is disposable, the nozzle 460 can be disposed of and / or cleaned separately from the reusable housing 402 of the device 400, potentially providing better hygiene compared to the bottom-loading dispensing device 600. The bottom-loading device 600 can be configured to receive standard vials 500 without the need for a dedicated nozzle 460, and therefore can potentially provide convenience and / or cost savings over the top-loading device 400.

[0053] The dispensing device 400, 600 may include sensors (e.g., light / imaging) to detect nozzle movement and device tampering, micro-motion sensors to detect user-specific movement patterns to detect when different users are handling the device 400, 600, and / or a drug neutralizing agent (e.g., powder or sponge) to chemically neutralize the drug released from the internal vial 500. As discussed above and as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, one or more of these features may also be combined and / or substituted with features of the device 100.

[0054] Details of each additional embodiment 400, 600 will now be discussed in conjunction with the drawings.

[0055] 9 is a side view of a top-loading dispensing device 400 according to the present invention. The dispensing device 400 comprises a housing 402 and a nozzle 460, which together form an exoskeleton that (at least partially) surrounds and secures a vial 500 (FIG. 10).

[0056] The nozzle 460 and vial 500 shown in FIG. 10 are snap-fitted together. The nozzle 460 includes a housing interface 480 that snaps onto the vial 500, allowing the nozzle 460 to be depressed, providing a feature for locking the combined nozzle 460 and vial 500 into the housing 402. The combined nozzle 460 and vial 500, whether mated during manufacture or after manufacture, can function to deliver medication both with and without the housing 402, allowing a healthcare provider to choose whether or not a particular patient is provided with a medication in the housing 402 when given a particular medication. Because the nozzle 460 is not integral to the housing 402, the nozzle 460 can be disposed of or cleaned separately from the housing 402, potentially resulting in a more sanitary product compared to reusable dispensing devices with an integrated nozzle. Additionally, the opening 412 through which the nozzle 460 slides during operation is the same opening through which the vial is removed, eliminating the need for a second opening for vial removal. Without a second opening for vial removal, the cover 418 of the housing 402 can have a smoother, and therefore potentially more tamper-resistant, exterior surface.

[0057] The device 400 is oriented vertically about a longitudinal axis LL that intersects the orthogonal planes A, B. The housing 402 has a first upper end 404 having a first upper surface 404a that is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis LL and the planes A, B. The housing 402 has a second lower end 406 having a second bottom surface 406b that is substantially parallel to the first surface 404a. The nozzle 460 extends vertically from the upper surface 404a of the housing 402. The housing 402 has an opening 412 in the upper surface 404a, and the nozzle 460 has a housing interface 480 configured to be positioned within the opening 412 and slidably engage the housing 402. As shown, when the nozzle 460 is slidably engaged with the housing 402 and the nozzle 460 is unlocked, the nozzle 460 is translatable from a fully extended position, as shown in FIG. 9, to a fully depressed position in which the bottom surface 470 of the engagement ring 466 of the nozzle 460 approaches the top surface 404a of the housing 402, similar to the depressed position of the nozzle 108 relative to the housing surface 104a, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0058] As used herein, the terms "fully extended position" and "fully depressed position" refer to the extremes that the nozzle moves between for the intended purpose of delivering a dosage.

[0059] The housing 402 may further include a biometric sensor 408, which may function similarly to the biometric sensor 134 described elsewhere herein. For example, a fingerprint scan on the sensor 408 may be used by the electrical circuitry of the device 400 to determine whether to unlock a medication lock. Additionally or alternatively, a fingerprint scan on the sensor (e.g., by a physician) may be used by the electrical circuitry of the device 400 to determine whether to unlock a vial. The housing 402 may include a finger cover 410. The finger cover 410 may include a display and / or the display may be positioned elsewhere on the housing 402.

[0060] The display may function similarly to display 112 described elsewhere herein.

[0061] The device 400 may further comprise a removable nozzle cap 461 .

[0062] FIG. 10 is a side view of the nozzle 460 engaged with a pharmaceutical vial 500 in the same orientation as FIG. 9. With joint reference to FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, the nozzle 460 and vial 500 assembled in FIG. 10 can be removed from the housing 402 in FIG. 9 without damaging the housing 402, preferably without damaging the nozzle 460. During use, the nozzle 460 and vial 500 are replaceable, preferably disposable. The housing 402 can be reloaded with a new nozzle 460 and vial 500 assembly. The pharmaceutical vial 500 can be loaded through an opening 412 in the top surface 404a of the housing 402. The housing 402 thus includes a chamber 414 (FIG. 13) sized to receive the pharmaceutical vial 500, the chamber 414 being accessible through the opening 412 in the top surface 404a of the housing 402.

[0063] The exterior of the housing 402, when assembled to the nozzle 460, can be completely devoid of fasteners or other externally accessible means for opening the device 400. In some applications, it may be desirable to provide a vent 419 to allow liquid expelled from the vial 500 within the device 400 to exit the device 400. In other applications, it may be desirable to capture liquid expelled from the vial 500 within the device 400 (e.g., a sponge within chamber 414 shown in Figures 14A and 14B).

[0064] 11A and 11B are orthogonal side views of the nozzle 460 and vial 500, where FIG. 11A is looking at the left side of the assembly shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11B is looking at the right side of the assembly shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 12 is a view of the assembly shown in FIGS. 10, 11A, and 11B with the nozzle 460 removed. With reference collectively to FIGS. 10, 11A, 11B, and 12, the nozzle 460 comprises a cone 462, an engagement ring 466, a housing interface 480, a spring 478, and a retaining ring 476. Preferably, the cone 462, the engagement ring 466, and the housing interface 480 are molded as a single piece handle portion 463. Alternatively, at least one of the cone 462, the engagement ring 466, and the housing interface 480 can be individually molded and attached together to form the handle portion 463.

[0065] The conical portion 462 has a dispensing end 472, a base end 474, and a fluid passageway 464 extending through the base end 474 and the dispensing end 474 along a longitudinal axis LL. An engagement ring 466 extends radially from the conical portion's base end 474 and provides an upper surface 468 against which a user can provide a force to depress the nozzle 460. A bottom surface 470 of the engagement ring 466 faces away from the dispensing end 472. The bottom surface 470 may be further molded or otherwise configured to contact the upper surface 404a of the housing 402 when the device 400 is assembled to prevent further depression of the housing interface 480 into the housing 402. The housing interface 480 has an outer surface 482 that circumscribes the longitudinal axis LL, an upper end 484 attached to the engagement ring 466, an open lower end 486, and a passageway 488 extending between the upper and lower ends 484, 486. The vial 500 and nozzle 460 assembled during manufacture do not require any further assembly on the part of the healthcare provider because they are pre-assembled, thus providing added convenience.

[0066] The nozzle 460 can be fitted to the vial 500 by first placing the retaining ring 476 and spring 478 over the vial 500 and then sliding the housing interface 480 over the spring and retaining ring 476. The housing interface 480 can include a flexible hook 481 that extends to move over the vial 500 and snap under a ridge on the vial to engage and secure the nozzle 460 to the vial 500. The inside of the cone 462 and engagement ring 466 can be molded to fit over the vial nozzle. The vial and nozzle assembly can further include an adapter or vial nozzle cover that helps mate the nozzle 460 to the vial 500. In this way, the nozzle 460 can be fitted onto an existing standard size vial. Alternatively, the vial 500 and nozzle 460 can be specially designed in unison and / or integrally.

[0067] Nozzle 460 includes features that work in conjunction with housing 402 to control the dispensing of the medication within vial 500, as described in more detail below. As shown in Figures 10, 11A and 11B, the medication can also be dispensed when the nozzle 460 and vial assembly is outside of the housing. This can allow medications to be packaged similarly whether or not they are intended to be reconstituted during use, thereby increasing convenience and potentially saving costs.

[0068] 10, the housing interface includes openings 490, 492, 494 in the exterior surface 482 that aid in detecting partial depression of the nozzle 460. When the nozzle 460 is depressed on the vial 500, movement of the housing interface 480 relative to a portion of the nozzle 460, such as the retaining ring 476, is visible through the openings 490, 492, 494. The housing 402 may include one or more sensors that detect movement of a portion of the nozzle 460 (e.g., the retaining ring 476) over the openings 490, 492, 494. FIG. 10 shows three openings 490, 492, 494 positioned such that three positions of depression of the nozzle 460 are detectable. The housing interface 480 may include one or more such openings 490, 492, 494 to serve the same purpose, where the maximum number of openings is limited by physical design constraints, as will be understood by those skilled in the art following the teachings of the present disclosure. Preferably, the exterior surface 482 of the housing interface 480 provides a high visual contrast with the retaining ring 476, so that the retaining ring 476 can be easily visualized against the housing interface 480 by the optical sensor. When the nozzle 460 and vial 500 assembly is installed in the housing 402, the retaining ring 476 is substantially fixed relative to the optical sensor, while the openings 490, 492, 494 move in and out of the optical sensor's view of the retaining ring 476. The optical sensor checks for movement at the start of dosing and at the end of dosing by detecting movement of the top and bottom openings 490, 494 on the housing interface 480. If dosing has started but not been pushed to the bottom, the dosing lock 420 engages (described in more detail in connection with Figures 13 and 14B).

[0069] 10 and 11A, the housing interface 480 includes indentations 496 to lock the nozzle 460 down into the housing 402, i.e., to prevent the user from receiving medication. Two indentations 496 are shown. The lower indentation is positioned to maintain the nozzle in a fully extended position when the housing interface 480 is slidably engaged with the housing 402.

[0070] 13 and 14B show the housing dosage lock 420 engaging with a notch 496 on the nozzle 460.

[0071] 10, 11A, 13 and 14B collectively, during intended use of the device 400, the user allows the nozzle to return to a fully extended position after each dose of medicinal product, and once the dose is complete, the nozzle 460 is locked in the fully extended position by engaging the lower notch with the dose lock 420. However, the user may inadvertently or intentionally partially depress the nozzle at the same time that the dose lock 420 (see Figs. 13 and 14B) of the housing 402 is engaged. In this case, the upper notch is positioned to engage the dose lock 420 and prevent the nozzle from being further depressed when the nozzle is partially depressed. At least the upper notch has an angled shape such that the vial lock slides downwardly away from the notch 496, allowing the nozzle 460 to extend further from the housing 402, despite the nozzle 460 being prevented from being further depressed. In use, if the upper notch is engaged by the vial at which point the nozzle 460 is locked when the downward force is removed from the nozzle 460, the spring 478 pushes the nozzle 460 out of the housing 402 towards a fully extended position. Thus, the dosage lock 420 can slide from the upper notch to the lower notch. Although one upper notch is shown, the housing 402 can further include additional angled notches positioned to engage the vial lock when the nozzle 460 is depressed to multiple partially depressed positions. Thus, the angled notch can function as a ratchet, allowing unidirectional movement of the nozzle 460 when the vial lock is engaged. The number and location of the angled notches can be determined by physical design constraints, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0072] The ratcheting action of the dosage lock 420 can therefore lock out a user who attempts to defeat the dosage lock 420 by administering a dosage (by depressing the nozzle 460), then slowly releasing the nozzle 460 towards the extended position, stopping just short of reaching the fully extended position and engaging the lower notch 496 (see also FIG. 13 ), and then attempting to depress the nozzle 460 again.

[0073] 11B, the housing interface 480 may further comprise a vial lock opening 498. The vial lock opening 498 may be shaped, sized, and otherwise configured to engage the vial lock 430 (see FIGS. 13 and 14B) of the housing 402. When the vial lock extends into the opening 498, engagement of the vial lock against a lower ledge 499 of the opening 498 may prevent the nozzle from being withdrawn from the housing 402. The opening 498 may be sized such that the vial lock can pass freely through the opening 498 when the nozzle 460 is depressed to deliver a medication. The opening may be further sized such that the vial lock engages an upper ledge 497 of the opening 498, establishing a fully extended position of the nozzle 460. Alternatively, the fully extended position of nozzle 460 can be set and / or assisted through engagement of additional features on housing 402 with housing interface 480, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art following the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0074] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of device 400 taken along plane B in the orientation as shown in Figure 9. Some of the components of housing 402 have been removed to highlight medication lock 420 and vial lock 430. Further components of housing 402, including chassis 416, are shown in Figures 14B and 15.

[0075] Each of the locks 420, 430 includes a motor 426, 436, a cam 424, 434, and a sliding extension 422, 432, respectively. When the nozzle 460 is in the fully extended position as shown, the sliding extension 422 of the dosage lock engages an underside notch 496 on the housing interface 480 and the sliding extension 432 of the vial lock engages a underside ledge 499 of a vial lock opening 498 in the housing interface 480.

[0076] When the dose lock 420 and the vial lock 430 are locked together and the nozzle is in a fully extended position, the dose lock 420 prevents depression of the nozzle 460 and the vial lock prevents extension of the nozzle 460. When the dose lock 420 is open, the vial lock 430 provides a stop that sets the fully depressed position of the nozzle 460.

[0077] The lower ledge 499 and bottom of the vial lock opening 498 are angled downward and inward, respectively, which mate with the surface of the sliding extension 432 of the vial lock 430. When in this position, the vial lock 430 is prevented from disengaging the housing interface 480 while the dosage lock 420 is engaged with the lower notch 496. If the user attempts to withdraw the nozzle 460 from the housing 402, the sliding extension 432 can slide against the lower ledge 499 and extend further into the housing interface 480, thereby further engaging the housing interface 480.

[0078] To remove the nozzle 460 and vial 500, an authorized user (e.g., a physician or pharmacist) sends a command to the dispensing device 400 to remove the vial 500. The medication lock 420 disengages, the authorized user presses down on the nozzle 460 to disengage the depression of the housing interface 480, a sensor (e.g., an optical sensor looking into one or more openings 490, 492, 494) detects that the nozzle 460 is being pressed down, the vial lock 430 unlocks, and the vial 500 can then be removed.

[0079] Opening each lock 420, 430 can include rotation of the respective motor 426, 436, which turns the respective cam 242, 434 and causes the respective sliding extension 422, 432 to slide outwardly away from the housing interface 480, thereby disengaging the housing interface 480. Closing each lock 420, 430 can include reverse rotation of the respective motor 426, 436, which turns the respective cam 242, 434 in the opposite direction to opening, releasing the respective sliding extension 422, 432 and causing the springs 428, 438 (see FIG. 14B ) to push the respective sliding extension 422, 432 towards the housing interface 480, thereby engaging the housing interface 480.

[0080] The medication lock 420 can include an angled sliding extension 422 shaped to engage notches 496 in the housing interface 480 of the nozzle 460. The extension 422 of the medication lock 420 can ratchet over the multiple notches 496 (see FIG. 11A).

[0081] 14A and 14B are top views of housing 402 perpendicular to planes A and B, respectively. FIG 14B is a cross-sectional view of housing 402 taken at plane C shown in FIG 13.

[0082] FIG. 14A shows the top surface 404a, the opening 412, the chamber cavity 414, the sliding extension 422 of the dose lock 420, and the sliding extension 432 of the vial lock 430. The vial lock 430 includes upper and lower fins. As shown in FIG. 13, the lower fin is shaped to engage a lower ledge 499 of the vial lock opening 490 of the housing interface 480 of the nozzle 460. The upper fin is shaped to engage an upper ledge 497 of the vial lock opening 498 to set the fully extended position of the nozzle 460. The opening 412 includes a key extension 413. The housing interface 480 is notched on the side shown in FIG. 10 to properly orient the nozzle 460 when the housing interface 480 is inserted into the opening 412.

[0083] 14B shows additional component parts of the housing 402 and the locks 420, 430. Each lock 420, 430 includes a respective spring 428, 438 attached to a respective sliding extension 422, 432 to move the locks 420, 430 to a closed position when the respective cams are positioned as shown. The cams 424, 434 are positioned as mirror images of each other, or may alternatively be positioned in other ways as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art following the teachings of this disclosure. To open the locks 420, 430, the cam 424 of the dosage lock 420 rotates clockwise and the cam 434 of the vial lock 430 rotates counterclockwise (i.e., in the opposite direction due to the mirror symmetry of the cams 424, 434). As the respective cams 424, 434 rotate, they engage the respective bumps 423, 433 on the respective sliding extensions 422, 432, thereby pushing against the springs 428, 438 and moving the sliding extensions 422, 432 outwardly towards the open position. The bumps 423, 433 are centered on the respective sliding extensions 422, 432 to minimize lateral movement of the extensions 422, 432, thereby reducing the risk of the lock jamming compared to a non-centered engagement. The bumps 423, 433 and cams 424, 434 are preferably configured such that the cams 424, 434 have a small contact area and therefore low friction compared to a larger contact area.

[0084] Another option is to have one or both cams 424, 434 rotate more than 90 degrees on bumps 423, 433. This option does not rely on motor gearbox friction to keep locks 420, 430 open, thus allowing more options for motor selection.

[0085] Each lock 420, 430 includes a stop 415, 417 against which a vertical extension 425, 435 of the respective cam 424, 434 presses when the cam reaches the end of its rotational travel. Each stop 415, 417 is preferably integral with the chassis 416 (see also FIG. 15 ) of the housing 402, rather than with the respective sliding extension 422, 432. Stops 415, 417 integral with the chassis 416 can reduce the likelihood of rotation (and thus jamming) of the respective sliding extension 422, 432 when the respective cam 424, 434 engages the respective stop 415, 417, as compared to stops integral with the sliding extension 422, 432. The chassis 416 can also provide structural support for or engage the springs 428, 438 and the motors 426, 436.

[0086] With continued reference to FIG. 14B, the housing 402 includes a printed circuit board 440 having electrical components connected thereto that together form electrical circuits for performing various functions of the device 400. The circuit board 440 can include a processor and a non-transitory computer-readable medium having instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the electrical circuitry to perform functions described herein, including those described in connection with the system shown in FIG. 1. The circuit board 440 need not take the particular form shown. The electrical circuitry of the housing 402 can include, for example, rigid boards, flexible circuits, discrete components, loose wiring, and / or combinations thereof. Several forms of electrical circuitry can be utilized to perform the functions described herein, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art following the teachings of the present disclosure. The electrical circuitry of the device 400 can further include a drug sensor 138, a tactile switch 140, and / or a real-time clock as described elsewhere herein.

[0087] The electrical circuit includes three optical sensors 442, 444, 446 mounted on a circuit board 440. Each sensor 442, 444, 446 is positioned to view a respective opening 494, 492, 490 in the housing interface 480 of the nozzle 460. Each sensor 442, 444, 446 is configured to provide a sensor signal indicative of a depressed position of the housing interface. At least the central sensor 444 is positioned to provide a sensor signal indicative of a partially depressed position of the nozzle between a fully extended position and a fully depressed position. Monitoring partial depression of the nozzle 460 may be useful for determining drug administration and / or for preventing tampering. In some embodiments, the electrical circuit may be configured to close the medication lock 420 in response to receiving a sensor signal from the central sensor indicative of an extended partially depressed position and / or repeated partial depression of the nozzle 460. In some embodiments, the processor is configured to receive the sensor signal and execute instructions in the memory to cause an electrical circuit to activate the motor 426 , thereby rotating the cam 424 and closing the lock 420 .

[0088] The device 400 can include additional or alternative sensors and / or indicators for detecting partial depression of the nozzle 460. As one example, the housing interface 480 can include a high contrast image in place of the opening, such as a series of horizontal lines across the exterior surface 482 of the housing interface 480. As the nozzle 460 is depressed, the electrical circuitry can determine the number of lines that have passed in front of one or more optical sensors 442, 444, 446 based on the signal from the sensor. Additionally or alternatively, the horizontal lines can vary in thickness, thereby creating separate sensor signals depending on which lines are seen by the optical sensor. As another example, the housing interface 480 can include a conductive strip, and the circuit board 440 can include two or more contacts positioned to simultaneously make electrical contact with the conductive strip when the nozzle 460 is partially depressed. The electrical circuitry of the housing 402 can detect when the contacts are shorted, thereby detecting partial depression of the nozzle 460 in one or more partially depressed positions.

[0089] The top and bottom openings 490, 494 can be used to determine when the nozzle 460 is in a fully extended or fully depressed position. Alternatively, the housing 402 can include limit switches that detect when the nozzle 460 is in a fully extended and / or fully depressed position.

[0090] Engagement of the cams 424, 434 with the stops 415, 417 can be detected by monitoring the current to the respective motors 426, 436. When the electrical circuitry detects an increase in current above a predetermined threshold (e.g., as provided by instructions in memory), the electrical circuitry can reduce or remove the force to the motors 426, 436.

[0091] The electrical circuit may further include a sensor (eg, an optical sensor) for detection of the vial 500 .

[0092] The electrical circuitry may be powered by a battery 448 integrated into the housing 402. The electrical circuitry may include battery charge regulation and battery protection circuitry (e.g., over-voltage, under-voltage, over-current, etc.).

[0093] The electrical circuit can be configured to hold the medication lock 420 for a set dosage (e.g., entered by a physician or pharmacist) and then return the medication lock 420 to a closed / locked position. When returning to the closed / locked position, the spring 428 pushes the medication lock extension 422 into engagement with the housing interface 480.

[0094] FIG. 15 shows an exploded view of the components of the device 400 and the vial 500. The nozzle 460 comprises a handle portion 463, a spring 478, and a retaining ring 476. The vial 500 comprises a liquid container 502, a sprayer 504, and a vial nozzle 508. The housing 402 comprises a top cover 451, a light guide 453, and a top ring 454, which together form the top surface 404a of the housing 402. The housing 402 further comprises an LED board 452 including light emitting diodes (LEDs) positioned to illuminate the light guide 453. The same or additional LEDs can provide illumination for a light sensor within the housing 402. The medication lock 420 and vial lock 430 components are secured to the chassis 416 by respective lock covers 427, 437. The circuit board 440 comprises an attached scan nest 456 to which a biosensor 408 can be attached. Locking covers 427, 437 and circuit board 440 are attached to the chassis by screws 455. Of course, alternative fasteners, glues, snaps or other strategies can be used to secure components to chassis 416 and / or within housing 402, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art following the teachings of this disclosure.

[0095] The housing 402 can be charged by inductive charging. The housing 402 includes an inductive coil 450 positioned inside the cover 418 near the bottom end 406 of the device 400. The cover 418 can include a co-molded ring 457 near the bottom end 406 for additional stability to prevent the device 400 from tipping over while charging. The electronic circuitry of the housing 402 can include circuitry for inductively charging the battery 448 using the coil 450, including circuitry designed according to currently available inductive chargers and other such wireless charging methods yet to be developed. Incorporating wireless charging into the housing eliminates the need for a charging port, thereby eliminating a point of entry for the user, and therefore can provide a device that is more robust against tampering compared to devices with wired charging ports. Additionally, because the user does not have direct access to the charging mechanism, devices with wireless charging can be more resistant to damage (at least to the charging circuitry) compared to devices with wired charging ports.

[0096] The entire assembly has no exposed screws due to the cover 418 clipping onto the chassis 416. The functionality of the mechanical and electrical components can be assembled and tested on the chassis 416 before the cover 418 is clipped on.

[0097] 16A-16C are views of an alternative handle portion 463 of the nozzle of the dispensing device 400 shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B. The handle portion 463 includes an upper portion 463a and a lower portion 463b that are manufactured as two separate pieces. The upper portions 463a and 463b include clips 465 that can engage with each other to secure the upper portion 463a to the lower portion 463b in a tamper-resistant manner, meaning that the upper portion 463a and the lower portion 463b are not easily separable by the recipient of the medication. The handle portion 463 can include a cradle 467 that is sized to accommodate the push-down tab 510 of the vial nozzle 508 (see FIG. 15). The cradle 467 can be sized to accommodate the larger push-down tab 510 that can be found on many pharmaceutical vials 500 currently used in the industry.

[0098] The nozzle 460 of the dispensing device 400 having the handle portion 463 as shown in Figures 16A-16C can be fitted to the vial 500 by removing the vial nozzle 508 from the vial 500, placing the retaining ring 476 and spring 478 over the vial 500, sliding the housing interface 480 over the spring and retaining ring 476, placing the vial nozzle 508 over the vial 500 such that the push down tab 510 is positioned within the cradle 467 of the lower portion 463b of the handle portion 463, snapping the upper portion 463a of the handle portion 463 over the vial nozzle 508 and securing the lower portion 463b of the handle portion 463. The sequence of attaching the nozzle 460 to the vial 500 may be performed in a wide variety of ways and steps may be performed in a different order than listed, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, for example, the vial nozzle 408, spring, and / or retaining ring 476 may be secured within the handle portion 463 before the vial 500 is inserted therein. The housing interface 480 may include a flexible hook 481 that extends to move over the vial 500 and snap under a ridge on the vial to engage and secure the nozzle 460 to the vial 500. Once the dispensing device nozzle 460 is attached to the vial 500, the nozzle 460 may be inserted into the housing 402 and the dispensing device 400 may function as described with respect to Figures 9-15.

[0099] 16A-16C show one example geometry of a handle portion 463 having a separate portion to which a vial nozzle 508 can be secured in a tamper-resistant manner. As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, other alternatives may be constructed, including a handle portion 463 that includes two vertically split portions and / or three or more separate portions.

[0100] Figure 17 shows an exploded view of another embodiment of a dispensing device 600 according to the present invention. Figure 18A shows a cross-sectional view of the dispensing device in plane A as shown in Figure 17. Figure 18B shows a cross-sectional view of the dispensing device in plane B as shown in Figure 17.

[0101] Distinctions between the dispensing device 600 shown in Figure 17 and the device 400 shown in Figures 9-15 include that the vial 500 is loadable from the bottom of the device 600 and the nozzle is integral with the housing (i.e., cannot be separated without damage or special disassembly). The dispensing device 600 shown in Figure 17 can have electrical circuits and components (e.g., mechanical and / or electrical components) to perform partial dose detection, biometric scanning, wireless and / or wired communication to other computing devices, programmability for timed doses, micromotion detection, drug discrimination, drug quantity sensing, and other functions as described with respect to the other dispensing device embodiments 100, 400 described elsewhere herein.

[0102] 17, 18A and 18B collectively, the dispensing device 600 comprises a handle portion 663, an upper cover 651, an LED board 652, a light guide 653, an upper rim 654, a housing interface 680, a spring 678, a chassis 616, a battery 648, a biosensor 608, a sliding dose lock extension 622, a dose lock cam 624, a dose lock motor 626, a c-shaped vial lock extension 632, a vial lock cam 634, a vial lock motor 636, a circuit board 640, a cover 618, a finger cover 610, a cover co-mold 657 and a base 658.

[0103] The top cover 651, LED board 652, light guide 653 and top rim 654 are assembled similarly to the corresponding components 451, 452, 453, 454 of the dispensing device 400 shown in Figures 9-15.

[0104] The nozzle of device 600 comprises a handle portion 663, a spring 678, and a housing interface 680. The handle portion 663 includes a cone and an engagement ring similar to the cone portion 462 and engagement ring 466 of the handle portion 463 of the nozzle 460 of the dispensing device 400 shown in Figures 9-15. The handle portion 663 and the housing interface 680 clip together.

[0105] The housing interface 680 has an exterior surface 682 that includes features for detection of partial depression of the nozzle similar to the features on the exterior surface 482 of the housing interface 480 of the dispensing device 400 shown in Figures 9-15. Similarly, the electrical circuitry of the device 600 (i.e., the circuit board 640 and other electrical components) includes sensors for detecting the position and / or movement of the features on the housing interface 680.

[0106] Device 600 includes a limit switch that detects when the nozzle of device 600 is in a fully extended and / or fully depressed position. Additionally or alternatively, device 600 can include openings in housing interface 480 similar to openings 490, 494 of device 400 shown in FIG. 10 for detecting when the nozzle of device 600 is in a fully extended and / or fully depressed position.

[0107] The housing interface 680 further comprises a notch 696 positioned to engage the dose lock extension 622. The notch 696 can be angled to prevent depression of the nozzle and allow extension when the handle 663 is partially depressed. The dose lock 620 (including the dose lock extension 622, the cam 624 and the motor 626) can ratchet across the notch 696 similar to the function of the dose lock 420 and the notch 496 of the device 400 shown in Figures 9-15. The dose lock extension 622 comprises an angled ledge 695 that fits within the angled notch 696. The dose lock extension 622 has a ring shape. The dose lock is pushed into the locked position by a spring 628. The cam 624 and the motor 626 of the dose lock are positioned on the opposite side (compared to the angled ledge 695) of the ring of the dose lock extension 622. To release the medication lock, the motor 626 is actuated to rotate the cam 624 , which pushes the medication lock extension 622 against the force of the spring 628 and moves the angled ledge 695 out of the notch 696 .

[0108] The vial lock 630 includes a c-shaped vial lock extension 632, a vial lock cam 634, and a vial lock motor 636. The general orientation of the vial lock 630 is upside down compared to the vial lock 430 of the device 400 shown in Figures 9-15 to facilitate removal of the vial 500 through the bottom 606 of the device 600. A base 658 fits into the chassis 616 and is held in place by the engagement of the vial lock extension 632 into a notch 698 on the base 658. To open the vial lock 630, the motor 636 is actuated to rotate the cam 634, thereby disengaging the vial lock extension 632 from the notch 698 on the base 658. The vial lock extension 632 is held in the locked position by a spring and is released by actuating the vial lock motor 636 to rotate the cam 634 causing the vial lock extension 632 to push against the spring. The base 658 can include a plurality of angled notches to ratchet the base 658 into the device 600. The ratchet can prevent movement of the base 658 out of the device 600 and allow movement of the base 658 into the device 600.

[0109] The vial lock 630 may alternatively comprise a ring gear lock that orbits the vial 500. The alternative design may increase system reliability and / or reduce manufacturing costs. A motor turns the ring gear lock, thereby disengaging the vial lock while the vial holder / base 658 is in place. When the vial 500 is no longer present, the ring gear lock returns to the locked position. The base 658 is then pushed back to lock in place. The locking clip relies on a plastic spring actuation to move the base to lock.

[0110] The positions of the medication lock 620 and the vial lock 630 are detected by measuring the increase in current as the respective cams 624, 634 are rotated by the respective motors 626, 636 to their stops, in a manner similar to that described in connection with the device 400 illustrated in Figures 9-15.

[0111] The device 600 further comprises a sensor (eg, a limit switch or an optical sensor) for detecting the presence of the vial 500 .

[0112] The entire assembly can have no exposed screws due to the cover 618 clipping onto the chassis 616. The functionality of the mechanical and electrical components can be assembled and tested on the chassis 616 before the cover 618 is clipped on.

[0113] Device 600 includes a mini USB port for charging. Alternatively, device 600 can include coil or inductive charging and / or alternative charging ports such as USB C, dedicated charging ports, or other charging ports as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art following the teachings of this disclosure.

[0114] 19 shows a system diagram of an exemplary system including a digital platform 700, a user device 800, and a dispensing device 900. The digital platform 700 and the user device 800 may each include the computing device 200 described herein, alternatives thereof, and / or variations thereof as would be recognized and understood by those of ordinary skill in the art following the teachings of this disclosure. The dispensing device 900 may include any of the dispensing devices 100, 400, 600 described herein, alternatives thereof, and / or variations thereof as would be recognized and understood by those of ordinary skill in the art following the teachings of this disclosure.

[0115] An authorized user 702 (e.g., a physician) can receive information regarding medication compliance, nozzle position, vial type, patient information, device information, prescription information, dosage information, and dispensing device tampering via the digital platform 700. The information can be provided as an output 904 of the dispensing device 900. The authorized user 702 can input commands regarding nozzle lock / unlock, vial lock / unlock, and / or biometric load / clear via the digital platform 700. The digital platform can communicate to the dispensing device 900 via an application on the user device 800.

[0116] A user (e.g., a patient) can be authenticated by the dispensing device 900 via the user device 800 and / or the biometric scanner 908. The user device 800 can further receive information from the dispensing device 900 regarding medication schedules, reminders, and compliance.

[0117] The dispensing device 900 can include a motor 926 and a cam 924 positioned to engage a nozzle locking mechanism 922. The motor 926, cam 924 and nozzle locking mechanism 922 can have similar structure and / or function to those of the dispensing devices 100, 400, 600 described herein for locking the nozzle position to prevent dispensing, variations thereof, or alternatives thereof as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art following the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0118] The dispensing device 900 can include a motor 936 and a cam 934 positioned to engage a vial locking mechanism 932. The motor 936, cam 934 and vial locking mechanism 932 can have similar structure and / or function to the structures of the dispensing devices 100, 400, 600 described herein for securing a vial within the dispensing device, variations thereof, or alternatives thereof as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art following the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0119] Dispensing device 900 can accommodate a vial such as vial 500, variations thereof, or alternatives thereof as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art following the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0120] The dispensing device 900 can include a nozzle 960 that can be depressed to dispense the medication, and can include features on the dispensing device for locking and / or medication detection as described elsewhere herein, variations thereof, and alternatives thereof as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art following the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0121] The dispensing device 900 can include an optical sensor 944 for detecting partial depression of the nozzle 960, detecting the presence of a vial 500, detecting entry into the dispensing device 900, and / or other functions of the optical sensor described elsewhere herein, variations thereof, and alternatives thereof as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art following the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0122] The dispensing device 900 may be equipped with a gesture sensor 901 (eg, a micro-motion sensor) that detects user-specific movement patterns to detect when different users handle the device 900 .

[0123] Although the invention has been shown and described with reference to certain exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in detail can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and without limiting the invention as claimed herein. Further, when an exemplary embodiment is described with reference to a particular number of elements, it will be understood that the exemplary embodiment may be practiced utilizing either less than or more than the particular number of elements. [Explanation of symbols]

[0124] 100 Distribution Device 102 Housing 104 First closed end 104a surface 106 Second closed end 106a Base plate 108 Nozzle 110 Recess 112 Display, display screen 114 First Part 116 Second Part 118 Liquid containers 120 Pump, pump assembly 122 Channels 124 Solenoid 126 Printed Circuit Board 128 Battery 130 Signal LED 132 Lens 134 Biometric Sensors 136 Photocell 138 Drug Sensor 140 Tactile Switch 142 Real-time clock, real-time clock chip 200 computing devices 242 Cam 300 Motor assembly 302 Motor 304 First Gear 306 Opening 308 Internal gear 310 Central Lock 312 Keyway 314 Shaft 316 keys 318 Aperture 320 Bottom 322 Second Gear 324 Disk 326 Notch 328 L-shaped flange 330 Top 400 Distribution Device 402 Housing 404 First Top 404a first surface, first upper surface 406 Second Bottom 406b Second bottom surface 408 Biometric Sensor 410 Finger Cover 412 Opening 413 Key Extension 414 Chamber, chamber cavity 415 Locking part 416 Chassis 417 Locking part 418 Cover 419 Outlet 420 Medication Lock 422 Sliding extension 423 Bump 424 Cam 425 Extension 426 Motor 427 Lock Cover 428 Spring 430 Vial Lock 432 Sliding extension 433 Bump 434 Cam 435 Extension 436 Motor 437 Lock Cover 438 Spring 440 Printed Circuit Board 442 Optical Sensor 444 Light sensor, central sensor 446 Optical Sensor 448 Battery 450 Induction Coil 451 Top cover 452 LED board 453 Light Guide 454 Upper Ring 455 Screw 456 Scannest 457 Co-molded Ring 460 Disposable nozzles, dedicated nozzles 461 Nozzle Cap 462 Cone 463 Handle part 463a Upper part 463b Lower part 464 Fluid passage 465 clips 466 Engagement Ring 467 Cradle 468 Top surface 470 Bottom 472 Distribution end 474 Base End 476 Retaining Ring 478 Spring 480 Housing Interface 481 Flexible Hook 482 Exterior 484 Top 486 bottom end 488 Aisle 490 Visual Features, Vial Lock Opening 492 Visual Features, Openings 494 Visual Features, Openings 496 Notch 497 Upper Ledge 498 Vial Lock Opening 499 Lower Ledge 500 nasal sprays, medicine vials, nasal spray devices 502 Liquid containers 504 Sprayer 508 Vial Nozzle 510 Push Down Tab 600 Distribution Device 606 Bottom 608 Biometric Sensor 610 Finger Cover 616 Chassis 618 Cover 620 Medication Lock 622 Sliding Medication Lock Extension 624 Medication Lock Cam 626 Medication Lock Motor 628 Spring 630 Vial Lock 632 C-shaped vial lock extension 634 Vial Lock Cam 636 Vial Lock Motor 640 Circuit Board 648 Battery 651 Top cover 652 LED board 653 Light Guide 654 Upper Rim 657 Cover co-molding 658 Base 660 Nozzle 663 Handle part 678 Spring 680 Housing Interface 682 External surface 695 Angled Ledge 696 Notch 698 Notch 700 Digital Platform 702 users 800 user devices 900 Distribution Device 901 Gesture Sensor 904 Output 908 Biometric Scanner 922 Nozzle lock mechanism 924 Cam 926 Motor 932 Vial lock mechanism 934 Cam 936 Motor 944 Optical Sensor 960 Nozzle

Claims

1. A device, comprising: a housing having a chamber and an opening communicating with the chamber; a nozzle comprising a passageway therethrough and a housing interface; the housing interface is sized to be positioned within the opening and configured to slidably engage the housing such that the nozzle is translatable from a fully extended position to a fully depressed position when the housing interface is slidably engaged with the housing; a nozzle positioned such that the passage communicates with the chamber when the housing interface is positioned within the opening and slidably engaged with the housing; a first lock movable from an open position to a closed position, when the housing interface slidably engages the housing and the first lock is in the closed position, the first lock prevents the housing interface of the nozzle from being pushed further down into the housing through the opening in the housing; a first lock, the housing interface slidably engaging the housing and the first lock not preventing the housing interface from being pushed further into the housing through the opening in the housing when the first lock is in the open position; a sensor configured to provide a sensor signal indicative of a partially depressed position of the nozzle between the fully extended position and the fully depressed position; an electrical circuit configured to move the first lock from the open position to the closed position in response to the sensor signal; Equipped with the one or more sensors including the sensor are configured to provide sensor signals indicative of a plurality of partially depressed positions, each of the sensors being between the fully extended position and the fully depressed position. The device.

2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the first lock, the sensor and the electrical circuitry are entirely contained by the housing and the nozzle when the housing interface is slidably engaged with the housing.

3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the sensor comprises a light sensor.

4. 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the housing interface comprises a visual feature on the housing interface that, when moved relative to the sensor when the housing interface is slidably engaged with the housing, causes the sensor to provide a sensor signal indicative of the partially depressed position.

5. the housing interface includes a first angled indentation thereon; the first lock includes a first angled extension positioned within the first angled notch when the first lock is in the closed position and the housing interface is slidably engaged with the housing; 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the first angled notch and the first angled extension are shaped such that when the first lock is in the closed position and the housing interface is slidably engaged to the housing, the first angled extension presses against the first angled notch to prevent the housing interface from being pushed further down into the housing and the first angled extension is slidable against the first angled notch to allow the nozzle to move toward the fully extended position.

6. the housing interface includes a plurality of angled notches on the housing interface, including the first angled notch, each of the plurality of angled notches individually aligned perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the housing and aligned with one another parallel to the longitudinal axis; the plurality of angled notches and the first angled extension are shaped such that the first angled extension is slidable relative to each of the plurality of angled notches to allow the nozzle to move toward the fully extended position when the first lock is in the closed position and the housing interface is slidably engaged to the housing; 6. The device of claim 5, wherein the angled extension and each of the plurality of angled notches are shaped such that when the first lock is in the closed position, the housing interface slidably engages the housing, and the first angled extension is in an angled notch of the plurality of angled notches, the first angled extension presses against the respective angled notch to prevent depression of the housing interface.

7. the housing comprises a chassis; The first lock comprises: an extension slidably translatable relative to the chassis to move the first lock between the open and closed positions; a cam rotatable to slidably translate the extension, the rotation of the cam being limited by engagement of the cam with the chassis; and a motor rotatable to move the cam and in communication with the electrical circuit; The device of claim 1 , comprising:

8. The device of claim 1 , wherein the nozzle and the housing are separable from one another without damaging the device.

9. A device comprising: a housing having a chamber and an opening communicating with the chamber; a nozzle comprising a passageway therethrough and a housing interface; the housing interface is sized to be positioned within the opening and configured to slidably engage the housing such that the nozzle is translatable from a fully extended position to a fully depressed position when the housing interface is slidably engaged with the housing; a nozzle positioned such that the passage communicates with the chamber when the housing interface is positioned within the opening and slidably engaged with the housing; a first lock movable from an open position to a closed position, when the housing interface slidably engages the housing and the first lock is in the closed position, the first lock prevents the housing interface of the nozzle from being pushed further down into the housing through the opening in the housing; a first lock, the housing interface slidably engaging the housing and the first lock not preventing the housing interface from being pushed further into the housing through the opening in the housing when the first lock is in the open position; a sensor configured to provide a sensor signal indicative of a partially depressed position of the nozzle between the fully extended position and the fully depressed position; an electrical circuit configured to move the first lock from the open position to the closed position in response to the sensor signal; Equipped with the nozzle and the housing are separable from one another without damaging the device; a second lock movable between an open position and a closed position, when the housing interface is positioned within the opening and the second lock is in the closed position, the second lock prevents the nozzle from extending beyond the fully extended position; and a second lock, wherein when the housing interface is positioned within the opening and the second lock is in the open position, the nozzle is not prevented from extending beyond the fully extended position by the second lock. The device.

10. 10. The device of claim 9, wherein when the housing interface is positioned within the opening and the second lock is in the closed position, the housing interface cannot be removed from the housing without damaging the device.

11. 10. The device of claim 9, wherein when the housing interface is slidably engaged to the housing and the first lock is in the closed position, the second lock is prevented from moving from the closed position to the open position.

12. A device comprising: a housing having a chamber and an opening communicating with the chamber; a nozzle comprising a passageway therethrough and a housing interface; the housing interface is sized to be positioned within the opening and configured to slidably engage the housing such that the nozzle is translatable from a fully extended position to a fully depressed position when the housing interface is slidably engaged with the housing; a nozzle positioned such that the passage communicates with the chamber when the housing interface is positioned within the opening and slidably engaged with the housing; a first lock movable from an open position to a closed position, when the housing interface slidably engages the housing and the first lock is in the closed position, the first lock prevents the housing interface of the nozzle from being pushed further down into the housing through the opening in the housing; a first lock, the housing interface slidably engaging the housing and the first lock not preventing the housing interface from being pushed further into the housing through the opening in the housing when the first lock is in the open position; a sensor configured to provide a sensor signal indicative of a partially depressed position of the nozzle between the fully extended position and the fully depressed position; an electrical circuit configured to move the first lock from the open position to the closed position in response to the sensor signal; Equipped with A base member; a second lock movable from an open position to a closed position, the housing includes the opening in communication with the chamber and a second opening in communication with the chamber; the base member is positioned within the opening and sized to cover the opening; when the base member is positioned within the opening and the second lock is in the closed position, the base member is secured in place by the second lock; a second lock, the base member being movable so as to uncover the opening when the base member is positioned within the opening and the second lock is in the open position; and Further comprising: The device.

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