Dispensing device for the controlled dispensing of drugs, method for managing said dispenser and system comprising said dispenser

Abstract

The present invention refers to a dispenser device (10) for dispensing drugs in pills (C, Pc, Po), said device (10) comprising a base structure (12) having a plurality of compartments (14) wherein each compartment (14) is configured to receive one or more of said pills (C, Pc, Po), a containment structure (16) of the base structure (12) wherein the containment structure (16) comprises a dispensing port (19) of the pills (C, Pc, Po) and handling means (22) to move the base structure (12) to certain positions with respect to the containment structure (16). The dispenser device (10) comprises a dispensing chamber (30) interposed between the base structure (12) and the containment structure (16) wherein the dispensing chamber (30) communicates towards the outside through the dispensing port (19). Each compartment (14) comprises a first outlet (32) and a second outlet for the pills (C, Pc, Po) and the handling means (22) are configured to move the base structure (12) so as to allow the passage of a pill (C, Pc, Po) from the compartment (14) to the dispensing chamber (30) through only the first outlet (32) or through only the second outlet (34).

Description

[0001] DISPENSING DEVICE FOR THE CONTROLLED DISPENSING OF DRUGS, METHOD FOR MANAGING SAID DISPENSER AND SYSTEM COMPRISING SAID DISPENSER.

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to a system for assisting a patient to take drugs.

[0004] In particular, the present invention relates to a dispenser device for the controlled dispensing of drugs in the form of pills for a patient.

[0005] The invention also relates to a method of managing said dispenser device for the correct dispensing of the pills for the patient.

[0006] DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE OF THE ART

[0007] Dispenser devices are known to assist patients to take their drugs correctly according to the prescribed dosage and at the correct time.

[0008] Dispenser devices of known type comprise a base structure divided into a plurality of containment compartments, each containment compartment being arranged to receive one or more pills to be taken at a predetermined time of day. If the patient must take drugs of a different type at the same time, each containment compartment will be filled by the patient with the relative pills prescribed for that time.

[0009] The base structure is advantageously enclosed by a casing on which there is defined a dispensing port provided for the passage of the pills from the inside to the outside of the device.

[0010] In the dispenser devices of this type, the base structure is preferably circular in shape and the containment compartments are defined by respective sectors placed side by side and arranged around a central axis of the structure. The outer casing is preferably configured to comprise a circular covering upper part, or lid, on which the dispensing port, for example a passage port consisting of a through opening, is defined.

[0011] In a first type of dispenser device of this type, the lid is rotatable with respect to the underlying base structure and is rotated from time to time into a predetermined position in order to align the dispensing port with a predefined compartment below. In such a configuration the pills may pass through the dispensing port, for example by turning the device upside down and by having the pills drop out of the sector through the dispensing port. Appropriate automated rotation means favour the rotation of the lid into the correct position at the pre-established time.

[0012] In a second type of dispenser device of this type, it is the base structure the one being rotatable with respect to the lid which remains fixed and the base structure is rotated into a predetermined position so as to align the containment sector at the dispensing port of the lid. Appropriate automated rotation means favour the rotation of the base structure into the correct position at the pre-established time. The use of the dispensers of known type involves introducing the pills to be taken inside the compartments based on the dosage indicated in the medical prescription, in particular each compartment receives the pills, even of a different type, to be taken at a predetermined time.

[0013] At the pre-established time, the dispenser will automatically align the compartment with the dispensing port and the patient will be able to take the pills from its inside for intake.

[0014] The present invention aims to improve the dispensing systems of known type.

[0015] An object of the present invention is to propose a solution that allows facilitating dispensing of the pills according to the medical prescription.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to propose a solution that allows facilitating the operations of loading the pill dispenser with respect to the systems of known type.

[0017] It is a further object of the present invention to propose a solution that allows to reduce the pill loading and / or dispensing errors compared to the systems of known type.

[0018] It is another object of the present invention to propose a solution that allows to control the correct dispensing of the pills to the patient.

[0019] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0020] In a first aspect thereof, the present invention therefore refers to a dispenser device for dispensing drugs in pills, said device comprising:

[0021] - a base structure having a plurality of compartments wherein each compartment is configured to receive one or more of said pills;

[0022] - a containment structure of said base structure, said containment structure comprising a dispensing port of said pills;

[0023] - handling means to move said base structure to certain positions with respect to said containment structure; wherein said dispenser device comprises a dispensing chamber interposed between said base structure and said containment structure, said dispensing chamber communicating towards the outside of said device through said dispensing port and wherein each compartment comprises a first outlet and a second outlet for said pills, said handling means being configured to move said base structure so as to allow the passage of a pill from said compartment to said dispensing chamber through only said first outlet or through only said second outlet.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the first outlet is shaped differently from the second outlet.

[0025] Preferably, the first outlet has such a shape as to allow the passage of a first type of pills of predetermined sizes, the second outlet has such a shape as to allow the passage of a second type of pills of smaller size than the first type of pills and to prevent the passage of the first type of pills.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment, the dispenser device further comprises a movable flap at the dispensing chamber adapted to assume a closed position adapted to prevent the passage of pills through the first outlet or through the second outlet of each of said compartments and at least one open position adapted to allow the passage of pills through the first outlet or through the second outlet of each of said compartments.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the dispenser device comprises means to move the movable flap.

[0028] Preferably, the base structure is a structure of a type rotating about a rotation axis. According to a preferred embodiment, the base structure is cylindrical.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, each compartment of said plurality of compartments extends over a sector of a circle.

[0030] Preferably, the handling means comprise rotation means for rotating the base structure.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment, the compartment comprises first alignment means adapted to align one of said pills towards the first outlet and / or second alignment means adapted to align one of said pills towards the second outlet.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the dispenser device comprises first detection means for detecting the presence of a pill in the dispensing chamber. Preferably said first detection means comprising a light source and at least one light detector.

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment, the dispenser device comprises second detection means adapted to detect the passage of a pill at the inlet of the dispensing chamber. Preferably said second detection means comprising a light source and at least one light detector.

[0034] Preferably, an openable flap is associated with said dispensing port. According to a preferred embodiment, the dispenser device comprises a sensor for detecting the position of said openable flap.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the dispenser device comprises detection means for detecting the inclined, preferably vertical, position of the dispenser device.

[0036] Preferably, the dispenser device comprises a control unit and / or a power supply unit and / or a wireless communication unit and / or interface means for interaction with a user.

[0037] In another aspect thereof, the present invention refers to a method of dispensing one or more drugs in pills to be taken at a predetermined time by means of a dispenser device made according to what is described above, wherein the method comprises the steps of: a) moving said base structure to place said first outlet or said second outlet of one of said compartments in communication with said dispensing chamber; b) passing a single pill from said compartment to said dispensing chamber through said first outlet or through said second outlet, said steps a) and b) being performed a number of times corresponding to the number of drugs to be taken at said predetermined time; dispensing the drugs present in said dispensing chamber through said dispensing port.

[0038] In a further aspect thereof, the present invention refers to a system comprising a cloud server, a user device storing and executing at least one program comprising instructions and at least one dispenser device, wherein said dispenser device is made according to what is described above.

[0039] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] Further advantages, objects and features as well as embodiments of the present invention are defined in the claims and will be elucidated hereinafter by means of the following description, in which reference is made to the attached drawing tables; in the drawings, features and / or corresponding or equivalent component parts of the present invention can be identified by the same reference numerals. In particular, in the figures:

[0041] - figure 1 shows an axonometric view of the dispenser device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0042] - figure 2 shows the dispenser device of figure 1 in a first operating position;

[0043] - figure 3 shows the dispenser device of figure 1 in a second operating position;

[0044] - figure 4 shows an exploded view of the dispenser device of figure 3;

[0045] - figure 5 shows an exploded view of the dispenser device of figure 1 with some elements removed;

[0046] - figure 6 shows a partial view of the dispenser device of figure 1 with some elements removed;

[0047] - figure 6A shows an enlarged detail of figure 6;

[0048] - figure 7 shows the dispenser device of figure 5 with some elements removed;

[0049] - figure 7 A shows an enlarged detail of figure 7;

[0050] - figure 8 shows an exploded view of the dispenser device of figure 7;

[0051] - figure 9 shows an enlarged detail of an element of the dispenser device of figure 4 isolated from the rest;

[0052] - figure 10 shows the element of figure 9 in axonometric view;

[0053] - figure 11 shows the sectional view along line XI°-XI° of figure 10;

[0054] - figure 12 shows some pills usable with the dispenser device of the invention;

[0055] - figures 13 to 16 show a detail of the dispenser device of the invention in different operating positions during operation;

[0056] - figure 17 shows a system comprising the dispenser device of the invention.

[0057] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENT OF THIS INVENTION

[0058] While a particular embodiment of the present invention will be set forth in the following description relating to the figures, it is clear that the present invention is not limited to that particular embodiment but, rather, the particular embodiment described below clarifies various aspects of the present invention, the scope and extent of which are defined by the claims.

[0059] The preferred embodiment example of the dispenser device of the invention described below finds particular application in dispenser devices of the portable type that are easily transportable by a patient and therefore small in size.

[0060] It should however be noted that the dispenser device according to the present invention finds application in the realization of dispenser devices of any size.

[0061] A non-limiting embodiment example of a dispenser device 10 object of the present invention is represented in figure 1. In figure 17, the dispenser device 10 of the invention is shown in a possible preferred use thereof within an integrated system 1000.

[0062] The dispenser device 10 according to the present invention, hereinafter also simply referred to by the term the dispenser, comprises a base structure 12 on which a plurality of compartments 14 can be identified. Each compartment 14 is configured to receive one or more pills, as better described below. According to the preferred embodiment described and illustrated in the figures, the base structure 12 preferably has a substantially cylindrical shape and the compartments 14 are preferably four in number and extend over respective sectors of a circle 14. The four compartments 14 are preferably equal to each other, both in terms of angular extension and shape.

[0063] The base structure 12 identifies a base surface 12a, common to the compartments 14, and a side surface 12b, in this case a cylindrical side surface 12b, open at the top. The base surface 12a defines the bottom of each compartment 14.

[0064] In preferred embodiment variants, not illustrated, the base structure could have different shapes as well as the number and / or the shape of the compartments could be different from what is illustrated and described.

[0065] The base structure 12 is preferably housed in a receiving element 13 open at the top, preferably of cylindrical shape.

[0066] The dispenser 10 then comprises an external containment structure, or casing, indicated as a whole with reference numeral 16.

[0067] The containment structure 16 preferably has a box-like shape provided at the top with an openable portion 18, or lid 18.

[0068] The opening of the lid 18 allows access to the base structure 12, and in particular access to the compartments 14 to carry out the operations of loading / re-loading the pills to be taken.

[0069] The containment structure 16 comprises a main dispensing port 19 through which there is the final passage of the pills from the inside to the outside of the dispenser 10 in the manners described below.

[0070] Associated to the main dispensing port 19 is an openable flap 20, preferably a sliding flap 20, which can be manually operated if necessary by the patient / user for dispensing the pills.

[0071] In a preferred embodiment, a sensor for detecting the position of the openable flap 20, preferably a sensor adapted to detect the closed position of the flap 20, is associated with the main dispensing port 19.

[0072] According to one aspect of the present invention, the base structure 12 is movable to assume certain positions with respect to the containment structure 16: for this purpose, handling means 22 are provided to move said base structure 12.

[0073] According to the embodiment described and illustrated in the figures, the base structure 12 is preferably a structure of a type rotating about a rotation axis X and the handling means 22 consist of rotation means 22 that allow the rotation of the base structure 12, described in detail below.

[0074] In preferred embodiment variants, not illustrated, the base structure could move differently, for example translate rather than rotate. In this case, the handling means will be suitably configured to translate the base structure.

[0075] Above the base structure 12 and the respective compartments 14, a first covering element 24 is preferably positioned, which is fixed with respect to the containment structure 16, provided with an openable flap 26.

[0076] A second covering element 25 is positioned to cover the gap zone between the containment structure 16 and the base structure 12.

[0077] In operation, the flap 26 is kept in the closed position and all the compartments 14 are also closed at the top by means of the first covering element 24. When the dispenser 10 is being loaded, or reloaded, the flap 26 is brought into an open position to allow the introduction of the pills into a respective compartment 14, in the manners described below.

[0078] The flap 26 has a size such as to allow access, in an open position, to only one of the compartments 14 below.

[0079] Preferably, the flap 26 has a shape of sector of a circle whose extension is substantially equal to the extension of one of the compartments 14 below.

[0080] The flap 26 is preferably hinged to the first covering element 24 at a hinge zone 26a and further preferably comprises a grip handle 26b.

[0081] The first covering element 24 and the flap 26 are preferably made of transparent material, more preferably a transparent plastic material, which allows the content of the compartments 14 to be seen.

[0082] According to one aspect of the invention, the dispenser 10 comprises a dispensing chamber 30 interposed between the base structure 12 and the containment structure 16.

[0083] The dispensing chamber 30 communicates towards the outside of the dispenser 10 through said main dispensing port 19. The dispensing chamber 30 is preferably defined between the side surface 12b of the base structure 12 and the main dispensing port 19.

[0084] In one aspect of the present invention, each compartment 14 comprises a first outlet 32 and a second outlet 34 for the pills.

[0085] The detailed description of one of these compartments 14 will be referred to below, it being clear that the description can obviously be referred to the other compartments 14 as they are all the same. The outlets 32, 34 of the compartment 14 are preferably made at the side surface 12b of the base structure 12.

[0086] According to one aspect of the present invention, at certain positions of the base structure 12, the first outlet 32 or the second outlet 34 of the compartment 14 communicates with the dispensing chamber 30.

[0087] For this purpose, the handling means 22 are configured to move the base structure 12 in a first position in which only the first outlet 32 of the compartment 14 opens into the dispensing chamber 30 and in a second position in which only the second outlet 34 of the compartment 14 opens into the dispensing chamber 30. In this way, a pill is allowed to pass from the compartment 14 to the dispensing chamber 30 through only the first outlet 32, as illustrated in figure 14, or through only the second outlet 34, as illustrated in figure 16.

[0088] The first outlet 32 and the second outlet 34 have a different shape from each other: in particular, the first outlet 32 has such a shape as to allow the passage of a first type of pills of predetermined sizes and the second outlet 34 has such a shape as to allow the passage of a second type of pills of smaller size than the first type of pills. Furthermore, the second outlet 34 has a shape such as to prevent the passage of the first type of pills.

[0089] In the context of the present invention, the pills belong to one type rather than another depending on their size: in particular, the parameters differentiating whether a pill belongs to one type rather than to another preferably consist of its width L, 1 and its height H, h, considering the pill resting on a plane, for example resting on the bottom of a compartment 14.

[0090] For example, a first type of pills may comprise circular pills Pc, oblong pills Po or capsules C, as shown in figure 12, wherein for each of said pills respective widths L and heights H can be identified.

[0091] A second type of pills can comprise circular pills Pc or oblong pills Po wherein for each of said pills respective widths 1 and heights h can be identified.

[0092] For simplicity of exposition, the first type of pills will be referred to as "large pills" and the second type of pills will be referred to as "small pills".

[0093] The pills can be classified as belonging to the first type of pills (large pills) based on their maximum and minimum L, H sizes, for example as indicated in the following table:

[0094] The pills can be classified as belonging to the second type of pills (small pills) based on their maximum and minimum sizes 1, h, for example as indicated in the following table:

[0095] In addition to the parameters of width L, 1 and height H, h, a further parameter can be considered consisting of the length P of the pill, for example the length P of the oblong pill Po or of the capsule C indicated in figure 12. This parameter is advantageously used in the design step to establish the sizes of the compartments 14 and the number of pills that each compartment is able to receive.

[0096] According to the embodiment described and illustrated in the figures, the first outlet 32 preferably has a rectangular shape in which a predetermined base bl and a predetermined height hl can be identified and the second outlet 34 preferably has a rectangular shape in which a predetermined base b2 and a predetermined height h2 can be identified, as indicated in figure 9.

[0097] In a preferred embodiment, the first outlet 32 has a base value bl equal to 12 mm and a height hl equal to 8 mm; the second outlet 34 has a base value b2 equal to 7.5 mm and a height h2 equal to 5 mm.

[0098] For this configuration, therefore, the first outlet 32 allows the passage of both large pills and small pills; the second outlet 34 allows the passage only of small pills while preventing the passage of large pills.

[0099] According to this embodiment, therefore, the first and second outlet 32, 34 preferably have a rectangular shape. This makes it possible to optimise the steps of making the base structure 12, in particular when it is made by means of a plastic material moulding process. In embodiment variants, however, the first and / or second outlet may have different shapes, for example oval, polygonal, mixtilinear, etc., and appropriate sizes. Shape and size will be sized to allow the passage through the first outlet of a first type of pills of predetermined sizes, the passage through the second outlet of a second type of pills of smaller size than the first type of pills and also to prevent the passage of the first type of pills through the second outlet.

[0100] The passage of a pill from the compartment 14 to the dispensing chamber 30 through one of the outlets 32, 34 is advantageously made by tilting the dispenser 10 so as to arrange the dispensing chamber 30 and the main dispensing port 19 downwards and allowing the pill coming from the compartment 14 to drop by gravity into the dispensing chamber 30, more preferably by placing the dispenser 10 in a vertical position.

[0101] In the following description, when reference is made to the dispensing position of the dispenser 10, it is meant its positioning in an inclined, preferably vertical, position, with the main dispensing port 19 arranged downwards.

[0102] The first outlet 32 and the second outlet 34 are preferably arranged circumferentially one after the other on the side surface 12b of the base structure 12 so as to be non- overlapping.

[0103] To allow the passage of a first type of pills (large pills) from the compartment 14 to the dispensing chamber 30 through the first outlet 32, therefore, the base structure 12 is moved / rotated so that the first outlet 32 opens into the dispensing chamber 30 while the second outlet 34 is obstructed, as shown for example in figures 13 and 14. Similarly, to allow the passage of a second type of pills (small pills) from the compartment 14 to the dispensing chamber 30 through the second outlet 34, the base structure 12 is moved / rotated so that the second outlet 34 opens into the dispensing chamber 30 while the first outlet 32 is obstructed, as shown for example in figures 15 and 16.

[0104] The correct alignment of the first or second outlet 32, 34 to the dispensing chamber 30 is advantageously obtained by means of the handling means 22, as better described below.

[0105] The manner in which the pills are dispensed depends therefore depends on the system controlling the handling means 22 which are responsible for the rotation of the base structure 12, as described for example below in relation to a preferred operating mode of the dispenser 10.

[0106] Inside the compartment 14 first alignment means 40 adapted to favour the correct alignment of the pills towards the first outlet 32 and second alignment means 50 adapted to favour the correct alignment of the pills towards the second outlet 34 are preferably identified.

[0107] The first alignment means 40 preferably comprises a curved surface 42 which extends starting from the first outlet 32 to the inside of the compartment 14, more preferably a circular surface. The action of this curved surface 42 is to induce on the large pill, typically on the capsule Cp, a suitable rotation that directs it and leads it towards the first outlet 32, as shown in figures 13 and 14.

[0108] The second alignment means 50 preferably comprises a channel portion 52 suitably shaped such that the small pills are arranged in a row one after the other in the direction of the second outlet 34. The channel portion 52 preferably has a sectional shape corresponding to the second outlet 34, more preferably a rectangular- shaped section.

[0109] In an advantageous aspect of the dispenser 10 according to the present invention, the pills pass from the compartment 14 to the dispensing chamber 30 one at a time, in particular a large pill passes from the compartment 14 to the dispensing chamber 30 through the first outlet 32 and a small pill passes from the compartment 14 to the dispensing chamber 30 through the second outlet 34.

[0110] This occurs when the dispenser 10 is arranged in an inclined dispensing position, preferably vertical.

[0111] In a preferred embodiment, the dispenser 10 comprises first detection means 80 for detecting the presence of a pill in the dispensing chamber 30.

[0112] According to a preferred embodiment, the first detection means 80 comprise a light source 82 adapted to irradiate a beam of light in the dispensing chamber 30 and a receiver 84 adapted to detect said light. The receiver 84 preferably comprises an array of receiving photodiodes 84 positioned at the bottom of the dispensing chamber 30, as indicated in figure 7A, and the light source 82 is preferably positioned above the dispensing chamber 30. More preferably, the light source 82 is positioned at the second covering element 25, as indicated in figure 4, and faces downwards towards the dispensing chamber 30.

[0113] In preferred embodiment variants, not illustrated, the light source and / or the receiver may be arranged in different positions. For example, the light source can be positioned on the lid in a position aligned with the dispensing chamber, providing in this case that the second covering element allows the passage of the beam of light, for example by using a second transparent covering element or by making an opening in the second covering element at the underlying dispensing chamber.

[0114] The presence of a pill within the dispensing chamber 30 is determined by analysing the output signal of the receiving photodiodes 84. When the dispensing chamber 30 is empty all the receiving photodiodes detect the beam of light while the presence of a pill in the dispensing chamber 30 causes the interruption of the beam of light involving some receiving photodiodes.

[0115] In order to ensure the passage of only one pill at a time, a movable flap 60 is preferably positioned at the dispensing chamber 30 and can assume a closed position adapted to prevent the passage of pills through the outlets 32, 34 and at least one open position adapted to allow the passage of a pill through one of the outlets 32, 34.

[0116] The movable flap 60 is preferably supported by the receiving element 13 and is slidable with respect to the latter.

[0117] The opening and closing of the flap 60 is advantageously of a controlled type and the dispenser 10 comprises control means 62 associated with the flap 60.

[0118] According to the embodiment described and illustrated in the figures, the flap 60 is of a slidable type and preferably consists of a movable bulkhead that slides externally to the side surface 12b of the base structure 12. More preferably, the movable flap 60 comprises a circular- shaped curved movable bulkhead.

[0119] The control means 62 preferably comprise an actuator 64 provided with a shaft 66 positionable in an extended position corresponding to closing of the flap 60 and a retracted potion corresponding to opening of the flap 60.

[0120] A toothed portion 66a is made on the shaft 66 and which interacts with a toothed portion 60a of the flap 60 through a linkage 70, movable around a fulcrum 72, provided with toothed portions 74a, 74b meshing with the respective toothed portions 66a, 60a of the shaft 66 and of the flap 60.

[0121] The actuator 64 preferably comprises a solenoid actuator wherein the shaft 66 assumes an extended rest position and a retracted position when the actuator 64 is activated. The shaft 66 is preferably maintained in the rest position by means of a return spring (not visible). The opening time of the flap 60 is therefore controllable by controlling the activation time of the actuator 64. The opening time of the flap 60, according to an aspect of the present invention, is advantageously controlled to allow the passage of only one pill through the corresponding outlet 32, 34 when the dispenser 10 is in an inclined, preferably vertical dispensing position.

[0122] In a preferred embodiment, the opening time of the flap 60 assumes a predetermined value, preferably a predetermined value that depends on which of the two outlets 32, 34 is involved in the passage of the pill. For example, the opening time of the flap 60 will have a first predetermined value to allow the passage of a large pill from the first outlet 32 which will be higher than the opening time of the flap 60 which allows the passage of a small pill from the second outlet 34.

[0123] Furthermore, the opening time of the flap 60 may depend on the length P of the pill, for example an opening time may be provided proportional to the length P of the pill in question.

[0124] In a preferred alternative embodiment, the activation time of the actuator 64, and thus the opening time of the flap 60, ends when the actual passage of the pill into the dispensing chamber 30 is identified.

[0125] In a preferred embodiment, the determination of the passage of the pill in the dispensing chamber 30 is preferably carried out by exploiting the first detection means 80 for detecting the presence of a pill in the dispensing chamber 30.

[0126] The determination of the passage of the pill is obtained by analysing the information from the first detection means 80 during the activation of the flap 60. For example, the passage of the pill is validated as soon as the first detection means 80 detect the presence of a pill inside the dispensing chamber 30.

[0127] In another preferred embodiment, the determination of the passage of the pill in the dispensing chamber 30 is preferably carried out by special second detection means 86 adapted to detect the passage of a pill and positioned at the inlet of the dispensing chamber 30.

[0128] Preferably, the second detection means 86 comprise a sensor capable of detecting the passage of an object. In a preferred embodiment, the detection means 86 comprise a light source 82 adapted to irradiate a beam of light in the inlet zone of the dispensing chamber 30 and a receiver 88 positioned in the inlet zone of the dispensing chamber 30 adapted to detect said light, as illustrated in figure 7A.

[0129] In the illustrated embodiment, the light source 82 is preferably the same light source 82 of the first detection means 80 while the receiver 88 comprises one or more photodiodes 88, for example PIN photodiodes.

[0130] The passage of the pill is determined by analysing the output signal of the receiving photodiodes 88. The passage of the pill at least partially interrupts the beam of light towards the receiving photodiodes 88 and this interruption is then detected by the photodiodes 88 themselves.

[0131] A preferred embodiment of the handling means 22 of the base structure 12 is described below.

[0132] According to the embodiment described and illustrated in the figures, the handling means 22 consist of rotation means 22 that allow the rotation of the base structure 12 around the rotation axis X.

[0133] The rotation means 22 comprise a motor 90 adapted to control the rotation of a central rotation pin 92 on which the base structure 12 is mounted.

[0134] Preferably, the base structure 12 is mounted on the central pin 92 in a fixed and predefined reciprocal position. This is ensured by the square shape of the pin 92 with the reference rib 92a and by the corresponding shape of the through seat 94 with the reference recess 94a made centrally in the base structure 12, as shown in figure 6 A.

[0135] A kinematics 96 mechanically connects the outlet shaft 90a of the motor 90 to the central rotation pin 92. The kinematics 96 preferably comprise three toothed wheels 96a, 96b, 96c meshing together.

[0136] In a preferred embodiment, the dispenser 10 is preferably equipped with detection means for detecting the dispensing position, i.e. the inclined, preferably vertical, position of the dispenser 10.

[0137] The detection means for detecting the dispensing position are preferably made by means of an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU). This unit allows to obtain the information on the positioning in space of the dispenser 10 and this information will be used to verify the correct positioning of the dispenser 10 at the time of dispensing the pill.

[0138] The dispenser 10 is preferably equipped with a control unit 100 and a power supply unit 102, schematically indicated in figure 1, for the control and power supply of the various electrical and electronic components of the dispenser 10 itself, such as the power supply and control of the rotation means 22 of the base structure 12, of the control means of the flap 60, of the first and second detection means 80, 86, of the detection means for detecting the dispensing position and of the sensor for detecting the position of the openable flap 20 if present. The control unit 100 and the power supply unit 102 are housed within the containment structure 16, for example in the gap zone between the base structure 12 and the containment structure 16.

[0139] The control unit 100 may comprise one or more memory devices and one or more microprocessor units usable to execute program instructions.

[0140] On the containment structure 16, and more preferably on the lid 18, user interface means 110 can be identified, preferably comprising input means such as one or more buttons 110a, 110b and / or status display means 112, for example one or more LEDs.

[0141] These interface means 110 allow the interaction and use of the dispenser 10 by the user.

[0142] Through the interface means 110 the user can select the operating modes and / or monitor the operating status of the dispenser 10. In one embodiment, not illustrated, the input and display means may be integrated into a single device, for example a touchscreen device.

[0143] In addition, or alternatively, the dispenser 10 may be connected to one or more user-usable remote user devices 200 and / or to external networks. A remote user device 200 preferably comprises a mobile device 200 or similar computing devices such as computers, laptops, tablets.

[0144] Such an integrated system 1000 is illustrated in figure 17.

[0145] The dispenser 10 in this case preferably comprises a wireless communication module 104 associated with the control unit 100.

[0146] The communication module 104 is preferably configured to communicate with the user device 200, for example via known communication protocols, such as Bluetooth®, Zigbee®, etc.

[0147] The dispenser device 10 is preferably associated with the user device 200 by means of known pairing procedures.

[0148] The user device 200 is in turn configured to connect to a cloud 120, e.g., a cloud server 120.

[0149] The cloud server 120 may be a server that provides a cloud service. The cloud server 120 may comprise a virtual server that collaborates with various devices over the Internet.

[0150] The cloud server 120 preferably comprises an application storage server where at least one application, or APP, is stored. The user device 200, also configured to access the network, can advantageously install the APP by requesting the download from the cloud server 120

[0151] In an embodiment variant, the communication module 104 is also preferably configured to communicate with an access point 106 that allows the connection of the dispenser 10 to a network. Preferably, the access point 106 allows wireless communication of the dispenser 10 to a network. For example, the access point 106 may be a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) connection that allows connection to a network via Wi-Fi communication. The network may preferably include one or more local area networks (LANs), a geographic network (WANs), etc. The access point 106 also allows connection to the cloud 120.

[0152] The access point 106 is also usually referred to as a home gateway. In a preferred embodiment, the access point 106 is a residential gateway such as a DSL modem. In a further preferred embodiment, the access point 106 may be a smartphone device suitably configured as access point 106.

[0153] The user device 200, as mentioned, is preferably configured to host a specific application, preferably downloadable from the cloud server 120, through which the step of loading or re-loading the dispenser 10 is managed.

[0154] The control unit 100 and the user device 200, through the appropriate application, allow the management of the dispenser 10 and its use by the user / patient.

[0155] In the following, a possible operating mode of the functioning of the dispenser 10 of the invention will be described, in particular with reference to figures 13 to 16 in which some elements of the dispenser 10 have been removed for clarity of description, such as for example the removal of the first and second covering element 24, 25 to allow the content of the compartments 14 to be seen.

[0156] In the preferred use of the dispenser 10, each compartment 14 is filled with a plurality of pills of the same type, for example with a plurality of a predetermined type of pill to be taken at the same time every day.

[0157] In the figures, by way of example only, the four compartments 14 are filled with respective pills of a different type and each compartment 14 is filled with pills of the same type.

[0158] The operation of loading (or re-loading) the dispenser 10 is carried out by starting the APP application by the user in his / her user device 200.

[0159] The steps of re-loading the compartments are thus carried out under the guidance of the application that suggests the operations to the user. In particular, the user can follow on the screen of the user device 200 the step-by-step operations to be performed. First of all, the dosage and timing of the pills to be taken based on the medical prescription is loaded on the APP application. The APP application, which communicates with the dispenser 10, signals the need for a loading / re-loading step. Such a request is preferably signalled by one of the LEDs 112 lighting up. The user sets up the dispenser 10 with the lid 18 and the upper flap 26 open.

[0160] The control unit 100 will align a first compartment 14 at the open flap 26 and the type of pill and the number of pills with which to fill the first compartment 14 will be indicated on the screen of the user device 200. For example, the first compartment 14 must be filled with 4 capsules C, capsule C which must for example be taken at a predetermined time of the day.

[0161] Once the 4 capsules C have been loaded in the first compartment 14, the user confirms that the loading has taken place, for example by using a special icon on the screen of the user device 200.

[0162] The control unit 100 and / or the user device 200 records that the loading of the first compartment 14 with the capsules C has taken place, preferably by storing this information in a special database.

[0163] The control unit 100 will then align a new compartment 14 at the open flap 26 by rotating the base structure 12. The type of pill and the number of pills with which to fill the second compartment 14 will be indicated on the screen of the user device 200. For example, the second compartment 14 must be filled with 8 circular pills Pc, a pill Pc that must, for example, be taken at a predetermined time of the day. Once the 8 circular pills Pc have been loaded in the second compartment 14, the user confirms that the loading has taken place, for example by using a special icon on the screen of the user device 200.

[0164] The control unit 100 and / or the user device 200 records that the loading of the second compartment 14 with the circular pills Pc has taken place, preferably by storing this information in a special database.

[0165] It is then proceeded with loading of the pills of the subsequent compartments 14 in the same way as described above, for example by filling the third compartment 14 with oblong pills Po and filling the fourth compartment 14 with capsules C.

[0166] Once the loading / re-loading is completed, the upper flap 26 and the lid 18 can be closed and the dispenser 10 is ready for use.

[0167] When the loading is completed, the control unit 100 and / or the user device 200 will have stored which and how many pills are present in all the compartments 14. The control unit 100 and / or the user device 200 is also always aware of the position of the base structure 12 with its compartments 14 and therefore of the relative position of each compartment 14 with respect to the dispensing chamber 30.

[0168] Furthermore, the control unit 100 and / or the user device 200 is able to control the rotation of the base structure 12 with respect to the containment structure 16 and thus control which compartment 14 and which outlet 32, 34 of each compartment 14 are correctly aligned with the dispensing chamber 30.

[0169] At the expected time of intake of the drugs, the dispenser 10 signals the user of the event, for example by one of the LEDs 112 lighting up or by an acoustic signal.

[0170] The user sets up the dispenser 10 in dispensing position, i.e. inclined, preferably vertical, with the main dispensing port 19 arranged downwards.

[0171] The user starts the dispensing procedure of the pills to be taken at that predetermined time by operating, for example, one of the buttons 110a, 110b on the lid 18.

[0172] The subsequent dispensing of the pills by the dispenser 10 takes place through the supervision of the control unit 100 and / or the user device 200 which interacts by moving and controlling the various parts of the dispenser 10, as described below. By way of example, with reference to figures 13 to 16, some steps for dispensing two pills, a capsule C and a circular pill Pc, to be taken at a predetermined time are illustrated below. In these figures, the dispenser 10 is shown in a horizontal position only for simplicity of exposure while in actual use the user places the dispenser in the inclined, preferably vertical dispensing position.

[0173] In the dispensing position of the dispenser 10, the base structure 12 is rotated such that the first outlet 32 of the first compartment 14 is aligned with the dispensing chamber 30, as indicated in figure 13. In this position, the capsule C inside the first compartment 14 places itself in a dispensing position thanks to the action of the first alignment means 40.

[0174] Subsequently, as indicated in figure 14, the flap 60 is opened for a time interval suitable to allow the passage of only one capsule C through the first outlet 32 and its housing in the dispensing chamber 30, in the manners described above. After closing the flap 60, the user can proceed with opening the movable flap 20 to collect the capsule C present in the dispensing chamber 30 which is dispensed by dropping through the main dispensing port 19. The user then proceeds with closing the movable flap 20 and confirming that dispensing has taken place, for example by means of a special button on the lid 18. The dispenser 10 continues with the subsequent steps for dispensing the circular pill Pc. In a preferred embodiment, on the screen of the user device 200 or through the status display means 112, the actual exit of the capsule C from the dispensing chamber 30 may be signalled or possibly the possible anomaly due to the failed exit of the capsule C from the dispensing chamber 30 may be signalled. This can be done by controlling the presence or absence of drugs from the dispensing chamber 30 through said first detection means 80.

[0175] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of the method, the subsequent steps are carried out after checking the actual closure of the movable flap 20, e.g. by checking the appropriate position sensor of the flap 20. If the movable flap 20 is closed, the steps of the method proceed as normal; otherwise the open position will be signalled to the user, for example by one of the LEDs 112 lighting up or by an acoustic signal. The method will be resumed after the user has closed the mobile flap 20.

[0176] The base structure 12 is rotated such that the second outlet 34 of the second compartment 14 is aligned with the dispensing chamber 30, as indicated in figure 15. In this position, the circular pill Pc inside the second compartment 14 places itself in a dispensing position thanks to the action of the second alignment means 50. Subsequently, as indicated in figure 16, the flap 60 is opened for a time interval adapted to allow the passage of only one circular pill Pc through the second outlet 34 and its housing in the dispensing chamber 30, in the manners described above. After closing the flap 60, the user can proceed with opening the movable flap 20 to collect the circular pill Pc present in the dispensing chamber 30 which is dispensed by dropping through the main dispensing port 19. The user then proceeds with closing the movable flap 20 and confirming that dispensing has taken place, for example by means of a special button on the lid 18.

[0177] In a preferred embodiment, on the screen of the user device 200 or through the status display means 112, the actual exit of the circular pill Pc from the dispensing chamber 30 may be signalled or possibly the possible anomaly due to the failed exit of the capsule C from the dispensing chamber 30 may be signalled. This can be done by controlling the presence or absence of drugs from the dispensing chamber 30 through said first detection means 80.

[0178] The dispensing of pills C, Pc can therefore be considered completed.

[0179] In a preferred embodiment of the method described above and in the event that the dispenser 10 is equipped with detection means for detecting the dispensing position, the steps in which the dispenser is required to be arranged in the inclined dispensing position are subject to the effective detection of said dispensing position. For example, if the dispensing position detection means detects the correct inclination of the dispenser 10, the method steps proceed as normal; conversely the incorrect position will be signalled to the user, for example by one of the LEDs 112 lighting up or by an acoustic signal. The method will be resumed after the user has positioned the dispenser 10 in the required inclined dispensing position.

[0180] According to the preferred embodiment described and illustrated above, each compartment of the base structure comprises two outlets suitably configured for dispensing two different types of pill. In preferred embodiment variants, not illustrated, this inventive concept may be suitably extended and each compartment may preferably comprise three or more outlets suitably configured to allow dispensing pills belonging to three or more different types of pills.

[0181] It has therefore been demonstrated by means of the above detailed description of the embodiment of the device according to the present invention represented in the drawing tables, that the device according to the present invention allows to achieve the pre-set purposes. In particular, the device according to the present invention allows facilitating dispensing of the pills according to the medical prescription.

[0182] The dispenser device according to the preferred embodiment illustrated and described above, moreover, is shaped to be easily transportable (in the pocket) by the user who can advantageously take the pills at the required times.

[0183] In a preferred embodiment, a lanyard may be associated with the dispenser device to favour its transportability and / or to allow it to be worn by the user.

[0184] Although the present invention has been elucidated above by the detailed description of an embodiment thereof shown in the drawing tables, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment shown in the drawing tables and described above.

[0185] On the contrary, the scope of the present invention is defined by the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Dispenser device (10) for dispensing drugs in pills (C, Pc, Po), said device (10) comprising:- a base structure (12) having a plurality of compartments (14) wherein each compartment (14) is configured to receive one or more of said pills (C, Pc, Po);- a containment structure (16) of said base structure (12), said containment structure (16) comprising a dispensing port (19) of said pills (C, Pc, Po);- handling means (22) to move said base structure (12) to certain positions with respect to said containment structure (16); characterised in that it comprises a dispensing chamber (30) interposed between said base structure (12) and said containment structure (16), said dispensing chamber (30) communicating towards the outside of said device (10) through said dispensing port (19) and in that each compartment (14) comprises a first outlet (32) and a second outlet for said pills (C, Pc, Po), said handling means (22) being configured to move said base structure (12) so as to allow the passage of a pill (C, Pc, Po) from said compartment (14) to said dispensing chamber (30) through only said first outlet (32) or through only said second outlet (34).2) Device (10) according to claim 1, characterised in that said first outlet (32) has a different shape from said second outlet (34).3) Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said first outlet (32) has such a shape as to allow the passage of a first type of pills (C, Pc, Po) of predetermined sizes, said second outlet (34) has such a shape as to allow the passage of a second type of pills (Pc, Po) of smaller size than said first type of pills (C, Pc, Po) and to prevent the passage of said first type of pills (C, Pc, Po).4) Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it further comprises a movable flap (60) at said dispensing chamber (30) adapted to assume a closed position adapted to prevent the passage of pills (C, Pc, Po) through said first outlet (32) or through said second outlet (34) of each of said compartments (14) and at least one open position adapted to allow the passage of pills (C, Pc, Po) through said first outlet (32) or through said second outlet (34) of each of said compartments (14).5) Device (10) according to claim 4, characterised in that it comprises control means (62) of said movable flap (60).6) Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in thatsaid base structure (12) is a structure of a type rotating about a rotation axis (X).7) Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said base structure (12) is cylindrical.8) Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said each compartment (14) of said plurality of compartments (14) extends over a sector of a circle.9) Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said handling means (22) comprise rotation means for rotating said base structure (12).10) Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said compartment (14) comprises first alignment means (40) adapted to align one of said pills (C, Pc, Po) towards said first outlet (32) and / or second alignment means (50) adapted to align one of said pills (C, Pc, Po) towards said second outlet (34).11) Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises first detection means (80) for detecting the presence of a pill (C, Pc, Po) in said dispensing chamber (30), preferably said first detection means (80) comprising a light source (82) and at least one light detector (84), and / or second detection means (86) adapted to detect the passage of a pill (C, Pc, Po) into said dispensing chamber (30), preferably said second detection means (86) comprising a light source (82) and at least one light detector (88).12) Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises a control unit (100) and / or a power supply unit (102) and / or a wireless communication unit (104) and / or interface means (110) for interaction with a user.13) Method of dispensing one or more drugs in pills (C, Pc, Po) to be taken at a predetermined time by means of a dispenser device (10) made according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises the steps of: a) moving said base structure (12) to place said first outlet (32) or said second outlet (34) of one of said compartments (14) in communication with said dispensing chamber (30); b) passing a single pill (C, Pc, Po) from said compartment (14) to said dispensing chamber (30) through said first outlet (32) or through said second outlet (34), said steps a) and b) being performed a number of times corresponding to the number of drugs to be taken at said predetermined time;dispensing the drugs present in said dispensing chamber (30) through said dispensing port (19).14) System comprising a cloud server (120), a user device (200) storing and executing at least one program comprising instructions and at least one dispenser device (10), wherein said dispenser device (10) is made according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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