Connection devices for storage bins

Abstract

A connection system for storage bins may include: a vertical backboard defining at least one bin slot configured to receive a portion of a storage bin; at least one alignment mechanism formed between the vertical backboard and the storage bin, which may include: an alignment notch; and a protrusion; and at least one electric port configured to electrically connect to the storage bin. The vertical backboard may include one of the alignment notch or the protrusion. The alignment notch may be configured to receive the protrusion therein. The alignment notch may be shaped complementary to the protrusion, such that when the protrusion is fully received within the alignment notch, the storage bin is an aligned position. In the aligned position, the portion of the storage bin is received within the at least one bin slot and the at least one electric port is electrically connected to the storage bin.

Description

CONNECTION DEVICES FOR STORAGE BINSCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to United States Provisional Application No. 63 / 677,903, filed July 31, 2024, and titled Connection Devices for Storage Bins, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONField of the Invention

[0002] The present disclosure is directed to backplanes and associated features used to connect to storage bins that store medical products or other medication items (collectively ‘medical products’). The storage bins can detect when a medical product is removed or replaced. The backplanes are mechanically and electrically connected to the storage bins and collect data regarding the removal or replacement of the medical products. The backplanes can provide power to the bins and transfer the data from the storage bins to a computer system (or vice versa) or to an end user.

[0003] The present disclosure is also directed to components that can be used to autonomously retrieve medical products from the storage bins. The autonomous retrieval can utilize the data regarding placement of different medical products to ensure that the proper medical product is taken form or replaced in a storage bin without human intervention. Description of Related Art

[0004] Certain medical products are frequently used within places such as hospitals, ambulatory care centers, outpatient clinics, and doctor’s offices. These products are often kept in storage spaces that allow for quick and easy access to these products and are accessible to a number of doctors, nurses, and other medical personnel. Due to the number of medical products used and widespread access of these products, it is difficult for staff to keep track of the use of these products, which can allow for products to be wasted or otherwise lost. Some of these medical products can be very expensive, which means that there is increase in costs associated with the loss of products or in the time and effort required to manage product access. For medicines and drugs, widespread access may be necessary to efficiently operate the hospital or office, but this widespread access may also allow for the medicine or drugs to be stolen or abused. Thus, there is a need for storage devices that can track the removal and replacement of medical products, so that the inventory of the products can be accurately known. The storage devices need to be arranged in a manner that allows them to be secured in theirlocation and be able to transfer the data relating to their inventory to the appropriate computer system or end user. Therefore, there is also a need for connection systems that can mechanically support and electronically connect to the storage devices to support the storage devices and to transmit data taken from the devices to a desired location. There is also a need to autonomously access, retrieve, and replace the medical products in their storage locations.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In some embodiments or aspects, the present disclosure may be characterized by one or more of the following numbered clauses:

[0006] Clause 1. A connection system for storage bins, the connection system comprising: a vertical backboard defining at least one bin slot configured to receive a portion of a storage bin from a front side thereof; at least one alignment mechanism formed between the vertical backboard and the storage bin, the at least one alignment mechanism comprising: an alignment notch; and a protrusion; and at least one electric port configured to electrically connect to the storage bin, wherein the vertical backboard comprises one of the alignment notch or the protrusion, wherein the alignment notch is configured to receive the protrusion therein, wherein the alignment notch is shaped complementary to the protrusion, such that when the protrusion is fully received within the alignment notch, the storage bin is in an aligned position, and wherein, in the aligned position, the portion of the storage bin is received within the at least one bin slot and the electric port is electrically connected to the storage bin.

[0007] Clause 2. The connection system of clause 1, wherein the alignment notch comprises a first plurality of walls and the protrusion comprises a second plurality of walls, and wherein the first plurality of walls corresponds to the second plurality of walls.

[0008] Clause 3. The connection system of clause 2, wherein the protrusion defines an apex, and wherein sliding contact between the apex and at least one of the first plurality of walls is configured to guide the storage bin to the aligned position.

[0009] Clause 4. The connection system of any of clauses 1-3, wherein the vertical backboard comprises the alignment notch, and the storage bin comprises the protrusion.

[0010] Clause 5. The connection system of any of clauses 1-3, wherein the vertical backboard comprises the protrusion, and the storage bin comprises the alignment notch.

[0011] Clause 6. The connection system of any of clauses 1-5 further comprising a locking mechanism arranged on a rear side of the vertical backplane and configured to secure the storage bin to the vertical backplane, wherein the locking mechanism comprises: a lock rod extending vertically along the vertical backboard; at least one lock bar extending horizontallyfrom the lock rod, the lock bar comprising at least one locking tab aligned with the at least one bin slot, wherein the at least one locking tab is configured to engage with the portion of the storage bin to secure the storage bin to the at least one bin slot, wherein the at least one lock bar comprises a pivot bracket, the pivot bracket being configured to secure the at least one lock bar to the lock rod and the vertical backplane, wherein upon vertical movement of the lock rod, the lock bar is configured to rotate between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein, in the locked position, the at least one tab is arranged inside of a gap defined in the portion of the storage bin, and wherein, in the unlocked position, the at least one tab is outside of the gap.

[0012] Clause 7. The connection system of clause 6, wherein the pivot bracket comprises: a first connection portion configured to be secured to a bracket mount extending from the vertical backplane; and a second connection portion configured to be secured to the lock bar, and wherein the at least one lock bar is configured to rotate about the backplane mount upon vertical movement of the lock rod.

[0013] Clause 8. The connection system of clauses 6 or 7, wherein the locking mechanism further comprises: a lock motor configured to move the lock rod in the vertical direction; and a motor bracket, wherein the motor bracket defines a slotted aperture, wherein the lock rod comprises a limiting post that extends into the slotted aperture, and wherein the limiting post is configured to contact opposing ends of the slotted aperture upon the vertical movement of the lock rod, thereby limiting the vertical movement of the lock rod.

[0014] Clause 9. The connection system of any of clauses 6-8, wherein the vertical backplane comprises at least one bin slot cover arranged on the rear side, the at least one bin slot cover being configured to at least partially cover the at least one bin slot, and wherein the at least one lock bar is configured to rotate around the at least one bin slot cover between the locked position and the unlocked position.

[0015] Clause 10. The connection system of clause 9, wherein the at least one bin slot cover defines an open face, and wherein the at least one lock bar is configured to rotate into and out of the open face between the locked position and the unlocked position.

[0016] Clause 11. The connection system of any of clauses 6-10, wherein the vertical backplane defines a first bearing surface along an edge of the at least one bin slot, wherein the portion of the storage bin comprises a hook, the hook defining the gap and a second bearing surface, wherein the second bearing surface contacts the first bearing surface to support the storage bin on the vertical backplane.

[0017] Clause 12. The connection system of clause 11, wherein the hook comprises: a first curved portion; a second curved portion; and a distal end, wherein the first curved portion and the second curved portion are separated by the gap, wherein the first curved portion and the second curved portion define the second bearing surface, and wherein the distal end extends along the first curved portion, the gap, and the second curved portion.

[0018] Clause 13. The connection system of clause 12, wherein the distal end is configured to contact a rear surface of the vertical backplane to further support the storage bin on the vertical backplane.

[0019] Clause 14. The connection system of any of clauses 6-13, wherein the at least one bin slot comprises a plurality of bin slots arranged in a plurality of rows, each of the plurality of bin slots being configured to receive a storage bin therein, wherein the at least one lock bar comprises a plurality of lock bars corresponding to the plurality of rows of bin slots, and wherein, upon the vertical movement of the lock rod, the plurality of lock bars are configured to rotate between the locked position and the unlocked position.

[0020] Clause 15. The connection system of any of clauses 1-14, wherein the at least one bin slot comprises a plurality of bin slots arranged in a plurality of rows, each of the plurality of bin slots being configured to receive a storage bin therein, wherein the at least one lock bar comprises a plurality of lock bars corresponding to the plurality of rows of bin slots, and wherein, upon the vertical movement of the lock rod, the plurality of lock bars are configured to rotate between the locked position and the unlocked position.

[0021] Clause 16. A cart comprising the connection system of clause 15.

[0022] Clause 17. A method of connecting a storage bin to a vertical backplane, the method comprising the steps of: tilting the storage bin, such that a hook of the storage bin extends downward; moving a distal end of the hook through a bin slot defined in the vertical backplane, such that a hook bearing surface is aligned with a backplane bearing surface; rotating the storage bin, such that the hook bearing surface is supported by the backplane bearing surface; moving the storage bin, such that a protrusion is received within an alignment notch; and connecting a plug of the storage bin to an electric port of the vertical backplane, wherein, when the plug is connected to the electric port, the storage bin is in the connected position, wherein, during rotation of the storage bin, the protrusion is configured to be at least partially received within an alignment notch alignment notch, such that, when the protrusion is partially received within alignment notch, the alignment notch is configured to guide the protrusion to the be fully received therein, and wherein the alignment notch and the protrusion are arranged, suchthat, when the protrusion is fully received within the alignment notch, the plug connects to the electric port and the storage bin is in the connected position.

[0023] Clause 18. The method of clause 16, wherein the protrusion defines an apex, wherein, when the protrusion is partially received within the alignment notch, the apex is configured to contact at least one sidewall of the alignment notch, and wherein sliding contact between the apex and the at least one sidewall guides the protrusion to be fully received within the alignment notch.

[0024] Clause 19. The method of clause 17 or 18, further comprising the step of providing audible feedback to signify that the storage bin is in the connected position.

[0025] Clause 20. The method of clause 19, wherein, when the protrusion is fully received within the alignment notch, contact between the protrusion and alignment notch is configured to provide the audible feedback.

[0026] Clause 21. The method of any of clause 17-20, further comprising the step of: locking the storage bin against the vertical backplane by inserting a locking tab into a gap defined in the hook, wherein the vertical backboard comprises a locking mechanism, the locking mechanism comprising: a lock rod extending vertically along the vertical backboard; and a lock bar comprising the locking tab.

[0027] Clause 22. The method of clause 21, wherein the step of locking the storage bin comprises the step of moving the lock rod vertically, and wherein the lock bar is rotatably mounted to the lock rod, such that vertical movement of the lock rod rotates the lock bar and inserts the locking tab into the gap.

[0028] Clause 23. A connection system for a storage bin, the connection system comprising: a horizontal backboard; and at least one alignment mechanism configured to seat a storage bin on the horizontal backboard, the at least one alignment mechanism comprising: at least one mounting foot; and at least one mounting groove configured to receive at least one mounting foot, wherein the at least one mounting groove is shaped complementary to the at least one mounting foot, such that when the at least one mounting foot is fully received within the at least one alignment groove, the storage bin is in an aligned position, wherein the at least one mounting groove comprises a plurality of sidewalls corresponding to the shape of the at least one mounting foot, such that, upon contact between the at least one mounting foot and at least one of the plurality of sidewalls, the at least one mounting groove is configured to guide the storage bin to the aligned position, wherein the at least one mounting groove and the at least one mounting foot comprise corresponding magnets configured to secure the at least onemounting foot within the at least one mounting groove, wherein the base comprises at least one electric port and at least one charging pad configured to electrically connect to the storage bin.

[0029] Clause 24. A connection system of clause 23, wherein the at least one mounting groove is defined by the horizontal backboard, and wherein the at least one mounting foot extends from the storage bin.

[0030] Clause 25. A connection system of clause 23, wherein the at least one mounting groove is defined by the storage bin, and wherein the at least one mounting foot extends from the horizontal backboard.

[0031] Clause 26. The connection system of clause 24, wherein the at least one mounting groove comprises a pair of mounting grooves, wherein a first mounting groove is arranged proximate to a front end of the horizontal backboard and a second mounting groove of the pair of mounting grooves is arranged proximate to a rear end of the horizontal backboard, wherein the at least one mounting foot comprises a pair of mounting feet, wherein the at least one electric port comprises one electric port arranged adjacent to the first mounting groove, and wherein the at least one charging pad comprises one charging pad arranged adjacent to the second mounting groove.

[0032] Clause 27. The connection system of clause 26, wherein the pair of mounting grooves are U-shaped, and wherein the at least one charging pad is arranged at least partially inside of the U-shape of the second mounting groove.

[0033] Clause 28. The connection system of any of clauses 24, wherein the at least one mounting groove comprises a plurality of mounting grooves arranged in a plurality of rows along the horizontal backplane, wherein the plurality of mounting grooves are configured to receive at least one mounting foot from a plurality of storage bins, and wherein at least two of the plurality of storage bins span a different number of the plurality of mounting grooves.

[0034] Clause 29. A cabinet comprising: a plurality of connection systems of any of clauses 23-28; a plurality of shelves configured to support the plurality of connection systems; a chassis; and a plurality of storage bins, wherein the plurality of shelves are supported within the chassis and moveable relative to the chassis, wherein each mounting foot is received within a corresponding mounting groove, and wherein each of the plurality of storage bins are electrically connected to a corresponding at least one electric port.

[0035] Clause 30. The cabinet of clause 29, wherein each of the plurality of storage bins comprise at least one sensor configured to monitor the contents of a respective storage bins, wherein the electrical connections between the plurality of storage bins and the corresponding at least one electric port are configured to transfer data relating to the contents of the pluralityof storage bins, and wherein the cabinet comprises control electronics configured to transmit the data relating to the contents of the storage bin to a control system.

[0036] Clause 31. The cabinet of clause 30, wherein each shelf in the plurality of shelves comprises a display, and wherein the control electronics are configured to modify the display of a respective shelf to show data relating to the contents of one or more storage bins located on the respective shelf.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a vertical backplane and storage bin according to one embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure;

[0038] Fig. 2 is a rear perspective view of the vertical backplane and storage bin of Fig. 1;

[0039] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the storage bin of Fig. 1 separated from the vertical backplane;

[0040] Fig. 4A is a perspective view of an electrical port and alignment notch of the vertical backplane of Fig. 1;

[0041] Fig. 4B is a perspective view of a plug and alignment projection of the storage bin of Fig- 1;

[0042] Fig. 5A is a front perspective view of a bin slot of the vertical backplane of Fig. 1;

[0043] Fig. 5B is a rear perspective view of a bin slot of Fig. 5A;

[0044] Fig. 6A is a rear perspective view of the vertical backplane and storage bin of Fig. 1 with a slot cover removed and the locking mechanism in the unlocked position;

[0045] Fig. 6B is a rear perspective view of a bin slot and locking mechanism of the vertical backplane and the storage bin of Fig. 6A;

[0046] Fig. 7A is a rear perspective view of the vertical backplane and storage bin of Fig. 1 with a slot cover removed and the locking mechanism in the locked position;

[0047] Fig. 7B is a rear perspective view of a bin slot and locking mechanism of the vertical backplane and the storage bin of Fig. 7A;

[0048] Fig. 8 is a rear perspective view of the locking motor of the vertical backplane of Fig. 1;

[0049] Fig. 9A is a rear perspective view of control electronics of the vertical backplane of Fig. 1;

[0050] Fig. 9B is a perspective view of a casing for the control electronics of the vertical backplane of Fig. 1;

[0051] Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a cart using vertical backplanes and holding storage bins according to one embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure;

[0052] Fig. 11 is a top perspective view of a horizontal backplane and storage bin according to one embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure;

[0053] Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a mounting slot and electrical port of the horizontal backplane of Fig. 11 ;

[0054] Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the storage bin of Fig. 11 separated from the horizontal backplane;

[0055] Fig. 14 is a front perspective view of a cabinet having horizontal backplanes and storage bins of Fig. 11 ;

[0056] Fig. 15 is a rear perspective view of the cabinet of Fig. 14 with the walls of the cabinet shown transparently;

[0057] Fig. 16 is a perspective view of a mobile cabinet according to one embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure;

[0058] Fig. 17 is a front perspective view of a carrying case according to one embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure;

[0059] Fig. 18 is a front perspective view of the carrying case of Fig. 17 with the lid open;

[0060] Fig. 19 is a rear perspective view of the carrying case of Fig. 17 with the walls shown transparently;

[0061] Fig. 20 is a front perspective view showing a stacked arrangement of two carrying cases of Fig. 17;

[0062] Fig. 21 is a perspective view of an autonomous retrieval device according to one embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure;

[0063] Fig. 22A is a perspective view of end-of-arm tooling of an arm of the autonomous retrieval device of Fig. 21 aligned with a storage bin;

[0064] Fig. 22B is a perspective view of a bin engagement feature of the end-of-arm tooling of Fig. 22A engaged with the storage bin;

[0065] Fig. 22C is a perspective view of a grasping mechanism of the end-of-arm-tooling of Fig. 22A retrieving a vial from the storage bin; and

[0066] Fig. 22D is a perspective view of the end-of-arm tooling of Fig. 22A disengaged from the storage bin.DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0067] As used herein, the singular form of “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0068] The term “includes” is synonymous with “comprises”.

[0069] The term “at least” is synonymous with “greater than or equal to.” As used herein, “at least one of’ is synonymous with “one or more of’. For example, the phrase “at least one of A, B, and C” means any one of A, B, or C, or any combination of any two or more of A, B, or C. For example, “at least one of A, B, and C” includes one or more of A alone; or one or more B alone; or one or more of C alone; or one or more of A and one or more of B; or one or more of A and one or more of C; or one or more of B and one or more of C; or one or more of all of A, B, and C.

[0070] As used herein, the terms “perpendicular”, “parallel”, “substantially perpendicular”, or “substantially parallel” mean a relative angle as between two objects (if extended to theoretical intersection), such as elongated objects and including reference lines, that is from 0° to 5°, or from 0° to 3°, or from 0° to 2°, or from 0° to 1°, or from 0° to 0.5°, or from 0° to 0.25°, or from 0° to 0.1°, inclusive of the recited values.

[0071] The present disclosure uses directional language, such as forward, rearward, inward, outward, upward, downward, front, rear, etc. These directions describe relative positions around different features disclosed herein.

[0072] Some figures show many of the same elements. For clarity, not all of these elements are numbered.

[0073] The present disclosure relates to different connection systems 10, 100 for storage bins 12 and the features associated with these systems 10, 100, such as an autonomous retrieval system 300. Examples of these storage bins are described in U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 541,240 and International Patent Application No. PCT / US2024 / 49065 (Publication No. WO 2025 / 072830) the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. The storage bins allow for the storing of items, the sensing of items removed and replaced, and the tracking of a number of items remaining in each bin. The items stored in the bins may be used in medicinal practice and may take various shapes and sizes, such as those of boxes and vials, all of which are described in the applications referenced above. The present application shows vials V to represent the medical products that are to be kept within the storage bins 12. However, the use of vials V is not limiting. One will understand that other medical products that take other shapes, such as boxes and pouches, maybe held within the storage bins 12 used in the connection systems 10, 100. To account for this, the items stored within the bins 12 will be generically referred to as medical products.

[0074] Because the systems 10, 100 are disclosed in connection with the storage of medical products, it is contemplated that the individuals most likely accessing the systems 10, 100 will be medical personnel, such as doctors, nurses, administrators, etc. However, the systems 10, 100 can be used in any application where a number of items are frequently stored and accessed. For example, hardware stores and suppliers, mechanical / auto repair shops, and machining shops frequently and repeatedly use items that can be kept in the storage bins 12. Therefore, the generic terms “worker” and “user” will be used in this disclosure to describe individuals who use the connection systems 10, 100 and access the storage bins 12. Individuals who use the control system that oversees the connection systems 10, 100 and storage bins 12 may also be referred to as an “operator”. One will also appreciate that the term “medical products” can generically represent any item, not only medical products, that may be held within the storage bins 12 used in the systems 10, 100.

[0075] Figs. 1-10 are directed to a first example of a connection system 10 that has a vertical backplane 14 to which the storage bin 12 connects. Figs. 11-20 are directed to a second example of a connection system 100 that has a horizontal backplane 104 for connecting a storage bin 12. Figs. 21-22D are directed to an autonomous robotic tooling mechanism 300 that can autonomously remove and replace medical products held in the storage bins 12 or autonomously remove and replace entire bins 12 from vertical backplane 14 or horizontal backplane 104. While certain features will be discussed in connection with a specific system 10, 100, 300 one will appreciate that certain features can be used in each of the systems even if these features are only discussed in connection with a single system 10, 100, 300. Again, the connection systems 10, 100 and robotic tooling mechanism 300 can be used with a variety of different medical products taking different shapes from the vials V that are shown in the figures.Vertical Backplane Connection System

[0076] With reference to Figs. 1-10, a first connection system 10 will now be described. Examples of this connection system 10 are shown in Figs. 1 and 10. The connection system 10 includes the vertical backplane 14 and one or more storage bins 12. Fig. 1 is an example of a single storage bin 12 connected to the vertical backplane 14. Fig. 8 shows multiple storage bins 12 connected to two vertical backplanes 14 in an example of how the connection system 10 may be used in practice.

[0077] As shown in Figs. 1-3, 6 A and 7 A, the vertical backplane 14 includes a body 16 extending between a pair of opposing horizontal sidewalls 18 and a pair of opposing vertical sidewalls 20. The body 16 defines a front surface 17 and a rear surface 19 arranged on an opposing side of the front surface 17. As shown, the vertical backplane 14 has a rectangular cross-sectional shape; however, one will appreciate that the vertical backplane may take a number of different shapes and still operate in the manner described herein.

[0078] The body 16 defines a number of bin slots 22 to receive and support corresponding features of the storage bins 12, which will be described in greater detail below. The bin slots 22 extend through the body 16, so that they are accessible from the front surface 17 and the rear surface 19. As shown, the bin slots 22 are arranged in rows and columns extending across the body 16, and each bin slot 22 is arranged to receive a single storage bin 12. Specifically, the vertical backplane 14 includes three rows and three columns of bin slots 22, meaning there are three bin slots 22 arranged in a single row. Within each row, the bin slots 22 are arranged so that, when adjacent bin slots 22 are occupied by a storage bin 12, the storage bins 12 are in close proximity with one another. This means that there is a small horizontal tolerance between adjacent storage bins 22 in a row. Within each column, the bin slots 22 are arranged, so that when adjacent bin slots 22 are occupied by a storage bin 12, there is enough space between the storage bins 12, so that medical products, such as vials V, can be removed and replaced from each storage bin 12. Relative to the horizontal tolerance, the vertical tolerance between storage bins 12 in a single column is large.

[0079] While the aforementioned arrangement is shown in the drawings, one will appreciate that the bin slots 22 may be arranged in a number of different ways on the vertical backplane 14, so long as the connection system 10 can continue to operate in the manner described herein. For example, additional rows or columns of bin slots 22 may be provided, so that more storage bins 12 can connect to the vertical backplane 14, or greater spacing may be provided between adjacent bin slots 22. In instances where particularly important medical products are to be stored, a single backplane 14 may be provided with relatively few bin slots 22, so that each storage bin 12 occupies its own distinct space on the backplane 14 when connected. This may help prevent users from accidentally accessing an incorrect storage bin 12. In other examples, multiple bin slots 22 may receive a single storage bin 12 to account for storage bins 12 that are sufficiently large to contain larger medical products. Any number of bin slots 22 may be utilized by a storage bin 12. Each bin slot 22 may also be larger or smaller, so that each bin slot 22 receives a single storage bin 12 that is larger or smaller in size compared to what is shown. The size of the storage bins 12 and bin slots 22 may be dependent on the relative size(s)of the medical products held within the storage bins 12 to be arranged on the vertical backplane 14. A number of differently sized bin slots 22 and storage bins 12 may also be used on a single vertical backplane 14.

[0080] The body 16 includes a number of bin targets 21 arranged on the front surface 17 to properly align and connect each storage bin 12 to the body 16 at a desired location. An example of a bin target 21 is shown in Fig. 4A. Each bin target 21 includes an electric port 24 and an alignment notch 25. The bin targets 21 include a body 27 that at least partially defines the respective electric ports 24 and alignment notches 25. As shown, a portion of the body 27 of the alignment target 21 extends into the body 16 of the vertical backplane 14 along the front surface 17. In this manner, the electric ports 24 and alignment notches 25 are accessible via the front surface 17. As shown, the bin targets 21 correspond to a single bin slot 22 and storage bin 12. However, one will appreciate that different arrangements can be used where the number of bin targets 21 does not correlate to a single bin slot 22 and storage bin 12. For example, storage bins 12 larger than the ones shown may use two bin targets 21 to create multiple connections to the vertical backplane 14. The larger storage bins 12 may use one or more bin slots 22. These two connections may use the respective electric ports 24 in different ways. One electric port 24 may provide power to the bin 12, while the other electric port 24 may be used to transmit data from the storage bin 12, which is discussed in greater detail below.

[0081] The electric ports 24 extend through both the body 16 of the vertical backplane 14 and the body 27 of the bin target 21 to facilitate the proper electrical connections with the storage bins 12 and control electronics 32. From the front surface 17, the electric ports 24 are arranged connect to corresponding plugs 60 on each of the storage bins 12. As shown, the electrical ports 24 are configured to receive the corresponding plugs 60 within the body 27. Specifically, the electric port 24 defines pin holes that are arranged to receive corresponding parts of the plug 60. This creates a small connection tolerance between these parts. However, the electric ports 24 may be arranged, so as to extend outward from the body 27, away from the front surface 17, to be received within a plug 60. Other connection mechanisms instead of pinholes may also be used. As can be seen from Fig. 2, the electric ports 24 extend from the back surface 19 to connect to wires (not shown) or other electrical connectors. The wires lead to control electronics 32 and a power source (not shown). In some embodiments, the vertical backplane 14 may include a cover that is connectable to the rear surface 19 to prevent the electric ports 24, wires, and control electronics 32 from being exposed, displaced, or damaged.

[0082] The alignment notches 25 are arranged proximate to the electric ports 24 and define receiving spaces 29 for a corresponding protrusion 63 extending from a rear wall 52 of thestorage bins 12. Specifically, the receiving space 29 is defined by a plurality of sidewalls 31 A, 3 IB, 31C, 3 ID, 3 IE, 3 IF arranged around a rear wall 33. A chamfered edge 35 is arranged around the ends of the sidewalls 31 A, 3 IB, 31C, 3 ID, 3 IE, 3 IF that oppose the rear wall 33. As shown, the sidewalls 31 A, 3 IB, 31C, 3 ID, 3 IE, 3 IF are substantially planar surfaces that are arranged symmetrically about the rear wall 33. It is noted that only six sidewalls 31 A, 3 IB, 31C, 3 ID, 3 IE, 3 IF are shown and labeled in Fig. 4A. Two sidewalls that are necessary to create the symmetrical arrangement around the rear wall 33 shown in Fig. 4A are not visible and, therefore, not labeled. The rear wall 33 is rectangular in shape. The sidewalls 31 A, 3 IB, 31C, 3 ID, 3 IE, 3 IF and rear wall 33 are shaped to align with corresponding features of the protrusion 63. As shown in Fig. 4B, these corresponding features of the protrusion 63 include a plurality of sidewalls 65 A, 65B, 65C, 65D, 65E (not all sidewalls are visible or labeled) and an end wall 67. The protrusion 63 also includes a ridge 69 that extends around the ends of the sidewalls 65 A, 65B, 65C, 65D, 65E corresponds to the chamfered edge 35. As shown, the alignment notch 25 and protrusion 63 have corresponding tapered shapes. With this arrangement, the alignment notch 25 can be thought of as a horizontal trough having a minimum along the rear wall 33, and the protrusion 63 can be thought of as a crest having an apex along the end wall 67.

[0083] The corresponding relationship between the alignment notch 25 and the protrusion 63 allows for a storage bin 12 to be easily placed in a desired location on the vertical backplane 14. To align a storage bin 12 with a desired bin target 21, a worker needs to only arrange the storage bin 12 on the vertical backplane 14, so that the protrusion 63 arrives in the general vicinity of the alignment notch 25. The alignment notch 25 acts as centering feature when receiving the protrusion 63, so that the storage bin 12 is seated on the vertical backplane 14 in the correct location resulting in the electrical port 24 connecting to the plug 60. In this way, the alignment notch 25 is a self-centering feature for the protrusion 63 and storage bin 12. Given the tight connection and low tolerance between the pinholes of the electrical connector 24 and the corresponding features of the plug 60, the self-centering feature helps a worker to properly connect these features.

[0084] Specifically, the self-centering occurs after a hook 54 of the storage bin 12 is placed within a bin slot 22 to engage with the vertical backplane 14. The relationship between the hook 54 within the bin slot 22, the storage bin 12 is tilted at an angle, so that the hook 54 is angled downwards. To fully mount the storage bin 12 to the vertical backboard 14, the storage bin 12 is rotated until the plug 60 is electrically connected to the electric port 24 in a position where the rear wall 52 is generally flush or arranged parallel to the vertical backboard 14. Asthe bin 12 is rotated, the end wall 67 of the protrusion 63 contacts the chamfered edge 35 or one of the sidewalls 31 A, 3 IB, 31C, 3 ID, 3 IE, 3 IF depending on the exact position of the bin 12. The shape of the chamfered edge 35 and sidewalls 31 A, 3 IB, 31C, 3 ID, 3 IE, 3 IF are such that this contact allows the end wall 67 to slide within the alignment notch 25 until it contacts or is flush with the rear wall 33. The bin targets 21 are arranged on the vertical backplane 14, so that when the end wall 67 contacts the rear wall 33, the plug 60 connects to the electrical port 24. At this point, the storage bin 12 is in an aligned position or a connected position. A worker can align the storage bin 12 with little to no visual assistance. The worker needs to only arrange the hook 54 within the bin slot 22, so that the end wall 67 of the protrusion is in the general vicinity of the alignment notch 25 for the storage bin 12 to arrive in the aligned position. The worker may also let go of the bin 12 after the hook 54 is within the bin slot 22. Gravity can rotate the storage bin 12, and the alignment notch 25 may be shaped so that the end wall 67 slides against the sidewalls 31 A, 3 IB, 31C, 3 ID, 3 IE, 3 IF and into the aligned position without worker assistance. If worker assistance is needed, it may be minimal. For example, the worker may only need to gently push the storage bin 12, so that the end wall 67 slides into the aligned position, so that the protrusion 63 contacts part of the alignment notch 25. Audible or visual feedback can signal to the worker that a storage bin 12 is in an aligned position. Contact between the end wall 67 and rear wall 33 and contact between the electric port 24 and plug 60 can provide an audible signal. Electrical components on the bin 12 or backboard 14 can audibly or visually signal to the worker that the electrical connection between the electric port 24 and plug 60 has been formed and the bin 12 is in the aligned position.

[0085] The storage bin 12 can also be placed into the aligned position by having a worker tilt the storage bin 12 upwards, so that the hook 54 is angled upwards. Then, the worker can laterally move the storage bin 12 until the end wall 67 contacts the chamfered edge 35 or one of the sidewalls 31 A, 3 IB, 31C, 3 ID, 3 IE, 3 IF. The worker can then use the shape of the chamfered edge 35 and sidewalls 31 A, 3 IB, 31C, 3 ID, 3 IE, 3 IF to guide the storage bin 12 toward the vertical backboard 14 until the end wall 67 of the protrusion 63 contacts the rear wall 33 of the alignment notch 25. Simultaneously, the worker can tilt the storage bin 12, so that the hook 54 is fully engaged within the bin slot 22, resulting in the storage bin 12 arriving at the aligned position.

[0086] As shown, the alignment notch 25 and protrusion 63 have complementary shapes. However, given the arrangement discussed above, one will appreciate that the alignment notch 25 and protrusion 63 do not need to take the specific shapes shown in the figures to operate in the manner described. The corresponding sidewalls of each may be curved, instead of planar,and they may not be arranged symmetrically about the rear wall 33 and end wall 67. The rear wall 33 and end wall 67 may be arranged vertically, instead of horizontally, or they may take different shapes, such as a U-shape, or they may form a more distinct point from which the respective sidewalls extend.

[0087] The relationship between the alignment notches 25 and protrusions 63 may result in a vertical backboard 14 having multiple alignment notches 25 arranged along the front surface 17 without a corresponding electric port 24. For example, larger storage bins 24 may only utilize a single electric port 24, but multiple alignment notches 25 may be provided to ensure that the larger storage bins 12 are more easily placed in their desired locations. In these instances, some electric ports 24 may not be used, or the vertical backplane 14 may have some bin targets 21 that only have an alignment notch 25.

[0088] Together, the alignment notches 25 and protrusions 63 form an alignment mechanism. The alignment mechanism can be arranged between the storage bins 12 and vertical backboard 14 in multiple ways. One way was described above, with the alignment notches 25 being arranged on the vertical backboard 14. In another way, the arrangement of the alignment notches 25 and protrusions 63 can be reversed, so that the alignment notches 25 are formed within the bins 12, and the protrusions 63 extend from the bin targets 21. In another embodiment, the alignment notches 25 and electric ports 24 may be provided on the vertical backplane 14 without being arranged within a single bin target 21. This may also be true of the embodiment where the protrusion 63 extends from the vertical backplane 14.

[0089] The connections formed between the electric ports 24 and the plugs 60 allows for power and data transfer to occur between the vertical backplane 14 and the storage bin 12. Data is typically transferred from the storage bins 12 to the control electronics 32. As described in the patent applications mentioned above, the storage bins 12 are arranged to track the number of medical products held therein. The storage bins 12 have sensors arranged inside of them to detect when a medical product is removed or replaced. This information can be transferred to the control electronics 32 by the connection formed between the plugs 60 and electric ports 24. As will be discussed below, the control electronics 32 can then transmit this information to a larger control system that allows operators to know, inter alia, the contents and status of any storage bin 12 at any time. The control system compiles data related to each storage bin 12 and provides this as different outputs to an operator of the control system or a worker who uses the medical products. The ways this data can be used will be discussed below. Data and commands can also be transmitted from the control system to the storage bins 12. For example, when a storage bin 12 contains a low number of medical products, the control system can senda command to the storage bin 12 to activate an indicator to signify this state. The indicator can be a flashing light or an intermittent sound to identify to an operator which storage bin 12 needs to be refilled. Each storage bin 12 may also have other identifying features, such as a visual indicator to signify what products are held within that bin 12. The storage bins 12 are capable of holding a number of different medical products, so when the products held within a storage bin 12 changes, the control system can send a command to the storage bin 12 to change the identifier. Power is transmitted to the storage bin 12 to operate the control electronics and other electrically run elements, such as the flashing light that signifies a low number of medical products held within a bin. The power source for the storage bin 12 may be a battery secured to the vertical backplane 14 or it may be an external power source. In either instance, power is provided to the storage bins 12 via the connections between the electric ports 24 and plugs 60.

[0090] As shown, each electric port 24 is located below its corresponding bin slot 22. However, one will appreciate that the electric ports 24 may be arranged in any location on the vertical backplane 14 that allows for an electrical connection to be formed with the storage bins 12. For example, an electrical port 24 may be located above the bin slot 22, and the plug 60 may be connected to a cord allowing for the plug 60 to connect to the electrical port 24 with the bin 12 below the electrical port 24. In other examples, a single electrical port 24 may be located at a point in between adjacent bin slots 22. This would allow only a single plug 60 to be connected and prevent adjacent bin slots 22 from both being occupied by storage bins 12. This may be done when greater spacing is desired between adjacent storage bins 12.

[0091] Figs. 2 and 5A-9 show the rear of the vertical backplane 14 and the features arranged on this side of the backplane 14. With general reference to Fig. 2, the rear of the backplane 14 includes slot covers 26, connection plates 28, a locking mechanism 30, and the control electronics 32. The slot covers 26 are each arranged to extend over and cover individual bin slots 22 along the rear surface 19. This ensures that the storage bins 12 cannot be displaced from the rear of the vertical backplane 14. The slot covers 26 are also arranged to define the space where a storage bin 12 is to be received.

[0092] With additional reference to Figs. 5A and 5B, the slot covers 26 include a body 81 that defines a contact portion 83 and a receiving space 85. The contact portion 83 is configured to be secured against the rear surface 19 of the vertical backplane 14. The receiving space 85 is arranged to be aligned with a bin slot 22 to receive both the hook 54 of a storage bin 12 and part of the locking mechanism 30, both of which will be discussed in greater detail below. Specifically, the receiving space 85 is defined by opposing sidewalls 87, an angled sidewall89, a rear wall 91, and an open face 93. The opposing sidewalls 87 and angled sidewall 89 extend from the contact portion 83, and the rear wall 91 extends between the ends of the sidewalls 87, 89 that are opposite the contact portion 83. The opposing sidewalls 87 are substantially orthogonal to the contact portion 83, while the angled sidewall 89 extends from the contact portion 83 at a non-orthogonal angle. The open face 93 extends between the contact portion 83, opposing sidewalls 87, and rear wall 91. The open face 93 is arranged to allow features of the locking mechanism 30 into the receiving space, which will be described below. In some instances, the open face 93 may also allow for a worker to visually confirm that a storage bin 12 is properly secured to the bin slot 22.

[0093] While single slot covers 26 are provided for each individual bin slot 22, a single slot cover 26 may be provided for two or more bin slots 22 in any row of bin slots 22. The slot covers 26 are removable to allow access to the elements of the locking mechanism 30 arranged inside of the slot covers 26 and to allow for maintenance or repair of the backplane 14.

[0094] Referring back to Fig. 2, the connection plates 28 are arranged along the horizontal sidewalls 18 and allow for vertical backplanes 14 to be mounted to a wall or another support structure. The connection plates 28 can also be used to connect adjacent vertical backplanes 16.

[0095] With additional reference to Figs.6A-7B, the locking mechanism 30 will now be described. Although Figs. 6A-7B do not show the slot covers 26, one will appreciate the arrangement of the slot covers 26 relative to the locking mechanism 30 given this description. The locking mechanism 30 is used to lock one or more storage bins 12 in place within their respective bin slots 22. The locking mechanism 30 includes a lock rod 34 and one or more lock bars 36 connected to the lock rod 34. The lock rod 34 is arranged vertically along and substantially parallel to the body 16. The lock rod 34 extends some distance between the opposing horizontal sidewalls 18. Each of the lock bars 36 extend substantially perpendicular from the lock rod 34 and extend some distance between the opposing vertical sidewalls 20. The ends of the lock bars 36 are in the form of a pivot mount 38 that allows for the lock bars 36 to be secured to both a mount 39 connected to the backplane 14 and the lock rod 34.

[0096] Specifically, each pivot mount 38 has a first connecting portion 92 and a second connecting portion 94 (shown in Fig. 7B). Both connecting portions 92, 94 define apertures (not shown) that are configured to receive fasteners 96, 98 to secure the pivot mount 38 to either the backplane mount 39 or the lock rod 34. The backplane mounts 39 extend from the rear surface 19 of the vertical backplane body 16 and have an aperture (not shown) that aligns with the aperture of the first connecting portion 92, so that the fastener 96 can secure the pivotmount 38 to the backplane mount 39. As shown, both pivot mounts 38 of a single lock bar 36 are secured to a corresponding backplane mount 39. The fasteners 92 are configured to allow the pivot mount 38 to rotate relative to the backplane mounts 39. The lock rod 34 has an aperture (not shown) that aligns with the aperture of the second connecting portion 94, so that the fastener 98 can secure the pivot mount 38 to the lock rod 34. This connection only occurs at the end of the pivot mount 38 that is adjacent to the lock rod 34. It is contemplated that the connection between the pivot mount 38, lock rod 34, and fastener 98 is more secure than the connection with the backplane mount 39, meaning the fastener 98 may be one that does not allow for the pivot mount 38 to rotate about the lock rod 34. In use, the pivot bracket 38 is arranged, so that the first connecting portion 92 is diagonally displaced relative to the second connecting portion 94. This causes the lock bars 36 to rotate upon vertical movement of the lock rod 34.

[0097] A bottom end of the lock rod 34 is connected to a lock motor 40 and motor bracket 42. The lock motor 40 moves the lock rod 34 in the vertical direction. The lock motor 40 is secured to the vertical backplane 14 using motor mounts 41 that may be any suitable mounting features depending on the type, size, and arrangement of the motor used. It is contemplated that a linear actuator may be used in place of the motor. The motor bracket 42 extends from the rear surface 19 of the vertical backplane 14 and is used to at least partially secure the lock rod 34 to the backplane 14. The motor bracket 42 is also used control the movement of the lock rod 34. The motor bracket 42 defines a bracket slot 43 that receives a limiting post 45 that is secured to and extends from the lock rod 34. The engagement between the bracket slot 43 and the limiting post 45 is used to limit the vertical movement of the lock rod 34. The top end of the lock rod 34 is secured to the pivot mount 38 of the uppermost lock bar 36.

[0098] Each lock bar 36 is arranged adjacent and parallel to a row of bin slots 22. The lock bars 36 include locking tabs 44 that are arranged to extend into and out of a bin slot 22. When the locking mechanism 30 is in an unlocked position (shown in Figs. 6A and 7A), the locking tabs 44 are located outside of the bin slots 22. When the locking mechanism 30 is in a locked position (shown in Figs.6B and 7B), the locking tabs 44 extend into a bin slot 22. As shown, the locking tabs 44 are centrally located within the bin slots 22; however, other arrangements of the locking tabs 44 may be used, so long as the locking tabs 44 can still secure the storage bins 12, which will be discussed in greater detail below.

[0099] The arrangement of the locking mechanism 30 allows for the lock bars 36 to pivot between the unlocked position and the locked position. The locking mechanism 30 begins in the unlocked position with the locking tabs 44 located outside of the bin slots 22 and thelimiting post 45 is adjacent to or contacting the top end of the bracket slot 43. To move into the locked position, the lock motor 40 drives the lock rod 34 downward. The arrangement of the pivot mounts 38 means that this vertical movement is translated into rotational movement of the lock bars 36. This rotational movement causes the locking tabs 44 to move into the bin slots 22. The downward vertical movement of the lock rod 34 also results in the limiting post 45 moving downward so that it is adjacent to or contacts the bottom end of the bracket slot 43. To move the locking mechanism 30 back into the unlocked position, the opposite action occurs. The slot covers 26 are shaped to account for the rotational movement of the lock bars 36. As shown, the slot covers 26 have an open face 87 to allow for the movement of the lock bars 36. When the slot covers 26 have an open bottom end, the lock bars 36 may also have a rear wall 37 that is consistently located outside of the slot covers 26. This may allow for proper alignment of the lock bars 36 when assembling the vertical backplane 14. The arrangement between the bracket slot 43 and limiting post 45 limits the upward and downward movement of the lock rod 34 caused by the lock motor 40. In some embodiments, the lock motor 40 can have sensors that detect resistance created by the contact between the limiting post 45 and the vertical ends of the bracket slot 43. When this resistance is detected, the lock motor 40 can be triggered to stop driving the lock rod 42 in the vertical direction.

[0100] The locking tabs 44 are shaped to engage with corresponding features on a storage bin 12, so that the locking tabs 44 can be used to secure the storage bins 12 within the bin slots 22. The bin slots 22 define a bearing surface 48 that will contact and support the storage bin 12. The storage bins 12 have a body 50 that includes a rear wall 52 that will be secured against or very close to the front surface 17 of the body 16 of the vertical backplane 14. A hook 54 extends from the rear wall 52 and defines a corresponding bearing surface 56. The hook 54 is shaped to wrap around the bin slot 22, so that the corresponding bearing surface 56 contacts the bearing surface 48 of the bin slot 22. The vertical backplane 14 supports a storage bin 12 by way of the contact between the two bearing surfaces 48, 54. In some embodiments, a distal end 55 of the hook 54 may contact the rear surface 19 of the body 16 of the vertical backplane 14, which can provide an additional contact point between the storage bin 12 and the vertical backplane 14 to provide additional security. The hook 54 defines a receiving gap 58. The receiving gap 58 is shaped, so that the locking tabs 44 extend into the receiving gap 58 when the locking mechanism 30 is in the locked position. The receiving gap 58 is formed in an upper portion of the hook 54 effectively dividing the hook 54 into three parts: (a) the distal end 55, (b) a first curved portion 57, and (c) a second curved portion 59. The distal end 55 extends between the first curved portion 57 and the second curved portion 59, so that a portion of thedistal end 55 is exposed between the curved portions 57, 59. The curved portions 57, 59 also define the corresponding bearing surface 48. This exposed portion of the distal end 55 is arranged to be located under the locking tab 44 in the locked position. This arrangement ensures that the hook 54 cannot be dislodged from the bin slot 22 in the locked position, and the storage bin 12 is sufficiently secured to the vertical backplane 14. When the locking mechanism 30 is in the unlocked position, the hook 54 can be freely engaged and disengaged from its bin slot 22. The plug 60 is located on the rear wall 52 of the storage bin 12 in a position that allows its connection to the electric port 24 located proximate to the corresponding bin slot 22. The connection between the plug 60 and electric port 24 creates another connection to help at least partially secure the storage bin 12 to the vertical backplane 14. The locking mechanism 30 can be operated by the control system or by a user engaging with some feature on the vertical backplane 14, such as a button (not shown). In either instance, a command is sent to the control electronics 32 to move the locking mechanism 30 into either the unlocked or locked positions. In some instances, the locking mechanism 30 may include a mechanical operating feature, such as a lever arranged along the vertical sidewall 20 adjacent to the lock rod 34, that allows a user to mechanically change the position of the locking mechanism. This may be used when power is lost or there are problems with the lock motor 40 and / or control electronics 32.

[0101] A storage bin 12 is mounted to the vertical backplane 14 by tilting the bin 12, so that the hook 54 is angled downward toward the bin slot 22. The storage bin 12 is maneuvered, so that the distal end 55 extends through the bin slot 22 and partially contacts the rear surface 19 of the vertical backplane 14 and the first bearing surface 48 is arranged under the first 57 and second 59 curved portions. Then, the storage bin 12 is rotated downward, so that the bearing surface 48 defined by the first 57 and second 59 curved portions contacts the bearing surface 46 defined along the edge of the bin slot 22 to support the storage bin 12 on the vertical backplane 14. The storage bin 12 can be understood to rotate about bearing surface 46 and / or bin slot 22. As discussed above in connection with Figs. 4A and 4B, the protrusion 63 on the storage bin 12 is received within the alignment notch 25 to ensure the storage bin 12 falls into the aligned position during or after its rotation about the bearing surface 46 and / or bin slot 22.

[0102] With reference to Figs. 9A and 9B, the control electronics 32 will now be described. Fig. 9A shows the control electronics in a bottom corner of the vertical backplane 14. Fig. 9B shows an example of a casing 71 that can be used to cover and store the control electronics 32 at a position on the vertical backplane 14. The control electronics 32 include features such as a power port 62, data port 64, microphone 68, speaker 70, RF antenna, near field communication (NFC) tag and GPS receiver. Although the RF antenna, NFC tag, and GPS arenot explicitly shown, the control electronics 32 include a control circuit board 66 that operates these features as discussed below. In some embodiments, the control electronics 32 may also include a battery (not shown) that can provide power to the other control electronics 32 and the storage bins 12 via the plug 60 and electric port 24 as described above. The power port 62 facilitates a connection to an external power supply, and can take the form of a plug, outlet, or other electrical connection mechanisms. The power port 62 provides power to the control electronics 32, lock motor 40, and storage bins 12. The data port 64 facilitates data transfer between the storage bins 12 and the control system. The data port 64 can be an ethernet connection, USB connection, or other connections known in the art. The RF antenna can transmit data via mobile, cellular, or other transmission infrastructures, such as 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, Wifi, Bluetooth, and NWB-IoT.

[0103] Both the data port 64 and RF antenna allow data to be transmitted via the Internet to the supervising control system, either locally or in the Cloud. This allows a worker to access relevant information related to the connection system 10 remotely via a phone, tablet, laptop, or other connectable, mobile device. The worker can see the status of each storage bin 12, including the number of medical products currently being held. The worker can also be alerted of different conditions related to the backplanes 14 and storage bins 12. In some instances, a worker will receive a notification on their cell phone or tablet alerting them as to the status of the vertical backplane 14 and the storage bins 12 connected to that backplane 14. For example, the worker may get an alert if a storage bin 12 has a low number of medical products and needs to be refilled, if the lock motor 40 is malfunctioning, , or if there are connection problems between a storage bin 12 and the backplane 14. The worker may also troubleshoot problems from their mobile device. The control electronics 32 are also configured to allow for geolocation. This allows a worker to know the exact location of a system 10 where a specific medical product is to be retrieved or replaced. In some instances, a worker can input the medical product that they need, and the control system will tell the worker the location of the nearest connection system 10 that has those products. The control electronics 32 can also be connected to third party systems. This connection can allow for new medical products to be ordered or purchased when the number of those products drops below a certain number within the control system.

[0104] The NFC tag allows for a similar connectivity to a worker’s mobile devices, but only within a close range to the connection system 10. The worker can identify storage bins 12 connected to a vertical backplane 14 their immediate vicinity. With the NFC tag, the mobile device can identify one or more storage bins 12 that need to be refilled, or the mobile devicewill identify the exact location on the vertical plane 14 where a desired medical product is to be retrieved. If there is a problem with some functionality of the connection system 10, the mobile device will also indicate where exactly in the system 10 this problem is occurring.

[0105] The microphone 68 is provided to allow a worker to perform various actions related to accessing the storage bins 12, such as identification / log in, unlocking specific storage bins 12, and for asking questions related to the status of the system 10. The control electronics 32 include natural language processing to interpret auditory inputs. For example, medical products that are likely to be stolen or abused may be locked within a storage bin 12. A worker can provide identification information necessary to unlock or otherwise access a locked storage bin 12. Identification information may be an employee identification number, patient identification number, or a password. In some systems 10, the control electronics 32 may be able to interpret the specific identity of a worker based on their voice. The speaker 70 is provided to output various information to a worker, such as the status of different medical items or a request to provide inputs to access a specific storage bin 12. While the microphone 68 and speaker 70 are shown adjacent to all of the control electronics 32 in a single location on the vertical backplane 16, one will appreciate that these features may be located at a point on the vertical backplane 16 that is easy for the workers using the system 10 to access.

[0106] As shown in Fig. 9B, the casing 71 can be used to store and protect the aforementioned control electronics 32 at some point along the vertical backplane 14. The casing 71 includes sidewalls 73 and a cover 75. The cover can be opened to access the control electronics 32 inside. Along one of the sidewalls 73, the power port 62 and data port 64 are provided to allow for power and data transfer as described above. Along another sidewall 73, a plurality of access ports 77 are provided to receive the wires or electrical connectors extending from the electric ports 24 arranged on the backplane 14. One or more of the access ports 77 can also be used to create a hardwired connection with a worker’s mobile devices or to receive a portable memory device, such as a USB drive. This allows a worker to obtain data related to the connection system 10 without a wireless connection.

[0107] As shown in Fig. 10, a cart 74 is shown that uses two connection systems 10. The vertical backplanes 14 are secured to a base 76 of the cart 74, which may have other storage spaces to hold additional medical products, tools, and / or devices that are not held in the storage bins 12. As discussed above, the vertical back planes 14 may be secured to one another by using fasteners within the connection plates 28 of both backplanes 14. The cart 74 also has wheels 78, allowing it to be transported to various locations. The systems 10 can draw power from one or more batteries 72. The batteries 72 may be rechargeable when the cart 74 does notneed to be moved. In this instance, the batteries 72 can be recharged by and the system 10 can be powered by the power connections 62. A motor 80 and an autonomous drive 82 are provided on the cart 74 proximate to the wheels 78. The motor 80 drives the wheels 78. In instances where a worker is pushing the cart 74, the motor 80 can help reduce the amount of force needed to push the cart 74. In another instance, the autonomous drive 82 can direct the cart 74 without a worker directing it. The autonomous drive 82 includes different electronical and mechanical controls to direct the cart 74 through a hospital or another location. The electrical controls sense the surrounding environment and operate the motor, so that the cart 74 can move without crashing or interfering with other operations. The mechanical controls move the wheels 78 according to the outputs of the electrical controls. The autonomous drive allows for the storage bins 12 to be accessed by a worker without that worker needing to move to the location of the system 10. This may be of particular use when a worker’s attention is needed elsewhere. This can also be used to control medical products that are likely to be stolen or abused. In this instance, the control electronics 32 can lock certain storage bins 12 until the cart 74 arrives in a room where the medical products held in the locked storage bins 12 are intended to be used.Horizontal Backplane Connection Systems

[0108] With reference to Figs. 11-13, a second connection system 100 will now be described. Examples of this connection system 100 in use are shown in Figs. 11 and 14-20. The connection system 100 includes a horizontal backplane 104 and one or more storage bins 12. Fig. 11 is an example of a single storage bin 12 connected to the horizontal backplane 104. Figs. 14-16 show multiple storage bins 12 connected to horizontal backplanes 104 in an example of how the connection system 100 may be used in practice.

[0109] The horizontal backplane 104 is supported by a shelf 106 or another platform that allows for the connection system 100 to operate as described herein. The horizontal backplane 104 will be discussed in connection with a shelf 106 in different examples, but one will appreciate that the horizontal backplane 104 may be used on any flat surface that allows for the connection system 100 to be formed. The horizontal backplane 104 arranged on a top surface 107 of the shelf 106, and includes a body 110 defined by edges 112. A front edge 112F defines a shaped lip 108 arranged to abut a lower front edge of the storage bin 12 to help secure the storage bin 12 in certain applications of the connection system 100 discussed below. The top surface 114 of the backplane 104 contacts or engages the storage bins 12. As shown, the edges 112 generally define a rectangular shape for the backplane 104; however, one will appreciate that the backplane 104 may take a number of different shapes and still operate in the manner described herein. As shown, the backplane 104 is a separate feature from the shelf 106, whichwill require a mechanical connection between the two components. This may be done with fasteners or by selecting materials for the shelf 106 and backplane 104 that create coefficient of friction high enough that the backplane 104 remains in place simply by contacting the shelf 106. In this instance, the body 110 is arranged, so that a bottom surface (not numbered) is secured to the top surface 107 of the shelf 106. In some instances, the horizontal backplane 104 may be integrally formed with and act as an extension of the shelf 106 as opposed to being a separate element from the shelf 106. The backplane 104 and shelf 106 combination will internally hold wires or other electrical connectors to facilitate the power and data transmission with the bins 12 that will be discussed below. The backplane 104 may be made of the same material as the shelf 106, or the backplane 104 may be made of a different material. In one example of the latter, the backplane 104 may be made of a rubber or plastic to create a soft but stable support surface for the bins 12. When the backplane 104 is a separate element from the shelf 106, the backplane 104 and shelf 106 will be arranged to facilitate data and power transmission with the storage bins 12. Depending on what materials are used for the shelf 106 and the backplane 104 will determine how the specific arrangement of different features of the shelf 106 and backplane 104.

[0110] As shown in Figs. 11-14, the horizontal backplane 104 includes mounting grooves 116, charging pads 118, and electric ports 120. Each of these features are arranged to engage with corresponding features on the storage bin 12. The mounting grooves 116 are formed in the body 110 and accessible via the top surface 114. The mounting grooves 116 are arranged to receive mounting feet 53 located on the bottom of the storage bin 12. As shown in Fig. 12, the mounting grooves 116 have magnets 122 arranged around their edges, which can attract corresponding magnets 49 located in the mounting feet 53. The engagement between the mounting feet 53 and the mounting grooves 116 also serves a self-centering feature, similar to the arrangement between the alignment notches 25 and the protrusions 63. Specifically, the mounting grooves 116 include sidewalls 116W and a perimeter 116P, as shown in Fig. 12. For clarity, not all sidewalls 116W and labeled in Fig. 12. The sidewalls 116W and perimeter 116P are sloped or otherwise shaped to guide the corresponding mounting feet 53, so that can be easily seated within a groove 116. This means that a worker needs to only place a storage bin 12 on the horizontal backplane 104, so that the mounting feet 53 are in the general proximity of the mounting grooves 116 in order to fully seat the storage bin 12 on the backplane 104. Contact between the mounting feet 53 and one of the sidewalls 116W and / or perimeter 116P will result in the mounting feet 53 sliding into the mounting groove 116, so that the mounting feet 53 are fully received within the grooves 116. If this does not occur, the worker will onlyneed to move the storage bin 12 a small degree to result in the mounting feet 53 being fully received within the grooves 116. The horizontal backplane 104 is arranged, so that when the mounting feet 53 of a storage bin 12 are fully received within the grooves 116, contact between the bottom wall 51 of the storage bin 12 and the top surface 107 of the horizontal backplane 104 will create a noise, signaling to the worker that the storage bin 12 is fully seated within its respective mounting grooves 116. The storage bin 12 or electronic features used in connection with the horizontal backplane 104 may also provide a visual or audible indication that the storage bin 12 is fully seated as a result of the connection between the plug 61 and the electric port 120.

[0111] The relationship between the mounting feet 53 and mounting grooves 116 also forms an alignment mechanism, similar to the alignment mechanism discussed above between the alignment notches 25 and protrusions 63. The arrangement of the mounting feet 53 can mounting grooves 116 can also be reversed, so that the horizontal backplane 104 includes the mounting feet 53, and the storage bins include the mounting grooves 116.

[0112] As shown, the mounting grooves 116 are U-shaped, but one will appreciate that they can take any shape, so long as they are capable of receiving mounting feet 53 or corresponding mounting components located on the storage bin 12. In some embodiments, the magnets 122, 49 may not be used. In these examples, other fasteners, such as latches or snaps may be used, and in other examples, no additional mounting components may be used, and the bins 12 may be secured by the connection between the feet 53 and the mounting grooves 116. Typically, mounting grooves 116 that are adjacent along the length of the horizontal backplane 104 receive the mounting feet 53. The magnets 122, may be electromagnets, in which the magnetic force may be driven by the control electronics 156 such that the storage bin 12 may be held to the top surface 107.

[0113] As shown in Fig. 14, each horizontal backplane 104 includes twelve mounting grooves 116, arranged in three rows and four columns. The mounting grooves 116 are arranged to support multiple storage bins 12 of different sizes. As shown in Fig. 14, the backplane 104 supports three storage bins 12A, 12B, 12C. The first storage bin 12A spans six mounting grooves 116 across two columns and three rows. The second storage bin 12B spans three mounting grooves 116 in a single column. The third storage bin 12C spans two mounting grooves 116 in a single column. This leaves one mounting groove 116 exposed in the rear right comer of the backplane 104. Each of the storage bins 12A, 12B, 12C may have a number of mounting feet 53 that correspond to the total number of mounting grooves 116 spanned by the bin 12A, 12B, 12C. It is also contemplated that the storage bins 12A, 12B, 12C may only havemounting feet 53 located at the ends or corners of the storage bin 12A, 12B, 12C, so that not all mounting grooves 116 spanned by the storage bins 12A, 12B, 12C will receive a mounting foot 116. Other arrangements of mounting feet 53 may also be used.

[0114] Charging pads 118 are arranged on the horizontal backplane 104 to provide wireless power to the storage bins 12. The electrical components within the storage bins 12 that require power were discussed above. In addition to these components, the storage bins 12 also include the necessary components to receive the power from the charging pads 118. These components are arranged along a bottom wall 51 of each storage bin 12 and are not visible from the outside of the bin 12. Power can be provided to the charging pads 118 by way of a battery 164, as shown in Fig. 15, or connection to an external power source. Fig. 15 also shows electric ports 123 arranged in a rear end 106R of the shelf 106 that allows an electrical connection to be formed with the battery 164 or external power source, so that the horizontal backplane 104 can receive power. The wires connecting these features are not shown for clarity. In some embodiments, the charging pads 118 may be held within the backplane 104 and covered by the top surface 114. As shown, each charging pad 118 is located partially within the U-shape of the mounting grooves 116. However, the charging pads 118 may be arranged at any location along the horizontal backplane 104, so long as they can provide power to the storage bins 12 used in the connection system 100. In one example, a single, elongated charging pad may extend across the width of the backplane 104, parallel to the rows of mounting grooves 116, that provides power to each storage bin 12 connected to the backplane 104.

[0115] The electric ports 120 are arranged on the horizontal backplane 104 to connect to corresponding plugs 61 located on the bottom walls 51 of each storage bin 12. As discussed above, the connection between the electric ports 120 and plugs 61 allows for data transfer to occur with the storage bin 12, so that information related to the status of the storage bin 12 and its contents can be relayed via control electronics 156 to a computer system. As shown in Fig. 15, the electric ports 123 on a rear end 106R of the shelf 106 may be used to form an electrical connection between the shelf 106 and control electronics 164 that allows for data transmission. While the horizontal backplane 104 includes the charging pads 118, in some cases, the charging pads 118 may be omitted, and power can be provided to the storage bins 12 by way of the electrical connection between the electric ports 120 and plugs 61 similar to the first connection system 10.

[0116] A front end 106F of the shelf 106 includes interactive features to be used by someone accessing the connection system 100. These features include a shelf display 124, shelf lighting 126, and a handle 126. The shelf display 124 serves as an identifier to the worker.The shelf display 124 may provide a number of different visual indicators to a worker, such as the type of medical products located within the different bins 12 on the shelf 106, internal identifying numbers of the bins 12, the specific medical products stored in a specific bin 12, the amount of different medical products stored in one or more bins 12, and whether or not the contents of any bins 12 are low and require refilling. The shelf display 124 may also provide different error messages related to that shelf 106. These error messages may include an indication that the internal sensors in a bin 12 are not functioning, mounting feet 53 of a bin 12 are not properly secured to the mounting grooves 116, or that data and / or power are not being properly transferred with a bin 12. It will be understood that any number of error messages may be displayed depending on the error occurring. The visual indicators may be generated by a command from the greater control system or by the control electronics 156 specifically associated with that shelf 106. The visual indicators may also take different forms such as common words understood by any worker, alphanumeric codes specific to a certain action or error, or colors. The shelf lighting 126 is provided to illuminate the contents on one or more shelf 106. The lighting 126 is provided along a portion of the top surface 107 of the shelf 106 that is not covered by the horizontal backplane 104 or any storage bins 12. The lighting 126 may also be used to signify a specific condition relating to the shelf 106 and its bins 12. For example, when a storage bin 12 on a shelf 106 has a lower number of medical products, the shelf lighting 126 may turn red or flash to indicate to a worker that a bin 12 on that shelf 106 needs medical products to be replaced. In this example, the worker may see the change in the shelf lighting 126 and then look to the shelf display 124 to see what specific bin 12 on that shelf 106 needs additional medical products. The shelf handle 128 is arranged proximate to the front end 106F and allows for a worker to pull the shelf 106 out of a cabinet 130 in which it is stored in order to be able to access the medical products in the bins 12 on that shelf 106.

[0117] With reference to Figs. 14-16, the cabinet 130 will now be described. The cabinet 130 is sized to hold a number of shelves 106 that allow for many storage bins 12 to be contained in one space. The shelves 106 are arranged in a chassis 132 having three sidewalls 131, a top wall 133, a bottom wall 135, and a door 134. The door 134 includes a handle 136 that has identification electronics 138 disposed along a side thereof. In instances where the medical products stored within the cabinet 130 are likely to be stolen or abused, the door 134 may automatically lock. In this instance, the identification electronics 138 can be used to grant access to the cabinet 130 to authorized persons. The identification electronics 138 can be a biometric reader that senses biomedical identifiers of authorized user, a bar code reader that allows access upon an authorized user swiping a badge or another identification card, or a 1number pad that accepts a password to open the door 134. The door 134 may also be unlocked after receiving a command from a control system. If power is lost, the handle 135 may also include a slot to accept a key that mechanically opens the door. The cabinet 130 may be arranged to control its internal environment. For example, when medical products need to be at a specific temperature, the cabinet 130 may include control features to do so.

[0118] The top wall 133 of the chassis 132 includes additional interactive features, including a near field communication (NFC) tag 144, display screen 146, microphone 148, speaker 150, and control knob 152. The NFC tag 144 allows a user to access relevant information related to the cabinet 130 via a phone, tablet, laptop, or other connectable, mobile devices when within a certain range. This allows the worker to see the status of the shelves 106 and storage bins 12 inside of the cabinet 130, as well as see different conditions related to these features and the control electronics 156 of the cabinet 130 captured at certain points in time. Depending on the data relayed to the worker, the worker can then wireless access the control system to diagnose or troubleshoot problems occurring within the cabinet 130, and the worker can input control commands via the control system to which the cabinet 130 is connected. For example, the NFC tag 144 allows a worker to see on their mobile device that the mounting foot 53 of a specific bin 12 are not properly inserted into its corresponding mounting groove 116. The worker can then unlock the door 134 via the control system to properly place the dislodged mounting foot 53 into its groove. The worker can also do things such as rearrange the power supply to one or more bins 12. In instances where wireless power is not being properly transmitted via the electrical charging pads 118, the worker can tell the control system to provide power to the bins 12 by way of the connections between the electric ports 120 and plugs 61. Or a worker can see that medical products are low in certain bins 12 and order replacement products. These and any number of other actions can be initiated by way of the connection between the NFC tag 144 and the worker’s mobile device.

[0119] The display screen 146 serves as an identifier for the user. The display screen 146 may provide a number of different visual indicators to a worker, similar to the shelf display 124. For example, the display screen 146 may show an alphanumeric code used to identify the specific cabinet 30, indicate the number of storage bins 12 and shelves 106 held within the cabinet 130, the contents of each, and the various statuses of each feature used within the cabinet 130. This includes error messages.

[0120] The microphone 148 and speaker operate in the same or similar manner as the microphone 68 and speaker 70 used in connection system 10. The microphone 148 is provided to allow a worker to perform various actions related to accessing the cabinets 130, shelves 106,and storage bins 12, such as identification / log in, unlocking the door 134, a specific shelf 106, or specific storage bins 12, and for asking questions related to the status of the cabinet 130. The speaker 150 is provided to output various information to a worker, such as the status of different medical items or a request to provide inputs to access a specific shelf 106 or storage bin 12. The control knob 148 is used to cycle through the different messages displayed on the display screen 146 and / or outputs provided by the speaker 150, so that a worker can quickly access desired information. The control knob 148 may also be used to manipulate different settings of the cabinet 130, such as the brightness of the interior lighting 142, the brightness of the shelf lighting 126, and volume of the speaker 150. In instances where the cabinet 130 controls its internal temperature, the knob 148 may also be used to adjust that variable.

[0121] With reference to Fig. 15, the control electronics 156 of the cabinet 130 will now be described. The control electronics 156 may be the same or similar to the control electronics 32 used in connection system 10. This includes a power port 158, a data ports 160, 162, a battery 164, RF antenna, and GPS receiver. Although the RF antenna and GPS receiver are not explicitly shown, the control electronics 156 include a control circuit board 166 that can operate these features. The power port 158 facilitates a connection to an external power supply to provide power to the cabinet 130 and may take the form of a plug, outlet, or other electric connection mechanisms. The external power is used for all of the electric features of the cabinet 130, including, for example, the control electronics 156, display screen 146, shelf lighting 126, and the storage bins 12. The battery 164 may also be used to provide power to the electronic features within the cabinet 130. In some instances, the battery 164 may be rechargeable, and the power port 158 can direct external power to charge the battery 164. The data port 160 facilitates data communication between the cabinet 130 and control system and may take the form of an ethernet connection, USB connection, or other connections known in the art. The RF antenna enables additional communication between storage bins 12 and other systems. The RF antenna can transmit data via mobile, cellular, or other transmission infrastructures, such as 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, Wifi, and NWB-IoT. Both the data ports 158, 162 and RF antenna allow data to be transmitted to the control system as well as to the mobile devices of workers as discussed above in connection with connection system 10. The control electronics 156 are also equipped with geolocation capabilities to allow a specific cabinet 130 to be located by a worker. The control electronics 162 can also be connected to third party systems to allow the control system to order a resupply of medical products or to arrange for third party maintenance. The control electronics 156 can also be arranged in a casing 71 like what is shown in Fig. 9B.

[0122] As shown in Fig. 16, a cabinet 130 can be equipped with wheels 166, a motor 168, and autonomous drive 170 similar to the cart 74 shown in Fig. 10. These features allow for the cabinet 130 to be transported manually or autonomously through a hospital or other location where the cart 130 is in use. The motor 168 may assist a worker in manually pushing the cabinet 130 in cases where the cabinet 130 may be too heavy for one person to move individually. The battery 164 held within the cabinet 130 may be used to power the motor 168 or the motor 168 may have its own batteries or power source. The autonomous drive 170 can direct the cabinet 130 without human control. The autonomous drive 170 includes various control electronics to properly direct the cabinet 130 through its environment. The autonomous drive 170 may be powered by the battery 164, batteries associated with the motor, or its own power source. Mechanical and electrical controls are used in connection with the motor 168 and autonomous drive 170 in the same manner as the cart 74 discussed in connection with Fig. 10.

[0123] Referring now to Figs. 17-20, a case 200 using the second connection system 100 is shown. The case 200 is designed to be carried by an individual and easily transported to a desired location. The case 200 may be used when one or more patients need a specific combination of one or more medical products, each of which can be held in storage bins 12 inside of the case 200. The case 200 defines a storage space 201 that is further defined by two sidewalls 202, a bottom wall 204, rear wall 206, top wall 208, and lid 210. As shown, the top wall 208 extends from the rear wall 206 partially along the length of the case 200 and is connected to the lid 210 slightly beyond the midpoint of the length. The lid 210 extends along the remaining portion of the length and then extends downward to contact or connect to the bottom wall 204. As shown in Fig. 16, the lid 210 is hingedly connected to the top wall 208, which allows the lid to be opened and separated from the two sidewalls 202 and bottom wall 204 in order to access the storage bins 12 inside of the case 200. The top wall 208 includes a handle 212 that allows for the case to be carried when the lid 210 is closed. The lid 210 may also have a lock (not shown) or other fastening mechanism to secure it in the closed position. Additionally, the lid 210 may be opaque, which may be desirable if the medical products held inside are to be kept at a certain temperature, should have minimal exposure to light, or are to be kept confidential. As shown, the case 200 takes the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, but other shapes can be used, so long as the case 200 can contain the connection system 100 and be transported by individuals. The top wall 206 extends only partially along the length of the case 200 and includes a handle 212 that allows the case to be carried.

[0124] Opening and closing the lid 210 provides access to the storage space 201. The storage space 201 includes a shelf 214 and storage bins 12 that are essentially the same described in connection with Figs. 11-15 above. The shelf 214 is configured to slide out of the storage space 201 in order to access the storage bins 12, and the sidewalls 202 and shelf 214 have corresponding features to facilitate this movement. Shelf 214 includes a shaped lip 216 at a front end. The shaped lip 216 is configured to provide a space for a bottom edge 217 of the storage bins 12. The bottom edge 217 of the storage bins 12 are arranged to extend below the body of the shelf 214 and rest against the shaped lip 216. This contact between the bottom edge 217 and the shaped lip 216 helps to secure the storage bins 12 in place within the case 200 when it is being transported.

[0125] A sidewall 202 of the case 200 includes a power port 218 and a data port 220. The power port 218 facilitates a connection to an external power supply similar to the power ports 62, 158 discussed above. The data port 220 facilitates data transfer similar to the data ports 64, 160 discussed above. As shown in Fig. 19, the control electronics 222 are arranged within the rear wall 206 of the case 200. The control electronics 222 include the same electronics that allow for data transmission, geolocation, and other functions discussed above in connection with control electronics 32, 156. The case 200 also includes a battery 224 that provides power to the control electronics 222 and the storage bins 12. The battery 224 is rechargeable, which can be done via the power port 218.

[0126] The top surface of the case 200, defined by the top wall 208 and lid 210, includes mounting grooves 232 located proximate to the four comers of the case 200. Two mounting grooves 232 are defined by the top wall 208, and two mounting grooves 232 are located on defined by the lid 210. The mounting grooves 232 are L-shaped and are arranged to receive corresponding mounting feet 234 (shown in Fig. 19) located on the bottom wall 204 of a corresponding case 200’. The engagement between the mounting grooves 232 and mounting feet 234 allow two or more cases 200, 200’ to be stacked on top of one another to be carried together, as shown in Fig. 20. The mounting grooves 232 and mounting feet 234 can take different arrangements than shown, so long as they allow for one case 200’ to be stacked on top of another case 200. For example, multiple mounting grooves may extend along the top wall 208 and lid 210 in a straight line in either the length or width direction and the mounting feet may take a corresponding arrangement.

[0127] To secure the cases 200, 200’ on top of one another, each case 200 includes a hook 236 and receiving lip 238 that are configured to engage with the other feature on another case 200’. Together the hook 236 and receiving lip 238 form a latch 240 between the cases 200,200’. The hooks 236 are stored in a slot proximate to the top of the sidewalls 202 around the midpoint of the sidewalls 202. The receiving lips 238 are arranged proximate to the bottom of the sidewalls 202 opposite the hooks 236. To form the latches 240, a top case 200’ is placed on top of a bottom case 200, so that the mounting feet 234 of the top case 200’ are received within the mounting grooves 232 of a bottom case 200. Then, the hooks 236 of the bottom case 200 are removed from their slots and rotated to fit over the receiving lips 238 of the top case 200’. This creates the latch 240. In some embodiments, the receiving lip 238 may be arranged to snap into and out of place, meaning that when it is not in use, the receiving lip 238 can generally be flush against the sidewall 202.Robotic Tooling

[0128] With reference to Figs. 21-22D, a robotic tooling mechanism 300 is shown in use with a cabinet 130. The robotic tooling mechanism 300 is arranged to autonomously place or retrieve medical products stored in a storage bin 12 and / or place or receive entire storage bins 12. Although the robotic tooling mechanism 300 is shown in use with a cabinet 130, it is to be understood that the mechanism 300 can be used with any of the aforementioned uses of connection systems 10, 100. The robotic tooling mechanism 300 is also shown extending around a cabinet 130, such that it is connected to a front side of the cabinet 130. However, one will appreciate that the robotic tooling mechanism may be connected to an autonomous vehicle that is separate from the cabinet 130. This allows for the robotic tooling mechanism 300 to move between different storage bin 12 locations to retrieve medical products from a number of different bins 12 and deliver them to desired locations. Operation of the robotic tooling mechanism 300 can be controlled by the control system that receives data from the different connection mechanisms 10, 100 using the control electronics 32, 156, 228 previously described. As shown, the medical products within the storage bin 12 are vials V. The robotic tooling mechanism 300 will be discussed in connection with the vials V, but one will appreciate that the mechanism 300 can also be used with medical products having other shapes, such as boxes, needles, or pouches.

[0129] The robotic tooling mechanism 300 includes an arm 302 that extends from the cabinet 130 or autonomous vehicle and tooling 304 that is arranged at the end of the arm 302. The tooling 304 includes a base 306, a bin engagement portion 308, and a medication engagement portion 310. The bin engagement portion 308 is secured to the base 306. The medication engagement portion 308 is connected to the base 306, but it is configured to extend away from the base 306 to engage with the medical products V.

[0130] The bin engagement portion 308 has three sidewalls 312 that form a shelf like structure. The two vertical sidewalls 312 have bin hooks 314 that are arranged to enter into corresponding slots 316 in the storage bin 12 to secure the bin engagement portion 308 to the bin 12. The medication engagement portion 310 includes a support portion 318 and prongs 320 that extend from opposing ends of the support portion 318. The prongs 320 each include a prong body 322 and grasping fingers 322 that extend from the prong body 320. The grasping fingers 322 are shaped to pick up, hold, and transport the medical products V held within the storage bins 12. With this arrangement, a receiving space 326 is formed between opposing prongs 320 in which the medical product V will be located. The medical products V shown are vials. However, the grasping fingers 322 are designed to be capable of engaging with medical products that take a variety of shapes. In other instances, the grasping fingers 322 may be shaped to correspond with the shapes of other medical products.

[0131] Figs. 22A-22D show the process of removing a medical product V from a storage bin 12 using the robotic tooling mechanism 300. First, as shown in Fig. 22A, the arm 302 aligns the tooling 304 with the desired storage bin 12. This involves moving the arm vertically (y-direction) and horizontally (x-direction) in front of a connection mechanism 10, 100 (not shown), so that the bin hooks 314 of the bin engagement portion 308 are aligned with the slots 316 on the storage bin 12. After this occurs, the arm 302 moves the tooling 304 in the direction of the bin 12 (z-direction), so that the bin hooks 314 are received within and engage with the slots 316, as shown in Fig. 22A. This may involve some vertical movement as required by the shape of the hooks 314. Next, the medication engagement portion 310 is moved in the direction of the medical products V (z-direction). This occurs by utilizing an extending rod 328 that is collapsible and can be held within the base 306 or support portion 318. The extending rod 328 extends between the base 306 and the support portion 318 to move the medication engagement portion 310 is moved toward the medical products V. The storage bin 12 defines access slots 330 that receive the bottom pair of grasping fingers 324. The access slots 330 arrange the bottom pair of fingers 324, so that as they enter the bin 12, they are arranged under the medical product V to be removed as shown in Fig. 22C. The medical product V is within the receiving space 326. From this position, the top pair of grasping fingers 324 moves downward to contact the top of the medical products V, securing the medical products V between the grasping fingers 324. In some embodiments, the grasping fingers 324 are spaced, so that the medical product V is secured between them as the grasping fingers 324 enter the access slots 330. In this embodiment, the grasping fingers 324 may be deflectable, so that the top pair of grasping fingers 324 can deflect outward and around the medical productV. After the medical product V is secured between the grasping fingers 324, the extending rod 328 is retracted, removing the prongs 320 from the storage bin 12. The storage bin 12 is arranged, so that the medical product V can be removed as the bottom grasping fingers 324 are removed from the access slots 330 without any features of the bin 12 interfering with the medical product V. After the extending rod 328 is fully retracted, the medical product V is secured between the prongs within the shelf formed by the sidewalls 312 of the bin engagement portion 308. If the medical product V were to be dislodged, the bin engagement portion 308 can catch or otherwise support the medical product V. Finally, the arm 302 moves the tooling 304 away from the bin 12, so that the bin hooks 314 disengage from the slots 316, as shown in Fig. 22D. From here, the robotic tooling mechanism 300 can transport the medical product V to a desired location using the arm 304 and other features, such as an autonomous driving structure, like the cart 74 in Fig. 10 and the cabinet 130 in Fig. 16. To replace a medical product V, the opposite process is performed.

[0132] Referring back to Fig. 22A, engagement between the bin hooks 314 and the bin slots 316 may also be used to remove and replace an entire storage bin 12. The shape of the bin hooks 314 is such that they can support the storage bin 12, which allows for the arm 302 to move the robotic tooling 304 in such a way that disconnects the storage bin 12 from its respective backplane 14, 104. This can be done, for example, to remove and / or replace storage bins 12 depending on what medical products are needed in a desired location or to remove and / or replace malfunctioning storage bins 12.

[0133] While specific embodiments of the devices of the present disclosure have been described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the device of the present disclosure which is to be given the full breadth of the claims appended and any and all equivalents thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A connection system for storage bins, the connection system comprising: a vertical backboard defining at least one bin slot configured to receive a portion of a storage bin from a front side thereof; at least one alignment mechanism formed between the vertical backboard and the storage bin, the at least one alignment mechanism comprising: an alignment notch; and a protrusion; and at least one electric port configured to electrically connect to the storage bin, wherein the vertical backboard comprises one of the alignment notch or the protrusion, wherein the alignment notch is configured to receive the protrusion therein, wherein the alignment notch is shaped complementary to the protrusion, such that when the protrusion is fully received within the alignment notch, the storage bin is in an aligned position, and wherein, in the aligned position, the portion of the storage bin is received within the at least one bin slot and the at least one electric port is electrically connected to the storage bin.

2. The connection system of claim 1, wherein the alignment notch comprises a first plurality of walls and the protrusion comprises a second plurality of walls, and wherein the first plurality of walls corresponds to the second plurality of walls.

3. The connection system of claim 2, wherein the protrusion defines an apex, and wherein sliding contact between the apex and at least one of the first plurality of walls is configured to guide the storage bin to the aligned position.

4. The connection system of claim 1, wherein the vertical backboard comprises the alignment notch, and the storage bin comprises the protrusion.

5. The connection system of claim 1, wherein the vertical backboard comprises the protrusion, and the storage bin comprises the alignment notch.

6. The connection system of claim 1 further comprising a locking mechanism arranged on a rear side of the vertical backplane and configured to secure the storage bin to the vertical backplane, wherein the locking mechanism comprises: a lock rod extending vertically along the vertical backboard; at least one lock bar extending horizontally from the lock rod, the lock bar comprising at least one locking tab aligned with the at least one bin slot, wherein the at least one locking tab is configured to engage with the portion of the storage bin to secure the storage bin to the at least one bin slot, wherein the at least one lock bar comprises a pivot bracket, the pivot bracket being configured to secure the at least one lock bar to the lock rod and the vertical backplane, wherein upon vertical movement of the lock rod, the lock bar is configured to rotate between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein, in the locked position, the at least one tab is arranged inside of a gap defined in the portion of the storage bin, and wherein, in the unlocked position, the at least one tab is outside of the gap.

7. The connection system of claim 6, wherein the pivot bracket comprises: a first connection portion configured to be secured to a bracket mount extending from the vertical backplane; and a second connection portion configured to be secured to the lock bar, and wherein the at least one lock bar is configured to rotate about the backplane mount upon vertical movement of the lock rod.

8. The connection system of claim 6, wherein the locking mechanism further comprises: a lock motor configured to move the lock rod in the vertical direction; and a motor bracket, wherein the motor bracket defines a slotted aperture,wherein the lock rod comprises a limiting post that extends into the slotted aperture, and wherein the limiting post is configured to contact opposing ends of the slotted aperture upon the vertical movement of the lock rod, thereby limiting the vertical movement of the lock rod.

9. The connection system of claim 6, wherein the vertical backplane comprises at least one bin slot cover arranged on the rear side, the at least one bin slot cover being configured to at least partially cover the at least one bin slot, and wherein the at least one lock bar is configured to rotate around the at least one bin slot cover between the locked position and the unlocked position.

10. The connection system of claim 9, wherein the at least one bin slot cover defines an open face, and wherein the at least one lock bar is configured to rotate into and out of the open face between the locked position and the unlocked position.

11. The connection system of claim 6, wherein the vertical backplane defines a first bearing surface along an edge of the at least one bin slot, wherein the portion of the storage bin comprises a hook, the hook defining the gap and a second bearing surface, wherein the second bearing surface contacts the first bearing surface to support the storage bin on the vertical backplane.

12. The connection system of claim 11, wherein the hook comprises: a first curved portion; a second curved portion; and a distal end, wherein the first curved portion and the second curved portion are separated by the gap, wherein the first curved portion and the second curved portion define the second bearing surface, and wherein the distal end extends along the first curved portion, the gap, and the second curved portion.

13. The connection system of claim 12, wherein the distal end is configured to contact a rear surface of the vertical backplane to further support the storage bin on the vertical backplane.

14. The connection system of claim 6, wherein the at least one bin slot comprises a plurality of bin slots arranged in a plurality of rows, each of the plurality of bin slots being configured to receive a storage bin therein, wherein the at least one lock bar comprises a plurality of lock bars corresponding to the plurality of rows of bin slots, and wherein, upon the vertical movement of the lock rod, the plurality of lock bars are configured to rotate between the locked position and the unlocked position.

15. The connection system of claim 1, wherein the storage bin comprises at least one sensor configured to monitor contents of the storage bin, wherein the connection between the at least one electric port and the storage bin facilitates data transfer relating to the contents of the storage bin, and wherein the vertical backplane comprises control electronics configured to transmit the data relating to the contents of the storage bin to a control system.

16. A cart comprising a connection system of claim 15.

17. A method of connecting a storage bin to a vertical backplane, the method comprising the steps of: tilting the storage bin, such that a hook of the storage bin extends downward; moving a distal end of the hook through a bin slot defined in the vertical backplane, such that a hook bearing surface is a aligned with a backplane bearing surface; rotating the storage bin, such that the hook bearing surface is supported by the backplane bearing surface; moving the storage bin such that a protrusion is received within an alignment notch; and connecting a plug of the storage bin to an electric port of the vertical backplane, wherein, when the plug is connected to the electric port, the storage bin is in the connected position,wherein, during rotation of the storage bin, the protrusion is configured to be at least partially received within an alignment notch of the vertical backplane, wherein the shape of the protrusion corresponds to the shape of alignment notch, such that, when the protrusion is partially received within the alignment notch, the alignment notch is configured to guide the protrusion to be fully received therein, wherein the alignment notch and protrusion are arranged, such that, when the protrusion is fully received within the alignment notch, the plug connects to the electric port and the storage bin is in the connected position.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the protrusion defines an apex, wherein, when the protrusion is partially received within the alignment notch, the apex is configured to contact at least one sidewall of the alignment notch, and wherein sliding contact between the apex and the at least one sidewall guides the protrusion to be fully received within the alignment notch.

19. The method of claim 17, further comprising the step of providing audible feedback to signify that the storage bin is in the connected position.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein, when the protrusion is fully received within the alignment notch, contact between the protrusion and alignment notch is configured to provide the audible feedback.

21. The method of claim 17, further comprising the step of: locking the storage bin against the vertical backplane by inserting a locking tab into a gap defined in the hook, wherein the vertical backboard comprises a locking mechanism, the locking mechanism comprising: a lock rod extending vertically along the vertical backboard; and a lock bar comprising the locking tab.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the step of locking the storage bin comprises the step of moving the lock rod vertically, and wherein the lock bar is rotatably mounted to the lock rod, such that vertical movement of the lock rod rotates the lock bar and inserts the locking tab into the gap.

23. A connection system for storage bins, the connection system comprising: a horizontal backboard; and at least one alignment mechanism configured to seat a storage bin on the horizontal backboard, the at least one alignment mechanism comprising: at least one mounting foot; and at least one mounting groove configured to receive at least one mounting foot, wherein the at least one mounting groove is shaped complementary to the at least one mounting foot, such that when the at least one mounting foot is fully received within the at least one alignment groove, the storage bin is in an aligned position, wherein the at least one mounting groove comprises a plurality of sidewalls corresponding to the shape of the at least one mounting foot, such that, upon contact between the at least one mounting foot and at least one of the plurality of sidewalls, the at least one mounting groove is configured to guide the storage bin to the aligned position, wherein the at least one mounting groove and the at least one mounting foot comprise corresponding magnets configured to secure the at least one mounting foot within the at least one mounting groove, wherein the base comprises at least one electric port and at least one charging pad configured to electrically connect to the storage bin.

24. The connection system of claim 23, wherein the at least one mounting groove is defined by the horizontal backboard, and wherein the at least one mounting foot extends from the storage bin.

25. The connection system of claim 23, wherein the at least one mounting groove is defined by the storage bin, and wherein the at least one mounting foot extends from the horizontal backboard.

26. The connection system of claim 24, wherein the at least one mounting groove comprises a pair of mounting grooves,wherein a first mounting groove of the pair of mounting grooves is arranged proximate to a front end of the horizontal backplane, and a second mounting groove of the pair of mounting grooves is arranged proximate to a second end of the horizontal backplane, wherein the at least one mounting foot comprises a pair of mounting feet, wherein the at least one electric port comprises one electric port arranged adjacent to the first mounting groove, and wherein the at least one charging pad comprises one charging pad arranged adjacent to the second mounting groove.

27. The connection system of claim 26, wherein the pair of mounting grooves are U-shaped, and wherein the at least one charging pad is arranged at least partially inside of the U-shape of the second mounting groove.

28. The connection system of claim 24, wherein the at least one mounting groove comprises a plurality of mounting grooves arranged in a plurality of rows along the horizontal backboard, wherein the plurality of mounting grooves are configured to receive at least one mounting foot from a plurality of storage bins, and wherein at least two of the plurality of storage bins span a different number of the plurality of mounting grooves.

29. A cabinet comprising: a plurality of connection systems of claim 26; a plurality of shelves configured to support the plurality of connection systems; a chassis; and a plurality of storage bins, wherein the plurality of shelves are supported within the chassis and moveable relative to the chassis, wherein each mounting foot is received within a corresponding mounting groove, and wherein each of the plurality of storage bins are electrically connected to a corresponding at least one electric port.

30. The cabinet of claim 29, wherein each of the plurality of storage bins comprise at least one sensor configured to monitor the contents of a respective storage bin, wherein the electrical connections between the plurality of storage bins and the corresponding at least one electric port are configured to transfer data relating to the contents of the plurality of storage bins, and wherein the cabinet comprises control electronics configured to transmit the data relating to the contents of the storage bin to a control system.

31. The cabinet of claim 30, wherein each shelf in the plurality of shelves comprises a display, and wherein the control electronics are configured to modify the display of a respective shelf to show data relating to the contents of one or more storage bins located on the respective shelf.

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