WO2021090314A1 - Distributeur pour médicaments, additifs alimentaires et compléments - Google Patents

Distributeur pour médicaments, additifs alimentaires et compléments Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2021090314A1
WO2021090314A1 PCT/IL2020/051143 IL2020051143W WO2021090314A1 WO 2021090314 A1 WO2021090314 A1 WO 2021090314A1 IL 2020051143 W IL2020051143 W IL 2020051143W WO 2021090314 A1 WO2021090314 A1 WO 2021090314A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
dispenser unit
product container
unit
lifting mechanism
dispenser
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/IL2020/051143
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Leonid PIROGOVSKY
Alexander KURAYEV
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Vsm 4 Me Ltd
Original Assignee
Vsm 4 Me Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Vsm 4 Me Ltd filed Critical Vsm 4 Me Ltd
Publication of WO2021090314A1 publication Critical patent/WO2021090314A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
    • A61J7/00—Devices for administering medicines orally, e.g. spoons; Pill counting devices; Arrangements for time indication or reminder for taking medicine
    • A61J7/0076—Medicament distribution means
    • A61J7/0084—Medicament distribution means for multiple medicaments
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F11/00—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles
    • G07F11/02—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines
    • G07F11/44—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines in which magazines the articles are stored in bulk
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/0092—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for assembling and dispensing of pharmaceutical articles
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
    • A61J2200/00—General characteristics or adaptations
    • A61J2200/70—Device provided with specific sensor or indicating means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
    • A61J7/00—Devices for administering medicines orally, e.g. spoons; Pill counting devices; Arrangements for time indication or reminder for taking medicine
    • A61J7/04—Arrangements for time indication or reminder for taking medicine, e.g. programmed dispensers
    • A61J7/0409—Arrangements for time indication or reminder for taking medicine, e.g. programmed dispensers with timers
    • A61J7/0454—Arrangements for time indication or reminder for taking medicine, e.g. programmed dispensers with timers for dispensing of multiple drugs
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
    • A61J7/00—Devices for administering medicines orally, e.g. spoons; Pill counting devices; Arrangements for time indication or reminder for taking medicine
    • A61J7/04—Arrangements for time indication or reminder for taking medicine, e.g. programmed dispensers
    • A61J7/0409—Arrangements for time indication or reminder for taking medicine, e.g. programmed dispensers with timers
    • A61J7/0463—Arrangements for time indication or reminder for taking medicine, e.g. programmed dispensers with timers for multiple patients

Definitions

  • the present invention generally relates to a dispenser, more particularly to automatic dispensers of medications and dietary supplements for domestic and institutional usage.
  • Medications and food supplements are products intended to treat or prevent diseases and supplement the diet of a consumer.
  • Medication and/or food supplements can provide the essential ingredients, either extracted from food sources or synthetically made in a lab.
  • examples for medications comprise recombinant proteins, vaccines, blood products (such as IVIG), gene therapy, and cell therapy.
  • Examples for food supplements comprise vitamins, minerals, dietary fibers, fatty acids, and amino acids.
  • dietary supplements are considered a subset of foods and are also regulated accordingly by the FDA.
  • Most of the medications and food supplements today are sold in a form of pills, capsules, tablets, powders or liquids in multiple dosage forms. These medications and food supplements are typically purchased in a sealed medication-like container.
  • a customer may purchase the desired medication and/or food supplement and consume the desired amount of medication and/or food supplement by opening the container of the medication and/or food supplement, taking out the desired dose stored within the container and consume the taken dose.
  • the aforementioned manual method of distribution of medications and food supplements may arise several challenges for the consumer. Such challenges can be compliance and adherence to consumer needs, safe usage, safe storage, inventory management, child resistance, ease of use, drug interactions and the like. For example, one problem may be that wrong medication and/or food supplements or wrong dosages thereof may be consumed due to human error of the consumer. Such human error may potentially cause some health complications. Another problem with manual distribution is that the containers of the medications and/or food supplements may be stored in bad conditions. In view of the above-mentioned problems of the manual method of medications and/or food supplements distribution, there is a need for an automatic method of distributing medications and/or food supplements to consumers to prevent or mitigate such problems from occurring.
  • the present invention discloses an automatic dispensing device for dispensing edible products in a solid dosage form.
  • the automatic dispensing device may be configured to store and automatically dispense the edible products, for example in a form of a tablet, capsule, pill, gels and the like.
  • the invention deals with the mechanical aspect of storing, conveying and dispensing the edible products.
  • the edible products can be medicines, food additives, supplements, and the like.
  • the automatic dispensing device can be configured to dispense products of oral solid dosage forms such as dietary supplements, nutrients, micronutrients, minerals, pharmaceuticals, medicines, and the like, in a predetermined amount associated with a consumer.
  • product depicts edible materials and medication in an oral dosage form, which are intended to be consumed by a consumer.
  • the products may comprise medications, dietary supplements, medical foods, vitamins, nutrients, micronutrients, food additives, candy and the like.
  • the products may be provided in varied form factors such as pills, tablets, capsules, soft gels, and other small particles with dimensions that fit oral consumption.
  • the products dispensed by the automatic dispensing device may be uniformly sized or variable-sized articles.
  • the size of the oral solid dosage forms may vary in the range of 5 to 25 millimeters.
  • the size of the edible products may be defined by a radius, diameter, volume and the like.
  • the dispensed products may be contained in one or more containers (hereinafter “product containers”) designed to be placed within the automatic dispensing device for the purpose of supplying the products that are stored within the products container by the automatic dispensing device.
  • the automatic dispensing device can be adapted to comprise casing designed to contain the dispensing mechanism in a comprehensive manner and provide the required interfaces for a consumer utilizing the dispensing mechanism.
  • the casing is configured to isolate the dispensing mechanism located within the casing from the environment outside of the casing. In such cases, the casing can protect the dispensing mechanism from environmental harms which can damage or affect the activity level of the products stored at the automatic dispensing device.
  • the device further comprising a blocking module coupled to the dispenser unit and located below the bottom opening of the product container, wherein the blocking module disables flow of the edible items from the product container into the dispenser unit.
  • the device further comprising one or more hinge holders securing the lateral hinge to the body.
  • the dispenser unit comprising a nozzle located in a top section of the dispenser unit, wherein the edible items flow from the dispenser unit via the nozzle.
  • the device further comprising a distribution tray secured to the body and located under the nozzle, wherein the edible items flow from the nozzle to the distribution tray.
  • the lifting mechanism is a two-part hollow cylinder, located in the internal space of the dispenser unit.
  • an upper part of the lifting mechanism has a smooth surface
  • a second part of lifting mechanism has a screw-shaped surface, wherein the edible items fit between protrusions of the screw-shaped surface of the second part of lifting mechanism.
  • the device further comprises a rotating motor configured to rotate the lifting mechanism around the longitudinal axis of the dispenser unit.
  • the device further comprises an array of dispensing apparatuses, each apparatus is configured to dispense another edible item.
  • the control unit communicates separately with each communication unit associated with a single dispensing apparatus.
  • the product container comprising a removable lid covering the top opening.
  • the dispenser unit has a regular state in which products cannot fall from the product container to the dispenser unit and a dosage state in which the edible items fall from the dispenser unit.
  • Fig. 1 shows a single automatic dispensing apparatus of an automatic dispensing device, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention
  • Fig. 2 discloses a single dispenser unit, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention
  • Fig. 3 discloses a dispenser unit and a product container, when the dispenser unit is in vertical state, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention
  • Fig. 4 discloses an overview of a single dispenser unit mounted on a dispenser unit socket of the dispensing apparatus, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention
  • Fig. 5 shows a single dispenser unit tilted in a manner that dispenses the edible product towards the conveyor, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention
  • Fig. 6 discloses an overview of an edible product located in the lifting mechanism, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
  • Fig. 7 shows components of the automatic dispensing device, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
  • Figure 8 shows a shelf holding multiple dispensing apparatuses, according to exemplary embodiments of the subject matter
  • Figure 9 shows a shelf and a structure of a dispensing apparatus, according to exemplary embodiments of the subject matter
  • Figure 10 shows a motor and a dispenser unit, according to exemplary embodiments of the subject matter
  • Figures 11A-11C show different positions of a dispenser unit, according to exemplary embodiments of the subject matter.
  • the present invention discloses an automatic dispensing device for dispensing edible products.
  • the automatic dispensing device is designed for storing, managing inventory and dispensing the edible products.
  • the automatic dispensing device comprises multiple product containers, one product container for each type of edible product.
  • the automatic dispensing device comprises a mechanism for outputting a specific amount of edible products from the product containers, as requested by a control unit of the automatic dispensing device.
  • the product may be stored in the original containers thereof.
  • each product container contains only one type of product in a unitary form.
  • Fig. 1 shows a single automatic dispensing apparatus of an automatic dispensing device, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
  • the automatic dispensing device comprises multiple automatic dispensing apparatuses, one for each of product of the products dispensed by the automatic dispensing device.
  • a standard automatic dispensing apparatus comprises a product container 150 connected to a dispenser unit 180.
  • the dispenser unit 180 is configured to be coupled with the product container 150 and dispense the edible products stored at the product container 150.
  • the dispenser unit 180 is designed to conduct a dispensing flow of products, wherein the dispensing flow initiates by conveying products from the product container 150 and ends by dispensing the conveyed products in the distribution tray 819 from which the consumer can take the products.
  • the product container 150 may be configured to store a plurality of products therein, having the same shape and size.
  • the product container 150 may be formed in the shape of a bottle, or a cylinder.
  • the product container 150 may be at a specific size.
  • the product container 150 may have a size of 120 CC’s (Cubic centimeters), 110 CC’s, or any other volume size used for storing the products.
  • the product container 150 may have a top opening and a bottom opening.
  • the product container 150 may comprise a top opening configured to receive a lid 110, which may be attached to and removed from the top opening.
  • the products flow from the product container 150 to the dispenser unit 180 via the bottom opening, according to the posture of the dispenser unit 180.
  • blocking module 115 is located below the bottom opening of the product container 150, disabling passage of the edible products into the dispenser unit 180.
  • the size of the blocking module 115 is sufficient to prevent the product containers to passage downwards from the product container 150, via the bottom opening.
  • the size of the blocking module 115 is at least the size of the bottom opening of the product container 150.
  • the blocking module 115 may extend from top lips 118 of the dispenser unit 180.
  • the blocking module 115 is configured to and block passage of edible products from the product container 150.
  • the dispenser unit 180 is further configured to be tilted downwards and upwards around a lateral hinge placed between hinge holders 130A and 130B.
  • the hinge holders 130A and 130B extend horizontally from the dispenser unit 180.
  • the hinge holders 130A and 130B may be configured to receive connectors, such as bolts or screws, for fastening the dispenser unit 180 to the body of the dispensing device.
  • the hinge may be coupled to a motor and a communication unit. The motor enables to maneuver the dispenser unit 180 affixed to the hinge.
  • the communication unit is configured to receive commands from the control unit regarding dispensing of edible products from the specific dispenser unit 180.
  • the control unit may be coupled to multiple communication units associated with multiple dispenser units, each dispenser unit is associated with another product dispensed from the automatic dispensing device.
  • the dispenser unit 180 comprises an extraction container 160 for containing the edible products flowing downwards from the product container 150.
  • the dispenser unit 180 comprises a nozzle 120 via which the edible products are dispensed from the dispenser unit 180 towards the distribution tray, where they are collected by the user.
  • the nozzle 120 may be located in the upper part of the dispenser unit 180, forming a slope relative to the top lips 118 of the dispenser unit 180.
  • the product container 150 comprises a base 104 on which the lid 110 is mounted.
  • the base 104 may secure the product container 150 to the body of the dispensing device.
  • the base 104 may comprise base apertures, such as base aperture 103 A, 103B, 103B, 103D, 103E, and 103F. In such cases, the base 104 may be directly attached to the body of the dispensing device.
  • Fig. 2 discloses a single dispenser unit, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
  • a dispenser unit 180 is configured to receive products from a product container 150 and dispense the products through the product extraction unit 220.
  • the single dispenser unit 180 comprises a product extraction unit 220 and lower container base 240.
  • the dispenser unit 180 comprises a lifting mechanism 205 designed to lift the edible products in the dispenser unit 180 towards the nozzle 120.
  • the lifting mechanism 205 may be designed as a two-part hollow cylinder, located in the internal space of the product extraction unit 220. In some cases, the diameter of the lifting mechanism 205 may be in the range of 1-10 centimeters.
  • an upper part of the lifting mechanism 205A has a smooth surface, and a second part of lifting mechanism 205B has a screw-shaped surface.
  • the second part of lifting mechanism 205B rotates, thereby raising a product towards the nozzle 120.
  • the edible product fits between protrusions of the screw-shaped surface of the second part of lifting mechanism 205B.
  • the lifting mechanism 205B is connected to a rotating motor, configured to rotate the lifting mechanism 205B around an axis, said axis is generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the dispenser unit 180.
  • the height of the teeth in the screw-shape of the inner surface of the lifting mechanism reduces as the edible item is closer to the upper end of the dispenser unit 180.
  • the teeth height may be 15 millimeters at first, and the last teeth before the nozzle 120 is 12 millimeters high. The change in the height of the teeth improves the grasp of the edible items in the dispenser unit 180.
  • the reduction in height of the teeth may be in the range of 3%-12% from the prior teeth.
  • the protrusion of the teeth of the screw also changes along the inner wall of the dispenser unit 180.
  • the lower teeth protrude more from the inner wall than the upper teeth.
  • the lower teeth may protrude in the range of 8-15 millimeters while the upper teeth may protrude in the range of 5-8 millimeters.
  • the lifting mechanism 205B may rotate while the dispenser unit 180 is tilted laterally around a lateral hinge, forming an angle in which the products may fall from the nozzle 120.
  • the second part of lifting mechanism 205B may rotate after the dispenser unit 180 is tilted.
  • the dispenser unit 180 is tilted at a predefined range of angles, moving into a dosage state, enabling the edible products to fall from the nozzle 120.
  • the blocking module 115 is configured to block passage of products from the product container 150.
  • extraction unit 220 is tilted laterally around the hinge, placing the lifting mechanism 205 under the bottom opening of the product container 150. This position enabling a product to flow downwards from product container 150 to the lifting mechanism 205.
  • the product is conveyed from the lifting mechanism 205 to product extraction unit 220 as a result of a rotational movement of the lifting mechanism 205.
  • the product extraction unit 220 comprises a nozzle 120.
  • the nozzle protrudes laterally from the top lips 118 of the dispenser unit 180.
  • the nozzle 120 forms a slope relative to the inner sidewalls of the dispenser unit 180, facilitating dispensing of the edible products when the dispenser unit 180 is tilted.
  • the lower container base 240 is configured to be attached to an inner surface of a dispensing device for support of the product extraction unit 220.
  • Fig. 3 discloses a dispenser unit 180 and a product container 150, when the dispenser unit is in vertical state, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
  • the dispensing module is in a dosage mode of operation.
  • the vertical state may be defined when the angle between the longitudinal axis of the product container 150 and the longitudinal axis of the dispenser unit 180 is less than 15 degrees.
  • the dosage mode of operation is defined as a state in which the edible product can fall downwards from the product container 150 to lifting mechanism 205 of the dispenser unit 180.
  • the dispenser unit 180 may move from one mode of operation to another mode of operation when tilted around the hinge located between hinge holders 130A and 130B.
  • the blocking module 115 changes its location. In the regular mode of the operation, the blocking module 115 is configured to block the bottom opening of the product container 150.
  • the aperture of the lifting mechanism 205 is placed under bottom opening neck of the product container 150. This configuration allows the edible product to fall downwards from the product container 150 to the lifting mechanism 205.
  • Fig. 4 discloses an overview of a single dispenser unit 180 mounted on a dispenser unit socket 400 of the dispensing module, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
  • the dispenser unit socket 400 is configured to secure the dispenser unit 180 in place, and enable tilting of the dispenser unit 180 inside a hollow body 415 of the dispenser unit socket 400.
  • the dispenser unit socket 400 comprises a rear side 409, two sidewalls 410A and 410B connected to the rear side 409 and base 406.
  • the rear side 409 and two sidewalls 410A and 410B extend upwards from the base 406.
  • the dispenser unit socket 400 is mechanically coupled to the dispenser unit 180, for example via the hinge on which the dispenser unit 180 tilts.
  • the dispenser unit socket 400 is mechanically coupled to the body of the dispensing device.
  • the base 400 may comprise base apertures, such as base aperture 425.
  • the product container 400 comprises a groove 420 adapted to be connected with a hinge holders 130A and 130B located at the rear side of the dispenser unit 180 and extended horizontally from it.
  • Fig. 5 shows a single dispenser unit tilted in a manner that dispenses the edible product towards the conveyor, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
  • the dispenser unit changes its position from dosage mode of operation to extraction mode of operation.
  • the dispenser unit changes its position towards the extraction mode by tilting around the hinge located between of hinge holders 130A and 130B.
  • the dispenser unit In the dosage mode, the dispenser unit is tilted in 60-90 degree relative to the ground. In this position, the edible products flow from the dispenser unit.
  • Fig. 6 discloses an overview of an edible product located in the lifting mechanism, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
  • the edible product falls from product container 150 into the lifting mechanism 205.
  • the product is located in the bottom of the lifting mechanism 205B.
  • the bottom of the lifting mechanism is a cylinder with threaded inner walls.
  • the radius of the cross section of the threaded hole may be in the range of 1- 6 mm.
  • the base of lifting mechanism 205 moves in a rotational movement. As a result of the rotational movement, the base of the lifting mechanism moves upwards, and the edible product moves upwards together with the base of the lifting mechanism.
  • the speed of base of the lifting mechanism may be in the range of 0.5-10 Rounds Per Second (RPM).
  • FIG. 7 schematically shows components of the automatic dispensing device, according to exemplary embodiments of the subject matter.
  • the automatic dispensing device may comprise a sensor module 710, for example for detecting whether a product is at the dispensing section ‘A’ of the conveyer tunnel.
  • the sensor module 710 may include sensors such as proximity sensors, image sensor, weight sensor, laser sensor and the like.
  • the automatic dispensing device comprises an array of tilting motors 720 for maneuvering the dispenser units around the hinges.
  • Each motor in the array of tilting motors 720 may be coupled to a single dispenser unit of the multiple dispenser units.
  • the motors in the array of tilting motors 720 may operate in response to commands received from the control unit 760.
  • the automatic dispensing device comprises an array of rotating motors 725 for maneuvering the lifting mechanism.
  • the rotating motors 725 generate a rotating movement combined with linear movement of the lifting mechanism towards the nozzles of the dispenser units.
  • the rotating motors 725 may operate in response to commands received from the control unit 760.
  • each dispensing unit is coupled to a separate rotating motor. In some other cases, one dispensing motor provides energy to multiple lifting mechanisms.
  • the automatic dispensing device comprises product containers 730.
  • Each product container contains only one type of product.
  • the product containers have an opening used to insert the edible items thereto.
  • the product containers are coupled to the body of the dispensing device. The products are maneuvered from the containers 730 to the dispensing opening via the conveyer 740.
  • the containers may be identical in size and shape, or have different sizes and/or shapes.
  • the automatic dispensing device comprises conveyer 740 configured to receive the edible items from the product extraction unit and convey the received product into a conveyer tunnel.
  • the conveyer tunnel is configured to enable the edible items to travel outwards from the conveyer unit into a dispensing funnel which in some cases may be situated below the dispensing opening.
  • the automatic dispensing device may also comprise an interface 750 for providing options to the consumer for controlling the dispensed doses, configure dispensing options, and the like.
  • the interface panel comprises an input unit and a barcode reader.
  • the user interface 750 may comprise an electronic display device configured to display instructions and information for a consumer utilizing the automatic dispensing device 700.
  • the user interface 750 can be configured to display to a consumer utilizing the automatic dispensing device 700 information on the dose currently being prepared by the automatic dispensing device 700.
  • the user interface 750 may display information regards the dispensing process.
  • the user interface 750 is configured to receive input from the consumer utilizing the automatic dispensing device 700.
  • the consumer may utilize the user interface 750 for requesting information regarding expire dates and the environmental conditions inside the automatic dispensing device 700.
  • the user interface 750 may comprise a touchscreen, a keyboard or side buttons and the like.
  • the automatic dispensing device comprises control unit 760 configured to manage the inventory, shelf life and control the distribution of products in the automatic dispensing device.
  • the control unit 760 is connected to the body of the dispensing device.
  • the control unit 760 may be in communication with the product containers 730.
  • the control unit 760 may be in communication with other electrical device of the automatic dispensing device, such as the user interface and the barcode reader on the interface panel.
  • the control unit 760 may comprise an internal power source such as a battery or means for connecting to an external power.
  • a power cable may extend from the control unit 760 and through the casing of the automatic dispensing device and may be configured to be connected to a power socket.
  • control unit 760 comprises a processor, a memory and a communication module enabling the control unit to communicate with a remote server.
  • control unit 760 may be configured to exchange data with a consumer, receive and store the received data.
  • FIG. 8 shows a shelf holding multiple dispensing modules, according to exemplary embodiments of the subject matter.
  • the shelf may be located in an upper section of the dispensing device, where a user of the dispensing device fills the containers with edible products 845 when necessary.
  • the shelf comprises sidewalls 810 to which the product containers are secured, for example using securing member 820 extending laterally from product container 830.
  • the product containers have an upper lid, such as lids 835, 836, 837 and 838.
  • the lids are maneuvered in order to fill the product containers, or in order to clean the product containers.
  • the user of the dispensing device wishes to fill a product container, the user maneuvers the lid upwards, for example via a rotating movement as in lid 850 that rotates around a hinge. Then, the user brings a bottle 840 close to the product container and pours the edible products 845 into the product container.
  • Figure 9 shows a shelf and a structure of a dispensing module, according to exemplary embodiments of the subject matter.
  • the product container 960 is located above the dispenser unit 970, such that a blocking module 940 may block passage of the edible products from the product container 960 towards the dispenser unit 970.
  • the lid 910 of the product container 960 may move around a hinge 920 located on upper lips 930 of the product container 960.
  • the dispenser unit 970 is partially surrounded by housing 950.
  • the housing 950 is secured to the body of the dispensing device, thus securing the dispenser unit 970 in place, enabling only tilting movement of the dispenser unit 970 as elaborated above.
  • FIG. 10 shows a motor and a dispenser unit, according to exemplary embodiments of the subject matter.
  • the dispensing unit comprises blocking module 1040, rotating lifting mechanism 1020 and container 1050 for containing the edible product falling from the product container.
  • the dispensing unit comprises a nozzle 1030 from which the edible products are dispensed and fall towards the distribution tray.
  • the dispensing unit comprises a nozzle sensor configured to detect presence of the edible product in the nozzle 1030.
  • a rotating motor 1010 rotating the lifting mechanism 1020 receives a command to change the direction of the rotational movement of the lifting mechanism 1020. For example, in case the lifting mechanism 1020 rotates clockwise in order to lift an edible product towards the nozzle 1030, after detection of the edible product in the nozzle 1030, the lifting mechanism 1020 rotates counter clockwise.
  • FIGs 11A-11C show different positions of a dispenser unit, according to exemplary embodiments of the subject matter.
  • FIG 11 A there is no edible product in the nozzle.
  • the edible product is located in the nozzle.
  • the edible product falls downwards from the nozzle.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Supply Of Fluid Materials To The Packaging Location (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un dispositif de distribution d'articles comestibles, comprenant un corps ; une unité de commande, un appareil de distribution fixé au corps et comprenant un récipient de produit pour stocker les articles comestibles, ledit récipient de produit ayant une ouverture supérieure permettant l'insertion des articles comestibles dans le récipient de produit et une ouverture inférieure. Le dispositif comprend également une unité de distribution située sous le récipient de produit. Les articles comestibles passent du récipient de produit à l'unité de distribution par l'intermédiaire de l'ouverture inférieure. L'unité de distribution est inclinée autour de charnières latérales lors de la distribution des articles comestibles. L'appareil de distribution comprend un mécanisme de levage conçu pour soulever les articles comestibles vers l'extrémité supérieure de l'unité de distribution tout en tournant autour d'un axe longitudinal de l'unité de distribution. L'unité de distribution se déplace autour de la charnière et le mécanisme de levage tourne en réponse à des instructions envoyées par l'unité de commande.
PCT/IL2020/051143 2019-11-04 2020-11-04 Distributeur pour médicaments, additifs alimentaires et compléments Ceased WO2021090314A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201962930048P 2019-11-04 2019-11-04
US62/930,048 2019-11-04

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WO2021090314A1 true WO2021090314A1 (fr) 2021-05-14

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Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2023027581A1 (fr) * 2021-08-23 2023-03-02 Vmi Holland B.V. Station de remplissage et procédé permettant de remplir une unité d'alimentation avec des médicaments individuels
NL2029019B1 (en) * 2021-08-23 2023-03-03 Vmi Holland Bv Filling station and method for filling a feeder unit with discrete medicaments
CN118103889A (zh) * 2021-08-23 2024-05-28 Vmi荷兰公司 利用离散药剂填充进料器单元的填充站和方法

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US20100294791A1 (en) * 2007-12-07 2010-11-25 Vifor (International) Ag Tablet Dispenser
US20160031631A1 (en) * 2013-03-28 2016-02-04 Gwang Sig KIM Upper discharge dispenser for food or medicine
US20150266654A1 (en) * 2014-03-21 2015-09-24 Access Business Group International Llc Dispenser

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2023027581A1 (fr) * 2021-08-23 2023-03-02 Vmi Holland B.V. Station de remplissage et procédé permettant de remplir une unité d'alimentation avec des médicaments individuels
NL2029019B1 (en) * 2021-08-23 2023-03-03 Vmi Holland Bv Filling station and method for filling a feeder unit with discrete medicaments
CN118103889A (zh) * 2021-08-23 2024-05-28 Vmi荷兰公司 利用离散药剂填充进料器单元的填充站和方法
JP2024532247A (ja) * 2021-08-23 2024-09-05 ヴェーエムイー ホーランド ベー． ヴェー． フィーダユニットに離散的な医薬品を充填するための充填ステーション及び方法
US12129116B2 (en) 2021-08-23 2024-10-29 Vmi Holland B.V. Filling station and method for filling a feeder unit with discrete medicaments
EP4521372A3 (fr) * 2021-08-23 2025-03-26 VMI Holland B.V. Station de remplissage et procédé de remplissage d'une unité d'alimentation avec des médicaments discrets
JP7736912B2 (ja) 2021-08-23 2025-09-09 ヴェーエムイー ホーランド ベー． ヴェー． フィーダユニットに離散的な医薬品を充填するための充填ステーション及び方法
AU2022335241B2 (en) * 2021-08-23 2026-02-12 Vmi Holland B.V. Filling station and method for filling a feeder unit with discrete medicaments

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