Interactive medication container

[0002] This application is a Continuation-In-Part of application Ser. No. 09/185,137, filed Nov. 3, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,259,654; which is a Continuation-In-Part of application Ser. No. 09/168,783, filed Oct. 8, 1998, which claims benefit of Provisional Application No. 60/096,269, filed Aug. 12, 1998; which is a Continuation-In-Part of application Ser. No. 08/955,475, filed Oct. 21, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,032,155; and which is also a Continuation-In-Part of application Ser. No. 08/832,613, filed Mar. 28, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,852,590, which claims benefit of Provisional Application No. 60/033,491, filed Dec. 20, 1996.

[0003] This invention relates to an interactive medication container that includes one or more containers, each having an information strip containing medication and prescription information, and a reminder unit or console that reads the information strip or strips and communicates information to and interacts with a patient to remind them to take the medication or to track or gather information such as consumption time, quantity, and patient feedback information.

[0004] Medication containers that remind a patient to take their medication or keep track of the number of doses of medication in the container are well known. Examples of such automated containers are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,227,127 (Gayle); U.S. Pat. No. 4,207,992 (Brown); U.S. Pat. No. 4,360,125 (Martindale); U.S. Pat. No. 4,483,626 (Noble); 4,504,153 (Schollmeyer); U.S. Pat. No. 4,526,474 (Simon); U.S. Pat. No. 4,573,606 (Lewis); U.S. Pat. No. 4,695,954 (Rose); U.S. Pat. No. 4,725,997 (Urguhart); U.S. Pat. No. 4,939,705 (Hamilton); U.S. Pat. No. 4,984,709 (Weinstein); U.S. Pat. No. 5,099,463 (Lloyd); U.S. Pat. No. 5,181,189 (Hafler); U.S. Pat. No. 5,213,332 (Kraft); U.S. Pat. No. 5,313,439 (Albeck); U.S. Pat. No. 5,392,952 (Bowden); U.S. Pat. No. 5,472,113 (Shaw) an U.S. Pat. No. 522,525 (McLaughlin), the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference.

[0005] The general purpose of an automated container is to improve patient compliance in taking the appropriate medication on schedule. While taking a particular medication on a regular schedule may seem a simple process, it is often difficult to accomplish, especially when the patient has been prescribed to take several medications. Dosing regimens that require the patient to take different doses of different medications at different times can be particularly confusing. For example, a prescription that requires a patient to take two doses of medication A and one dose of medication B can be confusing. A patient can inadvertently take one dose of medication A and two doses of medication B. In addition, some medications are taken in a paired dosing regimen, with medication A being taken on Monday, medication B being taken on Tuesday, medication A on Wednesday, etc. Other medications are not intended to be taken together at all because they either neutralize each other or cause adverse side effects that can result in illness or even death. This situation is particularly problematic when more than one physician is prescribing medication to the patient. Conventional medication containers designed for a patient's personal use on an out-patient basis do not assist the patient in taking the correct medication at the correct time, particularly when several medications have been prescribed.

[0006] The ability to comply with prescribed medication dosing requirements is complicated in situations where dosing amounts change over time. For example, prescribed dosing amounts are frequently a function of ongoing laboratory tests that determine the patient's medication needs. In these situations, physicians need to be able to easily communicate changes in dosing amounts to their patients as quickly as possible. Medication compliance is particularly important when powerful medications are prescribed, and over-medicating or under-medicating a patient can lead to serious side effects, illness and even death. Yet, keeping patients in hospitals for a prolonged period of time to ensure that dosing regimens are changed when necessary is not considered a practical solution.

[0007] The process of taking several medications at the appropriate time is further complicated if the medication or an illness causes the person to think less clearly or to be forgetful. There is the anxiety of being uncertain if you took the medication earlier in the day. Then, there is the problem of patients completely forgetting to take their medication. The first condition is alleviated by simply indicating when the medication is to be taken next. If the container indicates a future time or day to take the next medication, the patient knows that they have taken the current dosage. If the container indicates a present or past time, the patient knows that they should take the medication now. To solve the problem of completely forgetting to take a dosage of medication, a container will typically contain an alarm to remind the patient to take the medication. Unfortunately, the presently available products and the above patents suffer from one or more problems or limitations.

[0008] One problem in reminding patients to take their medication on time is that many automated medication systems are not transportable and not intended for use on an out-patient basis. This is especially true of systems that handle complicated dosing regimes, handle a variety of medications, or provide fairly detailed information about the medications being consumed. Yet, many patients are not home bound. In fact, the purpose of many medications is to enable people that would otherwise be incapacitated to live normal, ambulatory lives. To be effective, medication alerting methods must be easily transportable, not just an in-home alarming system.

[0009] An additional problem is childproofing the automated medication container. Childproofing is frequently necessary to prevent an infant, child, or mentally handicapped or medicated person from gaining unsupervised access to the medication. The childproofing features must cooperate with the automated features of the container.

[0010] A further problem is that some automated dispensers dispense a variety of different pills at the same time. Some dispensers empty a preloaded number of pills from the container as it passes over an open dispensing chute. If the patient does not take all the medication, there is no place to put the excess. The medication either remains in the dispensing area, possibly resulting in an accidental overdose at a later time or consunption by a child, or the medication is thrown out. If an attempt is made to reload the medication into the dispenser, the dispensing patterns can be inadvertently altered. This is particularly problematic if the dispenser is handling medications that are similar in appearance.

[0011] A still further problem is that errors can occur when a caregiver removes a variety of medications from the pharmacist supplied containers and inserts the medications into a different medication container or machine. An example being a container with separate compartments marked “breakfast, lunch and dinner”, or “Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, etc.” In fact, there is some question regarding the legality of a care giver removing medications from pharmacist supplied containers and placing them into other containers. There is good reason for caution regarding the shuffling of medication from one container to another. Given the strength of many medications in use today, any confusion about the medications put in the secondary container or any confusion regarding the prescription regimens could have a significant adverse affect on the patient.

[0012] A still further problem is that the patient must program a timing or alarming mechanism in an automated dispenser by manual entry of additional coded data. A magnetic strip or smart card can also be used to enter the data. Unfortunately, the cards are easily misplaced and errors can result if the wrong data is entered into the dispensing machine manually or via an incorrect card. In addition, such dispensing machines have to be returned to the pharmacist frequently for reprogramming when a new medication is prescribed.

[0013] A still further problem is that many medication containers do not provide a means for counting the number of pills remaining in the container or the number of pills taken to date. The patient or caregiver must manually enter the amount of medication dispensed or account for the quantity of medication remaining after each dose is consumed. In situations where the unused portion of a prescribed medication is returned to the pharmacy, such as in a hospital setting, the pharmacist must manually count the number of pills left in the container.

[0014] A still further problem with conventional automated medication containers is that they do not record the actual dosing regimen taken by the patient. A patient could take the medication too early, too late or completely miss taking the medication at various times. This results in a sporadic actual consumption or dosing regimen for the medication. The containers in use today do not provide an easy method of communicating the sporadic extent of the actual consumption regimen to the patient, or his or her pharmacist or physician.

[0015] A still further problem in designing an automated medication container is that the container should be compatible with conventional, non-automated medication containers used by the pharmaceutical industry today. (See FIG. 1). A dramatic deviation from the conventional design would inhibit the adoption of the automated container design. A compatible design would enable the pharmacist to continue using conventional, non-automated containers in situations where such a container is appropriate, but would enable the pharmacist to provide an automated container in situations where this type of container is appropriate.

[0016] A still further problem with designing an automated medication container is that the more expensive automated components should be reusable. The increased cost of providing a microprocessor, memory displays, alarms and circuitry in a container would likely be prohibitive if the entire container disposed of after a single prescription is consumed. As many components as possible must be designed to be reused.

[0017] The present invention overcomes these and other limitations in existing medication dispensing products.

[0018] This invention relates to an interactive medication container or console that hold or otherwise organizes one or more medication vials or containers. Each vial has a memory strip containing medication and prescription information. Each vial can also include a reminder unit that is attached to and portable with the individual vials. The console or reminder unit reads the information strip of the vial and communicates this information to or interacts with a patient to remind them to take the medication. The medication container or reminder unit also gathers or tracks information such as consumption time, quantity remaining, patient feedback, and contraindication information. The medication container or reminder unit interacts with the patient by displaying questions or receiving and recording input from the patient before, during or after a dose of medication is taken. The patient input can be used to modify the dosing regimen for future doses of medication. The medication container reorders medication when the quantity remaining reaches a threshold level. Contraindication information in the memory strip is downloaded to a personal home computer or a hospital or nursing home computer.

[0019] One embodiment of the interactive medication container invention relates to a multi-piece, medication container having a first piece with an interactive label that includes a machine readable memory strip. The memory strip contains prescription information, medication information and program codes that are downloaded to a second piece having a computer processor. The interactive label is affixed to a vial of a standard or slightly modified childproof container sealed by a cap. An automated reminder unit is attached to the vial and positioned so that memory sensors in the reminder are able to read the prescription information, medication information and codes on the memory strip. This can be ensured by using an alignment device such as a plate or the interactive memory strip can be arranged uniformly around the perimeter of the vial, so as to be read simply by inserting the vial into a hole or socket. The automated reminder includes its own memory for storing the information and codes. The automated reminder also includes a display for visually or audibly indicating desired information to the patient, such as alerts when to take the next dose of medication.

[0020] The reminder unit can be designed to mate with a wide variety of medication containers. For example, when the interactive label is part of an alignment plate, the plate can be attached or adhered to vials, bottles, boxes, blister packs, inhalation cartridges and other types of containers. Now the reminder is part of a universal system helping patients to properly consume virtually all forms of medication.

[0021] When a consumption alert is presented, indicating medication is to be consumed, the alert can be canceled by pressing a button on the reminder. Pressing the button indicates to the reminder that the dose of medication has been consumed. The reminder then writes actual medication consumption information to the memory of the reminder. When the container or vial includes a readable and writeable memory strip, the consumption information can be written to the memory strip. Recording this consumption information enables the reminder to track the actual dosing regimen for the actual time medication was consumed. The consumption information can also be used to determine inventory or remaining quantity information regarding the number of medication doses remaining in the container or the time the medication was consumed. The reminder unit includes a computer controlled locking assembly that prevents the removal of the cap before the prescribed time for taking the next dose of medication.

[0022] The actual medication consumption information is downloaded into the memory strip. The patient returns the vial and memory strip to the pharmacist or physician for analyzing the patient's input in response to questions asked during use to determine the effectiveness of the medication. The pharmacist or physician reads the information on the memory strip via a separate sensing element kept in their office. The patient retains the reminder for further use.

[0023] One advantage of the present invention is that the interactive label contains a wide variety of information that is not practical to print out in textual form on a relatively small label. The memory or memory strip contains information regarding the number of pills or capsules to be taken per dosage and the dosing regimen, e.g. daily, four times a day, before a meal, etc. The memory strip also contains information regarding the medication, such as the medication name, expiration date, quantity in container, patient name, pharmacy name, address and telephone number, pharmacy prescription number, prescribing doctor name and telephone number.

[0024] Another advantage of the present invention is that the memory strip contains special prescription requirements and instructions that are expressed in the form of a series of processor instructions such as those written in the Java or other computer language, as opposed to a simple four times per day dosing regime. The prescription requirements can, for example, indicate frequent dosages of a medication when starting a medication, then indicate a gradual reduction of medication, and finally indicate a sustained steady dose after several days.

[0025] A further advantage of the present invention is that the memory strip can contain prescription requirements that include instructions for alternating between differing medications in a controlled sequence. For example, some advances in Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) medication protocols require the patient to consume two or more medications, but on alternating or sequential days. Although each medication is held in a separate and distinct medication container, the memory strip on each medication container could provide instructions on taking both medications.

[0026] The patient can elect to consume medication earlier than normal. The patient indicates his or her desire to consume a dose of medication by triggering an access indicator such as by pressing one or more buttons, attempting to open the container or vial holding the medication, or by other means of indicating that access to the medication is desired. The reminder then uses the prescription information, medication information or codes previously stored in the memory of the reminder to determine if the medication can be safely consumed at this time. For example, the reminder will determine if a medication that is normally taken once a day at a certain time can be consumed 2 hours early. If the medication can be safely consumed at this early time, the reminder indicates this to the patient and then writes the actual medication consumption information to the memory or memory strip as noted above. The reminder will then skip over the next scheduled predetermined time to take a dose of medication and skip or forego presenting an alert to the patient to consume medication at that time so the patient is not confused and directed to consume another dose of medication. If the medication cannot be safely consumed at a particular time, the reminder will present an access alert to the patient to not consume the medication.

[0027] The medication information can include questionnaires to be presented to the patient related to the consumption of medication. A questionnaire can ask the patient how they feel or to instruct him or her to record their blood pressure. The questionnaire is typically presented to the patient either before or after consuming the medication, but can be presented as the medication is consumed. The response to the questionnaire can be entered using one or more buttons, or the information requested can be transferred from a separate medical device (e.g. glucometer, blood pressure device, or heart rate monitor) to the reminder unit and stored in the memory of the interactive label of the vial or the memory of the reminder unit or transferred to a remote care giver computer system.

[0028] The patient can indicate to the reminder that he or she wants to withdraw the next dose of medication even if the time is presently too early to safely consume a dose of medication. This allows the patient to leave his or her home or a nursing home or care giver setting for a day without taking the interactive medication container with him or her. By pressing one or more buttons, the reminder indicates to the patient when the next dose is to be consumed and how many pills are to be consumed. The patient then removes the dose or doses of medication from the vial and places them in his or her purse, pocket, or an accessory portable medication container. When the patient removes the medication for later consumption, the reminder records the consumption information as though the medication were consumed at the next normal dosing time. The reminder will not present a consumption alert to consume medication at that next normal dosing time.

[0029] The accessory portable container can include an electronic reminder unit of its own. When the patient removes the medication from the vial and places it in the accessory portable container, the reminder unit mated to the vial communicates (e.g. via infrared, radio frequency, or by direct electrical contact) to the reminder of the accessory portable container the prescription information and medication information used to alert the patient to consume the medication at the next dosing time. The patient indicates to the portable container when he or she is consuming the medication. This time is recorded as consumption information in the memory of the portable reminder. Alternately, the portable container can have sensors that indicate to its reminder when medication is being removed from the portable container. When this occurs, consumption information is recorded to the memory of the portable reminder unit. In either, case when the portable container is brought back to the medication vial reminder unit, the consumption information can be transferred from the memory of the portable reminder unit to the reminder mated to the vial and recorded in memory of the interactive label or the memory of reminder unit.

[0030] At the next dosing time, the patient is alerted to consume the medication in the container. As noted above for the interactive medication container, the patient indicates his or her desire to consume a dose of medication by triggering an access indicator such as by pressing one or more buttons on the portable container, attempting to open the portable container, or by other means, when they are consuming the medication. This cancels the consumption alert and the current time is recorded as consumption information in the memory of the portable reminder. If the patient wants to consume the medication early they indicate this by pressing an override button. The current time is recorded as the consumption information and the scheduled consumption alert at the normal dosing time is canceled. Alternately, the portable container can have sensors that indicate to its reminder when medication is being removed from the portable container. When the sensors detect the removal of medication, such as by the removal of a cap, consumption information is recorded to the memory of the portable reminder unit and the alert for the next normally scheduled consumption or dose time is canceled. In either case, when the portable container is brought back to the interactive medication container, the consumption information is transferred from the memory of the portable container and recorded to the memory of the interactive medication container or the memory strip of the interactive label of the vial.

[0031] In another embodiment of the interactive medication container, the reminder has medication removal sensors for obtaining actual medication consumption information based on when medication is removed from its associate vial or container. The removal sensor can be in the form of a cap sensor (e.g. a micro switch). The reminder unit is mated or otherwise attached to its associated vial or container so that the memory sensors (e.g. electrical contacts) are aligned or otherwise positioned to read the information from the memory strip of the interactive label. The memory sensors can also take the form of a medication removal sensor (e.g. a micro switch) located in a discharge opening of the vial or container. The memory sensor is positioned to monitor the removal or an attempt to remove medication from the vial or container (e.g. removing a cap that breaks the electrical contacts or the passage of a dose of medication by the micro switch trips the micro switch). Once disrupted, tripped or otherwise activated or deactivated, the reminder writes the actual consumption information to the memory of the reminder or the memory strip of the interactive label of the vial.

[0032] A still further advantage of the present invention is that the memory strip of the interactive label provides sufficient information to enable a single vial or container to hold a variety of medications. Although the medications would have to be sufficiently different looking in appearance to avoid confusion, the memory strip provides enough detailed information so that the interactive medication container can provide the patient with instructions for taking all the types of medication in the vial or container. The interactive medication container alleviates the need for the patient to carry around several containers at once.

[0033] A still further advantage of the present interactive medication container invention is that the microprocessor, memory sensors, display and alarms are located in the reminder unit. The memory strip is affixed to the vial or container. This enables a patient to reuse the automated reminder for different prescriptions. The vial and its memory strip, which contains information specific to the prescription for the medication in the container is discarded or returned to the pharmacist or physician. The more expensive automated reminder is reused for subsequent prescriptions, thereby reducing the long-term cost of the automated container.

[0034] A still further advantage of the present invention is that the information in the interactive label and the microprocessor memory are used to alert the patient when it is time to take a dose of medication and how many pills or capsules to consume. The interactive label and microprocessor are also used to warn the patient to defer taking medication at the present time, or indicate at what time the next dose of medication is to be taken. These alarms and indicators should increase patient compliance in taking medication according to the prescribed regimen.

[0035] A still further advantage of the present invention is that the automated medication container can convey information to a separate device such as a patient's home computer to aid in alerting the patient to take the medication in a timely manner. For example, the interactive medication container can take the form of a multi-container medication dispenser or medication system and used with remote communication devices described below.

[0036] A still further advantage of the present invention is that the interactive label and automated reminder are compatible with a conventional medication container having a cylindrical vial and childproof cap as shown in FIG. 1. The pharmacist can dispense medication in a standard or slightly modified childproof container affixed with the interactive label. The patient is then free to attach or mate the vial to the automated reminder.

[0037] Conventional medication containers are easily modified to facilitate use with the interactive label. A plate with the interactive label can be adhered to virtually any container. The container and plate are then received by or mated to the automated reminder. When the reminder has a medication removal indicator or sensor (e.g., a micro switch), the plate is adhered to the container so that the removal sensor is properly positioned to detect medication being removed from the container (e.g., passing through a discharge opening).

[0038] A still further advantage of the invention is that the automated reminder includes a battery or photocell, a microprocessor with a timing circuit, and a LCD display. The timing circuit enables the reminder to provide the time of day, day of the week or date to the patient.

[0039] An additional advantage of the present invention is that it can record actual medication consumption information. The timing circuit enables the automated reminder to obtain actual consumption information by recording when the cap is removed from or a dose of medication passes through a discharge opening of the vial or container. Removal of the cap disrupts the communication of the cap sensor with the processor. This disruption in communication, which may also take the form of returning the cap to seal the vial and the corresponding reengagement of communication, establishes the time and date the user consumed the medication. The prescription timing regimen is used to compute the next time the patient should take the medication. When the cap is replaced, the microprocessor determines that the user just removed the cap, consumed a dose of medication, and replaced the cap. A similar scenario occurs when a medication removal indicator or sensor (e.g., a micro switch) is used.

[0040] A still further advantage of the present invention is that the reminder computes the next time the patient is to take the medication and displays this information to the patient. The time and or date or day is displayed via a display such as a LCD device in the reminder. By reading the display, the user can easily and reliably determine the next time to take the medication. The LCD display includes the number of pills or capsules to be consumed. Given enough display area, specific instructions for taking the medication will be presented, e.g., “consume 2 hours before eating.”

[0041] A still further advantage of the present invention is that the reminder can alert the patient to take the medication by sounding an audible alarm, illuminating an indicator such as an LCD, or rotating an eccentrically positioned weight to cause a vibration alert. These alarms are intended to improve patient compliance.

[0042] A still further advantage of the present invention is that prescription information on the memory strip of the vial or container is conveyed to the patient's personal home computer, or a hospital or nursing home computer. The information on the memory strip controls additional alerting means, such as additional light sources, audible alarms, via telecommunication to call the patient at home or office depending on the time of day to remind the patient to take the medication. The patient responds by using a telephone keypad to indicate whether a dose was taken. In this way, patient compliance with the physician prescription is tracked. Alternately, the personal home computer can page the patient to indicate which medication is to be taken. The memory strip information is copied to the home or business personal computer via a separate sensing element capable of communicating with the personal or business computer. The automated reminder can also be equipped with an infrared transmitter, radio frequency, telephone modem, or Ethernet adapter to send the memory strip information to the personal computer or remote medication system.

[0043] A still further advantage of the present invention is that the childproof container helps prevent the patient from taking medication too soon or too frequently. The reminder is equipped with a locking mechanism that interacts with the childproof locking features. When the cap is in place, a solenoid activated armature in the reminder prevents any attempt to open the cap until the appropriate time for taking the medication. When it is time to consume the medication, the solenoid releases the armature. The locking mechanism can also limit the number of times a day the patient can gain access to medication that is consumed on an as needed basis (e.g., for use with medication to control pain). This helps prevent the patient from taking the medication too many times in any given day or from repeating dosages of the medication within too short a time period. This feature helps inhibit or avoid addictions to the medication.

[0044] In a further embodiment of the invention, the interactive medication container organizes several vials or containers of different types of medication. These vials or containers can take on different sizes and shapes. Each vial or container is mated or otherwise secured to a console or unitary dispenser. A machine readable memory strip is affixed to each vial. A separate memory strip is affixed or otherwise joined to each vial or container. Each memory strip contains prescription information and medication information pertaining to the medication in its vial. The console or unitary dispenser is equipped with one or more sensors that read each memory strip and transmit their information to the computer processor and its associated memory device. The processor determines when each medication is to be taken and signals or otherwise communicates with the patient to take the appropriate medication from the appropriate vial at the appropriate time. Indicator lights and a display are preferably provided for this purpose. The vials are standard or slightly modified childproof pill containers, but can take the form of other containers such as bottles, inhalers, boxes, and blister packs or dispensers. The console or dispenser is provided with one or more access control mechanisms that allow the removal of medication from the vials or containers, and obtains actual medication consumption information based on when and from what vial or container the medication was removed. When a dosing time occurs, a consumption alert is sounded or otherwise communicated to the patient. This alert or communication indicates the vial or container containing the intended medication for this dosing time. The patient then removes the indicated vial or container from the console. The removal of the vial or container is conveyed to the processor in the console by a disruption of the sensed contact or connection with the interactive memory strip, or via a micro switch. The processor detects this disruption in communication and notes this event as access information, removal information or actual consumption information. This information is used to keep inventory information regarding the number of doses of each type of medication remaining in each vial or container. The memory strips can be machine readable and writeable so that they can be altered to include actual consumption information, inventory information, or other information such as patient responses to questionnaires.

[0045] The console or dispenser can be adapted to releasably mate with a vial or container equipped with its own individual reminder unit. The console or dispenser receives prescription and medication information from the reminder and uses this information to alert the patient when he or she is to consume medication. Although the console is preferably adapted to receive the reminder unit with the vial or container riding on the reminder, the console could easily be adapted so that the reverse is possible. The individual reminder unit no longer presents alerts to the patient when it or the vial it is attached to the console. When the vial and its individual reminder unit are removed from the console, the console will discontinue its alerts to the patient. As noted above, the reminder unit mated to the vial now presents dosing alerts. The reminder unit records consumption information to the memory strip of the interactive label or to the memory of the reminder unit. When the vial and its individual reminder unit are again mated to the console, the recorded consumption information is transferred to the memory of the console.

[0046] The console or dispenser is further able to determine if a patient is attempting to consume a medication too early and present an appropriate access alert warning the patient not to consume the medication. The dispenser can use an access control device (e.g. a solenoid and plunger) to prevent the premature removal of a vial. If the medication can be consumed early based on prescription and medication information, the patient can remove the vial or container from the dispenser and consume the medication. The dispenser then cancels the next medication dosing alert, so the patient is not guided to take a dose at the normal dosing time.

[0047] The console or dispenser can also be used with an accessory portable container with its own electronic reminder unit. The patient indicates to the reminder that he or she wants to withdraw the next dose of medication, even if the interactive medication container determines that the present time is too early to safely consume that medication. This feature is valuable when the patient is going to be gone for the day and he or she does not want to take the console with him or her. By pressing one or more override buttons, the console indicates to the patient which types of medication are to be removed for independent consumption, when the next dose of each removed medication is to be consumed and how many pills of that type of medication are to be consumed at that time. The patient then removes the medications from the appropriate vials and places them in his or her purse, pocket, or an accessory portable medication container. When the patient removes medication for later consumption, the reminder records the consumption information for each removed medication as though they medication were consumed at their next normal dosing time. The reminder will not present an alert to consume medication at these times.

[0048] The accessory portable container can include an electronic reminder unit of its own. When the patient removes the medication from one of the vials and places it in the portable container and the console communicates the prescription information and medication information to the reminder of the portable container (e.g. via infrared, radio frequency, or by direct electrical contact) to alert the patient to take the medication at the next dosing time for that medication. At the next dosing time, the patient is alerted to consume the medication in the portable container. The patient presses a consumption indicator or button to indicate to the portable container that they are consuming the medication. This cancels the next scheduled dosing alert, and the current time is recorded as consumption information in the memory of the portable reminder. The patient can indicate if they want to consume the medication early by pressing another override button. The current time is recorded as consumption information and the scheduled alert at the normal dosing time is canceled. Alternately, the portable container can have an access or removal indicator or sensor that indicates to its reminder when medication is being removed from the portable container. When the sensor is disrupted, tripped or otherwise activated or deactivated, consumption information is recorded to the memory of the portable reminder unit and the next scheduled alert for that type of medication is canceled. In either case, when the portable container is brought back to the medication console, the consumption information is transferred from the memory of the portable container and recorded to the memory of the console, the memory of a reminder unit mated to a vial of the consumed medication, or the memory of the memory strip of the interactive label of the vial for the consumed medication.

[0049] The console or dispenser communicates questionnaires recorded in the interactive label or the memory of the console, or transferred via RF communications or a communications network from a remote medication system to the patient. The questionnaires are presented to the patient in relationship to the consumption of one or more of the medications in the multiple vials mated to the dispenser. The questionnaire responses are recorded in the memory of the interactive label, the memory of the console, or transferred for storage in the memory of a remote medication system.

[0050] One advantage of the present interactive medication container invention is to improve patient compliance in selecting the appropriate medication from several vials of different medications, and taking that appropriate medication on schedule. The invention is of particular use when the patient has been prescribed to take several medications with dosing regimens that require the patient to take different amounts or doses of different medications at different times. The automated console or dispenser can easily instruct the patient to take two doses of medication A by lighting an indicator light by the appropriate vial and displaying a message to take two pills. Once medication A has been dispensed or removed, the console or dispenser can instruct the patient to take one dose of medication B in a similar manner. This prevents a patient from inadvertently taking one dose of medication A and two doses of medication B. The automated dispenser is also helpful when medications are taken in a paired dosing regimen, with medication A being taken on Monday, medication B being taken on Tuesday, medication A on Wednesday, etc. The dispenser indicates when each medication is to be taken so that the patient does not have to rely on his or her memory. The container is even programmed to display a message stating when the last dose of medication A or B was dispensed or when the next dose of medication A or B is due.

[0051] Another advantage of the present invention is the systems ability to handle contraindication information. Contraindication information is stored in each information strip and transmitted to the automated console or dispenser. Contraindication information is also stored in the memory of the dispenser or transferred from a medication system via a communication network to the dispenser. In the later case, only the contraindications for the medications in vials that have been mated to the dispenser need to be transferred. The automated dispenser will sound or otherwise indicate a warning when vials of two different medications are secured to the dispenser that are not intended to be taken together. This is particularly advantageous in the relatively common situation where several physicians are prescribing different medication to the same patient, and the patient is being handled on an outpatient basis.

[0052] A further advantage of the present invention is that the console or dispenser can quickly receive updated prescription and medication information for a specific medication on an outpatient basis via a portable paging device or communication network. The dispenser then records the information to the memory of the dispenser, the memory of a reminder unit or the interactive label for the specific medication. The patient does not need to go to the physician to obtain a new written prescription or to a pharmacy to obtain a new vial with new dosing instructions. This is desirable when prescribed medication dosing requirements change over time, such as in situations where ongoing laboratory tests are used to determine the patient's medication needs. The quickness of this system of sending updated medication dosing information to a patient is particularly important when powerful medications are prescribed, and over-medicating or under-medicating a patient can lead to serious side effects, illness and even death. The quickness of the system enables a patient to live a more normal life while receiving treatment on an outpatient basis, avoids a prolonged hospital stay and helps to reduce the cost of treating the individual.

[0053] A still further embodiment of the invention relates to an medication system used in conjunction with the reminder unit and the multi-container console or dispenser. The medication system is intended for operation by a pharmacy or healthcare giver (e.g. a physician or home health monitoring agency). The medication system communicates with dispensers or reminder units via a RF paging network or other communications network (e.g. the Internet) to send information to or to receive information from the dispenser related to consumption of medication. The medication system includes a memory or database that stores medication contraindication information, special instructions for consuming individual medication, questionnaires related to the consumption of medication, and can store individual patient consumption information and questionnaire responses.

[0054] The console or dispenser uses an Internet address, stored in the interactive memory strip, to connect with the medication system. Alternately the medication system can connect with the dispenser using address information stored in the system memory. In either case information that is normally stored in the interactive memory strip or in the memory of the dispenser is stored in the memory of the medication system. For example the consumption information can be transferred to the system. The system uses this information to determine if a patient is not consuming medication on time or at all. The medication system uses this information with program codes to send a warning message to a care giver for the patient indicating this potentially serious situation. The medication system can also receive the medication information for each medication mated to the dispenser and determine if any of the medications are mutually contraindicated and then send a contraindication alert to the dispenser or to the care giver.

[0055] The console or medication system uses medication information in conjunction with the amount of medication remaining in each vial to determine if a reorder of the medication should be made to ensure the patient a continuous supply of the medication. Medication information stored in the interactive strip or the medication system is used to indicate which medication can be reordered, which can be reordered only with the approval of the physician, and those that cannot be reordered. When the quantity of medication in a vial reaches a reorder level the patient is queried to determine if he or she wants to reorder the medication. If the patient indicates by pressing a reorder button that the medication is to be reordered, a message is sent to the medication system to reorder the medication for the patient. The medication system then sends a reorder request to the pharmacist. The reorder level is determined to ensure there is sufficient amount of time to allow the pharmacy to refill the medication. Additional time can be added in the cases where the reorder quantity will be met during a weekend or holiday and the reorder might not be processed quickly enough. A differing and typically larger reorder quantity is used if the approval of a physician is required, reflecting the greater time required to request and receive such approvals.

[0056] The invention contemplates that the pharmacy address for reordering a medication is obtained from either the interactive memory strip of a vial or from the memory of the dispenser. The former ensures that all future reorder requests go to the pharmacy that originally filled the prescription for a specific vial or container. The later ensures that all future reorder requests go to a single pharmacy, independent of where the prescription for a specific vial or container was originally filled.

[0057] The automated console or dispenser contains a receiver for obtaining updated medication dosing information based on current laboratory tests or physical observations of the physician regarding the patient. For example, in response to a questionnaire communicated by the console to the patient, the patient may measure his or her blood clotting time and enter or transfer this information to the console. The console then transfers this measurement to the medication system. The medication system then presents the measurement to a healthcare giver. By using codes or algorithms, the medication system can compute a recommended dosing regimen change for the patient that is presented to the healthcare giver. Whether presented with a recommended change or not, the healthcare giver can use the medication system to enter a changed dosing regimen of a medication affecting blood clotting times for the patient. The new dosing regimen is then sent from the medication system to the console. The dosing regimen is then recorded in the memory of the console or in the memory of the interactive memory strip of the vial that hold the medication being changed. The medication system can use codes or algorithms to compute a new dosing regimen for the patient, and transmit the new regimen to the console, without requiring the approval of the healthcare giver.

[0058] Other advantages and aspects of the invention will become apparent upon review of the specification, claims and drawings.

[0059] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional, childproof, medication container consisting of a cylindrical vial and a removable cap.

[0060] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the present medication container invention including a container in the form of a cylindrical vial with an interactive label having an electronic memory strip, and an automated cap that seals the open end of the vial.

[0061] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the invention showing the automated cap removed from the vial to reveal the electrical contacts of the memory strip.

[0062] FIG. 4 is a cross sectional, side plan view of the first embodiment of the invention showing the electronic memory strip and its electrical contacts on the wall of the vial, and an automated cap with a resilient sealing disc, battery, audio, illuminating and vibrational alarms.

[0063] FIG. 5 is an enlarged, cross-sectional, side plan view of the interactive label showing the memory strip, electrical contacts, adhesive coating, protective coating and removable insulating layer.

[0064] FIG. 6 is an elevation view of the automated cap showing the sensors that engage the electrical contacts of the memory strip.

[0065] FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the underside of the automated cap used in the first vial-type embodiment of the invention.

[0066] FIG. 8 is a chart listing a variety of prescription information and program codes that can be contained in the memory strip of the interactive label.

[0067] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the circuitry in the automated cap.

[0068] FIG. 10 is an enlarged, diagrammatic view of a portion of the automated cap positioned over the vial, the armature of the locking mechanism of the cap engaging the top of one securement ratchet of the vial, and a pair of hold down lugs of the cap aligned between the securement ratchets of the vial.

[0069] FIG. 11 is an enlarged, diagrammatic view of a portion of the automated cap in a locked position on the vial, the armature of the locking mechanism of the cap received between the securement ratchets of the vial, and the hold down lugs being received in the cup of its respective securement ratchet.

[0070] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the medication container invention including a conventional, non-automated cap that seals a vial with an interactive label, and a sensing element and cable that conveys information to a separate computer or personal alerting device.

[0071] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the invention where the medication container includes a cylindrical vial with an interactive label having an electronic memory strip, and a conventional cap.

[0072] FIG. 14 is a front perspective view showing a sensing device used to convey information in the memory strip of the medication container to a separate computer.

[0073] FIG. 15 is a rear perspective view of the sensing device showing the sensors that engage the electrical contacts of the memory strip.

[0074] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the present medication container invention including a container in the form of a cylindrical vial with an interactive label having a number of conductive or reflective surfaces, and an automated cap that seals the open end of the vial.

[0075] FIG. 17 is an elevation view of the automated cap for the third embodiment of the invention showing a plurality of sensors on the inside of the cap that sense the conductive or reflective surfaces of the interactive label.

[0076] FIG. 18 is a top, plan view of a fourth embodiment of the present medication container invention including a container in the form of a disc shaped blister pack with an interactive label having an electronic memory strip affixed to a central surface of the blister pack.

[0077] FIG. 19 is a side, cross sectional view of FIG. 18 taken along line 19—19 showing a dose of medication in a pocket of the blister back and the interactive label affixed to the tear resistant sheet.

[0078] FIG. 20 is a top, plan view showing the lid of a semi-automated dispenser equipped with a dispensing lever, finger latches, a display, an audible alert, “Eject” and “Next Dose” buttons.

[0079] FIG. 21 is a side, plan view showing the disc shaped blister pack inside a semi-automated dispenser in an opened position.

[0080] FIG. 22 is a side, cross-sectional view of FIG. 20 taken along lines 22—22 and showing the semi-automated dispenser with its plunger in a locked position.

[0081] FIG. 23 is a side, cross-sectional view of FIG. 20 taken along lines 23—23 and showing the semi-automated dispenser with its plunger being raised into a dispensing position.

[0082] FIG. 24 is a bottom, plan view of the dispenser showing an alternate embodiment of the blister pack container where the interactive label is secured to the backing sheet of the blister pack so that the textual portion of the label is visible through a window in the base of the dispenser.

[0083] FIG. 25 is a schematic drawing of an alternate circuitry to FIG. 9 where both the computer processor and memory strip are affixed to the vial or blister pack, and the other hardware components are contained in the cap or lid.

[0084] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the present medication container invention including several vial shaped containers of medication secured to a console or unitary lid, each vial having its own machine readable information strip, and the console having a separate indicator light, display and access door for each vial.

[0085] FIG. 27 is a partial, rear cross-sectional view of the multi-vial medication container of FIG. 26 with one vial secured to an associated porthole of the console or unitary lid and adjacent access doors in their open and closed positions.

[0086] FIG. 28 is a schematic drawing of a circuitry for the multi-vial or multi-blister pack medication container with the multi-set components grouped at the lower left of the schematic.

[0087] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the present medication container invention in the form of a multi-vial medication container with the vials secured to portholes located along a top platform of an L-shaped console or unitary lid, and the console containing a single display and several selectors for removing medication from the vials.

[0088] FIG. 30 is a partial, rear cross-sectional view of the multi-vial medication container of FIG. 29 showing one inverted vial secured in an associated porthole with its selector in its closed position, and an adjacent selector in its open position.

[0089] FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of the present invention in the form of a multi-blister cassette medication container, where each cassette is secured to a slot in the top of the platform of the L-shaped console or unitary lid, and each cassette holds a free end of the blister strip extending through an associated opening in the console.

[0090] FIG. 32 is a partial, rear sectional view of the container of FIG. 31 showing one blister cassette secured in its associated slot.

[0091] FIG. 33 is a side sectional view of the container of FIG. 31 showing its blister strip coiled inside the cassette with the blister pack at the free end in a reserve position.

[0092] FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the blister cassette used with the medication container of FIG. 31, the cassette being equipped with a bar code memory device.

[0093] FIG. 35 is a perspective view of an eighth embodiment of the present medication container invention consisting of a cylindrical vial with an interactive label having an electronic memory strip, a removable cap that seals the open end of the vial and an automated reminder unit that mates to the vial.

[0094] FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the eighth embodiment of the present invention where vial, reminder, and cap of the medication container are secured together.

[0095] FIG. 36ais a cross sectional, plan view of the eighth embodiment of the invention showing the vial mated to the reminder unit, so that the electrical contacts of the reminder unit are in physical contact with the electrical contacts of the memory strip of the interactive label.

[0096] FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the eighth embodiment of the invention without a reminder unit.

[0097] FIG. 38 is an enlarged, diagrammatic view of a portion of the reminder unit when mated to the vial so that it is positioned under the cap, the armature of the locking mechanism of the reminder engaging the bottom of one hold down lug of the cap and aligned between the securement ratchets of the vial.

[0098] FIG. 39 is an enlarged, diagrammatic view of a portion of the reminder unit in a locked position on the vial, the armature of the locking mechanism of the reminder unit received between the securement ratchets of the vial, and the hold down lugs being received in the cup of its respective securement ratchet.

[0099] FIG. 40 is an perspective view of a ninth embodiment of the present medication container invention having of a pressurized cylindrical medication cartridge with an interactive label having an electronic memory strip, an aerosol inhaler dispenser, and an automated reminder unit that mates to the dispenser.

[0100] FIG. 41 is a cross-sectional view of the ninth embodiment of the invention showing the cartridge in the aerosol dispenser and the reminder unit mated to the dispenser, so that the electrical contacts of the reminder unit are in physical contact with the electrical contacts of the memory strip of the interactive label.

[0101] FIG. 42 is a perspective view of a tenth embodiment of the present medication container invention including several vials of medication secured to a unitary console or dispenser, each vial having its own machine readable information strip, and the dispenser having a separate indicator light, display and mating slot for each vial.

[0102] FIG. 43 is a plan cross-sectional view of the multi-vial medication container of FIG. 42 with one vial secured to an associated slot of the unitary console or dispenser and one vial with mated reminder unit secured to a separate associated slot of the of the reminder unit.

[0103] FIG. 44 is a side cross-sectional view of the multi-vial medication container of FIG. 42 with one vial and mated reminder unit secured to an associated slot of the unitary dispenser.

[0104] FIG. 45 is a perspective view of a portable medication container consisting of a body defining a compartment and a lid to close the compartment, the lid including a reminder unit.

[0105] FIG. 46 is a schematic of a comprehensive medication management system consisting of medication dispensers and a remote medication system that communicate with each other using a communication network.

[0106] FIG. 47 is a chart listing a variety of information for a patient, including information about each medication they have been prescribed to consume, and questionnaires that are presented to the patient, and stored in the memory of the medication system, and transferred to the memory of dispensers or interactive labels.

[0107] FIG. 48 is a chart listing medication information for a specific medication, the information being stored in the memory of the medication system.

[0108] FIG. 49 is a schematic diagram showing the circuitry in the reminder unit of the portable container of FIG. 45.

[0109] FIG. 50 is a chart listing pharmacy identification information used by a dispenser to identify an associated pharmacy from which to reorder medication.

[0110] FIG. 51 is a perspective view of an alternate structure of the tenth embodiment of the present invention where the medication container includes several vials of medication that use a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag as the interactive label with electronic memory strip.

[0111] FIG. 52 is a plan cross-sectional view of the multi-vial medication container of FIG. 51 with two vials placed in adjoining slots of the multi-vial medication container.

[0112] FIG. 53 is a cross sectional, plan view of the eighth embodiment of the invention showing the vial mated to the reminder unit, the reminder unit now using a radio frequency (RF) antenna to read the RFID tag of an interactive label attached to a vial, but not the interactive label of an adjoining second vial.

[0113] FIG. 54 is a representation of a time line showing predetermined times to consume a medication.

[0114] FIG. 55 is an alternate representation of a time line showing predetermined times to take a medication.

[0115] FIG. 56 is another alternate representation of a time line showing predetermined times to take a medication.

[0116] FIG. 57 is a representation of a medication consumption table showing specific medication consumption times for specific medications.

[0117] FIG. 58 is a flow chart of information between a memory strip to a multi-vial medication container to a comprehensive medication management system and then back to the multi-vial medication container.

[0118] The present invention relates to an interactive medication container. While the invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings and will herein be described, several forms of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention, and is not intended to limit the broad aspects of the invention to the several embodiments illustrated.

[0119] FIGS. 2-11 show a first embodiment of the invention where the container 10 includes a vial 20 with an interactive label 50 and an automated cap 100 with a sensing tab 110 for reading the electronically stored information 80 on the label and a computer processor 120 for controlling a visual display and a variety of alarms. As best shown in FIGS. 2-4, the vial 20 includes a compartment 21 defined by a cylindrical wall 22, a closed bottom end 24 and an open top end 25. Medication 15 is inserted into and removed from the compartment 21 via the open end 25 of the vial 20. The cylinder has an inner surface 26 and an outer surface 27. The vial 20 is made of a unitary piece of relatively rigid plastic similar to other conventional vial-type medication containers.

[0120] The vial 20 includes a first means for aligning the interactive label 50 with a predetermined location of the wall 22. This alignment means is accomplished by forming a recess 28 in the outer surface 27 of the wall 22. The recess 28 is defined by an inwardly projecting ridge 29 that extends around the perimeter of the recess. While this first alignment means is shown as recess 28, it should be understood that it could take on a variety of forms. For example, an outwardly projecting ridge (not shown) protruding from the wall 22 of the vial 20 or a raised substantially flat platform (not shown) protruding from the wall could be used. It should also be understood that the label 50 could be located on the inside surface 26 of the vial 20 without departing from the broad aspects of the invention.

[0121] The vial 20 includes a second means for aligning the automated cap 100 with the vial 20 so that the sensing tab 110 of the cap is properly aligned with the interactive label 50 as discussed below. The second alignment means is accomplished by a guide ring 30 protruding from the outer surface 27 of the vial 20. The guide ring 30 is located at a substantially uniform, predetermined distance from the open end 25 of the vial. The guide ring surrounds most of the wall 22 of the vial. The guide ring has an opening 31 defined by its two ends 32 and 34. The ends 32 and 34 of the guide ring 30 are spaced apart a predetermined distance so that opening 31 has a predetermined size for accommodating sensing tab 110 as discussed below. While the second alignment means is shown and described as being guide ring 30, it should be understood that the second alignment means could take on other forms without departing from the broad aspects of the invention.

[0122] The vial 20 has several securement ratchets 40 for securing and sealing the cap 100 against the open end 25 of the vial. The ratchets 40 are evenly spaced around the open end 25, and protrude from the outer surface 27 of the vial 20. The ratchets are similar to those found on conventional childproof medication containers as in FIG. 1. Each ratchet includes a cup portion 42, a top surface 44, a wedge 45 and a side surface 46. Although the ratchets 40 are shown and described as being evenly spaced from each other as in a conventional vial, it should be understood that one or more of the ratchets could be offset. Such an offset arrangement could be used to accomplish the second alignment means in lieu of guide ring 30.

[0123] As best shown in FIGS. 3-5, medication container 10 includes interactive label 50. The label 50 is affixed in the recess 28 in the wall 22 of the vial 20 so that the left edge of the label abuts and is aligned with the ridge 29 forming the left side of the recess. The upper edge of the label 50 abuts the ridge forming the upper side of the recess 28. This alignment positions the label 50 into its desired location on the wall 22 of the vial 20.

[0124] The interactive label 50 includes a paper backing 51 sized to fit in recess 28. The front surface of the paper backing 51 has a textual portion 52. The textual portion 52 includes textual information such as the patient's name, the medication name, the dosing regimen (e.g., daily, four times a day, etc.), the number of pills or capsules to consume during each dose, and any special instructions regarding the proper consumption of the medication (e.g., take an hour before meals). The rear surface of the backing paper 51 includes an adhesive coating 55 for affixing the label in the recess 28 of the wall 22 of the vial 20.

[0125] The interactive label 50 includes an electronic, machine readable and writable memory strip 60. The memory strip 60 is similar to those used in commercially available smart cards. The memory strip 50 includes contacts 62 that are in electrical communication with the information 80 in the memory strip 60 via links or electrical connections such as wires 64 as discussed below. A protective coating 70 is applied over the memory strip 60. The protective coating 70 has holes aligned over each electrical contact 62. A removable insulating layer 75 is used to prevent premature communication with the memory strip 60 before the patient begins taking the medication 15. Although the memory strip 60 is shown and described as being secured to a paper backing 51, it should be understood that the memory strip 60 could be affixed directly to the inner or outer surface 26 or 27 of the vial 20 or even imbedded in the vial. While the memory device 60 is described and shown as having the shape of a strip, it should be understood that differently shaped memory devices could be used without departing from the invention.

[0126] As shown in FIG. 8, the memory strip 60 contains a variety of information 80. The contents of the information 80 includes prescription information 82 such as information defining the dosing regimen and the number of pills or capsules to be consumed per dosing. The memory strip 60 also contains medication information 84 and program codes 86 for downloading into or otherwise being sensed or read by the computer processor 120 of the automated cap 100. The electrical contacts 62 and wires 64 communicate with the memory strip 60 so as to access the information 80 in or write additional information to the memory strip. As discussed below, the memory strip 60 can be electronically altered or written to via the processor 120 to store information designating when the cap 100 is removed and reattached to the vial 20, such as removal information 84 indicating that a dose of medication 15 was removed from the vial, quantity information 84 regarding the original or remaining number of doses in the container, or removal time, disruption or compliance information 84 indicating actual compliance to the prescribed dosing regimen 82. It should be understood that any combination of predetermined information taken from the contents 80 of the memory strip 60 could be communicated to the computer processor 120. The computer processor 120 could use the predetermined information to select or develop desired information for communicating to the patient or care giver.

[0127] As best shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 7, the cap 100 includes a main body 101 with a top portion 102 and a cylindrical rim 103 having an inside surface 104 and a lower edge 105. The cap 100 includes several hold down lugs 106 and a resilient disc much like those in conventional caps of the type shown in FIG. 1. The hold down lugs 106 are located around the inside surface 104 of the rim 103 near its lower edge 105. The number of hold down lugs 106 coincides with the number of ratchets 40, and the lugs are evenly spaced to align with the ratchets. The resilient disc 108 is attached to the inside surface of the cap 100.

[0128] The ratchets 40 interact with the hold down lugs 106 to form a relatively tight, child resistant or childproof seal between the cap 100 and the vial 20. This is accomplished by placing the cap 100 over the open end 25 of the vial 20 so the lugs 106 are aligned directly between the securement ratchets 40. (See FIG. 10). The cap seals the open end 25 of the vial 20 when in this removably aligned position, but the cap is not secured to the vial. The cap 100 is then depressed and rotated clockwise so that each lug slides up the wedge 45 of its corresponding ratchet located to its left, and into a secure position where each lug rests inside the cup 42 of its corresponding ratchet 40. (See FIG. 11). When in this secured position, the resilient disc 108 biases the lugs to remain inside the cups 42 of their corresponding ratchets 40 due to a spring-like force exerted by the resilient disc 108 against the open end 25 of the vial 20. The hold down lugs 106 and ratchets 40 prevent the simple counterclockwise rotation of the cap, and thus its removal. Instead, the cap 100 must be pushed down to compress the flexible membrane 108, releasing the contact between the lugs 106 and the ratchets 40, before the cap can be rotated counterclockwise.

[0129] The automated cap 100 includes a sensing device or sensing tab 110 for sensing the contacts 62 of the memory strip 60. The sensing tab 110 projects down from the edge 105 of the rim 103 of the cap 100. As shown in FIG. 6, the sensing tab 110 has an inside surface 112 with sensors 115. The sensors 115 are positioned to align with the contacts 62 of the memory strip 60 when the cap 100 is in the secured position on the open end 25 of the vial 20. The sensors 115 electrically engage the contacts 62. Predetermined information 80 in the memory strip 60 is electronically transmitted to or otherwise communicated or read by the computer processor 120 via the contacts 62, links 64, sensors 115 and, as discussed below, a circuit board 130.

[0130] The sensing tab 110 extends through the opening 31 in the guide ring 30. The opening 31 is sized so that the cap 100 can only be attached to the vial 20 in the one position which aligns the sensors 115 of the sensing tab 110 into electrical engagement with the contacts 62 of the memory strip 60. Specifically, the cap 100 can only be placed on the open end 25 of the vial 20 with the sensing tab 110 abutting or nearly abutting the right end 32 of the guide ring 30. The cap 100 is then rotated in a clockwise direction until the sensing tab 110 abuts or nearly abuts the left end 34 of the guide ring 30 and the hold down lugs 106 have come to rest in the cups 42 of the securement ratchets 40 so that the cap 100 is in its secured position on the vial 20.

[0131] As shown in FIG. 9, the automated cap 100 has a control system 114 that includes a computer processor 120 with its own memory 125. The processor 120 and memory 125 are located on and in electrical communication with a circuit board 130 located inside the cap 100 for protection. (See FIG. 4). The circuit board 130 electrically connects the processor 120 to a visual communication device such as an LCD display 132. The LCD display 132 visually displays desired information to the patient, such as the date and time the next dose of medication is to be taken and the number of pills to be taken. The display 132 can also indicate an access alert or warning to the patient, such as the fact that the patient is so overdue in taking a dose of medication that that dose should no longer be taken. The circuit board 130 also electrically connects the processor 120 to a variety of alarming devices such as audible, visual and vibrational communication devices or alarms 134, 136 and 138, respectively. These alarms 134, 136 and 138 indicate a variety of warnings to a patient, such as when it is time to take a dose of medication. The circuit board 130 also electrically connects the processor 120 to a communication device such as an infrared transmitter 140 that transmits information to or receives information from a separate personal or business computer 270 as discussed below.

[0132] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 9, the circuit board 130 is in electrical communication with a battery 150 that powers the processor 120, the display 132, alarms 134, 136, and 138, transmitter 140 and a timing device such as a real time clock 145. An access panel 152 is provided to allow periodic replacement of the battery 150. The access panel 152 is prevented from accidental opening by friction between it and cap 100. In addition, when the cap 100 is secured to the vial 20, the battery access panel 152 cannot slide out due to interference between the wall 22 of the vial 20 and the access panel. Accordingly, the battery 150 should not fall into the medication 15 and accidentally consumed.

[0133] The circuit board 130 is in electrical communication with a button 160 for electro-mechanically communicating information to the processor 120. (See FIG. 2). By pressing button 160, the patient is able to send an electrical signal to the processor 120 in response to a question shown on the display 132 or to indicate an action to be taken, such as turn off an alert or alarm. Button 160 is surrounded by a raised ring 161 to protect it from inadvertent contact as it is located on the outside surface of the cap 100. Additional buttons 162, 164 and 166 (See FIG. 7) are located on the inside surface 104 of the cap 100 to enable the patient to set the correct date, hour and minute of the real time clock 145 that is in electrical communication with the processor 120 via the circuit board 130. The computer processor 120 uses the prescribed dosing regimen information 82 and the timing device 145 to calculate or otherwise develop the prescribed times for taking the medication 15. The timing device 145 informs the computer processor 120 when the predetermined times to take the medication occur. The computer processor then informs the patient or individual that it is time to take a dose of medication 15 via the display 132 or an alarm 134, 136 or 138. The buttons 160, 162, 164 and 166 perform a variety of functions. As discussed below, they can be used as an access indicator to indicate that the patient is accessing the medication inside the container, as a consumption indicator to indicate that the patient is consuming the medication, a removal indicator to indicate that the patient is removing medication form the container, or as an override button to indicate that the patient is removing one or more doses of medication prior to a scheduled time to take the dose of medication. While buttons 162, 164 and 166 are located on the inside surface 104 of the cap 100, it should be understood that the buttons could be located on the outside surface of the cap as well.

[0134] As shown in FIGS. 9-11, automated cap 100 further includes an access control device formed by the computer processor 120 and a device such as solenoid locking mechanism or assembly 180 that is in electrical communication with the processor via the circuit board 130. The locking assembly 180 controls the patient's ability to access and remove the medication 15 from the vial 20 until the time the next dose of medication is due according to the prescribed dosing regimen. The assembly 180 includes an armature 182 and a spring 184 for biasing a plunger 186 into a normal, extended position as shown in solid lines in FIGS. 10 and 11. As explained above, to seal the vial 20, the cap 100 is first aligned with open end 25 of the vial so that the hold down lugs 106 are positioned above and in between the ratchets 40 of the vial. (See FIG. 10). The cap 100 is then depressed into a removably aligned position over the open end 25 so that the lugs 106 move directly between the ratchets 40. The plunger 186 contacts the upper surface 44 of the ratchet 40 which causes spring 182 to compress. This is shown in FIG. 10 in phantom lines. The cap 100 is then rotated clockwise into its secured position where each hold down lug 106 rests in the cup 42 of its respective ratchet 40. When in this secured position, plunger 186 clears the side 46 of the ratchet 40 so that spring 184 biases the plunger into its normal, extended position. Attempts to remove the cap 100 by rotating it counterclockwise are resisted by plunger 186, which abuts the side 46 of the ratchet 40. The cap 100 is now locked into its secured position. The processor 120 is programmed to activate the solenoid locking assembly 180 to draw up the armature 182 and plunger 186 when the next medication dosage is due to be taken. Only then can the cap 100 be rotated counterclockwise and removed.

[0135] The access control device can also take the form of and access indicator. The access indicator is a button such as 160 that is pressed or otherwise triggered prior to opening the container, or a sensor such as 115 that is disrupted or otherwise triggered by an attempt to remove the cap 100 from the vial 20. The sensor 115 is triggered by pressing down on the cap 100 and compressing resilient member 108, or by attempting to rotate the cap out of its locked position. Pressing button 160 or attempting to open the container 10 triggers the access indicator, which communicates this attempted access information to the processor 120. The computer processor then uses the actual time information of the clock 145 corresponding to the actual time the access indicator is triggered and compares it with the next scheduled predetermined time to take a dose of medication. If the actual time information does not correspond to the next scheduled predetermined time to take a dose of medication 15, the processor 120 causes a warning message to be shown on the display 132, or an access alert to be initiated by one of the alarm devices 134, 136 or 138. This warning or access alert informs the patient that the present or actual time is not within a scheduled or predetermined time range to take the medication 15.

[0136] The control system 114 shown in FIG. 9 has the processor 120 located in the cap 100. This arrangement is based on the advantage of being able to dispose of the vial 20 when the medication 10 is used up, and the information in the memory strip 60 has been transferred to another data base, such as the memory of a patient's home computer or a pharmacy, hospital or prescribing physician computer. The more expensive cap 100 is retained by the patient for further use. However, ongoing manufacturing developments continue to reduce the costs of producing memory devices with their own processors. As a result, the cost of producing the memory strip 60 is not significantly different than the cost of producing the memory strip together with its own processor.

[0137] FIG. 25 shows an alternate control system 190 where the memory strip 60 has its own processor 120. Both the memory strip 60 and processor are secured to the wall 22 of the vial 20. The memory strip 60 is directly wired to the processor 120 and serves as the memory of the processor. The memory device 125 in the cap 100 is eliminated. This saves the costs associated with producing two separate memory devices, without compromising the disposability of the vial 20. Hardware components such as the circuit board 130, display 132, alarms 134, 136 and 138, transmitter 140, battery 150 and solenoid 180 remain in the reusable cap 100. The real time clock 145 is replaced by a real time clock module 191 that is capable of maintaining time without being connected to the processor 120. The components in the cap 100 are electrically connected to the processor 120 via multiple contacts 192 and 194. Multiple contact 192 is wired to the processor 120 and replaces contacts 62. Multiple contact 194 is wired to the circuit board 130 and secured to the inside surface 112 of sensing tab 110 and replaces sensor 115. The alignment of the multiple contacts 192 and 194 is achieved in the same manner as the alignment of the contacts 62 and sensor 115.

[0138] When the automated cap 100 is secured to the medication vial 20, the control system 114 is complete. The sensors 115 on the tab 110 of the cap are in electrical contact with the contacts 62 of the memory strip 60, and the information 80 in the memory strip is in electrical communication with or can otherwise be read by the processor 120 in the cap. Predetermined portions of information 80 from the memory strip 60 are compared with the information that had previously been read and stored in the memory 125 of the cap 100. If the predetermined information 80 is the same as before, the processor 120 will compute the next prescribed time for taking a dosage of medication 15 and activate an alarm or otherwise communicate that information to the patient when that time occurs. If the cap 100 is not returned to seal the vial 20 to which it was previously attached, the computer 120 will activate the audible alarm 134. The patient or caregiver can disable or deactivate the alarm 134 by securing the cap 100 back on the correct vial 20. If the cap 100 is not returned to the correct vial 20 and the alarm 134 is ignored for a period of time or the user presses button 160, the alarm is disabled, and the new information 80 in the new memory strip 60 is stored in the memory 125 of the cap 100 and used to compute the next dosage time for the new medication. The automated cap 100 is provided with a mechanism such as an access or consumption indicator that will keep an accurate count of the number of times the medication container is opened each day and advise the patient against consuming too many pills in too short a time. This is particularly useful for medications 15 that are prescribed to be used on an as needed basis (e.g. pain medication), but not to be consumed more than a certain amount in any given day.

[0139] Similar to the access control device, the consumption indicator can take a variety of forms. In one embodiment, the cap 100 is provided with a button 160 that is pressed to indicate to the processor 120 that a consumption event has occurred. In another embodiment, the consumption indicator uses the alignment of the sensors 115 of the cap 100 with the contacts 62 of the information device 60 of the vial 20 to trigger a consumption event. When the automated cap 100 is removed, the sensors 115 are no longer aligned with the contacts 62 of the information device 60. A misalignment of the sensors and contacts, such as that caused by the removal of the cap 100, results in a disruption of communication of information to the processor 120, so that it can no longer read the memory strip 60. This triggers an event that can be used to store the current date and time in memory 125 of the cap 100. The computer processor 120 uses the clock 145 and the triggered disruption to determine the time of this event. When the cap 100 is resecured to the vial 20, the date and time are then written to memory 125 or to the memory strip 60 indicating that the patient took a dose of medication 15 and the actual consumption time. The times and dates stored reflect consumption compliance information or compliance data in adhering to the prescription regimen. Other embodiments of the consumption indicator are noted below, such as the sensing of movement of an access door, lid, selector or cartridge by a corresponding removal indicator or sensor. An input device such as a keyboard could also be used.

[0140] The actual time information obtained from the clock 145 and the type and amount of medication information for this consumption event are then stored as actual compliance data 84 in the memory device 125 of the cap 100 or the memory device 60 of the vial 20. The actual compliance data 84 can be conveyed to a separate personal or business computer 270 via an interface in the computer (not shown) that can sense a controlled flashing of the illuminating alarm 136. By pressing button 160 for a period of several seconds the automated cap 100 will transmit the compliance data 84. The compliance data 84 may also be conveyed via the infrared transmitter 140 in the automated cap 100 to an infrared receiver 272 in the computer 270. The compliance data 84 is used by the physician to determine if the patient is taking too much or not enough medication 15, or is not adhering to the regular timing specified by the prescription.

[0141] By comparing the quantity of medication 15 in the container 10, as stored as medication information 84 in the memory strip 60, against the number of times the automated cap 100 was removed and the number of pills to be consumed in each dosage, the automated cap 100 can compute the inventory or remaining quantity information corresponding to the amount or number of doses of medication in the container 10, when the prescription should be refilled and alert the patient. The number of times the container 10 is opened and the numbers of doses consumed is written to the memory 125 of the cap 100 or the memory strip 60 of the interactive label 50.

[0142] As stated above, the information 80 contained in the memory strip 60 can be transmitted to a separate personal or business computer 270 or personal alerting device 290, such as a digital watch or appointment book, by equipping automated cap 100 with an infrared transmitter 140. The transmission is started by pressing button 160 for several seconds. The transferred information is used to establish a consumption alert timing schedule 82 to remind the patient when to take the medication 15. This is accomplished by having the computer 270 activate a variety of its alarms, or by having the computer page the patient with a message to consume a specific medication, or by calling the patient using a telephone to convey a verbal message to consume a specific medication. In this manner, the patient can extend the alarm and alerting devices beyond what is available in the cap 100, or to have alerts be issued even if a conventional cap is used.

[0143] If a patient is taking several medications 15 and the information 80 contained in the memory strip 60 for each container 10 is transferred to a separate personal or business computer 270, the computer can reference and compare the lists of contraindicated medications which are part of the medication information 84. Should two or more medications 15 be contraindicated for use together, the patient will be alerted to this fact. Every time a medication 15 is issued to a patient, the most recent list of contraindications is included in the memory strip 60 of the container 10. If the patient does not have a software program capable of performing this function, the program codes 86 will contain a program that is transferred from the memory strip 60 to the computer 270 to perform this check. This program may use a Java programming language so that it can be used in a wide variety of computer processors 270. Other program codes 86 can be sent to the automated cap 100 or computer 270 to perform various alerting functions.

[0144] FIGS. 12-15 show a second embodiment of the invention where the container 200 includes a conventional, childproof cap 260 as shown in FIG. 1, in place of the automated cap 100. The vial and interactive label that are interchangeable with the vial 20 and label 50 of the first embodiment. The interactive label 50 is electrically linked to the separate personal or business computer 270 via a sensing element 280. The conventional cap 260 is secured to the vial 20 via securement ratchets 40 as in the first embodiment. The guide ring 30 is located a predetermined distance from the top end 25 of the vial 20 so that the ring does not interfere with securing the conventional cap 260 to the vial 20.

[0145] The information 80 contained in the memory strip 60 is electronically conveyed to computer 270 by sensing element 280. Sensing element 280 has sensors 281 located on its inside surface in a pattern and position similar to the contacts 62 of the memory strip 60. The sensing element 280 has an arcuate shape to matingly engage the cylindrical wall 22 of the vial 20 so that when the sensing element is aligned with and placed over the interactive label 50 its sensors 281 are in electrical contact with the contacts 62 of the memory strip 60. The sensing element 280 includes a connecting cable 282 with an electronic connector 284 adapted to be plugged into or otherwise electrically communicate with the computer 270. Sensing element 280 has an upper tab sized to fit snugly into the opening 31 between the ends 32 and 34 of the guide ring 30. This can be accomplished when the conventional cap 260 is in place as shown in FIG. 11. It should also be understood that the sensing element 280 can be used to transfer predetermined information 80 to or from the memory strip 60 of either the first or second embodiment of the container 10 or 200 to the computer 270. When the sensing element 280 is used with the first embodiment, the automated cap 100 must be removed.

[0146] FIGS. 16 and 17 show a third embodiment of the invention where the container 300 includes a modified interactive label 350 and an automated cap 370 with a modified sensing tab 372. Cap 370 is otherwise interchangeable with cap 100. The container 300 includes a vial that is interchangeable with the vial 20 in the first embodiment. The label 350 includes two rows of conductive or non-conductive contacts 352 and 354. These contacts 352 and 354 can also take the form of reflective or non-reflective surfaces. These contacts or surfaces 352 and 354 represent 1s and 0s. The contacts or surfaces 352 and 354 combine to form a code representing the prescription regimen.

[0147] The inside surface of downwardly projecting sensing tab 372 includes sensors 374 that detect the presence or absence of a conductive or reflective surface 352. When the surfaces are conductive, one of the conductive surfaces 352 acts as a ground surface 356 for the remaining surfaces 352. By detecting a voltage or current between the ground 356 and any of the other conductive surfaces 352 a bit of information may be read as a 1 or a 0. By combining the bits of information together, a binary number may be created that can represent a prescription information 202.

[0148] In FIG. 16, there are a total of ten contacts or surfaces 352 and 354. One contact or surface is the ground 356. Another second contact or surface 358 is used to sense when the cap 370 is removed. Of the eight remaining contacts or surfaces 352 and 354, two are used to indicate the dosage, for example a 0 may represent one pill, a 1 to indicate two pills and a 2 to represent three pills, and a 3 to indicate four pills are to be taken as each dosage. The remaining six contacts or surfaces are combined to represent a number between 0 and 63. These surfaces 352 and 354 are used to represent the timing of the prescription regimen, 0 to represent a dosage every 2 hours, a 1 to indicate a dosage every 3 hours, a 2 to indicate a dosage every 4 hours and so on. While ten surfaces are shown and described, it should be understood that more or fewer may be used.

[0149] The conductive or reflective surfaces 352 may be part of a larger conductive or reflective surface (not shown). A non-conductive or non-reflective surface (not shown) may be created by punching a hole in or printing over a portion of the larger conductive or reflective surface. This process may be done as the label 350 is printed with the readable text 44.

[0150] The automated cap 370 is secured to the vial 20 the same way as in the first embodiment. The cap 370 includes the same processor 120, memory 125, circuit board 130, display 132, alarms 134-138, transmitter 140, clock 145, battery 150 and buttons 160-166 as automated cap 100. When the cap 370 is removed from the vial 20, the conductive path between ground surface 356 and second surfaces 358 is broken indicating to the cap 370 that a dosage of the medication is being taken. The braking of this conductive path is also used to set the alarms to indicate when the next dosage should be taken.

[0151] FIGS. 18-24 show a fourth embodiment of the invention where the container 400 is a single dosage, disk shaped, blister pack and an interactive label 450 with a memory strip 460. The blister pack 400 is placed in a dispenser 500 having a computer processor 530 that controls a display and a variety of alarms. Memory strip 460 is functionally and structurally substantially interchangeable with memory strip 60. It should be understood that in this embodiment of the invention, the dispenser 500 forms a part or piece of the container 400.

[0152] FIGS. 18 and 19 show a blister pack 400 formed by a tear resistant sheet 411 having front and rear surfaces 412 and 413 and a perimeter 414. The tear resistant sheet 411 is formed into multiple pockets 415 located around its perimeter 414. Each pocket 415 holds a single dose of medication 15. The tear resistant sheet 411 has a substantially flat central area 416 with a central opening 417 and offset notch 418 formed through the sheet 411. The rear surface 413 of the tear resistant sheet 411 has an adhesive coating 419 applied to it, except in pockets 415. The blister pack also includes a backing sheet 420 having front and rear surfaces 422 and 424. The front surface 422 is secured to the rear surface 413 of the tear resistant sheet 411 via the adhesive coating 419. The backing sheet 420 extends over the pockets 415 so that each dose of medication 15 is sealed into its respective pocket. The tear resistant sheet 411 has perforations 430 that separate each pocket 415 into a discrete portion 432 that is separable from the remainder of the container.

[0153] An interactive label 450 is attached to the flat, central area 416 of the front surface 412 of the tear resistant sheet 411 via an adhesive layer 451. The label 450 has a textual portion 452 with prescription information printed on its front surface. The label 450 includes a memory strip 460 similar to that used in the first and second embodiments. The information in the memory strip 460 is the same as the information 80 in the first and second embodiments. The electronic memory strip 460 is sensed through its contacts 462 via an electrical connection or wire 464. The opening 417 and notch 418 in blister pack 400 are used to mount the single dosage container 400 into a predetermined position in the dispensing device 500. The opening 417 and notch 418 ensure that the blister pack 400 is placed in a secure position in said dispenser 500, and that the sensing contacts 462 are aligned with sensors for electrically communicating with the memory strip 460.

[0154] FIGS. 20-23 show the semi-automated, clam shell medication dispenser 500 for housing and dispensing medication 15 from the blister pack container 400. The dispenser 500 has a lid 510 with a dispensing lever 514 and a plunger 515 that combine to form a dispensing mechanism for dislodging a dose of medication 15 from its pocket 415 in the blister pack 400. Finger latches 520 are arranged on both sides of the dispensing lever 514 and plunger 515. The latches 520 are integrally connected to locking struts 522, which engage the dispensing lever 514. (See FIG. 20). To dispense a dose of medication 15, the patient pushes each finger latch 520 out and away from the body of the lid 510 so that struts 522 release the dispensing lever 514. When released, dispensing lever 514 is biased by a spring (not shown) to a raised position above the struts 522 as seen in FIG. 23. When the finger latches 520 are released, the latches and struts 522 are biased by a second spring (not shown) into their original position. The struts 522 are now located beneath the dispensing lever 514. This structure is intended to provide a relatively child-proof or resistant method for releasing dispenser lever 514.

[0155] The dispenser 500 is now ready to dispense medication 15. The lever 514 is pulled up, which causes dispensing plunger 515 to rotate down and press against the top of the blister pack pocket 415 positioned below the plunger. As the plunger continues to rotate down, the medication 15 is forced through backing sheet 420 of the single dose container 400 and through a dispenser opening 565 for the patient to consume. The predetermined information 80 in the memory strip 460 is downloaded to or sensed by the processor 530 of the dispenser 500 via a sensing mechanism (not shown) attached to the lid 510. The sensing mechanism has sensors similar to those in sensing tab 110. These sensors engage the contacts 462 of the memory strip 460. The computer processor 530 has circuitry similar to that shown in FIG. 9 and includes a memory and a real time clock that are electrically connected via a circuit board. Information 80 in the memory strip 460 is electronically transmitted to or otherwise communicated or read by the computer processor 530 via the contacts 462, links 464, sensors and the circuit board. The lid 510 also includes a “Next Dose” button 525 for advancing the single dosage container 400 to the next dosage position, and an “Eject” button 528 for ejecting the container 400. Communication devices such as audible alerting device 542 and display 544 are used to present messages and visual alerts. These buttons 525 and 528 and communication devices 542 and 544 are in electrical communication with the computer processor 530 via the circuit board.

[0156] The dispenser 500 has a base 560 that is hingably attached to the lid 510 by hinge 562. The base 560 includes a battery 550 for powering the electrical components in the dispenser, and a battery access door 552 to permit periodic replacement of the battery. The base 560 has a dispenser opening 565 through which the backing sheet 420 of one of the discrete portions 432 of the blister pack 400 can be seen, and through which individual doses of medication 15 are dispensed. To assist in breaking or tearing the backing sheet 420, a portion of the dispenser opening 565 has a sharp interior edge that cuts into the surface of the backing sheet 420 as the sheet is pressed against the edge. The base 560 of the dispenser 500 also includes a flange 564 that secures the lid 510 to the base 560 when in the closed position. Alignment ribs 566 project upwardly from the inside surface of the base 560 to keep single dosage container 400 adequately raised so a drive spindle 570 passes through the central opening 417 in the tear resistant sheet 411 when the dispenser 500 is closed. The alignment ribs 566 and the shape of the spindle 570, which matingly engages the central opening 417 and offset notch 418 of the blister pack 400, combine to form a mechanism for selectively aligning one of the pockets 415 with the plunger 515 of the dispenser. FIG. 24 shows an alternate embodiment of the blister pack container 400. In this embodiment, the interactive label 450 is affixed to the surface of the backing sheet 420. A window 568 made of clear plastic is provided in the base 560 of the dispenser 500. The window 568 allows the patient to read the contents of the prescription text 452 when the dispenser is closed.

[0157] The dispenser 500 is equipped with a drive spindle 570 and a motor 572 for automatically dispensing the medication 15. The motor 572 is relatively flat in design similar to those used in portable CD players. The computer processor 530, motor 572 and spindle 570 combine to form an access control device or advancing mechanism for rotating the single dosage container 400 when a dose is to be dispensed. The computer processor 530 controls the activation of the motor 572 and spindle 570 to prevent the patient or care giver from removing medication 15 from the blister pack 400 until the time the next dose of medication is due. The motor 572 also controls a locking solenoid 580 that prevents inappropriate access to the medication container 400 by the patient or care giver. The solenoid 580 controls a rod aligned to selectively engage or enter an opening in flange 564. When the solenoid 580 is activated to force the rod into the latch opening, the dispenser 500 is locked shut. When the solenoid 580 is activated to pull the rod out of the latch opening the dispenser 500 can be opened. The access control device can also take the form of an access indicator as noted above.

[0158] To use the personal semi-automated medication dispenser 500, the patient can press the “Eject” button 528 and insert a fall blister pack container 400. Processor 530 causes the single dosage container 400 to rotate via motor 572 such that the contacts 462 of the memory strip 460 are below the sensors of the dispenser 500 (not shown) which are in electrical communication with the computer processor 530 via the circuit board. When properly positioned the processor 530 may write to the memory strip 460 to update it with the number of doses that have been dispensed, so the quantity of medication 15 stored in memory strip 460 is accurate. When all the medication 15 is dispensed, the computer processor 530 is programmed to accept input from the “Eject” button 528. The computer processor 530 then causes locking solenoid 580 to retract and allow hinged lid 510 to open under spring force. The existing single dosage container 400 is removed and a new one placed so that center opening 417 is pressed over drive spindle 570. The hinged top 510 is closed, causing the locking solenoid 580 to engage the opening in flange 564 and locking the dispenser closed.

[0159] The information 80 in the memory strip 460 is transferred to processor 530 so that the prescription regimen is shown on the display 544. When it is time to take a medication 15, the processor causes audible alarm 542 to sound an alert. The patient then presses the “Next Dose” button 525. Processor 530 causes motor 572 to rotate the spindle 570 and single dosage container 400 to the next available filled pocket 415. The patient then releases the dispensing lever 514, as previously described, and lifts the lever up to dispense a dose of medication 15. When this is done a micro switch or sensor (not shown) detects the dispensing of a dose of medication 15 and reduces the quantity of medication understood by the processor 530 to be held in container 400 by one. The dispensing lever 514 is then secured into its lowered position. It should be noted that the dispensing lever 514 could be adapted to engage the blister pack 400 near perforations 430 to separate an entire discrete portion 432 from the remainder of the blister pack while leaving the medication 15 inside its discrete portion. The discrete portion 432 of the blister pack 400 would then be discharged through opening 565 in the dispenser 500 so that the patient could remove the medication from the discrete portion themselves.

[0160] As previously described portions of the information 80 in the memory strip 460 can be transferred to the separate computer 270 or personal alerting device 290. Program codes 86 can be transferred so computer 270 is equipped with software to provide alert scheduling or to check for contra-indicated medications. Program codes 86 can be transferred to processor 530 of dispenser 500 to assist in scheduling alerts. Additional buttons (not shown) are used to enter the date and time. The dispenser can also be provided with other alarms (not shown) such as a visual or vibrational alarm, an infrared transmitter (not shown) for communicating with a separate computer, and connectors (not shown) for electrically attaching the dispenser to the separate computer 270.

[0161] FIG. 26 shows a fifth embodiment of the medication container 800 for holding and organizing several different types of medication. The container 800 includes several vials that are the same as or similar to the vials 20 for containers 10, 200 and 300. Each particular vial 20 is physically separable from the other vials, but is removably secured to a unitary lid 810 as discussed below. Each particular vial 20 is equipped with its own corresponding interactive label 50 and machine readable and writable memory strip 60. However, it should be understood that in this embodiment of the invention, the label 50 need not be interactive. The machine readable and writable memory strip 60 can be replaced by a memory device that is only machine readable. For example, memory strip 60 and its contacts 62 and wires 64 can be replaced by the several conductive/non-conductive or reflective/non-reflective surfaces and ground surface 352-358 of container 300, or by a conventional bar code (not shown) applied to the surface of the label 50.

[0162] The unitary lid 810 includes a housing 811 with front 812, rear 813, top 814, bottom 815, and end surfaces 816 and 817. As shown in FIG. 27, a number of ports or portholes 820 are formed along the length of the bottom surface 815. The portholes 820 are spaced equidistantly apart from one end 816 of the housing to the other 817. Each porthole 820 has an inside surface 821 that is shaped and sized to snugly receive the top end 25 and ratchets 40 of one of the vials 20. Similar to the cap 100, the inside surface 821 of each porthole 820 includes several hold down lugs 822 or threads for removably securing the vial 20 to the unitary lid 810. Each particular port 820 has a corresponding sensing tab 825 that includes sensors 115 like those in cap 100. The sensing tabs 825 projects downwardly from the bottom surface 815 of the lid 810 and have an inside surface that is substantially flush with the inside surface 821 of the porthole 820.

[0163] Each vial 20 has a guide ring (not shown) similar to guide ring 30 that receives the sensing tab 825. The label 50 is affixed in the recess 28 of the vial 20. The recess 28, guide ring 30 and sensing tab 825 combine to align the textual portion 52 facing toward the front 812 of the unitary lid 810 when the vial is secured. This ensures that each textual portion 52 is visible when several vials 20 are secured to the unitary lid 810. The guide rings 30 also ensure that sensors 115 or 826 align with and detect contacts 62 in control system 840 (FIG. 28), or that contacts 192 align with contacts 194 in control system 190 (FIG. 25).

[0164] The housing 811 of the unitary lid 810 has a number of openings 830 in its top surface 814. Each of these openings 830 is aligned directly above and forms a channel that extends through to a corresponding portholes 820. When the vial 20 is secured to the unitary lid 810, medication 15 can be removed from the vial 20 through the porthole 820 and opening 830. An access door 835 is provided to seal each opening 830. The door 835 has a hinge 836 that is secured to top surface 814 of the housing 811, and a latch 837. The door 835 pivots between open and closed positions 838 and 839. Medication 15 is sealed in the container when the vial 20 is secured to the lid 810 and the access door 835 is in its closed position 839. The latch 837 locks the door into its closed position 839. Medication 15 is removed from one of the vials 20 by releasing the appropriate latch 837, moving the corresponding door 835 to its open position 838, inverting the container 800 and pouring the medication out of the associated opening 830.

[0165] As shown in FIG. 28, the unitary lid 810 includes a control system 840 that is similar to the control system 114 of containers 10, 300 and 400 shown in FIG. 9. The control system 840 is broken into two subsets of components 841 and 842. The components forming these two subsets 841 and 842 are the same types of components as in control system 114. The first subset 841 has a one-to-one correlation between components in system 114, and includes computer processor 120, memory 125, audible and vibratory alarms 134 and 138, real time clock 145, battery 150, and buttons 160, 162, 164 and 166. Subset 841 also includes a radio frequency (RF) receiver 843 for receiving information regarding necessary changes in the prescribed dosing regimen 82. Receiver 843 can be a transceiver for transmitting information, such as consumption information 84, back to the pharmacy or prescribing physician. The second subset 842 is broken up into multiple sets of components 844. Each set of components 844 is associated with one particular porthole. Each set of components 844 includes the sensors 115, LCD display 132 and indicator light 136 associated with that particular porthole 820. Each set 844 also includes first and second access control devices 845 and 846, and a sensor 847 for the access door 835 associated with the particular porthole 820 as discussed below. The display 132 and indicator 134 of a particular set 844 are located directly in front of the access door 835 corresponding to the particular porthole 820 and vial 20 for that set. The circuit board 130 is somewhat larger than the board in cap 100 due to the increase in number of components and the spacing apart of the various sets 844 of components along the length of the lid 810.

[0166] FIG. 27 shows the vial 20 equipped with machine readable and writable memory strip 60 and contacts 62. The sensors 115 are located on the inside surface of each sensing tab 825. When the vial 20 is secured to its particular porthole 820, the contacts 62 are in electrical communication with the sensors 115 for that porthole. As stated above, the memory strip 60 can be replaced by a memory device that is only machine readable. For example, the vial can be equipped with conductive/non-conductive or reflective/non-reflective surfaces 352-358 as in FIG. 16. Sensing tab 825 and sensors 115 are similar in construction to the sensing tab 372 and sensors 374 of container 300. When the vial 20 is equipped with the conventional bar code in lieu of memory strip 60, the sensors 115 are optical sensors that read the bar coded information when the vial 20 is slid into one of the portholes 820 or rotated into a secure position in that porthole.

[0167] As shown in FIG. 28, the control system 840 is equipped with two access control devices 845 and 846. These devices 845 and 846 are similar in design to solenoid locking mechanism or assembly 180. The first access control device or vial locking solenoid assembly 845 serves the same purpose as assembly 180. Both assemblies 180 and 845 lock the vial 20 to the cap 100 of unitary lid 810 until a predetermined time, such as when the vial is empty. The second access control device or door locking solenoid assembly 846 locks the access door 835 in its closed position 839 to prevent the removal of medication 15 until the prescribed time to take the particular medication contained in the corresponding vial 20. This second access control device 846 includes a solenoid and plunger assembly similar to assembly 180. The plunger engages the latch 837 of the access door 835 to lock the door in its closed position 839. It should be understood that the medication 15 could also be accessed by removing the desired particular vial 20 from the unitary lid 810.

[0168] When one particular vials 20 is secured to its associated porthole 820, the information 80 contained in the information strip 60 of that particular vial is received by the sensors 115 associated with that porthole and communicated to the computer processor 120 in the unitary lid 810. This communication of information 80 occurs each time one of the vials 20 is secured to one of the portholes 820 of the unitary lid 810. The processor 120 notes which medication information 80 came from which sensor 115 and corresponding porthole 820 or set 844. The processor 120 uses its clock 145 and the prescribed dosing regimen information 82 obtained from one sensor 115 and corresponding porthole 820 to compute an appropriate time or times to take the particular medication 15 held by the vial 20 secured to that porthole. The processor 120 then determines the appropriate time or times to take the particular type of medication 15 contained in each of the vials 20 held by its associated porthole 820.

[0169] When the processor 120 determines that the time to take one dose of prescribed medication in one particular vial is approaching or has arrived, the processor sends a signal to the display 132 and indicator light 136 for the set 844 associated with the porthole 820 holding that particular type of medication 15. The processor 120 also sends an electric current to the door lock solenoid 846 for that set 844 to release the plunger from engagement with the latch 837 so that the access door 835 is movable to its open position 838. As noted above, the door 835 and a corresponding sensor 847 form a consumption indicator. When the door 835 is moved toward its open position 838, the door sensor 847 sends a signal to the processor 120. The processor 120 uses this signal to indicate that the prescribed dose of medication 15 was taken from the corresponding vial 20 at the time the door 835 was opened. This consumption information is stored in the memory 125 of the unitary lid 810. The processor 120 could also send electric current to the vial lock 845 to allow access to the medication 15, and use this occurrence as the signal that medication 15 was consumed. When the memory device 60 on the vial 20 is machine readable and writable, the processor 120 alters the memory device to include this consumption information.

[0170] FIG. 29 shows a sixth embodiment of the medication container 850 for holding and organizing several different types of medication. This container 850 is similar to the container 800. Each particular vial 20 is physically separable from the other vials, but is removably secured to a unitary lid or console 860 as discussed below. Each particular vial 20 is equipped with its own corresponding interactive label 50 and machine readable and writable memory strip 60. As in the fifth embodiment, it should be understood that the label 50 of container 850 need not be interactive. One of ordinary skill in the art should understand that the terms console and unitary lid are interchangeable. Finally, one or ordinary skill in the art should understand that the machine readable and writable memory strip 60 can be replaced by a memory device that is only machine readable. For example, memory strip 60 and its contacts 62 and wires 64 can be replaced by the several conductive/non-conductive or reflective/non-reflective surfaces and ground surface 352-358 as in container 300, or by a conventional bar code (not shown) applied to the surface of the label 50.

[0171] The unitary lid 860 includes an L-shaped housing 861 with a front 862, rear 863, top 864, bottom 865, and end surfaces 866 and 867. As best shown in FIG. 30, the housing 861 has an intermediate wall 868 that extends from the top 864 of the housing down to a platform 869 for holding the vials 20. The portholes 870 are similar in construction to the portholes 820 of container 800, and are spaced equidistantly apart from one end 866 of the housing to the other end 867. Each porthole 870 has an inside surface 871 shaped and sized to snugly receive the top end 25 and ratchets 40 of one vial 20. Similar to container 800, the inside surface of each porthole 870 includes several hold down lugs 872 or threads for removably securing the vial 20 to the unitary lid 860. Each particular porthole 870 has a corresponding sensing tab 875 with sensors 115 like those of cap 100. The sensing tabs 875 project upwardly from the top surface 814 of the lid 860, and have an inside surface that is substantially flush with the inside surface 871 of the porthole 870.

[0172] Each vial 20 has a guide ring (not shown) similar to guide ring 30 that receives the sensing tab 875. The label 50 is affixed in the recess 28 of the vial 20. The recess 28, guide ring 30 and sensing tab 875 combine to align the textual portion 52 facing toward the front 862 of the unitary lid 860 when the vial 20 is secured. This ensures that each textual portion 52 is visible when several vials 20 are secured to the unitary lid 860. The guide rings 30 also ensure that sensors 115 or 876 align with contacts 62 in control system 890 (FIG. 28), or that contacts 192 align with contacts 194 in control system 190 (FIG. 25).

[0173] The housing 861 has a number of openings 880 along the length of its front surface 812. Each opening 880 is aligned directly in front of and forms a corresponding channel that extends through to a corresponding porthole 870. When the vial 20 is secured to one of the portholes 870, medication 15 is removed via a medication selector 885. The selector 885 has a shaft 886 that is sized to fit snugly in the opening 880 and its corresponding channel. The shaft 886 has a medication singulating compartment 887 sized to hold a standard dose of medication 15. The selector 885 slides in the channel of the opening 880 to and from open and closed positions 888 and 889. In the closed position 889, the singulating compartment 887 is located inside its corresponding porthole 870 so that one of the doses of medication 15 falls into the compartment. The selector 885 is then pulled partially out of the opening 880 so that the compartment 887 extends beyond the front 862 of the lid so that the medication 15 in the compartment can be removed. Medication 15 is sealed in the container 850 when the vials 20 are secured to the unitary lid 860 and the selector 885 is in its closed position 889.

[0174] The unitary lid 860 includes a control system 890 that is similar to control system 840 shown in FIG. 28. The components making up the control systems 840 and 890 are similar. System 890 is broken into two subsets of components 891 and 892. The first subset 891 includes one computer processor 120, memory 125, display 132, audible and vibratory alarms 134 and 138, real time clock 145, battery 150, and buttons 160, 162, 164 and 166. The subset 891 also includes a RF receiver 893 for receiving information regarding necessary changes in the prescribed dosing regimen 82. Receiver 893 can be a transceiver for transmitting information, such as consumption information 84, back to the pharmacy or prescribing physician. The second subset 892 includes multiple sets of components 894. Each set of components 894 is associated with one particular porthole. Each set 894 includes the sensors 115 associated with that particular porthole 870. Each set 894 also includes first and second access control devices 895 and 896, and a sensor 897 for the access door 885 associated with the particular porthole 870 as discussed below. The single LCD display 132 spans the length of the front 862 of the unitary lid 860. The display visually identifies the appropriate selector 885 to pull to obtain the appropriate, prescribed medication 15. The computer processor 120 instructs the display 132 to show an arrow pointing at the appropriate selector 885. Again, the circuit board (not shown) is somewhat larger than circuit board 130 due to the increase in number of components and the spacing apart of the various sets 892 of components along the length of the lid 860.

[0175] FIG. 29 shows the vial 20 equipped with machine readable and writable memory strip 60 and contacts 62. The sensors 115 are located on the inside surface of each sensing tab 875. When one of the vials 20 is secured to a particular porthole 870, the contacts 62 of the memory strip 60 are in electrical communication with the sensors 115 for that porthole, thus allowing each sensor 115 to detect the presence of its respective contacts 62 and communicate information from the memory strip 60 to the processor 120. As stated above, the memory strip 60 can be replaced by a memory device that is only machine readable. For example, the vial 20 is equipped with conductive/non-conductive or reflective/non-reflective surfaces 352-358 as in FIG. 16. Sensing tab 875 and sensors 115 are similar in construction to the sensing tab 372 and sensors 374 of container 300. When the vial 20 is equipped with the conventional bar code in lieu of memory strip 60, the sensors 115 are optical sensors that read the bar coded information when the vial 20 is slid into one of the portholes 870 or rotated into a secure position in that porthole.

[0176] As shown in FIG. 28, the unitary lid 860 is equipped with two access control devices that are similar in design to solenoid locking assembly 180. The first access control device or vial locking solenoid assembly 895 serves the same purpose as assembly 180. Both assemblies 180 and 895 lock the vial 20 to the unitary lid 860 until a predetermined time, such as when the vial is empty. The second access control device or selector locking solenoid assembly 896 locks the selector 885 in its closed position 889 until the prescribed time to take the particular medication in the corresponding vial 20. This second access control device 896 includes a solenoid and plunger assembly 898 similar to assembly 180. The plunger engages the shaft 886 of the selector 885 and locks it in its closed position 889. It should be understood that the medication 15 could also be accessed by removing the desired particular vial 20 from the unitary lid 860.

[0177] When one particular vial 20 is secured to its associated porthole 870, the information 80 contained in the information strip 60 of that particular vial is received by the sensors 115 associated with that porthole and communicated to the computer processor 120 in the unitary lid 860. This communication of information 80 occurs each time one of the vials 20 is secured to one of the portholes 870 of the unitary lid 860. The processor 120 notes which medication information 80 came from which sensor 115 and corresponding porthole 870. This particular porthole identification information is obtained by the processor 120 via the hardwiring of the system (each porthole sensor 115 having a separate lead to the processor) or by assigning an identification tag to each porthole or one of its corresponding components such as its sensor. The processor 120 uses the its clock 145 and the prescribed dosing regimen information 82 obtained from the vial 20 in one particular porthole 870 to compute an appropriate time or times to take the particular medication 15 held by the vial 20 secured to that porthole. The processor 120 then determines the appropriate time or times to take the particular type of medication 15 contained in each of the vials 20 held by their associated portholes 870.

[0178] When the processor 120 determines that the time to take one doses of prescribed medication in one particular vial is approaching or has arrived, the processor sends a signal to the display 132 to show an arrow pointing to the associate porthole 870 holding that particular type of medication 15. The processor also sends an electric current to the selector lock solenoid 896 of the appropriate set 894 to release the plunger from engagement with the selector shaft 886 so that the selector 885 for that particular vial 20 is movable to its open position 888. As noted above, the consumption indicator is formed by the selector 885 and its corresponding sensor 897. When the selector 885 is moved toward its open position 888, the selector sensor 897 sends a signal to the processor 120. The processor 120 uses this signal to indicate that the prescribed dose of medication 15 was taken from the corresponding vial 20 at the time the selector 885 was moved to its open position 888. This removal or consumption information includes removed quantity or consumption quantity information (e.g., one dose of medication), and this information is stored in the memory 125 of the unitary lid 860. The processor 120 could also send electric current to the vial lock 895 to allow access to the medication 15, and use this occurrence as the signal that medication 15 was consumed. When the memory device 60 on the vial 20 is machine readable and writable, the processor 120 can alter the memory device to include this consumption information.

[0179] FIG. 31 shows a seventh embodiment of the medication container 900 for holding and organizing several different types of medication. This container 900 has an automated, unitary lid or console 910 that is similar to the unitary lid 860 of container 850. The vials 20 are replaced by blister cassettes 950. Each particular cassette 950 is physically distinct and separable from the other cassettes, but is removably secured to a unitary lid 910 as discussed below. Each particular cassette 950 is equipped with its own corresponding machine readable memory device or bar code 960. However, it should be understood that the cassette 950 could contain an interactive label 50. A machine readable and writable memory strip 60 can be substituted for the memory device 960. In addition, several conductive/non-conductive or reflective/non-reflective surfaces and ground surface 352-358 may be substituted as in container 300.

[0180] The unitary lid 910 includes an L-shaped housing 911 with a front 912, rear 913, top 914, bottom 915, and end surfaces 916 and 917. As best shown in FIG. 32, the housing 911 has an intermediate wall 918 that extends from the top 914 of the housing down to a platform 919 for holding the blister cassettes 950. The platform 919 has a number of ports or slots 920 formed along the length of its surface. The slots 920 are spaced equidistantly apart from one end 916 of the housing to the other 917. Each slot 920 is formed by a forward wall 921, two lateral walls 922 and a rear wall 923 that are shaped and sized to snugly receive the sides of the cassette 950. The forward wall 921 is flush with the surface of the intermediate wall 918. The housing 911 also has a number of openings 930 formed along the length of its front surface 912. Each opening 930 is aligned directly in front of one of the slots 920. The opening 930 forms a channel extending from the front surface 912, through the lid 910 to the surface of the intermediate wall 918, and into a corresponding slot 920. An optical sensor 940 is secured in the intermediate wall 918 above the opening 930.

[0181] As best shown in FIG. 33, the blister cassette 950 is formed by a rigid housing 951. The front of the housing 951 is formed by a flat wall 952 with an opening 954 towards its bottom edge. The bottom is formed by a U-shaped channel 955 with lateral rims 956. The top and rear portions of the housing 951 are formed by a circular loop 957. The housing is completed by a pair of flat side walls 958. A machine readable memory device such as bar code 960 is affixed to the front wall 952 above opening 954. The bar code 960 contains a variety of information 80 about the medication 15 in the blister cassette 950. A textual label 967 is affixed to the top or loop portion 957 of the housing 951 so that each label is visible when several cassettes 950 are secured to the unitary lid 910.

[0182] The housing 951 holds a conventional blister strip 970 formed by a series of connected blister packets 975 that are separable along a perforation or score line between each adjacent packet. Each blister packet 975 holds a dose of medication 15. The strip 970 is coiled up inside the housing 951 with the outer coil laying against the U-shaped channel 955 between rims 956. A free end 976 of the outer coil passes through the opening 954 in the front wall 952 of the cassette 950.

[0183] As shown in FIG. 31, when the blister cassette 950 is secured to the unitary lid 910, the free end 976 of the blister strip 970 extends through opening 930. This places the end packet 975 in a reserve position 978. Medication 15 is obtained by pulling the end packet 975 completely through the opening 930, and tearing off the end packet 975 along the perforated line connecting it to its adjacent packet. The adjacent packet is now in the reserve position 978 with its free end 976 partially extending through opening 930, and is accessible when the next dose of medication is due to be taken.

[0184] The unitary lid 910 includes a control system 990 that is similar to control system 890 shown in FIG. 28. The components making up control systems 890 and 990 are similar. System 990 is broken into two subsets of components 991 and 992. The first subset 991 includes one computer processor 120, memory 125, display 132, audible and vibratory alarms 134 and 138, real time clock 145, battery 150, and buttons 160, 162, 164 and 166. The first subset 991 also includes a RF receiver 993 for receiving information regarding necessary changes in the prescribed dosing regimen 82. Receiver 993 can be a transceiver for transmitting information, such as consumption information 84, back to the pharmacy or prescribing physician. The second subset 992 includes multiple sets 994. Each set of components 994 is associated with one particular slot 920. Each set of components 994 includes the sensors 115 associated with that particular slot 920. Each set 994 also includes first and second access control devices 995 and 996, and a sensor 997 for the opening 930 associated with the particular slot 920 as discussed below. The single LCD display 132 spans the length of the front 912 of the unitary lid 910. The display visually identifies the appropriate blister packet 975 to pull to obtain the appropriate, prescribed medication 15. The computer processor 120 instructs the display to point an arrow at the appropriate packet 975. Again, the circuit board (not shown) is somewhat larger than circuit board 130 due to the increase in number of components and the spacing apart of the various sets 992 of components along the length of the lid 910.

[0185] Optical sensors 940 are located on the surface of the intermediate wall 918. When one of the blister cassettes 950 is slid into place in a particular slot 920, the optical sensor 940 corresponding to that slot reads the information 80 contained in the memory device or bar code 960. When the cassette 950 is equipped with machine readable and writable memory strip 60 in lieu of bar code 960, the optical sensors 940 are replaced with sensors 115. When the cassette 950 is equipped with conductive/non-conductive or reflective/non-reflective surfaces 352-358, the sensors 115 are similar in construction to sensors 374 of container 300.

[0186] As shown in FIG. 28, the control system 990 is equipped with two access control devices that are similar in design to solenoid locking assembly 180. The first access control device or cassette locking assembly 995 prevents the removal of the cassette 950 from the unitary lid 910 until a predetermined time, such as when the cassette is empty. The second access control device or solenoid locking assembly 996 prevents the extension of free end 976 of the blister strip 975 through opening 930 until the prescribed time to take the particular medication in the corresponding cassette 950. This second access control device 996 includes a solenoid and plunger assembly. The plunger engages the blister strip 975 and locks it in place so that it cannot be pulled out of the opening 930. It should be understood that the medication 15 could also be accessed by removing the desired particular vial 20 from the unitary lid 910.

[0187] When one particular cassette 950 is secured to its associated slot 920, the information 80 contained in the information strip 60 of that particular cassette is received by the sensors 115 associated with that slot and communicated to the computer processor 120 in the unitary lid 910. This communication of information 80 occurs each time one of the cassettes 950 is secured to one of the slots 920 of the unitary lid 910. The processor 120 notes which medication information 80 came from which associated sensor 115 for the particular slot 920. The processor 120 uses its clock 145 and the prescribed dosing regimen information 82 obtained from the particular cassette 950 secured to its associate slot 920 to compute an appropriate time or times to take the particular medication 15 held by that cassette. The processor 120 then determines the appropriate time or times to take the particular type of medication 15 contained in each of the cassette 950 held by the slots 920.

[0188] When the processor 120 determines that it is time to take one dos of prescribed medication in one particular cassette 950, the processor sends a signal to the display 132 to show an arrow pointing to the associate slot 920 and cassette 950 holding that particular type of medication 15. The processor also sends an electric current to the blister strip locking solenoid 996 of the appropriate set 994 associated with slot 920 to withdraw the plunger from in front of the leading blister packet 975 so that this packet can be removed from its associated opening 930. As noted above, the consumption indicator is formed by a selector sensor 997 that detects the movement of the blister strip 970 or the removal of the blister packet 975 through the discharge opening 930 of the cassette 950. When the blister packet 975 is removed and another blister packet is advanced to the reserve position 978, the selector sensor 997 sends a signal to the processor 120. The processor 120 uses this signal to indicate that the prescribed dose of medication 15 was taken from the corresponding cassette 950 at the time the blister packet 975 was removed. This consumption information is stored in the memory 125 of the unitary lid 910. The processor 120 could also send electric current to the vial lock 995 to allow access to the medication 15, and use this occurrence as the signal that medication 15 was consumed. When the memory device 60 on the cassette 950 is machine readable and writable, the processor 120 can alter the memory device to include this consumption information.

[0189] The following is provided to assist the reader in understanding the operation of the preceding embodiments of the invention. When a physician prescribes one or more medications to a particular patient, the prescription is forwarded to a pharmacy. The pharmacist or his or her staff uses the prescription to fill one or more vials 20 or cassettes 950 with the prescribed medications 15. For each vial 20 or cassette 950, the pharmacy creates prescription information 80 corresponding to the type of medication 15 placed in that vial or cassette. This information 80 is written or otherwise applied to the memory device 60, 352-358 or 960 that is secured or otherwise applied to the appropriate vial 20 or cassette 950. This information 80 includes dosage and time frequency information for the particular medication 15 in that vial 20 or cassette 950. The pharmacy staff, a healthcare worker or patient then secures the separate and distinct vials 20 or cassettes 950 to the unitary lid 810, 860 or 910 assigned to or owned by that particular patient.

[0190] The medication containers 800, 850 and 900 hold and organize several vials 20 or cassettes 950. Each unitary lid 810, 860 or 910 has several ports 820, 870 or 920 for receiving the vials 20 or cassettes 950. Each port 820, 870 or 920 has one corresponding pair of sensors 115 or 374 for reading the information 80 contained in the memory device 60, 352-358 or 960 of the vial 20 or cassette 950. Each port 820, 870 or 920 also has one corresponding opening 830, 880 or 930 through which the medication 15 in corresponding vial 20 or cassette 950 is dispensed. Each container 800, 850 or 900 includes a control system 840, 890 or 990, respectively, that includes a processor 120 for controlling the operations of the container.

[0191] The processor 120 organizes the activation of the display(s) 132 and alarm(s) 134, 136 and 138 for instructing and alerting the patient when it is time to consume one of the prescribed medications 15 held by the container. When the vials 20 or cassettes 950 are secured to the unitary lid 810, 860 or 910, the processor 120 reads the prescription information 80 from the memory device 60, 352-358 or 960, and calculates the appropriate time to take each of the medications 15 contained in the several vials 20 or cassettes 950.

[0192] The computer processor 120 uses the prescribed dosing regimen information 82 and the timing device 145 to calculate or otherwise develop the prescribed times for taking each of the different medications 15 held in the container 800, 850 or 900. The processor 120 uses its timing device 145 to determine when the predetermined time or times to take one of the particular types of medication occur. The computer processor then informs the patient that it is time to take a dose of medication 15 via the display 132, indicator 136, or other various alarms 134 and 138. Information 80 is also communicated to the processor 120 and memory 60, 125 via electrical contacts or via an RF or magnetically coupled link.

[0193] When the processor 120 determines that at least one medication 15 is due, the processor issues an audible consumption alert using speaker 134. This alert can be in the form of a voice synthesized message that indicates the correct vial 20 or cassette 950 to access and amount of medication to consume. The processor 120 also instructs the LCD display 132 to show a message or the indicator light 136 to flash directly in front of the appropriate vial 20 or cassette 950 containing the prescribed medication 15 to be taken at this time, and the amount of that medication to take.

[0194] The control systems 840, 890 or 990 operate in much the same way as control system 114 to obtain consumption information. The vials 20 and cassettes 950 are secured and locked to the ports 820, 870 or 920 of the container 800, 850 or 900 by first access control mechanism 845, 895 or 995. Each vial 20 or cassette 950 has an opening 830, 880 or 930 for removing medication 15. The vial openings 830 or 880 are closed by door 835 or selector shaft 885. The door 835 or shaft 885 is locked closed 839 or 889 by a second access control mechanism 846 or 896. The blister cassette 900 prevents individual blister packs 975 from being pulled from opening 930 by second access control mechanism 996. At the appropriate prescribed time, the processor 120 sends electrical current to the second access control mechanism 846, 896 or 996 to unlock the door 835, selector 885 or blister packet 975.

[0195] Container 800 requires the appropriate access door 835 corresponding to the particular vial 20 containing the prescribed medication 15 to be moved to its open position 838 from its corresponding porthole 820 to remove medication. When the door 835 or selector shaft 885 is moved to its open position 838 or 888, the sensor 847 or 897 sends a signal to processor 120 indicating that the appropriate dose or doses of medication 15 has been removed and consumed. When the machine readable and writable memory device 60 is used, the processor 120 writes to or otherwise alters the memory strip 60 to note this consumption information 80.

[0196] The medication containers 800, 850 and 900 compare the several medications 15 contained in their vials 20 or cassettes 950 by comparing the information 80 in each of their corresponding memory strips 60. For example, the processor 120 references and compares the lists of contraindicated medications that are part of the medication information 84. Should the processor 120 determine that two or more types of medications 15 secured to the unitary lid 810, 860 or 960 are contraindicated, the processor will display an appropriate message on the display 132 or activate one of the alarms 134, 136 or 138 to communicate this to the patient. Every time a medication 15 is issued to a patient, the most recent list of contraindications is included in the memory strip 60 or 960 of the vials 20 or cassettes 950. A list of contraindicated medications can also be maintained in the memory 125 of the lid 810, 860 or 910.

[0197] The memory 125 of each organizer 800, 850 or 900 is loaded with information containing a list of medications for whom the particular patient is known to be allergic. The organizer 800, 850 or 900 will alert the patient or care giver if one of the vials 20 or cassettes 950 secured to the unitary lid 810, 860 or 910 contains medication identified as being one of the medications in the list of allergic medications. The list of allergic medications can be downloaded from a pharmacy workstation to the memory 125 prior to giving the unitary lid to the particular patient or their care giver. The list of allergic medications can also be downloaded from the memory device 60 or 960 of one of the vials 20 or cassettes 950 and secured to the unitary lid 810, 860 or 960. The processor 120 then compares each type of medication contained by the vials 20 or cassettes 950 secured to the unitary lid to the list of allergic medications to determine if one of the vials or cassettes contains an allergic medication. If an allergic medication is identified, the processor 120 indicates an appropriate message on the display 132 or activates one of the alarms 134, 136 or 138 to warn the patient or care giver that the particular patient is allergic to one of the types of medications contained in one of the vials 20 or cassettes 950.

[0198] When medications are prescribed for consumption in paired dosing regimens, this information is noted by the pharmacy on the memory strip 60 or 960, and communicated to the processor 120 when the vial 20 or cassette 950 is secured to the unitary lid 810, 860 or 960. The memory strip 60 or 960 contains information identifying that this type of medication 15 is prescribed for use with an other type of medication. The memory strip 60 or 960 also contains information identifying this other type of medication. The processor 120 uses the prescription information 80 of both memory strips 60 or 960 to determine an appropriate medication schedule such as drug A on Monday, drug B on Tuesday, drug A on Wednesday, etc. The organizer 800, 850 or 900 alerts the patient via the display 132 or audible alarm 134 if one paired medication is attached to the organizer, but the other is not. The processor 120 checks the information received from the various memory devices 60 or 960 of the vials 20 or cassettes 950 secured to the unitary lid 810, 860 or 969 to ensure that vials or cassettes containing both types of paired medications 15. The processor 120 displays an appropriate message on the display 132 or activates an alarm 134, 136 or 138 if information identifying both types of paired medications 15 have not been received.

[0199] Each organizer 800, 850 or 900 contains medication prescribed or otherwise intended for a particular individual. The organizer 800, 850 or 900 will alert that individual if one of the vials 20 or cassettes 950 secured to the unitary lid 810, 860 or 910 contains medication intended for an individual other than this particular individual. For example, if one family member inadvertently secures the vial 20 or cassette 950 containing one type or strength of medication prescribed for another family member to their unitary lid 810, 860 or 910, the container 800, 850 or 900 will alert the individual of this fact. The memory device 60 or 960 of each vial 20 or cassette 950 contains information that identifies the particular person for whom the medication is prescribed or prescribed person information. The memory 125 of the unitary lid 810, 860 or 960 is provided with particular patient information that identifies the person that should be using the unitary lid. The particular patient information can be downloaded from a pharmacy workstation to the memory 125 prior to giving the unitary lid to the particular patient or their care giver. The particular patient information can also be downloaded from the memory device 60 or 960 of a first vial 20 or cassette 950 secured to the unitary lid 810, 860 or 960. In this case, the particular patient information is the same as the prescribed information contained in the memory device 60 or 960 of that first vial 20 or cassette 960 secured to the unitary lid 810, 860 or 960. The computer 120 then compares the particular patient information to the prescribed patient information to determine if they identify the same patient. If the two sets of patient information do not identify the same patient, the processor 120 indicates an appropriate message on the display 132 or activate one of the alarms 134, 136 or 138 to wam the patient or care giver that the particular type of medication in the vial 20 or cassette 950 is not intended for this particular patient.

[0200] When the processor 120 determines that two different medications 15 are to be taken at the same time, the organizer 800, 850 or 900 signals the indicator 136 to flash or the display 132 to indicate a message instructing the patient to consume the proper amount of each medication. The processor 120 instructs the patient to take one type of medication 15 at a time. The patient is alerted to each appropriate prescribed medication in sequence. This sequencing avoids telling the patient to simultaneously obtain two pills from a first vial 20 or cassette 950 and one pill from a second vial or cassette. Many patients may get confused and dispense them in the opposite quantities. With respect to container 800, since in the patient is removing the medication via the access doors 835, they may accidentally remove too many pills from each door, and return them to the wrong vial 20.

[0201] As in container 10, the containers 800, 850 and 900 include buttons 160, 162, 164 and 166 that electro-mechanically communicate information to the processor 120. By pressing one of the buttons, the patient is able to send an electrical signal to the processor 120 in response to a question shown on the display 132 or to indicate an action to be taken, such as turn off or deactivate an alert or alarm 134 or 136. Other buttons are located on the bottom surface 815, 875 or 915 of the lid 810, 860 or 910 to enable the patient to set the correct date, hour and minute of the real time clock 145 that is in electrical communication with the processor 120 via the circuit board 130.

[0202] Much of the construction and operation of the eighth embodiment is similar or identical to the first and other above embodiments in construction and operation. For this reason only the distinctions between the eighth embodiment and the previous embodiments will be described here in detail. Some of the operational aspects of the eighth embodiment also apply to the earlier embodiments. In FIGS. 35-39 elements that are similar to elements described in the previous embodiments use similar numbers. For example a processor identified by the numeral 120 is identified by the same numeral in the eighth embodiment.

[0203] FIGS. 35-37 show an eighth embodiment of the invention where container 1100 includes a vial 1102 with an alignment plate 1104 with an exposed front surface 1107 supporting an interactive label 1106 and a cap 1108 that releasably mates to vial 1102. Plate 1104 is designed to include two side rails 1105 which project laterally from plate and are shaped so plate 1104 can be releasably mated with sensing or reminder unit 1114 comprised of computer processor 120 which when mated to plate 1104 is able to read stored information 80 on label 1106 to control a variety of alarms and visual display. Plate 1104 further includes locking aperture 1109 discussed below. When reminder unit 1114 is mated to container 1100, it forms a completed assembly. When the reminder unit 1114 is left off, the container is referred to as container 1101.

[0204] Vial 1102 includes compartment 1120 defined by cylindrical wall 1122, a closed bottom end 1124, and an open top end 1126. Medication 15 is inserted into and removed from compartment 1120 via the open end 1126 of the vial 1102. The cylinder has an inner surface 1128 and an outer surface 1130. The vial 1102 is made of a unitary plastic similar to other conventional vial-type containers. Plate 1104 can be part of vial 1102 or a separate piece attached or adhered to outer surface 1130 or vial 1102.

[0205] Vial 1102 has several securement ratchets 40 for securing and sealing the cap 1108 against the open end 1126 of the vial. The ratchets 40 are evenly spaced around the open end 1126, and protrude from the outer surface 1130 of the vial 1102. The ratchets are similar to those found on conventional childproof medication containers as in FIG. 1. The ratchets are more filly described in the first embodiment. Other methods of closing vial 1102 are contemplated, for example a lid attached to vial 1102 by a living hinge.

[0206] Vial 1102 includes interactive label 1106. The label is affixed to plate 1104 and may be constructed similar to interactive label 50 described above however it no longer has textual portion 52. Interactive label 1106 includes an electronic machine readable memory 60. Memory 60 is linked to external electrical contacts 62 via links or electrical wires 64. Memory 60 contains information 80. It is contemplated that memory 60 can include writable segments. In some applications interactive label 1106 can be replaced or augmented with a machine readable bar code 1134. When plate 1104 is adhered to vial 1102 it is placed so as not to obscure textual portion 52 of label 1136. Similarly, when plate 1104 is an integral part of vial 1102 and memory contacts 62 require physical contact in order to allow memory 60 to be read, label 1136 is positioned so as not to cover contacts 62.

[0207] Reminder unit 1114 includes housing 1140 with a front 1141 and rear 1143. The rear 1143 shaped to include blind rear slot 1142 and housing side rails 1144. The rear surface of the reminder unit has exposed sensors or electrical contacts 1150. Reminder unit 1114 is attached to plate 1104 by positioning the unit above the top surface of the plate and aligning the opening of slot 1142 with rails 1105 and sliding the unit down in direction D1 until the unit is completely down so that the top of plate is resting against the upper surface of blind slot 1142. When so positioned electrical contacts 1150 of the unit are in contact with electrical contacts 62 of interactive label 1106 allowing processor 120 to read the contents of memory strip 60. While vial 1102 is attached to reminder unit 1114 by mating plate 1104 to slot 1142, other methods of attaching vial to reminder unit are contemplated so that sensors 1150 are aligned with contacts 62.

[0208] Other features of reminder unit 1114 are exposed electrical contacts 1156 and locking aperture 1158 on the front 1141 of housing 1140 whose use is discussed below.

[0209] As shown in FIG. 9, the reminder unit 1114 has a control system including computer processor 120 with its own memory 125. Processor 120 and memory 125 are located on and in electrical communication with a circuit board 130 located in reminder unit 1114 for protection, see FIG. 36. The processor 120 of circuit board 130 is electrically connected via conductors 1152 to exposed electrical contacts 1150 on the rear surface of housing 1140. The circuit board 130 electrically connects the processor 120 to a visual communication device such as an LCD display 132. The LCD display 132 visually displays desired information to the patient, such as the date and time the next dose of medication is to be taken and the number of pills to be taken. The display 132 can also indicate an access alert or warning to the patient, such as the fact that the patient is so overdue in taking a dose of medication that that dose should no longer be taken. The circuit board 130 also electrically connects the processor 120 to a variety of alarming devices such as audible, visual and vibrational communication devices or alarms 134, 136 and 138, respectively. These alarms 134, 136 and 138 indicate a variety of warnings to a patient, such as when it is time to take a dose of medication. The circuit board 130 also electrically connects the processor 120 to a communication device such as an infrared transmitter 140 that transmits information to or receives information from a separate personal or business computer 270 as discussed above. Circuit board 130 also electrically connects processor 120 to a cap sensor 1160, such as a switch, to detect when cap 1108 is removed and replaced on vial 1102. Other sensors are contemplated such as magnetic detectors, photo detectors, and electrical contacts.

[0210] As shown in FIGS. 36 and 9, the circuit board 130 is in electrical communication with a power source 150, such as a battery or solar cell, that powers the processor 120, the display 132, alarms 134, 136, and 138, transmitter 140 and a timing device such as a real time clock 145.

[0211] The circuit board 130 is in electrical communication with a button 160 for electro-mechanically communicating information to the processor 120. (See FIG. 35). By pressing button 160, the patient is able to send an electrical signal to the processor 120 in response to a question shown on the display 132 or to indicate an action to be taken, such as turn off an alert or alarm. Additional buttons (not shown) or a touch screen membrane (not shown) for display 132 can be provided to enable the patient to set the correct date, hour and minute of the real time clock 145 that is in electrical communication with the processor 120 via the circuit board 130. The computer processor 120 uses the prescribed dosing regimen information 82 and the timing device 145 to calculate or otherwise develop the prescribed times for taking the medication 15. Computer processor 120 monitors timing device 145 to determine when the predetermined times to take the medication occur. The computer processor then informs the patient or individual that it is time to take a dose of medication 15 via the display 132 or an alarm 134, 136 or 138.

[0212] As shown in FIG. 35, reminder unit 1114 further includes an access control device formed by the computer processor 120 and a device such as solenoid locking mechanism or assembly 180 that is in electrical communication with the processor via the circuit board 130. The locking assembly 180 controls the patient's ability to access and remove the medication 15 from the vial 20 until the time the next dose of medication is due according to the prescribed dosing regimen. The assembly 180 includes an armature 182 and a spring 184 for biasing a plunger 186 into a normal, extended position as shown in solid lines in FIGS. 38 and 39. As explained above, to seal the vial 1102, the cap 1108 is first aligned with open end 1126 of the vial so that the hold down lugs 106 are positioned above and in between the ratchets 40 of the container. (See FIG. 38). The cap 1108 is then depressed into a removably aligned position over the open end 1126 so that the lugs 106 move directly between the ratchets 40. The plunger 186 contacts the lower surface of a hold down lug 106 which causes spring 182 to compress. The cap 1108 is then rotated clockwise into its secured position where each hold down lug 106 rests in the cup 42 of its respective ratchet 40. When in this secured position, plunger 186 clears the side 46 of the ratchet 40 so that spring 184 biases the plunger into its normal, extended position. Attempts to remove the cap 1108 by rotating it counterclockwise are resisted by plunger 186, which abuts the side 46 of the ratchet 40. The cap 1108 is now locked into its secured position. The processor 120 is programmed to activate the solenoid locking assembly 180 to draw down the armature 182 and plunger 186 when the next medication dosage is due to be taken. Only then can the cap 1108 be rotated counterclockwise and removed.

[0213] As previously described memory strip 60 can have its own processor 120. The memory strip 60 is directly wired to processor 120 and serves as the memory of the processor. The memory 125 in the reminder unit 1114 is eliminated. This saves the costs associated with producing two memory devices, without compromising the disposability of vial 1102. It is contemplated that as other components of reminder unit 1114 are reduced in cost that they can be mounted on plate 1104 or interactive label 1106. Similarly the components of cap 100 can be placed on interactive label 50 or vial 20 as they become affordable to dispose of.

[0214] When the reminder unit 1114 is mated to the container 1100, the control system is complete. The contacts 1150 of the rear 1141 wall of housing 1140 are in electrical contact with the contacts 62 of the memory strip 60, and the information 80 in the memory strip is in electrical communication with or can otherwise be read by the processor 120 in the reminder unit. Predetermined portions of information 80 from the memory strip 60 are used to compute the next prescribed time for taking a dosage of medication 15 and activate an alarm or otherwise communicate that information to the patient when that time occurs. The reminder unit 1114 will keep an accurate count of the number of times the medication container is opened each day and advise the patient against consuming too many pills in too short a time. This is particularly useful for medications 15 that are prescribed to be used on an as needed basis (e.g. pain medication), but not to be consumed more than a certain amount in any given day.

[0215] Reminder unit 1114 activates an alarm to indicate that some of the medication in container 1100 is to be consumed. The patient can remove cap 1108 from vial 1102 in response to the alarm. By momentarily pressing button 160 the patient can disable the alarm. Based on this user action, the time from clock 145 and information 80, processor 120 computes the next prescribed time for taking a dosage of medication 15 and activating an alarm at that time. To track patient compliance with the dosing regimen, the processor 120 can obtain the time the user pressed button 160 from clock 145 and record it in memory 60 or 125.

[0216] As a convenience to the patient they may press button 160 for a longer period of time to temporarily cancel the current alarm for a period of time, for example 15 minutes, when it is more convenient for the patient to consume the medication. The patient by pressing button 160 twice or by pressing a separate button (not shown) can cancel the alarm indicating to the processor that the current dose is going to be skipped. Processor 120 then computes the time of the next dose of medication 15 is to be consumed and activating an alarm then. Processor can record the time of the canceled alarm in memory 60 or 125 for compliance tracking purposes.

[0217] When button 160 is pressed to indicate a dose of medication has been consumed processor 120 uses information 80 to subtract the prescribed amount of medication to be consumed from the quantity of medication remaining in container 1100 to keep an accurate track of the current supply of medication. The user may be prompted using display 132 to use button 160 or other buttons (not shown) to indicate how many pills were actually consumed should it differ from prescription information 82. The user provided number is then used to maintain the quantity of medication remaining in container 1100.

[0218] Alternately processor 120 can use sensor 1160 to sense when the patient removes or replaces cap 1108 from vial 1102 and use the input from sensor 1160 to disable the alarm. Based on this user action, the time from clock 145 and information 80, processor 120 computes the next prescribed time for taking a dosage of medication 15 and activating an alarm at that time. To track patient compliance with the dosing regimen, the processor 120 can obtain the time sensor 1160 indicated cap 1108 was removed or replaced, from clock 145 and record it in memory 60 or 125. Button 160 can still be used to temporarily disable or to cancel the alarm as mentioned above.

[0219] It should be noted that when the time of dosing is written to memory 125 and not to memory 60, then memory 60 can be read only or can be replaced by bar code 1134 holding information 80 and contacts 1150 can be replaced by a bar code reader (not shown).

[0220] In some cases it is desirable that medication 15 be consumed proximal but before a consumption alert is presented. In this case, button 160 can be pressed three times or another button (not shown) can be depressed to indicate to processor 120 that a dose of medication has been consumed. When sensor 1160 is used, processor 120 can use a signal from sensor 1160 and the clock 145 to indicate that medication is being consumed early. Dosing regimen 82 or program codes 86 can be used to determine that medication 15 can be consumed up to specific amount of time (e.g. 2 hours) prior when an alert is to be presented. In this case, reminder 1114 can acknowledge that medication 15 is being consumed and processor 120 can cancel the next alert that was to be presented and computing the second next consumption time to be used for presenting a consumption alert. In this case, the processor can record the consumption time in memory 60 or 125. However, if processor 120 determines that the medication is being consumed too early (e.g. 3 hours before an alert), processor can use devices 132, 134, 136, 138 to indicate that the medication is being consumed too early. It should be noted that when sensor 1160 indicates cap 1108 is removed and replaced in a short period of time (for example less than 5 seconds), processor 120 can interpret this as an attempt to visually inspect the quantity of medication in vial 1102 as opposed to a consumption event.

[0221] Much of the construction and operation of the ninth embodiment is similar or identical to the eighth and other above embodiments in construction and operation. For this reason only the distinctions between the ninth embodiment and the previous embodiments will be described here in detail. Some of the operational aspects of the eighth embodiment also apply to the earlier embodiments. In FIGS. 40 and 41 elements that are similar to elements described in the previous embodiments use similar numbers. For example a processor identified by the numeral 120 is identified by the same numeral in the eighth embodiment.

[0222] FIGS. 40-41 show a ninth embodiment of the invention where container 1200 is in the form of a medication inhaler, which includes an aerosol cartridge 1202 with an interactive label 1106, and an aerosol dispenser 1204. Dispenser 1204 can be releasably mated to sensing or reminder unit 1208 comprised of computer processor 120. When mated to dispenser 1204, reminder unit 1208 is able to read stored information 80 on label 1106 to control a variety of alarms and visual displays.

[0223] Cartridge 1202 is of a conventional design and includes a compartment 1220 defined by a generally cylindrical wall 1222, a closed bottom end 1224, and a valve top end 1226. Compartment 1220 holds medication 15 under pressure by a propellant 1228. Cartridge is placed in dispenser 1204 so that valve end 1226 mates with atomizer 1230. Medication is dispensed by exerting a downward force on cartridge 1202 causing the valve (not shown) of valve end 1226 to open momentarily. Propellant 1228 propels a dose of medication 15 through atomizer 1230. The patient inhales the atomized medication through delivery opening 1232.

[0224] As shown in FIG. 41 cartridge 1202 includes interactive label 1106. Interactive label 1106 is similar or identical to interactive label 50, and includes an electronic machine readable memory 60. Memory 60 is linked to external electrical contacts 62 via links or electrical wires 64. Memory 60 contains information 80. Contacts 62 may be constructed so as to extend around the cylindrical wall 1222, so cartridge 1202 can be placed in dispenser 1204 without concern about the orientation of contacts 62. It is contemplated that memory 60 can include writable segments. In some applications, interactive label 1106 is replaced or augmented with a machine readable bar code 1134. Bar code 1134 is printed as a series of horizontal stripes around cylindrical wall 1222, so cartridge 1202 can be inserted into dispenser 1204 in any orientation and bar code will still be read by a bar code reader (not shown) sensing the vertical changes in stripes (bars) as the cartridge is inserted.

[0225] Dispenser 1204 has a rear wall 1235 with opening 1236, exposing electrical contacts 62 of interactive label 50. Reminder unit 1208 includes housing 1240 with a front 1241 and rear 1243. The rear 1243 of reminder unity 1208 is contoured to fit the rear wall 1235. The rear 1243 also including a sensing projection 1245 with exposed sensors or electrical contacts 1247. Reminder unit 1208 is attached to dispenser 1204 by aligning projection 1245 with opening 1236 and pressing them together. A variety of methods can be used to secure reminder unit 1208 to dispenser 1204, such as a pressure fit between projection 1245 and opening 1236. When secured in place, electrical contacts 1247 of the unit are in contact with electrical contacts 62 of interactive label 1106 allowing processor 120 to read the contents of memory strip 60.

[0226] Other features of reminder unit 1208 are exposed electrical contacts 1156 and locking aperture 1158 on the front of housing 1240 as discussed below. This lock aperture 1158 is located in the same place as the aperture 1158 of housing 1140.

[0227] As shown in FIG. 9, the reminder unit 1208 has a control system including computer processor 120 with its own memory 125. Processor 120 and memory 125 are located on and in electrical communication with a circuit board 130 located in reminder unit 1208 for protection. (See FIG. 41). The processor 120 of circuit board 130 is electrically connected via conductors 1252 to exposed electrical contacts 1247 on the rear surface 1243 of housing 1240. Other electrical components of reminder unit 1208 are similar to those described in the seventh embodiment. The front 1241 of housing 1240 can be configured identically to front 1141 of housing 1140.

[0228] An access control device such as solenoid 180 can be implemented between reminder unit 1208 and aerosol dispenser 1204 to prevent access to medication 15 in cartridge 1202. For example, the dispenser 1204 includes ratchets 40 for securing a cap or cover 1108 to prevent access to cartridge 1202. While the form of such an access control device will differ in structure, the fundamentals of access control are well know to those knowledgeable in the art and will not be discussed further here.

[0229] When the reminder unit 1208 is mated to the dispenser 1204, the control system is complete. The contacts 1247 of the rear wall 1243 of housing 1240 are in electrical contact with the contacts 62 of the memory strip 60, and the information 80 in the memory strip is in electrical communication with or can otherwise be read by the processor 120 in the reminder unit 1208. Predetermined portions of information 80 from the memory strip 60 are used to compute the next prescribed time for taking a dosage of medication 15 and activate an alarm or otherwise communicate that information to the patient when that time occurs. The reminder unit 1208 will keep an accurate count of the number of times the medication container is opened each day and advise the patient against consuming too many aerosol doses in too short a time. This is particularly useful for medications 15 that are prescribed to be used on an as needed basis (e.g. pain or asthma medication), but not to be consumed more than a certain amount in any given day.

[0230] Reminder unit 1208 activates an alarm to indicate to that some of the medication in container 1200 is to be consumed. The patient presses cartridge 1202 down into dispenser 1204 to deliver a dose of medication 15 in response to the alarm. By momentarily pressing button 160 the patient can disable the alarm. The consumption indicator is triggered by either pressing the button 160 or cartridge 1202. Based on this user action, the time from clock 145 and information 80, processor 120 computes the next prescribed time for taking a dosage of medication 15, another alarm is activated at that time. To track patient compliance with the dosing regimen, processor 120 obtains the times the user depressed cartridge 1202 from clock 145 and records this actual consumption time information or compliance data in memory 60 or 125.

[0231] Alternately, processor 120 uses electrical contacts 1247 to sense when the patient administers a dose of medication 15 from container 1200. Processor 120 is normally in communication with memory 60. When the patient presses cartridge 1202 down in aerosol dispenser 1204 to dispense a dose, communication is interrupted by the movement of contacts 60 causing electrical contacts 1247 to no longer be in electrical contact with contacts 60. A separate sensor such as a switch or other contacts arranged to detect this motion (not shown) can be used to detect or sense the depression of the cartridge 1202. When the processor 120 is no longer in communication with memory 60, it disables the alarm. Based on this user action, the time from clock 145 and information 80, processor 120 computes the next prescribed time for taking a dosage of medication 15. Another alarm is activated at that time. To track patient compliance with the dosing regimen, processor 120 obtains the times the user depressed cartridge 1202 from clock 145 and records this actual consumption time information in memory 60 or 125. Button 160 can still be used to temporarily disable or to cancel the alarm as mentioned above.

[0232] It should be noted that when the time of dosing is written to memory 125 and not to memory 60, then memory 60 can be read only or can be replaced by bar code 1134 holding information 80 and contacts 1150 can be replaced by a bar code reader (not shown).

[0233] Much of the construction and operation of the tenth embodiment is similar or identical to the fifth, sixth, eighth and other above embodiments in construction and operation. For this reason only the distinctions between the tenth embodiment and the previous embodiments will be described here in detail. In FIGS. 42-44 elements that are similar to elements described in the previous embodiments use similar numbers. For example a processor identified by the numeral 120 is identified by the same numeral in the fifth embodiment.

[0234] This embodiment of the invention entails a medication organizing system 1300 for interacting with containers 1100 and 1101 or dispenser 1200. Other containers with either a compatible plate 1104 or reminder unit 1114 or 1208, with side rails 1144, may also be mounted to organizer 1300. For purposes of brevity, most of the description will only discuss the use of container 1100 being mated to organizing system 1300 unless a differing aspect not common to container 1100 is being described.

[0235] FIG. 42 shows the medication organizing system 1300 for several different types of medication. The organizing system 1300 includes at least one container that is the same as or similar to container 1100, 1101 or dispenser 1200. Each particular container 1100, 1101 or dispenser 1200 is removably secured to a console or unitary dispenser 1310 as discussed below. Each particular container 1100 is equipped with its own corresponding interactive label 1106 and machine readable and writable memory strip 60. However, it should be understood that in this embodiment of the invention, the label 1106 need not be interactive. The machine readable and writable memory strip 60 can be replaced by a memory device that is only machine readable. For example, memory strip 60 and its contacts 62 and wires 64 can be replaced by the several conductive/non-conductive or reflective/non-reflective surfaces and ground surface 352-358 of container 300, or by a conventional bar code 1134 applied to the surface of the label 50.

[0236] Dispenser 1310 includes a housing 1311 with front 1312, rear 1313, top 1314, bottom 1315, end surfaces 1316 and 1317, and rear support foot 1318. Arranged along the rear 1313 of top 1314 are one or more ports 1319 and 1320 in the form of blind slots. Slots 1319 are designed to mate with plate 1104 of container 1101 or with any other container with a similarly designed plate 1104. Container 1101 is positioned above an empty slot 1319 of dispenser 1310, so the rails 1105 of plate 1104 can mate with the slot. The container 1101 is then slid downward so plate 1104 is fully engaged in slot 1319. When so positioned, contacts 62 are in contact with contacts 1150 of dispenser 1310 and processor 1378 can read memory 60.

[0237] Each of slots 1320 is designed to mate with the reminder units 1114 or 1208 of containers 1100 and 1200 in a manner similar to the mating of plate 1104. Slot 1320 is sized to receive and capture side rails 1144. Again when containers 1100 or 1200 are mated to dispenser 1310 medication information 80 contained in memory 60 can be accessed by processor 1378 via contacts 1322 making contact with contacts 1156. Other containers with a reminder unit with similarly designed rails 1144 can also be used. Other methods of mating containers to dispenser 1310 are contemplated. It is also envisioned that rails 1144 can be the same size as rails 1105 to allow reminder units 1114 and 1208 to mate with slot 1319 and placing contacts 1156 in electrical contact with contacts 1150.

[0238] When the container 1100 is secured to the dispenser 1310, medication 15 can be removed from the container 1100 by removing the container from the corresponding slot 1319 and removing cap 1108 in the conventional manner. When the container 1100 is secured to the dispenser 1310, medication 15 can be removed from the container by first removing the container from the corresponding slot 1119 or 1320 and removing cap 1108, or using the dispenser 1200, in the manner appropriate for the eighth and ninth embodiments.

[0239] The each slot 1319 and 1320 has a latch access control device such as solenoid 1345 with plunger 1349. Medication 15 can be sealed in the container 1100 when the container is secured to the dispenser 1310 and the plunger 1349 is in its extended position (See FIG. 43). Medication 15 is removed from one of the containers 1100 by retracting the appropriate plunger 1349.

[0240] While a specific alignment plate with interactive label 1106 has been shown mating container 1100 to dispenser 1310, other methods are contemplated. For example vial 1102 does not need to have plate 1104. Instead the vial 1102 can have interactive label 1106 encircle the vial, allowing contacts 62 to also encircle vial 1102. Contacts 62 are arranged as a series of stripes. Slot 1319 of dispenser 1310 is then replaced by a round hole sized to fit vial 1102. Container 1101 with vial 1102 is placed in the hole so that contacts 1150 are in electrical contact with contacts 62. Alternately, the contacts 62 can be arranged in a single vertical row, without encircling vial 1102. Contacts 1150 are arranged as circular members on the inside of the hole in dispenser 1310. When the vial is placed in the hole, contacts 1150 are in electrical contact with contacts 62. Other means of physically or logically associating container 1100, 1101 are contemplated

[0241] As shown in FIG. 28, the dispensing system 1300 includes a control system 1340 that is similar to the control system 114 of cap 100 shown in FIG. 9. The control system 1340 is broken into two subsets of components 1341 and 1342. The components forming these two subsets 1341 and 1342 are the same types of components as in control system 114. The first subset 1341 has a one-to-one correlation between components in system 114, and includes computer processor 1304, memory 1306, audible and vibratory alarms 134 and 138, real time clock 145, battery 150, a single display 132, such as an LCD, and buttons 160, 162, 164 and 166. Subset 1341 also includes a radio frequency (RF) paging receiver 1343 for receiving necessary changes in the prescribed dosing regimen. Receiver 1343 can include a transmitter for two way radio communications so patient compliance data can be transmitted to a healthcare provider and to allow the dispenser 1310 to reorder medication from a pharmacy, for example the pharmacy listed in information 80. Receiver can be replaced with telecommunications modem or Ethernet adapter 1350 and attached cable 1352 to access the conventional Internet computer network.

[0242] The second subset 1342 has at least one set 1344 of components including one sensor 1150, and one indicator light 134 for each slot 1319 and 1320 in the dispenser 1310. Each set 1344 also includes first control device 1345 and a second access control device 1346. The indicator 134 of a particular set 1344 is located directly in front of the particular slot 1320 and container 1100 for that set. The circuit board 1348 to which the components of subsets 1341 and 1342 are linked to processor 1304 is somewhat larger than the board in cap 100 or reminder unit 1114 due to the increase in number of components and the spacing apart of the various sets 1344 of components along the length of the dispenser 1310.

[0243] FIG. 43 shows slot 1319 mated to vial 1102 of container 1100, equipped with machine readable and writable memory strip 60 and contacts 62. The sensors 1150 are located on the inside surface of each slot 1319. When the container 1100 is secured to its particular slot 1320, the contacts 62 are in electrical communication with the sensors 1150 for that slot. As stated above, the memory strip 60 can be replaced by a memory device that is only machine readable. For example, the vial can be equipped with conductive/non-conductive or reflective/non-reflective surfaces 352-358 as in FIG. 16 or bar code 1134 of FIG. 32. When the vial 1102 is equipped with the conventional bar code in lieu of memory strip 60, the sensors 1150 are optical sensors that read the bar coded information when the vial 1102 is slid into one of the slot 1320.

[0244] When container 1101 is mated to dispenser 1310 contacts 1150 are in electrical contact with contacts 62, allowing processor 1304 to read the contents of memory 60. When container 1100 or 1200 is mated to dispenser 1310 contacts 1156 are in electrical contact with contacts 1322, allowing processor 1304 to read memory 60 of interactive label 1106. The processor 1304 is in communication with memory 125 of processor 120 of reminder unit 1114 or 1208.

[0245] As shown in FIG. 28, the control system 1340 is equipped with two access control devices 1345 and 1346. These devices 1345 and 1346 are similar in design to solenoid locking assembly 180. Control device 1345 locks the container 1101 to dispenser 1310 by extending plunger 1349 into lock aperture 1158 of plate 1104 until a predetermined time, such as when the vial is empty. The first access control device or vial locking solenoid assembly 1345 and plunger 1349 serves to retain container 1101 to dispenser 1310 until a dose of medication is to be consumed. A similar solenoid assembly (not shown) can be used to secure container 1100 or 1200 to dispenser 1310 until a dose of medication is to be consumed. The second access control device or solenoid assembly 1346 locks the cap 1108 in its closed position (See FIG. 39) to prevent the removal of medication 15 until the prescribed time to take the particular medication contained in the corresponding container 1101. This second access control device 1346 includes a solenoid and plunger assembly (not shown) similar to solenoid locking assembly 180. Alternately, the access control device 1346 can be a fixed projection that prevents cap 1108 from being removed from vial 1102 when the container 1100 is attached to dispenser 1310. When the processor 1304 uses information 80 contained in the information strip 60 of plate 1104 and the clock 145 to indicate that the prescribed dose of medication in a particular vial or container is due, the processor 1304 sends electric current to the solenoid of assembly 1345 to withdraw plunger 1349 from engagement with the locking aperture 1109 so that containers 1100 or 1101 or dispenser 1200 can be removed from unitary dispenser 1310.

[0246] When container 1101 is removed from dispenser 1310, contacts 1150 are no longer in contact with contacts 62 of interactive label 1106. Processor 1304 can no longer read memory 60 and thereby determine that vial has been removed from dispenser 1310. Other methods can be used to determine that a vial has been removed, such as a switch, photo detector, or magnetic sensor. The processor 1304 uses this to indicate that the prescribed dose of medication 15 is being taken from the corresponding container 110.

[0247] A similar process is used to unlock container 1100 or dispenser 1200 from organizer 1310 and determine that it has been removed. Processor 1304 can no longer detect the presence of the reminder unit 1114 via contacts 1322, which are not in electrical contact with contacts 1156.

[0248] The following is provided to assist the reader in understanding the operation of the preceding embodiment of the invention. Some of the operation of the tenth embodiment can also be applied to the previous embodiments.

[0249] When a medication is dispensed by the pharmacy, a pharmacy staff worker, a healthcare worker or a patient mates plate 1104 of container 1101 to one of the slots 1319 of dispenser 1310. Alternately, container 1100 can be mated to reminder unit 1114, or cartridge 1202 can be mated to aerosol dispenser 1204, and then either the reminder unit or aerosol dispenser is mated to a slot 1320 of dispenser 1310. It is further contemplated that other types and shapes of containers with plate 1104 or a reminder unit can be similarly attached to dispenser 1310, allowing it to be used with any form of medication the patient is to consume.

[0250] The dispenser 1310 holds and organizes at least one container 1100, 1101, or dispenser 1200. Each dispenser 1310 has at least one slot 1319 or 1320 for receiving the vials 1102 or reminder units 1114 or 1208. Each slot 1319 has one corresponding pair of sensors 1150 or 374 for reading information 80 contained in the memory device 60, 352-358, or 1134, any of which can be applied to vial 1102. Each slot 1320 has one corresponding pair of contacts or sensors 1322 for reading information 80 from reminder 1114 or 1208. Information 80 in turn having been read from memory device 60 by processor 120 of reminder 1114 or 1208 or directly by processor 1304 through linking contacts 1156 and 1150.

[0251] Processor 1304 organizes the activation of the display 132 and alarm 134, 136 and 138 for instructing and alerting the patient when it is time to consume one of the prescribed medications 15 held by the dispenser 1310. When container 1100, 1101 or dispenser 1200 is secured to the dispenser 1310, the processor 1304 reads the prescription information 80 from the memory device 60 or from processor 120 or memory 125 of reminder 1114 or 1208 and calculates the appropriate time to take each of the medications 15 contained that container 1100, 1101 or dispenser 1200.

[0252] The computer processor 1304 uses the prescribed dosing regimen information 82 and the timing device 145 to calculate or otherwise develop the prescribed times for taking each of the different medications 15 in container 1100, 1101, or dispenser 1200 mated to dispenser 1310. The computer processor 1304 monitors timing device 145 to determine when the predetermined times to take the medication occur. The computer processor 1304 then informs the patient that it is time to take a dose of medication 15 via one of the appropriate display 132, indicator 136, or other various alarms 134 and 138.

[0253] Information 80 can also be communicated to the processor 1304 from memory 60 via electrical contacts 1150 or via an RF or magnetically coupled link.

[0254] When the processor 1304 determines that at least one medication 15 is due, the processor issues an audible consumption alert using speaker 134. This alert can be in the form of a voice synthesized message that indicates the correct vial 1202, or reminder 1114 and vial 1102, or reminder 1208 and cartridge 1202 to access and the amount of medication to consume. The processor 1304 also instructs the LED display 132 to show a message or the indicator light 136 to flash directly in front of the appropriate slot 1319 or 1320 and container 1100, 1101 or dispenser 1200 with prescribed medication 15 to be taken at this time, and the amount of that medication to take.

[0255] The dispenser 1310 control system 1340 operates in much the same way as control system 114 to obtain consumption information. The container 1100, 1101 or 1200 can be secured and locked to slot 1319 or 1320 of the dispenser 1310 by first access control mechanism 1345 when processor 1304 extends plunger 1349 into locking aperture 1109 or 1158. When a medication is to be consumed the appropriate access control mechanism 1345 is activated by processor 1304 to withdraw plunger 1349 from locking aperture 1109 or 1158, allowing container 1100, 1101 or 1200 to be removed from dispenser 1310.

[0256] Medication's can be consumed before a consumption alert is presented. The consumption indicator (e.g., button 160), or other user input device, can be used to indicate that medication is to be consumed early. Dosing regimen 82 or program codes 86 can be used to determine for each medication 15 that it can be consumed up to specific amount of time (e.g. 2 hours) prior when an alert is to be presented. Dispenser 1310 acknowledges which medication 15 is to be consumed and processor 1304 will cancel the next alert that was to be presented, and computes the second next consumption time for presenting a consumption alert. In this case the processor can record the consumption time in memory 60, 125, 1306. However, if processor 1304 determines that the medication is being consumed too early (e.g. 3 hours before an alert), the processor uses devices 132, 134, 136, 138 to indicate that the medication is being consumed too early.

[0257] When container 1101 is removed from slot 1319 of dispenser 1310, the alert presented to the patient is canceled, the display still indicates the amount of medication the patient should consume. The processor 1304 detects the removal via sensors 1322. When the machine readable and writable memory device 60 is used the processor 1304 writes or otherwise alters the memory strip 60 to note this consumption information 80. Alternately, the consumption information can be written to memory 1306. As medication is consumed, the quantity of medication remaining in container 1100, 1101, or dispenser 1200 is updated by processor 1304 in memory 60, 125, or 1306. Alternately, the consumption information 80 can be written to memory 60 or 1306, when the container 1101 is reinserted into slot 1319.

[0258] The same process is performed when container 1100 or 1200 is used. When the container is removed, the alert presented by dispenser 1310 is canceled, allowing reminder unit 1114 or 1208 to present an alert. The user consumes the medication in container 1100 or 1200 in the previously described manner. The time the medication 15 is consumed is recorded in memory 60 or 125 as consumption information 80 by processor 120, or by monitoring button 160 of reminder unit 1114 or 1208, or by monitoring sensor 1160, or by noting that contacts 1247 no longer make contact with contacts 62. When container 1100 or 1200 is reinserted in slot 1320, the consumption information is transferred to processor 1304 and recorded in memory 1306. The consumption information can also be determined by processor 1304 as container 1100 or 1200 is removed from or reinserted into slot 1320 and written to memory 60, 125, or 1306.

[0259] While prescription information 82 includes a dosing regimen or a timing schedule as written to memory 60 by the dispensing pharmacy, there are circumstances when the patient is allowed to modify it. For example the timing schedule can indicate that medication 15 should be consumed at 8:00 am, 4:00 p.m., and 10:00 p.m. If the patient switches from a first shift job, when they would typically be awake to consume each dose of medication 15, to a third shift job, when they would not be awake for each scheduled dose, the patient is allowed to move the scheduled dosing times to meet his work schedule. Using button 160 or others and display 132 the patient can identify each medication, review the timing schedule and adjust the timing schedule forward or backward. This can be done by advancing all the scheduled consumption times by the same amount of time. Using program codes 86, individual consumption times can be changed but only so they are not scheduled too close to a previous or following dosing time.

[0260] The medication dispenser 1310 compares the several medications 15 contained in containers 1100, 1101 or 1200 by comparing the information 80 in each of their corresponding memory strips 60. The computer processor 1304 references and compares the lists of contraindicated medications, which are part of the medication information 84. Should two or more medications 15 be contraindicated, the patient will be alerted to this fact. Every time a medication 15 is issued to a patient, the most recent list of contraindications is included in the memory strip 60 or 960 of the vials 20 or cassettes 950. A list of contraindicated medications can also be maintained in the memory 125 of dispenser 1310.

[0261] Dispenser 1310 can use paired and other complicated dosing regimens as described in the operation of the fifth, sixth, and seventh embodiments. Similarly dispenser 1310 can ensure that only medications for a single individual are managed by the dispenser.

[0262] When the processor 1304 determines that two different medications 15 are to be taken at the same time, the dispenser 1310 signals the indicator 136 to flash or the display 132 to indicate a message instructing the patient to consume the proper amount of each medication. The processor 1304 instructs the patient to take one type of medication 15 at a time. The patient is alerted to each appropriate prescribed medication in sequence. This sequencing avoids telling the patient to simultaneously obtain medication from a first container 1100, 1101 or dispenser 1200 and medication from a second container. Many patients may get confused and dispense them in the opposite quantities. With respect to dispenser 1310, since medication is consumed by first removing container 1100 and then removing cap 1108 to access the medication, they may accidentally remove too many pills from the wrong vial if they remove two containers 1100 at the same time.

[0263] As in container 10, the dispenser 1310 includes buttons 160, 162, 164 and 166 that communicate information to the processor 1304. By pressing one of the buttons, the patient is able to send an electrical signal to the processor 1304 in response to a question shown on the display 132 or to indicate an action to be taken, such as cancel an alert or alarm 134 or 136.

[0264] The following is a description of a portable container 1370 (See FIG. 45) used in conjunction with container 1300. However, it should be noted that portable container 1370 can be used with any of the previous embodiments.

[0265] Portable container 1370 is comprised of a hinged lid 1372 attached to body 1374 by living hinge 1376. Lid 1372 is shown in a partially raised position. Lid includes a control system 1379 (See FIG. 49), similar to control system 114 used by reminder 1114 and 1208. Also visible is display 132, audible alert 134, button 160, infrared transmitter 140, and lid sensor 1377; each with similar purposes to those previously described, and all in communication with processor 1378 (See FIG. 49) as is memory 1389. Body 1374 has front wall 1380, rear wall 1381, and two side walls 1382, and 1383, and a closed bottom 1384 defining compartment 1386.

[0266] When lid 1372 is closed sensor 1377 is compressed indicting to processor that container 1370 is sealed and when the lid is opened the sensor is in an extended position indicating to the processor the container has been opened. Lid 1372 can have a locking assembly 1390, such as a solenoid, that can engage body 1372 to lock container 1370 closed.

[0267] A patient's prescription regimen may call for them to consume one of more medication 15 in the middle of the day, yet dispenser 1310 may to viewed as too large to be carried during the day. Portable container 1370 is sized to be carried conveniently by and can be used to augment dispenser 1310. In this case dispenser 1310 is used to determine which medications 15 are to be consumed at the next consumption time. Button 160 or others are used to indicate to dispenser 1310 that medication 15 for consumption at the next dosing time will be removed early. Dispenser 1310 then determines which medication 15 is to be consumed next and at what time, for example 1:00 p.m. Dispenser 1300 then indicates to the patient, as described above, the amount of medication 15 to be removed from a container 1100, 1101 attached to dispenser 1310 and the time the medication 15 is to be consumed. Medication 15 is removed as though it is to be consumed immediately, but instead it is placed in medication compartment 1386 of portable container 1370.

[0268] When all the medications 15 that are to be consumed at the next consumption time have been placed in portable container 1370, lid 1372 can be closed. Processor 1378 now detecting via lid sensor 1377 that lid 1372 has been closed. To further secure medication 15 in portable container 1370 solenoid 1390 can be extended so as to lock lid 1372 to body 1374. Finally, dispenser 1310 can transfer, using IR transmitter 140, the time (e.g. 1:00 p.m.) medication 15 is to be consumed to compatible IR receiver 140 of portable container 1370. Processor 1378 receives the time and other pertinent information about the medications 15 that have been removed from dispenser 1310.

[0269] The dispenser 1310 marks the medication as consumed and when the next dose of medication 15 that was just removed is due (1:00 p.m.), dispenser 1310 will skip or forego presenting an alert at that time. If an alert was presented, it would be interpreted as an alert to take another dose of the medication on top of the dose that had earlier been removed and placed in container 1370.

[0270] Processor 1378 activates alert device 134, 136, or 138 of portable container 1370 when the transferred consumption time matches the current time from clock 145. When equipped with solenoid 1390, processor 1378 can activate solenoid 1390 to retract it and unlock portable container 1370. Other pertinent information about the medication can be presented using display 132 or audible alert 134. Lid 1372 of portable container 1370 is opened and medication 15 is removed for consumption. When lid 1372 is opened, the consumption indicator is triggered via lid sensor 1377, which is communicated to processor 1378. Processor 1378 now detects that the lid is open, and deactivates the alert device 134, 136, or 138. Processor 1378 records the current time from clock 145 as the consumption time in memory 125. When solenoid is not used and it is not yet time to consume the medication, an access alert can be presented by device 132, 134, 136, 138. It is also contemplated that sensor 1377 need not be used. When a consumption alert is present to consume medication, button 160 of container 1370 can be pressed to cancel the alert and indicate to processor that medication 15 has been consumed. As before, button 160 can be pressed more than once to indicate to processor 1378 that the alert should only be temporarily canceled.

[0271] Prior to the next time portable container 1370 is loaded with medication 15 or any time portable container is placed close to dispenser 1310, processor 1378 can transfer the recorded consumption time using IR receiver 140, now including a transmitter. Dispenser 1310 receives the transferred consumption time and recording it in memory 60 of the appropriate vial 1102, memory 125 of the appropriate reminder unit 1114, or in memory 1306. The transferred consumption time can also be used to modify the appropriate next consumption time for the consumed medication, in the case the medication in container 1370 was consumed substantially before or after the originally transferred consumption time.

[0272] Instead of using portable container 1370, medication 15 removed from dispenser 1310 can be placed in any container, pocket or purse. The patient is expected to remind himself of the time to consume the medication 15. When desired, the next consumption time (1:00 p.m.) can be transferred to reminder device 290 to present an alert when it is time to consume the medication. The dispenser marks the medication as consumed and when the next dose of medication 15 that was just removed is due (1:00 p.m.), dispenser 1310 will not present an alert. If an alert was presented, it would be interpreted as an alert to take another dose of the medication on top of the dose that had earlier been removed and placed in container 1370.

[0273] As a convenience, at the next sequential medication 15 consumption time (the next dose after 1:00, for example 6:00 p.m.) dispenser 1310 presents a question to the patient asking them if they consumed the previously removed medication and at what time. This information is recorded in memory 60, 125, or 1306 as previously described.

[0274] Finally, when the medication 15 to be consumed next is in container 1100 or dispenser 1200, container 1100 or dispenser 1200 can be removed from dispenser 1310. Reminder unit 1114 or 1208 will present an alert at the next consumption time (1:00 p.m.). When container 1100 or dispenser 1200 is used to remove medication 15 the consumption information is recorded in memory 60 or 125.

[0275] The dispenser 1310 will not present a consumption alert at the next consumption time (1:00 p.m.). If an alert was presented, it would be interpreted as an alert to take another dose of the medication on top of the dose that had earlier been removed and placed in container 1370. When container 1100 or dispenser 1200 is mated with dispenser 1310, consumption information is transferred from memory 60, 125 to memory 1306.

[0276] It is also contemplated that interactive label 60 or 1106 can be in the form of a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag where contacts 62 are replaced by an antenna. Sensors 1150, 1322 are now in the form of at least one RF antenna. With an adequate power source and suitable antenna, dispenser 1300 can read the interactive label 50 of vials 1100 within a distance of up to 10 feet. The vials are now associated with dispenser 1300. In this case, visual indicators 136 may no longer be appropriate, as they may not be able to indicate the position of a specific vial 1100. Many aspects of the operation of dispenser below are retained, however to indicate that a specific medication has or has not been consumed button 160 or another consumption indicator is pressed in response to an alert presented using devices 132 or 134. Using display 132, the dispenser can indicate which of several patients is being alerted to consume medication.

[0277] FIG. 51 shows dispenser 1300 configured to use a medication container 10 with an interactive strip 60 or 1106 in the form of a RFID tag. In this configuration, each container 10 is placed in a slot 1319 shown in the form of a blind well. FIG. 52 is a cross sectional view of dispenser 1300. FIG. 52 shows a separate sensor 1150 positioned in the cylindrical wall 1324 for each slot 1319 and proximate to any container placed in slot 1319. Antenna 1150 is designed so that it can only read RFID tags within radius R1. This prevents one of the antennas 1150 from reading memory strip 60 of an adjacent container 10 placed in the next slot 1319 no matter the orientation of its RFID tag memory strip 60 or 1106. Now dispenser 1300 can read information 80 for each container and associate that information with a specific slot 1319 for alerting the patient which medication to consume. Although the containers 10 are shown placed in a slot 1319 of the console 1310, it should be understood that the containers and console could be brought together in any number of ways, such as simply placing the container in the near vicinity of the antenna 1150.

[0278] A suitable radius R1 can be achieved by limiting the power to antenna 1150 or by placing appropriate ground planes or other RF absorbing material between the antenna 1150 of one slot 1319 and the next slot 1319.

[0279] When separate antenna 1150 are not used, dispenser 1300 can be configured to use a single antenna 1150. When a medication container 10 with an interactive strip 60 or 1106 in the form of a RFID tag is brought near dispenser 1300, information 80 can be read by antenna 1150. By comparing information 80 such as the patient's name 84 with a patient name associated with dispenser 1300, it can be determined if dispenser is to use prescription information 82 to determine dosing times. This can be done without container 10 being attached or affixed to dispenser 1300. However, to more specifically associate medication containers 10 with dispenser 1300 each slot 1319 can be configured with microswitch 1360 and distal microswitch arm 1362 (see Figrue 52). As medication container 10 is brought near dispenser 1300 the single antenna 1150 reads information 80 and as the container is placed in slot 1319 and microswitch arm 1362 is depressed closing microswitch 1360 indicating to processor 1304 into which slot the container has been placed. When dispenser 1300 determines that a medication is to consumed it can indicate the specific slot 1319 the corresponding medication container has been placed.

[0280] FIG. 53 shows container 1100 where sensor 1150 is now configured as a RFID tag reader and memory strip 60 is a RFID tag. The sensor is designed to limit its ability to read RFID tags beyond radius R2. This prevents reminder unit 1114 from accidentally reading information 80 of an adjacent container 1101 and using that information to determine the dosing regimen for the medication to which the reminder 1114 is attached.

[0281] FIGS. 54, 55, and 56 show several time lines that can be used to determine when a patient is to consume a medication. Time line 1500 of FIG. 54 shows hours of the day over a couple of days. A series of predetermined times 1502, 1502′ and 1502″ are the times of the day when one or more of the communication devices 132-138 or 542-544 are to be activated to notify the patient to consume a medication. Although the predetermined times 1502, 1502′ and 1502″ are shown to be at evenly spaced intervals of time apart from each other, it should be understood that the dosing regimen could specify increasing, decreasing or fluctuating time intervals. Associated with each predetermined time 1502 is a window of time or total time range 1504. This window of time 1504 includes a time range 1506 before predetermined time 1502 and a time range 1508 after predetermined time 1502, during which the medication can be safely consumed. When the patient consumes the medication within time range 1506 the consumption alert that normally would be presented to the patient at predetermined time 1502 will not be presented as the patient has consumed this dose of medication. When the patient consumes the medication within time range 1508, the consumption alert that has been presented by communication device 132-138 or 542-544 at predetermined time 1502 will be canceled. Likewise, when the actual time information obtained from the clock 145 passes time range 1508, the consumption alert presented by the communication device 132-138 or 542-544 will be canceled, indicating the medication is no longer to be consumed until the time range 1504 of the next predetermined time 1502′.

[0282] The patient consumes several doses of medication in a series of actual consumption times 1510, 1510′ and 1510″, which are recorded in memory 60, 1384, or 1408. Time range 1512, shown as a shaded block, represents the times of the day when the patient is not to consume the medication either because it is too close to the last time the medication was consumed or because it is too close to the next predetermined time 1502′ or 1502″. Any attempt to consume medication during time range 1512 will cause the communication device 132-138 or 542-544 to indicate that it is not appropriate to consume medication at this time. Medication information 84 or 1430 can include dosing regimen information with variables that will modify the predetermined times 1502, 1502′, 1502″ when a dose is skipped, taken early or late. These variables will also modify the predetermined times 1502, 1502′, 1502″ based upon meal schedules.

[0283] FIG. 55 shows an alternate method of determining the time schedule for consuming medication. Instead of being based on a set predetermined time of day, the time schedule is based on elapsed time. In this method, the next scheduled time 1502′ to take a dose of medication is coupled to the actual consumption time of the previous dose 1502 of medication. Similarly, each subsequent scheduled time 1502″ to take a dose of medication is coupled to the actual consumption times of the previous doses 1502 and 1502′.

[0284] FIG. 56 shows yet another alternate method of determining the time schedule to consume doses of medication. This alternate method again uses elapsed time instead of a set time of day. In this method, the subsequent predetermined time to consume medication 1502′ and 1502″ is in a fixed interval of time relative to the immediately preceding predetermined time 1502 or 1502′.

[0285] When medication is consumed, an actual consumption time entry can be written to Medication Consumption Table 1520 in memory 60, 1384, or 1408. The actual consumption time entry can be in the form of a time of day or elapsed time since the previous actual consumption time entry. When container 1300 or medication system 1400 (see below) is used, the actual consumption time is written in a portion of table 1520 reserved for the specific medication 1424 that was consumed.

[0286] The following is a description of a medication system 1400 (See FIG. 46) used in conjunction with container 1300. However, it should be noted that medication system can be used with any of the previous embodiments.

[0287] Medication system 1400 consists of a processor 1402 in communication with a database or memory 1404, and communications equipment such as modem or Ethernet transceiver 1406 or a radio frequency (RF) transceiver and antenna 1404. Modem 1406 is used to receive and send information via network 1410, such as a telephone system or the conventional Internet communications system, to dispensers 1310 when equipped with modem 1350 and cable 1352. RF transceiver 1408 is used to send and receive information from dispenser 1310 when it is equipped with RF paging receiver1343. Medication system 1400 is associated with a pharmacy or a healthcare giver.

[0288] Medication system 1400 also communicates with containers 800, 860, 900 when equipped with a compatible RF paging receiver 843, 893, 993 including a transmitter. Dispensers 800, 860, and 900 are also equipped with modem 1350 to communicate with medication system 1400.

[0289] Container 1300 can have pharmacy identification information 1440 (See FIG. 50) stored in memory 1306. Information 1440 can include pharmacy name 1442 and pharmacy telephone number of Internet address 1444 used to contact a specific pharmacy medication system 1400 using network 1410 to transfer consumption information, requests to refill specific a medication 15 in a container 1100 or 1200, and to allow other information to either be sent to or received from medication system 1400. Alternately, the pharmacy telephone or Internet address part of medication information 84 in memory strip 60 of container 1100, 1101 or dispenser 1200 can be used by dispenser 1310 to contact medication system 1400.

[0290] FIG. 47 is the patient information 1420 contents of a section of memory 1404. This section includes many of the fields previously seen in medication information 86, but now the fields have been collected for all the medications a single patient has been prescribed to consume. The telephone number or the e-mail address 1422 of a healthcare giver responsible for the patient is used to contact the healthcare giver in case the patient misses one or more doses of a medication so that the care giver can be warned to take an appropriate action. Medication information section 1424 includes compliance data and quantity remaining fields are used to replace or eliminate the same fields in medication information 84. As medication is consumed using dispenser 1310 consumption information is communicated using modem 1350 or RF transceiver 1343 to medication system 1400 with the patient name or other patient identifier and the medication name from medication information 84 of memory 60. The consumption information is added to the medication information section 1424 for the specified patient and the medication.

[0291] Using a similar process as medication is consumed the amount removed from dispenser 1310 is transmitted to medication system 1400 and used to adjust the quantity remaining field of medication information section 1424 for a specific patient and medication.

[0292] Medication system 1400 uses network 1410 to contact a healthcare giver by activating terminal 1415, such as a telephone via a computer generated voice or a computer terminal via an e-mail message. The healthcare giver telephone number or e-mail address 1422 that is part of patient information 1420 or medication information 80 in memory 60, can be used by medication system 1400 to transmit to the healthcare giver consumption information for a patient or the fact that a consumption time was not accompanied by medication being removed from container 1300.

[0293] Questionnaire section 1426 includes questions to be posed to the patient using display 132 relative the consumption of medication. Questionnaire section 1426 can be sent to dispenser 1310 using modem after a specific patient name or other unique patient identification is sent from the dispenser or container to the medication systems 1400. The questions can be used as part of a clinical trial for new drug or other therapy. The questionnaire section 1426 can include questions that are posed to the patient in relationship to when medication is consumed. The relationship to medication consumption can be a time period after or before the medication is consumed and the question is to be asked. For example, 2 hours after a medication is consumed the patient is asked if they are dizzy. Depending on the response additional questions can be posed to the patient.

[0294] Other questions can be related to the consumption of an individual medication. It is contemplated that the questions will be modified heuristically so that a response to the question “How do you feel?” which is “I feel dizzy” can result in one of the next questions to be phrased as “Are you still dizzy?”.

[0295] The contents of questionnaire section 1426 can alternately be included in medication information 86 of memory 60, but in this case limited to questions for the medication in a specific container 1100, 1101 or dispenser 1200. The responses to the questionnaire can also be recorded to dispenser 1300 or 1400.

[0296] FIG. 48 is the specific medication information 1430 contents of memory 1404. This section includes many of the fields previously seen in medication information 84 and program codes 86. The medication information 1430 can be sent to dispenser 1300 via network 1410 or RF transceiver 1404 in lieu of storing this information in memory 60. The medication information 1430 for a specific medication is transmitted when dispenser 1400 transmits to medication system 1400 the medication name 84 of a medication 15 used with the dispenser or container. Upon receiving the medication names for each medication, medication system 1400 can use the program codes in medication information 1430 to determine if any are contraindicated for use with another medication 15 and then medication systems 1400 can send to dispenser 1310 a message alerting the patient to this dangerous condition, protecting the from such dangerous conditions. Furthermore, an alert can be sent by an audio message via telephone or a text e-mail message via the network 1410 to a healthcare giver terminal 1415.

[0297] Alternately, the list of contraindications for each medication (part of specific medication information 1430) in a container 1100, 1101 or 1200 can be received by modem 1350 or RF receiver 1343 from memory 1408 of medication system 1400. To receive contraindications, 1430 processor 1304 sends the medication name 84 or other identifying information for each medication 15 used with dispenser 1310 to processor 1402. Processor 1402 in turn retrieves the specific medication information 1430 from memory 1408 and sends it back to processor 1304. Processor 1304 will then determine if any medication mated to dispenser 1310 is contraindicated for use with another medication mated to dispenser 1310.

[0298] Dispenser 1310 is used to transfer information from other medical devices to medication system 1400. Dispenser 1310 is used to request a medical device (not shown) be used to measure a medical parameter, for example blood pressure, insulin levels, or blood clotting times. This request can be related to questionnaire 1426. The medical device after making a measurement can transmit the measurement via an infrared transmitter to IR receiver 140. The dispenser 1310 is also used to send measurements that are not related to a questionnaire via dispenser 1310 to medication system 1400. Medical measurements are also entered using button 160 or others, or dispenser 1310 can include the medical device using processor 1304 to operate it.

[0299] A healthcare giver can determine that a patient's condition has changed due to a current evaluation of the patient or in response to a medical measurement transferred to medication system 1400 from dispenser 1310. The healthcare giver can use terminal 1415 to send new prescription information 82 for one or more medications 15 that is in a container 1100, 1101, or dispenser 1200 mated to dispenser 1310. The new prescription information 82 for a specific medication 15 is first transferred to medication system 1400 identifying a specific patient name 84 or other identifier. Medication system 1400 then transfers the new prescription information 82 to dispenser 1310 using network 1410. Dispenser 1410, after receiving new prescription information 82, can record it to memory 1306, or to memory 60 of the appropriate interactive label 1106, 50 related to the specific medication 15. Alternately, the healthcare giver can transfer the new prescription information 82 directly to dispenser 1310 vial network 1410.

[0300] It is contemplated that either medication system 1400 or dispenser 1310, in response to the entry of a medical measurement, uses special instructions for consuming medication 84 to alter the prescription information 82 for a specific medication 15. The altered prescription information 84 is written to memory 1306 or 60 of the container 1100, 1202 of the specific medication 15. For example, Coumadin is a pharmaceutical that increases the clotting time for blood. If a measurement of clotting time is entered or transferred to dispenser 1310 indicating that clotting time has increased beyond an acceptable level since a previous reading, the number of pills to be consumed per dosing 82 for Coumadin can be reduced.

[0301] As a convenience, dispenser 1310 automatically determines when medication 15 is to be reordered to ensure a timely resupply. To reorder a medication 15, dispenser 1310 or medication system 1400 uses specific medication information 1430 including medication type information and reorder information 1432. The reorder information 1432 is displayed via a communication device such as an LED display and includes a reorder indicator 1434 that identifies the medication vials or containers containing medication that can be reordered, how long the medication can be reordered, the reorder quantity level or amount without additional physician reauthorization 1436, and the reorder quantity level with physician reauthorization 1438. Typically, quantity level 1438 is greater than or equal to quantity level 1436, acknowledging the practice that it takes longer to reorder a medication that must first include a physician reauthorization than one that does not.

[0302] While reorder information 1432 is shown as part of memory 1408 to be downloaded to dispenser 1310 via network 1410, it should be understood that reorder information 1432 can be part of medication information 84 and stored in memory 60. In the description of reordering medication dispenser 1310 will be used to determine when a medication is to be reordered, but medication system 1400 can be used to do this.

[0303] As medication 15 is consumed, dispenser 1310 alters the quantity of medication remaining 84 in container 1100, 1202 as recorded in memory 60, 1306, and 1408 for each medication 15. As the quantity of medication 84 is altered, reorder indicator 1434 is checked to determine if this medication 15 can be reordered. If the medication cannot be reordered no additional tests need to be made. If the medication can be reordered but only with the reauthorization of a physician (typically set due by the number of refills previously authorized or by a specific date), the quantity of medication remaining 84 is compared with quantity level 1348. If the quantity remaining is less that quantity level 1438, dispenser 1310 can present a message on display 132 indicating that a medication is low and that to refill this medication requires extra time due to the need to contact the physician for reauthorization. Button 160 or others can be used to indicate that medication 15 is to be reordered. Dispenser then sends a message to medication system 1400 or to terminal 1415 indicating that a reorder of medication 15 is desired and that the physician is to be contacted to obtain a reauthorization prior to the pharmacy refilling the medication. The physician is then contacted either by dispenser 1310, medication system 1400 (for example by secure e-mail), or by staff working with medication system 1400 (for example by telephone). The pharmacy, upon receiving the physician's reauthorization the medication 15, fills a new container 1100 or cartridge 1202 with medication 15 for delivery to or pick up by the patient.

[0304] When medication 15 can be reordered without the reauthorization of a physician, the quantity of medication remaining 84 is compared with quantity level 1346. If the quantity remaining is less than quantity level 1436, dispenser 1310 can present a message on display 132 indicating that a medication is low and that that the medication can be reordered. Button 160 or others can be used to indicate that medication 15 is to be reordered. Dispenser then sends a message to medication system 1400 reorder of medication 15 is desired. The pharmacy is contacted by medication system 1400 (for example by e-mail) indicating that medication 15 is to be refilled for the patient. The pharmacy then fills a new container 1100 or cartridge 1202 with medication 15 for delivery to or pick up by the patient.

[0305] It is anticipated that dispenser 1310 uses information about weekends and holidays to anticipate when the quantity of medication remaining 84 will be less than or equal to quantity level 1436, 1438 during a weekend or holiday, when the physician may not be available or the pharmacy closed. Dispenser 1310 indicates that a refill is needed one or more days earlier than quantity of medication remaining 84 reaching quantity level 1436, 1438.

[0306] The pharmacy telephone or Internet address 84 of memory 60 attached to container 1100 or cartridge 1202 is used by dispenser 1310 to reorder medication 15. It is anticipated that the pharmacy may also operate medication system 1400. It is further anticipated that dispenser 1310 and memory 1306 may store a second pharmacy telephone number 84 or Internet address 84. The dispenser may ignore the first pharmacy telephone number 84 stored in memory 60 and use the second pharmacy telephone number stored of the in memory 1306. Any medication 15 initially filled by first pharmacy and stored in dispenser memory 1306, will only be reordered by dispenser 1310 through the second pharmacy.

[0307] It is also contemplated that when medication system 1400 maintains the quantity of medication remaining 84 in memory 1408, that medication system can determine when a medication is to be reorderd using reorder information 1432.

[0308] Interactive label 60 or 1106 can be in the form of a bar code 960 or 1134. The contents 80 of the bar code can be a unique medication serial number 80 or other unique identifier describing the medication, as shown in FIG. 58, for each medication container 80 dispensed by the pharmacy. When communication is established between dispenser 1300 and medication system 1400, the medication serial number is transferred from the interactive label 60 of container 1101 by to medication system 1400. Medication system 1400 uses the serial number to access a medication data field 1420 in memory 1408. Data field 1420 can have patient identification information 1428, such as their name, phone number, age, sex, and other relevant data. Data field 1420 can also store medication information 1424, which is transmitted from medication system 1400 to dispenser 1300 and then used by dispenser 1300 to determine when the patient is to be alerted to consume the medication. As needed all of the medication information for each patient's prescriptions can be consolidated into a single data field 1420.

[0309] Using a serial number allows a simple bar code or other read only interactive label to be used with dispenser 1300 to control medication dosing alerts when a medication system 1400 is available to provide the prescription information 82 and as desired medication information 84, program codes 86, and specific medication information 1430. Medication information 1424 can be transferred when medication container 1101 is first attached to dispenser 1300 or each time container 1101 is attached to dispenser.

[0310] It should also be understood that the invention as a whole may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or central characteristics thereof. The present examples and embodiments thereof are to be considered in all aspects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein. It will be understood by those of skill in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the broader aspects of the invention. Specifically, while the invention has been shown and described as including a vial, blister pack or cassette container or aerosol dispenser, it should be understood that other forms of containers could be used with equal effectiveness. For example, the container could be a tray or a cassette that does not include a cap, cover or lid. The memory device or memory strip could also communicate with the processor of the container via RF technology. It should therefore be understood that the container can take on a variety of shapes and forms without departing from the broad aspects of the invention.

[0311] Although the above mentioned interactive medication containers 10, 200, 300, 500, 800, 850, 900, 1100, 1101, 1200, 1300 and 1370 have been generally shown and described as having computer processors 120, 530, 1304 and 1378, memory devices 125, 1306, and 1389, sensors 115, 826, 847, 876, 897, 940, 997, 1150, 1160, 1247, 1322 and 1377, communication devices 132-140, 525, 528, 542 and 544, timing device 145, access, removal and consumption indicators (e.g., buttons 160-166), as well as other components, being in electrical communication with each other and physically located on or within the housing, or otherwise integral with the container, console, unitary lid or dispenser, it should be understood that certain components could be physically separated from the container or its housing or their associated reminder unit 1114 or 1208 without departing from the broad aspect of the invention. For example, the communication device 132 could be a wall mounted display that is in infrared or radio frequency communication with the interactive medication container.