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WO2025052093A1 - Mécanisme de distribution de pilules, ensemble distributeur de pilules, kit de pièces, adaptateur et procédé - Google Patents

Mécanisme de distribution de pilules, ensemble distributeur de pilules, kit de pièces, adaptateur et procédé Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2025052093A1
WO2025052093A1 PCT/GB2024/052245 GB2024052245W WO2025052093A1 WO 2025052093 A1 WO2025052093 A1 WO 2025052093A1 GB 2024052245 W GB2024052245 W GB 2024052245W WO 2025052093 A1 WO2025052093 A1 WO 2025052093A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
chamber
pill dispenser
pill
blocking member
container
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
PCT/GB2024/052245
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
James BURNSTONE
Robert Smith
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Pill Connect Ltd
Original Assignee
Pill Connect Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from GB2313486.9A external-priority patent/GB2633324A/en
Priority claimed from GB2313485.1A external-priority patent/GB2633323A/en
Application filed by Pill Connect Ltd filed Critical Pill Connect Ltd
Publication of WO2025052093A1 publication Critical patent/WO2025052093A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/0092—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for assembling and dispensing of pharmaceutical articles
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
    • A61J1/00—Containers specially adapted for medical or pharmaceutical purposes
    • A61J1/03—Containers specially adapted for medical or pharmaceutical purposes for pills or tablets
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
    • A61J7/00—Devices for administering medicines orally, e.g. spoons; Pill counting devices; Arrangements for time indication or reminder for taking medicine
    • A61J7/0076—Medicament distribution means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
    • A61J7/00—Devices for administering medicines orally, e.g. spoons; Pill counting devices; Arrangements for time indication or reminder for taking medicine
    • A61J7/02—Pill counting devices
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
    • B65D83/04—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for dispensing annular, disc-shaped, spherical or like small articles, e.g. tablets or pills
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
    • B65D83/04—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for dispensing annular, disc-shaped, spherical or like small articles, e.g. tablets or pills
    • B65D83/0409—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for dispensing annular, disc-shaped, spherical or like small articles, e.g. tablets or pills the dispensing means being adapted for delivering one article, or a single dose, upon each actuation
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F11/00—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles
    • G07F11/005—Special arrangements for insuring that only one single article may be dispensed at a time
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F11/00—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles
    • G07F11/02—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines
    • G07F11/04—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines in which magazines the articles are stored one vertically above the other
    • G07F11/16—Delivery means
    • G07F11/24—Rotary or oscillatory members
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F11/00—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles
    • G07F11/02—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines
    • G07F11/44—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines in which magazines the articles are stored in bulk
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G16—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS
    • G16H—HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS, i.e. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE HANDLING OR PROCESSING OF MEDICAL OR HEALTHCARE DATA
    • G16H20/00—ICT specially adapted for therapies or health-improving plans, e.g. for handling prescriptions, for steering therapy or for monitoring patient compliance
    • G16H20/10—ICT specially adapted for therapies or health-improving plans, e.g. for handling prescriptions, for steering therapy or for monitoring patient compliance relating to drugs or medications, e.g. for ensuring correct administration to patients
    • G16H20/13—ICT specially adapted for therapies or health-improving plans, e.g. for handling prescriptions, for steering therapy or for monitoring patient compliance relating to drugs or medications, e.g. for ensuring correct administration to patients delivered from dispensers

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to a pill dispenser mechanism, in particular to a pill dispenser mechanism for a pill dispenser assembly.
  • the present disclosure further relates to a pill dispenser assembly, a kit of parts, an adapter, and a method of operation of a pill dispenser mechanism.
  • the present disclosure further relates to a sorter component, in particular to a sorter component for a pill dispenser assembly.
  • the present disclosure further relates to a pill dispenser assembly, a kit of parts, an adapter for a pill dispenser assembly, and a method of sorting pills.
  • a pill such as a pharmaceutical drug or dietary supplement
  • a packaging such as a container.
  • a pill may be a pharmaceutical drug provided in pill form in a standard medicine bottle.
  • a person may be required to take a specific number of pills per unit time.
  • the device may not successfully dispense a pill. This might cause a patient to struggle to access a dose, or cause a patient to miss a dose.
  • a further problem is that existing devices, or mechanisms therein, may be difficult to manufacture. As a result, existing devices may not be manufactured in a cost-effective manner or may be unsuitable for large scale manufacture. Furthermore, existing devices may be bulky and, as a result, may impact ease-of-use and portability of the device.
  • the device may allow the patient to (deliberately or inadvertently) dispense a dose that is greater than required or is safe.
  • Another problem is that the patient may experience difficultly in accessing a dose. In such cases, the patient may be required to shake or turn over, perhaps repeatedly, the container and device to access the dose. This difficultly, and resulting delay, may discourage or prevent the patient from accessing and administering the correct dose.
  • One scenario in which it is particularly important to ensure that a patient is administering the correct dose is in clinical trial. In clinical trial, a patient may be monitored for adherence. Adherence is the rate at which a patient follows a prescribed regimen for administering a product such as a drug. Adherence needs to be high for the drug to be able to have its desired effect. Unfortunately, adherence by patients is highly variable. It is estimated that 50 - 70% of drugs are not taken correctly. This is having knock on effects on the outcome of treatments, clinical trials, and increasing costs in the healthcare sector.
  • Smart packaging is a technology where electronic circuitry, monitoring or control functions are incorporated in medicine packaging to support adherence.
  • Smart packaging can record a dispensing event, which as an example may include a pill being dispensed from a container.
  • the dispensing event is recorded as an “adherence action”, e.g., the patient has administered or interacted with their dose.
  • adherence action e.g., the patient has administered or interacted with their dose.
  • a problem with existing smart packaging is that it is possible for them to incorrectly report an adherence event.
  • a patient may tamper with the smart packaging to cause a dispensing event to be recorded.
  • a malfunction in the smart packaging may cause a dispensing event to be recorded where one has not taken place.
  • a patient may replace the pill into the container, thereby invalidating a count of the pills remaining in the container.
  • a further problem relates to compatibility of said devices with a container used to package the pills.
  • Pharmaceutical companies typically use standard container sizes, with the particular container size being chosen based on drug stability when stored in the container (with the amount of air in the container affecting the pills). Pharmaceutical companies may therefore be unwilling to adopt a different container size to accommodate a dispensing device, or indeed may be preventing from adopting a different container size due to drug stability testing conducted during a regulatory approval process. As a result, a desired dispenser device may be incompatible for use with a particular container size.
  • a first aspect provides a pill dispenser mechanism for a pill dispenser assembly, the pill dispenser mechanism comprising: a first chamber configured to receive a plurality of pills; and a pill blocking arrangement comprising: a shaft; a first blocking member; a second blocking member, wherein the first blocking member and second blocking member are provided on the shaft and are spaced apart, wherein the shaft is rotatable to: move the first blocking member out of communication with the first chamber and move the second blocking member into communication with the first chamber.
  • the pill dispenser mechanism further comprises a second chamber configured to receive a plurality of pills; wherein the shaft is rotatable to: move the first blocking member out of communication with the first chamber and into communication with the second chamber; and move the second blocking member out of communication with the second chamber and into communication with the first chamber.
  • the first chamber and second chamber are linear and parallel with one another.
  • the first blocking member is moveable into communication with the first chamber to block an outlet of the first chamber. In one example, the first blocking member is moveable into communication with the second chamber to block an outlet of the second chamber.
  • the second blocking member is moveable into communication with the first chamber to extend into the first chamber. In one example, the second blocking member is moveable into communication with the second chamber to extend into the second chamber.
  • the pill dispenser mechanism further comprises a product sensor arrangement configured to sense the presence or absence of the pill in the, or each, chamber.
  • an agitator member is connected to the shaft.
  • the shaft is rotatable by movement of a cam member.
  • the pill dispenser mechanism further comprises an adapter comprising an outer surface arranged to be insertable in a neck of a container for containing one or more pills.
  • the adapter is sized to be providable in a container having a 38mm neck diameter.
  • the pill dispenser mechanism is retrofit to the opening of an existing container.
  • a second aspect provides a pill dispenser assembly comprising a pill dispenser mechanism according to the first aspect.
  • a third aspect provides a kit of parts comprising: a container for containing one or more pills; and a pill dispenser mechanism according to the first aspect or pill dispenser assembly according to the second aspect.
  • a fourth aspect provides an adapter for a pill dispenser assembly, the adapter comprising: an inner surface arranged to be provided in a facing manner with a surface of the pill dispenser assembly; and an outer surface arranged to be insertable in a neck of a container for containing one or more pills.
  • the adapter is sized to be providable in a container having a 38mm neck diameter.
  • a fifth aspect provides a method of operation of a pill dispenser mechanism, the method comprising: providing a pill dispenser mechanism comprising a first chamber configured to receive a plurality of pills; and a pill blocking arrangement comprising: a shaft; a first blocking member; a second blocking member, wherein the first blocking member and second blocking member are provided on the shaft and are spaced apart; and rotating the shaft to move the first blocking member out of communication with the first chamber and move the second blocking member into communication with the first chamber.
  • the method comprises rotating the shaft to move the first blocking member out of communication with the first chamber and into communication with a second chamber; and rotating the shaft to move the second blocking member into communication with the first chamber and out of communication with the second chamber.
  • a sixth aspect provides a sorter component for a pill dispenser assembly, the sorter component comprising: a slide member arrangement comprising a slide member comprising a surface extending to a product outlet, thereby to guide a pill toward the product outlet by the pill sliding on the surface, wherein the sorter component is configured to be at least partially located in a container for containing one or more pills.
  • the slide member arrangement comprises a plurality of slide members, each slide member comprising a surface extending to a respective product outlet, thereby to guide a pill toward the respective product outlet by the pill sliding on the surface.
  • the slide members are arranged to at least partially spiral around one another.
  • the slide member arrangement comprises two slide members.
  • the surface comprises at least a region of convex curvature.
  • the region of convex curvature is provided proximal to the product outlet.
  • the width of the surface of the slide member increases in a direction away from the product outlet.
  • the sorter component further comprises an aperture arranged to receive an agitator member therethrough.
  • the sorter component further comprises an adapter comprising an outer surface arranged to be insertable in a neck of a container for containing one or more pills.
  • the adapter is sized to be providable in a container having a 38mm neck diameter.
  • the sorter component is retrofit to the opening of an existing container.
  • a seventh aspect provides a pill dispenser assembly comprising a sorter component according to the sixth aspect.
  • An eighth aspect provides a kit of parts comprising: a container for containing one or more pills; and the sorter component according to the sixth aspect or a pill dispenser assembly according to the seventh aspect.
  • the sorter component is providable at least partially within the neck of the container.
  • the slide member arrangement is providable to project into the container beyond the neck of the container.
  • a ninth aspect provides an adapter for a pill dispenser assembly, the adapter comprising: an inner surface arranged to be provided in a facing manner with a surface of the pill dispenser assembly; and an outer surface arranged to be insertable in a neck of a container for containing one or more pills.
  • the adapter has a 38mm outer diameter.
  • a tenth aspect provides a method of sorting pills comprising: locating the sorter component according to the sixth aspect or pill dispenser assembly according to the seventh aspect at least partially in a container for containing one or more pills; and using the slide member arrangement to guide a pill to the product outlet.
  • An eleventh aspect provides a pill dispenser assembly comprising a sorter component according to the sixth aspect and a pill dispenser mechanism according to the first aspect.
  • a twelfth aspect provides a kit of parts comprising: a container for containing one or more pills; the sorter component according to the sixth aspect or a pill dispenser assembly according to the seventh aspect; and the pill dispenser mechanism according to the first aspect or a pill dispenser assembly according to the second aspect.
  • Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of pill dispenser assembly fitted to a container
  • Fig. 2 shows a first exploded view of the pill dispenser assembly of Fig. 1 ;
  • Fig. 3 shows second exploded view of the pill dispenser assembly of Fig. 1 ;
  • Fig. 4 shows pill configurations in a pill dispenser mechanism
  • Fig. 5 shows a plan view of a first blocking member and cam mechanism
  • Fig. 6 shows an adapter provided on a pill dispenser assembly
  • Fig. 7 shows a flowchart of operation of the pill dispenser mechanism and assembly
  • Fig. 8 shows a schematic kit of parts
  • Fig. 9 shows general methodology principles
  • Fig. 10 shows an exploded view of a pill dispenser assembly
  • Fig. 11 shows a perspective view of the pill dispenser assembly of Fig. 10 in isolation and absent a housing
  • Fig. 12 shows cross sections through the pill dispenser assembly of Fig.10;
  • Fig. 13 shows a schematic kit of parts
  • Fig. 14 shows general methodology principles.
  • a pill dispenser assembly 10 and pill dispenser mechanism 100 are described herein. It will be appreciated that benefits of the invention may be derived by providing the pill dispenser mechanism 100 in isolation.
  • the pill dispenser mechanism 100 may be suitable for retrofit in an existing assembly, thereby to provide an improved pill dispenser assembly. Nevertheless, the pill dispenser mechanism 100 is particularly advantageous when provided as part of a pill dispenser assembly 10, or as a kit comprising the pill dispenser mechanism 100, as herein described.
  • pill dispenser mechanism 100 or pill dispenser assembly 10 are described as being retrofit to the opening of an existing container. That is, a container (e.g., a pill bottle) may be provided, and a pill dispenser mechanism 100 or pill dispenser assembly 10 may be retrofit to the container to dispense pills therefrom. This is particularly advantageous as the assembly 10 or mechanism 100 can be provided to dispense pills from generic containers, for example during clinical trial or for particular patients. Nevertheless, in other examples, it is possible to manufacture containers comprising components of the pill dispenser assembly 10 or pill dispenser mechanism 100.
  • the pill dispenser assembly 10 is shown attached to a container 1 for containing one or more pills.
  • the pill dispenser assembly 10 engages with the opening of the container 1 by corresponding screw threads provided at the container 1 and at the pill dispenser assembly 10.
  • the pill dispenser assembly 10 comprises a housing assembly 12.
  • the housing assembly 12 comprises openings 14 through which pill can be dispensed to the user (e.g., a patient or intended recipient of the dose).
  • a cap (not shown) may further be provided over the upper portion of the housing assembly 12, to cover the openings 14.
  • the cap may be connected to the housing assembly 12 by a screw thread provided on the cap engaging a corresponding screw thread provided at the upper region of the housing assembly 12.
  • the container 1 and pill dispenser assembly 10 engaged therewith are inverted (relative to the orientation shown in Figure 1 , with vertical axis indicated at 2) such that the container 1 is disposed vertically above the pill dispenser assembly 10.
  • pills travel from the container 1 , down into and through the pill dispenser assembly 10, and are dispensed to the user via the openings 14. The dispensing process is thus gravity-assisted.
  • the pill dispenser assembly 10 is shown in exploded upper perspective view and exploded lower perspective view respectively.
  • the pill dispenser assembly 10 is in the inverted orientation, which is the orientation required for the dispensing process.
  • the pill dispenser assembly 10 comprises a sorter component 20, a first housing assembly part 12a, a second housing assembly part 12b, and the pill dispenser mechanism 100.
  • the sorter component 20 and pill dispenser mechanism 100 are shown split in two halves to reveal their internal construction.
  • the first housing assembly part 12a provides the outer housing of the pill dispenser assembly 10 (e.g., the part of the housing assembly 12 visible in Figure 1).
  • the second housing assembly part 12b is providable at least partly within the first housing assembly part 12a.
  • the second housing assembly part 12b is provided around the pill dispenser mechanism 100.
  • the pill dispenser assembly 10 is housed in the first housing assembly part 12a.
  • the first housing assembly part 12a and second housing assembly part 12b are connected by use of screws (not shown) extending into bores 32 provided in shoulder portions of the pill dispenser mechanism 100.
  • the second housing assembly part 12b engages with the opening of the container 1 by screw thread 14.
  • the sorter component 20 is then at least partially located in the container 1 by extending into the neck of the container 1.
  • Two sorter channels 26a, 26b sort pills received from the container 1 into two supply lines. Pills are supplied to the pill dispenser mechanism 100 from the sorter component 20.
  • each sorter channel 26a, 26b may be referred to as a “product entry passage”, as a pill enters the pill dispenser assembly 100 by the sorter channel 26a, 26b.
  • the pill dispenser mechanism 100 comprises a first chamber 110.
  • the first chamber 110 is configured to receive a plurality of pills.
  • the pill dispenser mechanism 100 further comprises a second chamber 120.
  • the second chamber 120 is configured to receive a plurality of pills.
  • Each chamber 110, 120 comprises an inlet 112, 122 by which a pill may enter the chamber 110, 120 and an outlet 114, 124 by which a pill may exit the chamber 110, 120.
  • Each chamber 110, 120 has a cylindrical form.
  • the first chamber 110 and second chamber 120 are linear and parallel to one another. In this way, the construction is simplified. Furthermore, reliability of dispensing is improved due to the linear pill travel path. Additionally, the parallel arrangement of the chambers 110, 120 simplified the operation of the pill dispenser mechanism 100, as will be apparent from the description below.
  • the pill dispenser mechanism 100 further comprises a pill blocking arrangement 130.
  • the pill blocking arrangement 130 is configured to block the passage of pills through the chambers 110, 120 when appropriately positioned.
  • the pill blocking arrangement 130 may otherwise be referred to as a pill arresting arrangement.
  • the pill blocking arrangement 130 comprises a shaft 132, a first blocking member 134 and a second blocking member 136.
  • the first blocking member 134 and second blocking member 136 are provided on and connected to the shaft 132.
  • the first blocking member 134 and second blocking member 136 project outwardly, perpendicular to the axis of the shaft 132.
  • the first blocking member 134 and second blocking member 136 are spaced apart. In other words, the first blocking member 134 and second blocking member 136 are spaced apart along the shaft 132.
  • the first blocking member 134 is provided at a lower end of the shaft 132.
  • the second blocking member 136 is provided above the first blocking member, approximately halfway along the shaft 132.
  • the first blocking member 134 and second blocking member 136 project in substantially opposite directions.
  • the first blocking member 134 and second blocking member 136 may each project substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the shaft 132.
  • the blocking members 134, 136 comprise planar (or flat) blocking surfaces.
  • each chamber 110, 120 can be considered as comprising, or being divided into, two sections. This is due to the spaced apart (i.e., separation of) first blocking member 134 and second blocking member 136.
  • each chamber 110, 120 comprises a lower section and an upper section.
  • the lower section is defined between the first blocking member 134 and the second blocking member 136.
  • the upper section is above the second blocking member 136.
  • the lower section may be known as the dispensing section, and a pill in the lower section may be considered to be in a dispensing position.
  • the upper section may be known as the loading section, and a pill in the upper section may be considered to be in a loading position. This is because pills are loaded into the dispensing section from the loading section of the chamber 110, 120 following movement of the second blocking member 136 out of communication with the respective chamber 110, 120, as will be described in greater detail below.
  • the blocking members 134, 136 function to block (e.g., inhibit, arrest or prevent) passage of a pill through the chamber 110, 120 when the blocking members 134, 136 are appropriately positioned.
  • the first blocking member 134 functions to block passage of a pill from a respective dispensing position in the chamber 110, 120, such that the pill is not dispensed from the chamber 110, 120.
  • the second blocking member 136 functions to block passage of a pill from a respective loading position in the chamber 110, 120, such that the pill is blocked from moving from the loading position to the dispensing position.
  • the shaft 132 is rotatable to move the first blocking member 134 out of communication with the first chamber 110 and to move the second blocking member 136 into communication with the first chamber 110. That is, in a single rotational movement of the shaft 132, the first blocking member 134 is moved out of communication with the first chamber 110 and the second blocking member 136 is moved into communication with the first chamber 110.
  • a blocking member 134, 136 By a blocking member 134, 136 being “in communication” with a chamber, a pill in a particular position may be blocked from passage or movement through, or out of, the chamber. That is, each blocking member 134, 136 is moveable into communication with a chamber to block movement of the pill.
  • the first blocking member 134 blocks the outlets 114, 124 by which pills may exit the chambers 110, 120.
  • the first blocking member 134 extends across the lower surface of the chambers 110, 120.
  • the second blocking member 136 blocks a pill in the loading position from moving to the dispensing position.
  • the second blocking member 136 is moveable to extend into the chambers 110, 120. That is, the second blocking member 136 may be movable across the axis of the chambers 110, 120.
  • the first blocking member 134 is moved out of communication with the first chamber 110 to allow a first pill to be dispensed from the dispensing position.
  • the second blocking member 136 is moved into communication with the first chamber 110 to prevent a second pill from moving to the dispensing position from the loading position (and ultimately being dispensed due to the first blocking member 134 being out of communication with the first chamber 110).
  • the dispensing position is the pill position above the first blocking member 134 and below the second blocking member 136.
  • rotation of the shaft 132 causes movement of the second blocking member 136 into communication with the first chamber 110 to prevent one or more pills in the loading position in the first chamber 110 from moving to the dispensing position and/or from being dispensed.
  • blocking members 134, 136 to control passage of pills, different pill sizes may be accommodated and dispensed.
  • the chamber may be sized to accommodate and control dispensing of pills of a particular size.
  • dispensing of pills of various, or different, sizes may be controlled by the provision of blocking members 134, 136.
  • the present pill dispenser mechanism 100 can be manufactured more easily, in a cost- effective manner, and can be mass produced.
  • the pill dispenser mechanism 100 Whilst in the present embodiment of the pill dispenser mechanism 100 two chambers 110, 120 are provided, other embodiments may have an alternative construction.
  • the pill dispenser mechanism 100 may only comprise a single chamber (which will be appreciated from the above description of operation of the mechanism 100, which refers only to the first chamber 110). It will be appreciated that benefits of the invention may still be provided by such a construction.
  • controlled dispensing is provided, as the pill dispenser mechanism 100 operates to dispense one pill at a time and/or inhibit access to additional pills.
  • the pill dispenser mechanism 100 and sorter component 20 may be formed in two halves as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3. Highly advantageously, in this way, high volume manufacturing is facilitated.
  • the pill dispenser assembly 10 and/or the pill dispenser mechanism 100 may be formed by machining (e.g., CNC machining) or injection moulding.
  • the pill dispenser mechanism 100 and sorter component 20 may be formed integrally using machining or injection moulding.
  • a first chamber 110 and second chamber 120 are provided.
  • the shaft 132 is rotatable to move the first blocking member 134 out of communication with the first chamber 110 and into communication with the second chamber 120, and, in the same rotational movement, move the second blocking member 136 out of communication with the second chamber 120 and into communication with the first chamber 110.
  • Figure 4 an example of operation of the pill dispenser mechanism 100 is illustrated in Figure 4, where cross sections through the pill dispenser mechanism 100 are shown.
  • a pill configuration is shown wherein two pills 50a, 50b are received in the first chamber 110, and one pill 50c is received in the second chamber 120.
  • the first blocking member 134 is in communication with the first chamber 110 (e.g., by blocking the outlet 114 of the first chamber 110). In this way, the first blocking member 134 prevents the pills 50a, 50b in the first chamber 110 from being dispensed.
  • the second blocking member 136 is in communication with the second chamber 120 (e.g., by extending into the second chamber 120). In this way, the second blocking member 136 prevents in pill 50c in the second chamber 120 from being dispensed, or from moving to the dispensing position.
  • the shaft 132 is rotated to move the first blocking member 134 out of communication with the first chamber 110 and into communication with the second chamber 120.
  • the second blocking member 120 moves out of communication with the second chamber 120 and into communication with the first chamber 110.
  • the resulting pill configuration is shown in Figure 4(b).
  • the pill 50a in the lower position in the first chamber 110 is dispensed (or allowed to be dispensed (e.g., by gravity) or is accessible).
  • the second blocking member 136 is moved out of communication with the second chamber 120 and into communication with the first chamber 110.
  • the pill 50c previously in the loading position in the second chamber 120 is allowed to fall into the dispensing position in the second chamber 120, but is prevented from being dispensed/accessed by the first blocking member 134 which blocks the outlet 124 of the second chamber 120.
  • the pill 50b in the loading position in the first chamber 110 is prevented from falling into the dispensing position in the first chamber 110. In this way, a single pill 50a is dispensed.
  • the pill dispenser mechanism 100 comprises an agitator member 138.
  • the agitator member 138 is connected to the shaft 132.
  • the agitator member 138 is provided at a first end of the shaft 132, which is the upper end.
  • the agitator member 138 is configured to extend through the sorter component 20 and into (e.g., at least partially into) the container 1 when attached. Rotation of the shaft 132 causes rotation of the agitator member 138, which agitates or encourages pills to fall to the pill dispenser mechanism via the sorter component 20. In this way, clogging or jamming of the pill dispenser assembly 10 can be prevented.
  • a more reliable pill dispenser mechanism 100 can thus be provided, as the agitator member 138 ensures a reliable and consistent delivery of pills to the pill dispenser mechanism 100.
  • the pill dispenser mechanism 100 further comprises a control unit 150, a drive mechanism 160, and a product sensor arrangement 170.
  • the control unit 150 is configured to control the drive mechanism 160. Control of the drive mechanism 160 may be based on output of the product sensor arrangement 170.
  • the drive mechanism 160 is operable to cause movement (i.e., rotation) of the shaft 132.
  • the product sensor arrangement 170 is configured to sense the presence or absence of pills in the chambers 110, 120.
  • the control unit 150 being configured to control the drive mechanism 160 based on the output of the product sensor arrangement 170 is advantageous in ensuring that a dispensing action is initiated, or controlled, at an appropriate time or point in a dispensing process.
  • this is advantageous in ensuring that operation of the drive mechanism 160 results in a pill dispensing event.
  • the present mechanism can use the product sensor arrangement 170 as an input by which to cause a dispensing action to be initiated. Overall, a more robust mechanism and dispensing process is obtained. Patient safety is thereby improved, as improved reliability of dispensing is obtained.
  • the product sensor arrangement 170 comprises a first product sensor 170a and a second product sensor 170b.
  • the first product sensor 170a is configured to sense the presence or absence of a pill in the dispensing position in the first chamber 110.
  • the second product sensor 170b is configured to sense the presence or absence of a pill in the dispensing position in the second chamber 120.
  • the product sensors 170a, 170b are through beam sensors which detects the interruption of a beam of radiation by the presence of the pill.
  • the product sensors 170a, 170b may be a micro-switch arrangement which detects the physical presence or absence of the pill.
  • the drive mechanism 160 is operable to cause movement (i.e., rotation) of the shaft 132.
  • the drive mechanism 160 comprises an electric motor and a power supply (not shown) such as a battery.
  • the drive mechanism 160 is operable to cause movement ofthe shaft 132 by a cam mechanism 164.
  • the cam mechanism 164 comprises a cam in the form of a body 164a having a crescent shape with a pin 164b, and a follower 164c. Operation of the drive mechanism 160 causes rotation of the cam member 164.
  • the follower 164c is connected to the shaft 132, and in this example is formed integrally with the first blocking member 134. However, in other examples, the follower 164c may be a separate component. When the cam member 164 is rotated, the pin 164b is moved into slots 168 provided in the follower 164c to cause movement of the follower 164c and thus rotation of the shaft 132.
  • control unit 150 is configured to control the drive mechanism 160 based on the output of the product sensor arrangement 170.
  • the control unit 150 may comprise a memory, for storing instructions therein.
  • the memory may also contain dosage information for the patient.
  • the control unit 150 may comprise a communication unit, for communicating with a remote server or remote device.
  • the communication unit may transmit information to, and receive information from, the remote server or remote device.
  • the pill dispenser mechanism 100 further comprises an orientation sensor 180.
  • the orientation sensor 180 is configured to sense the orientation of the pill dispenser mechanism 100.
  • the control unit 150 is configured to control the drive mechanism 160 based on the output of the orientation sensor 180.
  • the orientation sensor 124 is configured to sense whether the pill dispenser mechanism 100, and thus the pill dispenser assembly 10, is inverted.
  • the orientation sensor 180 is highly advantageous in preventing and detecting patient tampering with the mechanism. As explained above, during a dispensing process the container 1 is to be disposed vertically above the pill dispenser assembly 10, and as such, during a dispensing process, the pill dispenser mechanism 100 is to be disposed in a known vertical orientation. The orientation sensor 180 detects this orientation and provides a signal to the control unit 150 to confirm this. However, where the orientation sensor 180 detects an orientation other than that intended for the dispensing process, the control unit 150 can be informed and a dispensing process, or general operation of the pill dispenser mechanism 100, can be prevented.
  • the pill dispenser mechanism 100 may be oriented in such a way to attempt to make a pill fall back (i.e., under gravity) into the container 1 through the pill dispenser mechanism 100.
  • the orientation sensor 180 senses that the orientation is not correct for operation of the pill dispenser mechanism 100, and operation is prevented.
  • the pill dispenser mechanism 100 is easier to manufacture than prior art mechanisms.
  • the provision of fixed chambers 110, 120 and a pill blocking arrangement 130 as the moveable component contributes to this advantage. Large scale, cost-effective, manufacture is thereby facilitated.
  • the present mechanism 100 and device 10 are of a compact construction.
  • the provision of fixed chambers 110, 120 and the pill blocking arrangement 130 having the moveable shaft 132 to control pill dispensing contribute to the compactness. Usability and handling are thereby improved, as well as portability of the device.
  • the linear construction of the chambers 110, 120 may enable a user to view a pill therein and diagnose an issue (e.g., jamming or clogging) of the mechanism. The issue can thereby be resolved by accessing the chamber 110, 120 via the inlet 112, 122 and/or outlet 114, 124.
  • the adapter 200 is for a pill dispenser assembly 10 (or pill dispenser assembly 60, as described below).
  • the adapter 200 is provided on the pill dispenser assembly 10, 60, by being formed integrally therewith.
  • the adapter 200 may be provided around or about the sorter component 20 (or sorter component 300, as described below).
  • the adapter 200 comprises an inner surface 210.
  • the inner surface 210 is arranged to be provided in a facing manner with a surface of the pill dispenser assembly 10, 60.
  • the inner surface 210 may be arranged to be provided in a facing manner with an outer surface of the sorter component 20, 300.
  • the adapter 200 comprises an outer surface 220.
  • the outer surface 220 is arranged to be insertable in a neck of a container for containing one or more pills (e.g., container 1 described above).
  • the adapter 200 is in the form of an annular wall.
  • the adapter 200 is sized to fit a container having a 38mm neck diameter, which may have a neck aperture dimension less than 38mm.
  • the pill dispenser assembly 10, 60 in particular, the sorter component 20, 300
  • the pill dispenser assembly 10, 60 may be adapted, or sized, to fit in a container having a 33mm neck diameter.
  • the pill dispenser assembly 10, 60 may be adapted, or sized, to fit in a container having a 38mm neck diameter.
  • the adapter 200 When provided in a container having a 38mm neck diameter, the adapter 200 fills the void between the sorter component 20, 300 and the neck of the container 1.
  • Containers having 33mm and 38mm neck diameter will be well known to those skilled in the art, as they are common, and well used, in the industry, and are preferred by pharmaceutical manufacturers.
  • the same construction of pill dispenser assembly 10, 60 and pill dispenser mechanism 100 may be employed, but adapted for use with containers of different neck diameter by provision of the adapter 200.
  • the pill dispenser assembly 10, 60 may be adapted for use with different container sizes, and thus pharmaceutical companies may be able to employ the pill dispenser assembly 10, 60 without changing container size (which as above may present a problem due to drug stability testing during a regulatory approval process).
  • the pill dispenser assembly 10 is attached to the container 1.
  • a pill dispenser assembly 10 comprising no adapter, or an adapter 200, may be selected, based on the neck diameter of the container 1 to which it is desired to attach the pill dispenser assembly 10.
  • the corresponding screw threads of the container 1 and pill dispenser assembly 10 are engaged. Correct engagement is confirmed by a sensor (not shown).
  • the sensor may be a contact sensor configured to sense contact with the neck of the container 1 . The same sensor may be used to confirm correct engagement irrespective of whether the adapter 200 is provided or not.
  • the patient inverts the container 1 and the attached/engaged pill dispenser assembly 10 (relative to the orientation shown in Figure 1).
  • the pill dispenser assembly 10 is thereby vertically disposed above the container 1 , such that two pills 50a, 50b may fall into the first chamber 110 and one pill 50c may fall into the second chamber 110.
  • the control unit 150 confirms that a pill is present in the dispensing position, which in this case is the pill 50a.
  • the pill 50a in the dispensing position in the first chamber 110 is prevented from being dispensed by the first blocking member 134.
  • the pill 50c in the loading position in the second chamber 120 is prevented from falling through the second chamber 120 by the second blocking member 136.
  • the dispensing process is initiated.
  • the patient may be informed (e.g., by audible notification, smart phone notification, or the like) that the patient is due a dose. That the patient is due a dose may be communicated to the communication unit of the control unit 150 from a remote server or remote device.
  • the patient presses a dispense button (not shown) to initiate the dispensing process.
  • the control unit 150 confirms that the orientation of the pill dispenser assembly 10 is correct, by reference to the output of the orientation sensor 180. If the orientation is incorrect (for example, the pill dispenser assembly 10 is not inverted), the dispensing process is terminated at Step 710, and the patient is informed. If the orientation is correct, the dispensing process proceeds to Step 712.
  • the control unit 150 establishes whether a pill is present at the dispensing position in the first chamber 110, by reference to output of the product sensor arrangement 170. If no pill is present at the dispensing position in the first chamber 110, the dispensing process is terminated at Step 714, and the patient is informed. Additionally, or alternatively, the control 150 may establish whether a pill is present at the dispensing position in the second chamber 120, and the dispensing process will proceed in a corresponding manner. If a pill is present at the dispensing position in the first chamber 110, the dispensing process proceeds to Step 716.
  • the control unit 150 controls the drive mechanism 160 to cause movement of the shaft 132.
  • the shaft 132 is rotated to move the first blocking member 134 out of communication with the first chamber 110 and into communication with the second chamber 120.
  • the second blocking member 120 moves out of communication with the second chamber 120 and into communication with the first chamber 110.
  • the control unit 150 confirms that the pill has left the first chamber 110, by reference to the output of the product sensor arrangement 170.
  • the pill exits the first chamber 110 and is passed (i.e., falls) through opening 14 and is dispensed to the patient.
  • a dispensing event can thereby be recorded.
  • the dispensing event is recorded with high certainty due to the sensor checks performed during the dispensing process.
  • the control unit 150 establishes whether additional pills are to be dispensed to the patient. This may be established by referring to the control unit memory, or to data transmitted to the communication unit from a remote server or remote device. If no additional pills are to be dispensed to the patient, the dispensing process is complete. If an additional pill is to be dispensed to the patient, the dispensing process proceeds to Step 722.
  • a further advantage of this exemplary embodiment is that one (i.e., a single pill) is dispensed to the patient at a time. In this way, the assembly 10 and mechanism 100 can be used to dispense high-risk drugs, for example drugs that may be toxic in high doses. Furthermore, dispensing to vulnerable patients is made safer, as the dose is controlled by the device, and can be monitored remotely.
  • Step 722 the control unit 150 performs the same checks as in Step 712 but for the second chamber 120. If a pill is present at the dispensing position in the second chamber 120, the dispensing process proceeds to Step 724. Step 722 may be preceded by a further orientation check, as in Step 708.
  • the control unit 150 controls the drive mechanism 160 to cause movement of the shaft 132. This time, the shaft 132 is rotated to move the first blocking member 134 out of the second chamber 120 and into the first chamber 110. During the same rotation of the shaft 132, the second blocking member 120 moves out of the first chamber 110 and into the second chamber 120. An additional single pill is thereby dispensed from the second chamber 120.
  • the control unit 150 confirms that the pill has left the second chamber, by reference to the output of the product sensor arrangement 170.
  • the pill exits the first chamber 110 and is passed (i.e., falls) through opening 14 and is dispensed to the patient.
  • a dispensing event can thereby be recorded.
  • the dispensing event is recorded with high certainty due to the sensor checks performed during the dispensing process.
  • Step 728 the control unit the control unit 150 establishes whether additional pills are to be dispensed to the patient. This may be established by referring to the control unit memory, or to data transmitted to the communication unit from a remote server or remote device. If no additional pills are to be dispensed to the patient, the dispensing process is complete. If an additional pill is to be dispensed to the patient, the dispensing process returns to Step 712.
  • control is advantageous, as robustness of the dispensing process, and ultimately patient safety, is ensured. Increased certainty of a dispensing event having taken place is provided. Errors in the dispensing process are avoided, and a dispensing event may be accurately recorded and monitored.
  • each step may be monitored by the control unit 150.
  • the correct progression through the process can be reported to a remote server or remote device by the control unit 150.
  • any errors or irregularities in the dispensing process can be determined, and appropriate action taken, for example terminating the dispensing process and/or reporting the errors or irregularities to a monitoring party such as a GP or clinical trial.
  • the kit comprises a pill dispenser mechanism 100, or a pill dispenser assembly 10, and a container 1 for containing one or more pills.
  • the method of operation of the pill dispenser mechanism 100 and/or method of operation of the pill dispenser assembly 10 may incorporate any or all of the features of, or operations of, the pill dispenser mechanism 100 or pill dispenser assembly 10, as desired or as appropriate.
  • the methods may comprise any operation described in relation to the flowchart of Figure 7.
  • a sorter component 300 may incorporate any or all of the features of the sorter component 20 described above, with reference to Figures 2 to 4. Indeed, the sorter component 300 and sorter component 20 may, in some embodiments, be identical. Nevertheless, the sorter component 300 need not necessarily be limited by the description of the sorter component 20, and hence different reference numerals are utilised.
  • the pill dispenser assembly 60 described below may incorporate any or all of the features of the pill dispenser assembly 10 described above. Indeed, the pill dispenser assembly 60 and pill dispenser assembly 10 may, in some embodiments, be identical. Nevertheless, the pill dispenser assembly 60 need not necessarily be limited by the description of the pill dispenser assembly 10, and hence different reference numerals are utilised.
  • the pill dispenser assembly 60 and sorter component 300 are described herein. It will be appreciated that benefits of the invention may be derived by providing the sorter component 300 in isolation.
  • the sorter component 300 may be suitable for retrofit in an existing pill dispenser mechanism or pill dispenser assembly, thereby to provide an improved pill dispenser mechanism or assembly.
  • the sorter component 300 is particularly advantageous when provided as part of a pill dispenser assembly 60, or as a kit comprising the sorter component 300, as herein described.
  • the pill dispenser assembly 60 and sorter component 300 have a small form-factor. In this way, the pill dispenser assembly 60 and sorter component 300 can be adapted for, or used in conjunction with, various container or bottle sizes desired by the end user.
  • the sorter component 300 or pill dispenser assembly 60 are described as being retrofitted to the opening of an existing container. That is, a container (e.g., a pill bottle) may be provided, and a sorter component 300 or pill dispenser assembly 60 may be retro-fitted to the container to sort, or sort and dispense, pills therefrom. This is particularly advantageous as the assembly 60 or sorter component 300 can be provided to sort, or sort and dispense, pills from generic containers, for example during clinical trial or for particular patients. Nevertheless, in other examples, it is possible to manufacture containers comprising components of the pill dispenser assembly 60 or the sorter component 300.
  • the pill dispenser assembly 60 may be attached to a container 1 , in a similar or identical manner to the attachment of pill dispenser assembly 10 to container 1 as described above in relation to Figure 1 . This description will not be repeated here, for purpose of brevity.
  • the container 1 and pill dispenser assembly 60 engaged therewith are inverted (relative to the orientation shown in Figure 1 , with vertical axis indicated at 2) such that the container 1 is disposed vertically above the pill dispenser assembly 60.
  • pills travel from the container 1 , down into and through the pill dispenser assembly 60, and are dispensed to the user via the openings 14. The dispensing process is thus gravity-assisted.
  • the pill dispenser assembly 60 is shown in exploded upper perspective view.
  • the pill dispenser assembly 60 is in the inverted orientation, which is the orientation required for the dispensing process.
  • pill dispenser assembly 60 shown in Figure 10 and described with reference thereto has many corresponding constructional features to the pill dispenser assembly 10 shown in Figure 2 and described with reference thereto. Description of certain features will be repeated for clarity, although some description will be omitted for brevity.
  • the pill dispenser assembly 60 comprises the sorter component 300, a first housing assembly part 12a, a second housing assembly part 12b, and a pill dispenser mechanism 100.
  • the sorter component 300 and pill dispenser mechanism 100 are shown split in two halves to reveal their internal construction.
  • the first housing assembly part 12a provides the outer housing of the pill dispenser assembly 60 (e.g., the part of the housing assembly 12 visible in Figure 1).
  • the second housing assembly part 12b is providable at least partly within the first housing assembly part 12a.
  • the second housing assembly part 12b is provided around the pill dispenser mechanism 100.
  • the pill dispenser assembly 60 is housed in the first housing assembly part 12a.
  • the first housing assembly part 12a and second housing assembly part 12b are connected by use of screws (not shown) extending into bores 32 provided in shoulder portions of the pill dispenser mechanism 100.
  • the second housing assembly part 12b engages with the opening of the container 1 by screw thread 14.
  • the sorter component 300 is locatable at least partially in the container 1.
  • the sorter component 300 extends into the opening of the container, and into the neck of the container 1.
  • the sorter component 300 may provide improved interaction with pills contained within the container, thereby ensuring reliability of the dispensing process. That is, in an example, the sorter component 300 extends only into the neck of the container 1 , and no further into the container 1 (i.e., does not extend into the chamber thereof). In this way, jamming or clogging of pills between the sorter component 300 and walls of the container 1 is prevented, as no gap or space is created between the sorter component 300 and walls (or the “shoulder”) of the container 1 where pills may become jammed. Reliable operation of the sorter component 300 is thereby ensured. In other examples, it is possible for the sorter component 300 to extend further into the container 1 , for example into the chamber thereof.
  • the sorter component 300 is configured to sort pills received from the container 1 into supply lines.
  • the sorter component 300 is configured to sort pills received from the container 1 into two supply lines. Pills are supplied to the pill dispenser mechanism 100 from the sorter component 300. Pills are supplied to one or more chambers 110, 120 of the pill dispenser mechanism 100 via one or more inlets 112, 122. It will be appreciated that the sorter component 300 functions to receive pills from the container 1 and sort the pills into supply lines for provision to a pill dispenser mechanism 100, to be dispensed to a patient.
  • the pill dispenser mechanism 100 comprises two chambers 110, 120 each having an inlet 112, 122.
  • the pill dispenser mechanism 100 may control the passage of pills through the mechanism during a dispensing process.
  • the sorter component 300 is shown provided as part of a pill dispenser assembly 60. Housing assembly parts 12a, 12b are absent.
  • the sorter component 300 comprises a slide member arrangement 310.
  • the slide member arrangement 310 comprises a slide member 312 comprising a surface 314 extending to a product outlet 316.
  • the slide member 312 is arranged to guide a pill toward the product outlet 316 by the pill sliding on the surface 314.
  • the slide member arrangement 310 comprises a plurality of slide members 312a, 312b.
  • Each slide member 312a, 312b comprises a surface 314a, 314b extending to a respective product outlet 316a, 316b.
  • the slide members 312a, 312b are each arranged to guide a pill toward the respective product outlet 316a, 316b by the pill sliding on the surface 314a, 314b.
  • the slide member arrangement 310 comprises two slide members 312a, 312b.
  • the sorter component 300 is configured to sort pill received from the container 1 into two supply lines. Furthermore, in this way, the sorter component 300 can sort pills into two supply lines to be supplied to two chambers 110, 120 of the pill dispenser mechanism 100.
  • the product outlets 316a, 316b are outlets of the sorter component 300.
  • the product outlets 316a, 316b may align with (e.g., by being coaxial with, or contiguous with) the inlets 112, 122 (not shown in Figure 11). In this way, pills which are guided toward the product outlets 316a, 316b may be passed, or transferred, from the sorter component 300 to the pill dispenser mechanism 100 by entering the chambers 110, 120 via inlets 112, 122.
  • the slide members 312a, 312b each extend to an edge of the respective product outlet 316a, 316b.
  • pill dispenser assembly 310 By providing a slide member arrangement 310, pills are transported by sliding to the product outlets 316a, 316b. Highly advantageously, sliding movement of the pills improves reliability of the dispensing process, by ensuring that the pill orientation is such that they may be passed reliably and consistently from the sorter component 300 to the pill dispenser mechanism 100. Jamming or clogging of the product outlet 316a, 316b is mitigated. The requirement for the pill dispenser assembly 60 and container 1 needing to be shaken, or dispensing reattempted, is reduced or eliminated, thereby reducing difficulty and delay in accessing the correct dose.
  • the slide members 312a, 312b are arranged to at least partially spiral around one another.
  • the slide members 312a, 312b extend downwardly and spiral around one another.
  • the slide members 312a, 312b may be said to spiral or twist about a common axis (which may be a vertical axis).
  • the slide members 312a, 312b may have a substantially double helix shape, or have the form of a portion or part of a double helix shape.
  • a compact sorter component 300 can be constructed. This improves compatibility with containers having small neck sizes, for example those used in the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry. Furthermore, multiple supply lines can be provided, whilst still providing a sorter component 300 having a compact size or small form factor. This is highly advantageous in ensuring the sorter component 300 can be used in conjunction with many different container sizes.
  • the slide member arrangement 310 comprises at least a region of convex curvature. Two regions of convex curvature are indicated in Figure 11 at 350a and 350b.
  • the region, or regions, of convex curvature are regions of the slide surface 314a, 314b. That is, the, or each, slide surface 314a, 314b has at least a region of convex curvature. Such a region of convex curvature may be referred to as a convex slide surface region 350.
  • the gradient of the surface 314a, 314b increases toward the product outlet 316a, 316b or chamber inlet 112, 122.
  • Such a construction has the highly advantageous effect of orienting pills sliding along the surface 314a, 314b into or towards a vertical orientation.
  • the pills can be passed in or close to a vertical orientation to the product outlet 316a, 316b or chamber inlet 112, 122. Clogging or jamming of the product outlets 316a, 316b or inlets 112, 122 is thereby mitigated.
  • pills in a vertical orientation may be in an improved orientation for control or manipulation by the pill dispenser mechanism 100. Additionally, such a construction may improve organisation of the pills into supply lines.
  • the region of convex curvature 350a, 350b is provided proximal to the product outlet 316a, 316b.
  • the pills can be passed in or close to a vertical orientation to the product outlet 316a, 316b or chamber inlet 112, 122. Clogging or jamming of the product outlets 316a, 316b or inlets 112, 122 is thereby mitigated.
  • pills in a vertical orientation may be in an improved orientation for control or manipulation by the pill dispenser mechanism 100.
  • the entire slide surface 314a, 314b may have convex curvature. This may improve orientation of the pills into the vertical orientation.
  • a region of the slide surface 314a, 314b away from the product outlet 316a, 316b (e.g., in a region arranged to initially receive pills from the container 1 to which the pill dispenser assembly 60 is attached) may not have a convex curvature.
  • Such a region may be planar, or indeed may have a concave curvature.
  • a planar region or concave region of the slide surface 314a, 314b may improve the manner in which the sorter component 300 receives pills from the container 1 , for example by improving ease with which the sorter component 300 initially receives pills from the container 1 .
  • the width of the surface 314a, 314b of the slide members 312a, 312b increases in a direction away from the product outlet 316a, 316b.
  • the widths are indicated at 332a, 332b.
  • the width of the surface 314a, 314b is defined as the distance between lateral edges of the surface 314a, 314b. In this way, a greater surface area of the slide surface 314a, 314b is provided in the region arranged to initially receive pills from the container 1 , which may be a region of the surface 314a, 314b which extends into the container 1.
  • the width of the surface 314a, 314b of the slide members 312a, 312b may taper toward the product outlet 316a, 316b. That is, from the initially wider end of the slide surface 314a, 314b the width may reduce toward the product outlet 316a, 316b. The width may be at a minimum at the product outlet 316a, 316b.
  • the width may be sufficient for only a single pill to pass along the slide surface 314a, 314b and to the product outlet 316a, 316b. Sorting of the pills into supply lines is thereby improved, and risk of jamming of the product outlet 316a, 316b is thereby reduced.
  • the sorter component 300 comprises an aperture 340.
  • the aperture 340 is a central aperture between the product outlets 316a, 316b.
  • the aperture 340 is arranged to receive an agitator member 380 therethrough.
  • the agitator member 380 is shown in Figure 12(b).
  • the agitator member 380 is provided in the pill dispenser mechanism 100 of the pill dispenser assembly 60.
  • the agitator member 380 may be a part of the sorter component 300.
  • the agitator member 380 is rotatable.
  • the agitator member 380 has an elongate finger- shaped form.
  • the agitator member 380 extends through the sorter component 300 between the slide members 312a, 312b.
  • the agitator member 380 is configured to be at least partially located in the container 1 , along with the sorter component 300. Rotation of the agitator member 380 agitates the pills, and pushes or disrupts the pills to lie on the surfaces 314a, 314b of the slide members 312a, 312b. In this way, improved operation of the sorter component 300 is realised, as it may be ensured that pills are consistently and reliably provided on the slide members 312a, 312b of the sorter component 300.
  • the sorter component 300 and more generally the pill dispenser assembly 60, may be formed in two halves as illustrated in Figures 12(a) and 12(b). Highly advantageously, in this way, high volume manufacturing is facilitated.
  • the pill dispenser assembly 60 and/or the sorter component 300 may be formed by machining (e.g., CNC machining) or injection moulding.
  • the pill dispenser mechanism 100 (or parts thereof, including the chambers 110, 120) and sorter component 300 may be formed integrally using machining or injection moulding.
  • the kit comprises a sorter component 300, or a pill dispenser assembly 60, and a container 1 for containing one or more pills.
  • Step S1410 comprises locating the sorter component 300 or pill dispenser assembly 60 at least partially in a container for containing one or more pills.
  • Step S1420 comprises using the slide member arrangement to guide a pill to the product outlet.
  • the method of sorting pills may incorporate any or all of the features of, or operations of, the sorter component 300 or pill dispenser assembly 60, as desired or as appropriate.
  • features of the pill dispenser assembly 60 and pill dispenser assembly 10 may be combined, as desired or as appropriate.
  • a pill dispenser assembly may be provided comprising the pill dispenser mechanism 100 and the sorter component 300 (as may be illustrated by Figures 2 and 10).
  • At least some of the example embodiments described herein may be constructed, partially or wholly, using dedicated special-purpose hardware.
  • Terms such as ‘component’, ‘module’ or ‘unit’ used herein may include, but are not limited to, a hardware device, such as circuitry in the form of discrete or integrated components, a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), which performs certain tasks or provides the associated functionality.
  • FPGA Field Programmable Gate Array
  • ASIC Application Specific Integrated Circuit
  • the described elements may be configured to reside on a tangible, persistent, addressable storage medium and may be configured to execute on one or more processors.
  • These functional elements may in some embodiments include, by way of example, components, such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components and task components, processes, functions, attributes, procedures, subroutines, segments of program code, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuitry, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables.
  • components such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components and task components, processes, functions, attributes, procedures, subroutines, segments of program code, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuitry, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables.
  • components such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components and task components, processes, functions, attributes, procedures, subroutines, segments of program code, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuitry, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables.

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Abstract

Selon la prévente divulgation, l'invention concerne un mécanisme de distribution de pilules pour un ensemble distributeur de pilules, le mécanisme de distribution de pilules comprenant : une première chambre conçue pour recevoir une pluralité de pilules ; et un agencement de blocage de pilules comprenant : un arbre ; un premier élément de blocage ; un second élément de blocage, le premier élément de blocage et le second élément de blocage étant disposés sur l'arbre et étant espacés, l'arbre pouvant tourner pour : déplacer le premier élément de blocage hors de communication avec la première chambre et déplacer le second élément de blocage en communication avec la première chambre.
PCT/GB2024/052245 2023-09-04 2024-08-29 Mécanisme de distribution de pilules, ensemble distributeur de pilules, kit de pièces, adaptateur et procédé Pending WO2025052093A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB2313486.9A GB2633324A (en) 2023-09-04 2023-09-04 Sorter component, pill dispenser assembly, kit of parts, adapter, and method
GB2313485.1 2023-09-04
GB2313486.9 2023-09-04
GB2313485.1A GB2633323A (en) 2023-09-04 2023-09-04 Pill dispenser mechanism, pill dispenser assembly, kit of parts, adapter, and method

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2025052093A1 true WO2025052093A1 (fr) 2025-03-13

Family

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Family Applications (1)

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PCT/GB2024/052245 Pending WO2025052093A1 (fr) 2023-09-04 2024-08-29 Mécanisme de distribution de pilules, ensemble distributeur de pilules, kit de pièces, adaptateur et procédé

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Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2492777A1 (fr) * 1980-10-29 1982-04-30 Gay Louis Dispositif distributeur de produits contenus dans des recipients
US20170079887A1 (en) * 2015-09-22 2017-03-23 Michael Song Locked Pill Bottle with Timed Dispense Limits
US20180028406A1 (en) * 2016-08-01 2018-02-01 Jim Patton Secure Controlled Substance Pill Dispensing Device
EP3566688A1 (fr) * 2014-10-16 2019-11-13 Elucid Mhealth Limited Distributeurs et leurs procédés d'utilisation
US20200130900A1 (en) * 2018-10-26 2020-04-30 JMH Consulting Group, LLC Pill dispenser
US10874590B1 (en) * 2018-02-19 2020-12-29 Butaud Enterprises LLC Medication-dispensing system and method

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2492777A1 (fr) * 1980-10-29 1982-04-30 Gay Louis Dispositif distributeur de produits contenus dans des recipients
EP3566688A1 (fr) * 2014-10-16 2019-11-13 Elucid Mhealth Limited Distributeurs et leurs procédés d'utilisation
US20170079887A1 (en) * 2015-09-22 2017-03-23 Michael Song Locked Pill Bottle with Timed Dispense Limits
US20180028406A1 (en) * 2016-08-01 2018-02-01 Jim Patton Secure Controlled Substance Pill Dispensing Device
US10874590B1 (en) * 2018-02-19 2020-12-29 Butaud Enterprises LLC Medication-dispensing system and method
US20200130900A1 (en) * 2018-10-26 2020-04-30 JMH Consulting Group, LLC Pill dispenser

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