Patent ID: 8102735
Filing Date: 2012-01-24
Classification: A61J,G04F,G04G,G16H

Abstract:
1. A docking station for programming and mounting a multifunction timer device to a dispensing container, said docking station comprising: a base portion operative to fixedly support an infrared light emitting diode (LED), said base portion including guide walls forming a pocket for receiving and pre-positioning a multifunction timer device in alignment with said LED for optical coupling there between; a platform portion carried on said base portion, said platform portion defining a well configured to nestingly retain a dispensing container therein in substantial axial alignment with said base portion pocket, said well including guide walls operative to concentrically align and axially position an end surface of a dispensing container disposed therein with an exposed surface of said prepositioned multifunction timer device; means to effect axial engagement between said container end surface and exposed timer surface; a scanner having a field of focus directed toward an outer peripheral surface of a dispensing container positioned within said well and operable for encoding information imprinted thereon; and a controller adapted for electrically interconnecting said LED and scanner with a host data processing system, said controller operative to write selected data to said multifunction timer device via said LED optical coupling as a function of said encoded information and related data stored in said host data processing system.