Patent ID: 6449218
Filing Date: 2002-09-10
Classification: A61J,Y10T

Abstract:
A unitary, user operable, electronic medicine storage and reminder device, which comprises:first and second containers; means for releasably securing said first and second containers together; said first container comprising: a plurality of spaced compartments; a lid for each said compartment; and latch means for releasably closing each said compartment; said second container comprising: an alarm signaling means comprising a light emitting means corresponding to each of said compartments and a sound emitting means; display means for displaying indicia; a microprocessor including: a plurality of manual means to program said microprocessor including: a first manual user operable means for setting correct time and for displaying said correct time on said display means; a second manual user operable means for setting alarm times for taking medicine from each said compartment, for displaying alarm times on said display means and for actuating said signaling means at said alarm times; a third manual user operable means for clearing all set alarm times; a fourth manual user operable means for displaying all set alarm times in seriatim; a plurality of user operable switch buttons including: user operable switch button means for displaying indicia on said display indicating that a time for taking a medicine has arrived and the time for taking the next medicine; user operable switch button means for displaying indicia on said display indicating that a medicine has been taken when scheduled; user operable switch button means for displaying indicia on said display indicating that a medicine has not been taken when scheduled; user operable switch button means for displaying indicia on said display indicating times medicines were previously taken; user operable switch button means for displaying indicia on said display indicating current alarm time and next alarm time; and a hinged cover on said second container moveable between an open position covering none of said plurality of user operable switch button means and a closed position wherein only one of said user operable switch button means remains exposed; said one of said user operable switch buttons remaining exposed being incapable of changing the programming of said microprocessor without access to at least one additional user operable switch button means, thereby preventing accidental programming of said microprocessor when said cover is in said closed position.