Abstract:
An apparatus for storing, dispensing and alerting a patient when to take a prescribed medication is provided having a housing in the form of a pager for enclosing a plurality of medication compartments stored therein. Each of the compartments houses a plurality of different medications usually in pill or tablet form. Each modular compartment is separated by one or more removable dividers that allow the user to alter the size and orientation of each compartment. The apparatus further contains an information screen for giving the patient vital information about what medication to take, how to access the appropriate compartment, and when to take it. Special alarms prevent the patient from taking the wrong medication at un-prescribed times. Programming buttons allow the apparatus to be programmed to that patient&#39;s specific medicinal needs.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 09/056,207, filed on Apr. 7, 1998. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0003]    Generally, this invention is directed toward an apparatus for pharmaceutical medications. More specifically, this invention relates to an improved pill dispenser for storing, dispensing, concealing, and alerting a patient when to take his/her medication.  
           [0004]    2. Description of Related Art  
           [0005]    Generally, when a doctor prescribes a medication for a patient, the prescription is to be taken specifically as directed by the doctor (i.e. the dosage, and number of times per day are to be followed exactly as prescribed by the doctor). If the patient follows the procedure for taking the medication rigidly, it allows the doctor to more accurately determine if the medication is working properly, or to vary the dosage and medication. The problem arises when a patient neglects to follow the doctor&#39;s prescribed medication procedure and continues to remain ill. This problem makes it difficult for a doctor to ascertain whether the original medication was working or to prescribe different medications and dosages. Thus, a device needs to be integrated with prescription drugs that will allow a patient to more accurately follow the doctor&#39;s prescribed medication. Another problem with prescription drugs is the inconvenience of carrying around a plurality of prescription bottles. This is not only cumbersome, but embarrassing as well. Therefore, a device that can carry a plurality of medications in an easy and inconspicuous manner would also be beneficial to patients.  
           [0006]    Several approaches have been provided for pill dispensers and the like. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,962,491, describes a portable medicament dispenser and patient medical information storage apparatus that utilizes a housing containing external access to an alpha/numeric keyboard, a visual display having a clock display, an alpha/numeric display portion, and a plurality of control function keys which may be used to enter the name of medicaments and the times that they should be taken throughout the day, coupled to a memory storage mechanism. An audio device enunciates the time in which all of the medicament, in bulk quantity and contained within a compartment of the apparatus, may be retrieved by the user. A cover, over the compartment, opens automatically at the times that any medicaments are taken by the user, who then selects those medicaments he is to take at that time. By programming the keyboard, patient information may be inserted into the storage mechanism, for use during emergencies. A stationary device, similarly equipped with an alpha/numeric display and keyboard coupled to a storage mechanism may be used to program the portable device at the source where medicaments are dispensed. An output terminal of the stationary device may simultaneously print labels for the dispenser.  
           [0007]    In the art taught by Stone, U.S. Pat. No. 4,798,309, a programmable machine for dispensing items, such as pills or capsules, in timed sequence is described. The machine includes a cylindrical container element provided with a series of item receiving and dispensing compartments extending spirally there along and opening into its circumferential surface for alignment with a discharge opening in a stationary cylindrical shell within which the container element is mounted for both rotary and axial movement concentrically over and along a microprocessor controlled, stepper motor, so as to sequentially bring the individual compartments into precise alignment with the discharge opening of the shell to discharge their contents into a delivery tray. The containment element is mounted or on and along a stationary spiral track-way as it is rotated. The compartments may be filled by turning the machine upside down and inserting items through the discharge opening.  
           [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,768,177 teaches a device for indicating when medication should be taken, having plural compartments, each of which may store medication. An electrical signaling system emits signals from time to time, each of which indicates (a) that medication should be taken; (b) from which compartment the medication should be taken; and (c) the quantity of medication to be taken from the designated compartment, and instructions for taking the medication.  
           [0009]    While some of the prior art may contain some similarities relating to the present invention, none of them teach, suggest or include all of the advantages and unique features of a pill storage dispensing, concealing, and paging apparatus that can store and dispense a plurality of medications, alert the patient when and how much medication to take, and conceal the medication in an inconspicuous manner as presented by the applicant&#39;s invention.  
         BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0010]    The present invention is directed towards a medication or pill storage, dispensing, concealing, and alerting apparatus for patients. In the preferred embodiment, the invention consists of a watertight housing having a plurality of medication compartments stored therein for enclosing a plurality of medications normally in pill form. The apparatus contains generally an information screen with programming buttons that alerts a patient when to take his/her medication, how much medication to take, and what compartment the medication is located. In one embodiment, transmitting and receiving means are located inside the apparatus to allow for the communication of data between the patient and a receiver station. A rear pivoting cover conceals and exposes the plurality of inner medication compartments when closed and opened respectively. Each medication compartment contains a separate corresponding button to open the compartments and communicate with a central processor. A battery power supply and other necessary components are also integrated with the invention.  
           [0011]    In an alternate embodiment, the pill storage apparatus is an electronically controlled medication reminder device that resembles a pager, yet includes all of the features of a conventional pill box. No paging features are included in this particular embodiment. The device is small and compact enough to be carried in a pocket, purse or belt clip.  
           [0012]    The apparatus can be programmed to match the user&#39;s medication needs. The programming function is user-friendly. The user simply enters the time and identity of the medication to be taken at that particular interval.  
           [0013]    The housing of the pill storage apparatus is adapted to affix to the user&#39;s belt clip and includes an alarm signal to remind user when it is time to take certain medications. The signal alerting the user to take his or her medication can be in the form of an audio signal or a visual signal, or a vibration signal, much like a traditional pager. When the alarm is activated, a visual display shows the reminder information until the user acknowledges it by depressing one of the buttons. During normal operations, the apparatus acts like a clock by displaying the current time.  
           [0014]    This preferred embodiment contains up to four modular storage compartments with three dividers therebetween. It is within the spirit of the invention, however, to provide a larger number of compartments, depending upon the size of the pill dispenser housing. The storage compartments are adjustable in size to accommodate different sized pills. Each compartment is revealed by the manual sliding of the top cover with respect to the bottom cover. The top cover slides along the raised walls of the bottom cover and utilizes positive stops or clicks to advise the user that a new compartment, containing medication has been revealed. The housing is completely watertight, includes a digital clock, custom display features and is fully programmable. Due to the slidable relationship between the top and bottom covers, the top cover does not pivot outwards as in the preferred embodiment. Therefore, the apparatus takes up less space when opened.  
           [0015]    Accordingly, it is a general object of this invention to provide a pill storage and dispensing device that will store a plurality of medications.  
           [0016]    Still another object of this invention is to provide a central processor that will alert a patient when to take his/her medication.  
           [0017]    Still yet, another object of this invention is to provide a pill storage and dispensing device that contains a plurality of medication compartments that house a plurality of different medications respectively.  
           [0018]    A further object of this invention is to provide a pill storage and dispensing device that contains an information screen to communicate to patient information pertaining to his/her medication.  
           [0019]    Another object of this invention is to provide a pill storage dispensing device that will easily dispense medication to a patient when the time to take the prescribed medication has arrived.  
           [0020]    Still another object of this invention is to provide a pill storage and dispensing device that will alert the user either by audio, visual, or vibration means when it is time for the medication to be dispensed.  
           [0021]    Yet another embodiment is to provide a pill storage and dispensing device that resembles a pager and which contains modular compartments, that are removable and adjustable, thereby increasing or decreasing the size of available storage space within each compartment.  
           [0022]    Other objects and a fuller understanding of the invention will become apparent from reading the following Detailed Description of a preferred embodiment in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.  
           [0023]    In accordance with these and other objects which will become apparent hereinafter, the instant invention will now be described with particular reference to the accompanying drawings.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0024]    This invention, together with other objects, features, aspects and advantages thereof, will be more clearly understood fro the following description, considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.  
         [0025]    Twenty-one sheets of drawings are furnished, sheet one contains FIG. 1, sheet two contains FIG. 2, sheet three contains FIG. 3, sheet four contains FIG. 4, sheet five contains FIG. 5, sheet six contains FIG. 6, sheet seven contains FIG. 7, sheet eight contains FIG. 8, sheet nine contains FIG. 9, sheet ten contains FIG. 10, sheet eleven contains FIG. 11, sheet twelve contains FIG. 12, sheet thirteen contains FIG. 13, sheet fourteen contains FIG. 14, sheet fifteen contains FIG. 15, sheet sixteen contains FIG. 16, sheet seventeen contains FIG. 17, sheet eighteen contains FIG. 18, sheet nineteen contains FIG. 19, sheet twenty contains FIG. 20 and sheet twenty-one contains FIGS.  21 - 26 .  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the invention having a generally cubic configuration, a front side having a plurality of programming buttons, and a rear pivoting cover at the back side.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the invention having a generally cubic configuration, a back side having a pivoting cover with an upper latch at the top.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the invention having a generally cubic configuration, with the back pivoting cover completely removed for clarity. A plurality of medication compartments are exposed (four shown) for housing a plurality of medications in pill form. At the upper region is a multiplicity of buttons for opening the medication compartments and for signaling a central processor when that particular compartment has been opened.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the invention having a generally cubic configuration, with the back pivoting cover completely removed for clarity. A single medication compartment is opened fully to expose the top opening thereby allowing a patient to gain access to the medication or pills. Similarly, as in FIG. 3, the upper region contains a multiplicity of buttons for opening the medication compartments and for signaling a central processor. Note, the opened compartment was initiated by button  5 .  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 5 shows a side cut-away view of the invention exposing the inner medication compartment in a fully closed position. The mechanism that connects the buttons and medication compartment is also seen in the figure. At the bottom region, a pivoting member is shown for allowing the medication compartment to pivot to an open position relative to the outer compartment.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 6 shows a side cut-away view of the invention exposing the inner medication compartment in a fully opened position. The mechanism that connects the buttons and medication compartment is shown in a fully depressed position thereby opening the medication compartment. The top opening of the medication compartment is thereby cleared from the outer housing to allow medication or pills to be dispensed.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 7 shows an exploded side cut-away view of the mechanism portion of the invention exposing more detail. The button is shown in a fully depressed position thereby opening the medication compartment. In addition, an electrical connection is made between the button and central processor, which is indicated by an on LED light.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 8 is identical to FIG. 7 with the exception that the button is opened and disconnected from the electrical connection.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 9 shows a top view of the invention giving an audible signal to the patient. The top information screen notifies to the patient which medication to take and out of which medication compartment.  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 10 shows a side view of the invention with the back pivoting cover in a fully closed position.  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 11 shows a side view of the invention with the back pivoting cover in a fully open position.  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 12 shows a top view of the invention with an incoming signal for communicating with the invention. The receiver/transmitter from the pager then communicates with the patient from the top information screen.  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 13 shows a block diagram of the invention and how the primary components communicate with each other.  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 14 shows an exploded view of an alternate embodiment of the invention  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of the alternate embodiment of the invention wherein the pill dispenser resembles a pager and is in a completely closed position, concealing the storage compartments.  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of the alternate embodiment of the invention wherein the front cover is slidably drawn back to reveal a storage compartment.  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of the alternate embodiment of the invention wherein the front cover is further retracted to reveal additional storage compartments.  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 18 shows a block diagram of the electrical components of the alternate embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 19 shows a logic flowchart of the steps of the alternate embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 20 shows a logic flowchart of an interrupt routine associated with the flowchart of FIG. 19.  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 21 shows a particular housing configuration of the front face of the present invention including display window and control buttons.  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 22 shows a different housing configuration of the front face of the present invention including display window and control buttons.  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 23 shows a different housing configuration of the front face of the present invention including display window and control buttons.  
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 24 shows the configuration of FIG. 21 including LCD display and control buttons.  
         [0050]    [0050]FIG. 25 shows the configuration of FIG. 22 including LCD display and control buttons.  
         [0051]    [0051]FIG. 26 shows the configuration of FIG. 23 including LCD display and control buttons.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0052]    Referring now to FIG. 1, a pill storage device for dispensing pills is referred to generally by reference numeral  1 . Note, all the figures show a pager apparatus, however, for concealment purposes, a cellular phone housing could easily replace the pager housing. The main body of the pager is made up primarily of a front side  36 , lateral sides  8 , a bottom side  11 , a top side  6 , and a rear side  32  (seen in FIG. 2). The front side of the apparatus  1  contains two programming buttons  37 , and  38  for programming the pager and obtaining information from the pager. The 1 st  and 2 nd  programming buttons  37 , and  38  are commonly used buttons in the industry and are currently used by other pager manufacturers.  
         [0053]    In FIG. 2, at the rear side of the apparatus  1 , we see the back side that is made up primarily of a cover  32  that is pivotally affixed to the apparatus  1  via hinges  31 . The cover  32  contains a bottom edge  33 , a top edge  29 , lateral sides  30 , and a top handle  28 . The cover  32  is pivotally affixed to the pager apparatus  1  to allow the cover  32  to swing away from the apparatus  1  thereby exposing the inner medication compartments  29 ,  30 ,  33 , and  34 , seen in FIG. 3. In FIG. 2, the cover is completely closed. Note, FIG. 11 shows a side view of the cover  32  opened thereby exposing the inner medication compartments  29 ,  30 ,  33 ,  34 .  
         [0054]    In FIG. 3, we see a view of the back side of the apparatus  1  with the cover  32  completely removed from the figure for clarity. Four medication compartments  29 ,  30 ,  33 ,  34  are shown aligned with each other in a linear fashion. At the top of each pill compartment are release buttons  2 - 5  to open the medication compartments  29 ,  30 ,  33 ,  34 , respectively, and allow the pills inside to be dispensed. Each medication compartment contains a handle or latch  13  affixed near the top side and each compartment is pivotally affixed to the apparatus  1 . Note in the figure, one of the medication compartments  29 ,  30 ,  33 ,  34  shows a label  43  for indicating what medication is inside. Note, each compartment  12  may contain specific labels to clarify and separate different medications being stored in the medication compartments  29 ,  30 ,  33 ,  34 . The medication compartments  29 ,  30 ,  33 ,  34  are only allowed to pivot about the lower portion where the hinge is located thereby allowing only the top portion is separated from the apparatus as in FIG. 4. This helps prevent the contents of compartments  29 ,  30 ,  33 ,  34  from completed falling out of the apparatus  1  and scattering on the floor.  
         [0055]    [0055]FIG. 4 shows one of the compartments  29 ,  30 ,  33 ,  34  in a fully open position relative to the apparatus  1  and how the compartment  12  pivots relative to the apparatus  1 . The top portion of the compartment  12  is open and the pills are stored and dispensed through this opening  14 .  
         [0056]    In FIG. 5, we see cutaway views of the apparatus  1  and medication compartments  29 ,  30 ,  33 ,  34  exposing the mechanisms that open the medication compartments  29 ,  30 ,  33 ,  34  and signal the central processor  25  (not shown in this figure) to reset. The compartment  12  contains lateral sides  7 , a bottom side  16 , hinge assembly  17 , a back side  15 , a handle  13 , and an open top side  14 .  
         [0057]    The pill compartment is shown being pivotally affixed to the apparatus body via hinge  17 . The opening mechanisms generally contain a horizontal sliding member  18 , a pivoting member  24 , and a hinge  19 . The button  5  is shown in a fully released position thereby allowing the medication compartment to be in a fully closed position.  
         [0058]    [0058]FIG. 6 shows the same view of FIG. 5 except that the button  5  is in a fully depressed position thereby opening the medication compartment to an open position. In the open position, the pill compartment can dispense and store pills through the top opening  14 . Note, when the button  5  is fully depressed, it completes a circuit and notifies the central processor  25  that the pill compartment has been opened. It is assumed that the only time the pill compartment is opened is to dispense medication and thus the central processor  25  can record this important information in the memory storage  48 .  
         [0059]    In FIG. 7 and  8 , and exploded view of the button  5  is shown in a fully depressed and open position respectively. When the button  5  is depressed, electrical contacts  22 , and  23  are connected and an electrical circuit sends a signal to processor  25  to evaluate this information. When the circuit is complete by connecting contacts  22 , and  23 , the LED light  26  is lit up signaling to the patient that the processor  25  has been notified that the medication compartment has been opened. It can only be assumed that the patient will take his/her medication after opening the medication compartment. Keep in mind that this invention is designed primarily for those patients who are willing to take the doctor&#39;s prescribed medication and is only intended to assist and remind the patient when and how much medication to take. FIG. 8 shows the button  5  in an released position thus, contacts  22  and  23  are not connected. Also, the LED light is not on at this time as indicated by number  27 . Note, button  5  is spring loaded via spring  20 , which returns button  5  to its original position after being depressed. Also note, each time button  5  is pressed, the memory storage  48  (not shown in this figure) records this process for later evaluation.  
         [0060]    In FIG. 9, we see a top view of the apparatus  1  having an information screen  35  for displaying a multiplicity of information to the patent and doctor. Screen  35  is typically made of a liquid crystal display for low power consumption with at least three windows, one for the prescription compartment  39 , one for the time and date  40 , and one for general information  41 . The top information screen  35  notifies the patient when to take his/her medication or dosage, how much or the amount of dosage to take, and where or which compartment the medication is located. In this figure, an audible signal  34  is shown, informing the patient that it is time to take his/her medication, and what compartment should be opened. In this rd particular case, the  3  medication compartment  33  should be opened via button  4 . Note, the signal  34  can be audible, visual, or a vibration, as with ordinary vibrating pagers.  
         [0061]    Once the audible signal has sounded the patient can turn off the alarm by pressing any of the programming buttons  37  or  38 . Once the proper compartment is opened via button  4 , the central processor will reset the time period for the next dosage. Note, if the wrong compartment is opened via buttons  2 ,  3 , or  5 , an alarm will sound indicating to the patient that he/she has not opened the proper medication compartment. A patient may not open any of the medication compartments  29 ,  30 ,  33 ,  34  without triggering the alarm if it is not the proper time to take that particular medication. Remember, one of the intentions of this invention is to have the medication taken as prescribed by the doctor. If the wrong compartment is accidentally opened, the patient should close that compartment, deactivate the alarm via programming buttons, and open the proper compartment as indicated on information screen  35 . Note, the proper medications stored in the medication compartments  29 ,  30 ,  33  and  34  are pre-programmed into the central processor  25  of the pager prior to patient use. Normally, a doctor, nurse, technician or even pharmacist will be trained for this procedure however, a manual can be given to the patient for programming.  
         [0062]    If an alarm sounds, the proper procedure to follow is the patient first presses one of the programming buttons to silence the alarm. Next the patient opens the back cover via latch  28  to expose the inner medication compartments. The patient then presses button  4 , which corresponds to the 3 rd  medication compartment  33  as prescribed on the information screen  35 . As the patient presses button  4 , the LED light  27  is lit up and the compartment  33  opens. Note, the “on” LED light  27  indicates to the patient that the central processor  25  has been electronically notified that the compartment  33  has been opened. The proper dosage of medication is then dispensed through the top opening  14  of the medication compartment  33  and taken by the patient. The compartment  33  is then closed. The central processor  25  has already reset the time period for the next dosage of that particular medication.  
         [0063]    [0063]FIGS. 10 and 11 show a side view of the back cover  32  and how it is pivotally affixed to the pager. In FIG. 10, the cover  32  is fully closed, which prevents the inner medication compartments form opening or the buttons  2 - 5  from accidentally being pressed. FIG. 11 shows the cover  32  in the fully open position, whereby the inner medication compartments can be opened by pressing the corresponding buttons  2 - 5 . Note, the back cover  32  is allowed to swing open a given distance that is equal to the distance the inner compartments are allowed to swing open.  
         [0064]    The invention is allowed to communicate with a central station as with conventional pagers. In FIG. 12, an incoming signal  42 , is shown communicating with the pager to display a message  41  at the top information screen  35 . FIG. 13 shows a block diagram of the primary components of the invention communicating with each other. In FIG. 13, the pager has receiving and transmitting means for communicating information between the pager and a central processing station  45 . The receiver/transmitter from the pager communicates information with the patient via the central processor  25  and information screen  35 . When the receiving unit of the pager receives a signal, the central processor is notified and the proper information ID displayed onto the information screen  35 . The patient is alerted that an incoming message has been received via the indicating signal  34 .  
         [0065]    In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the pill storage apparatus  1  resembles that shown in FIG. 14. In this embodiment, a series of dividers  49  are transversely disposed across the interior of the bottom cover  50 . Virtually any number of dividers can be utilized, within the constraints of the bottom cover size. Bottom cover  50  includes raised walls  51  protruding upwards from and around its periphery. A top cover  52  and bottom cover  50  enclose a keypad  53 , LCD protection glass  54 , battery  55 , and back cover  56  which encloses all of the electronics. Although batteries are the preferred power source, alternative power sources can be used. The entire apparatus can be enclosed in a holder  57 , which can affix to the user&#39;s belt.  
         [0066]    This embodiment includes several unique features. Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, when the apparatus is in a closed configuration, top cover  52  is substantially flush with bottom cover  50 . The entire apparatus can slide into the interior space of holder  57 . When the user needs to take his or her medication, top cover  52  slides along the edge of bottom cover  50  to reveal one of the interior compartments within. This can be seen clearly in FIG. 16, as top cover  52  slides along raised walls  51  of bottom cover  50  in the direction of the arrow. A first storage compartment  58  is revealed. As top cover  52  slides along the raised walls of the bottom cover it clicks into a “locked” position to reveal one of the storage compartments.  
         [0067]    In FIG. 17, additional compartments are revealed as the apparatus is retracted further along bottom cover  50 . Once again, the top cover locks into place after each slidable movement, to reveal another storage compartment. An audible click signifies the completion of the transition. Each compartment can be revealed or concealed in this manner. To reveal another compartment or to close the storage apparatus, front cover  52  is disengaged from its temporary “locked” position and slid either along the direction of the arrow in FIG. 16 to reveal further storage compartments, or in the opposite direction to cover the compartments. After all four compartments are revealed, the top cover cannot retract any further. Preferably, the front and back covers never completely disengage.  
         [0068]    Dividers  49  can be removed and re-inserted within the bottom cover interior to create a variety of different-sized medicine storage compartments. Although this embodiment does not include paging features, the pill storage apparatus resembles a pager, and is fully programmable, to allow the user to enter medicine-intake information.  
         [0069]    The user is reminded via a reminder signal, to take his or her medication. The reminder signal can be in the form of an audio signal, visual signal such as flashing lights, or a vibrator alarm signal. The audio signal can be a variety of sounds such as a chirping sound, for example; 8 audible chirps every second, for approximately 15 seconds, although virtually any audible signal configuration can be used. The audio signal can be repeated every 15 minutes for an hour or longer, if the user does not acknowledge it. The vibration signal is generally 3 seconds long and can be repeated every 15 minutes for an hour, until the user responds. The user can program information such as which medication to take, the dosage, and how often the medication is to be taken.  
         [0070]    The electronics system of the apparatus keeps the current time and alerts the user when it is time to take the medicine. The electronics system is primarily comprised of a display, a microcontroller, batteries, audio alarm and keyboard. The current time is displayed during normal operation. An alarm list can be programmed and stored in non-volatile memory. Upon detection of a match between the current time and the alarm list an alarm signal is produced.  
         [0071]    [0071]FIG. 18 is a schematic showing the inter-relationship between the electronic components of the present invention. The electronics of the present invention can be controlled with most state-of-the-art processors. Preferably, the apparatus of the present invention is integrated on a host processor such as the Microchip PI16LC54 microcontroller with an 8-bit processor, offering 512 bytes of program memory and 25 bytes of random access memory. A 32 kHz system clock is provided with one counter as an internal timer. 12 I/O ports are available along with interrupts as required. Microcontroller  59  is based upon CMOS technology for low power consumption with selectable oscillator options. Programming is accomplished via use of the C programming language and standard off the shelf software.  
         [0072]    Non-volatile memory  60  stores the alarm list. LCD display  61  is controlled by microcontroller  59 , which also controls the sounder  62  and vibrator  62 .  
         [0073]    In FIGS. 19 and 20, the logical flow of the present invention can be seen. Upon successful power up at  64 , the apparatus resets at  65 , a listing comprised of alarm settings is queried and the data is stored in the operational buffers for processing. The apparatus performs a self-test  66  to include a RAM test, program checksum test and to check for accuracy of the crystal. If the self-test is unsuccessful, an error tone is produced  67  and the unit processing comes to a halt  68  until the error is rectified. If the unit is not in program mode, the current time is obtained at  69 , and if the current time matches the alarm listing, a signal is produced, alerting the user of the current status of the unit. The alarm could be audio  70 , vibration  71 , visual, or combinations of the three.  
         [0074]    The unit then initializes all interrupt routines at  72 , to provide a reduced power mode and initializes the program memory. Referring to FIG. 20, the digital clock is updated at  73 , and a query is sent to determine if a key has been selected  74 . If it has, the LED&#39;s are illuminated for a predetermined amount of time  75 , the key input is processed  76  and the digital display is updated  77  to reflect the depressed key. The audio, visual or vibration signal can be activated at this point. When the keyboard has been inactive for a predetermined length of time, the unit is placed in a reduced power mode.  
         [0075]    The user can choose between an audio, visual or vibration alarm to signify the occurrence of an event, by depressing the appropriate key. Once the function is enabled, an appropriate icon is enabled (turned on).  
         [0076]    This embodiment employs the same features as the preferred embodiment with respect to the messages that appear on the LCD display, informing the user which compartment contains the medicine that must be taken, how to access the compartment and when to take the medicine. Alarms are also provided here to allow the user to terminate the sounding of an alarm signal.  
         [0077]    FIGS.  21 - 26  illustrate a few of the possible configurations of front cover  32 . By depressing the function button  78 , the user can toggle between modes, programming mode for entering alarm information, and normal mode, which displays the current time. Data Advance button  79  allows the user to enter alarm event information, while Acknowledgement Button  81  confirms the user&#39;s entries. Display window  80  provides a digital LCD display  81  as shown in FIG. 24- 26 . Display  81 , when not showing the current time in normal mode, displays alarm information including which compartment contains the medicine to be taken.  
         [0078]    Since minor changes and modifications varied to fit particular operating requirements and environments will be understood by those skilled in the art, the invention is not considered limited to the specific examples chosen for purposes of illustration, and includes all changes and modifications which do not constitute a departure from the true spirit and scope of this invention as claimed in the following claims and reasonable equivalents to the claimed elements.  
         [0079]    The instant invention has been shown and described herein in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art.