Abstract:
A stick pack having a top sealed portion with a top edge, a horizontal notch parallel with the top edge and passing through the stick pack, and further including a horizontal perforation line parallel with the top edge. The stick pack also has a bottom edge portion with a bottom sealed edge, a longitudinal seal extending from the top sealed edge to the bottom edge; an integrated RLC circuit; and a spout formed at least partially in the top sealed portion but not extending past the top sealed edge. The stick pack is configured to be folded along its longitudinal axis to fold the notch, and only when the notch is folded can a user easily tear the top sealed edge along the horizontal perforation line to expose the spout.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/259,800, filed on Nov. 25, 2015 and entitled “Stick Pack Packing With Integrated Circuit”, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present disclosure is directed to a stick pack pouch or packaging that can be individually identified and tracked using an integrated circuit. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Stick packs, also called stickpacks, stick pack pouches, uni-sticks, and sachets, are long, flexible pouches used to hold a single-serving or single-dose amount of liquid and/or powder. Shaped like a traditional pack of gum, stick packs are sealed on their two short ends and have a single seal down the back. Stick packs are used to hold a variety of food-based compounds, including single-serve drink mixes, real and artificial sweeteners. Stick packs are also used to hold pharmaceutical agents for both adults and children, including in liquid or powder form. The convenient size and shape minimizes packaging and alleviates problems that can arise when users are forced to measure out a dose of a pharmaceutical agent. Rather than requiring a separate dispenser or measuring device, stick packs are quickly opened by the user and the proper dosage is immediately ready for consumption. The stick packs are often opened by ripping the packaging along a factory-scored perforation. However, these perforations are often inadequately or incorrectly scored, or can otherwise be difficult to open. 
         [0004]    One of the challenges of administering a medication or other pharmaceutical is tracking whether and when the pharmaceutical was administered to the individual. For elderly individuals that live alone, for example, the timely and proper administration of medications is absolutely necessary. However, the elderly population often has the most difficult time tracking medications. For example, an individual can forget to take a medication, or can take the wrong medication. Further, an individual can take the wrong dosage of a medication. Additionally, an individual can forget that they already took a medication. It can also be difficult to administer and track medications and other pharmaceuticals in a clinical setting. While there are mechanisms and devices to facilitate pharmaceutical and medication tracking, these mechanisms and devices are expensive or onerous. 
         [0005]    Accordingly, there is a continued need in the art for passive, easy to use devices that facilitate tracking of pharmaceutical use by an individual. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The present disclosure is directed to stick pack packaging and methods of manufacture. According to embodiments described or otherwise envisioned herein, the methods and systems are directed to a stick pack with an upper sealed edge, a lower sealed edge, and a longitudinal edge. The upper region has a notch and a horizontal perforation line parallel with the top edge, and a spout formed at least partially in the upper region but not extending past the upper sealed edge. The stick pack is configured to be folded along its longitudinal axis to fold the notch, and when the notch is folded a user can easily tear the top sealed edge along the horizontal perforation line to expose the spout. The stick pack includes one or more multilayer passive circuits within the laminate that can be detected by an external reader. An administration circuit is broken when the user exposes the spout, and can be utilized to determine whether a stick pack has been opened. An identity circuit can be utilized to determine the identity of a stick pack. 
         [0007]    According to an aspect is a stick pack design. The stick pack includes: (i) a top sealed portion with a top edge, a horizontal notch parallel with the top edge and passing through the stick pack, and further having a horizontal perforation line parallel with the top edge; (ii) a bottom sealed edge; (iii) a longitudinal seal extending from the top sealed edge to the bottom edge; (iv) a spout formed at least partially in the top sealed portion but not extending past the top sealed edge; and (v) an integrated RLC circuit; (vi) the stick pack is configured to be folded along its longitudinal axis to fold the notch, such that only when the notch is folded can a user easily tear the top sealed edge along the horizontal perforation line to expose the spout. 
         [0008]    According to an embodiment, the integrated RLC circuit comprises: a first layer comprising an inductor coil and a first plate of a capacitor of the RLC circuit; a second layer comprising a dielectric material for the capacitor; and a third layer comprising an inductor coil and a second plate of the capacitor. According to an embodiment, the second layer comprises an opening for electrical communication between the first layer and the second layer. 
         [0009]    According to an embodiment, at least a portion of an inductor coil of the RLC circuit extends into the top sealed portion such that the portion of the inductor coil is removed when the user tears the top sealed edge along the horizontal perforation line to expose the spout. 
         [0010]    According to an embodiment, the integrated RLC circuit is integrated into one or more internal layers of a laminate material. 
         [0011]    According to an embodiment, the stick pack has a first integrated RLC circuit configured to identify the stick pack, and further comprising a second integrated RLC circuit configured to monitor whether the stick pack has been opened. 
         [0012]    According to an embodiment, the horizontal perforation line can be intermittent. 
         [0013]    According to an aspect is a system for identifying a stick pack. The system includes a stick pack with: (i) a top sealed portion comprising a top edge, a horizontal notch parallel with the top edge and passing through the stick pack, and further comprising a horizontal perforation line parallel with the top edge; (ii) a bottom sealed edge; (iii) a longitudinal seal extending from the top sealed edge to the bottom edge; (iv) a spout formed at least partially in the top sealed portion but not extending past the top sealed edge; and (v) an integrated RLC circuit configured to oscillate at a predetermined frequency. The system further includes a reader device configured to transmit electromagnetic waves at a variety of frequencies, and further configured to detect the predetermined frequency. 
         [0014]    According to an embodiment, the system further includes a database comprising a plurality of predetermined frequencies, each predetermined frequency associated with an identity of a stick pack. 
         [0015]    According to an aspect is a method for identifying a stick pack. The method includes the steps of: (i) providing a stick pack comprising a passive RCL circuit, where the passive circuit comprises an inductor coil and a capacitor, the RCL circuit oscillating in response to an electromagnetic wave having a predetermined frequency; (ii) transmitting, by an antenna of a reader device, electromagnetic waves of different frequencies; (iii) detecting, by the reader device, a frequency at which impedance of the reader device antenna increases; and (iv) determining, from a database, the identity of the stick pack based on the frequency at which impedance of the reader device antenna increases. 
         [0016]    These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from the embodiments described below. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]    The present invention will be more fully understood and appreciated by reading the Following Detailed description of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0018]      FIG. 1  is a schematic representation of a front view and a reverse view of stick pack, in accordance with an embodiment. 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  is a schematic representation of a stick pack with a longitudinal axis, in accordance with an embodiment. 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is a schematic representation of a folded stick pack, in accordance with an embodiment. 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  is a schematic representation of a stick pack which has been opened to expose the spout, in accordance with an embodiment. 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  is a schematic representation of a stick pack prior to folding or sealing, in accordance with an embodiment. 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  is a schematic representation of three layers of a stick pack, in accordance with an embodiment. 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  is a schematic representation of a stick pack system with an external reader, in accordance with an embodiment. 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  is a circuitry schematic of a stick pack external reader, in accordance with an embodiment. 
           [0026]      FIG. 9  is a schematic representation of three layers of a stick pack, in accordance with an embodiment. 
           [0027]      FIG. 10  is a circuitry schematic of a stick pack system with an external reader, in accordance with an embodiment. 
           [0028]      FIG. 11  is a flowchart of a method for detecting a stick pack, in accordance with an embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0029]    The present disclosure describes various embodiments of stick pack packaging. The stick packs include one or more multilayer passive circuits within the laminate that can be detected by an external reader. An administration circuit is broken when the user exposes the spout, and can be utilized to determine whether a stick pack has been opened. An identity circuit can be utilized to determine the identity of a stick pack. 
         [0030]    Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals indicate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views, there is shown in  FIG. 1  a FRONT and REVERSE view of a stick pack  10 . Stick pack  10  has top edge  12 , bottom edge  14 , and side edges  16  and  18 . Stick pack  10  also has a sealed edge  20  extending outwardly from the reverse side  22  of the pack, and extending longitudinally along the length of the stick pack. 
         [0031]    Stick pack  10  is sealed at three different regions to keep the contents within the closed packaging. The stick pack is sealed at the top region  24 , at bottom region  26 , and all along sealed edge  20 , also called a fin. When the stick pack is filled with a predetermined amount of liquid or powder—shown by dashed fill line  30 , although the amount can vary significantly from the shown amount—the contents and the top region seal  24  results in a headspace  28  which contains air or an inert gas. Headspace  28  also prevents spilling or loss of the contents during opening of the stick pack. Headspace  28  allows for resuspension of an oral suspension, such as when the user shakes the stick pack. The headspace also allows mixing or kneading of the stick pack for gels and solutions, including but not limited to thixotropic gels and solutions. 
         [0032]    When the stick pack is filled with a predetermined amount of liquid or powder—shown by dashed fill line  30 , although the amount can vary significantly from the shown amount—the contents and the top region seal  24  results in a headspace  28  which contains air or an inert gas. For some pharmaceutical products, for example, an inert gas can help prevent oxidation or degradation of the product. Inert gasses can include, for example, nitrogen and/or argon, among others. 
         [0033]    According to an embodiment, the stick pack contains variable amounts of the contents. A stick pack containing a liquid or gel can comprise, for example, anywhere from 1 ml to 20 mls of liquid or gel, or more. For example, the size of the stick pack  10  can vary depending on the amount of liquid, gel, or powder intended to be stored inside the packaging. Accordingly, smaller stick packs may comprise less than 1 ml, while larger stick packs may comprise more than 20 mls. Common dosages are 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 mls, among many others. 
         [0034]    Stick pack  10  can comprise a multi-step child-resistant opening mechanism that balances safety with ease of opening. To open the stick pack  10 , a user first folds the stick pack  10  longitudinally along axis A-A, shown in  FIG. 2 . Folding the stick pack along axis A-A exposes a notch  32 , as shown in  FIG. 3 , which is pre-formed all the way through the stick pack. Prior to folding the stick pack along axis A-A, however notch  32  is inaccessible to the user. When notch  32  is accessible, the user can utilize the notch to rip the top of the stick pack along a pre-scored perforation line  34  to expose the spout  36 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0035]    According to an embodiment, the scored perforation line  34  is created in the film prior to formation of the stick pack, or before sealing of any of the edges. The perforation line  34  can be formed, for example, by laser ablation of only the outermost layer of the stick pack, by mechanical knife, or by other methods. According to an embodiment, therefore, perforation line  34  is formed by laser ablation of an outermost aluminum layer of a multi-layer film laminate. A laser-scored perforation line  34  allows for thicker films for the stick pack  10  without significantly increasing the force required to tear along the perforation and open the stick pack. Additionally, according to an embodiment the perforation is formed along both sides of fin  20 , which allows the user to easily rip through the fin when opening the stick pack. 
         [0036]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , in one embodiment, is a stick pack  10  prior to sealing at the top region  24 , at bottom region  26 , and along sealed edge  20 . The stick pack is approximately rectangular and can be cut or punched out of a larger piece of material during manufacturing. To form the stick pack, the two sides of longitudinal seal  20  are placed next to each other and sealed to form a single fin  20 . Top region  24  can be sealed, except for the spout region  36 , and bottom region  26  can be sealed. Sealing can be accomplished, for example, by heating the region to be sealed. At a point during the manufacturing and/or sealing process, the stick pack  10  is scored and notch  34  is formed. 
         [0037]    Stick pack  10  can be made of any suitable material, and can comprise one or a plurality of layers. For example, the innermost layer of the stick pack is preferably made of a material that does not interact with the contents of the stick pack, and does not absorb or otherwise let the contents stick to or diffuse through the material. Examples of suitable layer materials include paper, aluminum, polyethylene (PE), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), among many others. According to one embodiment, the outermost layer of the stick pack is a paper or aluminum layer upon which logos, instructions, and other labeling materials can be printed. The next layer may be a PET layer, and the innermost layer may be a PE layer. Accordingly, the layers may be aluminum/adhesive/PET/adhesive/PE, in one embodiment. 
         [0038]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , in accordance with an embodiment, is a view of multiple layers of stick pack  10 . The stick pack has a top edge  12 , bottom edge  14 , and side edges  16  and  18 . Stick pack  10  also has a sealed edge  20  extending outwardly from the reverse side  22  of the pack, and extending longitudinally along the length of the stick pack. Stick pack  10  is sealed at top region  24 , bottom region  26 , and sealed edge  20 . According to an embodiment, stick pack  10  comprises a circuit designed in the film or foil laminate to allow for communication with an external reader. The circuit can be, for example, a passive resistive, inductive, and capacitive (“RLC”) circuit. The RLC circuit inside the film of the stick pack can consists of an inductor such as a coil, a capacitor, and a resistor. These components form an RLC circuit which has an inherent oscillating frequency when the passive circuit is activated. The oscillating frequency is determined by the design of the circuit and can be adjusted or pre-set so that each circuit, and therefore each stick pack, has an individual oscillating frequency. For example, the frequency can be adjusted by changing the geometric design of the pattern(s) that creates the circuit. According to an embodiment, the system will detect the stick pack&#39;s presence near a reader, as well as whether a stick pack has been administered. Accordingly, the passive circuit doesn&#39;t utilize a battery or other powering device or component inside or attached to the stick pack. 
         [0039]    According to an embodiment, the passive circuit or circuits can be applied to the film or layers of the stick pack using a conductive and/or insulating ink, which can be pre-printed onto a stick pack prior to filling and sealing. Alternatively, the layers of the stick pack can be patterned to create a stacked passive circuit design. The circuit is preferably not applied, however, to the inside of the innermost layer of the stick pack, in order to avoid contact with the contents of the stick pack. 
         [0040]    As shown in  FIG. 6 , the stick pack circuit comprises three layers labeled Layer  1 , Layer  2 , and Layer  3 . Layer  1  comprises a bottom inductor coil  52 , the bottom plate of the capacitor  54 , and the resistor within the trace length. Layer  2  comprises an insulating layer  56 —also called a dielectric layer—that provides electrical insulation between the conductor traces of Layer  1  and Layer  3 , as well as providing the dielectric material for the capacitor. Layer  3  provides the top inductor coil  58 , the top plate of the capacitor  60 , and the resistor within the trace length. There is an electrical connection between an electrode  62  of Layer  1  and an electrode  64  of Layer  3  via a hole  66  in the insulating Layer  2 . Notably, there can be one or more additional layers to the stick pack film, such as an outer protective layer, an innermost layer, and other layers, just to name a few. 
         [0041]    According to an embodiment, the circuit depicted in  FIG. 6  is an administration circuit that determines whether the stick pack has been opened. The coil  52  of Layer  1  comprises a loop  68  which extends into the spout area such that when the stick pack is opened as described herein, the coil will be torn and the circuit will be broken. Accordingly, the circuit will no longer oscillate. Alternatively, the coil  58  of Layer  3  could comprise the loop, and/or both Layers  1  and  3  could comprise a loop. 
         [0042]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , in one embodiment, the passive circuit of stick pack  10  can be activated by an external reader  70  or other device sufficient to transmit electromagnetic waves with a frequency at or near the activation frequency. For example, most passive circuits are configured to be activated with electromagnetic waves having a radio frequency, meaning in the range extending from around 3 kHz to 300 GHz which includes frequencies used for communications or radar signals. According to an embodiment, the external reader  70  comprises an antenna, which can be a drive coil, which is fed by a voltage controlled oscillator (“VCO”). To detect a nearby stick pack, the oscillator is swept through a range of frequencies that includes the resonant frequencies of the individual stick pack. When the drive coil oscillator frequency transmitted by the external reader  70  is equal to the stick pack circuit&#39;s inherent oscillating frequency, the coils will inductively couple and the impedance to the current through the external reader drive coil (antenna) will increase. The corresponding frequency at which the coils inductively couple can be noted and recorded. 
         [0043]    Indeed, one of the features of an RLC circuit is that there is a resonance frequency ω 0  at which the circuit will resonate, or oscillate. The resonance frequency of an RLC circuit can be expressed as: 
         [0000]      ω 0 =1/√{square root over ( LC )}  (Eq. 1)
 
         [0000]    As the drive coil of an external reader transmits an electromagnetic wave with a range of frequencies, the transmitted frequency will eventually be equal to the resonance frequency of the RLC circuit in the stick pack. At that frequency, the drive coil in the external reader and the inductor coil in the stick pack circuit will inductively couple and the impedance to the current through the drive coil of the external reader will increase. The external reader detects this increase and records the frequency at which it happens. This frequency is associated in a database with a specific individual stick pack, or with a stick pack type. 
         [0044]    According to an embodiment, the external reader  70  can be an at-home device, a cell phone, or a portable stick pack carrying case or container, among other devices. For example, the device&#39;s reader circuit would communicate with the patient&#39;s or the care taker&#39;s cell phone via a Bluetooth link. Each stick pack can be recorded to insure that the proper medication was administered, that the medication was dosed at the correct time, and/or that the stick pack was squeezed to remove the contents. According to an embodiment, the system can be portable. 
         [0045]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , in one embodiment, is a schematic for an external reader  70 . The external reader uses a voltage controlled oscillator VCO to produce the required signal for the antenna coil, and the VCO is connected to an analog output on the microcontroller. A low power microcontroller with integrated analog to digital converter (ADC) and digital to analog converter (DAC) can be used in the external reader design. The microcontroller can include, for example, sufficient flash memory to hold several hundred readings. An EEPROM can be added to the design to increase memory capability. A voltage reference can be used to decrease the temperature sensitivity of the ADC and DAC. According to an embodiment, the microcontroller is the central processor for the external reader. It reads the switch inputs, updates the display, sweeps the antenna coil frequency and measures and stores the resonant frequency for each circuit detected. The process of finding each circuit&#39;s resonant frequency involves searching through a range of frequencies and as such, the microcontroller will be programmed with an efficient search algorithm. Once the resonant frequency is determined, the microcontroller will compute the corresponding circuit for a given resonant frequency. This will be record as the start of the new prescription. The microcontroller also contains a real time clock to keep the current time and date so that a time stamp can be saved along with each reading. According to an embodiment, the microcontroller can communicate with a smartphone or other device using a Bluetooth interface. 
         [0046]    Referring to  FIG. 9 , in one embodiment, is a multi-layer two-circuit stick pack  10 . The first, upper circuit is the administration circuit, which monitors whether a stick pack has been opened. The second, lower circuit is an identity or anti-counterfeiting circuit, which specifically identifies the stick pack. The stick pack circuit comprises three layers labeled Layer  1 , Layer  2 , and Layer  3 . 
         [0047]    For the administration circuit, Layer  1  comprises a bottom inductor coil  52 , the bottom plate of the capacitor  54 , and the resistor within the trace length. Layer  2  comprises an insulating layer  56  that provides electrical insulation between the conductor traces between Layer  1  and Layer  3 , as well as providing the dielectric material for the capacitor. Layer  3  provides the top inductor coil  58 , the top plate of the capacitor  60 , and the resistor within the trace length. There is an electrical connection between an electrode  62  of Layer  1  and an electrode  64  of Layer  3  via a hole  66  in the insulating Layer  2 . The coil  52  of Layer  1  comprises a loop  68  which extends into the spout area such that when the stick pack is opened as described herein, the coil will be torn and the circuit will be broken. Accordingly, the circuit will no longer oscillate when activated. 
         [0048]    For the identity circuit, Layer  1  comprises a bottom inductor coil  72 , the bottom plate of the capacitor  74 , and the resistor within the trace length. Layer  2  comprises the insulating layer  56  that provides electrical insulation between the conductor traces between Layer  1  and Layer  3 , as well as providing the dielectric material for the capacitor. Layer  3  provides the top inductor coil  78 , the top plate of the capacitor  80 , and the resistor within the trace length. There is an electrical connection between an electrode  62  of Layer  1  and an electrode  64  of Layer  3  via a hole  86  in the insulating Layer  2 . 
         [0049]    Referring to  FIG. 10 , in one embodiment, is a circuit diagram for the stick pack  10  depicted in  FIG. 8 , as well as for external reader  70 . Each of the Identity Circuit and the Administration Circuit comprise an inductor coil (L 1  and L 2 ), a capacitor (C 1  and C 2 ), and a resistor (R 1  and R 2 ). The external reader  70  comprises a drive coil that emits an electromagnetic wave to excite the inductor coils of the stick pack circuits, resulting in an oscillation. When the drive coil oscillator frequency transmitted by the external reader  70  is equal to the stick pack circuit&#39;s inherent oscillating frequency, the coils will inductively couple and the impedance to the current through the external reader drive coil will increase, and the external reader will identify the transmitted frequency. That transmitted frequency will be associated with the identity of a particular type of stick pack, or with one particular stick pack. 
         [0050]    According to an embodiment, stick packs can be sold or stored in a carton or container of multiple stick packs. Each of the stick packs within a carton or container of multiple stick packs will have a unique oscillating frequency to identify the stick pack. Each of the cartons for multiple individual stick packs can have a unique identity circuit with a unique oscillating frequency that identifies each of the individual stick packs within that carton. Each stick pack can also have an administration circuit, each having an oscillating frequency that operates at a frequency different from all of the identity circuits. The administration circuit has a conductor trace that protrudes into the spout area, so that once the stick pack is opened (a tear created in the spout area) the circuit trace is broken and the administration circuit no longer oscillates. Accordingly, the administration circuit is utilized to determine when and/or if the stick pack is administered to the patient. However, the identity circuit will still be operational after administering the medication. With the identity circuit still operational and the administration circuit no longer oscillating, the external reader will record the date and time the medication was taken. Since the identity circuit is still operational even after the medication is taken, the empty disposed stick pack found at the location where dispensed/consumed can be traced back to its original source where dispensed, such as the pharmacy/hospital/home, and the manufacturer can be identified. 
         [0051]    According to an embodiment, stick pack  10  can comprise one or more other security features. For example, stick packs can be serialized for tracking and identification. Serializing can comprise, for example, labeling with a unique bar code, QR code, or other code that allows for specific identification of the stick pack. All stick packs can be serialized with a similar code format, while some stick packs may be labeled with a specific code format for an individual manufacturer, date, and/or content. As another security feature, the stick pack can be labeled using a specialty or anti-counterfeiting ink. One or more security features allow for increased tracking and identification of pharmaceuticals. For example, a stick pack sold illegally to another individual can be tracked back to the manufacturer, seller, and/or intended user of the stick pack. Using the bar code, QR code, or other unique code. As another example, suspect stick pack can be authenticated by examining the presence or authenticity of anti-counterfeiting ink or other anti-counterfeiting feature. 
         [0052]    Referring to  FIG. 11 , in accordance with an embodiment, is a method  200  of characterizing a stick pack. At step  210  of the method, one or more stick packs  10  each with one or more integrated passive circuits is provided. The stick pack  10  can be any of the embodiments described or otherwise envisioned herein. The stick pack may be a single stick pack, a group of stick packs, or a carton of stick packs. The one or more circuits may be an administration circuit and/or an identity circuit. Accordingly, for two or more stick packs, each of the circuits may have a unique oscillation frequency. Each of the oscillation frequencies is associated with a particular stick pack, and the information is stored. 
         [0053]    At step  220 , an external reader device  70  transmits electromagnetic waves at different frequencies. The external reader device can be any of the devices described or otherwise envisioned herein. For example, the external reader device can comprise a drive coil for transmitting electromagnetic waves. The external reader device can be a stand-alone device, or can be integral with a container, carton, or other storage device. The external reader device can alternatively be associated with a room, storage area, an appliance, or other space. The external reader device can, for example, transmit electromagnetic waves at a wide range of different frequencies to include any possible resonance frequencies. In a system with 100 different possible frequencies at which the stick packs will resonate, the external reader device will test one or more of those possible frequencies. 
         [0054]    At step  230 , the external reader device detects a change in the impedance of the antenna (drive coil), which means that the drive coil oscillator frequency transmitted by the external reader is equal to the stick pack circuit&#39;s inherent oscillating frequency. The coils have inductively coupled and the impedance to the current through the external reader drive coil (antenna) increased. The device notes the frequency at which the impedance changes. 
         [0055]    At step  240 , the external reader device or a device or computer in communication with the external reader device identifies the stick pack based on the detected frequency. In one embodiment, for example, the external reader device is in wired or wireless communication with another device or with a computer or server, and transmits the detected frequency information to the other device at step  235 . The external reader device or other device can identify the stick pack based on the detected frequency by, for example, querying a database of stick packs and associated frequencies. 
         [0056]    At optional step  250 , the external reader device or a device or computer in communication with the external reader device determines whether the stick pack has been opened based on the detected frequency. For example, at step  240  the stick pack is identified, and based on that identification, there should be a second frequency at which the administration circuit of the stick pack will resonate. If the external reader device fails to detect an impedance change at the frequency of the administration circuit, but the stick pack is present based on an impedance change at the frequency of the identity circuit of the stick pack, then the system concludes that the administration circuit has been disrupted by opening of the stick pack. 
         [0057]    While various embodiments have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing the function and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the embodiments described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the teachings is/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, embodiments may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the scope of the present disclosure.