Abstract:
An automated Meds dispenser system including a staging station for systematic loading of Meds into vials and an automated Meds dispenser for receiving and for subsequent distribution of Meds containing vials at multiple times over a period of multiple days. User friendly on-board circuitry and controls are provided to set the desired Meds distribution times. A positionable indexer plate accommodates the vials containing Meds which are loaded by the user or health care professional and subsequently distributed and presented by the automated Meds dispenser on a timely basis one vial at a time for use by a patient. The positionable indexer plate is advanced one position at a time as specified and stored in an onboard programmable microprocessor.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   None. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention pertains to the medical field, and more particularly, pertains to an automated Meds dispenser system where an automated Meds dispenser programmed by a user or health care professional presents medicines in pill or capsule form for use at designated time intervals. 
   2. Description of the Prior Art 
   Prior art pill or capsule dispensers include units incorporating one or more rotatable “permanent chambers” of varying size and shape in which Meds, an abbreviation commonly used for medications, are stored while waiting to be dispensed. Meds, when placed in these rotatable “permanent chamber” models, fall naturally with the aid of gravity to the floor of the rotatable chamber. The chamber floor, however, is a separate stationary plate/disc with a hole at one location, thereby allowing the Meds to pass through the hole when the rotatable chamber passes over the chamber floor. As the rotatable chamber rotates and advances according to the next programmed time period, the Meds are “dragged” along on the flat stationary floor bottom of the rotatable chamber until they reach the opening and drop down through a slot ready for use. This sliding and grinding action between the Meds in the rotatable chamber and the stationary floor can lead to foreign particles being picked up, which could bring about contamination, thereby causing serious illness or reducing the effectiveness of the medications. Further, after these “permanent chamber” models have been used and reloading occurs, with possibly different medications, cross-contamination could occur because of residue, granules or particles left over from previous use. This circumstance could possibly cause allergic reactions in some instances or other complications. 
   Prior art Meds dispensation units are complicated, cumbersome and impractical and do not address all the safety concerns required when administering medications in this fashion. 
   Methodology for the interruption of a programmed cycle of prior art devices in order to add or delete Meds should the need arise are not prevalent, nor are any specific ways of removing Meds should the system fail or break down. 
   Previous devices do not address power failure and its effect on an ongoing programmed schedule. 
   What is needed is an automated Meds dispenser system which overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art devices. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The general purpose of the present invention is to provide an automated Meds dispenser system which dispenses Meds on a timely basis. The automated Meds dispenser system, the present invention, includes an automated Meds dispenser and a staging station. Meds, such as pills and capsules, are distributed by the user or a health care professional into a plurality of vials systematically contained and arranged in a staging station having a matrix which is marked by days of the week and by Meds designation or by other such convenient markings. Vials containing the Meds are transferred from the staging station to the automated Meds dispenser for timed and systematic presentation one vial at a time by the automated Meds dispenser from which the vial is manually removed and the Meds consumed. A control panel is provided including a clock, a key operated multiple position switch, an audible warning device, verification lights, and various control buttons used for control of a microprocessor and of the mechanical functions of the automated Meds dispenser. A key can be used by a health care professional or by the user to prevent unauthorized access to or tampering with the automated Meds dispenser. An enclosure consists of a readily detached cover secured to a base, the combination of which houses the mechanical components of the automated Meds dispenser. Central to the enclosure is a pivoted round indexer plate in which a plurality of removable vials are held. An electric motor is incorporated to rotate the indexer plate to deliver one of a plurality of vials containing Meds to a delivery port located at the front of the enclosure. Optical sensor switches are incorporated to sense the indexer plate position and a solenoid is incorporated to prevent manual manipulation of the indexer plate to obtain Meds before the prescribed time. The program and thus the movement of the indexer plate can be interrupted to either add or remove Meds if desired, followed by the return of the indexer plate to a previous position without interrupting a scheduled program. A new schedule can be started before a predetermined schedule has been completed. A power failure feature is also included to deliver the Meds at the proper time and, in addition, the cover of the enclosure is readily detached from the base of the enclosure should a power failure occur and access to the Meds be required. 
   According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an automated Meds dispenser, part of the automated Meds dispenser system, including a base having multiple support mounts extending vertically therefrom, a cover including a control panel with control buttons and having a clock display and other control buttons and related features including a microprocessor, a rotatable and positionable indexer plate, a Meds delivery port at the front edge of the cover, a plurality of Meds delivery vials, a pivotable motor plate for mounting of a positionable electric motor where the rotatable motor plate is supported by support mounts extending vertically from the base, a plurality of vial orifices arranged in circular form near the outer edge of the indexer plate, a plurality of indexer orifices arranged in circular form and toward the center from the vial orifices, a single indexer orifice located inwardly from the plurality of indexer orifices, a supported pivot pin about which the indexer plate is rotated, a timing belt between a sprocket located at the top of the electric motor and a sprocket on the indexer plate incorporated to drive the indexer plate by actuation of the electric motor, an optical sensor switch aligned to the circular arrangement of indexer orifices, an optical sensor switch incorporated to sense the single indexer orifice, and a supported solenoid aligned to the plurality of indexer orifices. 
   According to another aspect of the present invention, a substantially two-part staging station, being part of the automated Meds delivery system, is provided. The two-part staging station comprises a box-like structure with an upwardly located panel including a plurality of holes for accommodation of Meds vials and a cover which containingly fits over and about the sides of the box-like structure. The cover top engages the openings of the vials to prevent escape of the Meds from the vials. 
   One significant aspect and feature of the present invention is an automated Meds dispenser system including a staging station and an automated Meds dispenser. 
   Another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a staging system having vials springingly forced upwardly against a staging station cover to ensure containment of Meds within the vials. 
   An additional significant aspect and feature of the present invention is an automated Meds dispenser system which is operated in a straightforward method by a user or health care professional. 
   Another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is an automated Meds dispenser system which is programmable to deliver Meds in separate vials at different times during treatment with Meds. 
   Still another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is an automated Meds dispenser system in which the Meds are contained in vials. 
   Still another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is an automated Meds dispenser system in which the Meds are not subject to dragging about the bottom of a rotatable chamber. 
   A further significant aspect and feature of the present invention is an automated Meds dispenser system which can be programmed to deliver Meds at different times over a period of days. 
   A further significant aspect and feature of the present invention is an automated Meds dispenser system which cannot be manually advanced for Meds access ahead of time. 
   A further significant aspect and feature of the present invention is an automated Meds dispenser system having an audible tone and a verification light for notification of delivered Meds. 
   A further significant aspect and feature of the present invention is an automated Meds dispenser system the program of which is interruptable to add or delete Meds and wherein the automated Meds dispenser returns to the position at which the interruption was created. 
   Still a further significant aspect and feature of the present invention is an automated Meds dispenser system wherein a cycle period can be interrupted and a new cycle period started when required. 
   Yet a further significant aspect and feature of the present invention is an automated Meds dispenser system incorporating a backup battery to allow clock operation for accurate delivery of Meds once power is restored. 
   Another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is an automated Meds dispenser system in which the enclosure can be readily dismantled to gain access to the Meds in case of a power failure. 
   Having thus described an embodiment of the present invention and enumerated various significant aspects and features thereof, it is the principal object of the present invention to provide an automated Meds dispenser system. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Other objects of the present invention and many of the attendant advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate like parts throughout the figures thereof and wherein: 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an isometric view of the automated Meds dispenser system, the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is an exploded isometric view of the automated Meds dispenser; 
       FIG. 3  illustrates the cover of the automated Meds dispenser removed from the base of the automated Meds dispenser with some parts shown in dashed lines and others omitted for clarity; 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a cross section view of the automated Meds dispenser along line  4 — 4  of  FIG. 3  showing the mechanisms contained therein as well as the features and labels included on the control panel; and, 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a partial cross section view of the automated Meds dispenser generally along line  5 — 5  of  FIG. 3  showing the mechanisms contained therein as well as the features included on the control panel. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     FIG. 1  is an isometric view of the automated Meds dispenser system  10 , including an automated Meds dispenser  12  and a staging station  14 . The staging station  14  includes a box  22  and a cover  13 . The upper region of the box  22  includes a panel  18  having a matrix of holes  16   a – 16   n  extending therethrough for accommodation of a plurality of like vials  20 , such as shown at the front edge of the automated Meds dispenser  12  and as shown in alignment with one of the holes  16   a – 16   n . The holes  16   a – 16   n  in the matrix are identified by labels such as, but not limited to, MED  1  through MED  3  along one edge of the panel  18  and by the days of the week along an intersecting edge, and can be round or of other desired and other suitable shapes as required. The panel  18  is supported by other structure of the box  22  including four sides  22   a ,  22   b ,  22   c  and  22   d  and a bottom  22   e . The cover  13  can be an open bottom box-like structure having a top  13   a  and sides  13   b ,  13   c ,  13   d  and  13   e  where the sides snugly, firmly or snappingly engage or otherwise secure to the perimeter of the sides  22   a ,  22   b ,  22   c  and  22   d  of the box  22  to suitably engage the cover  13  to the box  22  to position the top  13   a  of the cover  13  against residing vials  20  held in the panel  18  for Meds containment during storage or transportation of the staging station  14 . Additionally, a layer of compressible material  15  such as, but not limited to, foam, sponge rubber, and the like can be suitably located in direct communication with the box bottom  22   e  in the lower and inner region of the box  22  to springingly engage the lower region of vials  20  residing in the holes  16   a – 16   n  to assure containment of the Meds within the vials  20  during storage or transportation of the staging station  14 . The compressible material  15  is of sufficient thickness and exhibits sufficient spring-like qualities to urge the vials  20  residing in the holes  16   a – 16   n  upwardly against the cover top  13   a  to cause the open tops of the vials  20  to sealingly engage the cover top  13   a , thereby ensuring containment of the Meds in each of the vials  20 . The compressible material  15  is of sufficient thickness and exhibits sufficient spring-like qualities to allow proper engagement of the cover top  13   a  against the tops of the vials  20  while still maintaining suitable snug, firm or snap engagement of the cover  13  with the perimeter of the box sides  22   a ,  22   b ,  22   c  and  22   d . In the alternative, a hinge can also be suitably disposed between the cover  13  and the box  22  for convenience or to preclude misplacement of the cover  13  or the box  22 . 
   Visible components of the automated Meds dispenser  12  include an enclosure  24  having a cover  26  which fits over and which can be readily detached from a base  28 . The cover  26  includes a front panel  30 , side panels  32  and  34 , a top panel  36 , an elevated panel  38  extending upwardly from the rearward region of the side panels  32  and  34 , and a rear panel  39  extending between the rearward region of the side panels  32  and  34  and intersecting the elevated panel  38 . A Meds delivery port  40  is located central to the front panel  30  extending vertically through the forward portion of the top panel  36  at the front edge of the cover  26  for presentation of the vials  20  containing Meds for consumption by the user. A control panel  42  aligns at an angle to the top panel  36  and extends upwardly to intersect the elevated panel  38 . A power supply  43 , such as a wall-mounted power supply, and a power delivery cord  45  are provided to deliver 12-volt DC power or other suitable current to the automated Meds dispenser  12 . 
     FIG. 2  is an exploded isometric view of the automated Meds dispenser  12 , and  FIG. 3  illustrates the cover  26  removed from the base  28  with some internal components omitted for clarity and with the indexer plate  44  and other components shown in dashed lines. The base  28  includes a continuous lip  46  extending upwardly from bottom planar panel  47  of the base  28 . The rearwardly and forwardly located corner regions near the continuous lip  46  include vertically extending mating pads  48 ,  49 ,  50  and  51  having body holes extending vertically therein where screw fasteners  52  are accommodated to fasten the base  28  to the cover  26 . A plurality of corresponding mating pads, of which  53  and  55  are shown in various figures, are located at the lower and inwardly facing corner regions of the cover  26  into which the screw fasteners  52  secure to fasten the base  28  to the cover  26 . A plurality of support mounts having open hardware accommodating tops extend upwardly from the bottom planar panel  47  of the base  28 . A centrally located indexer plate support mount  62  provides support for the indexer plate  44  via a pivot pin  64  accommodated in the top portion thereof. The center of a Delrin® washer  66  acting as a thrust bearing is accommodated by the pivot pin  64 . The Delrine® washer  66  aligns between the upper annular surface of the indexer plate support mount  62  and the lower annular surface of a tubular body  68  which extends downwardly from the central region of the indexer plate  44 . The indexer plate  44  includes a plurality of vial orifices  70   a – 70   u  near the outer periphery of the indexer plate  44  for accommodation of vials  20 . While the vial orifices  70   a – 70   u  are shown as being round, any convenient and suitable other shape may be used; and material such as, but not limited to, glass, plastic, metal, or ceramic, may be incorporated as required to accommodate the various shapes or styles of vials  20 . The vial orifices  70   a – 70   u  are distributed and spaced equally along and about an imaginary circle near the periphery of the indexer plate  44  with the exception of the spacing between vial orifices  70   a  and  70   u  called HOME, where such a space occupies substantially the same area and region, such as if another vial orifice were present. In other words, vial orifices  70   a – 70   u  are to be perceived as spaced for twenty-two orifices, but the twenty-second orifice was omitted, its place being taken by the HOME position. The HOME position is that position where no access or orifice to place a vial  20  is provided. A plurality of smaller indexer orifices  72   a – 72   v  align about an imaginary circle being located inwardly from the vial orifices  70   a – 70   u . The indexer orifices  72   a – 72   v  communicate with both an optical sensor switch  98  and a solenoid  104  offset from the position of the optical sensor switch  98 , as later described in detail. An additional single indexer orifice  74  associated with the HOME position is located inwardly toward the center of the indexer plate  28 , as well as inward from indexer orifices  72   k  and  721 . A sprocket  76  is located extending downwardly from the underside of the indexer plate  44 . The tubular body  68  also extends downwardly from the sprocket  76  to accommodate the upper part of the pivot pin  64 . The upper part of the pivot pin  64  includes a groove  78  which accommodates a snap ring  80 . The upper region of the pivot pin  64  extends through a centrally located pivot hole  82  in the indexer plate  44  and is secured thereupon by the engagement of the snap ring  80  with the groove  78  at the upper portion of the pivot pin  64 . Similar motor plate support mounts  84   a – 84   c  extend vertically from the bottom planar panel  47  of the base  28  to support a pivotable motor plate  86  to which a motor  88  having a sprocket  89  suitably secures. Located near the periphery of the motor plate  86  are a round hole  90   a  and elongated holes  90   b  and  90   c , each of which aligns and suitably secures to the threaded tops of the motor plate support mounts  84   a ,  84   b  and  84   c , respectively. The entire motor plate  86  pivots about the round hole  90   a  and a fastener in the motor plate support mount  84   a  to allow the arrangement and relationship of the elongated holes  90   b  and  90   c  to be utilized, with fasteners, to position the attached motor  88  for tightening of a timing belt  92  extending between the motor-mounted sprocket  89  and the sprocket  76  on the lower region of the indexer plate  44 . An optical sensor switch support mount  94  extends vertically from the bottom planar panel  47  of the base  28  to support an optical sensor switch support  96  having upwardly looking optical sensor switches  98  and  100  where, with respect to the center of the indexer plate  44 , the optical sensor switch  98  is located outwardly from the optical sensor switch  100 . The optical sensor switch  98  aligns to the radius described by the movement of the circularly arranged indexer orifices  72   a – 72   v  to sense alignment with successively positioned indexer orifices  72   a – 72   v  on an individual basis; and the optical sensor switch sensor  100  aligns to the radius described by the imaginary circle described by movement of the single indexer orifice  74  to sense alignment with the single indexer orifice  74 . A solenoid support mount  102  extends vertically from the bottom planar panel  47  of the base  28  to support the solenoid  104 . The actuator shaft  106  of solenoid  104  aligns to the radius described by the circularly arranged indexer orifices  72   a – 72   v.    
     FIG. 4  is a cross section view of the automated Meds dispenser  12  along line  4 — 4  of  FIG. 3  showing the mechanisms contained therein as well as the features and labels included on the control panel  42 . Shown in detail is the indexer plate  44  and a majority of the components associated with the operation of the indexer plate  44 . As previously described, the timing belt  92  connects the sprocket  89  driven by motor  88  to the sprocket  76  at the lower portion of the indexer plate  44  to rotatably position the indexer plate  44  through a plurality of positions, (22 positions for purposes of example and illustration). The solenoid actuator shaft  106  of the solenoid  104  is normally extended to engage one of the indexer orifices  72   a – 72   v , and in this example is shown engaging indexer orifice  72   q  to fix the indexer plate  44  in a non-rotational status position. Operation of the solenoid  104  is required just prior and during advancement of the indexer plate  44  about the pivot pin  64  in order to retract the solenoid actuator shaft  106  from engagement with the indexer orifices  72   a – 72   v  for the purpose of allowing rotation of the indexer plate  44  for Meds delivery. The engagement of the mating pads  48  and  49  of the base  28  with the mating pads  53  and  55 , respectively, of the cover  26  is also shown. 
   The features and labels included on the control panel  42  include a centrally located clock having a clock display  108 ; a multiple position key switch  110  having labels indicating a LOAD position, a PROG position (program), a RUN position and an INT position (interrupt); and control buttons MED  1 , MED  2  and MED  3 , each having a corresponding verification light placed above the control buttons herein called, but not labeled, the MED  1  verification light, the MED  2  verification light, and the MED  3  verification light. A label entitled MEDS READY WHEN FLASHING is located over the control buttons MED  1 , MED  2  and MED  3  and corresponding MED  1 , MED  2  and MED  3  verification lights. A TIME control button, an HOURS control button, a MINUTES control button, and a JOG control button are also included. An audible warning device  112 , such as a piezoelectric or other suitable device, is also included on the control panel  42 . 
     FIG. 5  illustrates a partial cross section view of the automated Meds dispenser  12  generally along line  5 — 5  of  FIG. 3  showing the mechanisms contained therein as well as the features included on the control panel  42 . Illustrated in particular is the optical sensor switch  98  in alignment with the radius described by the movement of the circularly arranged indexer orifices  72   a – 72   v  and the optical sensor switch sensor  100  aligned to the radius described by the imaginary circle described by movement of the single indexer orifice  74 . The optical sensor switch  98  senses proximity of the indexer orifices  72   a – 72   v  to coordinate and index movement of the indexer plate  44  at timed intervals of Meds delivery, whereby a vial  20  containing Meds is advanced into the Meds delivery port  40  for Meds dispensing. The optical sensor switch  100  senses alignment with the single indexer orifice  74  (HOME) for use to subsequently return the indexer plate  44  to the LOAD position. Also shown is a screw fastener  52  extending through the mating pad  49  of the base  28  into the mating pad  55  of the cover  26  to assist in securing the cover  26  to the base  28 . The screw fasteners  52  can be quickly removed and the cover  26  removed from the base  28  to gain quick access to the interior of the automated Meds dispenser  12 , if required. Such cause for removal could be for recouping of Meds which escaped from the vials  20  where the automated Meds dispenser  12  was oriented in such a way as to cause such Meds to leave the confines of the vials  20 . In the alternative, the indexer plate  44  can be spaced in close proximity to the top panel  36  of the cover  26  to ensure containment of Meds in the vials  20 . 
   Also shown is a programmable computer in the form of a microprocessor  114  containing circuitry for the operation of the automated Meds dispenser  12 , and an electrical jack  116  incorporated for delivery of 12-volt DC power or other suitable electrical power of required voltage, such as provided by the power supply  43  and the power delivery cord  45 . A backup battery  120  is provided to continue operation of the clock circuits provided by the microprocessor  114 . The motor  88 , the motor plate support mounts  84   a – 84   c , and the motor plate  86  are not shown for the purpose of brevity and clarity. 
   MODE OF OPERATION 
   The automated Meds dispenser system can be easily programmed to provide Meds three times daily, any time of the day or night, for a period of seven days or, if constructed according to the teachings of the present invention to provide more capacities, can deliver Meds at an increased timed frequency for an increased number of days. Operation of the automated Meds dispenser system  10  is best understood by perusing an example of programming, loading and usage instructions which additionally include reference numerals enclosed in parenthesis, labels, and reference to other control panels items. 
   Programming, Loading and Usage Instructions 
   1. Attach the power supply ( 43 ) to a 110V AC power source. Connect the power delivery cord ( 45 ) to the jack ( 116 ) at the rear of the automated Meds dispenser ( 12 ). 
   2. Place a key into the multiple position key switch ( 110 ) and position the multiple position key switch ( 110 ) to PROG position (program). 
   3. Set the current time of day using the HOURS and MINUTES control buttons and press TIME. 
   4. Set first Meds delivery time using the HOURS and MINUTES control buttons and press MED  1 . 
   5. Set second Meds delivery time using the HOURS and MINUTES control buttons and press MED  2 . 
   6. Set third Meds delivery time using the HOURS and MINUTES control buttons and press MED  3 . 
   Note: Programming is now complete. Turn the key to position the multiple position key switch ( 110 ) to the LOAD position, and indexer plate ( 44 ) automatically returns to the HOME location where vials ( 20 ) cannot yet be loaded. 
   7. Press JOG and the indexer plate ( 44 ) advances to the MED  1  location. Then manually place a first vial ( 20 ) containing Meds into the vial orifice ( 70   a ). The green verification light above the MED  1  control button is illuminated. 
   8. Press JOG and the indexer plate ( 44 ) advances to the MED  2  location. Then manually place a second vial ( 20 ) containing Meds into the vial orifice ( 70   b ). The green verification light above the MED  2  control button is illuminated. 
   9. Press JOG and the indexer plate ( 44 ) advances to the MED  3  location. Then manually place a third vial ( 20 ) containing Meds into the vial orifice ( 70   c ). The green verification light above the MED  3  control button is illuminated. 
   Note: Continue to press JOG until all vials containing Meds are placed into the remaining vial orifices ( 70   d – 70   u ). (Maximum: 3 Meds in a 24-hour period for 7 days.) 
   10. The PROG and LOAD sequences are now complete. Turn the key to position the multiple position key switch ( 110 ) to the RUN position and wait for scheduled MEDS times to occur. 
   How to Interrupt an Ongoing Schedule to Make Changes to Medications 
   Should the need arise to interrupt an ongoing programmed schedule in order to make additions or deletions to the remaining Meds in the current program, the following procedure should be followed. 
   Turn the key to position the multiple position key switch ( 110 ) to INTER (interrupt) position, press JOG and the next scheduled Meds will appear. Make changes to Meds as required and continue to press JOG and make changes until all required changes are completed. Now turn the key to position the multiple position key switch ( 110 ) to the RUN position and the indexer plate ( 44 ) will automatically return to the previous location, that location being the point of interruption, and ready for the next scheduled MEDS time. 
   How to Refill Indexer Before Weekly Schedule Has Expired 
   Should an individual desire to begin a new 7-day cycle period a few days before the current cycle has expired, turn the key to position the multiple position key switch ( 110 ) to the LOAD position and the indexer plate ( 44 ) will automatically return to the HOME location. Follow and repeat steps  7 ,  8  and  9  until all Meds are replaced. Now turn the key to position the multiple position key switch  110  to the RUN position and a new 7 day cycle will begin. Wait for scheduled MEDS times to occur. (End Programming, Loading and Usage Instructions). 
   Operation of the automated Meds dispenser system  10  is initiated by loading of vials  20  into the holes  16   a – 16   n  in the staging station  14  and then placing Meds into the appropriate vials  20  according to the required usage, times and days of the week. In the alternative, the vials  20  could be filled first and then loaded into the staging station  14 . Vials  20  of the staging station  14  can be filled in advance of anticipated usage where the cover  13  is utilized to seal the Meds within the vials  20 . Such usage of the cover  13  also prepares the staging station  14  for storage or transportation with Meds contained in vials. Although the vials  20  are open to receive Meds, the vials  20  could be filled and appropriately sealed, such as by foil or other suitable sealing devices, at a pharmacy, pharmaceutical company or other offsite location where the vials are appropriately sealed in a sterile location. The staging station  14  is portable and can be returned to a pharmacist for filling of prescriptions. Once the medications have been sorted and placed into the vials and located in the staging station, the vials  20  are then transplanted into the automated Meds dispenser. The vials  20  are very inexpensive and it would be conceivable to replace old vials  20  with new ones should one change medication; however, the vials  20  can be reused as they are designed to be placed back into the staging station  14  as usage occurs. Using this visual method, a user can also tell, at a glance, how many vials  20  have been returned to the staging station  14  and thereby easily determine how many days remain before it will again be necessary to reload the vials  20  of the staging station  14 . 
   Operation of the invention continues according to the previously given instructions. Loading is accomplished by turning the key to position the multiple position key switch  110  to the LOAD position causing the motor  88  to revolve the indexer plate  44  until the indexer orifice  74  is sensed by the optical sensor switch  100 , thereby rotationally positioning the indexer plate  44  to the HOME position. The JOG control button is then pressed multiple times to advance the indexer plate  44  for loading of vials  20  one at a time. After loading, the multiple position key switch  110  is turned to the RUN position. When the programmed Meds delivery times occur, the microprocessor  114  commands operation of the mechanical structures including the solenoid  104  and the motor  88 . When a programmed Meds time occurs, the microprocessor  114  sends a signal to activate the solenoid  104  for an appropriate pulsed time interval, thereby retracting the solenoid actuator shaft  106  to allow rotation of the indexer plate  44  by the sequentially operated motor  88  in order to present a vial  20  to the user ready for pickup. The relationship and interaction of the solenoid  104  and the indexer orifices  72   a – 72   v  about the indexer plate  44  forms a locking arrangement to prevent the rotation of the indexer plate  44  in order to retrieve medications illegally or ahead of schedule. The solenoid  104  is normally in the unactuated position, whereas the solenoid actuator shaft  106  is normally in the extended position by internal solenoid spring action through one of the indexer orifices  72   a – 72   v  in the indexer plate  44 , thereby preventing the manual rotation of indexer plate  44  until programmed Meds times occur. In the event of power interruption, the solenoid actuator shaft  106  remains engaged with the indexer orifices  72   a – 72   v  to prevent manual advancement of the indexer plate  44  in order to retrieve medications illegally or ahead of schedule. During actuation of the solenoid  104 , the motor  88  is energized to advance the indexer plate  44  one position to deliver the Meds into the Meds delivery port  40 . Rotation of the indexer plate  44  by the motor  88  is controlled by the sensing of the next advancing indexer orifice of the indexer orifices  72   a – 72   v  by the optical sensor switch  98 . When the oncoming indexer orifice is sensed by the optical sensor switch  98 , power to the motor  88  is interrupted, thereby ceasing rotation of the indexer plate  44  to deliver the scheduled Meds at the Meds delivery port  40 . Such power interruption also removes power to the solenoid  104 , thereby allowing the solenoid actuator shaft  106  to engage the appropriate indexer orifice of the indexer orifices  72   a – 72   v . Upon such advancement of the indexer plate  44 , the appropriate green verification light located on the control panel  42  above the MED  1  button, the MED  2  button, or the MED  3  button becomes illuminated each time a programmed Meds time occurs with the delivery of Meds. These verification lights provide assurance and let the user identify and verify which Meds time has occurred. Once the vial  20  containing the Meds has been removed from the automated Meds dispenser  12 , the user presses and resets the appropriate MED  1 , MED  2  or MED  3  button and the appropriate green verification light is extinguished to await the next scheduled Meds time where the delivery sequence is repeated. 
   In addition to the green verification lights, the audible warning device  112  emits a pulsed audible tone when Meds times occur. Both the applicable green verification light and the audible sound remain active until the appropriate MED  1 , MED  2  or MED  3  button below the green flashing verification light is pressed for reset of the green verification light and the audible warning device  112  subsequent to Meds pickup by the user. This resetting action will confirm to family members or administrators that medicines were received by the patient. 
   Should the main power accidentally be shut off, the backup battery  120  continues the operation of the clock in the microprocessor  114 . When the main power is restored, the automated Meds dispenser  12  will begin delivering medication when the next programmed time occurs. It will not become confused and deliver improper Meds at the wrong time. In the unlikely event that the automated Meds dispenser  12  breaks down or fails to operate for any reason, the Meds can be retrieved by simply removing screw fasteners  52  in the base  28  and disengaging the cover  26  from the base  28  and by then removing the vials  20  from the indexer plate  44  where they are held in place. 
   An individual can interrupt an ongoing scheduled Meds delivery cycle by turning the key to position the multiple position key switch  110  to the INT position in order to add or delete Meds to or from any vial  20  and then return to the previous position without interruption to the scheduled cycle. The microprocessor  114  remembers the previous position of the indexer plate  44  and cycles the indexer plate  44  back to the previous position subsequent to addition or deletion of Meds from the vials  20  when the key of the multiple position key switch  110  is positioned to the RUN position. 
   An individual can also load or reload the automated Meds dispenser any time of day or night, any day of the week, and rest assured that it will begin a new 7-day cycle at the next scheduled Meds time. Turning the key to position the multiple position key switch  110  to the LOAD position causes the motor  88  to revolve the indexer plate  44  until the indexer orifice  74  is sensed by the optical sensor switch  100 , thereby removing power from the motor  88  and returning the indexer plate  44  to the HOME position for reloading, such as by turning the key to position the multiple position key switch  110  to the LOAD position and then following steps  7 ,  8  and  9  repeatedly until all loading is accomplished, followed by turning the key to position the multiple position key switch  110  to the RUN position. 
   Various modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the apparent scope thereof.