Patent Publication Number: US-10772805-B2

Title: Tablet and capsule dispensing assembly

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is filed under 35 U.S.C. §§ 111(a) and 365( c ) as a continuation of International Patent Application No. PCT/US17/69049, filed Dec. 29, 2017, which application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/440,569, filed on Dec. 30, 2016, which applications are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The disclosure relates to tablet and capsule dispensers, more particularly to tablet and capsule dispensers that dispense tablets and capsules in compliance with a predefined regimen specific to a time interval or schedule, and, even more specifically, to a tablet and capsule dispensers that prevent access to tablets and capsules except as specified by a pre-defined regimen. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Opioids are a type of medicine often used to help relieve pain. Opioids work by attaching themselves to specific proteins called opioid receptors, which are found in nerve cells in the brain, spinal cord, gastrointestinal tract, and other organs within the human body. When opiates attached to these receptors, they change how the brain perceives pain by creating feelings of pleasure and euphoria. The human brain is wired to record feelings of pleasure and euphoria, and cues the individual to take more and more of the drug. As a result, a user can become dependent on, and addicted to, opioids very quickly. Current estimates show that as many as 36 million users worldwide suffer from opioid addiction. 
     Opioid addiction quickly leads to adverse health effects such as dizziness, nausea, aches and pains, tremors, chills, vomiting, and constipation. In addition to these negative health effects, the user builds a tolerance to the positive effects of the opioid which can lead to overdose and death. In 2015, the Centers for Disease Control reported that drug overdoses accounted for 52,504 deaths in the United States, 63.1% of which involved and opioid. 
     As a result of the increased levels of addiction, prescription medications are typically controlled in a closed system of distribution which seeks to control the importation, manufacture, distribution, and dispensing of controlled substances. This closed system is designed to provide a discrete chain of custody for controlled substances, and ensure that those substances are used in accordance with a prescribed manner which is specific to a given quantity of the substance taken at defined intervals of time. This closed system effectively opens when a controlled substance is released into the hands of the patient or end-user. The end-user, while bound by the laws of use specified by the closed system, is largely free to operate on the honor system and trusted to follow the regimen specified by the prescription instructions. 
     Several unintended consequences arise from this honor system which include, but are not limited to; missed doses, over-doses, unused quantities of controlled substances, and access to controlled substances by non-authorized users. Further, well-meaning end-users often dispose of unused quantities of controlled substances into the wastewater supply where they contaminate water resources with unknown and poorly-studied consequences. 
     In the case of addictive substances such as opioids, an attractive nuisance is created whereby unauthorized users happen upon and ingest unused controlled substances and experience the euphoria associated with opioids and other strong pain medications. For many, this first experience leads to a downward spiral of abuse which tragically, and all too often, results in addiction, and a move to cheaper, more readily accessible street drugs like heroin. Deaths related to heroin and opioid abuse continue to spiral out of control, due in part, to the lack of control resulting from the current honor system of managing the distribution of controlled substances to end-users. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,978,5464 (De La Huerga) discloses a device which relies upon an electronic processor and communication with the end-user to remind of the proper dose, track usage, warn of drug interactions, but does not physically limit access to controlled substances. A further disadvantage of the device in De La Huerga is that the device relies upon separate consoles which would complicate adherence to regimens for end-users who are traveling or simply going about their daily lives, going to the market, or even visiting their physician. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 9,218,458 (Baarman) discloses another device that tracks usage, reminds and warns end users, using an additional electronic device in proximity with the invention before dispensing controlled substances. While this device moves to physically limit access, it requires an outboard device for user validation. Further, the invention automatically dispenses controlled substances according to a pre-defined regimen, but this may conflict with regimen instructions such as, “take as needed”, or, “take one or two tablets, as needed.” 
     United States Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0214200 (Chrusciel) controls dispensing “several non-individually packaged pills at a plurality of times”. The nature of providing for a “plurality of removable magazines” results in a device that is much larger than is conveniently portable and requires an end-user to move all of their controlled substances about as a single group. The use of rechargeable batteries, charged from a wall outlet further restricts portability. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 8,622,241 (Geboers) describes a device where tablets or capsules are dispensed at preset intervals and quantities from columns of loose tablets, pills or capsules. The device is mechanical, or electromechanical, but requires an outboard unit containing a processor and communication device to track end-user behavior and to respond to flexible requirements embodied in many medication regimens. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 9,283,150 (Bujalski) describes a device that relies upon a mechanical timer to release controlled substances in accordance with a pre-defined regimen. End-users are alerted when the time interval is reached, but there is limited flexibility in managing instructions such as, “Take one or two tablets as needed”. This invention lacks the ability to record and communicate a history of usage, and the ability to display remaining dosages, or time to next dosage. 
     Thus, there is a long-felt need for a tablet and capsule dispenser that prevents access to tablets and capsules except as specified by a pre-defined regimen and has the ability to record and communicate a history of usage, display remaining dosages, display time to next dosage, and prevent early access to the next dosage. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a tablet and capsule dispensing assembly, comprising a case including an inner circumferential surface having a first plurality of teeth a tablet disc having a plurality of tablets disposed circumferentially thereon, the tablet disc arranged to rotate about a central axis and within the case, and a lock arranged to engage with the first plurality of teeth to prevent rotation of the tablet disc in a first rotational direction during a first predetermined time interval. 
     According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a tablet and capsule dispensing assembly, comprising a case including a superior component having a first aperture, and an inferior component arranged to engage with the superior component forming a first cavity therebetween, the inferior component having a second aperture, a tablet disc having a plurality of tablets disposed circumferentially thereon, the tablet disc arranged to rotate within the case, wherein the first aperture and the second aperture are arranged to, when aligned, allow a first tablet of the plurality of tablets to be removed from the tablet disc, and a lock arranged prevent rotation of the tablet disc in a first rotational direction during a first predetermined time interval. 
     According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a tablet and capsule dispensing assembly including a case, the case having an inner circumferential surface, the inner circumferential surface having a first plurality of teeth, a tablet disc having a plurality of tablets disposed about a circumference of the tablet disc, the tablet disc arranged to rotate about a central axis and within the case, and a lock arranged to engage with the first plurality of teeth to prevent rotation of the tablet disc in a first rotational direction at a first predetermined time interval. 
     According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a tablet and capsule dispensing assembly, including a case having a superior component and an inferior component operatively arranged to form a first cavity therebetween, a tablet disc arranged within the first cavity, the tablet disc having a plurality of tablets disposed about a circumference of the tablet disc, and arranged to rotate about a central axis and within the case, and a lock arranged to prevent rotation of the tablet disc in a first rotational direction at a first predetermined time interval. The lock further includes a first component and a second component. The first component including a display and a first circuit electrically connected to the display. The second component including a solenoid actuator, a pivotable catch, a second plurality of teeth disposed on an outer circumferential surface of the second component, and a ratchet operatively arranged to engage with the second plurality of teeth and the case. 
     These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become readily apparent upon a review of the following detailed description of the disclosure, in view of the drawings and appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Various embodiments are disclosed, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, in which: 
         FIG. 1A  is a front perspective view of the top of the dispensing assembly as disclosed herein; 
         FIG. 1B  is a front perspective view of the bottom of the dispensing assembly as disclosed herein; 
         FIG. 2A  is a front perspective exploded view of the dispensing assembly of  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 2B  is a front perspective exploded view of the dispensing assembly of  FIG. 1B ; 
         FIG. 3  is a high-level schematic view of a circuit associated with the dispensing assembly as disclosed herein; 
         FIG. 4A  is a front perspective view of the top of the dispensing assembly as disclosed herein; 
         FIG. 4B  is a front perspective view of the bottom of the dispensing assembly as disclosed herein; 
         FIG. 5A  is a front perspective view of the top of the dispensing assembly as disclosed herein; 
         FIG. 5B  is a front perspective view of the top of the dispensing assembly as disclosed herein; 
         FIG. 5C  is a front perspective view of the top of the dispensing assembly as disclosed herein; 
         FIG. 6A  is a top plan view of an example embodiment of a dispensing assembly as disclosed herein; 
         FIG. 6B  is a top plan view of an example embodiment of a dispensing assembly as disclosed herein; 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic view of an example embodiment of the software interface arranged for communication with the dispensing assembly as disclosed herein; and, 
         FIG. 8  is top plan view of an example embodiment of the dispensing assembly as disclosed herein. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical, or functionally similar, structural elements. It is to be understood that the claims are not limited to the disclosed aspects. 
     Furthermore, it is understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular methodology, materials and modifications described and as such may, of course, vary. It is also understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims. 
     Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It should be understood that any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the example embodiments. The assembly of the present disclosure could be driven by hydraulics, electronics, pneumatics, and/or springs. 
     It should be appreciated that the term “substantially” is synonymous with terms such as “nearly,” “very nearly,” “about,” “approximately,” “around,” “bordering on,” “close to,” “essentially,” “in the neighborhood of,” “in the vicinity of,” etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in the specification and claims. It should be appreciated that the term “proximate” is synonymous with terms such as “nearby,” “close,” “adjacent,” “neighboring,” “immediate,” “adjoining,” etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in the specification and claims. The term “approximately” is intended to mean values within ten percent of the specified value. 
     By “non-rotatably connected” or “non-rotatably secured” elements, we mean that: the elements are connected so that whenever one of the elements rotate, all the elements rotate; and relative rotation between the elements is not possible. Radial and/or axial movement of non-rotatably connected elements with respect to each other is possible, but not required. By “rotatably connected” elements, we mean that the elements are rotatable with respect to each other. 
     Moreover, as used herein, “and/or” is intended to mean a grammatical conjunction used to indicate that one or more of the elements or conditions recited may be included or occur. For example, a device comprising a first element, a second element and/or a third element, is intended to be construed as any one of the following structural arrangements: a device comprising a first element; a device comprising a second element; a device comprising a third element; a device comprising a first element and a second element; a device comprising a first element and a third element; a device comprising a first element, a second element and a third element; or, a device comprising a second element and a third element. 
     The term “Superior Component” as used in the present disclosure is intended to mean the component of the case located in the highest position relative to the inferior component component in first direction DR 1 . 
     The term “Inferior Component” as used in the present disclosure is intended to mean the component of the case located in the lowest position relative to the superior component in first direction DR 1 . 
     Adverting now to the figures,  FIGS. 1A-2B  illustrate various perspective views of dispensing assembly  100  in an assembled state and an exploded state. Dispensing assembly  100  includes case  102  which is substantially toroidal in shape. Case  102  includes superior component  104  and inferior component  106 . Superior component  104  and inferior component  106  are arranged to engage via a press-fit, friction-fit, or interference-fit, leaving a substantially toroidal first cavity  108  therebetween. It is intended that superior component  104  and inferior component  106  are arranged such that once they are fitted together, no user can open the case, e.g., only a manufacturer or healthcare professional may separate the components. In an example embodiment, superior component  104  and inferior component  106  are made of high impact modified Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA); however, it should be appreciated that any other durable material can be used, e.g., high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, metal, high-impact polystyrene, Polycarbonate (PC), Polyether Imide (PEI), or any other material which can resist breaking or cracking while in use, and prevent tampering and/or render evident any tampering caused by the user. Superior component  104  further includes aperture  110 , and inferior component  106  further includes aperture  112 . Apertures  110  and  112  are arranged such that when case  102  is assembled, aperture  110  of superior component  104  is aligned with, and directly above, aperture  112  of inferior component  106 . Superior component also includes first rim  114  (shown in  FIG. 2B ) which contains first plurality of teeth  116  disposed about a circumferential surface of first rim  114  and operatively arranged to engage with pivotable catch  152  discussed infra. Inferior component  106  further comprises opening  118  operatively arranged to receive second component  134  of lock  130  discussed infra; and, second rim  120  (shown in  FIG. 2A ) arranged to engage with lock  130  discussed infra. 
     Dispensing assembly  100  further comprises tablet disc  122 . Tablet disc  122  and lock  130  (discussed infra) are positioned within first cavity  108  of case  102  when dispensing assembly  100  is completely assembled. Tablet disc  122  further comprises plurality of tablets  124  disposed about the circumference of tablet disc  122 . The tablets of plurality of tablets  124  are set apart from each other a fixed circumferential distance such that they are evenly spaced. In an example embodiment, tablet disc  122  is a prefabricated blister pack with a plurality of individual cells which isolate a single dose of a particular medication, i.e., each tablet is intended to be a single dose of a particular medication. The distance between each tablet or cell and the size of apertures  110  and  112  are proportional such that access to tablets is limited to one tablet at a time through apertures  110  and  112 . Tablet disc  122  further comprises first through-bore  126  arranged to engage with first projection  140  (discussed infra) and at least one second through-bore  128  arranged to engage with at least one second projection  146  (not shown and discussed infra). 
     Dispensing assembly  100  further comprises lock  130 . Lock  130  comprises first component  132  and second component  134 . First component  132  comprises display  136 , and first circuit  138  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). In an example embodiment, display  136  is an E-ink display; however, it should be appreciated that other displays are possible, e.g., a touch-screen display, an Light-Emitting Diode (LED) display, an Electroluminescent (ELD) display, a Plasma Display Panel (PDP) display, an Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED) display, a Liquid Crystal (LCD) display, or other equivalent displays. Display  136  is arranged to display the current state of dispensing assembly  100  and show the time interval remaining until tablet disc  122  can be rotated to the next position (description of use of the assembly described infra). Second component  134  comprises, first projection  140  having first surface  142 , second cavity  144 , at least one second projection  146  (not shown), second surface  148  having a plurality of grips  150 , solenoid actuator  152 , pivotable catch  154 , second plurality of teeth  156 , and ratchet  158 . 
     First projection  140  is a substantially cylindrical protrusion arranged to be concentric with second component  134  and further comprises second plurality of teeth  156 . Second plurality of teeth  156  are operatively arranged on the outer circumference of first projection  140  and arranged to engage with ratchet  158 . First projection  140  further includes first surface  142 . First surface  142  comprises at least one second projection  146  (not shown) and second cavity  144 . At least one second projection  146  is a peg or other projection operatively arranged to protrude in first direction DR 1  with respect to first surface  142  and engage with through-bores  128  of tablet disc  122 . When completely assembled, first projection  140  and at least one second projection  146  slide within, and engage with, first through-bore  126  and at least one second through-bore  128  of tablet disc  122 , respectively. Second cavity  144  is arranged to receive solenoid actuator  152  when dispensing assembly  100  is fully assembled. Second surface  148 , which is arranged opposite first surface  142  on second component  134 , includes plurality of grips  150 . Plurality of grips  150  are illustrated as two quadraspherical (one quarter of a sphere) cavities separated by a portion of second component  134 ; however, it should be appreciated that any physical arrangement that allows for a user to provide sufficient torque on lock  130  to rotate second component  134  relative to first component  132  can be used. Plurality of grips  150  are arranged such that a user can grip and provide a rotational force in first rotational direction RIM or second rotational direction RD 2  when a new tablet/pill is needed. 
     It should be appreciated that first plurality of teeth  116  and second plurality of teeth  156  can be angled such that they prevent rotational motion of tablet disc  122  in either first rotational direction RIM or second rotational direction RD 2 . For example,  FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 4A-5C  illustrate arrangements where ratchet  158  prevents rotational motion in rotational direction RD 2  and pivotable catch  154  prevents and/or allows for rotational motion of tablet disc  122  in first rotational direction RD 1 . However, it should be appreciated that, as shown in  FIGS. 2A, 2B and 8 , first plurality of teeth  116  and second plurality of teeth  156  can be angled such that ratchet  158  prevents rotational motion of tablet disc  122  in first rotational direction RD 1  and pivotable catch  154  prevents and/or allows for rotational motion of tablet disc  122  in second rotational direction RD 2 . 
     Solenoid actuator  152  is operatively arranged to sit within second cavity  144  and engage with pivotable catch  154  causing pivotable catch  154  to pivot and engage and/or disengage with first plurality of teeth  116  of superior component  104 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 4A-5C , when solenoid actuator  152  is disengaged, tablet disc  122  is prevented from rotating in a first rotational direction RIM and second rotational direction RD 2 . When solenoid actuator  152  is engaged, i.e., extended, tablet disc  122  is free to rotate in first rotational direction RIM. It should be appreciated that any actuator known in the art can be used to engage with first plurality of teeth  116 . Pivotable catch  154  has a peg which rotatably engages with a partial through-bore disposed within first surface  142  of second component  134  such that it can pivot when engaged with solenoid actuator  152 . First plurality of teeth  116  and pivotable catch  154  are arranged such that they are not affected by vibrations or gyrations which could be experienced in the average use of the assembly. 
     It should be appreciated that second component  134  is operatively arranged to sit within, and rotate independently from, first component  132 . First component  132  is intended to remain non-rotatably secured to superior component  104  such that, when tablet disc  124  and second component  134  rotate in second rotational direction RD 2 , first component  132 , which contains display  136 , remains rotationally locked in case  102 . This ensures that the display is always visible from the side of dispensing assembly  100  that comprises apertures  110  and  112 . Additionally, as solenoid actuator  152  must be permitted to rotate with second component  134  while simultaneously maintaining electronic communication with first circuit  138 , solenoid actuator  152  can be electrically connected to first circuit  138  with any wired or wireless circuit capable of transferring electricity to a rotating body, e.g., electrical slip rings, pancake slip rings, wireless slip rings, wireless power transfer circuits, inductive power transfer circuits, etc. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a high-level schematic view of first circuit  138 . First circuit  138  comprises microcontroller  160 , timer  162 , antenna  164 , power supply  166 , and flex circuit  168 , and sensor  169 . Microcontroller  160  further includes processor  170  and memory  172 , which are operatively arranged to store and execute a set of non-transitory computer readable instructions. Memory  172  can store a first data set comprised of at least one date, at least one time, a rotational position of the tablet disc, and an integer. The date, time, and integer can reflect the history of a user&#39;s interaction with dispensing assembly  100  and keep track of which pill/tablet was accessed at what time. In an example embodiment, microcontroller  160  is a Cypress Semiconductor part no.: CY8C4247LQI-BL483 available from Mouser Electronics; however, it should be appreciated that any other suitable microcontroller could be used to store the set of non-transitory computer readable instructions and first data set. 
     Timer  162  is a simple circuit operatively arranged to provide a base time signal to a microcontroller. This circuit comprises, for example, a crystal quartz oscillator. In an example embodiment timer  162  is a crystal oscillator part no.: ECS-240-8-36CKM available from ECS Inc.; however, it should be appreciated that any crystal oscillator that can communicate with microcontroller  160  and keep time can be utilized. Antenna  164  is operatively arranged to communicate with microcontroller  160  and can be utilized to send/receive a wireless signal/communication. It should be appreciated that “wireless communication(s)” as used herein is intended to mean Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) communication, Bluetooth® protocols, Near field Communication (NFC), Near Field Magnetic Inductance Communication (NFMIC), Wi-Fi, LTE, Airdrop® communication, or any other wireless protocol sufficient to communicate with microcontroller  160 . Additionally, display  136  is capable of rendering a visible image, e.g., a bar code or QR code, which can be scanned by an external device as a means for transmitting information from dispensing assembly  100 . In an example embodiment antenna  164  is part no.: 2450AT42E0100 available from Johanson Technology Inc.; however it should be appreciated that any antenna capable of communication via the above-identified protocols can be used. Power supply  166  is intended to be a battery or any combination of multiple batteries that can produce sufficient voltage to power the components in first circuit  138 , solenoid actuator  152 , and display  136 . Flex circuit  168  is a flexible ribbon-type circuit that is operatively arranged to bend and flex such that electrical current may still flow from microcontroller  160  to display  136 . Furthermore, sensor  169  is arranged to sense and store the rotational position of tablet disc  122 . It should be appreciated that a sensor  169  could be embodied as an optical sensor, limit-switch, or other device capable of sensing a position of tablet disc  122  can be included in first circuit  138 . 
     The following description is intended to illustrate one potential operation of dispensing assembly  100  and should be read in view of  FIGS. 4A-5C . Initially, a user will receive dispensing assembly  100  from the manufacturer, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. The dispensing assembly will come pre-assembled and closed as illustrated in  FIGS. 4A and 4B . In initial position  176 , one tablet of plurality of tablets  124  is aligned with first aperture  110  and second aperture  112  and can be depressed and removed from tablet disc  122  by the user. Additionally, in initial position  176 , display  136  indicates that the first tablet, aligned with apertures  110  and  112 , is available for dispensing. Once the first tablet of plurality of tablets  124  is dispensed, the user can ingest the tablet. In initial position  176 , ratchet  158  (shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B ), which is pivotably mounted on second rim  120  (shown in  FIG. 2A ) of inferior component  106 , is spring loaded such that it is engaged with one of the second plurality of teeth  156  (shown in  FIG. 2A ) of second component  134  preventing rotation of lock  130  in second rotational direction RD 2 . Second plurality of teeth  156  and ratchet  158  are arranged such that they are not affected by vibrations or gyrations which could be experience in the average use of the assembly. Additionally, in initial position  176  solenoid actuator  152  (shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B ) is in an activated state, i.e., positioned such that the plunger is in an extended position. In this extended position, solenoid actuator  152  engages with pivotable catch  154  (shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B ). Pivotable catch  154  pivots about a peg or other protrusion which is disposed within a third cavity on first surface  142  (shown in  FIG. 2A ) of first projection  140  (shown in  FIG. 2A ) of second component  134 . In this state, pivotable catch  154  is not engaged with first plurality of teeth  116  (shown in  FIG. 2B ) of superior component  104 , and second component  134  and tablet disc  122  are free to rotate in second rotational direction RD 2 . 
     To advance the dispensing assembly to second position  178 , illustrated in  FIGS. 5A-5C , the user engages with plurality of grips  150  disposed on second surface  148  of the second component  134  of lock  130 . The user applies a rotational force in first rotational direction RIM. When sensor  169  indicates that tablet disc  122  has been rotated to second position  178 . Activation of sensor  169  simultaneously causes solenoid actuator  152  to retract and timer  162  to activate, beginning a counting down proportional to first time interval  188  discussed infra. When solenoid actuator  152  is in the retracted state, pivotable catch  154  will engage with one of first plurality of teeth  116  of superior component  104  and prevent further rotational motion in second rotational direction RD 2 . Although not illustrated this may be accomplished with some biasing device, e.g., a spring, which biases pivotable catch  154  towards first plurality of teeth  116 . Once in second position  178 , a second tablet will be positioned and aligned with apertures  110  and  112  allowing the second tablet to be dispensed from dispensing assembly  100 . At this point, the user must wait until the expiration of first time interval  188 , for solenoid actuator  152  to engage with pivotable catch  154  and allow for rotation of tablet disc  122  to the next position. This process is repeated until all of the tablets of plurality of tablets  124  are utilized. Once the tablet disc is empty, the user can either dispose of the device, or return it to their healthcare provider for further analysis of usage discussed infra. 
     It should also be appreciated that the first pill/tablet slot of tablet disc  122  can be left empty, i.e., without a tablet present. This arrangement would be utilized in situations where a patient has been given a first dose of medication via a healthcare provider. In this situation, the healthcare provider or user would then rotate tablet disc  122  into second position  178  and trigger the countdown proportional to first time interval  188 . 
       FIGS. 6A and 6B  illustrate a top plan view of dispensing assembly  100 . These views illustrate some of the potential variations in size and shape of tablets which can be utilized in tablet disc  122 . The tablets of plurality of tablets  124  can be shaped as ovoid, cylindrical, triangular, or other suitable shape for ingestion. It should be appreciated that the variations shown are non-exhaustive of the potential sizes and shapes available. For example, any shape tablet can be used that can be pushed through apertures  110  and  112 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a schematic view of first computer  174  and software interface  180 . First computer  174  and software interface  180  are arranged for communication with dispensing assembly  100 . Software interface  180  is arranged to display first medication  182 , list  184  arranged to show an organized list of the various dates and times each pill/tablet will become available, and graph  186  arranged to show a graphical illustration of the various dates and times recorded in list  184 . In an example embodiment, first computer  174  is a smart phone; however, it should be appreciated that any other computer capable of sending and receiving wireless communications with antenna  164  can be used. First computer  174  is operatively arranged to receive/transmit wireless communications to and from antenna  164  discussed supra. First computer  174  may send an initial query to antenna  164 , which query can be electrically transferred to microcontroller  160 . Although not illustrated, it should also be appreciated that dispensing assembly  100  can communicate with first computer  174  via a wired connection, e.g., Ethernet cable, USB cable, or docking station. Microcontroller  160  can retrieve the data of the first data set, discuss supra, from memory  172  and transmit the first data set from antenna  164  to first computer  174  for display in software interface  180  of first computer  174 . It should be appreciated that software interface  180  can be arranged to display more than one medication, e.g., a second medication, third medication, fourth medication simultaneously. 
     It should also be appreciated that multiple time intervals can be set by the pharmacist, manufacturer, or other healthcare provider, e.g., first time interval  188  and second time interval  190 . First time interval  188  and second time interval  190  can be identical or they can be different e.g., the time between access to the first tablet and second tablet can be different than the time interval between the third tablet and fourth tablet. Additionally, the time intervals can vary e.g., the time between access to each tablet can range from days to seconds. It should further be appreciated that a final time period may be utilized in addition to first time interval  188  and second time interval  190 . The final time period can be utilized to set a value of time, that when expired the device remains rotationally locked until accessed by the pharmacist, manufacturer, or other healthcare provider. For example, a final time period could be utilized in the event the dispensing assembly is used to administer doses of medication for clinical trials. If a clinical trial, having a set period of 10 days is established, the device may allow access to each tablet at predetermined time intervals in addition to locking the device permanently at the end of the ten day period. This will allow the administrators of the trial to gather evidence of a patient failing to take the medications at the prescribed time intervals. 
       FIG. 8  is top plan view of dispensing assembly  100  in an assembled state. In this view, the interaction between ratchet  158  and second plurality of teeth  156 , as well as, the interaction between pivotable catch  154  and first plurality of teeth  116  can be seen. This view also illustrates the interaction between solenoid actuator  152  and pivotable catch  154 , in that, the actuator plunger of solenoid actuator  152  sits within a notch arranged within pivotable catch  154 . 
     It will be appreciated that various aspects of the disclosure above and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims. 
     LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 
     
         
         DR 1  Direction 
         DR 2  Direction 
         RD 1  Rotational direction 
         RD 2  Rotational direction 
           100  Dispensing assembly 
           102  Case 
           104  Superior component 
           106  Inferior component 
           108  First cavity 
           110  First aperture 
           112  Second aperture 
           114  First rim 
           116  First plurality of teeth 
           118  Opening 
           120  Second rim 
           122  Tablet disc 
           124  Plurality of tablets 
           126  First through-bore 
           128  Second through-bore 
           130  Lock 
           132  First component 
           134  Second component 
           136  Display 
           138  First circuit 
           140  First projection 
           142  First surface 
           144  Second cavity 
           146  Second projection 
           148  Second surface 
           150  Plurality of grips 
           152  Solenoid actuator 
           154  Pivotable catch 
           156  Second plurality of teeth 
           158  Ratchet 
           160  Microcontroller 
           162  Timer 
           164  Antenna 
           166  Power supply 
           168  Flex circuit 
           169  Sensor 
           170  Processor 
           172  Memory 
           174  First computer 
           176  Initial position 
           178  Second position 
           180  Software interface 
           182  First medication 
           184  List 
           186  Graph 
           188  First time interval 
           190  Second time interval