Abstract:
An electronic organizer and storage device has a plurality of compartments for storing tablets or capsules, a plurality of preprogrammed prescription cycles, a compliance verification function unit, a prescription cycle verification unit, a multi-color-multi-function indicator for confirming operation functions, a light for each compartment, and an alarm unit, the light unit and the alarm unit being formed so that a light flashes by the light unit adjacent to a corresponding tablet chamber when tablets or capsules are to be taken and at the same time an audible alarm is activated by the alarm unit so as to provide an audible alarm and at the same time visually identify which tablets or capsules to take next; a unit for storing information on missed alarms; a unit for displaying information on missed alarms using a light means and an audible means; and a unit to queue and transfer information on missed alarms to an external computing device.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims benefit from commonly owned U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/325,159, filed Sep. 28, 2001. The disclosure of this provisional patent application is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to multi-compartment tablet organizers and electronic alarm and storage devices, which organize and store and/or indicate when tablets or capsules should be taken and more specifically to a new electronic organizer and storage device. 
     The use of tablet organizers and electronic alarm and storage devices, which organize and store and/or indicate when tablets or capsules should be taken, is known in the background art. More specifically, tablet organizers and electronic alarm and storage devices which organize and store and/or indicate when tablets or capsules should be taken heretofore devised and utilized are known to consist basically of familiar, expected and obvious structural configurations, notwithstanding the myriad of designs encompassed by the crowded background art which have been developed for the fulfillment of countless objectives and requirements. 
     Known background art in tablet organizers include U.S. Pat. No. 5,379,899. Known background art electronic alarm and storage devices include U.S. Pat. No. 6,194,995 BI; U.S. Pat. No. 6,145,697; U.S. Pat. No. 6,119,892; U.S. Pat. No. 6,048,087; U.S. Pat. No. 5,990,782; U.S. Pat. No. 5,838,224; U.S. Pat. No. 5,221,024; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,617,557. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,379,899 discloses a tablet organizer with 28 tablet storage compartments. Tablet compartments are identified and referenced by imprinted lettering and numbers. A pharmacist, health care giver, family member, or the user typically fills this apparatus. Although this apparatus fulfills its objective in providing a better means over prescription vials to organize and store tablets or capsules, it does not incorporate automated reminders of any kind and places the onus of remembering administration times or knowing which tablets or capsules to take, directly on the user, which in most instances is a senior. 
     The remaining aforementioned patents which do offer enhanced features like audio alarms and programmable timers for remembering when to take tablets or capsules, are typically either too complicated to understand and operate, very limited in the features offered, or too expensive to purchase. While all of the devices known to the background art fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, they do not disclose a new electronic organizer and storage device, which identifies tablets or capsules to be taken by illuminating the respective tablet chamber and sounding an audio alarm simultaneously. Nor do they disclose a new electronic organizer and storage device with a means to store, display, or transfer information on missed alarms. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a new electronic organizer and storage device, which is easy to understand and operate. 
     It is another objective of the present invention to provide a new electronic organizer and storage device which provides the user with an enhanced product to assist with the daily administration of tablets or capsules while also providing an efficient evaluation tool for health care givers in assessing a user&#39;s ability to self-medicate independently. 
     It is another objective of the present invention to provide a new electronic organizer and storage device, which will be durable and reliably constructed and can be easily manufactured and marketed. 
     It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a new electronic organizer and storage device which is susceptible to a low cost of manufacture with regard to both materials and labor, and which accordingly is then susceptible to low prices of sale to the consuming public, thereby making the electronic organizer and storage device economically available at approximately the same retail cost as some multi-compartment tablet organizers which incorporate no enhanced features and well below the retail cost of most electronic alarm and storage devices. 
     Yet still another objective of the present invention is to provide a new electronic organizer and storage device which provides in the apparatuses and methods of the background art, some of the advantages thereof, while simultaneously overcoming some of the disadvantages normally associated with them such as; ease of use, effectiveness, and affordability. 
     In these respects, the electronic organizer and storage device which is the subject of the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the background art, and in so doing provides an apparatus developed to make the taking of daily tablets or capsules easier as well as provide an efficient tool for health care professionals to perform short-term or long-term compliance assessments. 
     The general purpose of the present invention is to provide a new electronic organizer and storage device apparatus and method which has many advantages over previously mentioned tablet organizers and electronic alarm and storage devices which organize and store and/or indicate when tablets or capsules should be taken and many novel features that result in a new electronic organizer and storage device, which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the background art tablet organizers or electronic alarm and storage devices, either alone or in a combination thereof. 
     In keeping with these objectives and others which will become apparent hereunder, one feature of the present invention resides, briefly stated, is an electronic organizer and storage device, has means forming a plurality of compartments for storing tablets or capsules; means for providing a plurality of preprogrammed prescription cycles; means for providing a compliance verification function; means for providing a prescription cycle verification; a multi-color multi-function indicator for confirming operation functions; light means provided for each tablet chamber; and alarm means, said light flashes and said alarm means being formed so that a light flashes by said light means adjacent to a corresponding compartment when tablets or capsules are to be taken and at the same time an audible alarm is activated by said alarm means so as to provide an audible alarm and at the same time visually identify which tablets or capsules to take next; means for storing information on missed alarms; means for displaying the stored information using a light means and an audible means for short-term compliance assessments; and means to queue and transfer the stored information to an external computing device for long-term compliance assessments. 
     The novel features which are considered as characteristic for the present invention are set fourth in particular in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS AND TABLES 
     FIG. 1 is a front view of the electronic organizer and storage device; 
     FIG. 2 is a back view of the electronic organizer and storage device; 
     FIG. 3 is a front view of tablet chambers numbered  1  through  14  contained in the front housing; 
     FIG. 4 is a front view of tablet chambers numbered  15  through  28  contained in the back housing; 
     FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the front and back housings, bottom compartment contents, and bottom compartment lid; 
     FIG. 6 is a top view of the front and back housings and the five top mounted switches and corresponding user interface buttons; 
     FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the embodiment; 
     FIG. 8 is a simple block diagram of the primary electronic functions of the electronic organizer and storage device. 
     FIG. 9 is a simple block diagram of the secondary electronic functions of the electronic organizer and storage device. 
     FIG. 10 is a simple block diagram of the data control electronic functions of the electronic organizer and storage device. 
     FIG. 11 is a simple block diagram of the data transfer functions of the electronic organizer and storage device. 
    
    
     Table 1 details the alarm spacings in the preprogrammed prescription cycles. 
     Table 2 details the tri-color indicator&#39;s operational colors and functions. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     With reference now to the drawings and tables, and in particular to FIGS. 1 through 11 and Tables 1 and 2, a new electronic organizer and storage device embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention and generally designated by the reference numeral  10 , will be described. 
     In reference to FIGS. 1 &amp; 2, the security lid  12 , two translucent door panel assemblies  14 , front housing  16 , back housing  18 , and the bottom compartment lid  20  of the electronic organizer and storage device&#39;s  10  are shown. FIGS. 3,  4 , &amp;  7  show the two tablet chamber compartment groups  22  and  28 . The major structural components of the electronic organizer and storage device  10  consist of three parts molded in an impact resistant polymer, such as polypropylene. Referring to FIGS. 1,  2 , &amp;  7 , the front and back housings  16  and  18  comprises one injected mold, which snap together over the circuit board  32 . The second injected mold piece forms the security lid  12  and the bottom compartment lid as shown in FIGS. 1,  2 ,  4 ,  5 , &amp;  7 . The door assembly units  14  as shown in FIGS. 1,  2 , &amp;  7 , and the recessed tablet compartments  22  and  28  as shown in FIGS. 1,  2 ,  3 ,  4 , &amp;  7  form the third injected mould piece. 
     Light from a visual indicator  24  enters a tablet chamber through small cutouts  26  as shown in FIGS. 3,  4 , &amp;  7 . The door panel assemblies  14  are translucent to allow the light that is directed into the tablet chambers through the small cutouts  26  to be seen with the door panels in the closed position. 
     The electronic organizer and storage device  10  typically sits vertically but can also be operated in the horizontal position and the approximate dimensions are 7.5 inches high by 3.5 inches wide by 2.5 inches deep. 
     FIGS. 3 &amp; 4 shows the numbering sequence of the recessed tablet compartment groups  22  and  28 . Fourteen tablet chambers numbered  1  through  14  form tablet compartment group  22  and are fitted into the front housing  16  as shown in FIG.  3 . Fourteen tablet chambers numbered  15  through  28  form tablet compartment group  28  and are fitted into the back housing  18  as shown in FIG.  4 . Tablet compartments  22  and  28  are filled with tablets or capsules in ascending numerical order beginning with the tablet chamber marked  1 . Door panel assemblies  14  and tablet compartments  22  and  28  are removable from the front housing  16  and back housing  18  for filling and cleaning purposes. Tablet compartment groups  22  and  28  can be filled with the tablet compartments inside housings  16  and  18  or by removing them as follows; The door panel assemblies  14  and the tablet compartment groups  22  and  28  are removed from the electronic organizer and storage device  10  by first opening all door panels located on the door panel assemblies  14  and then pulling the door panel assemblies  14  out of the center grooves  30  shown in FIGS. 3 &amp; 4. 
     Tablet compartment groups  22  and  28  are tolerance fitted into housings  16  and  18  and are removed by pulling them out of the front housing  16  and rear housing  18  using upward pressure. Tablet compartment group  22  is molded to fit only in the front housing  16  and tablet compartment group  28  is molded to fit only in back housing  18 . Once the tablet compartment groups  22  and  28  have been filled with tablets or capsules, they are reinstalled by pressing them into their respective housings. The door assemblies  14  are re-installed by lining each assembly up with the center grooves  30  and applying downward pressure. All door panels are then closed by applying downward pressure until they snap into place over the visual indicators  24  and into the tablet chamber compartment groups  22  and  28 . 
     If tablets or capsules are to be taken four times, two times, or once per day, all tablet chambers numbered  1  through  28  are required to be filled. If tablets or capsules are to be taken three times per day, only tablet chambers  1  through  27  are required to be filled. Tablet compartment  28  is left empty. 
     Two AA batteries  38  are installed by sliding the bottom compartment lid  20  off to access the bottom compartment  34  as shown in FIG.  5 . Upon the installation of two AA batteries  38 , the circuit board  32  performs a start-up sequence in which all visual indicators  24  illuminate one at a time in tablet chamber ascending numerical order beginning with the tablet chamber marked  1  and ending with the tablet chamber marked  28 . This is followed by switch  46  (taken button) as shown in FIG. 6, flashing green five times, accompanied by five simultaneous beeps from the speaker  36  and then stopping. Sound from the speaker  36  is transmitted from the bottom compartment  34  through the bottom compartment lid  20  by means of a speaker grill  40  as shown in FIG.  5 . After the start-up sequence is completed, selecting one of the prescription buttons that are associated with switches  42 ,  44 ,  48 , and  50  as shown in FIG. 6 activates a preprogrammed prescription cycle. The electronic organizer and storage device  10  enters into a sleep mode until a prescription button is selected. 
     The security lid  12  when installed only allows access to switch  46  (taken button). In order to activate a preprogrammed prescription cycle, the security lid  12  must first be removed to gain access to the prescription buttons and associated switches  42 ,  44 ,  48 , and  50  as shown in FIG.  6 . The security lid  12  is removed by pulling it off of housings  16  and  18  in an upward motion. This exposes switches  42 ,  44 ,  48 , and  50 . These switches are associated with the prescription buttons as follows; Prescription button  4  is associated with switch  42 ; prescription button  3  is associated with switch  44 ; prescription button  2  is associated with switch  48 ; and prescription button  1  is associated with switch  50 . The present invention has four prescription cycles, which are preprogrammed and are activated by pressing either switch  42 , switch  44 , switch  48 , or switch  50 . The primary function of switches  42 ,  44 ,  48 , and  50  is to activate a preprogrammed prescription cycle. The number on each prescription button represents how many alarms will activate each day if that button is selected. Table 1 shows the alarm spacings of the preprogrammed prescription cycles in relationship to the alarms per day required. 
     The initial selection of one of the prescription buttons associated with switches  42 ,  44 ,  48 , and  50  determines the start time of a preprogrammed prescription cycle. For example, if tablets or capsules are required once per day and it is 8:00 AM when prescription button  1   50  is initially pressed, the preprogrammed prescription cycle which calls for one tablet chamber alarm every 24 hours would be activated. 
     The tablet chamber marked  1  as shown in FIGS. 1 &amp; 3 would activate upon selection of prescription button  1   50 , the tablet chamber marked  2  as shown in FIGS. 1 &amp; 3 would activate at 8:00 AM the following day, and ensuing tablet chamber alarms as shown in FIGS. 1,  2 ,  3 , &amp;  4  would activate in ascending tablet chamber numerical order each day thereafter at 8:00 AM. 
     The alarm sequence consists of tablet chamber alarms activating in ascending numerical order beginning with the tablet chamber marked  1  and ending with the tablet chamber marked  28  as shown in FIGS. 3 &amp; 4. The only exception to this sequence is if switch  44  (prescription button  3 ) is chosen to activate a prescription cycle. In this operating mode, the tablet chamber marked  27  as shown in FIG. 4 becomes the last alarm in the alarm sequence. 
     When the last tablet chamber alarm has been reached in the respective preprogrammed prescription cycle, the alarm sequence loops back to tablet chamber  1  and the chosen preprogrammed prescription cycle begins over again automatically. 
     The visual indicator  24  assigned to the tablet chamber marked  1 , flashes upon the selection of any of the four prescription buttons associated with switches  42 ,  44 ,  48 , and  50 , accompanied by switch  46  (taken button), flashing green once per second and simultaneous beeps at one second intervals from the audio speaker  36 . This prompts the user to remove and take the tablets or capsules in the tablet chamber marked  1  and press switch  46  (taken button) to turn off the alarms. 
     A visual indicator  24  alarm will remain activate unattended in a tablet chamber for forty minutes accompanied by switch  46  (taken button), flashing green at a rate of once per second. The audio speaker  36  sounds simultaneous beeps, at one second intervals, for the first twenty minutes of the alarm only and automatically shuts off to conserve battery strength, if switch  46  (taken button) is not pressed during the first twenty minutes of alarm activation. The visual indicator  24  alarm and switch  46  (taken button), flashing green at a rate of once per second, continue to operate for an additional twenty minutes. If switch  46  (taken button) is not pressed during the total forty-minute alarm, the information on the effected tablet chamber is stored as a missed or late alarm. See FIG.  8 . 
     As shown in FIG. 9, once a preprogrammed prescription cycle has been activated, the secondary functions of switches  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48 , and  50  are automatically initialized. The secondary functions of switches  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48 , and  50  can only be utilized in-between tablet chamber alarms and perform the following functions when used: 
     Pressing switch  46  (taken button) verifies the chosen preprogrammed prescription cycle in which the electronic organizer and storage device  10  is operating. This is indicated by the switch  46  (taken button) identifying the chosen preprogrammed prescription cycle in green flashes and sounding simultaneous beeps from the speaker  36 . If four green flashes from switch  46  (taken button) are seen and four simultaneous audio beeps from the audio speaker  36  are heard when switch  46  (taken button) is pressed, this verifies that switch  42  (prescription button  4 ) was initially chosen and that the electronic organizer and storage device  10  is operating in the four alarms per day mode. Three green flashes and three simultaneous beeps would indicate three alarms per day operation. Two green flashes and two simultaneous beeps would indicate two alarms per day operation and one green flash and one simultaneous beep would indicate one alarm per day operation. 
     Pressing and holding switch  42  (prescription button  4 ) illuminates individual tablet chambers within tablet compartment groups  22  and  28  one by one with a solid green light from the visual indicator  24  where tablet chamber alarms have not been manually reset using switch  46  (taken button) within forty minutes of activation. Each solid illuminated green light from the visual indicator  24  is accompanied by the switch  46  (taken button) illuminating in a solid amber light and a simultaneous beep from the audio speaker  36  for each missed alarm. Missed or late alarms are visually and audibly identified in the numerical order in which they were missed or late in resetting. Once all missed or late alarms have been identified, the chosen preprogrammed prescription cycle is automatically verified and the electronic organizer and storage device  10  resumes its chosen preprogrammed prescription cycle. 
     Pressing switch  44  (prescription button  3 ) manually tests the battery  38  strength and displays the results through switch  46  (taken button) color flashes and beeps from the speaker  36 . If switch  46  (taken button) flashes green once per second with no audio sound while switch  44  (prescription button  3 ) is depressed, the batteries  38  are good. If switch  46  (taken button) flashes amber once per second and is accompanied by a simultaneous beep from the speaker  36  for each amber flash while switch  44  (prescription button  3 ) is depressed, the batteries  38  should be replaced. 
     Pressing and holding switch  48  (prescription button  2 ) decreases the volume from the speaker  36 . 
     Pressing and holding switch  50  (prescription button  1 ) increases the volume from the speaker  36 . 
     Pressing switches  42  (prescription button  4 ) and  44  (prescription button  3 ) simultaneously with no tablet chamber alarms active, initiates the data control mode as shown in FIG.  10 . Once switch  46  (taken button) begins to flash green and amber continuously to confirm that the data control mode has been activated, switches  42  (prescription button  4 ) and  44  (prescription button  3 ) are released. In this mode, the data control functions of switches  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48 , and  50  are initialized and perform the following functions when used: 
     Pressing switch  42  (prescription button  4 ) while in the data control mode, activates the data transfer interface port  53  on the circuit board  32  and queues the stored information on missed or late alarms to be transferred to an external computing device  51  upon cable connection  52  to the data transfer interface port  53 . Once the data transfer is complete, the chosen preprogrammed prescription cycle is automatically verified and the electronic organizer and storage device  10  resumes its chosen preprogrammed prescription cycle. 
     Pressing switch  44  (prescription button  3 ) while in the data control mode activates the next scheduled alarm in any preprogrammed prescription cycle up to two hours earlier. This feature is incorporated to allow a user to take a scheduled dose of tablets or capsules at an earlier time if required. 
     Pressing switch  46  (taken button) while in the data control mode erases all stored information from the circuit board  32  memory and simulates battery installation and the start-up sequence. 
     Pressing switch  48  (prescription button  2 ) while in the data control mode, clears the stored information on missed or late alarms only. All other information on the chosen preprogrammed prescription cycle and next scheduled alarm is kept intact. Once information on missed or late alarms has been erased the chosen preprogrammed prescription cycle is automatically verified and the electronic organizer and storage device  10  resumes its chosen preprogrammed prescription cycle. 
     Pressing switch  50  (prescription button  1 ) escapes the data control mode without making any changes. Upon selection of switch  50 , the chosen preprogrammed prescription cycle is automatically verified and the electronic organizer and storage device  10  resumes its chosen preprogrammed prescription cycle. 
     With reference to FIGS. 1 through 10; 
     Only one visual indicator  24  will flash at any given time. 
     Individual door panels that comprise the door panel assembly  14  are designed to allow for easy access to tablets or capsules with a hinged design and low resistance snaps. 
     Preprogrammed alarm cycles activate daily using the time one of the four prescription buttons associated with switches ( 42 ,  44 ,  46 , or  50 ) was initially chosen as the referenced starting point. Late resetting or missing an alarm does not affect the time slot of the next scheduled alarm in any preprogrammed prescription cycle. 
     With reference to Table 1, this table details the four preprogrammed prescription cycles that activate in relation to the prescription button and associated switch that is chosen. Also shown is each preprogrammed prescription cycle&#39;s order of activation in relationship to the tablet chambers they effect; the total time required to complete each alarm sequence before looping occurs; and the refill requirements for tablet compartment groups  22  and  28 . 
     With reference to Table 2, the manual and automatic features of switch  46  (taken button) operational colors, flash rates, and associated functions are detailed. The manual features activate in conjunction with the secondary and data control functions of switches  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48 , and  50 . The automatic features of switch  46  (taken button) include; flashing green once per second in conjunction with each visual indicator  24  at dose times; flashing green once per minute to confirm sufficient battery strength; flashing amber once per minute if battery strength drops below the preset threshold; flashing green three times per minute in-between tablet compartments  21  through  28  or  21  through  27  (3 alarms per day mode) to indicate that tablet compartments will require refilling soon and automatically reverting back to one green flash per minute once alarm sequence looping has occurred; and flashing red sporadically if a fault is detected in the memory of the electronic organizer and storage device  10 . 
     It will be understood that each of the elements described in this disclosure, or two or more together, may also find a useful application in other types of construction differing from the types described above. 
     While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in electronic organizer and storage device, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention. 
     Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of the prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention. 
     What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters of Patent is set forth in the appended claims. 
     
       
         
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
             
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 ALARMS PER DAY 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                 In Tablet 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Alarms 
                 Chamber 
                 4 
                 3 
                 2 
                 1 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 PRE- 
                  1st Alarm 
                  1 
                 Upon Any Prescription Button Selection 
               
             
          
           
               
                 PROGRAMMED 
                  2nd Alarm 
                  2 
                  4 hours later 
                  7 hours later 
                 12 hours later 
                 24 hours later 
               
               
                 PRE- 
                  3rd Alarm 
                  3 
                  5 hours later 
                  7 hours later 
                 12 hours later 
                 24 hours later 
               
               
                 SCRIPTION 
                  4th Alarm 
                  4 
                  5 hours later 
                 10 hours later 
                 12 hours later 
                 24 hours later 
               
               
                 CYCLES 
                  5th Alarm 
                  5 
                 10 hours later 
                  7 hours later 
                 12 hours later 
                 24 hours later 
               
               
                   
                  6th Alarm 
                  6 
                  4 hours later 
                  7 hours later 
                 12 hours later 
                 24 hours later 
               
               
                   
                  7th Alarm 
                  7 
                  5 hours later 
                 10 hours later 
                 12 hours later 
                 24 hours later 
               
               
                   
                  8th Alarm 
                  8 
                  5 hours later 
                  7 hours later 
                 12 hours later 
                 24 hours later 
               
               
                   
                  9th Alarm 
                  9 
                 10 hours later 
                  7 hours later 
                 12 hours later 
                 24 hours later 
               
               
                   
                 10th Alarm 
                 10 
                  4 hours later 
                 10 hours later 
                 12 hours later 
                 24 hours later 
               
               
                   
                 11th Alarm 
                 11 
                  5 hours later 
                  7 hours later 
                 12 hours later 
                 24 hours later 
               
               
                   
                 12th Alarm 
                 12 
                  5 hours later 
                  7 hours later 
                 12 hours later 
                 24 hours later 
               
               
                   
                 13th Alarm 
                 13 
                 10 hours later 
                 10 hours later 
                 12 hours later 
                 24 hours later 
               
               
                   
                 14th Alarm 
                 14 
                  4 hours later 
                  7 hours later 
                 12 hours later 
                 24 hours later 
               
               
                   
                 15th Alarm 
                 15 
                  5 hours later 
                  7 hours later 
                 12 hours later 
                 24 hours later 
               
               
                   
                 16th Alarm 
                 16 
                  5 hours later 
                 10 hours later 
                 12 hours later 
                 24 hours later 
               
               
                   
                 17th Alarm 
                 17 
                 10 hours later 
                  7 hours later 
                 12 hours later 
                 24 hours later 
               
               
                   
                 18th Alarm 
                 18 
                  4 hours later 
                  7 hours later 
                 12 hours later 
                 24 hours later 
               
               
                   
                 19th Alarm 
                 19 
                  5 hours later 
                 10 hours later 
                 12 hours later 
                 24 hours later 
               
               
                   
                 20th Alarm 
                 20 
                  5 hours later 
                  7 hours later 
                 12 hours later 
                 24 hours later 
               
               
                   
                 21st Alarm 
                 21 
                 10 hours later 
                  7 hours later 
                 12 hours later 
                 24 hours later 
               
               
                   
                 22nd Alarm 
                 22 
                  4 hours later 
                 10 hours later 
                 12 hours later 
                 24 hours later 
               
               
                   
                 23rd Alarm 
                 23 
                  5 hours later 
                  7 hours later 
                 12 hours later 
                 24 hours later 
               
               
                   
                 24th Alarm 
                 24 
                  5 hours later 
                  7 hours later 
                 12 hours later 
                 24 hours later 
               
               
                   
                 25th Alarm 
                 25 
                 10 hours later 
                 10 hours later 
                 12 hours later 
                 24 hours later 
               
               
                   
                 26th Alarm 
                 26 
                  4 hours later 
                  7 hours later 
                 12 hours later 
                 24 hours later 
               
               
                   
                 27th Alarm 
                 27 
                  5 hours later 
                  7 hours later 
                 12 hours later 
                 24 hours later 
               
               
                   
                 28th Alarm 
                 28 
                  5 hours later 
                 Not Applicable 
                 12 hours later 
                 24 hours later 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Looping occurs in 
                  7 Days 
                  9 Days 
                 14 Days 
                 28 Days 
               
               
                   
                 Tablet chamber 
                  7 Days 
                  9 Days 
                 14 Days 
                 28 Days 
               
               
                   
                 refilling required in 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     
       
         
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Color 
                 Activates 
                 Flash Rate 
                 Function 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 Green 
                 Upon Battery 
                 Once per minute 
                 Confirms sufficient 
               
               
                   
                 installation 
                   
                 battery strength. 
               
               
                 Green 
                 At each alarm 
                 Once per second 
                 Additional visual 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 aid at dose alarms. 
               
               
                 Green 
                 By pressing the 
                 4, 3, 2, or 1 
                 Verifies chosen 
               
               
                   
                 Taken button 
                 with speaker 
                 preprogrammed 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 prescription cycle. 
               
               
                 Green 
                 In-between the 
                 3 flashes once 
                 Tablet chamber refill 
               
               
                   
                 21st and 27th or 
                 per minute 
                 indicator. 
               
               
                   
                 28th alarm 
               
               
                 Amber 
                 On low battery 
                 Once per minute 
                 Indicates batteries 
               
               
                   
                 level 
                 with speaker 
                 should be replaced. 
               
               
                 Amber 
                 By pressing 
                 Once per second 
                 Indicates batteries 
               
               
                   
                 prescription 
                 with speaker 
                 should be replaced. 
               
               
                   
                 button 3 
               
               
                 Amber 
                 By pressing 
                 Solid 
                 Additional visual aid 
               
               
                   
                 prescription 
                   
                 to identify 
               
               
                   
                 button 4 
                   
                 missed alarms. 
               
               
                 Green &amp; 
                 By pressing 
                 Continuous 
                 Confirms data control 
               
               
                 Amber 
                 prescription 
                   
                 mode activation. 
               
               
                   
                 button 4 &amp; 3 
               
               
                   
                 simultaneously 
               
               
                 Red 
                 Upon memory 
                 Sporadic 
                 Alerts user to 
               
               
                   
                 fault detection 
                   
                 discontinue use.