Patent Description:
Patients are routinely prescribed a number of medications while in a hospital. Many hospitals utilize automated dispensing machines (ADMs) to securely store and dispense medications at sites, for example a nursing station, that are remote from the pharmacy. While certain medications are stocked in the ADMs, it is necessary to replenish the stock of medications on a regular basis. In addition, as most ADMs do not have the capacity to store all possible medications, a doctor may prescribe a medication that is not currently stocked in the local ADM and the pharmacy must send this medication to the ADM. Thus, there is a regular transfer of medications from the pharmacy to multiple ADMs within the hospital or, in certain circumstances, to ADMs located in other hospitals. Additionally, injectable medication syringes must be disposed of safely and securely from potential diverters.

<CIT> relates to an automated medication-dispensing cart that includes a closed cart housing and a plurality of medication-containing bins which extend for substantially the length of the cart and which are supported within the cart housing. The support structure includes two spaced sets of sprockets positioned at both ends of the cart and endless chains which extend around the sprockets, with one of the sprockets being motor-driven. The bins are connected at opposing ends thereof to the spaced chains. The movement of the bins is controlled such that the bins can be stopped at a preselected position within the cart, in the vicinity of the top front edge of the cart. A plurality of doors is located in the top of the cart, such that when one or more of the doors is opened, a preselected portion of the bin in the preselected position and the medications therein are exposed.

<CIT> relates to a goods issuing device that comprises a carrier which rotates around a horizontal axle. A series of containers with a container opening, is mounted in the periphery of the carrier. A cover is provided for each container opening, where a stationary path arrangement is guided partly around the carrier in an area of the movement of the cover.

<CIT> relates to a dispensing unit having an enclosure with an interior. A plurality of storage locations are distributed over a surface of the enclosure. Sensors associated with at least some of the individual storage locations are provided. The unit further includes a multiplicity of receptacles disposed within at least some of the storage locations. Sensors associated with at least some of the individual receptacles are provided. A processor is disposed on the enclosure and connected to receive signals from the storage location-associated sensors and the receptacle-associated sensors.

It is advantageous to provide a mobile carrier that provides power and a communication link to secure receptacles such that the secure receptacles may be filled, checked, and operated at locations other than fixed filling and dispensing systems. The subject technology described herein addresses the problems with existing methods of transporting and disposing of medications.

In this regard, a secure receptacle, comprises a body forming a compartment therein and comprising an opening to the compartment; a docking interface comprising one or more electrical connectors disposed on an outer portion of the body for docking the secure receptacle with a docking station and communicating with a processor of the docking station; a vertically-aligned carousel disposed within the compartment and comprising a plurality of securable containers horizontally disposed around a rotational axis of the vertically-aligned carousel, each securable container comprising a securable lid preventing access to the secure container when the securable lid is in a closed position, wherein the vertically-aligned carousel is configured to lock in a secured position in which each securable lid of each of the plurality of secure containers in the closed position; a sensor for determining a position of the vertically-aligned carousel and identifying which of the plurality of securable containers is positioned at the opening of the compartment; a motorized controller configured to rotate the vertically-aligned carousel based on one or more commands received via the docking interface from the processor of the docking station, wherein the secure receptacle is configured to receive the one or more commands from the docking interface and, in response to the one or more commands, determine from the one or more commands a requested container of the plurality of securable containers, obtain a current position of the requested container using the sensor, and rotate the vertically-aligned carousel so that the requested container is moved from the current position to the opening of the compartment, and actuate the securable lid of the requested container to provide access to an interior of the requested container through the opening of the compartment.

According to various implementations, the secure receptacle further comprises a receptacle processor communicatively connected to the docking interface, the sensor, and the motorized controller, and the receptacle processor receives the one or more commands from the processor of the docking station, receives the current position from the sensor, and instructs the motorized controller to rotate the vertically-aligned carousel without further action by the processor of the docking station. In some implementations, the secure receptacle comprise a non-transitory machine-readable memory accessible by the processor; and a lid sensor, and the processor of the secure receptacle is configured to: receive the one or more commands via the docking interface, the one or more commands comprising a request to deposit an item in the secure receptacle and an identify of a user; determine, based on information stored in the memory, an empty container of the plurality of securable containers as the requested container; rotate the vertically-aligned carousel so that the requested container is moved from the current position to the opening of the compartment; actuate the securable lid of the requested container to open the securable lid and provide access to an interior of the requested container through the opening of the compartment; receive a signal from the lid sensor indicating that the securable lid of the requested container has been closed; secure the securable lid of the requested container; and record, in the memory, an association between the identity of the user and the requested container in the vertically-aligned carousel. Other aspects include corresponding systems, apparatuses, methods, and computer program products for implementation of the foregoing features.

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a full understanding of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, to one ordinarily skilled in the art that embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without some of the specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and techniques have not been shown in detail so as not to obscure the disclosure.

depicts an example dispensing system <NUM>, according to various aspects of the subject technology. This system <NUM> includes an automated dispensing machine (ADM) <NUM> with a plurality of drawers <NUM>. In some embodiments, the drawers <NUM> are secured such that the contents are not available for removal. The ADM <NUM> includes a user interface <NUM> and a processor (not visible in <FIG>) that accepts input from the user through the user interface <NUM>. An example dispensing process would begin with a user providing the credentials to the ADM <NUM>, for example by providing a login name and password through the user interface <NUM>, or by scanning a radio frequency identification (RFID) device such as a badge with an RFID chip embedded therein, with a radio frequency identification (RFID) sensor <NUM> located on the ADM <NUM>. The ADM processor verifies that the identified user is authorized to remove at least one item from the ADM <NUM>, and activates an item-selection display. The user selects an item to be dispensed. The ADM processor verifies that the user is authorized to remove the selected item and unlocks the drawer <NUM> that contains the selected item. The user removes the item, closes the drawer <NUM>, and logs out, whereupon the ADM <NUM> locks the opened drawer <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts an open drawer <NUM> of the ADM <NUM> of <FIG> with receptacles <NUM> contained therein, according to various aspects of the subject technology. Receptacles <NUM> may be marked with a label <NUM>, including text <NUM> that provides information regarding the medication contained in the receptacle <NUM>, for example the medication name, dose, and expiration date. Label <NUM> may also includes a barcode <NUM> that may contain a portion of the same information or additional information, such as a tracking number associated with the latest filling of this particular receptacle <NUM>. In some embodiments, receptacle <NUM> may include an RFID tag that stores and transmits the same information when scanned by an RFID scanner. When the receptacle <NUM> is plugged into the drawer <NUM>, the ADM processor of the ADM <NUM> can communicate with the memory of the receptacle <NUM> and retrieve the identification number associated with this receptacle <NUM>. In some systems, a central database (not shown in <FIG>) contains a list of identification numbers and information regarding the contents of the respective receptacles <NUM> and the ADM <NUM> can communicate with this database to retrieve this information, or provide communications between the database and receptacle <NUM> when receptacle <NUM> is docked with a docking interface of drawer <NUM>. Thus, plugging a receptacle <NUM> into the drawer <NUM> informs the processor of the ADM <NUM> of the contents of that receptacle <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts an exemplary portable smart carrier <NUM>, according to various aspects of the present disclosure. This embodiment of the smart carrier <NUM> comprises a body <NUM> with a handle <NUM>, a plurality of docking locations <NUM>, a processor <NUM> (not visible in <FIG>, shown in <FIG>), and an external connector <NUM>. In general, the smart carrier <NUM> is sized to be portable and easily carried, for example by the handle <NUM>, and transported, for example on a cart. Each of the docking locations <NUM> comprises a connector <NUM>, a retention feature <NUM>, and an indicator <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the connector <NUM> includes electrical contacts (not visible in <FIG>) that may provide one or more of power, ground, and communication lines. In certain embodiments, the retention feature <NUM> comprises a detent element (not visible in <FIG>) that retains a latching feature of a secure receptacle (not shown in <FIG>) until the applied removal force exceeds a predetermined value. In certain embodiments, the retention feature <NUM> comprises a locking element (not visible in <FIG>) that retains a latching feature of a secure receptacle (not shown in <FIG>) until the locking element is unlocked by a command from the processor <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the indicator <NUM> comprises a visual indicator, for example a light-emitting diode (LED).

<FIG> is an example illustration of a secure receptacle <NUM>, according to various aspects of the subject disclosure. Secure receptacle <NUM> is a "full height" secure receptacle <NUM>, wherein the width and depth of the secure receptacles may vary. Secure receptacle <NUM> may include a lid <NUM> movably coupled to the body <NUM> and, in certain embodiments, the lid <NUM> is hingedly attached to the body <NUM> at a back edge of the body <NUM>.

A front cover has been removed from the body <NUM> to expose certain internal elements, including a processor <NUM> and a lid-securing actuator <NUM> that is configured to engage a latching feature such as the hook <NUM>-<NUM> of the lid <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the lid-securing actuator <NUM> is configured to engage and retain the hook <NUM>-<NUM> so as to secure the lid <NUM> in a closed position. The processor <NUM> is operatively coupled to the lid-retaining actuator <NUM> and the interface connector <NUM> (not visible in <FIG>). When the lid <NUM> is closed, the lid <NUM> cooperates with the body <NUM> to define a compartment <NUM>. After the lid is closed, any items placed in the compartment <NUM> are secure until the secure receptacle <NUM> is docked with a receiving station such as a smart carrier <NUM> and a command is received by the processor <NUM> through the interface connector <NUM> to open the lid, whereupon the processor actuates the lid-retaining actuator <NUM> which releases the hook <NUM>-<NUM> and allows the lid <NUM> to open. In certain embodiments, the secure receptacle <NUM> may comprise a biasing element, such as a spring, that urges the lid <NUM> to move away from the closed position to an open position such that the lid <NUM> will self-open upon release of the hook <NUM>-<NUM> by the lid-securing actuator <NUM>.

<FIG> depict an example single access secure receptacle <NUM> with locking lid for single item dispense, according to various aspects of the subject technology. In the depicted example, secure receptacle <NUM> can be loaded in a mobile smart carrier <NUM> or plugged into the drawer <NUM> as described previously. Secure receptacle <NUM> includes a rotating pocket-based drum mechanism <NUM> that is capable of a first-in-first-out (FIFO) dispensing management of items. The pockets of drum mechanism may be loaded with the same items or loaded with different items (e.g. pre-loaded syringes). Secure receptacle <NUM> may have one or more electrical connectors <NUM> disposed on an outer portion of the body <NUM> that interface with connectors <NUM> of carrier <NUM> or drawer <NUM> when secure receptacle <NUM> is docked therewith. A first connector <NUM> may provide power and electronic communication to a lid latch module <NUM> that operates release of the lid <NUM>. A second connector <NUM> may provide power and/or communications capabilities to other components within secure receptacle <NUM>, as will be described below. According to various implementations, connectors <NUM> and <NUM> facilitate docking the secure receptacle with a docking station and communicating with a processor of the docking station.

<FIG> depict a cutaway side view of secure receptacle <NUM>, including example opening and closing sequences of the secure receptacle <NUM>, according to various aspects of the subject technology. <FIG> depicts an example opening of lid <NUM>. A vertically-aligned drum or carousel <NUM> is disposed within secure receptacle's compartment. Carousel <NUM> includes a plurality of secure pockets or containers <NUM> that are horizontally disposed around a rotational axis <NUM> of the vertically-aligned carousel <NUM>. Each secure container <NUM> may include a securable lid <NUM> preventing access to the secure container when the securable lid is in a closed position (shown open in <FIG>). In some implementations, carousel <NUM> is configured to lock in a secured position in which each securable lid of each of the plurality of secure containers in the closed position.

During loading, carousel <NUM> may include one or more sensors (not shown in <FIG>) which secure receptacle <NUM> uses to rotate to an empty pocket and the main lid <NUM> springs open followed by the pocket lid. In an example, a technician loads an item into the pocket <NUM> and the item name/description and expiration date are recorded onto an on-board memory (not shown in <FIG>). A processor associates the item with this sensed pocket position. Carousel <NUM> rotates (<NUM>) to the next empty pocket and the sequence is repeated until all of the pockets are filled. Once filled, lid <NUM> is securely closed and secure receptacle <NUM> is ready for dispense and/or transport. A pharmacy technician may load secure receptacle <NUM> into ADM <NUM>. A processor of ADM <NUM> recognizes the location of secure receptacle <NUM> (e.g. in which drawer <NUM> and/or predetermined location within drawer <NUM>) and its contents per carousel pocket <NUM>, and secure receptacle <NUM> is ready for dispensing from ADM <NUM>. In various implementations, a processor of secure receptacle <NUM> (discussed further below) is configured to recognize the oldest item (by date code) and deliver this item thereby managing the item delivery by FIFO. When a caregiver requests an item that is contained in the secure receptacle, the motorized carousel <NUM> rotates to the appropriate position ready for dispense. Once carousel <NUM> is in the correct position, the lid <NUM> "pops" open followed by the carousel lid <NUM>.

<FIG> depict an example closing sequence for closing the lid of a secure receptacle, according to various aspects of the subject technology. ADM <NUM> drawer opens and lid latch module <NUM> activates and the spring-loaded lid <NUM> pops open and in-turn the spring-loaded carousel lid <NUM> pops open. The caregiver retrieves the item and closes the <NUM> and it latches shut via lid latch module <NUM>. The carousels lid <NUM> may also closed by closing the lid <NUM> as shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> depicts a cut-away view of an example secure receptacle <NUM> with each container lid <NUM> being held in position by a curved inner wall surrounding the carousel, according to various aspects of the subject technology. According to various implementations, each lid <NUM> has a curvature that substantially matches the curvature of the outer perimeter of the curvature of carousel <NUM> (e.g. less than <NUM>% tolerance). In this regard, carousel <NUM>, each of its containers <NUM>, and lids <NUM> are assembled together such that, from a side view of carousel <NUM>, lids <NUM> collectively form a circle around carousel <NUM>. Body <NUM> includes an inner structure <NUM> that encloses the outer perimeter of carousel <NUM>, forming a circular or otherwise cylindrical chamber therein in which carousel <NUM> is disposed, held and contained. An opening <NUM> (or "access window") is formed through a top portion of body <NUM> and through inner structure <NUM>. Opening <NUM> may have a width and length dimension that is larger or slightly larger (e.g. less than <NUM>% tolerance) than the same dimensions of lid <NUM> to allow lid <NUM> passage therethrough when opened. In this regard, the curved wall of inner structure <NUM> maintains each lid <NUM> in a closed position during rotation of carousel <NUM>. Is some implementations, each lid <NUM> may be spring activated such that the lid is biased to automatically open without any downward pressure applied to a top of the lid, and the lids are held closed by the curved wall until a respective lid reaches opening <NUM>. At that point, the respective lid <NUM> is allowed to spring open through opening <NUM>, providing that a lid <NUM> of secure receptacle <NUM> does not impede the opening (see <FIG>).

As depicted in <FIG>, carousel <NUM> and containers <NUM> are a single structure, for example formed by molded plastic. Each container <NUM> may share its walls around carousel <NUM> with the adjacent containers <NUM>. The floors of each container or pocket <NUM> collectively form a polygon (about rotational axis <NUM>) with as many sides as the number of containers or pockets <NUM> within carousel <NUM>. For example, where there are seven containers, the floors of the containers may form a heptagon, where there are six containers, the floors may form a hexagon, etc..

<FIG> depicts an example secure receptacle <NUM> with two carousels side-by-side, according to various aspects of the subject technology. Similar to the foregoing concepts, a secure receptacle <NUM> may include side-by-side carousels 50a and 50b. Carousels 50a and 50b may be horizontally (e.g. along axis <NUM>) offset by half a pocket (secure container <NUM>), allowing access to only one pocket at a time. For example, as depicted in <FIG>, offset pockets - or pockets out of phase - allow the access to a pocket 52a while its adjacent pocket's 52b lid is blocked.

<FIG> depicts an example direct access secure receptacle <NUM> with access controlled by each container's <NUM> locking lid <NUM>, according to various aspects of the subject technology. A secure receptacle <NUM> may be used to transport items from a pharmacy to ADM <NUM>. The secure receptacle <NUM> can be loaded while in the pharmacy using a carrier <NUM>, or can be loaded directly at ADM <NUM>. The depicted receptacle is a rotating pocket-based carousel <NUM> mechanism that is capable of a first-in-first-out (FIFO) dispensing management of the same item. In some implementations, secure receptacle <NUM> may be loaded with different items (e.g. pre loaded syringes). Secure receptacle <NUM> may have a single connector that interfaces with the drawer of ADM <NUM>. The depicted example also does not have an outer lid <NUM>, instead using individual locking compartment lids <NUM> to secure the individual contents.

<FIG> depicts the example direct access secure receptacle with locking lid <NUM> in the open position, according to various aspects of the subject technology. Secure receptacle <NUM> does not require the closing of a separate lid <NUM> in order to retrieve items from different compartments. Rather, the carousel's compartment lids <NUM> are individually latched and locked. Therefore, the carousel <NUM> can rotate to the desired item's compartment and its lid will pop open. The item is retrieved and the caregiver closes lid <NUM> and the lid is latched shut.

<FIG> depicts the example direct access secure receptacle with the lid closed and carousel in an offset position, according to various aspects of the subject technology. In some implementations, after lid <NUM> is closed, carousel <NUM> may move to the offset position. In this regard, carousel <NUM> rotates a distance equal to half a compartment and stops so that lids <NUM> are blocked by the access window <NUM>. In the depicted example, secure receptacle <NUM> is in a parked position wherein carousel is in the offset position, a default position for transport of secure receptacle between docking locations (e.g. between the pharmacy and ADM <NUM>).

<FIG> depict an interior view of an example secure receptacle <NUM>, according to various aspects of the subject technology. According to various implementations, secure receptacle <NUM> includes a rotating carousel assembly <NUM> that is driven by an actuator <NUM> (including e.g. an electro mechanical motor). Actuator <NUM> can rotate carousel <NUM> in either direction. A circuit module <NUM> (including e.g. a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA)) houses one or more sensors that detect if the compartment lid <NUM> is closed and locked. A second circuit module <NUM> may mount a connector <NUM> that interfaces with the drawer tray assembly of ADM <NUM> or with carrier <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts an interior side view of an example secure receptacle and carousel <NUM>, according to various aspects of the subject technology. According to various implementations, carousel <NUM> includes an external collar wall <NUM> affixed to a side of carousel <NUM> extending horizontally about axis <NUM>. Collar wall <NUM> may coupled or integrated with a collar base <NUM> and includes multiple slots <NUM> within collar wall <NUM> about axis <NUM>. Slots <NUM> may be of different lengths and/or widths. In this regard, secure receptacle <NUM> may further include one or more reflective sensors <NUM> for determining a position of carousel <NUM>. Reflective sensor(s) <NUM> includes a light beam transmitter directed at an outer or exterior side of collar wall <NUM>. Sensor(s) <NUM> determines the position of carousel <NUM> by way of detecting an amount of light passing through slots <NUM>. Since each slot has a different light transmission characteristic a processor of circuit module <NUM> (or similarly situated processor) may determine the location of carousel by indexing the detected light transmission from sensor(s) <NUM> with predetermined positions of carousel <NUM> stored in an associated memory.

<FIG> depict a first example sequence of steps for opening a compartment lid <NUM>, according to various aspects of the subject technology. Carousel <NUM> may include an actuation lever <NUM> on a side of carousel <NUM>, within an interior of secure receptacle <NUM>, as shown.

Each pocket may include a lid <NUM>, as previously described. Carousel may include a plurality of lid latches <NUM>, each operably connected to a respective lid <NUM> of the secure containers and configured to secure the respective lid <NUM> in a closed position until actuated by the actuation lever <NUM> when the vertically-aligned carousel rotates in a first direction <NUM> past the actuation lever. Each respective lid <NUM> remains in the closed position while carousel <NUM> rotates in a second direction, motorized controller <NUM> (see <FIG>) rotates carousel <NUM> in the second direction until the requested container <NUM> moves past the opening of secure receptacle, e.g. access window <NUM>, and then rotates carousel <NUM> in the first direction to actuate the securable lid <NUM> of the requested container <NUM> to provide access to an interior of the requested container <NUM> through access window <NUM>.

For example, in a first step (<FIG>), lid <NUM> is held in place by a lid latch <NUM>. In the depicted example, carousel <NUM> (including all related assembly portions, e.g. collar <NUM>) rotates clockwise <NUM> and lid <NUM> comes in contact with actuation lever <NUM>. In a second step (<FIG>), carousel <NUM> continues to rotate clockwise. Lid latch <NUM> coming into contact with actuation lever <NUM> forces lid latch <NUM> to rotate clockwise and no longer holds lid <NUM> in place. In a third step (<FIG>), as lid latch <NUM> clears lid <NUM>, lid <NUM> springs open. Carousel <NUM> continues to rotate clockwise due to contact with actuation lever <NUM>. In a fourth step (FIG. 15D), carousel <NUM> stops rotating once the corresponding compartment is in its accessible position. Lid latch <NUM> clears actuation lever <NUM> and counterclockwise to its initial position. At this point lid <NUM> is fully open.

<FIG> depict an example sequence of steps for closing a compartment lid <NUM>, according to various aspects of the subject technology. In a first step (<FIG>), lid <NUM> is pushed closed by a user and rotates, making contact with lid latch <NUM>. In a second step (<FIG>), the continued closing of lid <NUM> rotates lid latch <NUM> clockwise. In a third step (<FIG>), as lid <NUM> clears lid latch <NUM>, the lid latch's spring rotates counterclockwise and locks lid <NUM> in place.

<FIG> depict a second example sequence of steps for opening a compartment lid <NUM>, according to various aspects of the subject technology. In a first step (<FIG>), carousel <NUM> rotates counterclockwise in order to open compartment lid <NUM>. In a second step (<FIG>), carousel <NUM> continues to rotate counterclockwise, and lid latch <NUM> makes contact with actuation lever <NUM>. In a third step (<FIG>), carousel <NUM> continues to rotate counterclockwise. Lid latch <NUM> causes actuation lever <NUM> to rotate counterclockwise. In a fourth step (<FIG>), lid latch <NUM> clears actuation lever <NUM> and it rotates clockwise, springing back to its initial position. At this point, carousel stops rotating.

In a fifth step (<FIG>), carousel <NUM> rotates clockwise, and lid latch <NUM> comes in contact with actuation lever <NUM>. In a sixth step (<FIG>), after carousel <NUM> rotate clockwise, and lid latch <NUM> comes in contact with actuator <NUM>, lid latch <NUM> begins to rotate clockwise. In a seventh step (<FIG>), carousel <NUM> continues to rotate clockwise, and actuation lever <NUM> clears lid latch <NUM> and begins to rotate clockwise and open. In an eighth step (<FIG>), carousel <NUM> stops rotating, and compartment lid <NUM> completely opens.

<FIG> depicts a mechanical locking drive mechanism <NUM> for locking carousel <NUM>, according to various aspects of the subject technology. An indexing carousel drive wheel <NUM> may be coupled to carousel <NUM> and configured to advance the carousel <NUM> one-half a compartment at a time. When carousel <NUM> is in the secured position, with each securable lid of each of the plurality of containers in the closed position, two of the securable lids are at least partially blocked by the top cover opening <NUM>.

Mechanical locking drive mechanism <NUM> may be configured to prevent the carousel <NUM> from advancing when the carousel is in a secured position. In some implementations, locking drive mechanism <NUM> has one or more pins <NUM> that reach into a slot <NUM> of carousel <NUM> to advance the carousel one-half compartment at a time. In this position, the Carousel may be mechanically parked for secure transport.

<FIG> depicts a Geneva mechanism for locking carousel <NUM>, according to various aspects of the subject technology. In some implementations, mechanical locking mechanism <NUM> may include a Geneva mechanism. The Geneva mechanism translates continuous rotation into an intermittent rotary motion. As depicted in <FIG>, In a standby/transport position, the Geneva mechanism driver wheel is parked in the drive wheel's dwell position and carousel <NUM> is stopped at the one-half compartment position, with compartment lids <NUM> blocked by a top cover perimeter forming the opening <NUM> to the secure receptacle <NUM> compartment. According to various implementations, opening <NUM> is smaller than a perimeter of the body of secure receptacle <NUM>.

With brief reference back to <FIG> and <FIG>, secure receptacle <NUM> may further include a locking arm <NUM> extending from an access area <NUM> adjacent the opening <NUM> to the compartment to the mechanical lock <NUM>. Locking arm <NUM> may prevent indexing carousel drive wheel <NUM> from advancing carousel <NUM> when the carousel is in the secured position. A locking release tab <NUM> may be coupled to locking arm <NUM> at access area <NUM>. Locking release tab <NUM> may be configured to permanently break free from the locking arm to release carousel <NUM> from the secured position.

With reference to <FIG>, secure receptacle <NUM> may be used as a secure means of delivering returned unused items to ADM <NUM>. Secure receptacle <NUM> may work the same whether dispensing an item or returning an item. Secure receptacle <NUM> may be used as a return bin, and may be filled with returned items and securely transported to a pharmacy to unload for further disposition. This provides better security during the delivery to the pharmacy. Once filled, secure receptacle <NUM> can be removed from ADM <NUM> and replaced with an empty secure receptacle <NUM>. Secure receptacle <NUM> may be reconciled at the pharmacy, it is not necessary for a highly compensated pharmacist to travel to an ADM <NUM> to remove contents from a secure receptacle <NUM>. Since removing a filled secure receptacle <NUM> and replacing it with an empty secure receptacle <NUM> would be faster than removing individual returned items, the down time for this transaction is less thereby keeping the ADM available for normal use.

<FIG> depicts an example process <NUM> for controlling a secure receptacle <NUM>, according to aspects of the subject technology. For explanatory purposes, the various blocks of example process <NUM> are described herein with reference to <FIG>, and the components and/or processes described herein. The one or more of the blocks of process <NUM> may be implemented, for example, by one or more computing devices including, for example, circuit module(s) <NUM> or <NUM>, the processor of ADM <NUM>, or processor <NUM> of smart carrier <NUM>. In some implementations, one or more of the blocks may be implemented based on one or more machine learning algorithms. In some implementations, one or more of the blocks may be implemented apart from other blocks, and by one or more different processors or devices. Further for explanatory purposes, the blocks of example process <NUM> are described as occurring in serial, or linearly. However, multiple blocks of example process <NUM> may occur in parallel. In addition, the blocks of example process <NUM> need not be performed in the order shown and/or one or more of the blocks of example process <NUM> need not be performed.

In the depicted example, an access request to access a secure receptacle <NUM> and an identity of a user is received (<NUM>). Secure receptacle <NUM> includes a vertically-aligned carousel <NUM> disposed within an interior compartment of the secure receptacle. According to various implementations, vertically-aligned carousel <NUM> includes a plurality of secure containers <NUM> horizontally disposed around a rotational axis <NUM> of the carousel. The carousel <NUM> and the containers <NUM> are formed from one piece, for example molded from plastic as shown in <FIG>. Each secure container <NUM> may include a securable lid <NUM> preventing access to the secure container <NUM> when the securable lid is in a closed position. Carousel <NUM> may be configured to lock in a secured position in which each securable lid <NUM> of each of the plurality of containers <NUM> is in the closed position.

Secure receptacle <NUM> includes a docking interface including one or more electrical connectors disposed on an outer portion of the body of secure receptacle for docking secure receptacle <NUM> with a docking station and communicating with a processor of the docking station. Secure receptacle <NUM> may be, for example, docked with a docking station of an ADM <NUM> or smart carrier <NUM>, or other computing device adapted to interface with secure receptacle <NUM>. A processor of ADM <NUM> or smart carrier <NUM>, or a processor of secure receptacle <NUM> based on information from an input source such as the processor of ADM <NUM> or smart carrier <NUM> (or other similarly situated device) sends the access request to the secure receptacle. The access request may be based on user input, and may be in the form of or included in one or more commands sent to secure receptacle <NUM>. The user input may have been for a particular medication or medical item stored in secure receptacle <NUM>.

A requested container of the plurality of secure containers is then determined (<NUM>). The determination may be based on the received one or more commands. Secure container <NUM> may include an inventory in a memory device, associated with containers <NUM>. In this regard secure container <NUM> may receive a request for an item and index the inventory to determine the container containing the item. In some implementations, the indexing may occur at ADM <NUM> or smart carrier <NUM>, or other computing device, and the commands may include the location or selection of container <NUM>.

The vertically-aligned carousel <NUM> is rotated so that the requested container is moved from a current position to an opening of the securable receptacle (<NUM>). According to various implementations, carousel <NUM> may be rotated by a motorized controller <NUM>. As described previously, a processor of receptacle <NUM> may be communicatively connected to a docking interface, a sensor, and the motorized controller. The receptacle processor may receive the one or more commands from the processor of the docking station, receives the current position of the requested container <NUM> (or carousel <NUM>) from the sensor, and instructs the motorized controller to rotate the carousel without further action by the processor of the docking station.

Carousel <NUM> may include an actuation lever on a side of the carousel within the compartment, in addition to a plurality of lid latches, each operably connected to a respective lid <NUM> of the plurality of secure containers <NUM>. Each lid latch may be configured to secure the respective lid in a closed position until actuated by the actuation lever when the vertically-aligned carousel rotates in a first direction past the actuation lever. Each respective lid <NUM> of the containers <NUM> of the carousal may be configured to remain in the closed position while the carousel rotates in a second direction, and wherein, responsive to the one or more commands, the motorized controller rotates the vertically-aligned carousel in the second direction until the requested container moves past the opening of the compartment and then rotates the vertically-aligned carousel in the first direction to actuate the respective lid and to actuate the securable lid of the requested container to provide access to an interior of the requested container through the opening of the compartment.

According to some implementations, carousel <NUM> is rotatable only when each locking receptacle lid is closed and locked. In some implementations, rotation of carousal <NUM> and/or opening of a lid <NUM> is based on the user having the proper credentials. Authentication may be provided by the external device or a memory device of secure receptacle <NUM> may store authentication information that may be used to authenticate the user when the one or commands are received.

The securable lid of the requested container is actuated to open the securable lid and provide access to an interior of the requested container through an opening of the secure receptacle (<NUM>). The user may then retrieve an item from the requested container <NUM>. If the secure receptacle is being used to deposit an item, then the user may deposit the item in container <NUM>. A signal is received, for example by a processor from a lid sensor within the secure receptacle, indicating that the lid of the requested container has been closed (<NUM>). The securable lid <NUM> of the requested container <NUM> is secured (<NUM>). In this regard, the lid may be closed as described in <FIG>. An association between the identity of the user and the requested container in the vertically-aligned carousel is then recorded in a memory device associated with the secure receptacle (<NUM>). This association may then be used by an ADM <NUM> or other computing device interfacing with secure receptacle <NUM> to determine a history of inventory activities associated with secure receptacle <NUM>.

Many of the above-described examples of <FIG>, and related features and applications, may also be implemented as software processes that are specified as a set of instructions recorded on a computer readable storage medium (also referred to as computer readable medium), and may be executed automatically (e.g., without user intervention). When these instructions are executed by one or more processing unit(s) (e.g., one or more processors, cores of processors, or other processing units), they cause the processing unit(s) to perform the actions indicated in the instructions. Examples of computer readable media include, but are not limited to, CD-ROMs, flash drives, RAM chips, hard drives, EPROMs, etc. The computer readable media does not include carrier waves and electronic signals passing wirelessly or over wired connections.

The term "software" is meant to include, where appropriate, firmware residing in read-only memory or applications stored in magnetic storage, which can be read into memory for processing by a processor. Also, in some implementations, multiple software aspects of the subject disclosure can be implemented as sub-parts of a larger program while remaining distinct software aspects of the subject disclosure. In some implementations, multiple software aspects can also be implemented as separate programs. Finally, any combination of separate programs that together implement a software aspect described here is within the scope of the subject disclosure. In some implementations, the software programs, when installed to operate on one or more electronic systems, define one or more specific machine implementations that execute and perform the operations of the software programs.

<FIG> is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example electronic system <NUM> for controlling a secure receptacle <NUM>, according to aspects of the subject technology. Electronic system <NUM> may execute software instructions associated with one or more portions or steps of process <NUM>, or components and processes provided by <FIG>. System <NUM> may be part of secure receptacle, including but not limited to circuit module(s) <NUM> or <NUM>, or associated with or include the processor of ADM <NUM>, or processor <NUM> of smart carrier <NUM>, or a computing device operably connected to any of the foregoing. Electronic system <NUM> may be representative, in combination with the disclosure regarding <FIG>. In this regard, electronic system <NUM> may be a PCBA, a personal computer or a mobile device such as a smartphone, tablet computer, laptop, PDA, an augmented reality device, a wearable such as a watch or band or glasses, or combination thereof, or other touch screen or television with one or more processors embedded therein or coupled thereto, or any other sort of computer-related electronic device having network connectivity.

Electronic system <NUM> may include various types of computer readable media and interfaces for various other types of computer readable media. In the depicted example, electronic system <NUM> includes a bus <NUM>, processing unit(s) <NUM>, a system memory <NUM>, a read-only memory (ROM) <NUM>, a permanent storage device <NUM>, an input device interface <NUM>, an output device interface <NUM>, and one or more network interfaces <NUM>. In some implementations, system memory <NUM> and/or ROM <NUM> may be part of secure receptacle, as previously described. In some implementations, electronic system <NUM> may include or be integrated with other computing devices or circuitry for operation of the various components and processes previously described.

Bus <NUM> collectively represents all system, peripheral, and chipset buses that communicatively connect the numerous internal devices of electronic system <NUM>. For instance, bus <NUM> communicatively connects processing unit(s) <NUM> with ROM <NUM>, system memory <NUM>, and permanent storage device <NUM>.

From these various memory units, processing unit(s) <NUM> retrieves instructions to execute and data to process in order to execute the processes of the subject disclosure. The processing unit(s) can be a single processor or a multi-core processor in different implementations.

ROM <NUM> stores static data and instructions that are needed by processing unit(s) <NUM> and other modules of the electronic system. Permanent storage device <NUM>, on the other hand, is a read-and-write memory device. This device is a non-volatile memory unit that stores instructions and data even when electronic system <NUM> is off. Some implementations of the subject disclosure use a mass-storage device (such as a magnetic or optical disk and its corresponding disk drive) as permanent storage device <NUM>.

Other implementations use a removable storage device (such as a floppy disk, flash drive, and its corresponding disk drive) as permanent storage device <NUM>. Like permanent storage device <NUM>, system memory <NUM> is a read-and-write memory device. However, unlike storage device <NUM>, system memory <NUM> is a volatile read-and-write memory, such as a random access memory. System memory <NUM> stores some of the instructions and data that the processor needs at runtime. In some implementations, the processes of the subject disclosure are stored in system memory <NUM>, permanent storage device <NUM>, and/or ROM <NUM>. From these various memory units, processing unit(s) <NUM> retrieves instructions to execute and data to process in order to execute the processes of some implementations.

Bus <NUM> also connects to input and output device interfaces <NUM> and <NUM>. Input device interface <NUM> enables the user to communicate information and select commands to the electronic system. Input devices used with input device interface <NUM> include, e.g., alphanumeric keyboards and pointing devices (also called "cursor control devices"). Output device interfaces <NUM> enables, e.g., the display of images generated by the electronic system <NUM>. Output devices used with output device interface <NUM> include, e.g., printers and display devices, such as cathode ray tubes (CRT) or liquid crystal displays (LCD). Some implementations include devices such as a touchscreen that functions as both input and output devices.

Also, as shown in <FIG>, bus <NUM> also couples electronic system <NUM> to a network (not shown) through network interfaces <NUM>. Network interfaces <NUM> may include, e.g., a wireless access point (e.g., Bluetooth or WiFi) or radio circuitry for connecting to a wireless access point. Network interfaces <NUM> may also include hardware (e.g., Ethernet hardware) for connecting the computer to a part of a network of computers such as a local area network ("LAN"), a wide area network ("WAN"), wireless LAN, or an Intranet, or a network of networks, such as the Internet. Any or all components of electronic system <NUM> can be used in conjunction with the subject disclosure.

These functions described above can be implemented in computer software, firmware or hardware. The techniques can be implemented using one or more computer program products. Programmable processors and computers can be included in or packaged as mobile devices. The processes and logic flows can be performed by one or more programmable processors and by one or more programmable logic circuitry. General and special purpose computing devices and storage devices can be interconnected through communication networks.

Some implementations include electronic components, such as microprocessors, storage and memory that store computer program instructions in a machine-readable or computer-readable medium (also referred to as computer-readable storage media, machine-readable media, or machine-readable storage media). Some examples of such computer-readable media include RAM, ROM, read-only compact discs (CD-ROM), recordable compact discs (CD-R), rewritable compact discs (CD-RW), read-only digital versatile discs (e.g., DVD-ROM, dual-layer DVD-ROM), a variety of recordable/rewritable DVDs (e.g., DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, etc.), flash memory (e.g., SD cards, mini-SD cards, micro-SD cards, etc.), magnetic and/or solid state hard drives, read-only and recordable Blu-Rays discs, ultra density optical discs, any other optical or magnetic media, and floppy disks. The computer-readable media can store a computer program that is executable by at least one processing unit and includes sets of instructions for performing various operations. Examples of computer programs or computer code include machine code, such as is produced by a compiler, and files including higher-level code that are executed by a computer, an electronic component, or a microprocessor using an interpreter.

While the above discussion primarily refers to microprocessor or multi-core processors that execute software, some implementations are performed by one or more integrated circuits, such as application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). In some implementations, such integrated circuits execute instructions that are stored on the circuit itself.

To provide for interaction with a user, implementations of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented on a computer having a display device, e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor, for displaying information to the user and a keyboard and a pointing device, e.g., a mouse or a trackball, by which the user can provide input to the computer. Other kinds of devices can be used to provide for interaction with a user as well; e.g., feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, e.g., visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input from the user can be received in any form, including acoustic, speech, or tactile input. In addition, a computer can interact with a user by sending documents to and receiving documents from a device that is used by the user; e.g., by sending web pages to a web browser on a user's client device in response to requests received from the web browser.

A client and server are generally remote from each other and may interact through a communication network.

The described functionality may be implemented in varying ways for each particular application.

It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes disclosed is an illustration of example approaches. Based upon design preferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes may be rearranged. Some of the steps may be performed simultaneously. The accompanying method claims present elements of the various steps in a sample order, and are not meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

The previous description is provided to enable a person of ordinary skill in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. While the foregoing has described what are considered to be the best mode and/or other examples, it is understood that various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but is to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean "one and only one" unless specifically so stated, but rather "one or more. " Unless specifically stated otherwise, the terms "a set" and "some" refer to one or more.

It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes disclosed is an illustration of exemplary approaches. Based upon design preferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes may be rearranged. Some of the steps may be performed simultaneously. The accompanying method claims present elements of the various steps in a sample order, and are not meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

Claim 1:
A secure receptacle (<NUM>), comprising:
a body (<NUM>) forming a compartment (<NUM>) therein and comprising an opening (<NUM>) to the compartment (<NUM>);
a docking interface comprising one or more electrical connectors (<NUM>, <NUM>) disposed on an outer portion of the body (<NUM>) for docking the secure receptacle (<NUM>) with a docking station and communicating with a processor of the docking station;
a vertically-aligned carousel (<NUM>) disposed within the compartment (<NUM>) and comprising a plurality of securable containers (<NUM>) formed within a single structure and horizontally disposed around a rotational axis (<NUM>) of the vertically-aligned carousel (<NUM>) in the single structure such that respective floors of each of the plurality of securable containers (<NUM>) form a polygon that rotates around the rotational axis (<NUM>), each securable container (<NUM>) comprising a securable lid (<NUM>) preventing access to the secure container (<NUM>) when the securable lid (<NUM>) is in a closed position, wherein the vertically-aligned carousel (<NUM>) is configured to lock in a secured position in which each securable lid (<NUM>) of each of the plurality of secure containers (<NUM>) in the closed position;
a sensor for determining a position of the vertically-aligned carousel (<NUM>) and identifying which of the plurality of securable containers (<NUM>) is positioned at the opening (<NUM>) of the compartment (<NUM>);
a motorized controller (<NUM>) configured to rotate the vertically-aligned carousel (<NUM>) based on one or more commands received via the docking interface from the processor of the docking station,
wherein the secure receptacle (<NUM>) is configured to receive the one or more commands from the docking interface and, in response to the one or more commands, determine based on the one or more commands a requested container (<NUM>) of the plurality of securable containers (<NUM>), obtain a current position of the requested container (<NUM>) using the sensor, and rotate the vertically-aligned carousel (<NUM>) so that the requested container (<NUM>) is moved from the current position to the opening (<NUM>) of the compartment (<NUM>), and actuate the securable lid (<NUM>) of the requested container (<NUM>) to provide access to an interior of the requested container (<NUM>) through the opening (<NUM>) of the compartment (<NUM>).