Patent Description:
The present disclosure is related to environmentally controlled storage of medical products. More specifically, the present disclosure is related to a storage device that controls environmental conditions for medical products and includes storage containers that are subject to access controls that limit the ability to remove inventory stored in the storage containers subjected to access control and provide a level of security and inventory management for medications that have a high value or commonly diverted from the patient.

Medical supplies such as pharmaceuticals and blood products are high value commodities requiring stringent quality and inventory control measures. Medical products including medications, tissues, and blood products such as whole blood, plasma, or platelets, for example, are in limited supply and have a limited shelf life and stringent quality control requirements to maintain the quality of the products. In some cases, it is important to maintain the environment in which these products are stored within specific parameters. For example, temperature, humidity, and/or exposure to ultraviolet light may all be monitored and/or controlled.

Another aspect of the quality control requirement is that access to the medical products be limited to only those individuals who are authorized to handle the medical products. Stored items may be pre-matched to a specific individual or storage location. Authorization for access may be controlled to limit those individuals who have access to a particular storage location based on the authorization level of the individual. Some medications that are high value or commonly diverted for illegal sale or usage require additional levels of authority and conformation to remove from environmentally controlled storage device. Access control also assists in preventing materials from being removed unexpectedly and may form part of an inventory control and management system.

This can be contrasted to the need for ready access to medical products in the event of power loss or an equipment failure may be necessary to prevent medical products from being inaccessible in emergencies. Power loss generally results in the loss of temperature control. In the case of specific stored products, such as blood products, for example, the product must be quickly relocated before the storage conditions fall outside of acceptable levels. In situations where large numbers of medical products are stored in a single climate control device, quick identification of the particular location of the medical product inventory that is needed assists with productivity and limits the time spent by a user locating appropriate inventory. <CIT> describes a storage device for medical products comprising a control system, a cabinet, a plurality of storage containers, and an actuation assembly.

The present disclosure includes one or more of the features recited in the appended claims and/or the following features which, alone or in any combination, may comprise patentable subject matter.

According to the present disclosure, a storage device for medical products comprises a cabinet, a drawer assembly positioned in the cabinet, the drawer assembly including a plurality of storage spaces, a plurality of storage containers, each storage container associated with one of the storage spaces, an actuation assembly including an array of actuators, each of the actuators of the array being associated with a respective storage container, each of the actuators being independently actuable to secure or release the respective storage container with which the respective actuator is associated relative to the storage space, and a manual release mechanism actuable by a user to over-ride the actuation assembly and independently release the storage containers from the storage spaces.

In some embodiments, the storage space includes an arm movable between a first position in which the arm secures the storage container and a second position in which the arm releases the storage container.

In some embodiments, the arm includes a hook that engages the storage container when the arm secures the storage container and disengages the storage container when the arm releases the respective storage container.

In some embodiments, the actuator of the actuation assembly is operable to move a respective arm between the first and second positions.

In some embodiments, the storage device further includes a detector to detect the position of the arm.

In some embodiments, each actuator has an associated sensor for detecting the position of an arm adjacent the respective actuator.

In some embodiments, each actuator comprises a solenoid actuated plunger that engages the arm when the solenoid is energized to thereby move the arm between the first and second positions.

In some embodiments, the control system compares the state of the solenoid to the signal from the detector to determine if the arm is properly positioned.

In some embodiments, the arm is formed to include a push rod which acts on the storage container as the arm is moved to the second position to cause the storage container to be moved in the storage space such that a portion of the storage container extends outwardly from the storage space.

In some embodiments, the storage container is operates as a light pipe and the actuation assembly is operable to illuminate the storage container when the storage container is released from the storage space, or specific information needs to be conveyed by illumination color or illumination characteristic such as fast blink, slow blink, color sequencing etc..

In some embodiments, the override release mechanism includes a security device to prevent the override release mechanism from being actuated.

In some embodiments, the security device is a lock that is only moveable by operation of a key.

In some embodiments, the storage container conducts light and the actuation assembly is operable to illuminate the storage container when the storage container is released from the storage space.

According to the present disclosure, a storage device for medical products comprises a control system, a cabinet, a drawer assembly positioned in the cabinet, the drawer assembly including a plurality of storage spaces, a plurality of storage containers, each storage container associated with one of the storage spaces, an actuation assembly including an array of actuators, each of the actuators of the array being associated with a respective storage container, each of the actuators being independently actuable to secure or release the respective storage container with which the respective actuator is associated relative to the storage space, and a manual release mechanism actuable by a user to over-ride the actuation assembly and independently release the storage containers from all, or a pre-defined subset of, the storage spaces.

In some embodiments, the drawer assembly is removable from the cabinet.

In some embodiments, the drawer assembly is secured to the cabinet by an electrically actuable actuator.

In some embodiments, the manual release mechanism is secured to the drawer assembly, the manual release mechanism including a user interface that is manually operable to move the release mechanism to release the storage containers.

In some embodiments, movement of the override user interface is transferred to cause longitudinal movement of a rod along a longitudinal axis of the rod.

In some embodiments, longitudinal movement of the rod is transferred to a link to cause rotational movement of a shaft about the longitudinal axis of the shaft.

In some embodiments, rotational movement of the shaft cause a link to engage a portion of the actuation assembly to cause the storage containers to be released independently of the actuators. In some embodiments, the rotating override tabs on the shaft include or consist of spring steel features allowing for rotational overtravel to occur ensuring complete actuation of each release mechanism, thus accounting for potential manufacturing variations.

In some embodiments, the storage containers are configured to permit air to flow through the container, without permitting a user to access the contents of the storage container.

In some embodiments, the storage container includes a guard that comprises a number of vanes, the vanes spaced apart to allow air to flow through the guard and into a storage space of the storage container.

In some embodiments, the storage container includes a lower support surface, the lower support surface including at least one fenestration to both permit air to flow through the lower support surface into the storage space, and further provide a means of protection against diversion tools being slid under the storage tray.

In some embodiments, the control system is operable to monitor the storage conditions of an inventory item stored in the device and to determine if the inventory has been compromised.

In some embodiments, the storage device includes sensors to monitor environmental conditions and the control system utilizes sensor data to determine if the inventory has been compromised.

In some embodiments, the control system monitors to determine if a particular inventory item has been absent from a storage location to determine if a particular inventory item has been compromised.

In some embodiments, if an inventory item has been compromised, the control system may change the status of the stored inventory to a quarantine status. In some embodiments, the control system is operable to report the quarantine status to an appropriate supervisory authority.

In some embodiments, the storage device is operable to illuminate a storage container in a particular color that corresponds to the type of inventory or status of the inventory stored in the storage container.

According to the present disclosure, a storage device for medical products comprises a cabinet, a drawer assembly, a plurality of storage containers, an actuation assembly and a manual release mechanism. The drawer assembly is positioned in the cabinet and includes a plurality of storage spaces. Each storage container associated with one of the storage spaces. The actuation assembly includes an array of actuators, each of the actuators of the array being associated with a respective storage container and being independently actuable to secure or release the respective storage container with which the respective actuator is associated relative to the storage space. The manual release mechanism actuable by a user to over-ride the actuation assembly and independently release the storage containers from the storage spaces.

In some embodiments, the storage device comprises a plurality of drawer assemblies, each drawer assembly including a plurality of storage spaces, each drawer further comprising a separate manual release mechanism to release only the storage containers or the respective drawer.

In some embodiments, each manual release mechanism is spring biased to a position that prevents the storage containers of the drawer from being manually released.

In some embodiments, the manual release may be manual moved to a released position and locked in the released position.

In some embodiments, each manual release includes a handle that is normally inaccessible to a user.

In some embodiments, the handles are positioned behind a cover that is secured to the cabinet by a lock that requires a security interface to be actuated to release the lock.

In some embodiments, the manual release mechanism is spring biased to a position that prevents the storage containers of the drawer from being manually released.

In some embodiments, each manual release includes a handle that is normally inaccessible to a user. In some embodiments, the handle is positioned behind a cover that is secured to the cabinet by a lock that requires a security interface to be actuated to release the lock.

In some embodiments, the cabinet includes a catch and the lock includes an actuator that moves into engagement with the catch when the lock is moved to a locked position.

In some embodiments, the cabinet includes a diversion resistant feature that is configured to prevent illicit access to an actuator to circumvent the actuation assembly.

In some embodiments, the diversion resistant feature is integrated into the storage container. In some embodiments, the diversion resistant feature is barrier formed on a portion of the storage container. In some embodiments, the storage container includes a retainer configured to be engaged by latch that is moved by an actuator to secure the storage container, the barrier comprising a wing formed adjacent the retainer. In some embodiments, the storage container includes a retainer configured to be engaged by latch that is moved by an actuator to secure the storage container, the barrier comprising a plurality of ribs formed on the bottom of the storage container. In some embodiments, the storage container includes a retainer configured to be engaged by latch that is moved by an actuator to secure the storage container, the barrier comprising a latch block formed on the storage container. In some embodiments, the storage container includes a retainer configured to be engaged by latch that is moved by an actuator to secure the storage container, the barrier comprising a rib formed on a cap of the container. Additional features, which alone or in combination with any other feature(s), such as those listed above and/or those listed in the claims, can comprise patentable subject matter and will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the embodiments as presently perceived.

A climate-controlled medical products storage device <NUM>, illustratively embodied as a refrigerator is shown in <FIG>. The refrigerator <NUM> includes a cabinet <NUM> having a cabinet body <NUM> forming an enclosure <NUM> (seen in <FIG>) and a door <NUM> which is movable between an open position shown in <FIG> and a closed position as shown in <FIG>. Referring now to <FIG>, the enclosure defines a storage space <NUM> having a drawer <NUM> which defines a compartment <NUM>. The door <NUM> includes a window <NUM> which allows a user to view the materials stored in the storage space <NUM>. In the illustrative embodiment, the window <NUM> is transparent. In other embodiments, the window may be embodied as a window having variable opacity as disclosed in <CIT>. Such variable opacity can be configured based on access authority of a user - it may become transparent for approved access, remain transparent for a high access authority user, or become/remain opaque at other times hide the actual contents of the refrigerator from those contemplating diversion. The drawer (aka module) <NUM> is configured to receive and support three storage containers embodied as a storage trays <NUM>. As will be described in further detail below, each storage tray <NUM> is configured to be retained within a compartment <NUM> within drawer <NUM> and inaccessible to a user under normal operating conditions.

Referring now to <FIG>, control of access to the contents of the storage trays <NUM> is facilitated by an actuation system <NUM> to control access to the different storage trays <NUM> each positioned in a compartment <NUM>. Referring again now to <FIG>, the cabinet <NUM> further includes a controller box/user interface <NUM> supported on the cabinet body <NUM>. The controller box <NUM> encloses a portion of a control system. The control system operates similarly to the control system of <CIT>. However, in the present disclosure, the actuation system <NUM> is configured for application to a limited number of storage trays <NUM> positioned in compartments <NUM> within drawers <NUM>. The storage device <NUM> of the present disclosure operates a dual purpose temperature controlled storage system for general purpose storage and high value products storage. In addition to the disclosure of the light pipe capability of the trays disclosed in the '<NUM> patent, the device <NUM> may be configured with LEDs of varying colors that cause the trays <NUM> to be illuminated. The various colors may be illuminated continuously to permit a user to more quickly identify the type of medication or medical product stored in the particular tray <NUM> with a color code or illumination characteristic such as fast blink, slow blink, color sequencing etc..

In some embodiments, the control system may be operable to perform a two-factor authentication such as detecting the presence of a radio frequency ID (RFID) badge and sensing a biometric characteristic of the user, such as a voice detection, face detection, retinal scan, or fingerprint, to confirm that the authorized user that is presented by the RFID tag is the actual user. In other embodiments, the control system may be in communication with a remote authorizing entity such as a central pharmacy or particular pharmacist, such that when a user attempts to access a restricted location or tray <NUM>, the authorizing entity is one of a dual authorization, or required to make a final authorization of the access by the user. This may include two-way communication between the user and an individual at the authorizing entity, or it may include the use of a camera <NUM> (seen in <FIG>) to transmit the image of the individual attempting to access the location to the authorizing entity such that the authorizing entity may make the final determination that access is appropriate. The camera <NUM> may also provide a video feed that is recorded to provide a history of any attempts to access the space <NUM>.

The drawer <NUM> is positioned in the bottom of the enclosure <NUM> and configured to engage a back wall <NUM> of the enclosure <NUM>. The drawer <NUM> is retained in the enclosure by security screws <NUM> so that the drawer <NUM> is fixed within the enclosure <NUM> and not removable without the use of tools. Multiple drawers <NUM> may be stacked upon each other to increase the number of storage trays <NUM> available within an enclosure <NUM>. A top surface <NUM> of the top drawer <NUM> may be used to support materials being stored within the device <NUM>. It is also understood that different height drawers <NUM> and corresponding different height storage trays <NUM> can be used or combined.

Referring now to <FIG>, in a cross-sectional side view it is clear that each of the storage trays <NUM> are positioned in the drawer <NUM> on a surface <NUM> of the drawer <NUM> and engageable with a respective arm or latch <NUM> that is configured to retain the particular storage tray <NUM> within the drawer <NUM>. The latch <NUM> is part of the actuation system <NUM> and functions similarly to the latch approach used in the '<NUM> patent discussed above. However, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the latch is actuated by a solenoid <NUM> which has a plunger <NUM>. The plunger <NUM> is movable between the retracted position of <FIG> and an extended position as shown in <FIG> to cause the latch <NUM> to pivot about an axis <NUM> to disengage a hook <NUM> of the latch <NUM> from a retainer <NUM> formed in the tray <NUM>. Disengagement of the hook <NUM> from retainer <NUM> permits the storage tray <NUM> to be slid in the direction of arrow <NUM> to permit respective tray <NUM> to be accessed or removed from the drawer <NUM>. In some embodiments, the actuation system <NUM> may, like the disclosure of the '<NUM> patent, include a detector (not shown) to detect an arm of the latch <NUM> to determine if the latch <NUM> is an expected decision. In some embodiments, a load sensor (not shown) may be positioned on the surface <NUM> and interposed between a tray <NUM> and the surface <NUM>. A single load sensor may cover the surface <NUM> and engage with the multiple trays <NUM>. In other embodiments, an individual load sensor may be positioned between each respective tray <NUM> and the surface <NUM>. When present, the load sensor(s) is/are operable to detect the presence of a tray <NUM>, or in some embodiments, the load sensor is able to determine a weight of the tray <NUM> and any contents in the particular tray <NUM>. This information is provided to the control system and used by the control system to determine if an appropriate load is present either before or after a user has accessed the particular tray <NUM>. For example, the load sensor may provide information to the control system that is used by the control system to determine that the amount of material removed from the tray <NUM> exceeds the amount a user has received authorization to remove. This information may then be used to identify a potential diversion of a material in the tray <NUM>. The load sensor may comprise a piezoelectric sensor, load beam, force sensing resistor, or other suitable sensor capable of detecting a load. In other embodiments, an individual near field communication (NFC) transceiver may be positioned (not shown) between each respective tray <NUM> and the surface <NUM>. When present, the NFC sensor is operable to detect the presence and unique ID tag of a tray <NUM> (potentially embedded within the molded plastic of tray <NUM>), and further the actual tagged contents in the tray <NUM>. The NFC embodiment is well suited for use within each compartment <NUM> having metallic walls between adjacent (above, below, aside) trays <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the trays <NUM> are each configured to permit visualization of the contents and air flow into and through the tray <NUM>. The trays <NUM> include a guard <NUM> that includes a number of vanes/fins <NUM> that extend upwardly from a grip <NUM> of the tray <NUM>. In some embodiments, a tray <NUM> may include fenestrations or though-holes <NUM> (shown in phantom in <FIG>) formed in a lower surface <NUM> of the tray <NUM> to allow air to flow from the underside of the tray <NUM> into and through a storage space <NUM>.

The access control to the trays <NUM> is provided through the user interface <NUM> in a manner similar to that described in the '<NUM> patent discussed above. In the illustrative embodiment disclosed herein, the door <NUM> is lockable with a magnetic lock (not shown) to provide a first level of access control into the storage space <NUM>. Thus, when materials that are subject to access control, but require limited access control need to be stored, a first level of access control can be provided by the door <NUM> which permits a user to access materials in the enclosure <NUM>, but not in storage trays <NUM>. For higher value items that require a second level of access control, a user may be permitted access to a specific storage tray <NUM> through a user interface <NUM>, or externally by means of ethernet or wireless based application program interface (API) commands such that the control system controls access to a specific storage tray <NUM> through the actuation system <NUM>.

In the illustrative embodiment of <FIG>, air within the enclosure <NUM> is circulated by a thermal control fan assembly <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) to cause mixing of the air in a portion <NUM> of the storage space <NUM>. The flow of air into the compartment <NUM> of the drawer <NUM> is limited to a flow path <NUM> from the portion <NUM> into the area of the compartment <NUM> for each included/attached drawer <NUM>. A HEPA or HEPA/Organic reduction filter <NUM> is positioned at the opening of the flow path <NUM> and operable to treat the air flowing from the portion <NUM> into the flow path <NUM> to reduce the potential for contamination into compartment <NUM>. The filter <NUM> may include active charcoal to remove organics from air passing through the filter <NUM>. A damper <NUM>, under the control of the control system is operable to open and close to vary the flow of air from the main portion <NUM> into the compartment <NUM> and storage space <NUM>. The damper <NUM> is moved by a damper motor (not shown) in response to signals received from sensors (not shown) positioned in the compartment <NUM>. In the illustrative embodiment, the sensors are temperature sensors, but in other embodiments the sensors may include humidity sensors, flow sensors, or other appropriate environmental sensors that provide feedback to the control system to control the environment of the compartment <NUM>. The damper <NUM> is movable between a fully closed position shown in <FIG> and a fully open position shown in <FIG>. In some embodiments, the filter <NUM> and damper <NUM> may be omitted allowing compartment <NUM> to interact with the remainder of the storage space <NUM> is subject to the same environmental conditions as storage space <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, because the actuation system <NUM> is electrically operated, the device <NUM> is configured to permit manual override of the latches <NUM> so that the storage trays <NUM> may be removed when electrical power to the device <NUM> is lost. Referring now to <FIG>, an override mechanism <NUM> includes a key actuated user interface <NUM> that is accessible when the door <NUM> is open as illustrated in <FIG>. When a key is inserted into the user interface <NUM> and rotated, the rotational motion is transferred by a cylinder <NUM> to cause longitudinal movement of a rod <NUM> in the direction of an arrow <NUM>. That longitudinal motion is transferred from rod <NUM> to link <NUM> which causes a shaft <NUM> to rotate about its longitudinal axis <NUM>. Multiple links <NUM> are fixed to the shaft <NUM> and move with the shaft <NUM> to engage respective latches <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. Thus, the override mechanism <NUM> is operable to move the links <NUM> from the position shown in <FIG> to the position shown in <FIG>. As shown <FIG>, the action of override mechanism <NUM> causes the latch <NUM> to rotate about the axis <NUM> such that the hook <NUM> disengages a retainer <NUM>. This allows the user to remove the respective storage trays <NUM> even when power is not available to the device <NUM>.

To prevent unauthorized removal of the drawer <NUM>, a pair of solenoids <NUM>, <NUM> are mounted to the bottom of a frame <NUM> of drawer <NUM>. The solenoids <NUM>, <NUM> include respective actuators <NUM>, <NUM> which are normally extended to engage apertures in the enclosure <NUM> to secure the drawer <NUM> to the enclosure <NUM>. The solenoids <NUM>, <NUM> may be energized to disengage the actuators <NUM>, <NUM> from the enclosure <NUM> to permit removal of the drawer <NUM> from the enclosure <NUM>. Thus, a user must remove the screws <NUM> and actuate the solenoids <NUM>, <NUM> to free the drawer <NUM> from the enclosure <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the device <NUM> may include a radio frequency (RFID) monitoring system similar to that disclosed in <CIT>. The information regarding improper storage may be provided externally from the device <NUM> to a centralized monitoring system. The use of the RFID monitoring system may coordinate with sensors in the device <NUM> to monitor temperature, humidity, airflow through the filter <NUM>, and time that a particular material has been absent from the storage location, also known as an excursion. The control system is operable to monitor all of the storage and excursion factors to determine if a particular inventory item has been compromised. If the inventory has been compromised, the control system may change the status of the stored inventory to a quarantine status and report the status to an appropriate supervisory authority, such as a central pharmacy unit or particular pharmacist.

Referring now to <FIG>, an embodiment of a solenoid <NUM> is shown with an optional cover <NUM> (shown in phantom) attached to the back side <NUM> of the solenoid <NUM>. The cover <NUM> is a thermoformed polymer material that electrically insulates the back arm <NUM> such that the back arm <NUM> does not electrically or magnetically engage with any metal portions of the enclosure <NUM> when the plunger <NUM> is actuated. The cover <NUM> engages the surface <NUM> of a coil housing <NUM> with an interference fit so that the back arm <NUM> is retained relative to the coil housing <NUM>. The cover <NUM> is not shown in other view, but may optionally be included with any of the embodiments disclosed herein. The cover <NUM> further protects the solenoid <NUM> from a diversion event of being actuated by direct physical access (via diversion tool such as a bent wire) and moving of the back arm <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, another embodiment of a tray <NUM> is shown with additional features that may be employed to assist with avoiding diversion of various medical products <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> that may be stored in the tray <NUM> in a storage device <NUM>. The tray <NUM> is part of a tray assembly <NUM> that includes a cover <NUM> and a cover <NUM>. The covers <NUM> and <NUM> cooperate with the tray <NUM> to limit access to the medical products <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> when the tray <NUM> is positioned in a drawer <NUM>. In addition, there are tamper resistant features of tray <NUM> that assist in preventing a latch <NUM> from being illicitly actuated to a released position by some external method, such as using a wire to reach latch <NUM> or solenoid arm <NUM>.

The cover <NUM> includes a spacer <NUM> that extends upwardly from a plate <NUM> of the cover <NUM>. The spacer <NUM> extends upwardly when the cover <NUM> is positioned on the tray <NUM> as shown in <FIG> so that the spacer <NUM> provides a minimal gap <NUM> between the spacer <NUM> and the surface <NUM> of the top of the compartment <NUM> in which the tray assembly <NUM> is positioned. This prevents an individual from surreptitiously using a wire to pass over the cover <NUM> to reach the latch <NUM>. The spacer <NUM> extends across the width of the cover <NUM> to protect against tampering. The spacer <NUM> is reinforced with three stiffeners <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> that extend up from the plate <NUM> and provide additional strength for the spacer <NUM> against any tampering, while also providing resistance to any attempts to deform the cover <NUM> to dislodge the cover <NUM>. The stiffeners <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> also extend slightly above spacer <NUM> and serve to provide a non-binding/scraping contact engagement medium between <NUM> and the surface <NUM> of the top of the compartment <NUM> for when tray assembly <NUM> is moving within compartment <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the cover <NUM> further includes two lateral tabs <NUM>, <NUM> that are positioned on opposite sides of the plate <NUM> and are configured to be received in recesses <NUM>, <NUM> formed in the tray <NUM> in a snap-fit. The tabs <NUM>, <NUM> cooperate with the two tabs <NUM>, <NUM> that extend rearwardly from the plate <NUM> to be received with a snap-fit into recesses <NUM>, <NUM> formed in the tray <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The snap-fit arrangement securing the cover <NUM> to the tray <NUM> provides an additional factor for preventing the cover <NUM> from becoming dislodged when if a person attempts to tamper with the latch <NUM>.

The tray <NUM> is also modified as compared to the tray <NUM> in that the retainer <NUM> of tray <NUM> is surrounded by lateral wings <NUM> and <NUM> on the lateral sides of the retainer <NUM>. The wings <NUM>, <NUM> serve to prevent a wire or other illicit device from being inserted into the retainer <NUM> to dislodge the latch <NUM> from the sides by guiding the wire around the stiffener <NUM> of the cover <NUM>. There is an additional wing <NUM> positioned between the wings <NUM>, <NUM> and forward of the retainer <NUM>. The wing <NUM> provides an additional barrier against an illicit device being used to actuate a latch <NUM> in the retainer <NUM>.

The tray <NUM> includes a storage space <NUM> that receives the medical products <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. The cover <NUM> is positonable on a pair of ledges <NUM>, <NUM> that extend along the length of the storage space <NUM> to overlie the storage space <NUM> and prevent someone from reaching into the storage space <NUM> when the tray <NUM> is locked. It should be understood that a number of covers <NUM> may be positioned on the ledges <NUM>, <NUM> and overlie the storage space <NUM>. In addition, a cover may be used that is longer than the illustrative cover <NUM> and that overlies all of the storages space <NUM>, even overlying the plate <NUM> of the cover <NUM>. In other embodiment, cover <NUM> may be omitted and tray <NUM> may be modified to include one or more hinged covers that are pivotable relative to the tray <NUM>. The storage space <NUM> may also include dividers that are used to divide the storage space <NUM> into smaller sections, each with an individual cover.

The tray <NUM> includes a grip <NUM> that extends upwardly to be approximately the same height as the spacer <NUM>, when the spacer <NUM> is present. The grip <NUM> is engaged by two wings <NUM>, <NUM> on the lateral sides of the grip <NUM> that extend rearwardly toward the retainer <NUM>. The wings <NUM>, <NUM> are also approximately the same height as the spacer <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The height of wings <NUM>, <NUM>, and grip <NUM> reduce the clearance between the tray <NUM> and the surfaces of the compartment <NUM> to prevent the tray <NUM> from being manipulated in an attempt to illicitly dislodge the latch <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, the tray <NUM> further includes two side wings <NUM>, <NUM> that extend downwardly from the lateral sides of the tray <NUM> to define a height of the tray <NUM> along the length of the tray <NUM>. A group <NUM> of ribs <NUM> are formed from a lower surface <NUM> of the tray <NUM> at the front end <NUM> of the tray <NUM>. An additional group <NUM> of ribs <NUM> are formed near a back end <NUM> of the tray <NUM> with the ribs <NUM> and <NUM> and the side wings <NUM>, <NUM> all extending downwardly to support the tray <NUM> in the compartment <NUM>. Notably, the ribs <NUM>, <NUM> and wings <NUM>, <NUM> provide additional spacing to prevent the tray <NUM> from being jostled or dislodged from the latch <NUM>. The ribs <NUM> and <NUM> also tend to reduce the potential of an individual from guiding a wire or other device under the tray <NUM> to dislodge the latch <NUM>. In addition, a barrier <NUM> is positioned near the front end <NUM> to provide additional support.

The tray <NUM> further includes a channel <NUM> formed in the lower surface <NUM>. The function of the channel <NUM> will be described with respect to optional slide stops <NUM> formed in the surface <NUM> of the drawer <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. For ease of discussion, the tray <NUM> is shown to be transparent in <FIG> and <FIG>. The slide stops <NUM> are formed by a metal working operation that extrudes the slide stops <NUM>. The slide stops <NUM> cooperate with the channel <NUM> to help guide the tray <NUM> into and out of the compartment <NUM>. The slide stops <NUM> help maintain the orientation of the tray <NUM> as it moves into and out of the compartment <NUM>. Referring again to <FIG>, the tray <NUM> includes a semi-circular catch <NUM> that engages a respective slide stop <NUM> when the tray <NUM> is removed from a compartment <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, there is a portion <NUM> of the side wings <NUM>, <NUM> that has a reduced height generally in the central region of the length of the tray <NUM>. This reduction in height allows the tray <NUM> to be tilted when it is partially removed from the compartment <NUM> so that the catch <NUM> may be moved to a position higher than the respective slide stop <NUM> and fully removed from the compartment <NUM>. The slide stop <NUM> and catch <NUM> tend to make the tray <NUM> harder to remove from the compartment <NUM> so that a tray <NUM> cannot be quickly removed and diverted. When tray <NUM> is mated with cover <NUM> (occurring after tray <NUM> has been inserted into compartment <NUM>), that combined assembly cannot be removed from compartment <NUM> as tray catch <NUM> engages and cannot maneuver around stop <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, another embodiment of a tray <NUM> has a deeper storage space and is configured to be stored in a drawer/module that has a deeper depth. The tray <NUM> includes lateral wings <NUM> and <NUM> that extend downwardly from opposite sides of the retainer to provide a barrier to any illicit devices that may be inserted into the drawer/module in an attempt to release the tray <NUM> by activating a latch or actuator.

Referring now to <FIG>, another embodiment of a latch <NUM> is shown in cross-section. The latch <NUM> is an injected molded plastic component with a front nose surface <NUM> that assists with displacing the latch <NUM> upwardly when a tray <NUM> is slid into the enclosure <NUM>. A catch portion <NUM> engages the retainer <NUM> when the tray <NUM> is in the stored position shown in <FIG>. A region <NUM> above the catch portion <NUM> is specifically sized to be frangible at a particular load, as will be discussed in further detail below. The latch <NUM> pivots about an axis <NUM> when a link <NUM> or plunger <NUM> engages an arm <NUM> of the latch <NUM> as shown in <FIG>.

The latch <NUM> is configured to fail if an excessive load is applied to the tray <NUM> in an attempt to remove the tray <NUM> from a compartment <NUM> illicitly. Referring now to <FIG>, if a load <NUM> is applied, a surface <NUM> of the catch portion <NUM> engages the surface <NUM> of the retainer <NUM> causing a tension load to be applied to the latch <NUM>. The region <NUM> is sized to fail under a specific load, such as three-hundred (<NUM>) pounds, for example, so that the latch <NUM> is inoperable if the tray <NUM> is removed by force as shown in <FIG>. In this way, the tray <NUM> cannot be removed so that medical products <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> can be removed and returned without detection. The tray <NUM> is configured to withstand a load substantially larger than the load required to break the frangible region <NUM> of the latch <NUM>. This provides a de facto method of determining if a storage location has been tampered with by force.

In some embodiments, the drawer <NUM> may be modified like the drawer <NUM> shown in <FIG> to include the slide stops <NUM>. Additional modifications may include the compartment walls <NUM>, <NUM> of drawer <NUM> which limit the movement of a particular tray <NUM> in a compartment so that the tray <NUM> cannot be moved side to side to dislodge it from the latch <NUM>, or the latch <NUM>. The drawer <NUM> also includes a set of flanges <NUM>, <NUM> positioned on the back side of the drawer <NUM> between solenoids <NUM> so that a user cannot tamper with the solenoids <NUM> to move the plungers <NUM> to release a particular tray <NUM>. Flanges <NUM> and <NUM> also serve as blockers preventing cross-illumination between compartments <NUM> when illuminated by control board <NUM> of <FIG>.

In another potential modification, a reinforced grate structure <NUM> shown in <FIG> may be used to form the back wall <NUM> of the storage space <NUM> of the storage device <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the grate structure <NUM> includes multiple panels <NUM>, <NUM> of a reduced size so that they are less pliable. A lower panel <NUM> is positioned onto a pair of rails <NUM>, <NUM> mounted to the enclosure <NUM>. A pair of tabs <NUM>, <NUM> are received in respective slots <NUM>, <NUM> in the rails <NUM>, <NUM>. The lower panel <NUM> is relatively rigid. An upper panel <NUM> engages the lower panel <NUM> and has tabs <NUM>, <NUM> that are received in slots <NUM>, <NUM> of the rails <NUM>, <NUM>. Specifically, a lower edge <NUM> of the upper panel <NUM> overlies a lip <NUM> of the lower panel <NUM> so that pushing on location <NUM> does not open a gap between <NUM> and <NUM> such that hands or a wire cannot be slipped between the panels <NUM>, <NUM>. In addition, the structure of the rails <NUM>, <NUM> and the panels <NUM>, <NUM> have sufficient rigidity to prevent displacement to make gaps that could be exploited to surreptitiously used to provide path for a wire or other device to release a respective latch <NUM> or <NUM>. The upper panel <NUM> is further secured to the rails <NUM>, <NUM> by set of fasteners <NUM>. A middle filler panel (not shown) can be located between <NUM> and <NUM> that is used for each drawer <NUM> or <NUM> that is omitted from the maximum number of drawers <NUM> or <NUM> that can be included within a storage device <NUM>.

The drawers <NUM> are secured in the storage space <NUM> in a manner different from that shown relative to the embodiment of drawers <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, two drawers <NUM> are shown to be coupled security and override system <NUM>. The system <NUM> includes a cover <NUM> that is removably coupleable to a frame <NUM>. The cover <NUM> supports two locks <NUM>, <NUM> that each have a respective security interface <NUM>, <NUM> that requires a special tool/key (not shown) to engage the respective security interface <NUM>, <NUM> to move the locks <NUM>, <NUM> between released and secured positions. Referring now to <FIG>, the frame <NUM> includes two catches <NUM>, <NUM> which are positioned to be engaged by the respective locks <NUM>, <NUM> to secure the cover <NUM> to the frame <NUM> and thereby cover the various fasteners and override handles <NUM> discussed below.

Referring to <FIG>, the locks <NUM>, <NUM> each include respective actuators <NUM>, <NUM> which extend when the security interfaces <NUM>, <NUM> are moved to a locked position. As shown in <FIG>, the actuators <NUM>, <NUM> engage the respective catches <NUM>, <NUM> to secure the cover <NUM> to the frame <NUM>.

The drawers <NUM> are secured to the frame <NUM> by fasteners <NUM> that secure a flange <NUM> of each drawer <NUM> to the frame <NUM>. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, each drawer <NUM> also includes an override mechanism <NUM> that is similar to the override mechanism <NUM> discussed above, but the override mechanism <NUM> is manually actuable after the cover <NUM> is removed. The override mechanism <NUM> includes the handle <NUM> which is accessible by a user as shown in <FIG>. A user pulls the handle <NUM> in the direction of an arrow <NUM>, a link <NUM> is moved. The motion of the link <NUM> is transferred through a link <NUM> to a shaft <NUM>. The shaft <NUM> is similar to the shaft <NUM> shown in <FIG> in that the shaft <NUM> moves the links <NUM> to cause the latches <NUM> of drawer <NUM> to be moved to the released position. The link <NUM> is engaged with a spring <NUM> which biases the link <NUM> to the position shown in <FIG>. The link <NUM> is guided by a slot <NUM> and includes a catch <NUM> which is engageable with a lower edge of the slot <NUM> to secure the override mechanism <NUM> in a released position as shown in <FIG>. This allows a user to override the security of the entire drawer <NUM> so that the trays <NUM> can be moved into and out of the compartment <NUM> without having the latches <NUM> engaged. This may be suitable, for example, when the materials stored in the tray <NUM> do not have to be controlled. In addition, this is useful in an emergency, such as a loss of power, to allow the trays <NUM> to be removed without having to actuate the override mechanism <NUM> for each tray <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A storage device (<NUM>) for medical products comprises
a control system,
a cabinet (<NUM>),
a drawer positioned in the cabinet, the drawer including a plurality of compartments (<NUM>), wherein the drawer is removable from the cabinet (<NUM>) and wherein the drawer is secured to the cabinet by an electrically actuatable actuator (<NUM>, <NUM>)
a plurality of storage trays (<NUM>, <NUM>), each storage tray positioned in a respective compartment of the plurality of compartments (<NUM>),
an electrically operated actuation assembly (<NUM>) including an array of actuators, each of the actuators of the array being associated with a respective storage tray, each of the actuators being independently actuatable to secure or release the respective storage tray (<NUM>) with which the respective actuator is associated relative to the compartment (<NUM>),
wherein each storage tray is configured to be retained within its respective compartment within the drawer and inaccessible to a user under normal operating conditions,
wherein access to a specific storage tray of the plurality of storage trays is controlled by the control system through the actuation system such that when the specific storage tray is released by the actuation system, the specific storage tray is permitted to be slid out of the secured drawer for accessing the specific storage tray or for removing the specific storage tray from the drawer, and
a manual release mechanism actuatable by a user to over-ride the actuation system and independently release all the respective storage trays positioned in the respective compartments,
wherein the manual release mechanism is secured to the drawer.