Patent ID: 12208039

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough description of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention.

One embodiment of the invention is a device for delivering or transporting and IV container or product from a first location to a second location. Additional aspects of the invention comprise a system for providing an IV container at a first location, transporting the IV container from the first to a second location and then transferring the IV container for use.

FIG.2illustrates one embodiment of an IV container delivery or transport device20. In a preferred embodiment, the delivery device20is self-propelled and configured to transfer an IV container from itself to another device.

In one embodiment, as illustrated, the transport device20comprises a housing or chassis22. Preferably, the chassis22comprises a supporting structure or framework. In general, the chassis22may have a variety of configurations, including various shapes and having various constructions. The chassis22may be open or closed, such as comprising an open frame or a frame supporting one or more panels or the like, thus generally enclosing the device20.

In one embodiment, the transport device20is movably supported. As illustrated, the chassis22may be supported by a pair of front wheels24and a pair of rear wheels26. These wheels may be mounted on axles or other supporting structures connected to or forming a part of the chassis22. Of course, the transport device20may be supported in other fashions, such as with a greater or lesser numbers of wheels (such as only one front wheel and two rear wheels, one rear wheel and two front wheels, more than four wheels) and/or with other types of supports, such as tracks, skids, balls, or the like.

In a preferred embodiment, as detailed above, the transport device20is self-propelled, meaning that at least one mechanism is provided with the transport device20for moving the device. Such a mechanism may comprise a drive or propulsion device or system. In other embodiments, the transport device20could be configured to be externally propelled, such as by connecting the transport device20to another propelled device, by mounting the transport device20on a track including a connection to a moving element or the like.

In one embodiment, the transport device20is configured to support one or more IV containers. The IV containers may be housed in an interior portion of the transport device20or externally thereto. In one embodiment, the transport device20defines one or more ports26for housing IV containers. In one embodiment, the ports26are defined by the chassis or components thereof. In other embodiments, the ports26might comprise devices (such as small housings) which are associated with the chassis. These ports26may be configured to at least partially enclose an IV container. In one embodiment, the ports26may be configured to entirely enclose an IV container, so as to protect the IV container from tampering or the like. For example, the ports26may define an internal or interior area in which an IV container may be located. In one embodiment, each port26may include a door which may be opened and closed and through which the IV container(s) may be loaded. The door(s) may lock when an IV container is loaded (such as controlled by a controller of the transport device (20), as detailed below).

The transport device20may be configured to deliver one or more IV or fluid containers or products from the device20to another device or location. In one embodiment, the transport device20thus includes one or more delivery mechanisms for moving the IV containers from the ports26. One example of such a mechanism is illustrated inFIGS.12A and12Band will be described in greater detail below.

The transport device20may be configured to receive information from or provide information to another device. In this regard, the transport device20may include one or more information readers, such as barcode canners28, and/or one or more data or communication ports or interfaces.

FIG.3schematically illustrates one configuration of a transport device20. As illustrated, the transport device20may have one or more controllers120. While the transport device120might have a single master controller, it might instead have main controller and a plurality of sub-controllers. The controller120might be, for example, a computing-type device having a micro-processor with associated memory and configured to execute machine readable instructions or software. The controller120might, however, comprise a range of hardware and/or software.

In one embodiment, the controller120is configured to transmit control instructions or signals to effect movement of the transport device20. For example, the controller120may be configured to transmit signals to a steering motor122to effect turning of the front wheels24. The controller120may also be configured to transmit signals to a drive motor129(or other propulsion device) to effect rotation of the rear wheels26in a forward or reverse direction.

In one embodiment, the controller120may transmit signals to one or more load controllers126. The load controllers126may be configured to effect delivery of one or more of IV containers from the transport device20. The load controllers126may comprise, for example, motors driving screws that cause a stop to press an IV container from its port, as further detailed below.

As indicated, the controller120may be configured to interface with one or more information reading devices or data scanners128. Such devices may comprise bar code readers, smart card readers, magnetic stripe readers, comprise an RF detector or be other types of devices now known or later developed. The controller120may also include or be connected to one or more communication interfaces or ports130for receiving and/or transmitting information. For example, control instructions may be provided to the controller120via the communication interface130, such as from a remote computer. In one embodiment, the communication interface130may be configured to transmit or receive information over a wired or wireless communication link.

Of course, the transport device20may include a plurality of other features. For example, though not illustrated, the transport device20preferably includes a power source. The power source might comprise one or more rechargeable batteries. The various components of the transport device20may be powered via one or more connections to the power source. The transport device20might also include various user inputs, such as a touch-screen, buttons or the like. Such inputs may be utilized by a user to obtain information from the transport device20(such as current battery status, current load or delivery instructions) or be used to program or provide instructions to the transport device. The displays may be utilized to display information, such as the current status of the transport device.

In one embodiment, the transport device20is configured to support, transport and deliver one or more fluid containers, and preferably one or more IV containers. The configurations of such containers may vary. For example, the IV product might comprise a flexible bag or a rigid container or bottle. In a preferred embodiment, however, the IV container comprises an IV product comprising a housing and an associated IV bag or container. This container housing is preferably configured as a rigid support and protection structure for a flexible fluid bag. In one embodiment, the container housing includes a mechanism for expelling fluid from the bag contained therein.

As illustrated inFIG.4, in one embodiment an IV product210comprises a container housing220and a fluid bag or container222. The container housing220may have a variety of shapes, sizes and configurations. In general, the container housing220is configured to support the fluid or IV bag222. In one embodiment, as illustrated, the container housing220may generally house the fluid bag222. As detailed below, the container housing220may be a relatively rigid structure which not only supports but also protects the fluid bag222.

The fluid bag222preferably comprises a relatively flexible container for fluid, such as medication or the like. The fluid bag222may thus have a relatively thin wall construction.

In one embodiment, as illustrated inFIGS.4and5, the container housing220is configured as a body224defining an interior area for accepting, housing or containing the IV bag222therein. The body224may be constructed from a variety of materials and have a variety of shapes. In one embodiment, the body224has a top portion226and a bottom portion228. The top and bottom portions226,228each have an exterior surface and an interior surface. The interior surfaces may define concavities such that when the top and bottom portions226,228are connected, the body224defines an interior area230.

In one embodiment, as illustrated, the container housing220is generally rectangular in shape for accepting a correspondingly shaped fluid bag222. It will be appreciated, however, that the container housing220(and fluid bag222) might have a variety of other shapes (such as square, round, etc.).

The top and bottom portions226,228may be movable relative to one another to provide access to the interior area230. For example, as illustrated inFIG.2, the top and bottom portions226,228may be hingedly connected, thus permitting the top portion226to rotate from an open position to a closed position relative to the bottom portion228. Of course, the top and bottom portions226,228might be moved between “open” and “closed” positions in other fashions, such as by having the top and bottom portions connectable in other fashions. In other embodiments, a portion of either the top and/or bottom may be openable or closeable. For example, the top portion226might have a door therein which can be opened to provide access to the interior area230of the container housing220.

The container housing220might have other configurations. For example, the container housing220might be a relatively open structure, such as a webbed structure, or have a solid bottom portion but relatively open top portion.

The container housing220may be constructed of a variety of materials. For example, the container housing220might be molded from plastic or resin materials. The container housing220might be configured so that all or part thereof is transparent or opaque. The container housing220might be configured to be transparent, for example, to permit the fluid bag222therein to be easily viewed.

In one embodiment, the container housing220and fluid bag222are configured to provide a fluid connection. As illustrated inFIGS.4and5, the fluid bag222is provided with at least one fluid connector232. In one embodiment, this connector232comprises an extension of the body of the fluid bag222or a conduit or fluid path in communication therewith. The connector232may include a sealable fluid access, such as a no-drip needle-less connector. Such elements are well know in the art and may comprise a pierceable septum234.

In one embodiment, the connector232may comprise a generally tubular member extending from the body of the fluid bag222. The connector232, or at least a portion thereof, may be relatively rigid. For example, a distal or end portion thereof may be relatively rigid while the proximal portion of the connector232at its connection to the fluid bag222, may be flexible.

Preferably, the container housing220includes a fluid connector support. In one embodiment, the support234comprises a portion of the top and bottom portions226,228of the container housing220. In one embodiment, the support234may be configured as an aperture236for accepting therein a portion of the fluid connector232of the fluid bag222.

Preferably, the support236is configured to selectively capture and maintain the fluid connector232in a fixed position, such as for mating of the fluid bag222with a mating fluid connector or fluid delivery line, as detailed below. In one embodiment, to capture the fluid connector232and to prevent the fluid connector from sliding back into the interior230of the container housing220, a flange238or other outwardly extending element may be provided on the fluid connector232. The flange238is preferably sized to prevent the fluid connector232from moving backwardly through the support236, as best illustrated inFIG.5.

The support236may thus have a variety of configurations and features. For example, the support236might simply be an opening in the top or bottom portion226,228of the container housing220through which the fluid connector232may extend. In other embodiments, the support236might comprise a clip or other element for selectively engaging the fluid connector232.

In one embodiment, the IV product210may include a means or mechanism configured to expel or deliver the contents of the fluid bag222. In one embodiment, such a mechanism is configured to create a force or positive pressure upon the fluid bag222, thus tending to force fluid from the fluid bag222. As detailed, one embodiment of such a mechanism may be configured to reduce the volume of the interior space230within the container housing220, thus reducing the space which may be occupied by the fluid bag222.

One embodiment of such an expelling mechanism is illustrated inFIGS.6A and6B. In a preferred embodiment, the mechanism comprises a member or members having a changeable size or volume. For example, as detailed below, in one embodiment, the mechanism may comprise a bellows240comprising a bag or body having a changeable volume. In one embodiment, the volume may be changed by changing a volume of fluid (such as air or liquid) within the bellows240. In another embodiment, the mechanism may comprise one or more mechanical devices, such as a spring-driven body.

Referring toFIGS.6A and6B, the bellows240may comprise a bag which is located in the container housing220. The bellows240preferably has an inlet242through which fluid may pass into and out of the bellows240. In one embodiment, the container housing220may thus include an opening from the interior to the exterior thereof to provide access to the inlet242of the bellows240.

In one embodiment, the bellows240may comprise a flexible bag, such as a rubber or plastic bag. A fluid delivery device, such as an air pump or the like, may be connected to the inlet242of the bellows240, such as via an air line244, thus providing fluid thereto. As will be appreciated, when fluid is delivered to the bellows240, the fluid causes the bellows240to expand, as best illustrated inFIG.6B. The bellows40, in turn, compresses the fluid bag222in the container housing220, tending to force fluid from the fluid bag222(when an appropriate fluid connection is provided to the fluid connector232of the fluid bag222).

Of course, the expelling mechanism may have a variety of other configurations. For example, the bellows might be configured to be filled with liquid or air and liquid. In other embodiments, more than one bellows might be provided. In the embodiment illustrated, the bellows240is located below the fluid bag222. However, the bellows240might be located above and/or below the fluid bag222, or might be located at one or both ends of the fluid bag222. Also, more than one bellows240might be provided.

As indicated, other types of mechanisms might be provided for expelling fluid from the fluid bag222. For example, the mechanism might comprise a movable platform located in the interior230of the container housing220. The mechanism might include a biasing member, such as one or more springs, for moving the platform inwardly to compress the fluid bag222.

In order to maintain the container housing220in a closed position, such as when the expelling mechanism is activated and a force is being generated in the interior230thereof, the top and bottom portions226,228may be secured to one another. As illustrated inFIGS.4and5, the top and bottom portions226,228may be connected by one or more elements246, such as hinges, at one portion or side thereof. In one embodiment, the hinges246may comprise flexible portions of material which are connected to both the top and bottom portions226,228of the container housing220. In other embodiments, the hinges246might comprise two or more members which are configured to move relative to one another, one of which is connected to the top portion226and the other of which is connected to the bottom portion228of the container housing220.

One or more latches248may be provided for connecting opposing or other portions of the container housing220. In one embodiment, each latch248be associated with the top portion226of the container housing220and be configured to selectively engage the bottom portion28of the container housing220.

In the illustrated embodiment, each latch248is movably or hingedly connected to the top portion226of the container housing220. The latch248has a tab (not visible) for selective engagement with the bottom portion228of the container housing220, such as a slot or notch250therein. When engaged, each latch248pulls the top portion226and bottom portion228towards one another.

In one embodiment, there may be more than one latch248, such as two or more. Also, the latch248or other securing mechanism may have other configurations. For example, the latch might comprise a rotating catch, might include one or more threaded members or the like.

In one embodiment, the top and bottom portions226,228of the container housing220may be sealable so as to provide a sealed interior space230. In such a configuration, air or other fluid might be input directly into the interior of the container housing220. As the pressure of this fluid increases, the fluid bag222is compressed, expelling the contents of the bag222. In other embodiments, it is possible to inject air directly into the fluid bag222in order to force the fluid therefrom, or force air or other fluid into a chamber or bellows formed with or in the fluid bag222.

In one embodiment of the invention, as illustrated inFIG.7, the IV product of the invention may be configured to engage a docking station or receptacle260or otherwise be connected to one or more other devices or elements. For example, in one embodiment, a docking station260may comprise or define one or more ports262for one or more corresponding IV products. The ports262might comprise recessed areas in a body or structure, into which a container housing may be located. In other embodiments, the ports may simply comprise fluid connectors or connections for mating connection to the fluid connector232of the fluid bag222. There may be as few as one, or two or more ports262associated with the docking station260.

In one embodiment, one or more connectors or other members may be provided for mating the container housing220to a port262of the docking station260or another element. For example, referring toFIG.8, the container housing220may include at least one element for mating engagement with the docking station260or an element thereof.

As illustrated, one or more pins266may extend outwardly from the container housing220. In one embodiment, a pair of pins266may extend outwardly from an end of the container housing220. These pins266may be configured to engage mating apertures268of the docking station260.

In one embodiment, when the container housing220and associated fluid bag222are connected to the docking station260, a fluid connection is preferably provided to the fluid bag22. As illustrated, a mating fluid connector270is preferably provided at each port262for mating with the fluid connector232of the fluid bag222.

In an embodiment where the fluid connector232of the fluid bag222comprises a pierceable septum, the port fluid connector270may comprise a needle272or similar piercing member. The needle272may be inset into the docking station260or a shroud or the like so as to prevent accidental needle-sticks.

Preferably, the container housing220is moved into engagement with the docking station260at a port262thereof. The container housing220is aligned with the docking station260, such as by extending the pins266into the mating apertures268in the docking station260. As this occurs, a fluid connection is preferably established between the docking station260and the fluid bag222, such as by the needle272piercing the septum234of the fluid bag22.

Of course, a wide variety of other elements may be utilized to accomplish the purpose of aligning and/or connecting the connector housing220/fluid bag222with the other member. For example, IV product might be aligned with a mating fluid connector as a result of the shape of the inset or port of the docking station, whereby the container housing220fits tightly within the inset or port. Other types of locking or connecting elements might be used in addition to or separately from such an alignment mechanism, such as the disclosed pin(s). Preferably, these elements include at least one member or element of the container housing220or associated with the container housing220for selectively engagement with an external component, such as a port, dock, pump or the like. In this regard, it will be appreciated that the container housing220and associated fluid bag222may be configured to engage other than a docking station260. For example, the IV product of the invention could be configured to directly engage a fluid pump or the like.

As indicated above, in one embodiment, an expelling mechanism is provided to aid in expelling fluid from a fluid bag222associated with the container housing220. In one embodiment, that mechanism may be associated with another device, such as the docking station260or port to which the IV product may be coupled. In one embodiment, when the container housing220is mated to a docking port, a fluid connection may be established with the fluid bag222and a fluid connection may be established with the interior230of the container housing220or with the bellows, thus allowing fluid to be introduced therein. In another embodiment, the external device may include means for compressing the fluid bag222, such as a movable plate or the like.

As illustrated inFIG.9, the IV product210may be provided with information, such as an information element280. In a preferred embodiment, the information element280is associated with the container housing220. The information element280may, however, be associated with the fluid bag222. In such instance, the container housing220may be configured to allow the information element280to be visible, such as by having a port or window aligned therewith or having portion thereof be transparent so that the information element may be read through the container housing220. The information element280may comprise printing, such as a 2 or 3-D bar code, text or symbols or combinations thereof. For example, in the embodiment illustrated inFIG.9, the information element280comprises a printed bar code. The information element might280might also comprise an RFID tag, magnetic stripe, microchip (such as a chip located on the container, the chip having a connector for connection to a reader located at a docking station or other device), memory device or other electronic information storage device or the like.

The information element280may be configured to comprise or identify a variety of information. For example, the information element280may identify a file of information, or itself provide specific information. This information might identify, for example, the fluid which is located in the fluid bag222, the patient for which the fluid is intended, the source of the fluid bag (such as manufacturer), expiration date, product size or volume, doctor, hospital, pharmacy, or a wide range of other information.

As illustrated inFIG.10, a reader282may be provided for reading the information associated with the IV container, such as the information element280. The reader282may comprise one or more of a variety of devices configured to read, capture or otherwise receive information. For example, the reader282might comprise an optical scanner for reading printed text, a bar code or the like. The reader282might comprise a magnetic stripe reader for reading magnetically encoded information.

In one embodiment, as illustrated inFIG.10, the reader282may be associated with the docking station260or other IV product receptacle. Preferably, the reader282is situated or oriented to read the information associated with the IV container when the container220is associated with the docking station260. Thus, in one configuration, a reader282is preferably associated with each of the ports262of the docking station260. For example, a reader282may be provided at an end of each of the ports262for reading the information element280at the end of the container220, as illustrated inFIG.10.

Of course, a reader280may be associated with other elements or devices. For example, if the IV container is to be associated with an infusion pump, the reader could be associated directly with the pump.

As illustrated inFIG.11, a docking station260may be associated with an infusion pump290. As detailed above and illustrated inFIG.7, the docking station260may be configured to receive one or more IV products. Preferably, when an IV product is associated with the docking station260, a fluid connection is established with the IV product.

As illustrated, one or more fluid lines292may be provided between the docking station60or other receptacle and the infusion pump290. The infusion pump290may be configured to deliver fluid to one or more delivery lines294, such as a fluid line leading to a patient.

Additional aspects of the container transport device20will now be described. In one embodiment, as detailed, the transport device20is configured to transport one or more IV containers, such as the IV product just described. In one embodiment, the IV product may first be prepared, such as at a hospital pharmacy. This could comprise filling the fluid bag222with appropriate fluid (such as medication, saline, etc.). In an embodiment in which the fluid bag222and container housing220are separated or separable, the fluid bag222may then be associated with a container housing220. For example, as indicated above, this may comprise opening the container housing220and inserting the fluid bag222therein.

In the embodiment illustrated inFIG.4, the top portion226of the container housing220may be opened relative to the bottom portion28, thereby providing access to the interior area230. After the fluid bag222is inserted, the top portion26may be closed relative to the bottom portion228to trap or contain the fluid bag222. In the embodiment illustrated, the latches248may be latched to secure the fluid bag222in the container housing220. In an embodiment in which the fluid bag222and container housing220are integrated (such as being designed for a single use), the fluid bag222may be filled while associated with the container housing20.

In order to secure the fluid bag222in position, the fluid connector232of the fluid bag222is preferably extended through the support236. The flange238of the fluid connector232is located outside of the container housing220.

Information is preferably associated with the IV product, such as the container housing220. As indicated, the information may vary. For example, if the fluid bag222is prepared with particular medication for a particular patient, the information may include such. In one embodiment, such information may be input into a database and a printer may generate a barcode corresponding to the information. The barcode may, for example, be printed on an adhesive label which is affixed to the container housing220.

The prepared IV product may be loaded to the transport device20. Such may be accomplished manually or automatically. For example, relative to the embodiment inFIG.2, an IV product may be loaded into one of the ports26.

In one embodiment, information or instructions are provided to the transport device20regarding the IV product. This information may comprise information regarding the contents of the IV product, instructions for use of the IV product, patient information and/or information regarding the intended delivery location. This information might be transmitted to the transport device20via a communication link. For example, this information might be associated with a hospital pharmacy computer and be transmitted to the transport device20, such as via the communication interface. In other embodiments, this information may be obtained from the IV product. For example, the information may be associated with the information element280of the IV product210. The information element280might be read or scanned at the transport device20when the IV product210is loaded to the transport device (for example, each port might have a reader therein, the reader configured to read a barcode or other information element associated with the IV container or product). This information may be utilized by the controller of the transport device.

In one embodiment, the transport device20is configured to transport or deliver a fluid container, such as the above-described IV product210, from a first location to at least one second location. For example, the transport device20may be configured to transport a prepared IV product from a hospital pharmacy to a patient's room. The transport device20may utilize delivery instructions in order to affect delivery. In this regard, the controller of the transport device20may cause the transport device20to move (such as by controlling the motors which effect driving and steering of the wheels). As is known in the art of moving vehicle control, the transport device20may be loaded with map information (such as hospital room layout) and/or may include various internal sensors (proximity sensors) or guides (external beacons or the like) to aid in navigation and/or guidance of the transport device20.

Once the transport device20has arrived at a desired destination, the transport device may be configured to deliver the IV product or container to another device. One method of delivery will be described with reference toFIGS.12A and12B.

In one embodiment, as indicated above, the transport device20includes one or more load delivery mechanisms or devices. For example, as illustrated inFIG.12A, each port26may include a load ram30. The load ram30may be a body which is located behind a fluid container and movable from a first position towards a rear of the port26to a second position towards a front of the port26. The load ram30might be, for example, mounted on a screw32which is rotatable by a motor34.

In use, when the motor34is activated, the motor turns the screw32, causing the load ram30to move. As illustrated, the load ram30may be moved forwardly to cause a fluid container210to be pressed outwardly from the port26. Referring toFIG.12B, the fluid container210may be delivered to a docking station260.

Of course, a load delivery device may be associated with each port or only some of the ports. Other types of load delivery mechanisms might also be used. In general, such mechanisms are preferably configures to deliver an IV product from the transport device20another device or object. Other types of mechanism might include robotic arms, ports that tilt or move, among various others. For example, in one embodiment, the device might include an arm or element that is configured to engage the fluid container in a secure manner, thus permitting a fluid container to be “grabbed” for delivery to or from another location/device.

In one embodiment, before the transport device20delivers a fluid container to a secondary or destination device, the transport device20may be configured to confirm delivery. For example, when the transport device approaches a docking station or other destination device (infusion pump or the like), the transport device20may be configured to interrogate the secondary device, by either reading information (such as with the reader28) from the device or by establishing a communication link therewith (wired or wireless) and exchanging information with the device. This may permit the transport device20to ensure that the fluid container is being delivered to the correct location.

The transport device20might also utilize information provided by the destination device for other purposes. For example, the transport device20might be configured to remove used fluid containers from the destination device. The docking station might indicate that a particular fluid container has been determined to be empty. The transport device20might then remove that fluid container from the destination device for disposal or return to another location.

Once delivered, the fluid container, such as the IV product210, is preferably connected to a fluid delivery device. Of course, in one embodiment, the fluid container might simply be delivered and then installed or connected by another device or by a person. As illustrated inFIG.12B, however, when the fluid container is delivered, such a connection may be automatically established. As illustrated, the fluid container my be associated with a receptacle or docking port so that a fluid connection is established with the fluid bag222. For example, an IV product may be inserted so that the pins266fit within the corresponding apertures268of the port266. When fully inserted, the needle272of the fluid connector270of the docking station260preferably penetrates a septum32of the fluid connector232of the fluid bag222.

In one embodiment, the IV product may be located in a position at which gravity, an associated fluid pump or the like is sufficient to cause fluid to be delivered from the IV product. In other situations, such as where the IV product is at a level at which gravity or a fluid pump do not deliver fluid (or deliver it at sufficient rates), the fluid may be expelled from the bag by application of force. With reference to the embodiment illustrated inFIGS.4A and4B, air or other fluid may be delivered to the bellows240, thus causing the bellows to expand, causing fluid to be expelled from the fluid bag222. Of course, the method by which the fluid is expelled may vary depending upon the expelling mechanism, as detailed above.

Preferably, when the IV or other fluid product is utilized, the information associated therewith is read and that information is utilized. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG.10, the information element280is read by the reader282when the container housing20is inserted into the port262of the docking station260. In one embodiment, the reader282(and/or an external computing device) is configured to decode the information (such as the bar code) or to utilize the information to obtain information (for example, the information on the container housing220may identify a file or account containing information, such as located at a remote server).

The information may be utilized in the use of the IV product. For example, the information may be utilized by an infusion pump to control the flow rate of fluid to a patient. Referring toFIG.9, for example, the reader may send control information from the docking station260to the infusion pump290. The information might also be utilized to verify that the correct medication is being provided to a patient, that the fluid is intended for the particular patient, or a wide range of other purposes.

As indicated, the transport device may be configured to transport and/or deliver various types of fluid containers, including those other than the IV product described above. Such containers might contain various fluids, including medications. For example, while in various embodiments, the IV product was described as a container housing and fluid bag which are separable elements, in other embodiments, they may be inseparable. For example, the fluid bag may be formed with or securely connected to the housing. In the case where the container housing and fluid bag are separable, a used fluid bag might be discarded and the container housing re-used with a new fluid bag. In the case where they are inseparable, the entire unit may be discarded upon use.

The container housing may be generally enclosed or event sealed, or it might be an open frame or other support structure. The container housing may include additional features such as mounts or connections, such as to permit the container housing to be stored or picked up, such as with mechanical elements. For example, the container housing might include locating holes, slots, pins or the like for connection to a mounting rack or other structures or devices.

The fluid bag may be a single layer of material or may be multi-layer. The fluid bag may also be opaque, transparent, colored, conductive, non-conductive or have other properties.

As indicated, in one embodiment a mechanism may be provided for expelling fluid from the fluid bag. In one embodiment, the IV product may include a flow sensor and/or a volume sensor. The flow and/or volume sensor may provide feedback, such as to the expelling mechanism so as to provide a controlled fluid flow delivery rate from the fluid bag, and/or provide information regarding the amount of fluid delivered or amount of fluid remaining in the bag. For example, when the bag is nearly empty (as estimated by flow rate determination or directly by the volume sensor) a warning signal may be generated.

In one embodiment, container housings and docking ports or receptacles may have different configurations to permit only certain IV products to be mated with certain ports, receptacles or other devices. For example, the pattern of the pins extending from the container housing may vary, as may the corresponding aperture patterns of the ports. In this manner, for example, certain IV products might be usable only with certain ports, receptacles or other device. Such might be used to reduce the accidental connection of an IV product, and thus undesired delivery of fluid.

In one embodiment, when a fluid container is delivered by the transport device, the delivery information may be stored (such information might include a serial number or other identification of the secondary or destination device, time of delivery, etc.) and/or transmitted back to a remote location or central system.

One aspect of the invention is a system for delivering and using fluid containers. As illustrated inFIG.13, the system may include one or more central computers or servers300. Individual system elements, such as docking stations or receptacles302, user terminals or computers304, transport devices306and other device (infusion pumps, etc.) may communicate with one another and/or the central computer. The central computer300may, for example, store control instructions, data regarding fluid containers and their status (prepared, delivered, empty, etc.). The individual system elements may report to the central computer, thus automating the process of updating information regarding the containers.

As one aspect of the invention, information exchange between the various system elements may be utilized to reduce errors. For example, when a fluid container is prepared, instructions may be provided to the transport device (as indicated, such instructions might be provided directly from a computer or computing system, or be read from an associated IV or fluid product; these instructions may relate to the destination for the IV product(s) such as particular destination medical devices, hospital room, the uses for the products, patient identification, IV product content and use instructions). In addition, instructions may be provided to the destination device. When the transport device reaches the destination device, the transport device may interrogate the destination device (or vice versa) to ensure that the transport device has reached the correct destination device. In addition, when the fluid container is to be delivered, the secondary device may confirm that the correct container has been delivered (such as against information stored at or provided by a central computer, pharmacy computer or the like). This ensures that the correct medication, for example, has reached the correct destination. Further, instructions for use can be verified and those instructions can be used to automate use of the IV product (thus reducing human error associated with setting up the IV product for use).

The present invention has numerous advantages. In accordance with the invention, the delivery of a fluid container, such as an IV product, can be automated. In the medical setting, this can substantially reduce the labor needed to provided medications and the like to patients, lowering the cost of medical services. In addition, the automated procedure can be used to reduce the probability of error. In particular, the automated procedure can be used to reduce errors associated with human decision-making. In addition, the verification aspects of the automated procedure additional reduce the probability of error.

It will be understood that the above described arrangements of apparatus and the method there from are merely illustrative of applications of the principles of this invention and many other embodiments and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.