Patent ID: 12251342

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A climate-controlled medical products storage device10, illustratively embodied as a refrigerator is shown inFIG.1. The refrigerator10includes a cabinet12having a cabinet body14forming an enclosure16(seen inFIG.2) and a door18which is movable between an open position (not shown) and a closed position as shown inFIG.1in which the door18encloses the enclosure16. Referring now toFIG.2, the refrigerator10includes a rack20which forms a number of compartments22, each compartment22being a storage space configured to receive and support a storage container embodied as a storage tray24. As will be described in further detail below, the storage trays24are configured to be retained within the storage spaces22and inaccessible to a user under normal operating conditions.

Referring now toFIG.6, control of access to the contents of the storage trays24is facilitated by an actuation system26which is supported for vertical movement on a gantry28such that the actuation system26may be moved vertically along a rail30of the gantry28to a number of vertical positions wherein the actuation system26is positioned to control access to different storage trays24positioned in the storage spaces22.

Referring again to now toFIG.1, the cabinet12further includes a controller box70supported on the cabinet body14. The controller box70encloses a portion of a control system72in an ambient or non-refrigerated environment. Additional components of the control system72are enclosed in the cabinet body14and are subject to the environment of the enclosure16as illustrated diagrammatically inFIG.3.

Referring now toFIG.3, the enclosure16is shown in phantom and includes a climate control device illustratively embodied as a refrigeration system74that is operable to control the environment within the enclosure16. In the illustrative embodiment, the refrigeration system74is under the control of a climate controller which is illustratively embodied as a master controller76which is positioned in the controller box70. The operation of the master controller76and refrigeration system74are similar to that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,617,690, titled “BLOOD PRODUCTS FREEZER WITH EVENT LOG,” issued Nov. 17, 2009, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for its disclosure relative to the control of environmental conditions in a medical products storage device. The refrigeration system74includes for example temperature sensors, heating elements for defrosting portions of the system, and evaporator along with circulating fans for controlling the environment within the enclosure16. In some embodiments, the climate control device74may be omitted. In other embodiments, the climate control device74may heat the enclosure16.

The master controller76is electrically connected to the refrigeration system74and is operable to receive temperature signals from the sensors and utilizes a fully functional processor based control scheme to control climate parameters in the enclosure16to maintain the enclosure16climate within acceptable parameters. In the illustrative embodiment, the refrigerator10is used to store pharmaceuticals, blood products, tissue components or the like. Operation of the refrigerator10permits the storage climate to be maintained appropriately for the storage of pharmaceuticals, blood products, tissue components and other perishable medical supplies. In some embodiments, the storage device may heat the storage space. In other embodiments, the storage device may be a freezer, for example an ultralow temperature freezer for storing certain biological materials. In some embodiments, the refrigeration system74may also control humidity levels within the enclosure16. In some embodiments, the refrigeration system may do precise temperature profiling or cycling. In still other embodiments, the refrigeration system74may be omitted such that enclosure16is not be climate controlled and the conditions within the enclosure may be permitted to fluctuate with changes in the ambient climate surrounding the cabinet body14.

In another embodiment of medical products storage device510′ shown inFIG.27, the rack20and the actuation system26are supported on an oscillating platform32, shown in phantom inFIG.27. The oscillating platform32oscillates, under the control of the master controller76relative to the cabinet body14to impart motion to products stored in the storage spaces22. This approach may be used, for example, as an incubator for blood platelets or for any other product which must be oscillated to maintain quality. A complete disclosure of a suitable and control scheme for controlling the oscillation is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,638,100 titled “PLATELET INCUBATOR,” issued Dec. 29, 2009, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for its disclosure relative to oscillation of medical products.

Referring again toFIG.3, the master controller76is the master for the entire refrigerator10, and functionally controls the refrigeration system74and bidirectinally communicates with a positioning controller78. In the illustrative embodiment, the structure that supports the positioning controller78also supports communications between various components of the control system72. The master controller76is operable to control various aspects of the refrigerator10to interact with the user and control access to the storage trays24in the various storage spaces22. The positioning controller78operates a door lock80that is operable to electrically lock the door18in the closed position until access to the enclosure16is authorized by the master controller76in some embodiments or an external product management kiosk100in other embodiments. In some embodiments, the refrigerator10includes a separate door lock controller81that controls the locking of the door18under the control of the positioning controller78.

The positioning controller78is also electrically connected to and in communication with various components of the gantry28to operate the gantry28and control access to the storage trays24through the actuation system26and arm54. The gantry28includes a positioning motor82that is operable to move the actuation system26along the rail30(seeFIG.6) of the gantry28to various positions. The positioning motor82in the illustrative embodiment includes an optional encoder85to identify the location of the actuation system26. The gantry28also includes a brake84which is used by the positioning controller78in conjunction with the positioning motor82to hold the position of the actuation system26. The gantry28also includes end of travel limit sensors86positioned at the top and bottom of the rail30to indicate that the actuation system26has reached its respective end of travel limits. In some embodiments, the encoder is omitted from the positioning motor82and the position of the actuation system26is determined by sensing other components. For example, the actuation system26includes a circuit assembly88which is in communication with the positioning controller78and under the control of the positioning controller78is operable to permit access to selected storage trays24and to confirm the position of the actuation system26using optical sensors as will be described in further detail below. The positioning controller78is also in communication with an indication system90of the circuit assembly88that is operable to provide an illuminated indication of the location of a specific inventory item positioned in one of the storage trays24as will be described in further detail below. In some embodiments, the indication system90and the operation thereof may be omitted.

A separate lockable and manually operable, bypass system92is operable to release all of the storage trays24simultaneously in the event of an emergency or an electrical failure. The positioning controller78is in communication with a bypass event indicator94that communicates that a bypass event has been initiated to the positioning controller78. The bypass event indicator94is configured such that the bypass event triggers an indicator. When the bypass system92is returned to a normal position, the indicator is not mechanically reset, but is maintained in the by-pass indication state. Thus, when power is restored, the bypass event indicator94communicates the bypass event and is maintained in the bypass event indication state until reset by the positioning controller78. The positioning controller78is operable to reset the bypass event by actuating a bypass reset solenoid96as will be described in further detail below.

In general, power for the control system72is provided by a power supply98which receives mains power and provides a 24 V DC power supply to the control system72components. Some portions of the refrigeration system74are powered directly by mains power with other components receiving power from power supply98or another DC power supply within the refrigeration system74.

The master controller76controls access to the enclosure16and storage trays24after determining that a particular storage location is accessible by a user. Various schemes for allowing access to the storage trays24or the enclosure16are described in detail in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20110202170, titled “ACCESS AND INVENTORY CONTROL FOR CLIMATE CONTROLLED STORAGE,” published Aug. 18, 2011 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20130086933, titled “CONTROLLER FOR A MEDICAL PRODUCTS STORAGE SYSTEM,” published Apr. 11, 2013, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for the aspects of access control disclosed therein which may be applied to the illustrative medical products storage device10.

While the master controller76may operate autonomously as an interface for access control, in one embodiment the external product management kiosk100independently provides signals to positioning controller78indicating which storage trays24are to be accessed. Thus, in the illustrative embodiment, the kiosk100interfaces with the master controller76which then interfaces with the circuit assembly88and indication system90. In other embodiments, the kiosk100interfaces directly with the circuit assembly88and indication system90and the master controller76independently operates the refrigeration system. In still other embodiments, the kiosk100is omitted and the master controller76includes all of the system control and access control functionality of the kiosk100. It should be understood that the external product management kiosk100may be linked to the master controller76through a wired link77utilizing a known communications interface such as Ethernet, USB, RS-232, as examples. The external product management kiosk100may also communicate to the master controller76through a wireless link wherein a wireless module79provides the wireless communications interface with either the master controller76, or, if the master controller76is omitted, the positioning controller78.

A control algorithm200for operating the access control aspects of the medical products storage device10is shown inFIG.4. The control algorithm200initiates a step202where the master controller76either independently or based on a signal from the external product management kiosk100determines that an authorized user has requested that a particular storage tray24be accessed. The algorithm200proceeds to process step204where a command is sent to the positioning controller78to allow access to a specific tray location. The algorithm200then proceeds to decision step206where the positioning controller78monitors for an open command from the master controller76(or kiosk100, in some embodiments). If no open command has been received, the positioning controller78continues to loop waiting for an open command as indicated by arrow208. If however, an open command has been received, the algorithm200proceeds to decision step210wherein the positioning controller78evaluates whether the specific location of the actuation system26is known.

Referring toFIG.9, the actuation system26includes optical sensors102that are part of the circuit assembly88. Referring now toFIG.8, the optical sensors102are positioned to engage one of four position rails104which are formed to include a number of evenly spaced notches106. When the optical sensors102are aligned with the notches106, the optical switches provide a null signal to the positioning controller78. When the positioning controller78has identified with certainty the location of the actuation system26, movement of the actuation system26by the gantry28is monitored by the positioning controller78which counts the number of notches106passed by the actuation system26to determine the location of the actuation system26. Multiple optical sensors102are used to confirm that the actuation system26is properly aligned across the width of the refrigerator10and to provide redundancy in the event one or more optical sensors102fail. In other embodiments, the notches106may be intermittently positioned across the four position rails104such that each vertical position of the actuation system26provides a distinct arrangement of signals from the optical sensors102to define the vertical position of the actuation system26.

If it is determined at step210of algorithm200that the positioning controller does not know the specific location of the actuation system26(e.g., after a power outage), the algorithm200proceeds to process step212where the positioning controller78actuates the positioning motor82to lower the actuation system26until the lower linear track limit sensor86is engaged. Once the lower linear track limit sensor is engaged, the positioning controller78knows the position of the actuation system26. If the position of the actuation system26is known in step210or confirmed during step212, the algorithm200proceeds to process step214where the positioning controller78actuates positioning motor82while the optical sensors102count the notches106to properly position the actuation system26. It should be understood that process step212is unnecessary in embodiments where the positioning motor82includes an encoder.

Once the proper position is achieved, the algorithm200advances to process step216where one or more indicators91(shown inFIG.9) are illuminated to provide a visual indication to a user of the tray(s)24which are to be accessed by the user.

Once the tray(s)24is/are illuminated, the algorithm200proceeds to step218wherein the positioning controller78drives the door lock80unlocking the door and initiates a timer to countdown a preset time while monitoring a door sensor83that provides a signal that the door18has been opened. While the timer counts down the preset time the door status is monitored at decision step220. A decision loop is maintained at decision step220and decision step222such that if the door has not been opened at step220the algorithm proceeds to step222to determine if the timer has timed out. If the timer has not timed out, the algorithm loops back to the decision step220as indicated by arrow224. If the door is opened before the timeout period, the algorithm200proceeds to process step226which will be discussed in further detail below. If the timer does timeout as determined that decision step222, the algorithm200proceeds to process step228and the positioning controller78locks the door18, turns off the indicators91, and returns the actuation system26to a default waiting position. The algorithm200then proceeds to process step230where the positioning controller78communicates with the master controller76(or kiosk100) to inform the master controller76(or kiosk100) that the open command was not acted upon by a user. The algorithm200then returns to process step202and monitors for a new open command from the external product management kiosk100or the master controller76.

In some embodiments, all of the indicators91are initially illuminated and select indicators91are turned off sequentially until only the indicators91that are directly associated with the particular location are illuminated. In this way, the user's attention can be drawn to the particular location. In the illustrative embodiment, the indicators91are turned off after a user closes the door18as detected by the door sensor83. This is indicative that the user has removed the particular storage tray24. As will be discussed below with regard to another embodiment of refrigerator510and storage tray524, a storage tray, such as storage tray24or storage tray524may be independently monitored such that removal of the storage trays24or524is detected by the master controller76.

If the algorithm200proceeds from decision step220to process step226, the positioning controller78instructs the actuation system to actuate a solenoid50a-50hassociated with the specific position of the storage tray24to be accessed and the specific optical indicator91associated with that position is illuminated with all other indicators being turned off. A countdown timer is also initiated at process step226, the countdown timer waiting to determine if the door18has been closed as detected by the door sensor83.

Referring now toFIGS.6-9, the actuation system26includes the solenoids50a-hthat include a plunger52operable to extend to cause an arm54to be pivoted about an axis56to cause the arm54to release or disengage from a storage tray24. It should be understood that there is a separate arm54associated with each storage space22such that when storage trays24are positioned in respective storage spaces22, a hook34of the respective arm54engages the storage tray24to retain the storage tray24in the storage space22.

The algorithm200receives to a decision step232where the timer is monitored. If the timer is determined not to have timed out at decision step232, the algorithm200proceeds to decision step234and checks to see if the door18has been closed. If the door18has not been closed, the algorithm200loops back to decision step232as indicated by arrow236. If it is determined at decision step234that the door has been closed, the algorithm200proceeds to process step238where the positioning controller78signals the circuit assembly88that the sequence is complete. If it is determined that the timer timed out at decision step232or process step238is complete, the algorithm200proceeds to process step240where the circuit assembly88actuates the solenoid50and any optical indicators91.

The position of any given arm54is determined by an array60of optical sensors62,64, shown inFIG.9. Evaluation of the signals of the optical sensors62,64in a particular array60provides an indication of the position of the arm54by sensing a flange66of the arm54. For example, in the arrangement shown inFIG.6, an upper arm54is being acted upon by the plunger52of the solenoid50such that the arm54is disengaged from the back wall58(seen inFIG.17) of the storage tray24. The flange66of the arm54breaks the light beam of the optical sensor62, but does not affect the optical sensor64. The optical sensor62thereby provides a negative or null signal to the positioning controller78indicating that the light beam is broken while the optical sensor64provides a positive signal to the positioning controller78. This combination of signals indicates that the arm54is in the released position. In such a case, the indication is that the corresponding storage tray24is either not present or not seated in a position to engage the arm54. In contrast, the lower arm54has not been acted upon by the plunger52of the solenoid50so that the flange66breaks the beam of both optical sensors62and64. Because both sensors62and64will provide a positive signal to the positioning controller78, the positioning controller78will discern that the54is in the lowered, latched position where the storage tray24is secured from removal from the storage space22.

The circuit assembly88is further operable to compare the signal from the optical sensors62,64to the expected condition to determine if an unexpected condition exists. For example, solenoids50are normally in a retracted condition such as that shown associated with the lower arm54inFIG.9B. Once a solenoid is energized such as the solenoid50associated with the upper released arm54inFIG.9B, the condition of the sensors62,64in array60is expected to correspond to a null signal from sensor62and a positive signal from sensor64. As such, by comparing the energization of a solenoid50and the composite signal from a sensor array60associated with the solenoid50, the positioning controller78determines if the arm54is in an unexpected position. If an unexpected position is encountered, the positioning controller78can respond to the unexpected condition in a number of ways as will be discussed in further detail below. The algorithm200then proceeds to process step242. Further, an optical reader (not shown) checks to determine if the medical product in the specific storage tray24that was to be accessed is present or absent as will be described in further detail below. The status of the storage tray24including the presence or absence of a medical product in the storage tray24is communicated from the circuit assembly88to the positioning controller78. The algorithm200then proceeds to process step244and the positioning controller78communicates with the master controller76and/or the external product management kiosk100either directly or through the master controller76to indicate that the sequence has been completed and to provide the status of the storage tray24that was to be accessed indicating whether or not the medical product has been removed or remains. The algorithm200then returns to the initial step202awaiting input to the master controller76or external product management kiosk100.

In some instances a user may desire to know the status of various storage spaces22to confirm whether a storage tray24is located in each of the storage spaces22and whether a medical product is stored in the particular storage tray24. For example, a storage tray24shown inFIG.10is supporting a medical products container108which is retained in the tray24by a lid110. It should be understood that the medical products container108may include tubing or other appendages that are also retained by the lid110. Each storage space22is configured to receive a storage tray24with or without the lid110or medical products container108. In certain instances, the master controller76or the external product management kiosk100may have an established record of which storage spaces22include a storage tray24and in which of the storage trays24are included a previously identified and associated medical products container108.

An algorithm300shown inFIGS.5A-5Boperates to confirm, when requested, the status of one or more storage spaces22by sensing the absence or presence of a storage tray24and a medical products container108. The algorithm300is also operable to respond to a specific request from a user to confirm that a storage tray24is present in a specific storage space22and that the tray24supports a medical products container108. The algorithm300initiates at process step302where either the master controller76or the external product management kiosk100receives an authorized request for the status of a particular storage space22. The process step302is an optional step and the algorithm300proceeds from process step302to process step304where the master controller76or kiosk100commands the positioning controller78to determine the status of a particular storage space22. Process step302is optional in that the master controller76or kiosk100may initiate process step304as a part of a regular routine to confirm the status of various storage spaces22. This may happen, for example, when a bypass event indicator94communicates a bypass event to the master controller76or kiosk100.

From process step304, algorithm300proceeds to decision step306which is conducted by the positioning controller78whereby the positioning controller78waits for a command from the master controller76or kiosk100. If the status command is received at step306by the positioning controller78, the algorithm300proceeds to decision step308. If no status command is received from the master controller76or kiosk100by the positioning controller78at decision step306, the positioning controller78continues to loop waiting for a status command as indicated by arrow310.

At decision step308the positioning controller78determines whether the current position of the actuation system26is known. If the location of the actuation system26is not known, algorithm300proceeds to process step312where the positioning controller78causes the positioning motor82to move the actuation system26until the lower linear track limit sensor86is activated indicating that the position of the actuation system26is known. Once the position is defined at step312or already known at308, the algorithm300proceeds to process step314where the positioning controller78utilizes the optical sensors102to count the notches106as described above until the actuation system26is properly positioned. While the positioning motor82moves the actuation system26the upper linear track limit sensor86is monitored at decision step316to determine if it is activated. Such a situation may occur if the system power gets cycled or if the positioning controller78made an incorrect determination of the position of the circuit assembly88at decision step308. If such a situation arises, the algorithm300proceeds to process step312where the position of the actuation system26is reset.

If the upper position sensor is not triggered at decision step316the algorithm300proceeds to process step318where the positioning controller78request a status for all eight compartments that the actuation system26is aligned with. The algorithm300then proceeds to process step320where the optical sensors62,64for each of the arms54are read to determine the status, i.e., whether or not the arms54are in a secured or released position. In addition, the optical detectors positioned in the storage spaces22read to determine whether a storage tray24is positioned in the storage space22, and whether a medical products container108is positioned in the storage tray24. This information is communicated from the circuit assembly88to the positioning controller78. The algorithm then proceeds to decision step322where the positioning controller78evaluate whether additional storage space22information has been requested. If additional storage space22information has been requested, the algorithm300returns to step314where the actuation system26is moved to a new location and steps314-322are repeated.

In some embodiments, the ability of the system to detect the presence of a storage tray24and/or a medical products container108is used to determine the placement of a particular medical products container108. For example, if a user scans or otherwise identifies a particular medical products container108′ to the master controller76or kiosk100, the user may be prompted to place the medical products container108′ into any empty storage location. Once the medical products container108′ is placed in a storage location and the door18is closed, the system may then scan all of the locations to determine if a storage tray24has been newly placed into one of the locations. The presence of a new storage tray24being detected indicates to the system that the medical products container108′ has been positioned at the corresponding storage location and that information is logged by either the master controller76or the kiosk100.

In other embodiments, the presence of a medical products container108may be determined by a proximity sensor positioned on a circuit assembly88of the actuation system26is operable to detect the presence of the medical products container108. For example, the proximity sensor may be configured to sense properties of the materials stored in the medical products container108. Another embodiment utilizing a similar approach is disclosed and explained below with regard to the embodiment ofFIG.38.

In still other embodiments, an optical emitter38is positioned in the storage space22on the ceiling40as shown inFIG.32. A reflective material42is positioned in the storage tray24as shown inFIG.31. An optical detector44is operable to detect the particular wavelength of light emitted by the emitter38. The detector44is positioned to receive emissions reflected from the reflective material42. When a medical product or a medical products container108is positioned in the tray24, as shown inFIG.33, the emission from the emitter38is not reflected to the detector44. The positioning controller78is operable to cause the optical emitter38to occasionally emit a signal. By monitoring for the reflected emission at the detector44, the positioning controller78can discern whether something is positioned in the tray24. This allows the positioning controller78to confirm the inventory status in each discrete storage space22.

If no additional positions are determined to be needed at step322, the algorithm300proceeds to process step324where the positioning controller78transfers the compartment status to the master controller76with the master controller76sharing that information with the external product management kiosk100, if necessary.

The algorithm300then proceeds to process step326and the positioning controller78moves to a default waiting position. In addition, the algorithm300, at step328, understands if status was requested and performed due to bypass event indicator94. If the status request is due to the bypass event indicator94the algorithm300proceeds to process step330shown inFIG.5A. A bypass event described in detail below occurs when a user initiates a mechanical override of the arms54to allow access to multiple compartments simultaneously without intervention by the positioning controller78. Such an event may occur, for example, if power is lost causing the refrigerator10to be electrically inoperable. Alternatively, a user may wish to override the actuation system26to allow immediate access to all of the storage spaces22in an emergency situation. For example, if the products need to be removed quickly in the event of a fire, or if refrigerator10is used to store medical products that may be required to respond to a disaster situation.

Referring toFIGS.18and19, a mechanical bypass of the actuation system26can be initiated by a user by unlocking a key or tumbler lock116and activating a bypass handle112. The bypass handle112actuates a sliding plate114(best seen inFIG.8) which engages all of the arms54to pivot the arms54about each of the respective axes56to disengage the storage trays24. Because the sliding plate114engages all of the arms54simultaneously, the actuation system26is not needed to unlock all of the arms54. Rotation of bypass handle112in the direction of arrow400causes movement of a cam rod402downwardly, forcing a actuator404to move downwardly, resulting in legs406and408of the actuator to pivot about respective pivots432and434. Pivoting of the legs406and408induces upward forces414and416on the sliding plate114to move the sliding plate114to allow the arms54to disengage the storage trays24.

Movement of the actuator404acts on an arm436that acts on the bypass event indicator94to cause the position of the bypass event indicator94change to bypass event status. Bypass event indicator94is a limit switch that is activated by the arm436. Arm436as a lost motion component that allows the actuator404to return to the normal position without acting on the arm436. The bypass reset solenoid96must be activated to cause the arm436to return to a normal status position engaging the actuator404. This removes the bypass event indication from the indicator94. Thus, even if the bypass handle112and sliding plate114are returned to a normal position, the bypass event indicator94continues to indicate that a bypass event has occurred. In this way, the bypass event can be detected even if the system was unpowered when the event occurred.

At process step330, algorithm300performs a reset of a bypass event by actuating the bypass reset solenoid96which moves the arm436, and if necessary, the bypass handle112and the sliding plate114to a normal, non-bypass, position. The algorithm300then proceeds to process step332where the positioning controller78communicates that the bypass reset has been conducted to the master controller76which then passes the information to the external product management kiosk100, if it is present. When the bypass handle112is returned to the normal position, the lock116re-engages so that a bypass cannot be initiated without unlocking the lock116.

As part of the algorithm300, the positioning controller78continuously monitors the bypass event indicator94to determine if a bypass event has occurred. This analysis is performed by the algorithm300at decision step334. If no bypass event is detected by the positioning controller78, the algorithm300returns to decision step306and monitors for a status command from the master controller76. If a bypass event occurs, the algorithm300proceeds from decision step334to process step336where the positioning controller78communicates that a bypass event has occurred to the master controller76. The master controller76will share the bypass event occurrence with the external product management kiosk100, if it is present.

Turning now again to the structure of the storage tray24and the interaction of the storage tray24with the storage spaces22, various views of the storage tray24shown inFIGS.10-17. The storage tray24includes materials which tend to illuminate, or conduct light, when light is directed to the material. The light is then emitted from the tray24. In the illustrative embodiment, the storage tray24is a monolithic structure comprising polycarbonate which has been found suitable for causing the tray to appear to light up when LEDs in proximity to the storage tray24are illuminated. In this way, the circuit assembly88is operable to illuminate a particular storage tray24when access to the contents of the particular tray is requested by a user. In some embodiments, the tray24may include a textured surface36that tends to provide additional diffusion of the light being applied to the tray24to provide additional indicia to a user of which tray24is to be accessed.

The storage tray24is configured to be optionally used to carry the medical products container108from the refrigerator10to a use location so that a user does not have to handle the medical products container108in transit. The storage tray24is configured to interact with the storage space22such that a storage tray24will not unexpectedly fall out of a storage space22as it is being removed by a user. A front portion120of the storage tray24includes a flange122which has a surface on which a label may be positioned. The front portion120is formed to include a space124in which a user's fingers are positioned to grip the storage tray24so that the front portion120may be used as a handle to slide the storage tray24out of the storage space22. The storage tray24has lateral sides126and128to form walls to contain a medical products container108or other materials or containers. A front wall130engages the front portion120with the front portion120extending therefrom. A back wall132cooperates with the sides126and128as well as the front wall130defines a storage enclosure133. Storage enclosure133is configured to contain product in the storage space in case the medical products container108is damaged, causing product, such as blood, to leak out and into the storage enclosure133. Each side126and128is formed to include a respective upper portion134,136which include inner surfaces138and140, respectively. Each side126,128also include a lower portion142and144respectively. The lower portions142and144each define an outer surface146and148respectively. In use, multiple storage trays24may be stacked upon each other with the outer surfaces146and148of the lower portions142and144engaging with the inner surfaces138and140of the upper portions134and136so that a first storage tray24positioned on top of a second storage tray24is precluded from lateral movement relative to the first storage tray24.

In addition, the right side126is formed to include two protrusions150and152that engage ends156and154, respectively, of lower portion142of the right side126with a first storage tray24stacked upon a second storage tray24. Similarly the left side128includes two protrusions158and160that engage ends164and162, respectively, of lower portion144of right side128of storage tray24went two trays are stacked. Thus, when the storage trays24are not positioned in a compartment, they are configured to stack to interengage so that multiple storage trays24can be stacked upon one another for transport and be restricted from relative movement.

The storage tray24is further configured to include a back portion170adjacent the back wall132. The back portion170is formed to include a flange172that is spaced apart from the back wall132so that to spaces174and176are formed between the back wall132and flange172. A user can insert their hand into either or both of the spaces174and176gripping the flange172while simultaneously gripping the flange122to carry a storage tray24. In addition, back portion170has a retainer178formed therein, the retainer178configured to be secured by an arm54when the storage tray24is engaged by a hook180of the arm54as suggested inFIG.8A. The arm54includes a nose182that includes a cam surface184which engages the retainer178as the storage tray24is inserted into a storage space22. Pressure against the arm54by interaction between the retainer178and a cam surface184induces rotation of the arm54about axis56until the cam surface184is cleared by the retainer178and the hook180engages the wall58of the retainer178. Once the hook180engages the retainer178, the storage tray24is retained in the storage space22until released by either the actuation system26or the bypass handle112.

Referring now toFIGS.16-17, a stop186is positioned on a shelf188in each storage space22. Each stop186is formed to include a catch190positioned to engage a surface192formed on a hook194that extends from the bottom wall196of the storage tray24near the back wall132. As the storage tray24is slid out of the storage space22, the catch190engages the surface192to prevent the tray24from sliding directly out of the storage space22. The lower portions142and144of respective sides126and128are each formed to include an arcuate lower edge260which requires that the front and back of a storage tray24be raised in parallel below the level of the shelf188causing the back of the storage tray24to be raised up so that the hook194clears the stop186to allow the tray to be removed from the storage space22. The spacing between shelves188above and below a particular storage space22is configured to allow the tray to be slipped over the stop186when being removed with a deliberate effort of the user.

While the disclosed system is configured to help reduce errors in storage and allocation of medical products, there is the potential, under certain circumstances, for errors to arise. For example, consider a potential error condition caused as a user is performing a check-in request for a medical product container such as a blood bag, for example. The user, having multiple bags and may choose one to be checked in, and upon performing a check in scan at a kiosk they put the bag down and inadvertently pick up an incorrect bag and put it into the bin location intended for the first bag. If multiple bags are being stored, it may not be until others are loaded that the original bag is picked up for check-in; at that time the system would alert the user the bag had already been checked and the user would have to back-track to determine where the error occurred.

In another example, consider a potential error condition caused during a short power outage and user bypass event. A user having invoked a bypass and in the process of removing bags or trays containing bags may be susceptible to errors when the power is returned quickly. When power is restored and the user puts the bags or trays (with product) back into the unit, there is potential to inadvertently mix some up. It is expected the control system will read an event occurred and request each bin position be verified, but if this is not done then incorrect product release could occur.

In still another example, an error condition may be caused as a user is performing a check-in request for a blood bag. For example, a bin location in which (a) a tray latch has previously been damaged allowing a tray to be opened at any time or (b) the user pulls a ‘locked’ tray with sufficient force to break the latch or tray latch point. Upon performing a check in scan at a kiosk the user inadvertently opens the tray at the damaged location or breaks a locking location and subsequently places the blood bag in a location other than the specified location.

In yet another example, a potential error condition may be caused as a user is performing a check-out request of a previously loaded blood bag. Upon the door being opened and the bin unlocked such that the blood bag can be removed, a user may pull the bag but put another in its place that had not been properly logged. This unit of blood would be ‘lost’ until accidentally found at a later time when the bin is re-opened during a check-in request.

The disclosed medical products storage device10and related system components uses various checks and re-checks during check-in that includes kiosk barcode scanning, controlled unit door access, controlled tray illumination and unlocking to help ensure the blood product is loaded into the correct bin position. Upon check-out when a product request is made through the kiosk, it results in a controlled unit door access; controlled tray illumination and unlocking helping ensure the user pulls open the intended bin position. The removed product is then transported over to the kiosk for follow-up barcode scanning to ensure the correct bag has been removed.

Referring now toFIGS.21-25, another embodiment of medical products storage device410is similar to the medical products storage device10and like components will utilize the same reference numerals. The medical products storage device410includes optical units412which may be a singular or multiple camera/video units within a door418of the device410. The optical units412communicate with the master controller76or kiosk100and are capable of targeting, detecting and reading descriptive text and/or ID or 2D barcodes or other indicia within short time. During a check-in, the system of optical units412capture an image of a product label as the product is placed into a storage tray24and moves through the field of view420of an optical unit412to provide quick verification back to the master controller76or kiosk100that the correct product (or potentially an incorrect product) has been placed into the storage tray24at particular position. Following the same concept, during a checkout the optical units412detect the label as the storage tray24is removed and the product enters the field of view420.

It should be understood that in some embodiments, the optical units412may be capable of storing images or frames for a period of time so that the image might be processed to evaluate the markings or indicia. Thus, the image processing does not have to be in real time, but might occur in near real time with the image capture triggered on movement in the field of view420.

Depending upon the capability of the optical unit412, one or more optical units412can be positioned at a single location such as the top surface426(viewing downwardly) of a cabinet424of the device410, as shown inFIG.22. The units412may also be arranged in a dual orientation system where one or more optical units412are attached to opposing locations such as the top surface426(viewing downwardly) while the similar optical units412are attached to a bottom surface428of the cabinet424(viewing is up) whereas collectively they can image a label from above or from below through a clear plastic storage tray24. A dual orientation system supports bagged product whose information is facing either up or down.

In the illustrative embodiment, the optical units412each include a controller which, under the direction of the master controller76or kiosk100, changes the position that is being imaged to the expected location of the product being stored or removed. Using this information, an optical unit412with an adjustable focal depth lens can be preset by the controller of the optical unit412to preset the lens to the expected field of view. This lens adjustment would illustratively occur prior to the cabinet424door430being unlocked. For example, there are four fields of view420U1,420U2,420U3, and420U4looking vertically downward and four fields of view420L1,420L2,420L3, and420L4looking upward. shown. Each of the fields of view420U1,420U2,420U3,420U4,420L1,420L2,420L3, and420L4have been adjusted to be focused on a common generally vertical position446.

As shown inFIG.22, in some instances, the field of view may be expanded, as represented by reference numeral420E which shows how the field of view may be expanded to extend out of the cabinet424.

As shown inFIG.24, each of the fields of view420U1,420U2,420U3,420U4,420L1,4202L2,420L3, and420L4may be set to a different focal length, depending on the targeted location.FIG.25is representative of how the focal length of the optical units412might be varied, with the fields of view Each of the fields of view420U1,420U2,420U3, and420U4each being shown with different focal lengths and illustrating the use of only one set of optical units412with all of the units positioned on the top surface426.

Referring now toFIG.26, in another embodiment, individual trays440or drawers are held locked by an individual electro-magnet442that, when energized engages with a ferrous member444positioned in the body of the tray440. The electro-magnet442is in communication with a controller, such as master controller76which energizes the electro-magnet442. While effective at holding a tray440closed to prevent removal of the stored contents, the electro-magnet442is a significant consumer of power and, as such, when many are used have the potential to generate significant heat in a closed cabinet. If the cabinet includes a refrigeration system the efficiency of the system will be reduced as the refrigeration portion will have to operate more often to counter the effects of the electro-magnet442heat output. If the cabinet is passive, meaning no refrigeration system, the heat output of the electromagnets442will cause the internal chamber to heat up such that as a minimum an active air exchange feature (unit fans) will have to be added or the chamber inside will become too hot for product storage. Either way the unit will use more energy than is desired.

In some embodiments, the excess heat can be avoided by coordinating the electromagnets442with a door lock80discussed above or electro-magnet. When product is not being loaded or removed from the cabinet the door can remain locked and the internal individual storage tray24electro-magnets442are deenergized. When a product check-in or check-out event is occurring, the internal storage tray24electro-magnets442are energized just before or at the same time as the chamber door is unlocked. If the chassis were to be located in a high vibration environment or be moved about (such as a mobile unit) a concern may exist about a drawer/tray shifting away from the electro-magnet when off such that it would be too far from the electro-magnet for it to recapture the drawer/tray/etc. and re-lock it upon the electro-magnet energizing. In this event and during the period that the chassis door is locked, one option would be for the electro-magnet instead of powering fully off can be driven by a low duty cycle PWM such that its strength is just sufficient to maintain a positive hold on the tray (but not sufficient to apply locking force). A heat load will still exist within the system but at a much reduced level.

Beyond heat load, the above configurations would also improve functional operation under a battery backup condition. Instead of maintaining a large power load which would drain backup batteries quickly, powering just the door lock (electromagnetic lock) or solenoid door latch (solenoid is powered to unlock) and only powering the electro-magnets during a controlled access event would allow for a much longer functional timeframe maintaining the locked condition. This extended battery operation would potentially be more important when the stored product is pharmacy related.

It should be understood that in some embodiments, the entire tray, drawer, bin, or other internal storage device may be constructed entirely of ferrous material. In other embodiments, multiple electro-magnets442may be used with the same tray, drawer, bin, or other internal storage device. In some embodiments, several ferrous members444may be embedded in a non-ferrous tray, drawer, bin, or other internal storage device and each ferrous member444may interact with a particular electromagnetic442.

Referring now toFIGS.28-29, the refrigerator510is similar to the refrigerator10and like reference numerals will be used where the features are the same. As shown inFIG.28, the actuation system526of the refrigerator510does not include a gantry, but includes a number of circuit assemblies588which are each fixed to the rack20at a fixed location that corresponds to a row of storage spaces22. In the illustrative embodiment, there are 20 circuit assemblies588. Each circuit assembly588is connected to a specific connector associated with an interface board576which corresponds to the row of storage spaces22which is associated with the specific circuit assembly588. In this way, the particular location of each circuit assembly588is determined by the control system572(shown inFIG.29). The control system572is similar to the control system72of the refrigerator10, with the omission of the actuation assembly88, replaced by the circuit assemblies588and the addition of the interface boards576. The control system572also omits the positioning controller78and replaces it with a separate communications board574.

Each interface board576distributes power and RS485 communication to each of the circuit assemblies588from the communications board574. The interface board576also contains shift registers with different latched inputs based on connector placement location such that a circuit assembly588will automatically know its position relative to the respective interface board574, and accordingly, the requests it is to respond to as the requests over the RS485 network are broadcast to all circuit assemblies588. Further a rotary switch on each interface board576changes the two input shift register bit configuration to allow for an interface board576to consider itself I of 4 possible positions—those bits in in conjunction with 3 others fully defining all circuit assembly588independent row positions. In some embodiments, a different setup could allow more interface boards576and circuit assemblies588by using additional bits.

The control system572also includes a user interface650, a battery652, a user interface power board654, a power distribution board656, and a router658. The user interface650provides direct control of the refrigerator510to a proper! y authorized user. In addition, the battery650, user interface power board654, and power distribution board656allow for efficient transmission of power to the control system572and operation of portions of the refrigerator510in power outages. The router79is similar to the wireless module79and facilitates communication between the various components of the control system572.

Referring now toFIGS.30and31, a circuit assembly588is shown. The circuit assembly588is similar to the circuit assembly88with some differences. The circuit assembly588is separated into four sections590,592,594and596. Each section590,592,594and596includes a solenoid50, an optical sensor60, a magnetic sensor602, and a pair of LED arrays598,600. The circuit assembly588also includes a temperature sensor604. Each section590,592,594and596is positioned to be adjacent a particular storage space22. The solenoid50operates as described above to move an arm554between a release position and a secured position. The use of the signal optical sensor60with each arm554in the refrigerator510relies on the identification of the state of the solenoid to determine if the solenoid plunger52has been extended. If it has, and the optical sensor60does not detect the arm554, then error condition will be detected and signal to the control system524.

Each of the LED arrays598and600includes three LEDs606,608, and610. In some embodiments, the LEDs606,608, and610are all the same color. In other embodiments, each of the LEDs606,608, and610are a different color and independently activated to provide different colors of illumination. In some embodiments, the LEDs606,608, and610are illuminated intermittently. The illumination of the LEDs606,608, and610provides an indication to a user of which of the storage trays524have been released. In use, each of the arrays598and600associated with a specific location will be illuminated simultaneously. The arrays598and600are positioned so that the light travels alongside the tray524. As discussed above, the tray524conducts and emits the light of the LEDs606,608, and610to draw attention to the tray524.

The magnetic sensor602is positioned to detect a magnet612positioned in the tray524as shown in phantom inFIG.32-36. When a storage tray524is properly positioned in a storage space22, the magnet612is within the field of detection of the magnetic sensor602. The magnetic sensor602detects the magnetic field emitted by the magnet612and provides a signal to the control system572that there is a storage tray524positioned in the associated storage space22.

The temperature sensor604is used to determine a value of the temperature in the enclosure16in the area of the circuit assembly588. This temperature can be compared to other temperatures sensed by other temperature sensors604on other circuit assemblies588to evaluate the variations in temperature. For example, the temperature sensors604may be compared to determine if there is a temperature gradient within the enclosure16. The temperature sensors604may also help determine which of the products stored in the refrigerator510might have been subjected to an over temperature condition, rather than considering all of the products as suspect. In some embodiments, additional temperature sensors may be used and a temperature sensor604may be positioned in each of the sections590,592,594and596of each circuit assembly588, thereby permitting additional data to be gathered.

The arm554of refrigerator510further includes a push rod556, best seen inFIG.30, that is operable to engage the storage tray524as the plunger60extends to cause the motion of the plunger60to be transferred to the tray524to push the tray524outwardly slightly. This movement of the tray524provides an additional indication to a user of the tray524that has been released due to the user's request. The plunger60acts on the arm54as indicated by arrow614causing the arm554to pivot about axis56in the direction of arrow618. The push rod556engages the back surface172of the tray524and urges the tray524to move in the direction of arrow616, displacing the tray524from the storage position.

In the embodiment shown inFIG.32, the tray524supports a lid620that is similar to lid110but includes two protrusions622,628which extend upwardly from a body626. The protrusions622and624are configured to prevent the tray524from being completely removed from a storage space22. Referring toFIG.33, the tray524is positioned in a storage space522. As the tray524is moved to the left, out of the storage space522, the hook194on the bottom of the tray524engages the stop186extending from the shelf188. The protrusion522prevents the tray524from being rotated sufficiently to allow the hook194to clear the stop186. Thus, when present, the lid620is configured to prevent the removal of the tray524. A user must reach into the tray524, dislodge the lid620to create sufficient clearance for the hook194to clear the stop186and then remove the tray524. This prevents inadvertent removal of the tray524by a user.

Referring now toFIG.36, a tray624is similar to tray524, but includes a reflective coating630positioned on the bottom interior surface of the tray624. The reflective coating630is used to assist with detecting whether a medical products container108is positioned in the tray624. In the embodiment ofFIG.36, a refrigerator710includes an optical emitter632positioned on the bottom of a shelf188and positioned to direct light down into the tray624as shown inFIG.37. A companion detector634is positioned to detect light emitted by the emitter632and reflected by the reflective coating630. The refrigerator710further includes a shroud636to prevent light from the emitter632to be directly detected by the detector634. The control system772of the refrigerator710is operable to cause the various emitters632in each storage space22to be selectively illuminated while the detector634is monitored. If the detector634detects the light emitted from the emitter632, the light is presumably being reflected by the reflective coating630. Thus, the control system772determines that there are no medical products container108positioned in the tray624, because such a container would not properly reflect the emitted light. In this way, the control system772is operable to detect the presence or absence of a medical product or medical products container108positioned in the tray624. It should be understood that an emitter632and detector pair634could be positioned in one or more, including all, of the storage spaces22of the refrigerator710.

In still another embodiment shown inFIG.38, a refrigerator810includes a near field detector812positioned on the bottom of the shelf188. The near field detector812is configured to detect the presence of a medical component container108positioned in a tray524. The near field detector812in the illustrative embodiment simply generates a field signal when the detector812is energized to a baseline signal. If a control system872of the refrigerator810determines the detected signal is different from the baseline signal, the detector812determines that a medical product or medical product container108is positioned in the tray524. In some embodiments, the near field detector812may be positioned on the top of a shelf188and positioned to allow the tray524to be slid overtop of the detector812.

In some embodiments, the detector812may comprise a radio frequency detector. A medical products container108may include a radio frequency identification tag that identifies the particular container108. The tag may be a passive tag that reflects energy from the detector812or may be an active tag that actively transmits radio frequency identification. In such embodiments, the control system872is operable to detect the identification from the tag and associate it with the particular detector812which detects the signal, thereby identifying a location of the particular tag. When the particular material is called for, LEDs associated with the storage space22may illuminate to indicate the location of the tag. Because a detector182may detect signals from tags in adjacent storage spaces22, in some cases, the control system872may identify multiple locations for the same tagged item. In such cases, the control system872may illuminate multiple LEDs in multiple spaces to provide a user with an idea of the general vicinity of the tag and associated material. In still other embodiments, the control system872may utilize known methods for triangulating the location of the particular tag based on signal strength, or determining the location mathematically by a composite analysis of all of the detectors812which detect the signal.

Although certain illustrative embodiments have been described in detail above, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of this disclosure as described and as defined in the following claims.