CARDINAL HEALTH 303, INC. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20110030034 | URGENT ACCESS MEDICATION DISPENSING STATION - A medical supply station is disclosed. The medical supply station includes a securable compartment configured to hold medical supplies, and a controller. The controller is responsive to access information and is configured to selectively permit access to the securable compartment when the access information indicates the securable compartment is authorized for access, and restrict access to the securable compartment when the access information indicates the securable compartment is not authorized for access. The medical supply station also includes a critical access module configured to, upon actuation, bypass the access information required by the controller and permit substantially immediate access to the securable compartment. The medical supply station further includes an image capturing device, coupled to the critical access module, configured to capture at least one image of an area proximal to the medical supply station in response to actuation of the critical access module. | 02-03-2011 |
20110016026 | PORTABLE INVENTORY TRACKING SYSTEM - A system for tracking the quantity of an item is disclosed. The system includes a portable terminal, a client, and a cabinet. The portable terminal is configured to receive information indicating a change in the quantity of the item in a container. The portable terminal includes a unique identifier, an input device configured to be actuated to indicate the change in the quantity of the item in the container, and a transceiver configured to transmit the information indicating. The client is configured to associate the portable terminal with the item based on the unique identifier, and includes a transceiver configured to receive and transmit the information. The cabinet includes the container and a controller configured to change a value indicating a quantity of the item based on the information transmitted from the client. A method for tracking the quantity of an item is also provided. | 01-20-2011 |
20110012491 | ROTATING MULTI-LATCH RELEASE MECHANISM - A drawer that includes a container and an activation member is disclosed. The container includes a receptacle and a lid. The lid moves between an open position allowing access to the receptacle and a closed position restricting access to the receptacle. The container further includes a fastener, coupled to the lid, to fasten the lid to the receptacle when the lid is in the closed position. The activation member moves radially around a longest axis of the activation member, and includes an actuator. When the activation member is rotated in a first direction, the actuator is placed into a first orientation relative to the fastener. When the activation member is rotated in a second direction opposite the first direction, the actuator is placed into a second orientation relative to the fastener such that the actuator actuates the fastener to cause the lid to move into the open position. | 01-20-2011 |
20110012374 | PIEZO ACTUATED SLIDE LATCHING MECHANISM - A latching mechanism is particularly suited for use in latching a slide mechanism, such as used to slidably mount a drawer. The latching mechanism includes a latch assembly comprising a latch lever mounted for movement between a first, second and third positions, a latch tab for selective engagement with a second end of the latch lever, and a piezo electric controller. The controller has a plunger configured to selectively control the movement of the latch lever between the first and second positions, the plunger movable between an extended position corresponding to a first, locked position of the latch lever and a retracted position corresponding to the second, unlocked position of the latch lever, the controller when unpowered preventing the plunger from moving from the extended to the retracted position and the controller when powered permitting the plunger to move from the extended to the retracted position. | 01-20-2011 |
20100327001 | WEIGHT-BASED DISPENSING SYSTEM - A weight-based dispensing system is disclosed. The system includes a platform and a container, coupled to the platform, including a lid configured to move between a closed state restricting access to items in the container and an open state allowing access to the items in the container. The system also includes at least two weight sensors, wherein each of the weight sensors is coupled to the platform and is configured to determine a change in weight on the platform, and a controller configured to determine a change in the number of items in the container based on the state of the lid and the change in weight on the platform. A method for dispensing items is also disclosed. | 12-30-2010 |
20100308704 | MULTI-LATCH RELEASE MECHANISM - A drawer that includes a container and a slide assembly is disclosed. The container includes a receptacle and a lid. The slide assembly includes a slider configured to move laterally along a longest axis of the slider, and an actuator, coupled to the slider, having a detent contact area. When the slider is moved in a first direction along the axis, the actuator is placed into a first orientation, relative to a latch, in which the detent contact area of the actuator is configured to engage the detent of a latch. When the actuator is coupled with the detent of the latch and the slider is moved in a second direction opposite the first direction, the actuator is placed into a second orientation, relative to the latch, in which the actuator actuates the latch, thereby decoupling a fastener from the latch and placing a lid in an open position. | 12-09-2010 |
20100235179 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR STORING MEDICAL SUPPLIES - Storing of medical supplies is performed according to rules promoting safety and ergonomics. The physical arrangement of medical supplies within a storage unit is analyzed. An inventory of medical supplies to be stored in the storage unit is established. A new physical arrangement of medical supplies within the storage unit is determined based on the rules for storing medical supplies and the inventory. The storage unit is configured according to the new physical arrangement. The physical locations within the storage unit where each of the medical supplies is to be stored are indicated. The medical supplies are stored in the indicated locations. | 09-16-2010 |
20100082458 | ADAPTIVE CRITICAL LOW LEVEL MANAGEMENT - An adaptive critical low level management system is described. In some embodiments, the system includes a configuration module configured to receive a service level setting and a storage module configured to receive usage information for at least one inventory of at least one type of medical item. The system also includes a processor configured to adaptively determine a critical low level based on the usage information and the service level setting, and an analysis module configured to determine when the critical low level has been reached by the at least one inventory of the at least one type of medical item, and to produce an output indication that the critical low level has been reached. | 04-01-2010 |
20100023342 | USE OF CLINICAL LABORATORY DATA TO IDENTIFY INPATIENT HOSPITAL COMPLICATIONS - Described herein are systems and methods for identification of complications by identifying physiological changes associated with these complications that are reflected in laboratory results. In some embodiments, systems and methods are described for identifying trends in the laboratory data over time and associating those trends with degrees of risk or complication factors that are established through retroactive analysis of similar laboratory data across a plurality of care facilities or patient groups. In some embodiments, a benchmark may be established, based on laboratory results, against which care facilities can retrospectively compare patient outcomes within their own facility or among various patient groups. | 01-28-2010 |
20100004634 | SELF-SEALING MALE LUER CONNECTOR WITH MULTIPLE SEALS - A self-sealing male Luer connector attaches to any standard female Luer valve to open a flow channel between the two. The self-sealing male Luer connector includes a rigid housing having a distal end with a rigid male Luer connector and a proximal end at which a proximal seal is formed. The distal end of the housing includes a valve seat. Located within the housing is a resilient biasing member that biases an actuator into contact with the valve seat to prevent fluid flow through the male connector. Upon engagement with a female connector, the actuator is moved in the proximal direction to open the distal valve and then the proximal seal. A partial vacuum is formed within the male connector upon disengagement with the female connector that draws any fluids on the external surface of the distal end of the male Luer connector into the male tip. | 01-07-2010 |
20090318858 | OPTICAL FLOW SENSOR - An optical flow sensor is provided, including a heater configured to heat an aliquot of fluid in an adjacent fluid-delivery channel and a sensor disposed adjacent to the fluid-delivery channel downstream from the heater. The sensor is configured to illuminate fluid in the fluid-delivery channel, to collect reflected light from the illuminated fluid, and to determine when the heated aliquot passes the sensor based upon an amount of the reflected light. A method for determining a flow rate of a fluid is also provided. The method includes heating an aliquot of the fluid at a first position of a fluid-delivery channel, illuminating fluid in the fluid-delivery channel at a second position downstream from the first position, measuring an amount of light reflected from the illuminated fluid to determine a change in the amount corresponding to the heated aliquot passing the second position, and calculating the flow rate of the fluid based upon a distance between the first position and the second position and a time between the heating the aliquot and the heated aliquot passing the second position. | 12-24-2009 |
20090204254 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REMOVING, INSERTING AND SECURING RECEPTACLES IN A RECEPTACLE TRAY - A method and apparatus for controlling removal of one or more receptacles from a receptacle tray are described herein, in which a removal indicator indicates which of the one or more receptacles to remove. Thereafter, the indicated one or more receptacles may be manually removed from the receptacle tray using a gripping mechanism. The receptacles are secured in the tray with two or more tangs protruding from a front face of the receptacle closest to a connector interface. The two or more tangs fit into respective mating units in the receptacle tray, and one or more protrusions toward the rear of the receptacle, with respect to the two or more tangs, mate with respective mating units in the receptacle tray. | 08-13-2009 |
20090188311 | SYRINGE IMAGING SYSTEMS - A syringe imaging system for a syringe infusion pump is provided. The system comprises an imaging device configured to capture one or more images of a syringe, and a processor, which is configured to determine, based on the one or more captured images, an internal diameter of the syringe and a distance between a bung and a bottom of the syringe, and to calculate a remaining volume of the syringe based upon the determined internal diameter and distance. A syringe infusion pump is also provided. The pump comprises a housing having a bracket configured to receive a syringe, a syringe driver configured to actuate a plunger of the syringe, an imaging device configured to capture one or more images of the syringe, and a processor. The processor is configured to determine, based on the one or more captured images, an internal diameter of the syringe and a distance between a bung and a bottom of the syringe, and to calculate a remaining volume of the syringe based upon the determined internal diameter and distance. | 07-30-2009 |
20090134997 | ACTIVE-TAG BASED DISPENSING - A method of sensing dispensation of a product from a storage device having an antenna is provided. The method comprises providing a product with a wireless tag within a service area of the antenna, establishing wireless communication between the wireless tag and the antenna, monitoring the wireless communication, and determining, responsive to the monitoring, when the wireless communication has ceased to establish when the product has been dispensed from the storage device. A dispensation-sensing system is also provided. The system comprises a securable storage area, an antenna operable to receive and transmit signals within the securable storage area, and a processor. The processor is configured to establish wireless communication between the antenna and a wireless tag of a product disposed within the securable storage area, monitor the wireless communication, and determine, responsive to the monitoring, when the wireless communication has ceased to establish when the product has been dispensed from the securable storage area. | 05-28-2009 |
20090115663 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING LOCATIONS OF MEDICAL DEVICES - The location of a medical device is determined by receiving one or more signals at the medical device transmitted by one or more beacons, respectively, at known locations. The one or more signals received at the medical device are sent from the medical device to a processor, which determines the location of the medical device based on the received one or more signals. One of the beacons may be a portable patient beacon, the location of which is determined when its signal is received by a medical device, the location of which was previously determined. | 05-07-2009 |
20090108016 | SECURE MEDICATION TRANSPORT AND ADMINISTRATION SYSTEM - A portable medication dispensing system is described. In some embodiments, the system includes a portable medication tote comprising a securable compartment configured to hold medication, and a controller, responsive to access information, configured to assign a patient to the securable compartment such that medications for the patient are authorized for placement into the securable compartment. The controller is also configured to selectively permit a user access to the medications for the patient in the securable compartment when the access information indicates the user has access to the securable compartment, and restrict access to retrieval of the medications for the patient in the securable compartment when the access information indicates the user does not have access to the securable compartment. The system also includes an information output module configured to output usage information regarding access to the securable compartment. | 04-30-2009 |
20090108011 | MANAGING MEDICATIONS AT THE BEDSIDE - Systems and methods for dispensing medications to hospitalized individuals through a first apparatus containing optional medications that is configured to be replenished by optional medication from a central storage location. Some embodiments provide that the first apparatus is associated with an individual patient. The first apparatus is preferably secured at a location near the individual patient, such as, for example, within the individual patient's room. By creating multiple dispensing apparatuses, a caregiver who administers required medications no longer has to retrieve optional medications from a central storage location. | 04-30-2009 |
20090099869 | IDENTIFICATION OF UNDERCODED COMORBIDITIES - A method for identifying under-coded comorbidities is provided. The method comprises the step of receiving a billing entry which includes a first diagnosis corresponding to a predetermined diagnostic related group. The method further comprises the step of determining whether the billing entry includes a second diagnosis corresponding to the predetermined diagnostic related group. The method further comprises the step of, if the billing entry is determined not to include the second diagnosis, reviewing laboratory information corresponding to the billing entry to determine whether the laboratory information includes test data indicating the second diagnosis. The method further comprises the step of, if the laboratory information is determined to include test data indicating the second diagnosis, generating an alert corresponding to the billing entry and the second diagnosis. | 04-16-2009 |
20090096751 | PROJECTED CLEANABLE KEYBOARD - Systems and methods are described for simulating physical features of a projected keyboard in a sterile environment by incorporating a mechanical keyboard and a virtual keyboard. A keyboard projection apparatus projects light toward a mechanical keyboard. When a key is pressed, the keyboard projection apparatus tracks finger locations. User input is created by the keyboard projection apparatus and can be processed by a computer or other electrical equipment. By using an actual keyboard having simple mechanical components with the keyboard projection apparatus, the tactile feel can be realized and the keyboard can be easily cleaned or disposed of. | 04-16-2009 |
20090094051 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR MINIMIZING COSTS OF DRUG PURCHASES - Drug purchases are evaluated according to available offers from drug manufacturers, based on the equivalent dosage regimens for similar drugs. Equivalent doses among drugs are calculated. Purchasing amounts of equivalent doses of drugs are reviewed. The costs of the equivalent doses of the drugs are compared, taking into account contractual price adjustments, such as discounts and rebates. Subsequent purchasing amounts of the drugs are determined, using results from the comparisons. The new purchasing amounts of the equivalent doses of the drugs are produced. | 04-09-2009 |
20090037020 | PATIENT-SPECIFIC MEDICATION DISPENSING AND NOTIFICATION SYSTEM - A medication dispensing system is described. In some embodiments, the system includes a medication station and a controller responsive to patient admittance status information. The medication station includes at least one securable compartment configured to hold medication. The controller is configured to assign a patient to the at least one securable compartment such that medications for the patient are able to be placed into the at least one securable compartment. The controller is also configured to selectively permit access to the medications for the patient in the at least one securable compartment when the patient admittance status information indicates the patient is currently admitted, and restrict access to retrieval of the medications for the patient in the at least one securable compartment when the patient admittance status information indicates the patient is not currently admitted. | 02-05-2009 |
20090035152 | FLUID PUMP WITH DISPOSABLE COMPONENT - A pump having a disposable fluid contacting portion which defines a fluid inlet and outlet and a fluid path there between is presented. The pump includes a drive portion configured to engage the disposable portion to cause fluid to be moved from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet. The disposable portion is configured to be selectively coupled to the drive portion. The disposable portion includes a driven membrane which forms a portion of the fluid path, and the drive portion includes a drive membrane. The two membranes are vacuum coupled to each other, whereby movement of the drive membrane causes the driven membrane to move, causing fluid to be pumped through the disposable portion. The pump has particular utility in the medical field for moving fluid from a source to a patient. The pump may include features such as an air-trap, bubble detection, fluid flow controls, and pressure detection. | 02-05-2009 |
20090030401 | SELF-SEALING MALE LUER CONNECTOR WITH BIASED VALVE PLUG - A self-sealing male Luer connector for connection with a female Luer connector. The male Luer connector includes a housing having a distally-projecting tubular male body and a surrounding cuff interconnected by a proximal wall in which is formed at least one activation opening. A valve plug is slidably installed within the housing and formed with a distal end configured to sealingly engage the distal end of the male body's interior flow passage and with at least one activation arm at its proximal end configured to extend through the activation opening into the cavity formed between the male body and the cuff. An elastomeric device is sealingly configured within the activation opening about the activation arm to secure the valve plug in position and bias it distally. The proximal end of the male Luer connector may be configured as a conventional female connector, a blood collection device, or other such device. | 01-29-2009 |
20090014458 | POINT-OF-CARE MEDICATION DISPENSING - A medication dispenser is provided, comprising a securable container configured to store one or more doses of one or more medications and an access device configured to selectably permit access to the one or more doses. The medication dispenser further comprises an electronic interface configured to acquire user input from a user, and a processor configured to compare the user input to a database, to select, responsive to the comparing, an appropriate dose from the one or more doses, and to permit access through the access device to the appropriate dose. A method for dispensing medication is provided, comprising the steps of locating a medication dispenser at a point-of-care, acquiring user input from a user at the point-of-care, comparing the user input to a database, selecting, responsive to the comparing, an appropriate dose from the one or more doses, and permitting access through the access device to the appropriate dose. | 01-15-2009 |
20080318456 | SAFETY LUER CONNECTION - A connection device has a male connector and a female connector. The female connector will only accommodate the dedicated male connector, thereby prohibiting a misconnection with the wrong male connector. In certain embodiments, a member prohibits male connectors, other than a dedicated male connector, from being inserted into the female connector. In certain other embodiments, a post prohibits male connectors, other than a dedicated male connector including a slot, from being inserted into the female connector. In still certain other embodiments, a series of prongs in the male connector and corresponding grooves in the female connector ensure the proper connection. Once the male connector is inserted and secured within the female connector, a fluid-tight seal is formed between the male connector and the female connector. | 12-25-2008 |
20080306796 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING CLOSED-LOOP OPERATIONS CONSULTING AND OPTIMIZATION - A closed-loop system and method for optimizing one or more aspects of the operation of a facility or business is presented. The system includes a platform at a remote provider for accepting and storing data from the facility for analysis. The system facilitates a live consultation such that information is exchanged between the parties, including facility data in analyzed or unanalyzed form for reference during the consultation, recommendations are made in relation to the facility data relative to one or more aspects of the operation of the facility, video and audio of the representative conducting the live consultation, and a whiteboard configured to display input by one or more parties. The method allows skilled experts to provide recommendations of actions for optimizing one or more aspects of operations at a facility, without the requirement that the facility maintain an infrastructure of trained personnel and equipment. | 12-11-2008 |
20080275590 | AUTOMATED INTRAVENOUS FLUID CONTAINER DELIVERY DEVICE AND SYSTEM - An IV product transport device is configured to transport an IV product from one location to another in automated fashion. The transport device may comprise a chassis with one or more ports for IV products. A drive mechanism is configured to move the transport device. In one embodiment, the transport device includes a controller. Information may be provided to the controller about an IV product, such as its intended destination or use. The controller may also exchange information with a delivery device, such as an infusion pump, to verify that the IV product is delivered to the proper destination. The transport device may include a delivery mechanism for off-loading an IV product. The transport device may deliver IV products of various configurations, including one in which the product comprises a flexible bag and a container housing for supporting and protecting the fluid bag. | 11-06-2008 |
20080275422 | Intravenous Fluid Container - An IV product comprises a flexible fluid bag and a container housing for supporting and protecting the fluid bag. The IV product may include an information element such as a bar code, RFID or the like which provides information. The IV product may also include a mechanism for expelling fluid from the fluid bag, such as an inflatable bellows. In one embodiment, the IV product may be mated to a docking station or receptacle. One or more elements may be provided for aligning and connecting the IV product to establish a fluid connection with the fluid bag. | 11-06-2008 |
20080272138 | AUTOMATED MEDICATION HANDLING SYSTEM - Described herein are embodiments of systems and methods for providing an automated medication handling system that can, among other things, single-dose package medications, store and dispense medications in a pharmacy, transport medications to a nursing unit or other remote location, store them at that remote location, and load them into a portable unit carried by a nurse, who may dispense the medication at a bedside. | 11-06-2008 |
20080262441 | INFUSION STATUS INDICATOR - An infusion status indicator disposed in the medical infusion line includes a housing with an opening through which the status of the infusion may be determined. A flexible membrane is located at the opening to indicate the status of fluid in the cavity. A recessed flexible membrane indicates insufficient flow of medical fluid into the cavity from the fluid supply, a level flexible membrane indicates correct flow of fluid through the indicator, and a concave flexible membrane indicates an insufficient flow of medical fluid out of the cavity, possibly indicating an occlusion of the fluid line downstream of the indicator. Check valves may be included upstream and downstream of the cavity so that a bolus of fluid may be forced out of the cavity to the patient by pressing the flexible membrane into the cavity. | 10-23-2008 |
20080257410 | FLUID FLOW CONTROL SYSTEM HAVING CAPILLARY FLUID FLOW RESTRICTOR - A fluid flow rate control system and method comprises a capillary tube having a proximal end that projects into a chamber with a cross-sectional area that is larger than or equal to the fluid supply tube's cross-sectional area. The inner cross-sectional area of the capillary tube is configured less than the inner cross-sectional area of the chamber. The chamber has a volume large enough to slow the fluid conducted to it by the upstream fluid line to permit contaminants to fall out of solution. In another aspect, a sleeve is used to mount the capillary tube into the chamber. The sleeve provides a mounting surface for tube segments from the pump and downstream of the capillary restrictor. | 10-23-2008 |
20080246286 | PIEZO ACTUATED SLIDE LATCHING MECHANISM - A latching mechanism is particularly suited for use in latching a slide mechanism, such as used to slidably mount a drawer. The latching mechanism includes a latch assembly comprising a latch lever mounted for movement between a first, second and third positions, a latch tab for selective engagement with a second end of the latch lever, and a piezo electric controller. The controller has a plunger configured to selectively control the movement of the latch lever between the first and second positions, the plunger movable between an extended position corresponding to a first, locked position of the latch lever and a retracted position corresponding to the second, unlocked position of the latch lever, the controller when unpowered preventing the plunger from moving from the extended to the retracted position and the controller when powered permitting the plunger to move from the extended to the retracted position. | 10-09-2008 |
20080208484 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR AIR-IN-LINE DETECTION - The concentration of air or other agents in a fluid delivery line is determined by monitoring agent signals and processing those agent signals along with information regarding the age of each agent signal. The processor determines a primary agent concentration value based on the received agent signal values, with the primary agent concentration value determined by giving greater weight to more recent agent signal values. Where the primary agent concentration value exceeds a primary threshold value, an alarm signal may be activated. The processor also may determine a secondary agent concentration value, which may be determined from the actual agent signal values instead of the weighted agent signal values. Where the secondary agent concentration value exceeds a secondary threshold value, an alarm signal may be activated. | 08-28-2008 |