WO2019074469A1

WO2019074469A1 - Medication administration control device

Info

Publication number: WO2019074469A1
Application number: PCT/US2017/055678
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kendall NORTHERN
Original assignee: Northern Kendall
Priority date: 2017-10-09
Filing date: 2017-10-09
Publication date: 2019-04-18

Abstract

A medication administration control device is provided herein. The medication administration control device includes a housing, wherein the housing has an opening at a proximal end of the housing, a receptacle, a receptacle access door, at least one notification element, and at least one biometric verification element. The at least one biometric verification element scans at least one biometric identifier and saves the at least one biometric identifier to a memory. Also included is at least one timer, wherein a preset amount of time is saved to the timer. The medication administration control device also includes a first locking mechanism, wherein the first locking mechanism unlocks the receptacle access door when the preset amount of time elapses on the timer and the biometric verification element sends the first locking mechanism a receptacle access door unlock command. A receptacle locking door at the proximal end of the housing is also provided, wherein the receptacle locking door opens when a content is removed from the receptacle. Finally, a second locking mechanism is provided, wherein the second locking mechanism fixedly attaches the housing to a container.

Description

MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION CONTROL DEVICE

TECHNICAL FIELD

[1] The disclosed device relates generally to the field of medication administration and controlling medication administration.

BACKGROUND

[2] Most medication is administered manually by able bodied patients after a prescription has been given to a patent. However, a patient may forget to take a medication or a medication may be taken to soon which may result in great bodily harm. Further, current prescriptions, when filled, have no means to stop or slow down the illicit sale of prescription drugs. Thus, there is room for improvement in controlling the administration of medication.

SUMMARY

[3] The disclosed device is used for the controlled administration of medication to users. The disclosed device acts to prevent premature administration of medication as well as abuse of prescription medicine. In one embodiment of the medication administration control device, a housing is provided, wherein the housing has an opening at a proximal end of the housing, a receptacle, a receptacle access door, at least one notification element, at least one timer, and at least one biometric verification element. In such an embodiment, the at least one biometric verification element scans at least one biometric identifier and saves the at least one biometric identifier to a memory. An example embodiment also includes a first locking mechanism, wherein the first locking mechanism unlocks the receptacle access door when the preset amount of time elapses on the timer and the biometric verification element sends the first locking mechanism a receptacle access door unlock command. Further, an example embodiment also includes a receptacle locking door at the proximal end of the housing, wherein the receptacle locking door opens when a content is removed from the receptacle. Finally, an example embodiment may also include a second locking mechanism, wherein the second locking mechanism fixedly attaches the housing to a container.

[4] A method of using the medication administration control device is also provided herein. In an example embodiment, the method includes first fixedly securing a housing of the medication administration control device to a container or bottle. Once secure, at least one biometric identifier is scanned for the first time using at least one biometric verification element. The scanned at least one biometric identifier is then saved to a memory. To place medication into the medication administration storage device, in some embodiments, the medication administration device and container are turned from an upright position to an inverted position. The turning motion then causes at least one medication from the container to fall into a receptacle within the housing, in some embodiments. The medication administration control device is then turned from the inverted position to the upright position. Once the medication is in the receptacle, a receptacle locking door will then close and secure the medication inside the receptacle. A timer will then run for a preset amount of time that is determined by the required dosage, in some embodiments.

[5] After the preset amount of time has passed on the timer, the user will then scan, for a second time, at least one biometric identifier to unlock a receptacle access door, in some embodiments. If the second scanned at least one biometric identifier matches the first scanned at least one biometric identifier, the at least one biometric verification element will send a command to unlock the receptacle access door. Finally, the user may remove the at least one medication from the receptacle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[6] Figure 1 illustrates a front-side view of an example embodiment of a medication administration control device.

[7] Figure 2 illustrates a back-side view of an example embodiment of a medication administration control device.

[8] Figure 3 illustrates a front-side view of an example embodiment of a medication administration control device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[9] The following detailed embodiments presented herein are for illustrative purposes. That is, these detailed embodiments are intended to be exemplary of the disclosed medication administration control device for the purposes of providing and aiding a person skilled in the pertinent art to readily understand how to make and use of the disclosed medication administration control device.

[10] Accordingly, the detailed discussion herein of one or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the metes and bounds of the patent protection afforded the disclosed medication administration control device, in which the scope of patent protection is intended to be defined by the claims and equivalents thereof. Therefore, embodiments not specifically addressed herein, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, are considered to be implicitly disclosed by the illustrative embodiments and claims described herein and therefore fall within the scope of the disclosed medication administration control device.

[11] Further, it should be understood that, although steps of various claimed methods may be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such method are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. That is, any claimed method steps are considered capable of being carried out in any sequential combination or permutation order while still falling within the scope of the disclosed medication administration control device.

[12] Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refers to that which a person skilled in the relevant art would understand such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein, as understood by the person skilled in the relevant art based on the contextual use of such term, differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as understood by the person skilled in the relevant art should prevail.

[13] Furthermore, a person skilled in the art of reading the claims of the disclosed medication administration control device should understand that "a" and "an" each generally denotes "at least one," but does not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise. And that the term "or" denotes "at least one of the items," but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list.

[14] The medication administration control device operates by storing medication in a receptacle within a housing. Once the medication is in the receptacle a preset amount of time must pass and a biometric verification system must verify the identity of the user attempting to obtain a pill. To set up the medication administration control device, a pharmacist or other appropriate medical professional places the housing on a bottle or container after the medicine has been placed inside the bottle or container. Once the medication administration control device is placed on the bottle or container, the pharmacist or other appropriate medical professional inputs dosage and timing information which is saved on a storage device. After the housing has been placed on the bottle or container, the pharmacist or other appropriate medical professional inputs at least one biometric identifier of the user to the medication administration control device using at least one biometric verification element.

[15] Once at least one biometric identifier is input to the medication administration control device, the user rotates the medication administration control device and bottle or container to an upside-down position and then rotates the device back to an upright position. This rotational motion allows for medication from the bottle or container to enter the receptacle. Once in the receptacle, the receptacle locking door keeps the medication within the housing and does not allow additional medication to enter the receptacle until the first medication is removed. The medication can only be removed by the user once a predetermined amount of time has passed and the at least one biometric verification element verifies the identity of the user. However, once the preset amount of time has passed and the at least one biometric verification element has identified the user, the user is not required to take the medication if they are not in pain or have a window of time to take the medication. A receptacle access door will remain unlocked until the medication is removed from the housing. Once the receptacle access door is opened, the timer will then reset and begin to count down from the preset time previously set. Thus, a user may have access to the medication without having to take the medication once the preset amount of time has passed and the biometric verification element identifies the user and unlocks the receptacle access door.

[16] The medication administration control device ensures that a user does not take more than the required dosage of their medication by only allowing the required dosage to be removed from the bottle or container once a preset amount of time has passed and the biometric verification element identifies the user and unlocks the receptacle access door. All the details and elements of the medication administration control device are discussed in greater detail below. [17] Turing now to Figure 1. The figure illustrates a front-side view of an example embodiment of a medication administration control device 10. In brief, the figure depicts a housing 12, at least one biometric verification element 14, at least one notification element 16, a second locking mechanism 20, a container 22, and a first locking mechanism (not shown) 24. The housing 12 is fixedly attached to the bottle or container 22 by the second locking mechanism 20. In an example embodiment, once the housing 12 is secured onto the container 22, the housing 12 cannot be removed from the bottle or container 22 once the medication

administration control device 10 is placed on. Thus, the housing 12 should be placed on the bottle or container 22 by a pharmacist or other appropriate medical professional after medication is placed inside the bottle or container 22. In some embodiments, the medication administration control device 10 may be removed by a pharmacist or other appropriate medical professional using a removal tool.

[18] To lock the housing 12 of the medication administration control device 10 to a bottle or container 22, the housing 12 has a second locking mechanism 20 that fixedly attaches the housing 12 to a bottle or container 22. The second locking mechanism 20, in some

embodiments, uses a push and turn locking mechanism as is routinely provided and known in the art for child proof pill bottle caps. However, the second locking mechanism 20 does not have a push to unlock mechanism that is found on child proof pill bottle caps. The lack of a push to unlock mechanism ensures that the medication administration control device 10 is fixedly attached to a bottle or container 22 and cannot be removed without the use of a removal tool.

[19] In yet another embodiment, the medication administration control device 10 may be placed on a bottle or container 22 by a parent of a child. For example, the parent may need to give their child a medication or a multi-vitamin. The medication administration control device 10 may, in some embodiment, teach a child how to properly take their medication or a multivitamin. Further, the medication administration control device 10, in some embodiments, will ensure that a child cannot take more than the recommended or required dosage.

[20] In an example embodiment, the medication administration control device 10 may have at least one biometric verification element 14. In an example embodiment, the at least one biometric verification element 14 scans and stores only one user's at least one biometric identifier. To scan at least one biometric identifier, the at least one biometric verification element 14 may be any biometnc verification element 14 known to a person of skill in the art. For example, in some embodiments, the at least one biometric verification element 14 may a fingerprint or a thumbprint scanner. In another embodiment, the at least one biometric verification element 14 may be a voice recognition system. In yet another embodiment, the at least one biometric verification element 14 may be a face recognition system. In some other embodiments, the at least one biometric verification element 14 may be a retinal scanner. In yet another embodiment, the at least one biometric verification element 14 may be an iris recognition system. In another embodiment, the at least one biometric verification element 14 may be a palm scanner. In yet another embodiment, the at least one biometric verification element 14 may be any combination of a fingerprint scanner, a thumbprint scanner, a voice recognition system, a face recognition system, a retinal scanner, an iris recognition system, and a palm scanner.

[21] In some embodiments, the at least one scanned biometric identifier is stored on an internal storage device within the medication administration control device 10. In other embodiments, the at least one scanned biometric identifier is stored wirelessly on a remote server. In such an embodiment, once the user's at least one biometric identifiers is scanned, no one else may access the medication inside the bottle or container 22. In another example embodiment, the at least one biometric verification element 14 may scan and store a user's at least one biometric identifier and at least one biometric identifier of a pharmacist or other appropriate medical professional. In yet another embodiment, the at least one biometric verification element 14 may scan and store a user's biometric identifiers and at least one legal guardian or parent. In such an embodiment, the medication administration control device 10 may be accessed by, for example, a child and a parent. In such an embodiment, the parents may help administer medication to a child if they are not able to and, as the child gets older and can use the medication administration control device 10 by themselves, the parent may still have access to the medication administration control device 10.

[22] The at least one biometric identifier may be any biometric identifier that is suitable and known to a person of skill in the art. For example, in some embodiments, the at least one biometric identifier may be a fingerprint or a thumbprint. In another embodiment, the at least one biometric identifier may be a voice. In yet another embodiment, the at least one biometric identifier may be a face. In some embodiments, the at least one biometric identifier may be a retina. In yet another embodiment, the at least one biometric identifier may be an iris. In another embodiment, the at least one biometric identifier may be a palm print.

[23] The at least one biometric verification element 14 may also be semi-permanently covered, in some embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, the at least one biometric verification element 14 is covered using any means for removably attaching a covering to a surface know to a person of skill in the art. For example, in some embodiments, the at least one biometric verification element 14 is covered using a sticker. In other embodiments, the at least one biometric verification element 14 is covered with a paper, or paper like material, that has a means for releasably sticking to a surface surrounding the perimeter of the paper or paper like material. In yet another embodiment, the entire medication administration control device 10 may be covered using a cloth with an elastic band around the perimeter of the cloth. In such an embodiment, the cloth with the elastic band will act to protect against an accidental scanning and storing of at least one biometric identifier of someone other than the user.

[24] The medication administration control device 10 may also have at least one notification element 16, in some embodiments. In some example embodiments, the at least one notification element 16 will indicate whether medication may be removed from the receptacle 17, i.e., has the preset amount of time passed and has the at least one biometric verification element 14 verified the identity of the user. The at least one notification element 16 may be any type of notification element 16 suitable and known to a person of skill in the art. For example, in some

embodiments, the at least one notification element 16 may be a visual notification element. In such an embodiment, the at least one notification element 16 may be colored lights. The colored lights may, in some embodiments, flash or steadily emit light. In another embodiment, the at least one notification element 16 may both flash and steadily emit light. For example, in one embodiment, the at least one notification element 16 may be green and red lights. In such an embodiment, the red and green likes would alert a user to whether a medication was being held within the receptacle 17 - red indicating that the receptacle 17 does not have a pill stored inside and green indicating that the receptacle 17 has a pill stored inside. In yet another embodiment, the at least one notification element 16 may indicate whether a medication was successfully stored in a receptacle 17 - red indicating that the medication was unsuccessfully stored and green indicating that the medication was successfully stored. In another embodiment, the at least one notification element 16 may issue a visual alert for ten seconds. In such an embodiment, the at least one notification element 16 may issue the ten second visual alert three times with one minute passing between each visual alert that is issued.

[25] In another embodiment, the at least one notification element 16 may be an audible alarm. In such an embodiment, different types of audible alarms are issued when a user attempts to access the medication administration control device 10. Any type of audible alarm suitable and know to a person of skill in the art may be used. For example, in some embodiments, the at least one notification element 16 may be a high pitched audible alarm that indicates that a medication is stored within the receptacle 17 and a low pitched audible alarm may indicate that a medication is not stored within the receptacle 17. In another example embodiment, the at least one notification element 16 may be a low pitched audible alarm to indicate that medication is stored within the receptacle 17 and high pitched audible alarm to indicate that medication is not stored within the receptacle 17. In some embodiments, the at least one notification element 16 may issue an audible alarm that that is a constant sound that lasts for a preset amount of time. In other embodiments, the at least one notification element 16 may issue an audible alarm that beeps periodically. In another embodiment, the at least one notification element 16 may issue an audible alert for ten seconds. In such an embodiment, the at least one notification element 16 may issue the ten second audible alert three times with one minute passing between each audible alert that is issued.

[26] In yet another embodiment, the at least one notification element 16 may be a haptic alarm. For example, the haptic alarm is a vibrational response to either an input by a user or may be a vibrational indication that an action must be taken, in some embodiments. In such embodiments, any type of haptic alarm suitable and know to a person of skill in the art may be used. For example, in some embodiments, the at least one notification element 16 may issue a haptic alarm when it is time to take a pill. In another example embodiment, the at least one notification element 16 may issue a haptic alarm when a medication has been properly placed within the receptacle. In yet another embodiment, the at least one notification element 16 may issue a haptic alarm when a user has attempted to take a medication earlier than the dosage requires or permits. The haptic alarm may be a vibration that is of a constant duration, in some embodiments. In another embodiment, the haptic alarm is a vibration that is intermittent. In yet another embodiment, the haptic alarm is a vibration that is a combination of a constant duration vibration and an intermittent vibration. In another embodiment, the at least one notification element 16 may issue a haptic alert for ten seconds. In such an embodiment, the at least one notification element 16 may issue the ten second haptic alert three times with one minute passing between each haptic alert that is issued.

[27] Moreover, the at least one notification element 16 may indicate whether a user has successfully stored a pill within the receptacle 17, in some embodiments. For example, in such an embodiment, once the medication administration control device 10 and bottle or container 22 is turned upside down and then back to an upright position, a green light may flash to indicate that medication has been successfully stored in the receptacle 17. In such an example

embodiment, a red light may flash to indicate that medication has not been successfully stored in the receptacle 17. In the previously discussed embodiment, the at least one notification element 16 is a colored light that is emitted constantly. However, in other embodiments, the at least one notification element 16 may also be a steady light of any color known to a person of skill in the art. In another embodiment, the at least one notification element 16 may issue an audible alert to indicate that medication was or was not successfully stored within the receptacle 17. In such an embodiment, the audible alarm may be a constant sound or the audible alarm may be a periodic sound. In yet another embodiment, the at least one notification element 16 may be a haptic alert. For example, in such an embodiment, the at least one notification element 16 may vibrate to indicate that medication was successfully stored within the receptacle 17. However, in another example embodiment, the at least one notification element 16 may vibrate in two different manners to indicate whether medication was successfully stored in the receptacle 17. In such an example embodiment, the at least one notification element 16 may have a long vibration to indicate successful storage of medication and a short vibration to indicate unsuccessful storage a medication in the receptacle 17. However, in another example embodiment, the at least one notification element 16 may have a long vibration to indicate an unsuccessful storage of medication and a short vibration to indicate successful storage of medication in the receptacle 17. In yet another embodiment, the at least one notification element 16 may be any combination of a visual, an audible, and a haptic notification suitable and known to a person of skill in the art. [28] Thus, the at least one notification element 16 may be used to alert the user that they must take a pill in some embodiments. In another embodiment, the at least one notification element 16 may alert the user that the time to take the medication has passed. In yet another

embodiment, the at least one notification element 16 may alert the user that there is no medication in the receptacle 17. In another example embodiment, the at least one notification element 16 may alert the user that medication is in the receptacle 17. In some embodiments, at least one notification element 16 may be used for the multiple alerts discussed in this

specification. For example, in some embodiments, the at least one notification element 16 may be used to alert the user that medication has been placed in the receptacle 17 and the same notification element 16 may alert the user that medication is no longer in the receptacle 17. In such an example embodiment, the at least one notification element 16 may issue an alert in suitable manner discussed in this specification and known to a person of skill in the art.

[29] Moreover, in some embodiments, the same at least one notification element 16 may be used to issue different types of alert patterns. For example, in an embodiment, the same at least one notification element 16 may issue both a blinking light as well as a steady emission of light. In another embodiment, the same at least one notification element 16 may issue both a periodic audible alert as well as a constant audible alert. In yet another embodiment, the same at least one notification element 16 may issue both a periodic vibration alert as well as a constant vibration alert.

[30] Turning now to Figure 2. The figure illustrates a back-side view of an example embodiment of a medication administration control device 10. In brief, the figure depicts a housing 12, at least one biometric verification element 14, at least one notification element 16, a receptacle access door 18, a receptacle locking door 19, a second locking mechanism 20, a container 22, and a first locking mechanism (not shown) 24. In some embodiments, to open the receptacle access door 18, a predetermined amount of time must pass on the timer and the at least one biometric verification element 14 must verify the user's identity. Once the predetermined amount of time passes on the timer and the at least one biometric verification element 14 verifies the identity of the user, the receptacle access door 18 will unlock. Once the receptacle access door 18 is unlocked, a user is not required to immediately remove the medicine. [31] To ensure a user does not take medication too often, in some embodiments, a timer has a preset amount of time that must pass before medication may be removed from the receptacle 17. In some embodiments, the preset amount of time is input by a pharmacist or other appropriate medical professional when setting up the medication administration control device 10 for the first time. In such an embodiment, the preset amount of time will be the time that is required to pass between doses. For example, four hours between doses. However, the preset amount of time will vary depending on the needs of the user. For example, some medication may require that the user take medication more often. In such embodiments, the pharmacist or other appropriate medical professional will set the appropriate amount of time on the timer to ensure proper timing of the medication. In some embodiments, the timer may be changed periodically by a pharmacist or other appropriate medical professional after an initial time is input to the timer a first time.

[32] Further, the timer is an added mechanism to prevent the abuse of prescription medication. By not allowing a user to remove as medication as often as they would like, the timer limits the ability for a user to consume one medication and then immediate remove another medication. Such a feature may prevent against prescription medication overdoses. The timer may also limit the illicit sale of prescription medication, in some embodiments, by not allowing a user to receive the medication and simply turn around a sell an entire bottle. In addition to the timer, the receptacle locking door 26, will not open and allow medication to enter the receptacle until the medicine is removed from the receptacle 17, in some embodiments. In such an embodiment, once the medication is removed from the receptacle 17, the receptacle locking door 26 will open and medicine will be able to enter the receptacle 17.

[33] To unlock the receptacle access door 18 once the preset amount of time passes on the timer, the at least one biometric verification element 14 must verify the identity of the user. In some embodiments, the at least one biometric verification element 14 may scan at least one biometric identifier of the user. The scanned at least one biometric identifier is then compared against the a previously scanned at least one biometric identifier. If the newly scanned at least one biometric identifier matches the previously scanned at least one biometric identifier, the at least one biometric verification element 14 will unlock the receptacle access door 18, in some embodiments. [34] To open the receptacle access door 18, the at least one biometric verification element 14 sends a command signal to a receiver, in some embodiments. The receiver then executes the command and uses a first locking mechanism 24 to open the receptacle access door 18. The first locking mechanism 24 may be any locking mechanism suitable and known to a person of skill in the art to lock and unlock a door. In some embodiments, the first locking mechanism 24 is a stepper motor and rod. In such an example embodiment, once the first locking mechanism 24 receives the signal to unlock the receptacle access door 18, the stepper motor moves the rod away for the receptacle access door 18 allowing a user to then push open the receptacle access door 18. In another example embodiment, the stepper motor pushes the rod into the receptacle access door 18 thereby opening the receptacle access door 18 and allowing the user access to the contents of the receptacle 17. In such an embodiment, a second timer may also begin to run once the receptacle access door 18 is opened by the first locking mechanism 24. Once a

predetermined amount of time passes, the first locking mechanism 24 will then close and relock the receptacle access door 18. In such an embodiment, if the first locking mechanism 24 opens the receptacle access door 18 and the medication is not removed from the receptacle 17, the timer will not reset and begin a new dosage timing cycle.

[35] The receptacle access door 18 may be any shape and size that is suitable and known to a person of skill in the art. For example, in some embodiments, the receptacle access door 18 may be a circle made of a transparent material. In such an embodiment, the transparent material allows for a user to see into the housing 12 of the medication administration control device 12 and determine whether medication is in the receptacle 17. In another embodiment, the receptacle access door 18 may be a circle made of an opaque material. However, the receptacle access door 18 should be chosen in relation to the type of medication being administered. Medication may be large or small or round or square. Thus, the material and size of the receptacle access door 18 must ensure that the medication may be readily removed from the medication administration control device 10.

[36] In some embodiments, a sensor is located within the receptacle 17 to determine whether the contents have been removed from the receptacle 17. In such an example embodiment, the sensor may be any sensor suitable and known to a person of skill in the art. For example, the sensor may be an optical sensor in some embodiments. In such embodiments, the optical sensor detects whether medication is within the receptacle 17. In another embodiment, the receptacle 17 may have a pressure sensor or gauge. In such embodiments, the pressure sensor or gauge may be placed on or within the receptacle locking door 26. The presence of medication will cause the sensor to activate and the at least one notification element 16 may indicate to the user that medication is in the receptacle 17.

[37] To lock medication in the receptacle 17, the housing 12 may have a receptacle locking door 19, in some embodiments. The receptacle locking door 19 is located at the proximal end of the housing 12, in some embodiments, and remains open until medication is in the receptacle 17. In another embodiment, the receptacle locking door 19 will remain closed until the medication administration control device 10 is rotated to an upside-down position. In an embodiment of the medication administration control device 10, the receptacle locking door 19 may close once the sensor determines that medication is within the receptacle 17. Thus, when the medication administration control device 10 is turned upside down and medication has entered the receptacle 17, the sensor will send a command to close the receptacle locking door 17. Thus, the user may turn the medication administration control device 10 right-side-up and the medication will remain within the receptacle 17.

[38] In yet another embodiment, a lever is used to operate the receptacle locking door 26. Such an embodiment may be found in Figure 3. In such an embodiment, the lever 21 will remain in an open position until a user is ready to place medication in the receptacle 17. To operate the lever 21, the user rotates the medication administration control device 10 to an upside-down position. Once the medication administration control device 10 is in an upside-down position, the medication within the bottle or container 22 will fall towards the receptacle 17. Once medication is in the receptacle 17, in some embodiments, a user presses the lever 21, which causes the lever 21 to traverse the opening of the receptacle 17 until it reaches the other end of the receptacle 17, closing the receptacle locking door 26. Once at the other end of the receptacle 17, in some embodiments, the lever 21 will engage a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism ensures that once the lever 21 is in the closed position, a user cannot open the receptacle 17 while the receptacle access door 18 is open and empty the contents of the bottle or container 22. In another embodiment, the lever 21 is pushed into a closed position by a mechanical system. In such an embodiment, a motor and gears will push or pull the lever 21 into a closed position. Once in the closed position, the mechanical system will keep the lever locked until medication is removed from the receptacle 17. In such an embodiment, a sensor may be used to indicate to the mechanical system whether medication has been removed from the receptacle 17. The mechanical system used to put the lever 21 into a closed or open position should not be limited to the example embodiment discussed. Any mechanical system suitable and known to a person of skill in the art may be used to place the lever 21 in an open and closed position.

[39] In yet another embodiment, the receptacle locking door 26 may an iris like aperture that is closed or opened when the user moves the lever 21 in a circular manner around the medication administration control device 10. In such an embodiment, the iris like aperture will enclose the medication within the receptacle 17 once the lever 21 is moved into a closed position. Once the lever 21 is in the closed position, a locking mechanism will ensure the iris like aperture cannot be opened while the receptacle access door 18 is open. In another embodiment, the iris like aperture is operated mechanically to open and close the receptacle locking door 26.

[40] In yet another embodiment, the medication administration control device 10 may return medication to a bottle or container 22 if the user has not removed the medication within a preset amount of time. For example, in some embodiments, a sensor within the receptacle 17 will detect that medication is in the receptacle 17. In such an embodiment, the sensor may then send a command to begin a timer which may have a preset amount of time in which the user must take the medication - a dosage window. For example, a user may be instructed to take medication ever four to six hours. In such an example, once the medication is in the receptacle 17, a timer would begin to run for two hours. In such an example embodiment, if the user does not take the medication within that two-hour window, the sensor will send a command to open the receptacle locking door 19 and the medication will fall back in the bottle or container 22.

[41] In an example embodiment, once the medication is placed back in the bottle or container 22, at least one notification element 16 may alert the user that medication is no longer in the receptacle 17. For example, in an embodiment, the at least one notification element 16 may flash a red light to indicate that medication is no longer in the receptacle 17. However, the at least one notification element 16 is not limited to this embodiment. The at least one notification element 16 may use any of the notification means discussed throughout this specification to indicate that medication is no longer within the receptacle 17.

[42] In another embodiment of the medication administration control device 10, there may be at least two distinct volumes within the receptacle 17 which allow for at least two pills to be taken at once. In such an embodiment, the receptacle 17 may have at least one divider that creates at least two distinct volumes within the receptacle 17. In an example embodiment, the housing 12 may have at least two receptacle locking doors 19 - one for each of the distinct volumes within the receptacle 17. For example, in such an embodiment, a first receptacle locking door may open while a second receptacle locking door is closed. Thus, a user may place medication into a first distinct volume why a second distinct volume remains inaccessible due to the second receptacle locking door being closed. In such an example embodiment, once the medication is placed within the first distinct volume within the receptacle 17, a sensor will detect that the medication has entered and will issue a command to close the first receptacle locking door. Once the first receptacle locking door is closed, the second receptacle locking door will open; allowing the user to then place a second medication into the receptacle 17.

[43] In an example embodiment, the at least one notification element 16 may indicate that medication has been stored within one of the distinct volumes within the receptacle 17. For example, once a user stores medication in a first distinct volume within the receptacle 17, the at least one notification element 16 may alert the user to let them know medication is in the first distinct volume of the receptacle 17. In such an embodiment, the at least one notification element 16 may also alert the user once medication has been placed in the second distinct volume of the receptacle 17. The at least one notification element 16 may alert the user in any manner as discussed in this specification.

[44] In some embodiments, the medication administration control device 10 saves data regarding the usage of the medication administration control device 10 onto a storage device. The saving of data regarding the usage of the device may help provide pharmacists, as well as other appropriate medical professionals, crucial data regarding usage that may result in a more efficacious administration of a medication. For example, if a user has a dosage schedule that calls for one pill every four hours and the user is instructed that they may choose to take the medication at a time longer than the required four hours if they are not in pain. The medication administration control device 10 may, in some embodiments, store the information necessary for a pharmacist or other appropriate medical professional on just what the user is doing and not have to rely on the memory of a user. By saving such meta data, a pharmacist or other appropriate medical professional may gauge whether a user needs their dosage increased or possibly decreased.

[45] The meta data saved by the medication administration control device 10 may be any meta data suitable and known to a person of skill in the art to aid in the administration of medication. For example, in some embodiments, the medication administration control device 10 may save the date and time that a user unlocked the medication administration control device 10. In other embodiments, the medication administration control device 10 may save the date and time that a user opened the receptacle access door 18. In yet another embodiment, the medication administration control device 10 may save the date and time the medication is removed from the receptacle 17. All the saved meta data may be accessed by a pharmacist or other appropriate medical professional.

[46] The medication administration control device 10 may save the data in any manner suitable and known to a person of skill in the art. For example, in an embodiment, the data is saved to a storage device located within the housing 12 of the medication administration control device 10. In such an example embodiment, a pharmacist or other medical professional may access the data from the medication administration control device 10 using reader. The reader will allow the pharmacist or other medical professional to view the data regarding the usage of the medication administration control device 10. In another embodiment, a pharmacist or other medical professional may access and save the data from the medication administration control device 10 by connecting it to a computer. In such an embodiment, the pharmacist or other medical professional may connect the medication administration control device 10 to a computer using any cable suitable and known to a person of skill in the art to transfer data. For example, a USB cable or USB-C cable may be used in some embodiments. In yet another embodiment, the pharmacist or other medical professional may connect the medication administration control device 10 to a computer wirelessly. In such an embodiment, the pharmacist or other medical professional may connect the medication administration control device 10 to the computer using any wireless means that are suitable and known to a person of skill in the art. For example, using a wireless network or Bluetooth connection in some embodiments.

[47] In yet another embodiment, the meta data stored by the medication administration control device 10 may be accessed by a parent or legal guardian of the user through a reader. In such an embodiment, however, the parent or legal guardian will not have the same amount of access as a pharmacist or other appropriate medical professional to abide by doctor-patient confidentiality and general privacy of the user. Thus, in such an embodiment, the parent or legal guardian may only have access to see whether the medication was taken or not. In another embodiment, the parent or legal guardian may have access to see whether the medication was taken or not and how often the medication should be taken. Thus, allowing the parent or legal guardian to remind the user if they forget to take their medicine. In an example embodiment, the parent or legal guardian will not have access to adjust the dosage of the medication.

[48] In another embodiment, the data is uploaded to a remote server. In such an embodiment, the medication administration control device 10 connects to a remote server using any wireless means suitable and known to a person of skill in the art. For example, in an embodiment, the medication administration control device 10 connects to a remote server through a wireless internet connection. The data stored on the medication administration control device 10 may also be stored to the cloud, in some embodiments. The data may be uploaded immediately once a change has been logged, in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the data may be uploaded at predetermined time intervals. For example, at the end of the day in some

embodiments. In another embodiment, the data may be uploaded after seven days. In yet another embodiment, the data may be uploaded at the beginning of every month. In such an embodiment, a pharmacist or other appropriate medical professional may use the meta data saved on the remote server to remotely adjust the dosage of the user. For example, in some

embodiments, a pharmacist or other appropriate medical professional may access the medication administration control device 10 remotely and adjust the dosage if they see that the user is consistently skipping dosages.

[49] In yet another embodiment, the medication administration control device 10 may store meta data to the cloud. In such an embodiment, the medication administration control device 10 may connect to the cloud through a wireless connection and then upload the meta data which can then be accessed by a pharmacist or other appropriate medical professional. The pharmacist or other appropriate medical professional may then adjust a user's dosage based on the meta data stored in the cloud, in some embodiments, by remotely connecting to the medication

administration control device 10. For example, if the meta data shows that a user is consistently skipping doses or taking doses at much longer intervals than is recommended, the pharmacist or other appropriate medical professional may adjust the dosage to reflect the actual schedule that user is on.

[50] In some embodiments, the medication administration control device 10 may connect to a smart watch. In such an embodiment, the medication administration control device 10 may send reminders and notifications to the smart watch. For example, in some embodiments, the medication administration control device 10 may send a reminder to a user to take a medication. In another embodiment, the medication administration control device 10 may connect to a smart phone. In such an embodiment, the medication administration control device 10 may send notifications and reminders to the smart phone. Further, in some embodiments, a user may be able to access meta data through a smart phone application. For example, a user may be able to see their dosage schedule as well as when they took their medication. The medication administration control device 10 may connect to a smart phone or smart watch by any means suitable and known to a person of skill in the art. For example, in some embodiments, the medication administration control device 10 may connect to a smart phone or smart watching through Bluetooth.

[51] The housing 12 of the medication administration control device 10 may be made in any manner suitable and known to a person of skill in the art. For example, in some embodiments, the housing 12 of the medication administration control device 10 is made using injection molding. In such an embodiment, the housing 12 may be made from a thermoplastic resin. In another embodiment, the housing 12 of the medication administration control device 10 is made using 3D printing.

[52] In another embodiment of the medication administration control device 10, the device 10 may have a GPS unit. The GPS unit may be used to locate the medication administration control device 10, by the user if it is lost, in some embodiments. In yet another embodiment, the GPS unit in the medication administration control device 10 may be used to locate the device 10 by a pharmacist or other appropriate medical professional if the device 10 is lost. In another embodiment, the GPS unit may help law enforcement to locate the medication administration control device 10 if the device 10 is stolen. The GPS unit may connect wirelessly to a smart phone or smart watch in some embodiments.

[53] While a preferred embodiment of the medication administration control device has been described in detail, it should be apparent that modifications and variations thereto are possible, all of which fall within the true spirit and scope of the disclosed medication administration control device. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the disclosed medication administration control device, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be

encompassed by the disclosed medication administration control device.

[54] Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" or the term "includes" or variations, thereof, or the term "having" or variations thereof will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element or integer or group of elements or integers but not the exclusion of any other element or integer or group of elements or integers. In this regard, in construing the claim scope, an embodiment where one or more features is added to any of the claims is to be regarded as within the scope of the disclosed medication administration control device given that the essential features of the disclosed medication administration control device as claimed are included in such an embodiment.

[55] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the medication administration control device described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is to be understood that the disclosed medication administration control device includes all such variations and modifications that fall within its spirit and scope. The disclosed medication administration control device also includes all the steps, features, compositions and compounds referred to or indicated in this specification, individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of any two or more of said steps or features. [56] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the disclosed medication administration control device. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the medication administration control device to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the disclosed medication administration control device.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A medication administration control device, comprising:

a housing, wherein the housing has an opening at a proximal end of the housing, a receptacle, a receptacle access door, and at least one notification element;

at least one biometric verification element, wherein the at least one biometric verification element scans at least one biometric identifier and the at least one scanned biometric identifier is saved to a memory;

at least one timer, wherein a preset amount of time is saved to the timer;

a first locking mechanism, wherein the first locking mechanism unlocks the receptacle access door when the preset amount of time elapses on the timer and the biometric verification element sends the first locking mechanism a receptacle access door unlock command;

a receptacle locking door at the proximal end of the housing, wherein the receptacle locking door opens when a content is removed from the receptacle.

a second locking mechanism, wherein the second locking mechanism fixedly attaches the housing to a container.

2. The medication administration control device of claim 1, wherein the at least one

notification element is selected from the group consisting of: visual notification, audible notification, haptic notification, and a combination of visual, audible, and haptic

notification.

3. The medication administration control device of claim 1, wherein the at least one biometric verification element is selected from the group consisting of: a fingerprint scanner, a thumbprint scanner, a voice recognition system, a face recognition system, a retinal scanner, an iris recognition system, and a palm scanner.

4. The medication administration control device of claim 1, wherein the housing has a GPS unit.

5. The medication administration control device of claim 1, wherein a date and a time when the receptacle access door is unlocked is saved to a storage device; and

wherein, a date and a time when the receptacle access door is opened is saved to a storage device.

6. The medication administration control device of claim 5, wherein the storage device is a memory within the medication administration control device.

7. The medication administration control device of claim 5, wherein the storage device is a remote server.

8. The medication administration control device of claim 1, wherein the timer resets after the content is removed from the receptacle.

9. The medication administration control device of claim 1, wherein the first locking

mechanism is a stepper motor and rod.

10. The medication administration control device of claim 1, wherein the at least one biometric identifier is selected from the group consisting of: a fingerprint, a thumbprint, a voice, a face, a retina, an iris, and a palm.

11. The medication administration control device of claim 1, wherein the at least one

notification element issues an alert after the preset amount of time passes on the timer.

12. The medication control device of claim 1, wherein the receptacle has a sensor.

13. A method of controlling medication administration, comprising:

fixedly securing a housing to a container;

at least one biometric verification element scanning, for a first time, at least one biometric identifier;

turning the fixedly secured housing and the container from an upright position to an inverted position;

placing at least one medication from the container into a receptacle within the housing; turning the fixedly secured housing and the container from the inverted position to the upright position; a preset amount of time passes on a timer;

the at least one biometric verification element scanning, for a second time, the at least one biometric identifier;

unlocking a receptacle access door; and

removing the at least one medication from the receptacle.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein a notification module issues a reminder alert after a preset amount of time passes after the at least one medication was removed from the housing.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the reminder alert is selected from the group consisting of: visual alert, audible alert, haptic alert, and a combination of visual, audible, and haptic alerts.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the notification module issues an early access alert when an attempt to open the receptacle access door occurs prior to the passage of the preset amount of time on the timer.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the early access alert is selected from the group consisting of: visual alert, audible alert, haptic alert, and a combination of visual, audible, and haptic alerts.

18. The method of claim 13, wherein a time and a date are saved to a storage device when the receptacle access door is unlocked.

19. The method of claim 13, wherein a time and a date are saved to a storage device when the receptacle access door is opened.

20. The method of claim 13, wherein the at least one biometric identifier is selected from the group consisting of: a finger print, a thumb print, an iris, a retina, a palm, a voice, and a face.