CN111356888A

CN111356888A - Temperature controlled dispensing drawer

Info

Publication number: CN111356888A
Application number: CN201880074315.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 赫伯特·劳森·费什尔; 伊迪丝·威尔逊; 狄恩·法布勒; 布莱恩·阿诺德; 布拉德·巴斯勒; 维哈·卡帕迪亚; 苏尼尔·贝利冈迪
Original assignee: Omnicell Inc
Current assignee: Omnicell Inc
Priority date: 2017-11-17
Filing date: 2018-11-16
Publication date: 2020-06-30
Anticipated expiration: 2038-11-16
Also published as: KR102592222B1; JP2021503588A; EP3710764A1; BR112020008858A2; EP3710764A4; JP7301825B2; CA3079749A1; AU2018368950A1; KR20200090808A; JP7301825B6; WO2019099767A1; CN111356888B

Abstract

An apparatus for dispensing items includes a cabinet and a drawer within the cabinet. The drawer includes one or more compartments for storing items and a cooling system within the drawer. The cooling system is configured to maintain the one or more compartments in the drawer at a temperature below an ambient temperature surrounding the cabinet. The drawer also includes thermal insulation on the sides of the drawer and thermal insulation below the one or more compartments. The refrigeration system may be a thermoelectric cooling system.

Description

Temperature controlled dispensing drawer

This application claims priority from us patent application No. 15/816,775 entitled "dispensing system with temperature controlled drawer" filed on 11/17/2017 and us patent application No. 16/129,579 entitled "temperature controlled dispensing drawer" filed on 9/12/2018. The entire disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.

Background

Many industries rely on the accurate inventory and distribution of security items. For example, in a hospital setting, it is critical that the correct medication be administered to a patient at the correct dosage. In addition, legislation requires the protection and accurate tracking of controlled substances, and it is also important to track inventories of drugs and supplies in order to be able to implement proper business control.

Different drugs may have different storage requirements. For example, some drugs or supplies may require refrigeration, while others do not. Items requiring refrigeration may encounter particular difficulties because they are typically simply stored in a refrigerator. Even though the refrigerator may have been locked, once the refrigerator is opened, all of the items in the refrigerator are available and can cause erroneous retrieval, diversion, or other problems.

Disclosure of Invention

According to one aspect, an apparatus for dispensing items includes a cabinet and a drawer within the cabinet. The drawer includes more than one compartment for storing items. The apparatus also includes a refrigeration system within the drawer. The refrigeration system is configured to maintain one or more compartments in the drawer at a temperature below an ambient temperature of the cabinet. The drawer also includes thermal insulation on the sides of the drawer and thermal insulation under one or more compartments. In some embodiments, the device further comprises a computer controller coupled to the drawer, the controller controlling access to the drawer. In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a temperature probe within the drawer, the temperature probe providing a signal indicative of the temperature within the drawer to the computer controller, and the computer controller providing information to a user of the apparatus regarding the temperature in the drawer. In some embodiments, the device further comprises a temperature buffer surrounding the temperature probe. In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises one or more actuators controllable by the computer controller and coupled to the lid of a respective one of the one or more compartments, wherein the one or more actuators are disposed outside an interior of the drawer defined by thermal insulation on a side of the drawer and thermal insulation below the one or more compartments. In some embodiments, the one or more actuators comprise one or more solenoids. In some embodiments, the one or more actuators are mounted to one or more printed circuit boards that are also disposed outside of the interior of the drawer defined by the thermal insulation on the sides of the drawer and the thermal insulation below the one or more compartments. In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises one or more lights corresponding to at least some of the one or more compartments, respectively, and the controller is configured, when determining to access a particular compartment: actuating one of the actuators corresponding to the particular compartment to unlock the particular compartment; and illuminating one of the lights corresponding to the particular compartment. In some embodiments, the device further comprises an override mechanism accessible from outside the drawer, the override mechanism mechanically moving the one or more actuators to manually unlock the compartment. In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises an insulating panel within the cabinet, wherein the insulating panel is positioned at a top side of the drawer when the drawer is closed and within the cabinet, and the insulating panel remains within the cabinet when the drawer is open. In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a top insulating plate coupled to the drawer, wherein the top insulating plate is slidable with respect to the drawer to expose the one or more compartments. In some embodiments, the refrigeration system includes a compressor and a condenser disposed at a rear of the drawer, and an evaporator disposed between one or more compartments in the drawer and insulation below the one or more compartments. In some embodiments, the evaporator is a roll-bond evaporator. In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a fan, wherein the fan pushes air from outside the drawer through the condenser. In some embodiments, the drawer defines an air flow path through which the fan propels air, the air flow path being open to an environment surrounding the cabinet at the front side of the cabinet such that air enters the air flow path at the front of the cabinet, and the fan expels air from the rear of the cabinet. In some embodiments, the air flow path is at least partially defined within the thermal insulation below the one or more compartments. In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises one or more additional drawers, at least one of which is not refrigerated.

According to another aspect, a drawer includes an outer housing; an insulator defining a climate controlled interior of the drawer; and a refrigeration system having a compressor and a condenser disposed within the drawer but outside the climate controlled interior of the drawer, and having an evaporator disposed within the climate controlled interior of the drawer. The drawer further includes a divider defining one or more compartments within the climate controlled interior of the drawer; one or more covers covering the one or more compartments; an electrical interface for receiving power and control signals; and one or more actuators coupled to the one or more covers to lock and unlock the one or more compartments in response to control signals received via the electrical interface. In some embodiments, more than one actuator is disposed outside of the climate controlled interior of the drawer. In some embodiments, the drawer also includes more than one light corresponding to more than one compartment, the lights responsive to control signals received via the electrical interface. In some embodiments, the drawer further comprises an air inlet at the front of the drawer; an air flow channel disposed at least partially within the insulating panel below the climate controlled interior of the drawer; and a fan that draws air to the air inlet, through the air flow passage and through the condenser, and exhausts the air from the rear side of the drawer. In some embodiments, the air inlet is hidden within the handle at the front side of the drawer.

According to another aspect, a drawer includes an outer housing; an insulator defining an insulated interior of the drawer; an air inlet at a first side of the drawer; an air outlet at a second side of the drawer; and a fan. The fan draws air into the air inlet and expels air from the air outlet and between the air inlet and the air outlet, the air flowing through an air flow path at least partially defined by the insulation. In some embodiments, the drawer further comprises a refrigeration system that cools the insulated interior of the drawer, wherein the fan flows air from outside the drawer through a condenser of the refrigeration system. In some embodiments, the first side of the drawer is a front of the drawer, and wherein the air inlet is hidden within a handle at the front side of the drawer.

According to another aspect, an apparatus for dispensing items includes a cabinet and a drawer within the cabinet. The drawer includes more than one compartment for storing items. The apparatus also includes a cooling system within the drawer. The cooling system is configured to maintain one or more compartments in the drawer at a temperature below an ambient temperature of the cabinet. The drawer also includes thermal insulation on the sides of the drawer and thermal insulation under one or more compartments. In some embodiments, the cooling system includes a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator. In some embodiments, the cooling system is a thermoelectric cooling system. In some embodiments, the thermoelectric cooling system further comprises a fan configured to circulate air within the drawer. In some embodiments, the thermoelectric cooling system further comprises a fan configured to both remove heat from the thermoelectric cooling unit and induce air flow under or around the thermal insulation of the drawer. In some embodiments, at least some of the compartments are defined by perforated walls that allow circulating air to pass through the walls and through the compartments. In some embodiments, the lid of at least some of the compartments whose walls are perforated comprises a descending rib that protrudes into the compartment when the lid is closed. In some embodiments, the device further comprises a computer controller coupled to the drawer, the controller controlling access to the drawer. In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a temperature probe within the drawer, and the temperature probe provides a signal indicative of the temperature within the drawer to the computer controller. In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises one or more actuators controllable by the computer controller and coupled to the lid of a respective one of the one or more compartments, and the one or more actuators are disposed outside an interior of the drawer defined by thermal insulation on a side of the drawer and thermal insulation below the one or more compartments. In some embodiments, the device further comprises magnetic latches on at least some of the compartments, the magnetic latches being controlled by the computer controller to lock and unlock the lids of their respective compartments. In some embodiments, each of the magnetic latches includes a permanent magnet secured to the lid of the respective compartment, and an electromagnet secured to a wall of the compartment such that the permanent magnet contacts the electromagnet when the lid is closed, and the controller unlocks the compartment by passing a current through the electromagnet such that the electromagnet repels the permanent magnet. In some embodiments, the one or more actuators comprise one or more solenoids. In some embodiments, the device further comprises one or more sensors configured to sense a position of the lid of a respective compartment of the one or more compartments. In some embodiments, each of the sensors is disposed outside of an interior of the drawer defined by thermal insulation on a side of the drawer and thermal insulation below the one or more compartments and coupled to its respective lid. In some embodiments, each of the sensors is coupled to its respective lid via a linkage through the thermal insulation of the drawer. In some embodiments, each of the sensors is coupled to its respective lid via a jacketed cable passing through the thermal insulation of the drawer. In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises one or more lights corresponding to at least some of the one or more compartments, respectively, and the controller is configured, when determining to access a particular compartment: actuating one of the actuators corresponding to the particular compartment to unlock the particular compartment; and illuminating one of the lights corresponding to the particular compartment. In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises an override mechanism accessible from outside the drawer, the override mechanism mechanically moving the one or more actuators to manually unlock the one or more compartments. In some embodiments, the thermoelectric cooling system includes a closed cooling loop containing a heat transfer fluid. In some embodiments, the heat transfer fluid is maintained under pressure such that its boiling point is close to the desired temperature of the interior of the drawer. In some embodiments, the heat transfer fluid is maintained under pressure such that its boiling point is between 2 ℃ and 8 ℃. The heat transfer fluid may be carbon dioxide. In some embodiments, a thermoelectric cooling system comprising a closed cooling loop and a heat transfer fluid forms a heat pipe that operates by natural convection.

According to another aspect, a drawer includes an outer housing; an insulator defining a climate controlled interior of the drawer; and a thermoelectric cooling system disposed in a side wall of the drawer. The thermoelectric cooling system is configured to maintain the interior of the drawer at a temperature below an ambient temperature of the drawer. The drawer further includes a set of walls defining one or more compartments within the climate controlled interior of the drawer; one or more covers covering the one or more compartments; an electrical interface for receiving power and control signals; and one or more actuators coupled to the one or more covers to lock and unlock the one or more compartments in response to control signals received via the electrical interface. In some embodiments, more than one actuator is disposed outside the climate controlled interior of the drawer. In some embodiments, the drawer also includes more than one light corresponding to more than one compartment, the lights responsive to control signals received via the electrical interface. In some embodiments, the thermoelectric cooling system is configured to circulate cooled air within the interior of the drawer. In some embodiments, the thermoelectric cooling system includes a closed cooling loop containing a heat transfer fluid. In some embodiments, the heat transfer fluid is carbon dioxide, which is maintained at a pressure such that its boiling point is between 2 ℃ and 8 ℃.

Drawings

Figure 1 shows a distribution cabinet in which the present invention may be embodied.

Figure 2 shows a portable dispensing device in which the present invention may be embodied.

FIG. 3 illustrates an oblique front top view of a drawer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates an oblique rear top view of the drawer of FIG. 3, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates an upper exploded view of the drawer of FIG. 3, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a lower exploded view of the drawer of FIG. 3, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows a lower oblique view of the drawer of FIG. 3 with its bottom cover removed.

FIG. 8 illustrates an upper rear oblique view of the drawer of FIG. 3, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 9 shows a partial view of the cabinet of fig. 1 with the insulating panel in place, according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 10 illustrates another embodiment of the cabinet of fig. 1 with the insulating panels in place, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates an upper oblique view of the top of the drawer of FIG. 3 with many components removed to expose computer controlled mechanisms for enabling access to various storage bins within the drawer, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 12 shows a portion of fig. 11 in more detail.

Fig. 13 shows a lid of a compartment of the drawer of fig. 3 in an open position, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14 shows an upper rear oblique view of the drawer of FIG. 3 with several components removed, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 15 shows an enlarged view of a portion of fig. 14.

FIG. 16 illustrates the installation of insulation panels in the drawer of FIG. 3, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 17 illustrates an override mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 18 shows a portion of fig. 17 in more detail.

Figure 19 shows a basic thermoelectric module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 20 illustrates a cooling unit including the thermoelectric module of figure 19, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 illustrates a drawer cooling the interior of the drawer using the thermoelectric cooling unit of FIG. 20, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 22 shows an exploded view of the drawer of fig. 21.

FIG. 23 shows an exploded view of a drawer with a cooling system according to other embodiments.

FIG. 24 illustrates one manner of allowing the lid in a drawer to be opened according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 25 shows the system of fig. 24 with one lid open.

Fig. 26 shows the arrangement of fig. 24 in more detail.

FIG. 27 illustrates another technique for locking and unlocking the lid of a dispensing drawer according to other embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 28 shows the system of fig. 27 with the lid in the open position.

FIG. 29 shows a refrigerated drawer according to other embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 30 shows a partial underside view of the drawer of FIG. 29.

FIG. 31 illustrates a refrigerated drawer according to other embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 32 shows how two actuators can be mounted on the outside of an insulator in a drawer, according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 33 shows a compartment with a lid and a magnetic latch according to an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows a distribution cabinet 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. Cabinet 100 includes a plurality of

compartments including drawers

101a, 101b, and 107; and compartments accessible through

doors

102a and 102 b. The cabinet 100 also includes a computer controller 103 and one or more data entry devices, such as a keyboard 104 and keypad 105. Display 106 enables communication of information with a user of dispensing cabinet 100. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the drawer 107 includes a refrigeration system as discussed in more detail below. In some embodiments, the dispensing cabinet may also include other devices.

Although the apparatus embodying the present invention may be used in a variety of applications, embodiments may be particularly useful in the medical field. For example, dispensing cabinet 100 may contain medications or medical supplies and may facilitate accurate dispensing and tracking of medications or other medical supplies.

The computer controller 103 may include a processor, memory, input/output interfaces, and other components. The controller 103 may be in remote communication with other computer systems, such as medical record systems, inventory and accounting systems, and the like.

Various storage compartments, such as

drawers

101a, 101b, and 107, may be under the control of controller 103. For example, each of the

drawers

101a, 101b, and 107 may include an electronically controllable locking mechanism and may only operate under the control of the controller 103. In addition, controller 103 may store information about what supplies are stored in which compartments of drug storage cabinet 100. In a typical basic use case, a healthcare worker may use the keyboard 104 or another input device to enter an identification of a patient who will need to take a medication in the care of the healthcare worker or during the worker's current round. The controller 103 may access the patient's medical profile and determine what medications have been prescribed for the patient. The controller 103 may then only allow access to the drawer or drawers containing the medication prescribed for the patient. Certain compartments within the correct drawer, such as the bins, may also be highlighted, for example, with lighted indicators to draw the health care worker to the correct medication. The health care worker may then remove the patient's prescribed medication. The level of control performed by the controller 103 may help prevent medication and dosage errors by reducing the likelihood that a health care worker will remove incorrect medication from the medication dispensing cabinet 100. In addition, the controller 103 may archive and record which medications are dispensed, and may forward this information to inventory and accounting systems via wired or wireless electronic networks.

Many other features and functions are possible. For example, the health care worker may also enter his or her identification, and the controller 103 may provide access only to those medications and supplies that the worker is authorized to access.

Although the medication dispensing cabinet 100 is shown as a stationary device, the present invention is not so limited. Cabinets according to other embodiments may be portable, for example, to transport medications and supplies from a central supply warehouse to a particular ward or department of an organization. It will be appreciated that the particular arrangement of drawers, doors or other features of a cabinet according to embodiments of the invention may vary. For example, some cabinets or dispensing carts embodying the present invention may use only drawers. Many different sizes and styles of compartments may be used depending on the size of the material to be dispensed and the level of safety required.

One cabinet embodying the invention may include guides or mounting features that are spaced at standard distances, and different drawers may span different multiples of the spacing distance. Drawers that span only one separation distance may be referred to as "single" height drawers. Drawers that span two spaced distances may be referred to as "double" height drawers. Three-height and higher drawers are also possible. A cabinet, such as cabinet 100, may be configured with a combination of drawer heights, depending on the size of the items to be stored. In the example of fig. 1, drawer 101b is a single height drawer, while drawer 107 is a three height drawer.

Fig. 2 illustrates a portable dispensing device 200 in which the present invention may be embodied. Preferably, portable dispensing device 200 may perform functions similar to those described above with respect to dispensing cabinet 100. The dispensing device 200 includes wheels 201 to enable the health care worker to push the device from one room to another. The dispensing device 200 may include more than one battery to power a computer controller that performs similar tasks as the controller 103 discussed above, as well as to power other functions of the dispensing device 200. In addition, the dispensing device 200 may preferably be connected to a mains power supply at a convenient time to charge the batteries and power the device without drawing on the batteries when the device is left in a particular location for a period of time. Various input/output devices 202 may be provided and may be particularly adapted to be portable, for example, in order to minimize power consumption. The dispensing device 200 further comprises a plurality of drawers 203 having different heights. Each drawer 203 may include a visual indicator 204 for guiding a user to a particular drawer 203, as explained in more detail below. More than one of the drawers 203 may include a refrigeration system according to embodiments of the present invention. Other drawers within the cabinet 100 may not be refrigerated.

Other types of dispensing units that may embody or include features that may be used with embodiments of the present invention are described in the following commonly owned U.S. patents and patent applications, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference: U.S. Pat. No. 6,272,394 issued to Lipps on 7/8/2001, U.S. Pat. No. 6,385,505 issued to Lipps on 7/5/2002, U.S. Pat. No. 6,760,643 issued to Lipps on 6/7/2004, U.S. Pat. No. 5,805,455 issued to Lipps on 8/1998, U.S. Pat. No. 6,609,047 issued to Lipps on 19/8/2003, U.S. Pat. No. 5,805,456 issued to Higham et al on 9/8/1998, U.S. Pat. No. 5,927,540 issued to Higham et al on 28/4/1998, U.S. Pat. No. 5,745,366,1999 issued to Higham et al on 18/5/18/1998, U.S. Pat. No. 5,905,653 issued to Godlewski on 27/1999, U.S. Pat. No. 5,927,540 issued to Holmes on 21/2000, U.S. Pat. No. 6,039,467.3,190,377 to Holmes, U.3,190,190 issued to Holmes, U.3,190,190,190,190,190,190,190,377, U.S. patent No. 7,571,024 issued on 8/4/2009 to Duncan et al, U.S. patent No. 7,835,819 issued on 11/16/2010 to Duncan et al, U.S. patent No. 6,011,999 issued on 1/4/2000 to Holmes, U.S. patent No. 7,348,884 issued on 3/25/2008 to Higham, U.S. patent No. 7,675,421 issued on 3/9/2010 to Higham, U.S. patent No. 6,170,929 issued on 1/9/2001 to Wilson et al, U.S. patent No. 8,126,590 issued on 2/28/2012 to Vahlberg et al, U.S. patent No. 8,280,550 issued on 10/2/2012 to Levy et al, and U.S. patent application publication No. 2012/0203377 to Paydar et al on 8/9/2012.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front upper oblique view of the drawer 107 in greater detail according to an embodiment of the present invention. The drawer 107 has a front side 301, a rear side 302, and right and left

sides

303 and 304, as viewed from the front side 301. The front side 301 is the side that is shown at the front of the cabinet once the drawer 107 is installed in the cabinet, and is the side from which a user accesses the drawer 107. The drawer 107 may include guides 305 for mounting the drawer 107 into a cabinet, such as the cabinet 100, and enabling the drawer to slide open (in the direction of the front side 301) and closed (with the drawer 107 substantially entirely within the cabinet). The one or more panel plates 306 provide an ornamental appearance to the front of the drawer 107, may provide an undercut handle for a user to grasp in opening the drawer 107, and may include other features as described in more detail below.

The front 307 of the drawer 107 comprises a plurality of compartments, which in fig. 3 are covered by a lid 308. Rear portion 309 houses various components of a refrigeration system, as will be described in more detail below.

Fig. 4 shows an oblique rear upper view of the drawer 107. A mechanical latch 401 may be provided that may interact with the cabinet 100. For example, the controller 103 may control the latch so that the drawer 107 may be opened only when the appropriate credentials have been provided by a worker requesting access to the drawer 107. The lid 308 similarly may be controllable so that only the storage location containing the desired medication or supply may be operated by the worker.

Various electrical connectors 402 may be provided, to which electrical cables (not shown) may be attached, such that the drawer 107 may receive power from the cabinet 100 and may communicate with the controller 103.

Fig. 5 and 6 show upper and lower exploded views of the drawer 107 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The inside of the drawer 107 is substantially surrounded by an insulating member including a side insulating plate 501, a rear insulating plate 502, a front insulating plate 503, and a bottom insulating plate 504. The insulating panels 501 to 504 may be made of any suitable insulating material, for example a moldable foam insulation such as polyisocyanurate, polystyrene, polyurethane or another insulation. Although four different insulator plates are shown, the insulator may be formed from more or fewer different segments. For example, the front insulating plate 503 may be integrally molded with the bottom insulating plate 504. Other combinations are also possible. (the insulation on the top of the drawer 107 will be discussed below).

Compartment 505 is located within the chamber formed by insulating plates 501 to 504. The compartment 505 may be defined by a divider made of any suitable material and formed by any suitable process, but may also be conveniently molded from a polymer, such as polycarbonate, ABS, another polymer, or a blend of polymers. In other embodiments, compartment 505 may be made of a metal, such as stainless steel, aluminum, or another suitable metal. The compartments 505 may be integrally formed from a single piece of material, or may be separate from each other and placed in the drawer 107 in any feasible combination. The compartment 505 is covered by the cover 308.

An evaporator 506 is disposed between compartment 505 and bottom insulating plate 504. The evaporator 506 is part of a refrigeration system integrated into the drawer 107. The evaporator 506 may be, for example, a roll-bond evaporator formed by roll bonding two pieces of metal with a pattern of channels marked thereon, and then inflating the channels to form a network or serpentine path through the channels to flow refrigerant. The evaporator 506 absorbs thermal energy from the interior of the drawer 107 by virtue of its low temperature and carries it out of the interior of the drawer 107, thereby cooling the interior of the drawer 107, including the compartment 505.

Other components of the refrigeration system include a compressor 507 and a condenser 508, and an expansion valve (not shown). These components form an assembly that implements a conventional refrigeration cycle. The refrigeration system preferably uses a refrigerant that does not contain a Chlorinated Fluorocarbon (CFC).

After the refrigerant has been heated in the evaporator 506 and compressed in the compressor 507, the fan 509 draws air through the condenser 508 to cool the refrigerant to discharge thermal energy to the outside of the cabinet 100.

A glycol bottle 510 may be provided and the glycol bottle 510 may be fitted with its own lid 512 in a dedicated compartment 511 in the interior of the drawer 107. Preferably, the temperature sensor is immersed in the glycol inside the bottle 510 and is connected to the controller 103 so that the controller 103 can monitor the temperature inside the drawer 107. The glycol serves to buffer the sensor from rapid fluctuations in apparent temperature that may be caused, for example, by opening the drawer 107 from the cabinet 100. In some embodiments, the controller 103 may signal the refrigeration system to open and close the cycle based on the temperature as sensed by the temperature sensor.

Fig. 7 shows an oblique view of the lower side of the drawer 107, with its bottom cover removed, thereby exposing the bottom insulating plate 504. In this example embodiment, the bottom insulating plate 504 has a funnel-shaped air flow path 701 molded into it. When the drawer 107 is fully assembled, a floor (not shown) forms the remaining side of the air flow path 701. Air may enter the air flow path 701 through an opening in the front side of the drawer 107, such as an opening concealed in one of the panel panels 306. The funnel shape of the air flow path 701 directs air to the condenser 508 under the urging of a fan 509 (not visible in fig. 7). After flowing through the condenser 508, the air is discharged to the environment at the rear of the cabinet 100.

This air flow arrangement serves several purposes. First, as part of the refrigeration cycle, it provides cooling air to the condenser 508 to cool the refrigerant in the refrigeration system. Air is exhausted from the rear of the cabinet 100 rather than the front, which may be preferable for user comfort. And second, the air flow under the insulator plate 504 may evaporate and drain any condensate that may form under the insulator plate 504. The standoff 702 may hold the back cover away from the insulator plate 504, allowing at least a small amount of air 703 to flow over substantially the entire underside of the insulator plate 504.

FIG. 8 shows an upper rear oblique view of the drawer 107 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The view of fig. 8 is similar to that of fig. 4 with the addition of a top insulating plate 801. The top insulating plate 801 may be shaped and sized to slide into an open recess left in the top of the drawer 107 by other components. For example, top insulating plate 801 may fit between the tops of side insulating plates 501 and contact front insulating plate 503 when top insulating plate 801 is fully installed on drawer 107. Top insulating plate 801 may also contact back insulating plate 502 (not visible in fig. 8) such that the interior of drawer 107 is substantially encased in the insulating member. Top insulating plate 108 is preferably mounted in cabinet 100 such that when drawer 107 is open, top insulating plate 801 remains inside cabinet 100 so as not to interfere with access to the compartments in drawer 107. When the drawer 107 is closed, the top insulating plate 801 automatically covers the drawer 107 again.

In other embodiments, when drawer 107 is open, top insulating plate 801 may travel with drawer 107, and a user may simply slide top insulating plate 801 back toward cabinet 100 to gain access to the interior of drawer 107.

The top insulating plate 801 may be made of any suitable material, such as a material similar to other insulating plate materials or a different material.

Fig. 9 shows a partial view of cabinet 100 with insulating panels 801 in place over drawer 107. The drawer immediately above drawer 107 has been removed. The insulating panels 801 remain in place when the drawer 107 is opened and closed, so that the interior of the drawer 107 is accessible when the drawer 107 is opened, but the drawer 107 is completely insulated when the drawer 107 is closed. In the example of fig. 9, the bracket 901 holds the insulating plate 801 in place within the cabinet 100 and the drawer 108 slides under the insulating plate 801. However, other arrangements are possible.

For example, FIG. 10 shows another embodiment in which insulation plates 801 are slidingly captured within grooves 1001 in the sides of drawer 107. Insulating panel 801 may be attached to the rear wall of cabinet 100 such that insulating panel 801 does not slide out of cabinet 100 when drawer 107 is opened. In other embodiments, when the drawer 107 is open, the user may simply push back on the insulation plate 801 to expose the interior of the drawer 107.

Because the interior of the drawer 107 is at a cold temperature, it may be desirable to keep the electronic and electromechanical components outside the interior of the drawer 107 to the extent possible to avoid potential cold-induced problems. For example, FIG. 11 shows an upper oblique view of the top of the drawer 107 with many components removed to expose computer controlled mechanisms for enabling access to various storage bins within the drawer 107. Fig. 12 shows a portion of fig. 11 in more detail. In this example, the cover 1101 includes a stem 1102 configured to rotate with the cover 1101 about an axis 1103. In the position shown, the blade 1104 connected to the armature of the solenoid 1105 prevents rotation of the rod 1102 and thus the cover 1101. In this condition, the box under the lid 1101 is locked.

However, when the solenoid 1105 is energized, such as under the control of the controller 103, the blade 1104 is withdrawn, allowing the lever 1102 and the lid 1101 to rotate to an open position. Fig. 13 shows lid 1101 in an open position. For example, once solenoid 1105 has released the lid, the user may lift lid 1101 using finger pull 1301. Once the user has completed access to the bin beneath the lid 1101, the user can simply push the lid 1101 back to the closed position. The lever 1102 interacts with the angled top of the blade 1104 to deflect the blade 1104 downward to allow the lever 1102 to pass through. Once the lever 1102 has passed the paddle 1104, the paddle 1104 may return to its normal upward position under the action of a spring (not visible in fig. 13), thereby locking the lid 1101 in the closed position.

The solenoid 1105 is just one example of one type of actuator that may be used to control access to the compartments in the drawer 107, and other types of actuators may be used, such as magnetic actuators, motors with suitable linkages, or other types of actuators.

The architecture of the drawer 107 may at least partially protect the solenoid 1105 and its drive electronics from the cold environment within the drawer 107. Fig. 14 shows an upper rear oblique view of the drawer 107 with several components removed, and fig. 15 shows an enlarged view of a portion of fig. 14. A printed circuit board 1401 is mounted to the side 1402 of the drawer 107. A plurality of solenoids 1105 are mounted to a circuit board 1401 and connected to other circuits (not shown) via a connector 1501, and ultimately to the controller 103. Similar components may also be attached to the inside of the other side 1403 of the drawer 107, but are not visible in FIG. 14.

A plurality of sensors 1502 may be provided to provide positive feedback when the lever 1102 of one of the covers 308 is in the closed position. A Light Emitting Diode (LED)1503 may be present and may also be controlled by the controller 103 to visually indicate the status of a particular compartment through a light 1504 extending to the top of the drawer 107.

With the printed circuit board 1401 in place, including the solenoid 1105, the insulation of the drawer 107 may be placed in place, as shown in FIG. 16. For example, the side insulating plate 501 includes a plurality of recesses 1601 for receiving the printed circuit board 1401 and its components thereon, including the solenoid 1105. Once the side insulating panels 501 are in place in the drawer 107, the printed circuit board 1401 and its associated components are positioned outside the refrigerated interior of the drawer 107. Various slots 1602 in the insulating plate 501 provide access to components on the circuit board 101 and are as small as possible to avoid unnecessarily compromising the insulating effect of the insulating plate 501.

In some embodiments, a manual override (override) mechanism is provided for manually unlocking compartments in the drawer 107 without relying on the controller 103. This capability may be useful, for example, during power outages or other situations when the controller 103 is unable to open the compartment. Fig. 17 and 18 illustrate an example override mechanism. The override plate 1701 fits under insulation (not shown) at the bottom of the drawer 107 and includes a riser 1702 on the side of the drawer 107 corresponding to the solenoid 1105. The risers 1702 may extend within the temperature controlled interior of the drawer 107, passing through slots in the lower insulating plate. The override plate 1701 is accessible from the bottom of the drawer 107. For example, a user may insert a finger through an aperture 1703 in the floor 1704 of the drawer 107 to actuate the override plate 1701 against the spring 1705.

As best seen in fig. 18, when the override plate 1701 is actuated, a ramp feature 1801 in each riser 1702 interacts with a pin 1802 on the armature 1803 of the corresponding solenoid 1105, pulling the armature 1803 and blade 1104 downward. With the paddle 1104 withdrawn, the corresponding lid is unlocked, as described above and shown in fig. 13.

In another embodiment, the distribution device uses a thermoelectric refrigeration system rather than a refrigeration system having a compressor and a condenser as described above.

Figure 19 shows a basic thermoelectric module 1900. The plurality of pillars 1901 are made of alternating N-type and P-type semiconductors. The pillars 1901 are electrically connected in series between the electrodes 1902, and are electrically connected in thermal parallel between a hot side plate 1903 and a cold side plate 1904. When a DC voltage is applied across the electrodes 1902, heat is transferred from the cold side plate 1904 to the hot side plate 1903, thereby cooling the cold side plate 1904 and heating the hot side plate 1903.

Plates

1903 and 1904 are made of a thermally conductive material. Module 1900 may be used alone or in combination with other similar modules to cool or heat a space. Thermoelectric cooling has the advantage that no moving parts are required. Thermoelectric modules, such as module 1900, can deliver up to about 15 to 30 watts or more of heat per square inch of module, measured at zero temperature differential.

Fig. 20 shows a cooling unit 2000 for cooling a space 2001 on one side of a panel 2002 according to an embodiment of the present invention. A plurality of thermoelectric modules 1900 are sandwiched in thermal contact between a fin cold-side heat sink 2003 and a fin hot-side heat sink 2004. The thermoelectric module 1900 is positioned and energized to transfer heat from the cold-side heat sink 2003 to the hot-side heat sink 2004 to cool the cold-side heat sink 2003. The cold side fan 2005 is arranged to force air from the cooling space 2001 into the fins of the cold side heat sink 2003. The air is cooled by its contact with the cold-side heat sink 2003 (which in turn is cooled by the thermoelectric module 1900), and drains back into the cooling space 2001 through the fins of the cold-side heat sink 2003. Thus, the air in the cooling space 2001 is further cooled.

A hot side fan 2006 is provided to draw air from the fins of the hot side heat sink 2004. The air is heated by contact with the hot-side heat sink 2004 and exits into the space on the hot side of the system through the fins of the hot-side heat sink 2004.

It will be appreciated that the direction of air flow by one or both of the

fans

2005 and 2006 may be opposite to the orientation shown in fig. 20.

Fig. 21 shows a drawer 2100 that uses a thermoelectric cooling unit 2000 to cool the interior of the drawer, according to an embodiment of the invention. Drawer 2100 is similar in many ways to drawer 107 described above, wherein drawer 2100 is configured to be inserted into a dispensing cabinet, such as dispensing cabinet 100. The drawer 2100 has a plurality of compartments for storing items, and the compartments are covered by individually lockable lids 2101. Any suitable number of compartments may be provided depending on the size of the drawer 2100 and the size of the items to be stored in the drawer 2100. The compartments may have different sizes, or may all be the same size.

Fig. 22 shows an exploded view of the drawer 2100. The interior of the drawer 2100 is preferably lined with insulation 2201 to reduce the amount of energy required to cool the interior space. The thermoelectric cooling unit 2000 is mounted in any convenient wall of the drawer 2100, in this example the rear wall 2202. The thermoelectric cooling unit 2000 draws power from the electronics (not shown) of the drawer 2100 and ultimately from the cabinet 100. The thermoelectric cooling unit 2000 is positioned to transfer heat from the interior of the drawer 2100 to a space outside the drawer 2100. The fan of the thermoelectric cooling unit 2000 serves to circulate air within the drawer 2100 to cool the interior of the drawer 2100 and to provide a flow of air to an external heat sink of the thermoelectric cooling unit 2000 to discharge heat to the exterior of the drawer 2100.

In some embodiments, the fans of the cooling unit 2000 outside the drawer 2100 may be positioned, directed, or otherwise arranged to also provide air flow under or around the insulating space of the drawer 2100. For example, in addition to providing air flow over the heat sink of the thermoelectric cooling unit 2000, the fan may provide air flow under the insulating space of the drawer 2100 similar to that shown in fig. 7 to help prevent condensation from occurring at the bottom of the drawer 2100. Fig. 29 and 30 illustrate an embodiment in which the cooling unit 2000 is enclosed in a protective cover 2901, the protective cover 2901 being connected at its bottom end 2902 to a plenum 3001 below the insulation 2201. The external fan of the cooling unit 2000 generates an air flow 2903 outside the protective cover 2901. Fig. 30 shows an underside view of the drawer 2100 with its bottom cover removed. As can be seen in fig. 29 and 30, the air flow 2903 passes under the insulation 2201 before being directed up to the protective shield 2901 and out to the surrounding environment.

Any other suitable arrangement may be used to create air flow under or around the insulating space of the drawer 2100. For example, in other embodiments, two separate fans may be provided-one for creating air flow under or around the insulated space and one for exhausting heat from the cooling unit 2000.

Referring again to fig. 22, compartment 2203 is individually enclosed. In the example drawer 2100, compartments 2203 are molded into cells 2204, but any suitable manner of defining the individual compartment spaces may be used. The walls of compartment 2203 may be perforated by openings, such as opening 2205, so that air may circulate within drawer 2100, passing through the walls and compartment. The underside of cover 2101 may include a down rib 2206, where the down rib 2206 protrudes into the compartment when the cover 2101 is closed. Ribs 2206 thus prevent complete filling of compartment 2203. The top of the compartment remains substantially open, allowing air flow throughout the drawer 2100.

As in other embodiments, temperature sensors within the drawer 2100 preferably provide signals indicative of the temperature within the drawer 2100 to a controller, such as controller 103. If desired, the temperature sensor may be immersed in a glycol bottle or other buffer. The controller 103 may cycle power to the thermoelectric cooling unit 2000 as needed to maintain a substantially constant temperature within the drawer 2100.

Although the drawer embodying the present invention may be used for any purpose, it may be particularly suitable for storing vaccines. The federal guidelines in the united states specify that vaccines should be stored at temperatures between 2 ℃ and 8 ℃.

The arrangement of fig. 21 and 22 may have several beneficial aspects. For example, thermoelectric cooling systems are easy to install and operate, have no moving parts other than fans, and do not contain any liquids that might leak and cause damage in the event of a failure. Additionally, the thermoelectric cooling unit 2000 may be smaller than the compressor-based systems described above, and thus the thermoelectric cooled drawer may have a greater storage capacity than an equally sized drawer cooled using the compressor-based systems.

Fig. 23 shows an exploded view of a drawer 2300 having a cooling system according to other embodiments. Drawer 2300 includes a thermoelectric cooling unit 2301 similar to thermoelectric cooling unit 2000, but may not have a fan inside drawer 2300. Instead of cooling the interior of the drawer with circulating cooling air, the drawer 2300 includes a cooling circuit 2302 that is filled with a heat transfer fluid. For example, the cooling circuit 2302 may be a closed circuit of copper or other tubing that is filled with carbon dioxide (CO) at a certain pressure₂) So that CO is present₂Is at about the desired temperature inside the drawer 2300, or slightly below. In some embodiments, the CO within the cooling circuit 2302₂May be about 40bar (about 40 atmospheres) such that the CO₂Has a boiling point of about 5 ℃. The cooling circuit 2302 may thus form a passive heat pipe cooler.

When CO is present₂Upon cooling in thermoelectric cooling unit 2301 (via a suitable heat exchanger), CO₂Condenses and descends by gravity to a circuit placed in the floor of the drawer 2300. When CO is present₂When circulated through the drawer 2300, it absorbs heat from the inside of the drawer 2300 and boilsThereby cooling the interior of the drawer 2300. Gaseous CO₂Again rising toward thermoelectric cooling unit 2301 where it cools again, continuing the cycle. As in other embodiments, a temperature sensor within the drawer 2300 may provide a signal indicative of the temperature within the drawer 2300 such that the controller may cycle the thermoelectric cooling unit 2301 on and off to maintain a desired temperature.

Although slightly more complex than the air cooling system of the drawer 2100 described above, the system of the drawer 2300 may have certain advantages. For example, because it does not rely on air circulation throughout the drawer 2300, the compartment 2303 may not require perforations and may be filled to a higher level, resulting in less dead space and higher capacity for the drawer 2300. Thus, lid 2304 may not require ribs on its underside to prevent complete filling of compartment 2303.

Although other cooling fluids may be used, CO₂Or the like may have the following advantages: any leak in the system will simply result in the release of harmless gases into the atmosphere and therefore will not result in damage to the electronics of the storage cabinet or to the materials stored in the drawer 2300. Furthermore, placing the cooling circuits 2302 in the bottom of the drawer 2300 is just one example of a suitable circuit placement. In other embodiments, the cooling circuits 2302 can include lines that pass between the compartments 2303 along the sides of the drawer 2300 or in another location or combination of locations. In some embodiments, the cooling circuit 2302 may be formed as an inflatable unit similar to the evaporator 506 described above.

Regardless of how a drawer according to embodiments of the present invention is cooled, during design of the drawer, care may be taken that condensation may be present within the drawer or at cold surfaces near the drawer. Condensate may tend to form on cold surfaces exposed to air and may be harmful to electronics, electromechanical actuators, or other electrical or mechanical components. Preferably, the insulation surrounding the interior of the drawer is sufficiently insulating that its outer surface remains above the dew point of the surrounding atmosphere. In that case, any circuit board, electromechanical actuator or other electrical or mechanical component outside the cooled space will remain substantially safe from condensation, as long as cold air leakage and other insulation gaps are minimized.

However, a lid, such as

lid

2101 or 2304, must operate in the cooled space and must be automatically actuated. In an embodiment of the invention, measures are taken to position any electromechanical actuator outside the cooling space, and to couple the actuator to a cover within the cooling space, preferably in a way that minimizes cold leakage.

FIG. 24 illustrates one manner of allowing the lid in a drawer to be opened according to an embodiment of the present invention. Some support structures, wiring, etc. are omitted from the figure for clarity. In this example, an actuator, such as a solenoid 2401, may be positioned outside of a cooling volume 2402 defined by an insulator 2403. Each solenoid 2401 has a plunger 2404 that is electrically actuated in response to a signal from a controller and is associated with a linear potentiometer 2405. In the "locked" position, plunger 2404 extends from solenoid 2401 and prevents movement of slider 2406 of linear potentiometer 2405. A link 2407 connects the slider 2406 to a rod 2408 on a cover 2409. In the case where the slider 2406 is prevented from moving, the cover 2409 cannot be opened.

Fig. 25 shows the system of fig. 24 with the cover 2409 opened. The plunger 2404 of the solenoid 2401 has been retracted by the solenoid 2401, releasing the slider 2406 so that it can be moved by the link 2407 when the user lifts the cover 2409. A signal from the linear potentiometer 2405 may be sent to a controller that indicates that the cover 2409 is open.

Each cover may be equipped with a similar solenoid-potentiometer-linkage arrangement. In this arrangement, the solenoid 2401 and potentiometer 2405 remain outside of the cooled space 2402 and are therefore substantially protected from possible condensation. Only the tie rod 2407 penetrates the insulator 2403 so that any opening in the insulator 2403 is small and may not significantly affect the insulating effectiveness of the insulator 2403.

The linear potentiometer 2405 may have the advantage of being able to indicate the precise state of its associated cover, e.g., the degree to which the cover is open. In other embodiments, a simple photointerrupter or other simple binary indicator that indicates whether the lid is open or closed may be used.

Fig. 26 shows the solenoid arrangement of fig. 24 in more detail. A ramp 2601 on each plunger 2404 allows the slider 2406 to push the plunger 2404 back into the solenoid 2401 when the corresponding lid is closed, thereby latching the lid closed. Additionally, a manual release lever 2602 may be provided on each solenoid to enable a user to override the locking mechanism of the cover and manually open the cover in the event of a power outage or other malfunction. Preferably, the manual release lever 2602 is accessible from the outside of the drawer.

FIG. 27 illustrates another technique for locking and unlocking the lid of a dispensing drawer according to other embodiments of the present invention. The system of fig. 27 uses sheath cable 2701 to connect cover 2409 to other components of the system, rather than using mechanical linkages with rigid components. Sheath cable 2701 includes a sheath 2702 that can penetrate and be secured to an insulator 2403. Jacketed cable 2701 also includes a movable inner wire or cable 2703 that is axially movable within jacket 2702. The jacketed cable 2701 may be of the type often used for bicycle transmissions and brake cables. In fig. 27, the lid 2409 is in a closed position. A stopper 2704 on the cable 2703 is held behind the plunger 2404 of the solenoid 2401 so that the cover 2409 is prevented from being opened. The end of cable 2703 is wound around capstan 2705, and capstan 2705 is in turn connected to constant force spring 2706 and rotary encoder 2707. Constant force spring 2706 maintains tension on cable 2703, thereby holding cover 2409 in its closed position.

Upon receiving a command to unlock the cover 2409, the solenoid 2401 is energized to retract the plunger 2404. The user may then lift the lid 2409 against the tension of the constant force spring 2706 and retrieve the desired item from the compartment beneath the lid 2409. The encoder 2707 can send a signal to the controller indicating the position of the winch 2705 and thus the position of the cover 2409. In other embodiments, a simple photo interrupter or other binary sensor may be used. An encoder, such as encoder 207, may have the following advantages: for example, when the drawer is returned to the interior of the cabinet, an encoder reading for the closed position of the lid may be recorded after each use. This accommodates drift or other effects on the length of the cable, for example, in firmware.

Fig. 28 shows the system of fig. 27 with the cover 2409 in an open position. The plunger 2404 of the solenoid 2401 has been retracted, allowing the stopper 2704 to pass the plunger 2404 when the cover 2409 is opened. Some of the cables 2703 have been unwound from the winches 2705. Spring 2706 helps retract cable 2703 when the user closes cover 2409. The stop 2704 may rest behind the plunger 2404, preventing the cover 2409 from opening until the solenoid 2401 is actuated again. Preferably, each cover 2409 has a mechanical detent that will hold the cover in its open position, although spring 2706 will induce any tension in cable 2703.

Although only one solenoid 2401 and sheath cable 2701 are shown in fig. 27 and 28, it will be understood that a similar arrangement may be provided for any lockable cover of a distribution drawer. In addition, support structures, fasteners, and other items are omitted from fig. 27 and 28 for clarity of illustration.

The systems of fig. 27 and 28 using a jacketed cable, such as jacketed cable 2701, may have the following advantages: the sheath 2702 need not move with respect to the insulator 2403 and can therefore be tightly sealed to the insulator 2403. Additionally, the flexibility of sheath cable 2701 may provide design freedom in the positioning of other components, such as solenoid 2401 or other actuators.

Fig. 31 shows an exploded view of a refrigerated drawer 3100 according to other embodiments of the invention. In some of the above embodiments, for example, as shown in fig. 14 and 15, a separate actuator is placed in the drawer alongside each compartment. As can be seen in fig. 22, this may result in the compartments being spaced apart from each other in the front-to-rear direction of the drawer with unused space therebetween. Using a remote actuator of the type shown in fig. 24 or 27 may bring the compartments closer together, resulting in more storage space being available in the drawer 3100, as compared to some other embodiments.

In the example embodiment of fig. 31, the box is formed from a tray 3101 having a simple thin divider 3102. The dividers 3102 may slide into grooves or notches 3106 in the tray 3101, or may be positioned in some other manner. The divider 3102 may be permanently secured to the tray 3101, for example, by solvent bonding or a permanent snap fit, or may be removable. In other embodiments, the tray 3101 may be formed with integrated dividers, for example, by injection molding.

The tray 3101 and divider 3102 are preferably perforated by openings, such as opening 3103, so that air may circulate within the drawer 3100, through the walls and compartments in the tray 3101. The cover 3104 of the drawer 3100 can include a descending rib 3105, and a descending rib 2206 protrudes into the compartment when the cover 3104 is closed. The ribs 3105 thus prevent complete filling of the compartment. The top of the compartment remains substantially open, allowing air flow throughout the drawer 3100.

The covers 3104 may be positioned closer together in the front-to-back direction of the drawer 3100 than in some other embodiments. The thinness of the divider 3102 allows for larger compartments to be created within the tray 3101 than in other embodiments, thereby increasing the storage capacity of the drawer 3100.

Fig. 32 shows how two actuators can be mounted outside of the insulation 3201 of the drawer 3100 to actuate two of the covers 3104.

In other embodiments, the magnetic latching system may be used to cool lids in drawers. Fig. 33 shows a compartment 3301 with a lid 3302. An electromagnet 3303 is installed on one corner of the compartment 3301, and a permanent magnet 3304 is installed in the cover 3302. When the lid 3302 is closed, the permanent magnets 3304 are positioned above and preferably in contact with the electromagnets 3303. In the absence of current through the electromagnet 3303, the lid 3302 is held closed by magnetic attraction between the permanent magnet 3304 and the electromagnet 3303. The permanent magnets 3304 are preferably strong enough so that the cover 3302 can be considered locked. For example, the permanent magnets 3304 may be attracted to the electromagnets 3303 with up to five pounds or more of force, making it difficult to open the lid 3302 without tools.

To unlock the lid 3302, a controller, such as controller 103, causes a current to flow through the electromagnet 3303 in one direction to generate a repulsive force against the permanent magnet 3304. With sufficient current, the attraction of the permanent magnets 3304 to the electromagnets 3303 can be overcome, and the cover 3302 can be easily lifted. In some embodiments, the current level may be selected to be slightly less than the current required to completely overcome the attractive force so that the cap 3302 may be opened with only a small amount of lifting force. In other embodiments, the current is high enough to completely overcome the attraction between the two magnets, and the lid 3302 may open due to the repulsive force of the electromagnets 3303.

In some embodiments, the positions of the electromagnets 3303 and permanent magnets 3304 may be reversed. In other embodiments, a permanent magnet may not be required. Conversely, the permanent magnets 3304 may be replaced by a simple plate made of ferromagnetic material, and the cover 3302 may be locked by passing a current through the electromagnets 3303. To unlock the cap 3302 in this arrangement, the current flow is simply stopped. However, although this alternative arrangement is feasible, it has the following disadvantages: current is drawn at all times except when the lid is unlocked. In addition, the lid may be unlocked during a power failure. In the preferred embodiment of fig. 33, which includes permanent magnets 3304, the cover is locked by default and draws no current in its locked state.

As mentioned above, it is possible to use a tool to force the cap 3302 to open from its locked state. Preferably, a detection circuit is provided to detect such intrusion. For example, a hall effect sensor can be positioned near the electromagnet 3303 to detect the magnetic field of the permanent magnet 3304 when the cover 3302 is closed. If the sensor detects that the magnetic field has disappeared (or sufficiently subsided) without the electromagnet 3303 being energized, it can be assumed that the cover 3302 has been pried open and an alarm or warning can be issued. For example, an audible alarm may be sounded at the cabinet location, or an electronic message may be forwarded via the controller 103 to the appropriate contact for investigation.

In other embodiments, the electromagnets 3303 may be loosely mounted to the compartment 3301 so that the lid 3302 may be lifted slightly while the compartment 3301 remains locked. The allowed travel is preferably sufficient to be detected by any inspection circuitry, but insufficient to allow access to the locked compartment. This capability may be used during "restocking" mode. A user authorized to do so, for example, a pharmacist tasked with restocking the compartment, may place the cabinet in a restocking mode. In this mode, slight lifting of one of the covers signals the controller via a sensor that the technician wishes to open that particular compartment for restocking. The controller then unlocks the compartment. This capability allows the restocker technician to quickly open the compartment as needed without entering information into the controller. Once restocking is complete, the technician preferably terminates the restocking mode so that the compartment remains locked until the user correctly requests the dispensing of the item.

The arrangement of fig. 33 positions at least some of the electrical or electronic components within the refrigerated space. For example, the electromagnets 3303 are within a refrigerated drawer and may be mounted to a printed circuit board below the compartment 3301. The plate may also house any closure sensors, lights or other elements. Preferably, any printed circuit board and associated electronic components are encapsulated with a water-resistant conformal coating to avoid degradation or damage due to moisture condensation.

It is to be understood that all possible combinations of features disclosed herein are also considered disclosed.

The invention has now been described in detail for purposes of clarity and understanding. It will be understood, however, that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A device for dispensing articles, comprising:

a cabinet;

a drawer within the cabinet, the drawer including one or more compartments for storing items;

a refrigeration system within the drawer configured to maintain the one or more compartments in the drawer at a temperature below an ambient temperature of the cabinet; and

thermal insulation at the side of the drawer and thermal insulation below the one or more compartments.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a computer controller coupled to the drawer, the controller controlling access to the drawer.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a temperature probe within the drawer, wherein the temperature probe provides a signal to the computer controller indicative of a temperature within the drawer, and wherein the computer controller provides information to a user of the apparatus regarding the temperature in the drawer.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a temperature buffer surrounding the temperature probe.

5. The device of claim 2, further comprising one or more actuators controllable by the computer controller and coupled to a lid of a respective one of the one or more compartments, wherein the one or more actuators are disposed outside an interior of the drawer defined by the thermal insulation at the side of the drawer and the thermal insulation below the one or more compartments.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the one or more actuators comprise one or more solenoids.

7. The device of claim 5, wherein the one or more actuators are mounted to one or more printed circuit boards that are also disposed outside the interior of the drawer defined by the thermal insulation at the side of the drawer and the thermal insulation below the one or more compartments.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising one or more lights respectively corresponding to at least some of the one or more compartments, and wherein the controller is configured to, upon determining to access a particular compartment:

actuating one of the actuators corresponding to the particular compartment to unlock the particular compartment; and

illuminating one of the lights corresponding to the particular compartment.

9. The device of claim 8, further comprising an override mechanism accessible from outside of the drawer, the override mechanism mechanically moving the one or more actuators to manually unlock the compartment.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an insulating panel within the cabinet, wherein the insulating panel is positioned at a top side of the drawer when the drawer is closed and within the cabinet, and the insulating panel remains within the cabinet when the drawer is open.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a top insulating plate coupled to the drawer, wherein the top insulating plate is slidable with respect to the drawer to expose the one or more compartments.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the refrigeration system comprises a compressor and a condenser disposed at a rear of the drawer, and an evaporator disposed between the one or more compartments in the drawer and the insulation below the one or more compartments.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the evaporator is a roll-bond evaporator.

14. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a fan, wherein the fan pushes air from outside the drawer through the condenser.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the drawer defines an air flow path through which the fan propels air, the air flow path being open to an environment surrounding the cabinet at a front side of the cabinet such that air enters the air flow path at a front of the cabinet, and the fan expels the air from a rear of the cabinet.

16. The device of claim 15, wherein the air flow path is at least partially defined within the thermal insulation below the one or more compartments.

17. The device of claim 1, further comprising one or more additional drawers, at least one of which is not refrigerated.

18. A drawer, comprising:

a housing;

an insulator defining a climate controlled interior of the drawer;

a refrigeration system having a compressor and a condenser disposed within the drawer but outside the climate controlled interior of the drawer, and having an evaporator disposed within the climate controlled interior of the drawer;

a divider defining one or more compartments within the climate controlled interior of the drawer;

one or more lids covering the one or more compartments;

an electrical interface for receiving power and control signals; and

one or more actuators coupled to the one or more covers to lock and unlock the one or more compartments in response to control signals received via the electrical interface.

19. The drawer of claim 18, wherein the one or more actuators are disposed outside the climate controlled interior of the drawer.

20. The drawer of claim 18, further comprising one or more lights corresponding to the one or more compartments, the lights responsive to control signals received via the electrical interface.

21. The drawer of claim 18, further comprising:

an air inlet at a front of the drawer;

an air flow channel disposed at least partially within an insulating panel beneath the climate controlled interior of the drawer; and

a fan drawing air into the air inlet, through the air flow passage and through the condenser, and exhausting the air from a rear side of the drawer.

22. The drawer of claim 21, wherein the air inlet is concealed within a handle at the front side of the drawer.

23. A drawer, comprising:

a housing;

an insulator defining an insulated interior of the drawer;

an air inlet on a first side of the drawer;

an air outlet at a second side of the drawer; and

a fan;

wherein the fan draws air into the air inlet and expels air from the air outlet and between the air inlet and the air outlet, the air flowing through an air flow path at least partially defined by the insulation.

24. The drawer of claim 23, further comprising a refrigeration system that cools the insulated interior of the drawer, wherein the fan flows air from outside the drawer through a condenser of the refrigeration system.

25. The drawer of claim 23, wherein the first side of the drawer is a front of the drawer, and wherein the air inlet is concealed within a handle of the front side of the drawer.

26. A device for dispensing articles, comprising:

a cabinet;

a cooling system within the drawer configured to maintain the one or more compartments in the drawer at a temperature below an ambient temperature of the cabinet; and

27. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cooling system comprises a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator.

28. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cooling system is a thermoelectric cooling system.

29. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the thermoelectric cooling system further comprises a fan configured to circulate air within the drawer.

30. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the thermoelectric cooling system further comprises a fan configured to both remove heat from the thermoelectric cooling unit and induce air flow under or around the thermal insulation of the drawer.

31. The device of claim 29, wherein at least some of the compartments are defined in part by perforated walls that allow circulating air to pass through the walls and through the compartments.

32. The device of claim 31, wherein the lid of at least some compartments whose walls are perforated comprises a descending rib that protrudes into the compartment when the lid is closed.

33. The device of claim 28, further comprising a computer controller coupled to the drawer, the controller controlling access to the drawer.

34. The apparatus of claim 33, further comprising a temperature probe within the drawer, wherein the temperature probe provides a signal to the computer controller indicative of a temperature within the drawer.

35. The device of claim 33, further comprising one or more actuators controllable by the computer controller and coupled to a lid of a respective one of the one or more compartments, wherein the one or more actuators are disposed outside an interior of the drawer defined by the thermal insulation at the side of the drawer and the thermal insulation below the one or more compartments.

36. The device of claim 33, further comprising magnetic latches on at least some of the compartments, the magnetic latches being controlled by the computer controller to lock and unlock the lids of their respective compartments.

37. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein each of the magnetic latches comprises a permanent magnet secured to the lid of the respective compartment, and an electromagnet secured to a wall of the compartment, such that the permanent magnet contacts the electromagnet when the lid is closed;

and wherein the controller unlocks the compartment by passing a current through the electromagnet, thereby causing the electromagnet to repel the permanent magnet.

38. The device of claim 35, wherein the one or more actuators comprise one or more solenoids.

39. The device of claim 35, further comprising one or more sensors configured to sense a position of a lid of a respective compartment of the one or more compartments.

40. The device of claim 39, wherein each of the sensors is disposed outside the interior of the drawer defined by the thermal insulation at the side of the drawer and the thermal insulation below the one or more compartments, and is coupled to its respective lid.

41. The device of claim 40, wherein each of the sensors is coupled to its respective lid via a linkage through the thermal insulation of the drawer.

42. The device of claim 40, wherein each of the sensors is coupled to its respective lid via a jacketed cable passing through the thermal insulation of the drawer.

43. The apparatus of claim 35, further comprising one or more lights respectively corresponding to at least some of the one or more compartments, and wherein the controller is configured to, upon determining to access a particular compartment:

illuminating one of the lights corresponding to the particular compartment.

44. The device of claim 35, further comprising an override mechanism accessible from outside of the drawer that mechanically moves the one or more actuators to manually unlock one or more of the compartments.

45. The device of claim 28, wherein the thermoelectric cooling system comprises a closed cooling loop including a heat transfer fluid.

46. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the heat transfer fluid is maintained under pressure such that its boiling point is close to a desired temperature of the interior of the drawer.

47. The device of claim 46, wherein the heat transfer fluid is maintained under pressure such that its boiling point is between 2 ℃ and 8 ℃.

48. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the heat transfer fluid is carbon dioxide.

49. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the thermoelectric cooling system comprising the closed cooling loop and the heat-transfer fluid forms a heat pipe operating by natural convection.

50. A drawer, comprising:

a housing;

an insulator defining a climate controlled interior of the drawer;

a thermoelectric cooling system disposed in a sidewall of the drawer and configured to maintain an interior of the drawer at a temperature below an ambient temperature of the drawer;

a set of walls defining more than one compartment within the climate controlled interior of the drawer;

one or more lids covering the one or more compartments;

an electrical interface for receiving power and control signals; and

51. The drawer of claim 50, wherein the one or more actuators are disposed outside the climate controlled interior of the drawer.

52. The drawer of claim 50, further comprising one or more lights corresponding to the one or more compartments, the lights responsive to control signals received via the electrical interface.

53. The drawer of claim 50, wherein the thermoelectric cooling system is configured to circulate cooled air in the interior of the drawer.

54. The drawer of claim 50, wherein the thermoelectric cooling system comprises a closed cooling loop including a heat transfer fluid.

55. The drawer of claim 54, wherein the heat transfer fluid is carbon dioxide, which is maintained at a pressure such that its boiling point is between 2 ℃ and 8 ℃.