Omnicell has been granted a patent for a secure dispensing unit with multiple storage assemblies arranged in parallel within a housing. Each assembly has compartments for storing items, with a cover that can be retracted by an actuator to expose selected compartments based on load sensor measurements. GlobalData’s report on Omnicell gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Omnicell, Automated drug dispensing systems was a key innovation area identified from patents. Omnicell's grant share as of January 2024 was 61%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Secure dispensing unit with retractable cover and load sensors
A recently granted patent (Publication Number: US11831913B2) discloses a dispensing unit designed to efficiently store and dispense items. The unit comprises a housing with multiple storage assemblies arranged in parallel, each containing compartments with load sensors. An actuator is used to retract a cover over the compartments, exposing a selected number of items based on measurements from the load sensors. The unit is integrated into electronically lockable drawers of medication storage systems, detecting drawer closure and adjusting cover position accordingly. The system monitors inventory based on load sensor measurements, updating each time the drawer is accessed.
Furthermore, the patent describes a method for operating the dispensing unit, involving receiving input to dispense items, measuring load sensor data, and retracting the cover to expose the selected items. The method includes determining empty compartments and adjusting the number of items exposed accordingly. Integrated into electronically lockable drawers, the method unlocks the drawer after dispensing, illuminating lights on the drawer exterior to indicate item availability. Additionally, the method involves simultaneously actuating an additional cover to expose more compartments, enhancing the efficiency of the dispensing process. Overall, the patent highlights a sophisticated dispensing unit and method that streamline item storage, retrieval, and inventory management within medication storage systems.
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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
