Electronic Monitoring Device for Use with Blister Packs

Abstract

A device is provided for use with a blister pack having a tray that defines an array of discrete cavities closed by a seal. Consumer products, for example, medication such as pills, tablets, and capsules, are stored in the cavities until they are dispensed through the seal. The device includes a holder that supports the blister pack and includes channels that define a dispensing chamber into which the contents of the blister pack cavities can be dispensed. The blister pack is supported by the holder in use with the open mouth of each cavity facing the channels such that when the contents of a cavity are dispensed through the seal they are received in the channels. The device further includes an electronic module that includes an electronic monitor for monitoring circuits provided on the seal.

1 - 88 . (canceled) 
     
     
         89 . A holder that supports a blister pack in use, the blister pack having a tray comprising one or more discrete cavities for receiving consumer products and a seal adhered to the tray to seal the one or more discrete cavities, the seal having a pattern of electrically conductive tracks that defines a circuit per cavity, wherein the holder is adapted to be releasably connected to an electronic module that comprises an electronic monitor for monitoring each circuit when the holder is connected to the electronic module in use and when part of the blister pack that includes a termination point for each circuit is in electrical contact with the electronic monitor;
 wherein the holder includes one or more openings, each opening being aligned with the open mouth of a corresponding discrete cavity of the supported blister pack in use, the holder being adapted to support the blister pack in use with the open mouth of each discrete cavity facing an associated opening in the holder;   wherein the holder includes a dispensing chamber in communication with the one or more openings for receiving the dispensed contents of a discrete cavity; and   wherein at least one end of the dispensing chamber includes an opening so that the dispensed contents of a discrete cavity can be removed from the holder.   
     
     
         90 . The holder of  claim 89 , wherein a generally planar surface of the holder includes a shallow recess for receiving the blister pack. 
     
     
         91 . The holder of  claim 89 , further comprising an array of openings corresponding to an array of discrete cavities of the blister pack. 
     
     
         92 . The holder of  claim 89 , wherein the holder is adapted to support the blister pack in use with the seal of the blister pack in direct contact with a generally planar surface of the holder. 
     
     
         93 . The holder of  claim 89 , further comprising a slot or recess for retaining an edge part of the blister pack in use. 
     
     
         94 . The holder of  claim 89 , wherein the dispensing chamber includes two or more channels. 
     
     
         95 . The holder of  claim 89 , further comprising alignment features for aligning the blister pack relative to the holder in use. 
     
     
         96 . The holder of  claim 89 , further comprising a user-operable lock for selectively securing the holder to the electronic module. 
     
     
         97 . In combination, the holder of  claim 89  and a blister pack supported by the holder. 
     
     
         98 . A device for use with a blister pack having a tray comprising one or more discrete cavities for receiving consumer products, and a seal adhered to the tray to seal the one or more discrete cavities, the seal having a pattern of electrically conductive tracks that defines a circuit per cavity, the device comprising:
 a holder that supports the blister pack; and   an electronic module releasably connected to the holder, wherein the electronic module comprises an electronic monitor for monitoring each circuit when part of the blister pack that includes a termination point for each circuit is in electrical contact with the electronic monitor;   wherein the holder includes one or more openings, each opening being aligned with the open mouth of a corresponding discrete cavity of the supported blister pack in use, the holder being adapted to support the blister pack in use with the open mouth of each discrete cavity facing an associated opening in the holder;   wherein the holder includes a dispensing chamber in communication with the one or more openings for receiving the dispensed contents of a discrete cavity; and   wherein at least one end of the dispensing chamber includes an opening so that the dispensed contents of a discrete cavity can be removed from the holder.   
     
     
         99 . The device of  claim 98 , wherein the electronic module further comprises a slot into which an edge part of the blister pack is inserted in use. 
     
     
         100 . The device of  claim 98 , wherein the electronic module further comprises an outer housing of single-part or multi-part construction and the slot is provided in the outer housing. 
     
     
         101 . The device of  claim 98 , wherein the electronic monitor includes contacts in electrical contact with the termination points of the blister pack in use. 
     
     
         102 . The device of  claim 98 , wherein the electronic module further comprises a memory unit for storing information. 
     
     
         103 . The device of  claim 98 , wherein the electronic module further comprises a communication unit for transmitting information, receiving information, or both. 
     
     
         104 . The device of  claim 98 , wherein the electronic module is programmable. 
     
     
         105 . In combination, the device of  claim 98  and a blister pack supported by the holder. 
     
     
         106 . A device for use with a blister pack having a tray comprising one or more discrete cavities for receiving consumer products, and a seal adhered to the tray to seal the one or more discrete cavities, the seal having a pattern of electrically conductive tracks that defines a circuit per cavity, the device comprising:
 a holder that supports the blister pack; and   an electronic module integral with the holder, wherein the electronic module comprises an electronic monitor for monitoring each circuit when part of the blister pack that includes a termination point for each circuit is in electrical contact with the electronic monitor;   wherein the holder includes one or more openings, each opening being aligned with the open mouth of a corresponding discrete cavity of the supported blister pack in use, the holder being adapted to support the blister pack in use with the open mouth of each discrete cavity facing an associated opening in the holder;   wherein the holder includes a dispensing chamber in communication with the one or more openings for receiving the dispensed contents of a discrete cavity; and   wherein at least one end of the dispensing chamber includes an opening so that the dispensed contents of a discrete cavity can be removed from the holder.   
     
     
         107 . The device of  claim 106 , having a two-part construction comprising a first housing part that defines part of the holder and the integral electronic module, and a second housing part. 
     
     
         108 . The device of  claim 106 , wherein the electronic module further comprises a slot into which an edge part of the blister pack is inserted in use. 
     
     
         109 . The device of  claim 106 , wherein the electronic module further comprises an outer housing of single-part or multi-part construction and the slot is provided in the outer housing. 
     
     
         110 . The device of  claim 106 , wherein the electronic monitor includes contacts in electrical contact with the termination points of the blister pack in use. 
     
     
         111 . The device of  claim 106 , wherein the electronic module further comprises a memory unit for storing information. 
     
     
         112 . The device of  claim 106 , wherein the electronic module further comprises a communication unit for transmitting information, receiving information, or both. 
     
     
         113 . The device of  claim 106 , wherein the electronic module is programmable. 
     
     
         114 . In combination, the device of  claim 106  and a blister pack supported by the holder.