Abstract: Vending accommodation and accessibility is described in connection with completing transactions by a machine. In certain aspects, the method includes entering an accommodation mode based on a user selection, displaying an accommodation menu comprising at least one selection button and a list of items available for vending, and announcing a selected item of the list of items available for vending. In other aspects, the method includes determining whether an item has been selected for vending based on touching at least one selection button according to instructions to a relative position of the selection button on a display screen. When determining that an item has been selected for vending, the method further includes prompting for payment to complete a transaction for the item.

Abstract: A medicine feeding device is configured by providing a first rotor 23 that rotates around a first shaft 24, a second rotor 35 that rotates around a second shaft, a partition wall 18 extending from the second rotor 35 towards the first rotor 23, a medicine discharge port 73 provided on the outside of the second rotor 35, a medicine guide section 65 located in the downstream of a movement section 37 in the medicine transport direction, and a height regulator 41 disposed between the movement section 37 and medicine guide section 65. In addition, the width regulator 52 that is disposed between the medicine guide section 65 and the height regulator 41 is further provided. Also, the medicine counting device is further provided with a medicine detection means 70 for detecting a medicine that is supplied from the medicine discharge port 73, and a counting means (central control unit 83) for counting the medicines based on the detection by the medicine detection means 70.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are described for remotely managing items that are configured to be stored in at least one dispensing device. This includes receiving user identification information at a host computer system from an electronic device that is remotely located from the dispensing device. This also includes transmitting from the host computer system to the electronic device a disposition of at least one item, wherein the at least one item is associated with a patient. Further, this includes receiving, at the host computer system from the remote electronic device, information about the item originating from the dispensing device, wherein the information includes a further disposition of the item.

Abstract: The present application is directed to systems and methods for transmitting vending machine data wirelessly via a reporting device. Each vending machine may connect to a reporting device. The reporting device may communicate with a mobile device wirelessly, where the mobile device may be carried by an operator. The reporting device may transmit vending machine data to the mobile device. The reporting device may transmit maintenance information to the mobile device. The mobile device may upload the vending machine data and maintenance information via a network to a remote device. The reporting device may enable a customer to make purchases with a mobile device. The reporting device may receive a repair-needed notification from a customer's mobile device.

Abstract: A product display apparatus including a product supply module that includes a support frame and defines a storage area. A door assembly coupled to the support frame is structured to provide bulk access to the storage area in an open position and prevent bulk access to the storage area in the closed position. A return area is defined between the support frame and the top of the door assembly while a retrieval area is defined between the support frame and the bottom of the door assembly. A modular display portion is coupled to the door assembly that extends into the retrieval area to define a single unit retrieval opening. A load block member may be disposed in the retrieval area to permit retrieval of a product, but inhibit return of a product. A retrieval detector may be configured to detect when a product has been withdrawn through the retrieval area and generate an alert upon detection of rapid product removal.

Abstract: The present application provides an automated beverage dispenser using a number of cups and a number of lids. The automated beverage dispenser may include a lid stack with the number of lids, a lidding mechanism, and a positioning device for maneuvering the lidding mechanism so as to remove one of the number of lids from the lid stack and to attach the lid to one of the number of cups.

Abstract: A cosmetic or dermatological system includes a packaging and dispensing device including one or more compositions on the basis of which a product is delivered, an adjustment system coupled or able to be coupled to the packaging and dispensing device, making it possible to modify the amount dispensed and/or at least one property of the product dispensed by the packaging and dispensing device, an electronic means for executing a program and acting automatically on the adjustment system, or for indicating to the user an action to be exerted on the adjustment system, to make the adjustment evolve in the course of the use of the device, the program determining the evolution of the adjustment as a function at least of a quantity representative of the number of uses of said device or of the amount of said product or of at least one of said compositions and already dispensed.

Abstract: A spice rack comprising a housing and receptacles for holding spices. The receptacle holders are provided within the housing for receiving one of the receptacles. A selector is provided so that when selecting one of the receptacle holders from the selector, the selector moves a moveable access opening to be adjacent to the selected receptacle holder so that the receptacle in the selected receptacle holder can be removed from the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method that simplifies the process of storing and dispensing prescription medications for both the patient and the pharmacy. The apparatus has a housing enclosing a conveying assembly that conveys a plurality of bins. A package containing prescription medication prepared and filled by a pharmacist is placed in one bin. Electronic tags on the packages and bins are read by an electronic reader to position the bins inside the housing. The customer reaches into the housing to grab the package or a grabbing mechanism grabs the correct package and drops it in a tray that is accessed by the customer. A display screen displays information and allows the customer to enter a code to obtain the medication. Cameras and other security equipment ensures the correct person obtains the medication. A computer in the housing controls the operation of apparatus and contacts the customer that the medication is ready.

Abstract: The present invention is a system for managing blood sugar levels while on the go. A roll of water soluble sugar thin-film is contained within a specialized dispensing container. A sliding button is disposed on one side of the dispenser and actuates dispensing of a single sugar strip and advancement of a counter. Each sugar strip contains a predetermined dose of dextrose or other sugar in a rapidly dissolving oral film. Thus, diabetics and persons experiencing a blood sugar imbalance can rapidly dispense a measured dose of sugar that dissolves in saliva. A counter on the side of the dispenser tracks the number of remaining sugar strips, thereby ensuring that users who rely on ready availability of sugar strips are aware of their remaining supply.

Abstract: Systems and methods for filling a customer order. An automated label and verification machine is used to print and apply patient labels to products containing medical items and then verify the product label and patient label on each of the products. In order to supply the automated label and verification machine with a batch of different products making up the customer order, a user is sent to a storage carousel and prompted to pick the products from storage locations rotated into location adjacent to a door in the cage surrounding the storage carousel. The use of the storage carousels maximizes the number of distinct products and amount of those products that may be stored in close relation to the automated label and verification machine, thereby making the process more space and time efficient.

Abstract: An automated method is provided for recording contents of medication packages vended from a plurality of vending machines in electronic records, such as an electronic medication administration record (eMAR), that store records for a plurality of patients who are associated with respective vending machines. A vending event causes the electronic record to be populated. The contents of the medication packages vended from the vending machines are recorded in electronic records without communicating patient names or vended medications in the electronic message sent from the vending machines.

Abstract: Vending Machines (VMs) employ a series of physical locks to prevent unauthorized access and/or control of the machine. In addition to the lock on the front door, in one embodiment of the invention an electrical door switch is employed that is used to enable a set of protected commands to the Vending Machine Controller Card (VMCC) only when the door has been opened. An electronic override of this switch, via remote control of a telemetry device (VIU) coupled to the VM, allows the VMCC to accept protected-mode commands from a central command server via a wireless network regardless of whether the door was actually opened. Other embodiments are described herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vending apparatus for at least one medicinal product, comprising of a housing, storage means adapted to store the at least one medicinal product, an input means adapted to process a costumer request for a medicinal product, processing means adapted to process the costumer request and being adapted to execute an interactive product-related training procedure to the customer, and delivery means for handing out the medicinal product to the costumer after passing the training procedure, wherein access to the medicinal product is only approved by the processing means if the customer successfully passes the training procedure.

Abstract: A packaged product assembly is provided. The packaged product assembly may include a packet received in a dispensing container. The packet may be a blister packet including units of a product received in sealed cavities. The dispensing container may include a top casing and a bottom casing. The upper casing may be pivotably connected to the lower casing such that the upper casing is moveable between a closed position in which access to the packet is substantially blocked, and an open position in which access to the packet is provided. The packet may be supported by a shoulder defined at an inner surface of sidewalls of the lower casing such that a receptacle is formed between the packet and a major wall of the lower casing. A unit of the product released from one of the sealed cavities may be received in the receptacle and dispensed via a dispensing aperture.

Abstract: One embodiment for dispensers for dispensing wet wipes includes a container, a plurality of wet wipes contained within the container and a dispensing nozzle made of a resilient material secured to the container. The dispensing nozzle includes an outlet opening in the nozzle. A fluid retaining member is located at a point below the opening. Another embodiment includes a container for holding a plurality of wipes. A dispensing nozzle includes a resilient member having an outlet opening is secured to the container. A fluid retaining member is located below the outlet. In one embodiment, the fluid retaining member has a surface that is sloped. Embodiments of dispensing nozzles for wet wipes are also disclosed wherein the dispensing nozzle includes a resilient dome shaped member having an opening located therein. In addition, the dispensing nozzle includes an annular fluid retaining ring. The annular fluid retaining ring may have a sloped surface.

Abstract: A support device includes a base member having a first side adapted to face a flat surface and a second side opposite to the first side, and a cover member adapted to cover at least partially the base member. The base member is adapted to be attached to the flat surface by a fastening system. The fastening system includes a first surface adapted for the application of a stretch releasable adhesive strip on the first side of the base member. The base member has a through opening extending through the base member from the second side to the first side. The through opening is arranged adjacent to the first surface and is adapted for pulling the stretch releasable adhesive strip at least partially therethrough. The cover member in a first position covers the through opening and in a second position exposes the through opening.

Abstract: A medication storage and dispensing workstation for use in a medication management system administering the inventory and distribution of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies in a healthcare environment is disclosed. The workstation incorporates a linear drawer assembly having a plurality of discrete, removable, storage modules for containing medications and/or other medical supplies. The storage modules are arranged in a linear array extending longitudinally along the travel path of the linear drawer assembly. Each storage module, in turn, comprises a drawer that is extensible laterally relative to the linear arrangement of the storage modules. As such, the drawer assemblies comprise a compartmentalized “drawer-in-drawer” arrangement that provides an efficient use of storage space and enables a user to utilize the workstation in a workspace having a smaller footprint that traditional storage cabinet apparatus.

Abstract: A self-contained pill dispenser is disclosed. A housing is provided and a hopper for containing a plurality of pills is supported by the housing. A transport tube receives pills from the hopper. The transport tube has a controllable aperture for facilitating or inhibiting delivery of pills to the transport tube. A microcontroller is also operatively connected to the hopper, the transport tube, and the input aperture. Optionally, a feed chute can be operatively connected between the hopper and the transport tube. The system can self-calibrate the mechanism for counting and dispensing pills by dynamically adjusting the input aperture based upon the stored information representative of the pulse width signal and the amplitude signal.

Abstract: A product dispenser includes a housing configured to receive a supply of product, a dispensing mechanism disposed and configured to dispense the product, and a controller operably coupled to the dispensing mechanism. The controller includes a processer responsive to executable instructions which when executed by the processor facilitates: recording of usage data associated with the product; calculation of a usage rate of the product; and, prediction of at least one of a depletion date of the product, a time to depletion of the product, a time to near-depletion of the product, and a near-depletion date of the product.