Abstract: A remotely actuable refrigerator door lock has a body portion attached to the cabinet and a door portion attached to an edge of the door. A latch in the body portion engages a strike plate in the door portion and can be remotely lifted to open the refrigerator. The door lock assembly is connected to a remote host computer via a USB or ethernet connection. Temperature and/or humidity in the refrigerator is compared with a predetermined limit, and in the event the sensed value is beyond the limit, the remote opening functionality is disabled, and a microprocessor automatically generates and sends a warning message. A key lock can provide access in the event of an adverse temperature or humidity event. The host computer keeps an audit trail of the times and personnel accessing each refrigerator. The system may be used in hospital for controlling access to pharmaceuticals or may be used in a weight loss program.

Abstract: A wall-mounted medications cabinet has at least one, and preferably up to four locking drawers, each with a removable bin holding the medications for a given patient. The drawers are each independently openable electronically. This can be accomplished using an incorporated PC with a touch screen monitor, or authorized access can be obtained via a network. The cabinet may be connected using USB or ethernet interface. A key lock can provide access in the event of a power failure.

Abstract: An automated supplies cabinet dispenses supply items that are stored in a rack of drawers within a locking cabinet. A robotic transfer mechanism fetches the drawer containing the desired supply items, and brings it to an access portal at the front of the cabinet. A sliding door opens automatically to provide access. The supply articles can be RFID tagged and an RFID reader provides for automatic inventory updating when the articles are taken. The racks can take the form of carts that wheel into place in the cabinet. A light curtain disposed at the access portal can block movement of the door and of the transfer mechanism if it detects a hand reaching in. The cabinet provides an audit trail and facilitates inventory control and patient billing.

Abstract: A monitor device is attached onto or inside a shipping crate for pharmaceutical shipments and monitors the temperature and/or humidity within the crate in transit to identify whether the contents are safe or compromised. A keyboard/display on the device provides an ID code that the recipient enters into a computer web page to communicate this ID code to the shipper or to a third-party agency. If the ID code represents a safe shipment, the shipper or third-party returns an acceptance message. If there has been a compromise, a different ID code is presented, and the web page instead returns a message to return the crate. A return envelope can be included for the recipient to return the monitor device to the shipper.

Abstract: A wall-mounted medications cabinet has at least one, and preferably up to four locking drawers, each with a removable bin holding the medications for a given patient. The drawers are each independently openable electronically. This can be accomplished using an incorporated PC with a touch screen monitor, or authorized access can be obtained via a network. The cabinet may be connected using USB or ethernet interface. A key lock can provide access in the event of a power failure.

Abstract: A remotely actuable refrigerator door lock has a body portion that is attached to the cabinet and a door portion that is attached to an edge of the door. A latch in the body portion engages a strike plate in the door portion and can be lifted out of engagement to open the refrigerator. The door lock assembly is connected to a remote host computer via a USB or ethernet connection. The host computer keeps an audit trail of the times and personnel accessing each refrigerator. The system may be used in hospital for controlling access to pharmaceuticals or may be used in a weight loss program. A key lock can provide access in the event of a power failure.

Abstract: A locking shipping crate for pharmaceutical shipments monitors the temperature and/or humidity within the crate in transit to identify whether the contents are safe or compromised. A keyboard/display on the lid of the crate provides an ID code that the recipient enters into a computer web page to communicate this ID code to the shipper. If the ID code represents a safe shipment, the shipper returns an unlock code that the recipient enters to unlock the lid. If there has been a compromise, a different ID code is presented, and the shipper instead returns a message to return the crate, and denies the unlock code. A key lock may be present, with keys available only to trusted personnel.

Abstract: A remotely or locally actuable refrigerator door lock has a body portion that is attached to the cabinet and a door portion that is attached to an edge of the door. A latch in the body portion engages a strike plate in the door portion and can be lifted out of engagement to open the refrigerator. The door lock assembly may be connected to a touch-screen device or via a USB or ethernet connection to a remote host computer. The host computer keeps an audit trail of the times and personnel accessing each refrigerator, and a temperature audit trail. The system may be used in hospital for controlling access to pharmaceuticals or may be used in a weight loss program. Temperature and humidity sensors are positioned within the refrigerator cabinet. The door lock may have battery power for portable or mobile applications.

Abstract: A prescription drug storage and dispensing arrangement allows prescriptions stored, as they are filled, in a cabinet for customer pickup. The prescriptions are placed into receptacles such as pharmacy envelopes and placed on carriers, e.g., hanger bars, that are transported on a conveyor within the cabinet. The conveyor brings one carrier at a time to an access opening for loading or retrieving of a pharmacy envelope. In one embodiment the hanger bars are rods with spaced annular recesses defining bag positions. Scissors-action arms may be used to suspend the hanger rods from the conveyor webs. The identity of each pharmacy envelope and the location of the respective bar on said conveyor and the bag position are stored in a computer, with information identifying the customer order. When the customer arrives to pick up the prescription, the customer data is entered and the conveyor automatically moves to position the respective hanger bar at the access opening.

Abstract: A prescription drug storage and dispensing arrangement allows prescriptions stored, as they are filled, in a cabinet for customer pickup. The prescriptions are placed into receptacles such as pharmacy envelopes and placed on carriers, e.g., hanger bars, that are transported on a conveyor within the cabinet. The conveyor brings one carrier at a time to an access opening for loading or retrieving of a pharmacy envelope. In one embodiment the hanger bars are rods with spaced annular recesses defining bag positions. Scissors-action arms may be used to suspend the hanger rods from the conveyor webs. The identity of each pharmacy envelope and the location of the respective bar on said conveyor and the bag position are stored in a computer, with information identifying the customer order. When the customer arrives to pick up the prescription, the customer data is entered and the conveyor automatically moves to position the respective hanger bar at the access opening.

Abstract: A high resolution sheet metal scanner employs machine vision to check a sheet metal part or the like for accuracy of punched or drilled holes or other structure. A high-resolution line-scanning camera mounted to an X-Y table, located in an environmentally sealed lower assembly. The sheet metal part is placed upon a transparent support plate. The line-scan camera is precision focused on the top surface of the glass support plate. An elongated linear illuminator is situated above the glass plate. The illuminator extends in the X direction and moves in the Y direction. The camera is transported in the X and Y directions on a carriage of the X-Y table. A computer control may be used for controlling the camera and the X-Y table. The drive for the camera and for the illuminator are mechanically independent.

Abstract: A reusable flat radiolucent compression cushion is placed on one or both compression surfaces of a mammography machine. The cushion has a cover or enclosure of a radiolucent bio-compatible plastic film, e.g., polyurethane film, and a flat core of a radiolucent plastic foam material, e.g., cross-linked polyethylene foam. The plastic foam material and the film of the enclosure are substantially free of visible artifacts at the low radiological energies used during mammography, so that the breast tissues image clearly. Outside the imaging area, there are fastener strips or patches, e.g., Velcro, for removably attaching the cushion to the associated compressive surface. The mammography compression cushions are light weight and can be easily stored in a convenient shelf or drawer near the mammography machine. The cushions can be easily cleaned with a mild soap and water, and may be disinfected using any standard hospital disinfecting solution.

Abstract: A medication dispensing cart has a pull-out drawer, and a conveyor that transports a number of removable medication bins within the cart, one at a time, to the position of the drawer. An on-board processor controls operation of the bin conveyor mechanism whose pathway can be a serpentine (folded) loop. The drawer slide engages the bin located at the drawer position, and the bin can be pulled forward from said conveyor and pushed back onto the conveyor. The bins can be lifted out when the drawer is opened. A 2-D bar code symbol or other machine-readable code, positioned on the bin, contains data identifying the contents of the bin and the associated patient. A reader device reads the coded symbol and transfers data for that bin to an on-board processor. The processor keeps track of the bins on the conveyor, as well as their contents. Pusher arms on the drawer assist in pushing the bin out when the drawer is opened and in returning the bin onto its carrier when the drawer is closed.

Abstract: A medication dispensing cart has a pull-out drawer, and a conveyor that transports a number of removable medication bins within the cart, one at a time, to the position of the drawer. An on-board processor controls operation of the bin conveyor mechanism whose pathway can be a serpentine (folded) loop. The drawer slide engages the bin located at the drawer position, and the bin can be pulled forward from said conveyor and pushed back onto the conveyor. The bins can be lifted out when the drawer is opened. A 2-D bar code symbol or other machine-readable code, positioned on the bin, contains data identifying the contents of the bin and the associated patient. A reader device reads the coded symbol and transfers data for that bin to an on-board processor. The processor keeps track of the bins on the conveyor, as well as their contents. Pusher arms on the drawer assist in pushing the bin out when the drawer is opened and in returning the bin onto its carrier when the drawer is closed.

Abstract: A scrubs returns cabinet for hospital workers to return surgical garment tops and bottoms. A cabinet housing has a door, drawer or similar port through which the customer places the soiled scrub suit after entering customer identification information. There are first and second belts in the housing that unwind from respective back and front reels or drums, and wind over a series of rollers or idlers onto a lower collecting drum. The scrubs fall onto one of the belts, and then are captured between the belts. The scrubs are compressed onto the collecting drum. The direction of travel of the belts is reversed to expel the soiled scrubs from the cabinet. These can be discharged directly into a laundry bin, so that the laundry attendant does not have to reach into the cabinet to retrieve the scrubs. The cabinet can be configured for the return of towels or other articles, or for dispensing such articles.

Abstract: A high resolution sheet metal scanner employs machine vision to check a sheet metal part or the like for accuracy of punched or drilled holes or other structure. A high-resolution line-scanning camera mounted to an X-Y table, located in an environmentally sealed lower assembly. The sheet metal part is placed upon a transparent support plate. The line-scan camera is precision focused on the top surface of the glass support plate. An elongated linear illuminator is situated above the glass plate. The illuminator extends in the X direction and moves in the Y direction. The camera is transported in the X and Y directions on a carriage of the X-Y table. A computer control may be used for controlling the camera and the X-Y table. The drive for the camera and for the illuminator are mechanically independent.

Abstract: A compensator filter is used to adjust the radiation therapy beam of a linear accelerator device to compensate for tissue that may have been removed surgically. The compensator filter is formed of a plastic material having a density of about one to two times that of the patient's tissue, and is disposed in the filter tray of the linear accelerator for selectively attenuating the radiotherapy beam to compensate for the missing tissue. Preferably, the filter can be made from a blank cast of polyurethane filled with glass microspheres, such that the filter is substantially free of heavy metal substances and toxic materials. The blank can be milled in a compensator filter milling machine of the type that is found in radiotherapy clinics.

Abstract: An x-ray illuminator achieves uniform illumination intensity across the front glass diffuser screen. The reflectance of the reflector is varied over its surface, the transmissivity of the screen can be varied over its extent, or both. The internal reflector can have a reflectance that is reduced at positions directly behind centers of the fluorescent tubes and which gradually increases to maximum reflectance at positions at ends of the tubes and at positions away from centerlines of the tubes.

Abstract: A scrubs dispenser cabinet dispenses garment tops and bottoms to customers in a plurality of sizes. A cabinet housing has a dispense port at a convenient location on the front. A pair of reels within the housing have a first web belt wound onto them and the belt has pockets or compartments along its length. These compartments are adapted to be loaded with scrub tops. The belt passes over idlers along a path so that the compartments on the first belt align with the dispense port as the belt unwinds from one reel and winds onto the other. Another pair of reels has a second web belt, the second belt similarly having compartments, here adapted to be loaded with said scrub bottoms. The second belt also moves on a path that aligns the compartments with said dispense port as the belt unwinds from one of the reels and winds onto the other.

Abstract: A semi-automated pharmaceutical dispensing arrangement has a drug cabinet in which a control mechanism permits opening of the front door for an authorized attendant and permits the attendant to obtain the pre-filled bottles or containers of medication for a patient's prescription order. An array of linear dispensing modules each hold a front-to-back row of filled containers, which can be manually lifted out one at a time. A pusher mechanism in the module pushes the containers forward, so that containers are pushed into position for removal. These may be spring actuated. Each of the modules also has an associated signaling device, such as an LED that lights up to guide the attendant to the appropriate dispensing module. A controller processor, e.g., a computer, is associated with the cabinet for inputting patient-medication information and lighting the signaling LEDs for the modules.