Abstract: An apparatus can manufacture cigarettes of the type having a frustoconical rolled paper with a proximal end thereof and open at a distal end thereof. A smokable material can be filled within the rolled paper. The apparatus includes an elongated, retractable rod extendable through either the open distal end or the proximal end of the rolled paper. With the retractable rod extended through the open distal end of the rolled paper, the rolled paper may be filled with the smokable material by the apparatus, compacted, and the retractable rod then retracted to leave an air channel through the smokable material in the cigarette. An adhesive may be sprayed on the smokable materials proximate the air channel to maintain the coherence of the air channel.

Abstract: A product dispensing clock includes a housing and a reservoir arranged in the housing. The reservoir holds a number of dispensable products. A dispenser is arranged in the housing adjacent the reservoir. The dispenser receives at least one of the dispensable products from the reservoir. A collection chamber is defined in the housing. The dispenser dispenses the dispensable products received from the reservoir to the collection chamber for a user to collect the dispensable products. A controller activates the dispenser at a predetermined time interval to dispense the dispensable products to the collection chamber for collection by the user.

Abstract: An autonomous delivery system for a vehicle is described and includes a plurality of cubbies for retaining items for delivery to users, wherein each of the cubbies comprises a door for selectively enabling access to contents of the cubby, wherein each of the doors comprises a selectively transparent display and wherein upon arrival at a delivery destination, the selectively transparent displays communicate to a recipient associated with the delivery destination in which one of the cubbies a delivery associated with the recipient is retained; and an authentication system for authenticating the recipient and, subsequent to successful authentication of the recipient, permitting access to contents of the one of the cubbies in which the delivery associated with the recipient is retained.

Abstract: Provided is a method, computer program product, and system for predicting a location of an object using machine learning. A processor may monitor a data stream received from one or more observation devices. The processor may detect a gesture initiated by a user from the data stream, the gesture indicating that the user is searching for an object. The processor may identify the object by analyzing a set of contextual data associated with the user. The processor may predict, in response to identifying the object, a location of the object by analyzing historic data associated with the object from the data stream. The processor may output the predicted location of the object to the user.

Abstract: A method for dispensing a beverage container to a consumer. The method includes receiving in a beverage container dispenser a first beverage container that contains a beverage corresponding to a beverage selection of a user. The method further includes dispensing a second beverage container containing the beverage from a temperature-regulated compartment of the beverage container dispenser. The second beverage container that is dispensed from the temperature-regulated compartment corresponds to the beverage selection of the user.

Abstract: A cone staging apparatus for production of smoking articles includes (a) a frame, and (b) a cone pallet releasably supported by the frame. The cone pallet includes a plurality of cavities. Each cavity has an open upper end for receiving a cone therein. The apparatus further includes (c) a cone magazine adjacent the frame for holding a supply of cones. The cone magazine includes at least one escapement alignable over the open upper end of a respective cavity of the cone pallet to facilitate transferring a single cone from the supply of cones to the respective cavity.

Abstract: A component supply device comprises: a main body including a tape path which guides a component supply tape being sent in a longitudinal direction to a component supply position, and an introducing region which communicates with the tape path on a side opposite to the supply position in the longitudinal direction and introduces the supply tape into the tape path; and a tape position switching mechanism which switches the position of the supply tape in a vertical direction with respect to the tape path on the side opposite to the supply position. The tape position switching mechanism includes a supporter movable between a supporting position for supporting the supply tape from below and a non-supporting position separated from the supporting position in a width direction of the supply tape. The supporter releases the supply tape to move the supply tape downward from the supporting position to the non-supporting position.

Abstract: An end effector provides one up assembly drilling through mated components, including a panel, by preloading the components. The end effector includes a drill and clamp dispenser for temporarily inserting and removing expansible single-sided clamps at various pre-drilled locations in the panel. In one method, pilot holes are first pre-drilled into mated components, for example an aircraft wing panel and a wing rib or spar; an initial pilot hole location is identified, and an expansible clamp is inserted into a pilot hole adjacent a desired initial fastener hole location. The clamp is torqued, causing its expansion for preloading the wing panel and rib and/or spar components under a predetermined load. The fastener hole is then drilled, the end effector untorques and removes the clamp and identifies a second (and/or next) pilot hole location, and the process is replicated.

Abstract: Dispenser devices suitable for use on unmanned aerial vehicles are described having utility for dispensing solid larvicides to difficult to reach insect habitats.

Abstract: A medical intelligent device is for use with a medical jar. The medical jar defines an accommodating space for containing at least one medicine. The medication intelligent device includes a cover and an auxiliary medicine deliver. The cover is detachably mounted on the medical jar. The auxiliary medicine deliver is disposed on the cover and includes a main control chip and a medicine delivery gate electrically connected to the main control chip. The main control chip is used to move the gate between a closed position and an opened position relative to the cover. In the closed position, the medicine delivery gate closes the accommodating space. In the opened position, the medicine delivery gate opens the accommodating space.

Abstract: The present invention disclosed a simply packaged pen needle and methods of use, comprising of at least one needle body and at least one packaging body used to package said needle body, where said needle body is comprised of a needle hub, a cannula, and an inner protective cap connected consecutively, said packaging body comprises of a packaging cup and the sealing paper, said packaging cup comprises of at least one chamber coupled with said needle body, said needle hub comprises of at least one axial protrusion on its outer circumference, the inner wall of said chamber comprises of at least one groove coupled with the axial protrusion, the upper edge of said chamber is a flat surface, said sealing paper connects with the flat surface.

Abstract: A wipe dispenser and related methods are disclosed herein. In one form, a wall mounted wipe dispensing system is disclosed comprising a wall mount support bracket, a dispensing bag of wipes having a rigid collar from which to suspend the dispensing bag from the wall mount support bracket, and wherein the wall mount support bracket and dispensing bag have first mating structures for mating the dispensing bag to the wall mount support bracket. In other forms, a wall mounted support bracket is disclosed and/or replaceable wipe packaging is disclosed. In still other forms methods related to these are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for operating a picking devices for medicaments are provided. An image of a movement space detectable by an optical detection device is created with an optical detection device inside the picking device after a predetermined event. Predetermined areas of the image of the movement space are compared with corresponding areas of a reference image, and based on the comparison it is determined whether an obstacle is present in the detected portion of the movement space. Based on the determination of the presence of an obstacle, corresponding signals are provided to prevent a movement of the operating device and/or request a removal of the obstacle by a user. Picking devices for medicaments are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus including a first and a second imaging module; a storage module; an automated transport module operable to transport at least one slide; and a controller operable to direct transport of the at least one slide by the transport module into the first imaging module and into the second imaging module. A method and a machine-readable medium including program instructions to cause a controller to perform a method including transporting at least one slide to a first imaging module using an automated transport module; capturing by the first imaging module of an image of a specimen on the at least one slide; transporting the at least one slide to a storage module using the automated transport module; and transporting the at least one slide to a second imaging module in response to a request for capturing an image in addition to the image captured by the first imaging module.

Abstract: According to the present embodiment, a picking system includes a control device configured to control a suction device and a moving device, wherein when it is determined that a transport target article needs to be moved to a transport target position with a front side and back side of the transport target article turned over, the control device causes a suction unit to suction the transport target article, the moving device to transport the transport target article to a position above the transport target position, a turning-over section to set the suction hand to an orientation in which the transport target article is positioned above the suction unit and a direction substantially orthogonal to the suction surface is inclined with respect to the gravity direction.

Abstract: A filling machine for filling a receptacle with a plurality of items includes a first item drop path having an outlet end, a second item drop path having an outlet end, the second item drop path distinct from the first item drop path and a gating system for selectively accumulating and releasing items. The gating system includes: a single gate mechanism configured for selectively and independently controlling both (i) whether items can exit the outlet end of the first item drop path and (ii) whether items can exit the outlet end of the second item drop path.

Abstract: An electronic transaction method enables a user to carry out an electronic transaction on at least one transaction sub-server connected with a transaction server containing an indicated link path of the transaction sub-server after the user obtains a verification result of electronic identity verification performed by a real and virtual identity verification system including an electronic device and an authentication server with the use of a biological characteristic.

Abstract: The invention provides a system to physically dispense an item, including tangible items and/or services or features, on-site from a dispenser whereby the item to be dispensed is selected by the system based on user-specific or item-specific information. In an embodiment, the system selects the dispensed item based on both user-specific and item-specific information. In another embodiment the invention comprises a system that activates gaming features in a gaming device based on user-specific information. In another embodiment, the invention comprises a system incorporated into an interactive amusement system to activate features of a playfield based on user-specific information.

Abstract: An approach to facilitating provisioning of in-vehicle services is provided. Trip-identifying information may be obtained from a user-provided device. The trip-identifying information may identify a trip that is to occur on the vehicle. A list of in-vehicle services, which are available for the trip on the vehicle, may be determined based on the trip-identifying information. The list of in-vehicle services may be provided to the user-provided device. A selection of at least one in-vehicle service that is to be provided during the trip may be received from the user-provided device. A request for the at least one in-vehicle service may be generated based on the selection.

Abstract: A utensil dispenser comprises a housing, a utensil support assembly and a utensil dispensing actuator. The utensil support assembly comprises a skewer for retaining a stack of utensils to be dispensed. The actuator provides for sequential dispensing of the utensils. The utensils are held in alignment on the skewer until they are sequentially dispensed. Dispensing occurs as the utensils are individually removed by the actuator from the skewer where the utensil falls by gravity to an opening at the bottom of the housing for presentation to a user. A retainer member keeps the utensils stored on the skewer until the utensil support assembly is mounted in the housing and the utensils are ready for dispensing.

Abstract: A cartridge adaptor system may include a puncturing device; a nozzle adaptor including: a puncture port configured to receive the puncturing device; a nozzle coupling portion configured to releasably couple to a beverage dispenser nozzle; and a cartridge coupling portion configured to releasably couple to a cartridge containing a beverage ingredient; and a cartridge holster having a receiving portion for receiving a portion of the cartridge. The puncturing device may be configured to puncture the cartridge thereby releasing the beverage ingredient.

Abstract: In vending machines that dispense food and other products, it is known to have machines that dispense stored food and other products. In this invention, selected prepackaged foods can be stored in the frozen or cold state and then prior to dispensing to the end-user, it is thawed or warmed by an internal heating process to serving temperature for customer consumption. The machine is segmentally divided both horizontally, to separate the operating machinery from food storage for hygienic and servicing reasons, and vertically, to create interchanging of the size of the modular product dispensing outlet elevator columns for adaptability to the dimensions of the stored product. Included in the design is an internal storage compartment with a mechanism that dispenses prepacked condiments that are coordinated to the selected product. This design of a vending machine may include an audiovisual screen for advertisement along with another section that identifies the available product with its calorie content.

Abstract: A sheet product (e.g., napkin) dispenser may include an example calibration system and method for a product depletion curve for accurately determining a product level. An example sheet product dispenser includes a housing, a roll holder, a dispensing mechanism, a sensor, and a controller. The sensor is configured to emit a signal toward the product roll and receive a return signal. The controller is configured to receive a calibration product roll and operate the sensor to emit the signal and receive the return signal. The controller determines a brightness value of the return signal and determines a calibration value associated with the determined brightness value. The determined brightness value is within a range of brightness values associated with the calibration value. The controller adjusts a product depletion curve based on at least the determined calibration value and the determined brightness value. Additionally, example product level notification systems are provided herein.

Abstract: A method of dispensing a prescription medication is disclosed. The method may begin with obtaining a medication dispensing system. The system may include a prescription vial and a programmable cap for the prescription vial. The cap may include an outer cover having an exit aperture, an inner cover having an entrance aperture, and a transport portion having a chute. The cap may also include a control system having a processor. The method may include the step of determining, by the processor, that a first waiting period has passed. The control system may then dispense a first portion of the medication. The dispensing may involve sensing that a tablet or capsule of the medication is loaded into the chute and moving, by the control system, the chute of the transport portion out of alignment with the entrance aperture and into alignment with the exit aperture.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for an object feature identification system employed by a robotic are disclosed. In one aspect, a method includes the actions of generating a data reading of a work area by scanning the work area with a sensor device of the robot; identifying, by processing the data reading through a learning engine, a particular component of a plurality of components associated with the work area based on a task to be performed; identifying, with the machine learning engine, a particular feature of the particular component used in a completion of the task; determining, with the machine learning engine, a particular tool of a plurality of tools of the robot that is configured to perform the task; and performing the task with the particular tool and the particular feature of the particular component.

Abstract: Provided herein is a single-walled pipette tip rack comprising buttresses for use in automated systems, in some embodiments. Also provided herein is a partial single-walled pipette tip rack comprising posts.

Abstract: A method and computer program product for defining a PWM drive signal having a defined voltage potential. The PWM drive signal has a plurality of “on” portions and a plurality of “off” portions that define a first duty cycle for regulating, at least in part, a flow rate of a pump assembly. At least a portion of the “on” portions of the PWM drive signal are pulse width modulated to define a second duty cycle for the at least a portion of the “on” portions of the PWM drive signal. The second duty cycle regulates, at least in part, the percentage of the defined voltage potential applied to the pump assembly.

Abstract: A wipe dispenser and related methods are disclosed herein. In one form, a wall mounted wipe dispensing system is disclosed comprising a wall mount support bracket, a dispensing bag of wipes having a rigid collar from which to suspend the dispensing bag from the wall mount support bracket, and wherein the wall mount support bracket and dispensing bag have first mating structures for mating the dispensing bag to the wall mount support bracket. In other forms, a wall mounted support bracket is disclosed and/or replaceable wipe packaging is disclosed. In still other forms methods related to these are also disclosed.

Abstract: An automated health product dispensary library, according to one embodiment includes storage slots configured to receive health product cartridges that have health products therein; and an accessor, configured to transport tape cartridges, for transporting the health product cartridges. Other systems, methods, and computer program products are described in additional embodiments.

Abstract: A liquid ingesting management system is provided. The liquid ingesting management system includes a fluid container, a database and a wireless transmit/receive unit. The wireless transmit/receive unit communicates with the fluid container and the database through a wireless technique to access the database and control the fluid container to perform a liquid ingesting management process.

Abstract: A beverage preparation system is disclosed that includes a capsule dispenser and a beverage preparation machine that are operatively linked by a control system. Also disclosed is a method of preparing a beverage using the beverage preparation system. In addition, a capsule dispenser, a beverage preparation machine, a computer program for a processing unit of a control system, and a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising the computer program are also disclosed.

Abstract: There is provided a modular medication dispensing system for managing and automatically dispensing pills from a plurality of portable medication dispensers, the modular system comprising: a base equipped with rotation means and being removably installed on a plane surface, a circular magazine comprising a plurality of adaptors for receiving a plurality of portable medication dispensers, the circular magazine being rotatably mounted on the base, an actuator for actuating a portable dispenser from the plurality of portable dispensers when the portable dispenser is in the dispensing position, a plurality of autonomous portable dispensers being removably received in the plurality of adaptors and operating autonomously or in synchronization with the modular system, a filling assembly comprising movable means for automatically filling a portable dispenser, and an electronic system comprised in each portable dispenser and in the base for permanently communicating between the plurality of portable dispensers and the

Abstract: Systems and devices for regulation of self-management of a medication schedule are provided. A system can include a pill dispenser cap, a plurality of insulating layers; a near field communication (NFC) tag, and a pill dispenser. The system can further include a graphical user interface (GUI), and first and second mobile devices each having a display unit, a sensor, a processor, and a computer readable medium.

Abstract: A pill manipulating system for filling a packaging with pills is provided, as well as a corresponding method. The system comprises a vacuum pump, a pill manipulator including a hose connected to the vacuum pump, and at least one prong. The prong(s) has/have an opening at one end sized to retain a pill when the pill manipulator is in a retain configuration and suction is applied, and to release the pill when the pill manipulator is in a release configuration and suction is reduced. The system includes a vacuum pump controlling assembly including a variable frequency drive, for adjusting an air flow of the vacuum pump based on a selected input, which is representative of a size of the pills being manipulated, thereby reducing the likelihood of having the at least one prong retaining more than one pill at a time.

Abstract: An inspection system is configured for use with a conveyer apparatus including carrier bars. Each carrier bar conveys pellet-shaped articles along a predetermined path. The inspection system includes at least one camera unit for sensing a predetermined characteristic of the pellet-shaped articles, a removal unit, and a controller. The removal unit, downstream from the at least one camera unit, removes selected pellet-shaped article(s) from the carrier bar(s) depending on whether the characteristic is sensed by the at least one camera unit. The controller is in communication with the at least one camera unit and the removal unit. The controller provides a signal to the removal unit in accordance with the sensed characteristic. The removal unit includes a rotatable ejection drum having extended vacuum nozzles along its length, equal to the number of articles conveyed in each carrier bar. Each vacuum nozzle selectively removes article(s) from the carrier bar(s) by suction.

Abstract: In a system for arranging survey points in field operation with a ground electromagnetic instrument, the position information of survey lines and survey points are planned and downloaded to an aircraft in advance. The survey lines and one survey point among survey points planned in advance is selected and the coordinate information of the survey point is acquired. The aircraft is controlled to fly to the physical geographic location of the survey point according to the coordinate information of the survey point in conjunction with positioning information acquired in real time. The aircraft hovers above the physical geographic location of the survey point and projects a predetermined indication mark to the ground. The detection instrument and electric field sensor are deployed at a first position indicated by the indication mark, and the magnetic field sensor is deployed at a second position; such a process is repeated till all of the planned survey points are arranged.

Abstract: A method is proposed for authorizing use of at least one object, in particular at least one machine, in particular at least one hand-held power tool, in which at least one evaluation unit of an electronic authorization device provides an item of authorization information at least in dependence on at least one item of use-related information.

Abstract: A lottery ticket dispenser system includes a physical dispenser array having a plurality of separate bins for receipt of a supply of interconnected lottery tickets. A control system is in communication with a drive mechanism in each bin to initiate a dispense sequence upon receipt of a ticket dispense command. A central lottery server is in communication with the control system. An electronic display device is in communication with the central lottery server and is configured to present a virtual dispenser array with bin positions that mimics the physical dispenser array. The central lottery server transmits lottery ticket images to the electronic display device that correspond to the lottery tickets in the physical dispenser array and bin position assignments for the lottery ticket images in the virtual dispenser array.

Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are provided for evaluating dispenser functionality of a dispenser for dispensing a material. In an example, a non-loaded electrical characteristic and/or a loaded electrical characteristic of the dispenser may be measured and evaluated to determine whether to perform a dispense event. In another example, current measurements, such as peak current, may be measured during a dispense event. The current measurements may be evaluated to determine whether a problem exists, such as a mechanical stall, a gear train problem, an actuator problem, a pump problem (e.g., a clogged pump), a mechanical impedance, and/or other issue. Such information may be collected, stored as historical data, and/or used to determine whether to perform subsequent dispense events.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing objects from automated storage and retrieval systems such as medications is disclosed which may also include a singulator to assure singulation (retrieval of singular objects). The singulator may be an imaging system to confirm and/or identify the objects being dispensed and/or a variable orifice dynamically adjustable to a specific object or pill size, and through which only a single object or pill is allowed to pass. The system may further include a flexible probe so as to reduce the size of the system where the movement of the probe relative to or while retrieving objects is accomplished by advancing/retracting a flexible tube. The method and apparatus may further include an imaging system.

Abstract: An inspection system is configured for use with a conveyer apparatus including carrier bars. Each carrier bar conveys pellet-shaped articles along a predetermined path. The inspection system includes at least one camera unit for sensing a predetermined characteristic of the pellet-shaped articles, a removal unit, and a controller. The removal unit, downstream from the at least one camera unit, removes selected pellet-shaped article(s) from the carrier bar(s) depending on whether the characteristic is sensed by the at least one camera unit. The controller is in communication with the at least one camera unit and the removal unit. The controller provides a signal to the removal unit in accordance with the sensed characteristic. The removal unit includes a rotatable ejection drum having extended vacuum nozzles along its length, equal to the number of articles conveyed in each carrier bar. Each vacuum nozzle selectively removes article(s) from the carrier bar(s) by suction.

Abstract: Systems and methods for sharing resources between multiple processing streams are described. An example method may comprise: receiving data by an electronic display device attached to an object; determining, by the electronic display device, whether the data satisfies a criterion; responsive to determining that the data satisfies the criterion, generating a first message based on the data; wirelessly transmitting the first message to a computing device that is wirelessly connected to the electronic display device; receiving a second message from the computing device; and displaying at least one of the first message or the second message by the electronic display device.

Abstract: A device for dispensing articles, the device comprising: a conveying member comprising n receptacles, of which n?m are suitable for receiving articles, the receptacles being movable between an article receiving position and an article dispensing position; a sensor for sensing the presence of articles in the receptacles, the sensor positioned between the receiving position and the dispensing position; wherein m of said receptacles is a blank receptacle which is unable to receive an article and the sensor is unable to distinguish an empty receptacle from a blank receptacle such that the maximum number of detectable articles conveyed once n receptacles have passed the sensor is n?m, where m is at least 1.

Abstract: A method and system for adjusting operation of a meat processing machine on the floor of a meat processing plant which is controlled by a PLC away from the machine. An operator at the meat processing machine is provided a digital display of pre-selected operating parameters related to the meat processing machine. The operator can adjust one or more of the pre-selected operation parameters on the display. The adjustments are communicated to the PLC, allowing real-time control of a remotely positioned PLC to minimize need of operator to have to physically walk between machine and the PLC in a remote room. In one form, the communications are via IP protocol between a web-server at the PLC and the portable digital display on a web-enabled tablet computer.

Abstract: A method implemented on a first electronic computing device includes determining available lotteries for a user of the first electronic computing device. The user is authenticated on the first electronic computing device. An area of residence is confirmed for the user. First lotteries that are available in the area of residence of the user are identified. Second lotteries for which the user can qualify are identified. The second lotteries are a subset of the first lotteries. When one or more of the second lotteries are identified, identification information for the second lotteries is sent to a second electronic computing device for display to the user on the second electronic computing device.

Abstract: A rotating platform has a peripheral wall to form a catch basin. A donut shaped wrapper housing can hold perhaps 50-100 cigarette wrappers facing inbound with a closed end projecting out an outer wall exit hole into the catch basin. Tobacco or any work material is dropped onto the center of the rotating platform which may be motor driven. Centripetal forces urge the work material into the wrappers. Empty wrapper channels feed the excess material into the catch basin. A lid prevents loss of work material.

Abstract: An inventory control system is described that includes a tool storage device including a drawer or a tray providing a pallet, wherein the pallet includes storage locations for objects; a sensing device configured to form an image of the storage locations; and a data processor configured to determine presence or absence of the pallet and presence or absence of objects within the storage locations of the pallet using the information from the image.

Abstract: A web portal communicates with a variety of information sources that produce monitoring data. Information sources are configurable to user preferences and are trainable to detect patterns of sensory input. The information sources transmit the monitoring data to a central server that receives the data and traverses one or more logical rule sets to determine whether the inputted data violates policies and rules set by the user. The policies and rules define the level of monitoring desired and an appropriate response in the evaluation of the monitoring data against the rules. Based on an evaluation of the rules, the central server then generates outputs in the form of communication to the user via a variety of communication mediums and devices.

Abstract: Preprinted game tickets, such as pull tab tickets or instant game lottery tickets, are dispensed from a vending machine. A selection option on the vending machine allows the patrons to select either redemption of the value of the winning ticket at the vending machine immediately after purchasing the ticket if the ticket is a winning ticket, or deferral of redemption of the value of the winning ticket immediately after purchasing the ticket if the ticket is a winning ticket. A ticket dispenser dispenses the purchased winning ticket after a selection option is made. A ticket marker in the vending machine visually defaces winning tickets as they are dispensed only if a patron selects the option to redeem the value of the winning ticket at the vending machine immediately after purchasing the ticket. The visual defacing of the winning tickets inhibits attempts to perform deferred redemption of the winning tickets.

Abstract: A row of V-shaped grooves is formed in the bottom of each of imaging trays which temporarily hold a dose of drug. After drugs are inserted into the imaging tray, the imaging tray is vibrated to remove the overlap between the drugs corresponding to a dose and to correct the posture of the drugs using a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface of the V-shaped groove. Two cameras are provided so as to face the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface of the V-shaped groove, respectively, and capture the images of the drugs which have stable postures that have been corrected on the V-shaped grooves, in two directions. The first and second images of the drugs captured in two directions are processed to accurately acquire drug information including at least outward appearance information of the drugs.