Abstract: There is provided a device for automatic asset management as well as a method for dispensing items from said automatic asset management device. The device comprises an enclosure, a shelving unit within the enclosure configured to store at least one item, a delivery hatch on the enclosure configured to allow access to the enclosure, and a dispensing unit within the enclosure. The dispensing unit comprises a front gate comprising an open portion and a closed portion, wherein the front gate is configured to control access through the delivery hatch and an elevator module configured to receive the item from the shelving unit, move to the front gate to link with the front gate, while linked with the front gate, move with the front gate to align the open portion with the delivery hatch to allow access to the item within the elevator module; and upon removal of the item from the elevator module, release the front gate to align the closed portion with the delivery hatch to restrict access to the delivery hatch.

Abstract: An economic self-service terminal with simple but high safety features is described here.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ice shaver including a refrigerator, a moving mechanism, a driving device, a knife assembly and a pushing member. The refrigerator includes a bearer including an ice dropping channel and a door assembly, and the knife assembly is located between the pushing member and the door assembly. The driving device drives the moving mechanism so that the moving mechanism drives the door assembly to selectively move between an unsealing position and a sealing position. When the door assembly is located at the unsealing position, the door assembly unseals the ice-dropping channel. When the door assembly is located at the sealing position, the door assembly seals the ice-dropping channel. Therefore, it is possible to protect an ice cube in the refrigerator from being contaminated by the external environment.

Abstract: Techniques are described for automated medication disposal messaging. One method includes receiving information associated with a prescription order of a user account. In some cases, the information associated with the prescription order includes a medication identifier, medication dosage indication, and medication quantity. The method may include calculating a run out date corresponding to the target medication with the disposal guideline based on the medication dosage indication and the medication quantity. The method may also include communicating a disposal notification for the target medication based on the run out date.

Abstract: Particles are sorted into paths based on a measurable parameter by forming them into a stream in at least one duct carried on a body rotating around an axis where the duct is shaped so that the particles are accelerated to cause the particles separated into the duct to be aligned one after another in a row in the duct. The parameter of the particles are measured in the aligned stream one after the other and the particles are directed into one of a plurality of paths as determined by the measurement. In one arrangement the body comprises a disk member having a front face facing a supply conduit and the duct lies in a radial plane of the disk member. In one arrangement the measurement of the parameter is carried out by one or more measurement devices either carried on the disk or outside the edge of the disk.

Abstract: A device may include a first slot on a front portion of the device, and a security bar in an interior of the device. The security bar may comprise a second slot. The device may be configured to rotate the security bar to align the first slot and the second slot. Alignment of the first slot and the second slot may facilitate a transfer between the interior of the device and an exterior of the device.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an assembled note-issuing device (100) and a self-service financial apparatus equipped therewith, comprising a base (10), a note container (20), a paper delivery assembly (30), a printing assembly (40) and a temporary storage assembly (50) that are arranged on the base (10) successively. The paper delivery assembly (30), the printing assembly (40) and the temporary storage assembly (50) are interconnected with the note container (20) through a note channel (60); the paper delivery assembly (30) delivers the notes in the note container (20) to the printing assembly (40) through the note channel (60) for printing, and the printing assembly (40) transfers the printed notes to the temporary storage assembly (50) for temporary storage.

Abstract: A device may include a first slot on a front portion of the device, and a security bar in an interior of the device. The security bar may comprise a second slot. The device may be configured to rotate the security bar to align the first slot and the second slot. Alignment of the first slot and the second slot may facilitate a transfer between the interior of the device and an exterior of the device.

Abstract: A critical access override list may be generated dynamically based on patient profile information for a single patient or a group of patients. A single patient or group of patients is initially identified. Patient profile information for the patient or group of patients is accessed. The patient profile information is analyzed, and medications are selected for critical access override. The selected medications are added to a critical access override list available to a medication dispensing apparatus to provide quicker access to the medications for emergency situation purposes via critical access override dispensing in which fewer steps are performed than normal medication dispensing events.

Abstract: Systems and methods for dispensing medications to hospitalized individuals through a first apparatus containing optional medications that is configured to be replenished by optional medication from a central storage location. Some embodiments provide that the first apparatus is associated with an individual patient. The first apparatus is preferably secured at a location near the individual patient, such as, for example, within the individual patient's room. By creating multiple dispensing apparatuses, a caregiver who administers required medications no longer has to retrieve optional medications from a central storage location.

Abstract: Currency handling apparatus comprising: accommodating unit for accommodating various kinds of currencies; a currency discharge opening; a transfer unit for transferring the currencies from the accommodating units to the currency discharge opening; a control unit for controlling the transfer unit to transfer the currencies from the accommodating units to the currency discharge opening thereby to discharge the currencies; and a storage unit for storing various kinds of discharge patterns indicating the numbers of currencies of individual kinds. The control unit is constituted to specify at least one of the discharge patterns in response to the instruction of a user and to discharge the currencies in accordance with the specified discharge pattern. As a result, the user can discharge the desired numbers of currencies of individual kinds merely by performing the simple designating operations.

Abstract: A control device at an opening/closing section of a vehicle and a method for controlling the opening/closing section of the vehicle control a motor so that a pinch at the opening/closing section is determined accurately. The control device includes a pinch determination device that is mounted to the motor for opening/closing the opening/closing section of the vehicle and determines a pinch of a foreign object based on a change in the rotation number of the motor, and demagnetization pulse applying device for supplying power with reverse polarity to the motor in a pulse-like manner at the completion of the opening/closing.

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: A dispensing device includes a cabinet, a door, a catching assembly, and a driving assembly. The cabinet includes a plurality of product boxes for receiving products. The door is pivotably mounted to the cabinet. The catching assembly includes a catch portion, a shipping portion, and a connecting portion connected between the catch portion and the shipping portion; and the connecting portion defining a goods channel communicating with the catch portion, the shipping portion, and the receiving opening. The connecting portion is scalable in a vertical direction. The catch portion is slidable relative to the cabinet. The driving assembly is capable of driving the catch portion to slide to a selected product box of the plurality of product boxes to catch a corresponding product.

Abstract: Example dispensers, refrigerators and methods to dispense objects are disclosed. A disclosed example dispenser includes a discharging lever to turn on/off discharge of the objects, a discharging shutter to open a discharging hole through which the objects are discharged, a discharge shutter driving part to operate the discharging shutter, a discharge driving part to discharge the objects, and a controller to sense a feedback signal from the discharge shutter driving part, and control the discharge driving part in response to the sensed feedback signal.

Abstract: The present application provides a product vending module for vending a number of products. The product vending module includes a product row configured to contain a number of products therein. The product vending module also includes a product gate positioned about the product row and rotatable from a closed position preventing access to the number of products to an open position allowing access to one of the number of products while preventing access to a remainder of the number of products, the product gate including a biased base. The product vending module further includes a product locking system in communication with the product gate, the product locking system including a locking pin releasably engaging the biased base and movable from a first allowing rotation of the product gate toward the closed position to a second position restricting rotation of the product gate toward the closed position.

Abstract: An atypical pill dispensing apparatus. The atypical pill dispensing apparatus may include a pill depository, a pill transporter, and a controller. The pill depository accommodates atypical pills. The pill transporter includes: a housing including an inlet opening formed on one side to be provided with the atypical pills from the pill depository, and a discharging opening formed on the other side to discharge the atypical pills; a screw with one end disposed corresponding to the inlet opening and the other end disposed corresponding to the discharging opening so as to transport the atypical pills along a spiral when rotating; and a screw driver to rotate the screw. The controller enables the pill transporter to control the transportation of the atypical pills.

Abstract: A vending machine proofed against the pinching of a customer's fingers and with a security feature includes a cabinet, a receiving tray, a shielding board, and gear wheels. The cabinet includes a cabinet body and a door rotatably attached to the cabinet body. A number of merchandise shelves are located in the cabinet body. A through opening is defined in the door. The receiving tray is attached to an inside of the receiving tray and aligned with the through opening. The shielding board covers the through opening and is toothed to allow lowering for access by the customer to the bought merchandise when the internal drop of an item of merchandise is sensed and raising after the sensed removal of the item.

Abstract: A paper ejector unit which transports paper printed by a printing mechanism of a printer along a transport path, includes a paper accumulator provided ahead of an end-of-transport path on a downstream side in a transport direction of the paper, the paper accumulator accumulating the paper ejected from the end, a door which opens and closes between a closed condition in which the paper accumulator is separated from an outside and an open condition in which the paper accumulator communicates with the outside, and a door opening and closing controller which maintains the door in the closed condition with no reception of input of an opening operation signal which opens the door, and changes the door from the closed condition to the open condition with reception of the input of the opening operation signal.

Abstract: Sensors, such as optical sensors and other sensors used in an aqueous environment are protected from biological contamination by applying a biocide behind a shutter. The shutter is capable of covering a subject portion of the sensor or surrounding mounting surface adjacent the sensor in at least a semi-sealing manner. A well or reservoir forms a chamber in the shutter that is capable of holding a biocide having a limited water solubility and a low environmental toxicity in the aqueous environment, for example, anhydrous iodine crystals. The reservoir is in communication with the portion of the sensor while positioned against the portion of the sensor or surrounding mounting surface adjacent the sensor.

Abstract: A paper towel dispenser includes a housing for holding a stack of interfolded towels. The housing includes a front wall, a rear wall, two outer side walls, an upper wall and a support surface for the stack of towels, the stack of towels being located adjacent and parallel to at least the front wall. The front wall extends a predetermined distance below the support surface. A dispensing opening is located between the front wall and the support surface, and at least one guide element is arranged to support a leading panel of a first towel adjacent the front wall and a leading edge of the leading panel parallel to the lower edge of the front wall.

Abstract: A medical supply station is disclosed. The medical supply station includes a securable compartment configured to hold medical supplies, and a controller. The controller is responsive to access information and is configured to selectively permit access to the securable compartment when the access information indicates the securable compartment is authorized for access, and restrict access to the securable compartment when the access information indicates the securable compartment is not authorized for access. The medical supply station also includes a critical access module configured to, upon actuation, bypass the access information required by the controller and permit substantially immediate access to the securable compartment. The medical supply station further includes an image capturing device, coupled to the critical access module, configured to capture at least one image of an area proximal to the medical supply station in response to actuation of the critical access module.

Abstract: Disclosed is a technology of discharging, from a drug cartridge, a drug instructed to discharge, while managing a plurality of drugs stored in a drug cartridge. The technology makes it possible to correctly discharge the drugs even when the dosing order of the drugs is changed. A medical agent dispenser has: a main body case (1); an annular drug cartridge (2) which is housed in the main body case (1) and has a plurality of holders (3) at equal intervals in the longitudinal direction; a discharge mechanism (7) which discharges the drugs from the holders (3); and an input interface (6) which receives operations of leading the drug to be discharged. Based on the number of operations the input interface (6) has received, gears (4a, 4b), i.e., rotating mechanisms which rotationally transfer the drug cartridge (2), are controlled.

Abstract: Provided is a cash dispenser, ATM and the like (1) including: a safe (2) for banknotes and valuables, an outer face (3), a dispensing duct (4) for the banknotes and valuables, comprising a dispensing mouth (5) opening on the outer face (3), an inner opening (6) facing the inside of the safe (2), an elongated body (7) defining a passage between the dispensing mouth (5) and the inner opening (6), a conveying device (10), movable along the elongated body (7) and configured to convey said banknotes and valuables, and sensor means (20) of external stresses acting on the conveying device (10).

Abstract: A canister arrangement for refilling a pharmaceutical dispenser. The dispenser can hold a predetermined number of pills, tablets, or capsules at one time. Since the canister arrangement can hold considerably more than the dispenser can, the canister is able to fill the dispenser to capacity multiple times before the canister must be refilled. The canister has a housing and one or more chambers in the housing. When a plurality of chambers is present, at least one of the chambers has a sloping floor at the bottom of the housing. A swinging door is disposed between each pair of adjacent chambers. The swinging door(s) are automatically activated when the dispensing apparatus senses that the dispenser and the previous chamber are both empty. An opening is also provided at the bottom of the housing. A sliding door covers the opening to prevent pills, tablets and capsules from exiting the housing.

Abstract: A dispenser of containers. A carousel is rotatably mounted to a main frame about a vertical axis of rotation and has a plurality of container compartments arranged around the axis and along the length of the axis. A driver mounted to the main frame rotates the carousel around the axis in a single direction and a lock limits rotation of the carousel in any direction when engaged.

Abstract: Provided are an automatic tablet dispenser of an automatic medicine packing machine, and a tablet supply method thereof, which are capable of automatically packing various-shaped tablets, and accurately, cleanly and rapidly distributing the tablets without missing any. The automatic table dispenser which is installed in a medicine packing machine for automatically packing tablets, includes: a body including a space for containing the tablets therein and a guide track for guiding the tablets contained in the space upward from a bottom of the body; and a driver vibrating the body so that the tablets contained in the space of the body are transferred upward along the guide track.

Abstract: A method is provided for feeding small items, for example pills, that does not require tooling changes or position adjustment regardless of the size or shape of the pills. A first hopper supplies small items to a second hopper that separates the small items. The method incorporates sensors to detect the presence, size and travel time of the pills in the separating bowl hopper. The method uses the sensed values for setting vibration amplitude and the duration of an air flow to discharge pills from the apparatus.

Abstract: An automatic medication dispensing device 101 of the present invention includes supplying means which supplies an accommodated medication based on a prescription instruction, the supplying means includes a head body section 401a, a pocket section 404 which temporarily holds a taken out medication and places the medication on the tray, and an arm section 405 which couples the head body section and the pocket section to each other, the pocket section 404 is turnably connected to one end of the arm section 405 through a first shaft 406, and the other end of the arm section 405 and the head body section 401a are turnably connected to each other through a second shaft 407. Therefore, it is possible to provide an automatic medication dispensing device in which an occupied space, especially a depth dimension of the device is reduced, and the device can prevent a medication ample from being damaged.

Abstract: Systems for deterring theft of retail products. Systems of this invention provide theft deterrent dispensing modules for dispensing products and may incorporate theft deterrent measures including mechanical deterrents, time delays and sound. The dispensing modules may include one or more pusher assemblies for dispensing product. Certain systems of this invention may also include a lockout feature, so that one only pusher assembly may be activated to dispense a product at one time. In some embodiments, a door assembly may be provided as an additional theft deterrent mechanism so that access to additional product not yet dispensed by the pusher assembly is restricted.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a refrigerator which can precisely adjust and display not only an ice making and storing amount but also an ice dispensing amount. As an ice level sensing unit provided at an ice storage unit for storing ice senses the ice storage amount by light, it is possible to adjust and display the ice storage amount. Moreover, as an ice sensing unit provided at an ice guide unit for dispensing ice senses the ice dispensing amount by light, it is possible to adjust and display the ice dispensing amount.

Abstract: The invention relates to a storage machine (1) for objects, comprising a compartment system (4) with a plurality of compartments (3) which are at least partially enclosed by a machine housing (2) or some other surround, and with at least one closure mechanism (7) which can be displaced relative to a central, predefined access orifice (6) in the machine housing (2) to release or prevent access to a specific individual compartment (3) or a specific group of adjacent compartments (3). The storage machine (1) also has at least one drive system for displacing the closure mechanism (7) in a controlled manner and the ability of the closure mechanism (7) to move is dependent on an access right which can be checked by a control system. This storage machine (1) has at least one safety system (28) for affording extensive, increased personal safety with respect to risks posed by automated sequences or with respect to its displacement drives which can be activated automatically.

Abstract: Provided are an automatic tablet dispenser of an automatic medicine packing machine, and a tablet supply method thereof, which are capable of automatically packing various-shaped tablets, and accurately, cleanly and rapidly distributing the tablets without missing any. The automatic table dispenser which is installed in a medicine packing machine for automatically packing tablets, includes: a body including a space for containing the tablets therein and a guide track for guiding the tablets contained in the space upward from a bottom of the body; and a driver vibrating the body so that the tablets contained in the space of the body are transferred upward along the guide track.

Abstract: A medicine dispensing apparatus which allows a prescribed quantity of medicines to be reliably taken out based on prescription data.

Abstract: A sensor assembly including a sensor including an actuatable element that causes an operation when actuated by a sensor actuator, the sensor including a holder, and a biasing device that imparts a biasing force against the holder that compensates for relative movement between the actuatable element and the sensor actuator so as to maintain the actuatable element substantially at a predetermined spatial position with respect to the sensor actuator.

Abstract: A medicine supply apparatus for filling medicines into containers has a plurality of reception compartments into which each of a plurality of medicines are to be respectively selectively fed by a user based on prescription data stored in a processor, a discharge apparatus for discharging the medicines from each of the reception compartments, and filling apparatus for filling the medicines discharged from the reception compartments into containers. An LED lamp is identifiably related to each of the plurality of reception compartments to indicate the reception compartment into which a particular medicine is to be fed based on the prescription data and a control device controls the discharge apparatus to discharge the medicine from the reception compartment and the filling apparatus.

Abstract: This invention is a fault tolerant computer controlled automatic medication dispenser with a unique dispensing system. This dispensing system enables a large number of detachable medication filled dispensing wheels to be vertically stacked and held in a fixed position; and then be automatically dispensed one dispensing wheel. The patient's medication can be dispensed for a few days, weeks, and or many months without a refill. These medication filled dispensing wheels are stored and held in a fixed position within the dispenser.

Abstract: A hygienic door operating device comprising a dispensing means arranged to contain a plurality of gripping handles and adapted to dispense a separate handle to each person operating the door, the gripping handle being adapted to engage a formation secured to the door whereby the door can be operated by manual engagement of the gripping handle and disposal means to transfer the gripping handle to a collection receptacle after use

Abstract: A vial dispensing mechanism for dispensing oblong or other non-cylindrical shaped vials. The vial dispensing mechanism includes at least one spirally-disposed guide wall that defines a vial delivery chute for guiding a plurality of vials; a rotatable platter positioned below the guide wall; a motor coupled with the rotatable platter; and a control system for selectively directing the motor to rotate the platter in a first direction to load the vials into the vial dispensing mechanism or in a second direction to dispense the vials from the vial dispensing mechanism.

Abstract: A hybrid towel dispenser is provided that is operable in an automatic dispensing mode and a manual dispensing mode. The paper towel dispenser comprises: a rotatable drum that advances a paper towel sheet applied on the drum when the drum rotates; a one-way rotational coupling; a motor coupled to the drum by the one-way rotational coupling and automatically operable to rotate the drum; and a manual advance assembly coupled to the drum and manually operable by a user to rotate the drum. The one-way rotational coupling couples the motor to the drum such that the motor drives the drum in a first direction and does not drive the drum when the manual advance assembly is operated to rotate the drum in the first direction.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention includes a system comprising a housing having an upper end and a lower end. The housing carries a plurality of movable blades defining an entry aperture proximate to the upper end, an exit aperture proximate to the lower end, and a chamber there between. An adapter may be provided for connection to the housing and for receiving an article storage container. The upper end of the housing carries a sensor responsive to the presence and absence of the article storage container. A memory device carries information about the presence and absence of the article storage container. An article determining and actuating station has electronics for interrogating the memory device, for controlling the plurality of blades and for determining the number of items dispensed. A receptacle collects articles that have been dispensed. Methods of associating a flow control device with an article storage container and of dispensing items are also disclosed.

Abstract: A doll catching game set includes a base and a display portion in which dolls are put and a claw is controlled by the user to catch a doll in the display portion. An electronic roulette is located in the display portion and includes a circuit board which is activated to display a code on the roulette when no doll is caught by the user. A dispensing portion is connected in the display portion and includes a threaded member which is driven by a motor which is activated to rotate the threaded member. A treat is mounted to the threaded member and located in one of pitches of the threaded member. The tread drops from a free end of the threaded member and the user can have the treat.

Abstract: The media cassette for a media dispenser includes a cassette body including a storage space in which media are filled. A media discharging opening is provided at a side thereof. A discharging door is movable along one surface of the cassette body and driven by means of a driving source provided at a main body of the media dispenser for opening and closing the media discharging opening. Supporting rods are connected to the door. A locking mechanism for selectively blocking ends of the supporting rods is provide in the cassette body and selectively locks/unlocks the door in accordance with an electrical signal transmitted from the main body of the media dispenser. The door cannot be manually unlocked from outside of the media cassette.

Abstract: Automatic flower-selling equipment comprises a housing including a casing having a selecting partial unit situated thereon and defining a storage space suitable for storing and protecting flowers, a bearing unit situated in the storage space for displaying flowers, a moving unit connected to the bearing unit, and a control unit connected to the moving unit. The control unit is connected to the selecting partial unit, and the bearing unit has a supporting column rotatably attached to the housing and supporting structures attached at different vertical positions to the supporting column. The supporting structures have a supporting tray suitable for supporting flowers and several separating sheets dividing the supporting trays into parts, and at least one delivery door each delivery door being connected to a delivery outlet for removing chosen flowers.

Abstract: An automatic pellets dispenser having a container that stores the pellets, an evacuation chamber which is provided at the bottom with a horizontally moving platform activated in cycles, forward and backward, which performs the function of a conveyor, by a DC gear motor and a mechanical system which converts the circular motion into linear motion of the platform. The motor is activated by a timer which provides the timing and the amount of the pellets dispensed. At one end of the evacuation chamber is provided an exit for the pellets and a flexible wall to retain the pellets located on top of the platform. The entire assembly is located on top of a support which in turn is located on a base board.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dispenser device, in particular, a reward dispenser device, comprising at least one dispenser for the release of a dispenser material for an animal, in particular, a dog, whereby the dispenser is provided with at least one dispenser material housing and a fixing device for the carrying thereof. According to the invention, the dispenser device (52) comprises the dispenser (3) and at least one signal emitter (45), the dispenser (3) has a release mechanism (31) for the release of the or a part of the dispenser material (21), operated by remote control, in order to carry the dispenser (3) on the animal (1) the fixing device (5) is embodied as an animal fixing device (4) and the signal emitter (45), not carried by the animal (1), is embodied for the remote control operation of the release mechanism (31).

Abstract: The invention relates to a storage machine (1) for objects, comprising a compartment system (4) with a plurality of compartments (3) which are at least partially enclosed by a machine housing (2) or some other surround, and with at least one closure mechanism (7) which can be displaced relative to a central, predefined access orifice (6) in the machine housing (2) to release or prevent access to a specific individual compartment (3) or a specific group of adjacent compartments (3). The storage machine (1) also has at least one drive system for displacing the closure mechanism (7) in a controlled manner and the ability of the closure mechanism (7) to move is dependent on an access right which can be checked by a control system. This storage machine (1) has at least one safety system (28) for affording extensive, increased personal safety with respect to risks posed by automated sequences or with respect to its displacement drives which can be activated automatically.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine (1) for storing objects, comprising a compartment system (4) with a plurality of compartments (3) and having at least one closure mechanism (7) which can be moved relative to a central, predefined access orifice (6) in the machine housing (2) to permit or prevent access to a specific, individual compartment (3) or to a specific group of adjacent compartments. A driving force of the drive system for the closure mechanism (7) is dimensioned or can be set and/or a drive train or a motion transmitting distance between the drive system and closure mechanism (7) has a force or torque limiting device such that maximum force or torque transmitting values acting on the closure mechanism (7) are fixed or can be set so that automatic movements of the closure mechanism (7) can not cause serious injuries to a user, and in addition the closure mechanism (7) can be manually held open or pushed open in spite of the active drive system.

Abstract: A system and an apparatus and method for detecting and discriminating articles that are within a predetermined range of a specification into lots. A counting head assembly includes at least an article detecting unit located above diverting gates which control the passage and/or accumulation of articles in adjacent channels to permit filling of article containers with predetermined article portions as containers are placed beneath, and removed from, the assembly outlet. A plurality of such assemblies may be combined to provide high speed continuous container filling operations, for example by location of a plurality of counting head assemblies about the periphery of a rotating carousel or on a linear platform which moves containers beneath the assemblies for simultaneous filling of groups of containers.

Abstract: A materials storage chest system stores and selectively dispenses pipe in response to a controller which selectively limits access thereto. A material dispensing opening prevents access to the chest other than through the controller. A communication system provides for communication between the controller and a remote location to simplify inventory management and alert re-supply operators such that the system will provide adequate material supply.