Abstract: A system for dispensing and compounding errors prevention is disclosed. The system for dispensing and compounding errors prevention comprises at least one camera for receiving a real-time image of personnel preparing a prescription; a data storage for storing a medication recipe of a corresponding patient; an identification module for determining an identification tag of a drug from a container of the drug or a physical appearance of the drug; a measurement module for determining an amount of the drug being dispensed by the personnel; a comparison module in communication with the identification module and the measurement module for determining whether the amount of the drug being dispensed by the personnel or the identification tag of the drug match the medication recipe; and an output device for outputting a notification to the personnel.

Abstract: A system and method for forming a sterile dental pack is disclosed. The method includes preparing a first wrap and a second wrap; arranging a plurality of dental disposable supplies on the first wrap; and wrapping the plurality of dental disposable supplies within the first wrap and the second wrap to form an airtight container. Also disclosed is a sterile dental pack dispensing system. The sterile dental pack dispensing system may include a storage container with an opening, the storage container being configured to store a wrapped sterile dental pack; an output configured to receive the wrapped sterile dental pack from the storage container; and a fiber optic indicator configured to cause the wrapped sterile dental pack to move from the storage container to the output through the opening.

Abstract: A stacking storage arrangement having multiple container receiving spaces that are arranged in multiple rows and columns, wherein a loading space in which loading vehicles can be moved is arranged below the container receiving spaces. The operation of a stacking storage arrangement of this type is configured to be economical. For this purpose, each row is assigned a separate loading vehicle stopping position that is arranged outside of the container receiving spaces.

Abstract: An apparatus may automatically move one or more assets to or from one or more storage units to or from a delivery bot. The apparatus and the one or more storage units and the delivery bot may be stored in a logistics vehicle. The delivery bot may be configured to deliver or pick up the one or more assets to or from one or more delivery or pickup locations that are outside of the logistics vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing and packaging dosed quantities of solid drug portions is provided. The apparatus includes multiple dosing stations, each dosing station having an output opening for dispensing solid drug portions, a collector for collecting dosed quantities of solid drug portions dispensed by the dosing stations and forwarding the dosed quantities of solid drug portions to a packager, and multiple fall ducts configured to guide the solid drug portions from the output openings to the collector, each fall duct having an outlet and a number of inlet openings, the output openings of the dosing stations being aligned with the inlet openings of the fall ducts when a fall duct is positioned adjacent to a column of dosing stations. Each fall duct includes a first part and a second part detachably connected together.

Abstract: A hub device, a multi-device system including the hub device, and a method of operating the same may include: converting, by the hub device, received voice input into text; identifying, by the hub device, a device capable of performing an operation corresponding to the text; identifying which device stores a function determination model corresponding to the device capable of performing the operation corresponding to the text, from among the hub device, and a plurality of other devices connected to the hub device; and based on the identified device that stores the function determination model being a device that is different from the hub device, transmitting at least part of the text to the identified device.

Abstract: A stacking storage arrangement having multiple container receiving spaces that are arranged in multiple rows and columns, wherein a loading space in which at least one loading vehicle can be moved is arranged below the container receiving spaces. The operation of a stacking storage arrangement of this type is configured to be economical. For this purpose, a transverse transport device is provided with which the loading vehicle can be moved between positions that are respectively assigned to a row.

Abstract: A lottery ticket dispensing system includes a cabinet housing and a lottery ticket array insertable into the cabinet housing. The array includes a plurality of individual bins in a stacked configuration. A dispensing unit is inserted into each of the bins and includes a ticket compartment in which a continuous strip of lottery tickets is contained and an automatic separation module in which a leading ticket of the continuous strip of lottery tickets is automatically separated and dispensed from the bin. The bins are connected together in the stacked configuration such that the lottery ticket array is insertable into and removable from the cabinet housing as a single unit. The stacked configuration has opposite sides defined by the sides of the bins.

Abstract: An identification module is disclosed for use in a key making machine. The identification module may have a key receiving assembly configured to receive only a shank of an existing key. The identification module may also have a tip guide, configured to receive a tip of the shank of the existing key. The tip guide may have a slot that exposes a tip end of the shank. The identification module may also have an imaging assembly configured to capture an image of the tip end through the slot.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an automatic vending machine for dispensing beverage cans. The machine includes a main housing having a can delivery slot. The housing includes a refrigerant compartment for storing the beverage cans. The housing further includes a delivery sub-system for delivering a beverage can from the refrigerant compartment to the delivery slot accessible to a consumer. The delivery sub-system is configured to orient and open the can while delivering to the delivery slot.

Abstract: A method of tracking inventory comprises storing at least one container unit within a dispenser. The dispenser includes a first and second ledge. The dispenser secures at least one container unit within the dispenser using an arm, wherein the arm has a first face. A total container unit distance is determined, wherein the total container unit distance is the distance between the first face and the second ledge. A single container unit distance is identified, wherein the single container unit distance is the change in distance between the first face and the second ledge when a single container unit is removed from the dispenser. A total number of container units in the dispenser is determined, wherein the total number of container units in the dispenser is determined using the total container unit distance by the single container unit distance. The total number of container units in the dispenser is displayed.

Abstract: An automatic production equipment includes a strip-material feeding device set, a continual stamping die set and a rivet providing mechanism. The strip-material feeding device set feeds a strip material. The continual stamping die set includes a upper stamping die group and a lower stamping die group. The lower stamping die group includes a lower die plate, a strip receiving groove formed on the lower die plate for receiving the strip material, a sliding block slidable on the strip receiving groove, and a guide groove formed on the sliding block to connect to the strip receiving groove. The upper stamping die group includes an upper clamping plate, a pushing lever and a riveting punch. The pushing lever and the riveting punch are located on the upper clamping plate. The rivet providing mechanism is connected to the sliding block, and feeds rivets into the guide groove in order.

Abstract: A dispensation system having a hopper that is located remote to the remainder of the dispensation system. The hopper can be located remote from a delivery system and a conveyor or other transmitting device can connect the hopper to the delivery system. The hopper can therefore be located in an area that is more accessible or less valued than the area in which the products or objects are dispensed, allowing a more efficient product distribution system.

Abstract: A hub device, a multi-device system including the hub device, and a method of operating the same may include: converting, by the hub device, received voice input into text; identifying, by the hub device, a device capable of performing an operation corresponding to the text; identifying which device stores a function determination model corresponding to the device capable of performing the operation corresponding to the text, from among the hub device, and a plurality of other devices connected to the hub device; and based on the identified device that stores the function determination model being a device that is different from the hub device, transmitting at least part of the text to the identified device.

Abstract: An automated dispensing device for a pharmaceutical order filling system includes an order processing device to receive a pharmaceutical order. The order processing device includes a cell for containing an available quantity of a pharmaceutical of the pharmaceutical order, and an insert received in the cell. The insert has a dispensing tube, and is adapted to receive the available quantity of the pharmaceutical and to dispense a measured quantity of the pharmaceutical through the dispensing tube. The cell includes a funnel having a weighted gate adapted to receive the dispensing tube of the insert.

Abstract: A firearm magazine case that is sized to hold a stack of firearm magazines, which case includes a spring mechanism at one end such that the magazines are advanced within the case to a ready position as the magazines are extracted from the case and configured to be mounted on a person's front or side so that the magazines are reached with an easy and natural motion, whereby the case is contoured to a person's body and is configured such that magazines are able to be extracted in one step, yet are effectively protected from the environment, the case includes an attachment mechanism that allows the case to be mounted either horizontally or vertically, according to the user's preference, the case's attachment mechanism, which consists of an “x” shaped ridge or lip which coordinates to accept a triangular insert that is attached to a person's clothing, whereby sliding any side of the “x” down over the triangle attaches the case in a secure manner, yet allows the case to be quickly and easily detached and/or replac

Abstract: An identification module is disclosed for use in a key making machine. The identification module may have a key receiving assembly configured to receive only a shank of an existing key. The identification module may also have a tip guide, configured to receive a tip of the shank of the existing key. The tip guide may have a slot that exposes a tip end of the shank. The identification module may also have an imaging assembly configured to capture an image of the tip end through the slot.

Abstract: An identification module is disclosed for use in a key making machine. The identification module may have a key receiving assembly configured to receive only a shank of an existing key. The identification module may also have a tip guide, configured to receive a tip of the shank of the existing key. The tip guide may have a slot that exposes a tip end of the shank. The identification module may also have an imaging assembly configured to capture an image of the tip end through the slot.

Abstract: A product transport mechanism is provided for a vending machine which has a product storage area, comprising a plurality of vertically spaced product storage locations, and a product collection area. The product transport mechanism comprises a plurality of vertically arranged product transport carriages. Each product transport carriage is movable in the same vertical plane between: a first position in which it is arranged to receive a product dispensed from a predetermined one of the vertically spaced product storage locations; and a second position below the first position in which the product transport carriage is located in the product collection area to enable collection of the vended product. Each product transport carriage is arranged to nest with the product transport carriage immediately below it so that more than one of the product transport carriages can simultaneously adopt the second position in the product collection area.

Abstract: An automated dispensing device for a pharmaceutical order filling system includes an order processing device to receive a pharmaceutical order. The order processing device includes a cell for containing an available quantity of a pharmaceutical of the pharmaceutical order, and an insert received in the cell. The insert has a dispensing tube, and is adapted to receive the available quantity of the pharmaceutical and to dispense a measured quantity of the pharmaceutical through the dispensing tube. The cell includes a funnel having a weighted gate adapted to receive the dispensing tube of the insert.

Abstract: An identification module is disclosed for use in a key making machine. The identification module may have a key receiving assembly configured to receive only a shank of an existing key. The identification module may also have a tip guide, configured to receive a tip of the shank of the existing key. The tip guide may have a slot that exposes a tip end of the shank. The identification module may also have an imaging assembly configured to capture an image of the tip end through the slot.

Abstract: A firearm magazine case that is sized to hold a stack of firearm magazines, which case includes a spring mechanism at one end such that the magazines are advanced within the case to a ready position as the magazines are extracted from the case and configured to be mounted on a person's front or side so that the magazines are reached with an easy and natural motion, whereby the case is contoured to a person's body and is configured such that magazines are able to be extracted in one step, yet are effectively protected from the environment, the case includes an attachment mechanism that allows the case to be mounted either horizontally or vertically, according to the user's preference, the case's attachment mechanism, which consists of an “x” shaped ridge or lip which coordinates to accept a triangular insert that is attached to a person's clothing, whereby sliding any side of the “x” down over the triangle attaches the case in a secure manner, yet allows the case to be quickly and easily detached and/or replac

Abstract: A set of panels having chutes therebetween. The chutes being defined by curvilinear rails on such panels. The curvilinear rails having stops thereon for stopping the products for viewing.

Abstract: Volumetric dispensers and methods dispense one or more units of a material having units with a volume utilizing independently controllable and linearly movable gates.

Abstract: A power tool system includes a first power tool having a first power tool rated voltage, a second power tool having a second power tool rated voltage that is different from the first power tool rated voltage, and a first battery pack coupleable to the first power tool and to the second power tool. The first battery pack is switchable between a first configuration having a first battery pack rated voltage that corresponds to the first power tool rated voltage such that the first battery pack enables operation of the first power tool, and a second configuration having a convertible battery pack rated voltage that corresponds to the second power tool rated voltage such that the battery pack enables operation of the second power tool.

Abstract: A dispensing system and associated method provides a turnkey solution for dispensing pharmaceutical products such as solid medications and nutritional supplements to be taken orally in health care settings, including but not limited to long term care (LTC) and assisted living settings.

Abstract: An identification module is disclosed for use in a key making machine. The identification module may have a key receiving assembly configured to receive only a shank of an existing key, and an imaging assembly configured to generate an image of the shank while the existing key is being manually held in the key receiving assembly. The identification module may also have a housing configured to house the key receiving assembly and the imaging assembly. The housing may have a slot formed therein to receive the existing key. The identification module further may have a tip guide configured to receive a tip of the shank of the existing key as the tip is inserted through the slot. The tip guide may be linearly movable by insertion of the existing key from a first location at the slot to a second location away from the slot.

Abstract: A manual and an automatic fastening device for fastening a bonding element to a surface by means of a light-curing adhesive is disclosed. The fastening devices apply the bonding element to the surface with a specific contact pressure, before the light is irradiated onto the bonding element for curing the adhesive. As the bonding element consists of transparent material, the adhesive is cured between the fastening element and the surface.

Abstract: There is provided a medicinal agent filling device with reduced size, which can automatically fill a medicinal agent into containers having different sizes. A medicinal agent filling device includes: a supply device for supplying a medicinal agent of interest to a container capable of being filled with the medicinal agent; a conveyance device for conveying the container; and a detecting unit for obtaining measurement data corresponding to an outer diameter of the container in a conveyance direction of the container by the conveyance device. Based on the measurement data, the conveyance device stops the container at a supply position where the medicinal agent can be supplied from the supply device to the container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a prize merchandiser comprising a cabinet, a see-through monitor extending through a front wall of the cabinet, a touch screen overlay mounted over the see-through monitor, a coin acceptor attached to the cabinet, a prize dispenser mounted inside the cabinet, and a computer unit connected to the coin acceptor, the prize dispenser, the see-through monitor and the touch screen overlay. The prize dispenser has a prize storage area extending behind the see-through monitor so that prizes in the prize storage area are visible through the see-through monitor during game play and when nobody plays a game. The computer unit is configured to run an interactive video game that displays on the see-through monitor and is controlled by player interactions with the touch screen overlay, and to operate the prize dispenser so as to dispense a prize based on an outcome of the video game.

Abstract: A commodity storage device has commodity storage columns defining respective commodity storage passages in each of which commodities are stored upright in a line. The commodity storage device includes: first gate members, each of which is provided turnably in such a manner as to enter and retreat from the corresponding commodity storage passage; second gate members, each of which is provided so as to be able to turn in conjunction with the corresponding first gate member in such a manner as to enter and retreat from the corresponding commodity storage passage; and flapper members, each of which is provided turnably on a side wall forming the corresponding commodity storage passage in such a manner as to enter and retreat from the commodity storage passage.

Abstract: A modular vending machine includes a first vending device and a second vending device for dispensing product items to customers. A mounting apparatus includes a main body mounted to a top surface of the first vending device. The second vending device is mounted to a top surface of the main body of the mounting apparatus. The numbers of the first vending device and the second vending device can be adjusted according to actual needs.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to a vending machine which includes at least the following components: at least one pocket-dispenser combination within an interior of the vending machine; where the at least one pocket-dispenser combination comprises: i) a plurality of pockets and ii) at least one dispenser; and where the plurality of pockets are vertically positioned during a dispensing operation of the vending machine so that: i) each of the plurality of pockets longitudinally extends along a vertical axis of the vending machine, and ii) equal distances are maintained between bottoms of the plurality of pockets and the at least one dispenser, where the bottoms of the plurality of pockets face down during the dispensing operation of the vending machine.

Abstract: A combination vending/return apparatus includes a series of stacked counter-sloped, gravity fed track assemblies with radiused transition segments to receive and store empty large-volume bottles and to deliver pre-filled large-volume fluid-containing bottles. The apparatus is configured to accommodate, among other sizes, at least one of three (3) gallon, (4) four gallon, or (5) five gallon size bottles. A. dual elevator subassembly permits filled bottle dispensing and empty bottle receiving from a single door. The apparatus includes a processor-controlled transaction panel to make bottle selections for purchases and returns, and to handle electronic payment, promotional and credit transactions. Also disclosed is a method to vend large-volume fluid-containing bottles and retrieve used and emptied large-volume water bottles.

Abstract: A set of panels having chutes therebetween. The chutes being defined by curvilinear rails on such panels. The curvilinear rails having stops thereon for stopping the products for viewing.

Abstract: A feeding apparatus of capsules to a brewing device of an automatic beverage vending machine; the feeding apparatus comprising two stores for respective types of capsules; an outlet device, common to the two stores, to feed the capsules to the brewing device; and, for each store, dispensing means of the respective capsules one by one; and orientating means configured to give the capsules a determined final orientation before they are dispensed to the brewing device; the feeding apparatus also comprising detecting means to detect whether or not a capsule is present inside the outlet device; and control means for stopping the dispensing means of both stores and preventing further capsules from being dispensed in response to a capsule-presence signal emitted by the detecting means.

Abstract: A dispensing mechanism of a vending machine includes a container and a rotary baffle. The container stores a stack of items vertically and defines a bottom opening and a lateral opening communicating with the bottom opening. The rotary baffle is located at the bottom opening and configured to block the bottom opening. The rotary baffle is rotatable about a horizontal axis. When the rotary baffle is at rest, the rotary baffle supports the items and prevents the items from dropping out of the container. When item delivery is required, the rotary baffle moves through a predetermined angle to drive one item to move out of the lateral opening, which allows the delivery of purchased items individually.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for handling loose objects having different physical characteristics, such as pharmaceutical drugs including, without limitation, oral solids in the form of pills, tablets, capsules and the like. Loose objects are loaded into individual canisters. A tooling assembly, comprising at least one canister drive mechanism, imaging sensor and package handler is mounted to a gantry assembly, can be translated through the cabinet via the gantry assembly to engage with particular canisters in accordance with unique and dynamic control parameters. Objects are dispensed from a canister directly to the desired packaging, such as a vial or “blister pack.” Additionally, a beneficially stronger blister pack container is provided.

Abstract: A vending machine is provided that includes optional modules. A first module includes a plurality of bins, each sized to contain a consumable product, each bin including a pivotable product container. An optional capsule dispensing apparatus is sized to fit on a side of the first module, the optional capsule dispensing apparatus including a plurality of capsules, each containing either a consumable product or a non-consumable product. An optional second module includes a second plurality of bins, each also sized to contain a consumable product, each bin also having a pivotable product container, the optional second module sized to be removeably attachable to the first module.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modular automated tool dispenser comprising at least one tool delivery module with at least one tool compartment containing a plurality of tools that are combined to form tool classes and with a plurality of tool conveying devices, each device being associated with one of the tool classes and conveying tools of one class to a tool delivery point. Each tool class is defined by the tool type, tool size and/or the tool weight as a tool parameter. The dispenser also comprises a tool selection device for selecting the desired tool class and the number of tools to be delivered and for activating the tool conveying device that is associated with the selected tool class.

Abstract: A combination vending/return apparatus and method. The apparatus includes a series of rows and columns for receiving, storing and dispensing unfilled and filled large-volume water-containing bottles from and to consumers. The apparatus includes a computer-operated vending keyboard for making bottle selections for purchase and returns, and to handle electronic payment and credit transactions. Also included is a method to vend large-volume water bottles and retrieve used and emptied large-volume water bottles.

Abstract: A merchandise dispensing apparatus for providing theft deterrence includes a housing defining an interior space adapted to hold a plurality of associated products. A vending door is mounted to the housing for selectively allowing access to the interior space. A bar is provided on which the associated products are supported, the bar extending in the interior space of the housing. An advancing assembly is disposed in the housing for urging product supported on the bar in a direction towards the vending door.

Abstract: An item storage facility that includes a resident programmable subcontroller, at least one stand, a one circuit board having a plurality of elongated openings therein supported on the stand, and a plurality of connectors resident on the circuit board and in communication with the subcontroller.

Abstract: The Dispenser may contain combinations of either a solid and/or a liquid substance. The Dispenser may, for instance, contain hand sanitizer as the substance used coming out of the bottom of the animal's feet, and facial tissue as another substance used coming from the top exit. This allows for the customer to have two or more convenient items within The Dispenser. The connector permits connection to another object. In the combination above the consumer may be a child, but the product could take numerous forms that could appeal to other genres of people.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for dispensing credit cards, phone cards, in-store gift cards, and the like from customer-operated kiosks and other machines. In one embodiment, a card dispensing apparatus can include a plurality of card hopper assemblies arranged in an array of two or more vertical columns, each column including two or more card hopper assemblies. Each card hopper assembly can include a card hopper configured to hold a vertical stack of horizontally oriented cards. Each card hopper assembly can further include a card ejector assembly configured to eject the bottom-most card from each card stack. The card dispenser can further include a movable card carriage that can be selectively positioned to receive a card from any of the card hoppers and read information from the card before dispensing the card to a customer.

Abstract: A cabinet for storing and dispensing an inventory of items, the cabinet comprising: at least one drawer having a plurality of criss-crossing row slats and column slats arranged along its bottom and a plurality of corresponding bins. The row slats have a plurality of flexible appendages and the column slats have a plurality of notches corresponding to the appendages. Slat movement actuators axial move the slats. Each bin has a pivotal lid; a lid lock and release element and a lid lock and release element adapted to hold the lid closed until actuated by one of the appendages, whereby bins of various sizes can be arranged abutting each other in the drawer and the bins are openable by actuating the row slat(s) and column slat(s) related to the bins to be accessed.

Abstract: Systems and methods related to dispensing food (e.g., fruit) or other items in a “first-in, first-out” manner are discussed. The system can include a base having one or more cavities therein and a plurality of chutes configured to align within a subset of the cavities. Each of the chutes can include an inlet that can provide access to an open interior for storage of items, and the plurality of chutes can dispense the plurality of items in a “first-in first out” manner. An ice chest capable of cooling the plurality of chutes can be included, as can a drip tray or other mechanism for separating the fruit from its juices to prolong its useful lifespan.

Abstract: Automatic distributor device for objects, in particular but not only for folded articles of clothing, such as for example garments, uniforms, overalls or other, comprising at least a box-like body provided at an ergonomic height with at least a pick-up window for the distribution of the objects and a loading window to supply the objects. The distributor device comprises a plurality of containing elements of the single-object type, which selectively have an open position for receiving and picking up the object, and a closed position for movement. The containing elements are configured to normally contain one object or a homogeneous plurality of objects. The distributor device comprises closed ring movement means which move the plurality of the containing elements inside the box-like body so as to position one of them on each occasion selectively facing toward the pick-up window or toward the loading window.

Abstract: A machine particularly adapted for dispensing light items (19) packaged in symmetrical, frustum-shaped containers. The items are propelled through a tubular cartridge (3) by compressed air, and in the absence of any solid pushing, pulling or carrying device, then individually dispensed. A flow of compressed air generated by a blower (28) is s fed to the back of the cartridge. The items are dispensed under control of a toggling dual-gate mechanism (26, 27) at the front end of the cartridge. The dual-gate mechanism of a removable magazine (2) grouping a number of cartridges can be selectively addressed and activated by means of a solenoid-driven cross-bar assembly (38).

Abstract: A device for dispensing a plastic fastener from a supply of ladder-type fastener stock includes a pair of separate modules that are independently pneumatically powered by a common air source. Each module is adapted to receive and index a corresponding side rail of the fastener stock, separate a cross-bar therefrom and eject the separated cross-bar out through a sharpened needle. As a feature of the invention, the pair of modules ejects the cross-bars of the dispensed fastener in an offset relationship to minimize fastener stress. As another feature of the invention, the pair of modules is independently slidably coupled to a common mounting plate. In this manner, the spacing and angular orientation between the modules are adjustable. As another feature of the invention, the feed mechanism includes a feed pawl that selectively engages outwardly facing notches formed in the side rail to ensure accurate alignment prior to the severing process.