Abstract: A pharmaceutical filling system for a high volume pharmacy is described. The system can include a manual pick/pack device and method. The system may include a rotation assembly, a left door and a right door, both positioned below the rotation assembly, a left divider positioned below the left door, and a right divider positioned below the right door, and a left gathering table positioned below the left divider, and a right gathering table positioned below the right divider. The system may also include a control device in electronic communication with the rotation assembly, the doors and the dividers for control of same.

Abstract: Methods and picking devices for storing a plurality of identical piece goods in the picking device in which the number of identical piece goods is automatically detected are provided. Multiple piece goods are placed in a support area of a storage device and a determination that a last piece good has been placed is made. Upon detection, the piece goods are moved into a removal area of the storage device and a gripping apparatus of an operating unit moves into the removal area, grasps the piece goods, and moves them from the removal area onto a support table of the operating unit. The number of piece goods situated in the support area is determined based on piece goods data and size data of the piece goods that are detected with a sensor system, after it has been detected that a last piece good has been placed in the support area.

Abstract: Methods and picking devices for storing a plurality of identical piece goods in the picking device in which the number of identical piece goods is automatically detected are provided. Multiple piece goods are placed in a support area of a storage device and a determination that a last piece good has been placed is made. Upon detection, the piece goods are moved into a removal area of the storage device and a gripping apparatus of an operating unit moves into the removal area, grasps the piece goods, and moves them from the removal area onto a support table of the operating unit. The number of piece goods situated in the support area is determined based on piece goods data and size data of the piece goods that are detected with a sensor system, after it has been detected that a last piece good has been placed in the support area.

Abstract: A device that can hold at least two cans of spray paint or chalk, thus enabling marking with different colors using a single device. The device comprises a staff, a can holster, a grip, a trigger and a selector. The selector comprises a selector rod moveable in or alongside the staff. At one end of the selector rod is a selector knob and at the other is an engagement mechanism that engages the spray valve of each can, one can at a time. The engagement mechanism comprises a cam and a rocker arm with two opposing fingers, one to engage each spray can when selected. Optionally one or more flag holders may be attached to the staff for holding marker flags.

Abstract: A device for gripping vessels is presented. The device comprises a mount, a support having a longitudinal axis coupled to the mount so to be rotatable relative to the mount around the longitudinal axis, a rotating mechanism for rotating the support, a gripper coupled to the support so to be translatable relative to the support along the longitudinal axis. The gripper has jaws for gripping a vessel, a translating mechanism for translating the gripper, at least one actuator for driving the translating mechanism and/or rotating mechanism and at least two reference elements fixed to the mount in at least two different stop positions. The jaws are passively biasable towards each other for holding a vessel in positions other than the at least two stop positions. The jaws are actively biasable away from each other by pushing the gripper against a reference element in one of the stop positions.

Abstract: A correctional paint wand used to mark lines on pavement, turf, concrete, and other surfaces. It has a rotatable sleeve on the lower end of an elongated handle, with the sleeve having at least two aerosol paint can holders each sized for containing one inverted paint can. At least one can applies distinguishable marking paint, and at least one can applies correctional paint visually covering erroneously applied markings, with the sleeve rotated to place the needed paint can in a dispensing position. A wheel on the lower end of the wand may aid its movement over the surface targeted for marking. The error correcting paint may be green for grass or artificial turf, brown for exposed ground, light gray or off-white for cement, and black for asphalt, or other colors appropriate to the intended application. Contemplated applications include, but are not limited to, use by landscaping designers and utility companies.

Abstract: A multiple dispensing assembly provides a plurality of containers that contain and dispense a composition, such as a cosmetic gel. Each container contains a unique composition that dispenses separately from the other containers. The containers are arranged in a geometric configuration enabling adjacent attachment to form a unitary, uniform conglomeration. The containers are joined through a rail portion, comprising a male and female rail. The rail portion enables the containers to join in a substantially unitary and uniform conglomeration through a geometric configuration of the containers. The rail portion further enables each container to be independently interchanged through a sliding motion. An internal vacuum pump portion, having a floating floor, displaces the composition from a lower region to an upper region of the container. A dispensing portion includes a spout that moves between a recessed position and an operational position.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing solid articles includes a housing and at least one vacuum source. The housing defines a hopper chamber to hold the articles and a dispensing channel fluidly connected to the hopper chamber. The dispensing channel has an inlet and an outlet defining a dispensing flow path therebetween. The vacuum source is adapted to provide a vacuum pressure and induce a gas flow in the housing. The apparatus is configured to generate a forward drive gas flow from the vacuum pressure and induced gas flow, and the forward drive gas flow conveys articles through the dispensing channel along the dispensing flow path in a direction from the inlet to the outlet to dispense the articles.

Abstract: A vending arrangement for computerized vending machines, retail displays, automated retail stores, utilizes a centralized, robotic gantry associated with companion modules for vending a plurality of selectable products. The modularized design enables deployment of half-sized or larger, full sized machines. The robotic gantry is deployed in a centralized module disposed adjacent display and inventory modules. Inventory modules can be fitted to both gantry sides, and doors can be fitted to the gantry front or rear. The gantry comprises an internal, vertically displaceable elevator utilizing a central conveyor for laterally, horizontally moving selected items from associated display and inventory positions to a vending position. Computerized software enables the display and vending functions, and controls elevator movement to dispense products from twin sides of the gantry by appropriately controlling the conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing solid articles includes a housing and at least one vacuum source. The housing defines a hopper chamber to hold the articles and a dispensing channel fluidly connected to the hopper chamber. The dispensing channel has an inlet and an outlet defining a dispensing flow path therebetween. The vacuum source is adapted to provide a vacuum pressure and induce a gas flow in the housing. The apparatus is configured to generate a forward drive gas flow from the vacuum pressure and induced gas flow, and the forward drive gas flow conveys articles through the dispensing channel along the dispensing flow path in a direction from the inlet to the outlet to dispense the articles.

Abstract: A dispenser for an orally dissolvable strip includes a pair of receiving spools for receiving respective layers of wrap material that sandwich the orally dissolvable strip. A rotatable knob is coupled to the spools for actuating the spools. A force transfer apparatus is configured to rotate the second spool when the first spool rotates. A housing contains the receiving spools, force transfer apparatus, orally dissolvable strip, and layers of wrap material, the housing having a slot sized for the dissolvable strip to pass through. A coupling element is connected to a housing side wall configured connect the housing laterally to another housing side wall. A channel extends between a knob input aperture and a housing rear plate output channel. A drive shaft is positioned in the channel and configured to extend from the output channel and operatively couple the rotatable knob with a rotatable knob of another dispenser.

Abstract: An automatic dispensing apparatus system and method for dispensing predetermined objects is disclosed. More particularly, the invention is an automatic bottled water dispensing apparatus system and method having a housing which houses various sizes of bottled water and a conveyor system for transporting the bottled water to a dispensing member for a customer. The dispensing apparatus system also includes a return machine for returning empty bottles, a plurality of selection members, a payment member and an inventory monitoring member.

Abstract: A medication delivering device includes a delivering unit and a negative pressure unit. The delivering unit includes a cylinder, a retractable part and a tip element. The cylinder has a first opening and a second opening. The retractable part connects the cylinder with the tip element. The tip element has a first end, a second end and a channel. The first end passes through the first opening and is received within the cylinder. The second end is located at an outlet of a pill container. The channel penetrates from the first end to the second end to link with the interior of the cylinder. The negative pressure unit connects to the second opening for providing negative pressure to the interior of the cylinder and the channel of the tip element, so that the tip element sucks up a pill on the outlet of the pill container.

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: An object is to provide a medicine supply apparatus capable of reducing a time required for charging medicines without causing any trouble during counting of the medicines, the apparatus comprises: a discharge drum which discharges the medicines from a tablet case; a medicine detecting sensor which detects the medicines discharged from the tablet case, and a control device, and this control device controls a rotating motor for rotating the discharge drum to discharge the medicines from the tablet case, counts the discharged medicines based on a detecting operation of the medicine detecting sensor, and changes a discharge speed of the medicine by the discharge drum depending on a type of medicine in the tablet case.

Abstract: A vibration-assisted ejection cassette includes: outer plates 11 which align PTP-packaged drugs 20 for storage; a top frame 12 which is provided above an open front and which prevents accommodated drugs from being falling forward; an inner plate 13 which carries the accommodated drugs and advances the drugs when vibrated; and a vibrating member 15 which vibrates the inner plate 13. Thereby, vibration is exploited to maintain the drugs 20 in alignment with each other, advance the drugs while maintaining the drugs in alignment and eject them one by one. Additionally, a retention member 18 for retaining an ejected drug is provided in front of the open front. A control circuit 17 activates or stops activating the vibrating member 15 in accordance with whether or not an ejection detecting member detects that a drug is being retained. In this way, it is ensured that drugs are either manually picked up one by one or ejected by an automatic mechanism in an equally easy and stable manner.

Abstract: An automatic prescription drug dispenser including a remote dispenser, a prescription entry system, and a communications network. The remote dispenser transmits and receives information from the communications network and dispenses prescription drugs to the patient. The prescription entry system transmits and receives information from the communications network and provides an input system for the prescriber to electronically enter individual prescriptions for each patient. The communications network coordinates communications between the doctor, insurance carrier, and the remote dispenser. The remote dispenser stores, retrieves, and labels prescription drug and over-the-counter products directly to patients through a remote automated dispenser, a prescription entry system, and a communications network. The remote dispenser transmits and receives information from the communications network and dispenses drugs to the patient.

Abstract: A vending machine includes first and second release mechanisms mounted to front portions of adjacent shelf dividers extending along a product shelf and establishing a product queue. A product transport system is arranged in the cabinet to carry a selected product container from the product queue towards a delivery chamber. A drive mechanism, operatively connected to each of the first and second release mechanisms, is mounted to an underside of the product shelf to simultaneously shift the first and second release mechanisms in order to release a selected product to the product transport system.

Abstract: A device for manually dispensing medications is realized, which allows the operator to perform preliminary manual medication dispensing in advance of several subsequent dispensing steps, while facilitating the operator's ability to recognize the region to which each medication is to be dispensed, there by allowing the operator to easily and precisely perform manual dispensing of various kinds of medications.

Abstract: An automatic dispensing apparatus system and method for dispensing predetermined objects is disclosed. More particularly, the invention is an automatic bottled water dispensing apparatus system and method having a housing which houses various sizes of bottled water and a conveyor system for transporting the bottled water to a dispensing member for a customer. The dispensing apparatus system also includes a return machine for returning empty bottles, a plurality of selection members, a payment member and an inventory monitoring member.

Abstract: An automated method for dispensing pharmaceuticals, particularly tablets and capsules, and other small discrete objects, includes: receiving prescription information, selecting a container, labeling the container, dispensing the tablets or capsules into the labeled container, applying a closure to the filled, labeled container, and offloading the container to a designated location. Preferably, the tablets are dispensed with high speed dispensing bins that employ forced air to agitate and singulate the tablets. The other functions within the system are typically carried out at stations designed to offer speed, flexibility and precision to the dispensing operation.

Abstract: To dispense an article in a limited space within a tray appropriately with no useless operation, the present invention provides an article dispensing device, including a control means (61) which calls, from a storage means (64), an article map of an article (D) to be dispensed by a dispensing means (3) and a container map of a container (5) for accommodating the article (D), which searches for a vacant region by searching each container virtual region of the container map in a predetermined order, which specifies a dispensing position for the article (D) according to the article map, and which drive-controls the dispensing means (3) based on the specified dispensing position for causing the article (D) held to be accommodated in the container (5).

Abstract: A tray for a product vending machine including a flat base upon which product to be vended may be placed. A plurality of walls are attached to the base which define rows into which product is organized. A channel within the flat base houses a threaded shaft. The threaded shaft threadingly attaches to a product drive member.

Abstract: A vending machine includes first and second release mechanisms mounted to front portions of adjacent shelf dividers extending along a product shelf and establishing a product queue. A product transport system is arranged in the cabinet to carry a selected product container from the product queue towards a delivery chamber. A drive mechanism, operatively connected to each of the first and second release mechanisms, is mounted to an underside of the product shelf to simultaneously shift the first and second release mechanisms in order to release a selected product to the product transport system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a candy storage and dispenser device. A multi-compartment dispensing device offers a unique device for storing and dispensing candy. Accordingly, multiple types and/or colors of candy may be contained in a transparent housing to create a very colorful presentation. Any number of candy types, including powdered, beads, pellets and the like, may be stored and dispensed with the multi-compartment device. The compartments are joined by a series of apertures which may, or may not, be regulated by a movable barricade. Then, when desired, the multiple candies are dispensed through the series of compartment apertures and a dispensing aperture. One version comprises a flute-shaped device having an operational mouthpiece.

Abstract: Vending machine product is moved by an “X-Y mechanism” having two stationary electronically controlled drive “motors,” which drive tension elements that position horizontally and vertically sliding components. A separation and selection system uses a “rotator” to release a product from a tray and a “gate” to separate the products into two columns on the tray. A “lever” mechanically links these components. Products move off the tray by a spring powered “slider” on the tray. There is only one “rotator-gate-lever” mechanism per pair of product columns in each display tray. When a “cup” engages the “lever” moving to the right, a product from the left side of the display tray is pushed into the “cup” and vice versa. Adjustable side walls in each tray accommodate different sized packages. The delivery mechanism uses the “cup” for transport. A lower surface of the cup engages a sliding “door” to a balanced delivery “port” for delivery of product from the cup to the port.

Abstract: Certain designs of paper feeding devices used in copiers and printers require that an edge of a stack of sheets be in close contact with a slanted surface. An apparatus engages an opposite edge of the stack to urge the stack against the slanted surface, so that the stack assumes a parallelogram shape. The apparatus includes a plate which is movable from a vertical, upright position to a slanted position. Means are provided to cause the plate to move to the slanted position in response to the closing of a paper tray of a printer or copier.

Abstract: There is provided a vending machine and concurrently ice-box furnished in a hotel room, etc. that serves the paying guest of the room with cold water and personal articles as a room service and enables them to conveniently purchase various kinds of beverages and drinks such as beer and side dishes for wine as they likes, wherein the vending machine and concurrently ice-box is provided with a counting function in itself.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus and method for vending machines includes in one embodiment a horizontal vending tray with one of more columns. Each column can have one or more tracks. A biasing device such as a spring is associated with a pusher plate that slides along the column. A triggering mechanism at the front of the column is actuated by the rotation of a rod from the back of the column. The triggering mechanism blocks items placed along the track from being pushed off the front of the column to a delivery area but also controls when such dispension occurs. The configuration allows items of different sizes, shapes, and types to be loaded into the column by standing on their bases and therefore allows the column to be easily adapted to dispense a wide variety of items.

Abstract: An automatic prescription dispensing system includes a housing or frame having a plurality of pill dispenser units mounted therein, a plurality of vial supply assemblies at one end of the housing, and a filled vial offload carousel at an opposite end. A vial manipulator assembly is mounted on the housing to enable translational movement of a vial manipulator frame vertically and horizontally and pivoting about a vertical axis to retrieve vials from the supply assemblies, fill the vials at the dispenser units, and deposit the filled vials onto the carousel. The vial manipulator frame includes spring loaded grippers to engage and carry the vials and a drive motor and gear for meshing with dispenser unit gears to operate the dispenser units. The system includes a controller including an interface for coupling to the printer port of a pharmacy host computer printer port for intercepting drug name and quantity data for a prescription which was directed to a prescription label printer.

Abstract: A flare carrier and dispenser for the safe and convenient transportation of a plurality of flares. The flares are stacked vertically in two spaced inclined columns within a housing and are dispensable on command by the depression of a spring-loaded gate disposed at the bottom of each column of flares.

Abstract: An ejecting assembly is provided, which comprises an ejector guide and an ejector which is reciprocable along the ejector guide in ejecting and return directions. An element is provided which is movable past all of the juxtaposed storage columns for holding merchandise and adapted to interengage with the ejecting assembly and to control the reciprocation of the ejector.