Abstract: Examples provides sale-restricted items management for self-checkout. A list of sale-restricted items is displayed via a graphical user interface (GUI) provided by a user interface. A notification component transmits a notification to a user device associated with an authorized user to verify a transaction responsive to an unauthorized user selection of a sale-restricted item from the list of sale-restricted items displayed. The notification includes an identification of the selected sale-restricted item and location of the selected sale-restricted item. A verification component authorizes completion of the transaction associated with the selected sale-restricted item by the unauthorized user on condition an age verification is obtained from the user device associated with the authorized user. Responsive to the authorization, an unlocking signal is sent to a locking storage device storing the selected sale-restricted item.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an opening tool for opening and/or removing a tab portion of a beverage can. The opening tool includes a hollow housing. The hollow housing includes a generally cylindrical housing body having a top end, a bottom end, an outer surface, an inner surface and an open cavity extending from a top end towards a bottom end of the housing body. The opening tool further includes one or more claws, having a claw body extending between a claw end portion and a claw tip such that the tip of each of the claws is adapted to be hangingly disposed within the open cavity of hollow housing. In operation, when a beverage can is passed through the hollow housing from the bottom end towards the top end, the claw tip of at least one of the claws engages and pulls-opens the tab portion while the beverage can moves out of the housing.

Abstract: A medication and identification information transfer system is provided that includes a primary medication container, a secondary medication container, a secondary container label and a medication information transfer apparatus. The medication information transfer apparatus, when coupled to the primary medication container, can transfer information indicative of the contents of the primary medication container to a medication delivery device such as an intelligent injection site. The medication information transfer apparatus has a shape and size enabling it to be connected to an adapter for removal of medication from the primary medication container which enables transfer of the medication to a secondary container while simultaneously transferring information about the medication in the primary medication container to the injection site. In some implementations, the medication injection site can be placed on a fluid delivery line for infusion into a patient.

Abstract: Systems, computer-readable instructions, and methods for dispensing and tracking medical products in various medical locations are disclosed. For example, the system may include a server which receives one or more requests for types of medical products from one or more client devices, determines whether the requested types and quantities are available in a dispenser and issues an instruction to the dispenser to automatically dispense the requested medical products and quantities. The server may receive confirmation after the types of medical products are dispensed from the dispenser and update a database. The server may receive unused and used medical product information from a client device and reconcile with restocked medical product information from the dispenser. Available types of medical products and quantities, usage reports and recommendations may be viewed via a Platform by one or more client devices. The dispenser may receive requests directly from a client device for medical products.

Abstract: A system including a storage unit operable for distributing retail products or items. A baseboard section is disposed on a proximate bottom portion of the storage unit. The baseboard includes a compartmentalized segment that is configured to store perishable products or items. A widget sensor detects if a product or item is added or removed from the compartment areas. A shelving section is disposed on a top portion of the baseboard section. The shelving section includes at least one or more shelves that are configured to stack on top of each other. A widget device fetches and delivers the products or items. A shelf back door includes magnetic materials that are configured to guide the widget device.

Abstract: A machine for dispensing a vaporizable liquid into a container for use in an electronic inhalation device is disclosed. The machine comprises a reservoir of liquid, a dispensing port to receive an empty container to be filled, and a dispensing mechanism fluidly connected to the reservoir for dispensing a quantity of liquid from the reservoir to a container received in the dispensing port. The machine also comprises a controller connected to the dispensing mechanism to control operation thereof, and a user-operable interface connected to the controller for a user to actuate the machine. Also disclosed is a method of operation of such a machine and a system of a plurality of such machines.

Abstract: A method of transferring a two-dimensional material such as graphene onto a target substrate for use in the fabrication of micro- and nano-electromechanical systems (MEMS and NEMS). The method includes providing the two-dimensional material in a first lower state of strain; and applying the two-dimensional material onto the target substrate whilst the two-dimensional material is under a second higher state of strain. A device comprising a strained two-dimensional material suspended over a cavity.

Abstract: A machine for filling cash boxes insertable into and extractable from the machine, including internally a portion for housing storage containers containing a cash reserve intended to fill the cash boxes, laterally to said inner storage containers a device for receiving and moving a cash box is arranged, the device for receiving and moving the cash box being equipped with at least means for vertical movement of the cash box between a raised position, adapted for inserting and extracting it into and from the machine, and a lowered position, at a lower height with respect to that of the inner storage containers present in the machine, the device also being equipped with means for horizontal movement of the cash box between the lowered position and a position distanced from it, arranged under the inner storage containers present in the machine.

Abstract: A card cassette device of a card dispensing apparatus ensures elimination of measures for illegally opening a card outlet from the outside in a non-mounted state and makes it possible to open the card outlet according to the necessity in a mounted state, raising security level. A movable shutter for opening and closing a card outlet has a stopper member engaging hole and a lock member engaging hole. A stopper member is engaged with the stopper member engaging hole by a stopper member moving device, thereby fixing the shutter in its closed state in the non-mounted state. A lock member is engaged with the lock member engaging hole by a lock member moving device, thereby canceling the closed state of the shutter and locking the shutter in its open state in the mounted state.

Abstract: A pallet displacement system for a pallet storage assembly, including a pair of spaced apart rail assemblies, each rail assembly including a rail having plurality of rollers rotatably mounted thereon for supporting one or more pallet, a pallet engagement element slidingly engaged to the rail and a pair of springs operatively connecting the pallet engagement element to a front end of the rail on respective sides thereof. In use, the sequential positioning of a plurality of pallets onto the rail assemblies results in a first pallet engaging the pallet engagement elements, extending the springs and therefore accumulate potential energy. When one or more of the plurality of pallets is removed from the rail assemblies, the potential energy is transformed into kinetic energy, pulling the pallet engagement elements toward the front of the rail assemblies, which in turn displaces remaining pallets toward the front.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for fall detection. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention are configured to provide fall detection, including fall prediction and fall prevention, in home health care settings for patients with Alzheimer's disease and related neurodegenerative conditions. In addition, embodiments of the present invention provide continuous fall prediction and detection, including alerts to caregivers, while allowing the patient the flexibility to move outside their home.

Abstract: An article dispensing apparatus includes: one article discharging apparatus; and another article discharging apparatus, the one article discharging apparatus and the other article discharging apparatus being capable of being combined in a back-to-back manner. The one article discharging apparatus includes: a driving source; an output gear configured to rotate by a driving force from the driving source when a discharging instruction has been given to the one article discharging apparatus; link levers where each link lever is provided rotatably about an axis of the link lever; and a controller configured to, when the output gear is rotated from the standby position by the discharging instruction, prohibit stopping of drive of the driving source to allow the rotation of the output gear until a preset prohibited time elapses from starting of the rotation of the output gear even when supply of electric power to the driving source is interrupted.

Abstract: A refrigerator and a control method for the same are disclosed. A refrigerator includes a storage compartment, a drawer movably provided in the storage compartment and provided with a marker, a camera that photographs inside the drawer from outside the drawer, and a controller that senses a position of the marker in photographs taken through the camera at time intervals, and that determines state information about the drawer based on a change in position of the marker in the photographs. A method includes recognizing closing of the drawer by sensing a start of opening of the drawer; acquiring an image of the drawer interior using the camera; processing the image to recognize the marker from the image; tracing a movement of the marker; acquiring a final image of the drawer interior using the camera when closing of the drawer begins; and displaying the final image.

Abstract: A product carry-out device of an automatic dispenser includes two sets of first stopper members and second stopper members corresponding to half-size products accommodated in two rows, a single driving device for driving the two sets of first stopper members and second stopper members, a link mechanism having link members corresponding to the first stopper members and second stopper members, a connection mechanism for connecting the single driving device and the link mechanism, and a switching device selectively connecting the connection mechanism and the link mechanism. The two sets of first stopper members and second stopper members are driven synchronously by connecting the connection mechanism and the link members. The connection mechanism and the one or another of the link members are separated from each other, thereby individually driving one or another of the two sets of first stopper members and second stopper members.

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.

Abstract: Provided is a labeling apparatus that generates a label for labeling a drug container at a healthcare facility. The labeling apparatus includes a code reader that reads a computer-readable code encoding a drug to be stored by the drug container and transmits a signal indicative of the identity of the drug in response to reading the computer-readable code. A non-transitory computer-readable memory stores a drug formulary comprising a plurality of drug entries. A processing component is configured to identify, from the formulary, the identity of the drug corresponding to the computer-readable code and receives a patient identity from a computer-accessible source. A printer is operable to print label content identifying the specific drug onto a label that is to be applied to the drug container. The label content includes the identity of the drug and the patient identity encoded by a label code that is computer-readable.

Abstract: A dispensing assembly includes a mounting plate with a plurality of openings, a rotatable shaft located adjacent to the mounting plate, a plurality of blocking plates pivotably attached to the mounting plate, and a plurality of jacking members attached to the rotatable shaft. Lengths of the plurality of jacking members are different from each other. When the shaft is rotated to an initial position, the plurality of jacking members disengages away from the plurality of blocking plates, and the plurality of blocking plates are received in the plurality of openings. When the shaft is rotated to a working position, the plurality of blocking plates is rotated out of the plurality of openings to positions slanted relative to the mounting plate by the plurality of jacking members. Slanting angles of the plurality of blocking plates relative to the mounting plate are different from each other.

Abstract: An article ejecting device of an automatic vending machine includes an article storage rack having an article storage passage for storing articles while being laid sideways, a base board forming one side of the article storage passage, a first stopper member movable between a protruding position in which the first stopper member protrudes toward the article storage passage and a retractable position in which the first stopper member is retracted from the article storage passage, a second stopper member movable between a protruding position in which the second stopper member protrudes toward the article storage passage and a retractable position in which the second stopper member is retracted from the article storage passage, and an outlet adjustment member forming another side of the article storage passage. The first stopper member includes an article placement surface having a holding portion holding the first vending article in a rolling manner.

Abstract: Container comprising a first element 2 and at least a second element 3 movable relative to the first element 2 between a closed position and an open position, and a drive device 5 for moving the second element 3, wherein at least one deformation measuring unit 6 is provided with a deformation sensor 11 on at least one of the elements 2, 3 for detecting a force exerted on one of the elements 2, 3 and wherein a control unit 12 is provided for receiving and evaluating a deformation signal transmitted by the deformation measuring unit 6 and is provided for actuating the drive device 5.

Abstract: Breakage of electrical components inside is prevented when live wire insertion-and-removal is performed after inhibition of an increase in costs. A coin processing device 1 includes a coin sorting unit 3, a coin housing unit 2, and a harness 4. The coin housing unit has a first connector 21 including a first terminal TH2, a second terminal TL1, and a first ground terminal TG1. The coin sorting unit includes: a second connector 31 coupled to the first connector through the harness, the second connector 31 including the third terminal TH4 to which a high voltage is supplied through the first terminal, a fourth terminal TL2 configured to supply a low voltage to the second terminal, and a second ground terminal TG2 grounded through the first ground terminal; a low-voltage power source circuit 32 configured to generate the low voltage from the high voltage supplied to the third terminal, and configured to output the low voltage from a low-voltage output terminal 32t; and a switch circuit 34.

Abstract: A product dispensing device includes: product accommodating passages; a dispensing mechanism which regulates a product from moving toward the downstream side in a standby state, and dispenses a product positioned at the most downstream side; a disc-shaped member which rotates in one or another direction; link members each of which has a standby attitude in a normal state to cause the dispensing mechanism to be in the standby state, and causes the dispensing mechanism to be driven when swinging from the standby attitude to have a dispensing attitude; and a hook member which causes the link member to swing to have the dispensing attitude when the disc-shaped member rotates in the one direction so that the distal end abuts against the link member, and retreats from the radially outer region when the disc-shaped member rotates in the other direction so that the distal end abuts against the link member.

Abstract: A system for managing drug labeling information includes a repository comprising a network accessible database, the repository having an upload portion and a download portion, the repository being accessible to a plurality of users via client computers coupled to a wide area network. The repository includes drug labeling information on a plurality of drugs stored therein. The upload portion of the repository is accessible by a first set of users while the download portion of the repository is accessible by a second set of users. In one preferred aspect of the invention, drug manufactures are able to upload new or revised PDF files containing drug labeling information. The new or revised PDF files are then available for download by pharmacists or other authorized users.

Abstract: A product selection system for a vending machine is provided which is immune to human misbehavior or uncertainty. The system includes a main controller and a plurality of product selection panels connected to the main controller. Each product selection panel includes a plurality of keys, each of which is associated with a type of product stored in the vending machine. When a product selection panel detects a first key-down event, the main controller broadcasts a suspending command to the product selection panels so each product selection panel suspends the detection of any further key-down event in response to receiving the suspending command, until after a product-dispensing routine has been completed or the expiry of a predetermined period of time. A product selection method for a vending machine is also provided.

Abstract: A point of sale battery distribution system includes a cabinet in which batteries may be stored, a user interface for facilitating selection and purchase of batteries, and doors which may be secured and freed to be opened based upon purchase transactions. Batteries stored in the cabinet may be charged by a charging system until purchase. The charging system may provide one or more charging voltages and regimes, and output of the charging system may be disabled by a control system when a door is open or freed to be open. An inventory management system may detect batteries stored in the cabinet and convey inventory information to remote systems for replenishment of the cabinet based upon purchases.

Abstract: A merchandise dispensing apparatus for deterring theft includes a housing having a plurality of walls defining an interior space within the housing. At least one merchandise support module is mounted in the housing and includes an electro-mechanical ejector located adjacent a front end of the at least one module. The ejector includes an electrical motor with an output shaft, along with an ejector plate movably mounted in relation to the housing. A gear train connects the output shaft of the motor to the ejector plate. A relay selectively provides electrical power to the motor.

Abstract: Novel systems and methods for performing treatment (e.g., coloration) of keratinous fibers are disclosed. The methods and systems utilize one or more of a dispensing device which is configured to provide customized composition for treating keratinous fibers (e.g., a coloring composition), optionally formed from tablets; an optical reader, for obtaining sufficient characteristics of the keratinous fibers to make a realistic prediction of the outcome of a treatment (e.g., coloring treatment); a computational units for predicting an outcome of a treatment, optionally being interfaced with the dispensing device and for selecting a customized treatment; and tablet formulations which are useful in preparing customized composition for treating keratinous fibers. Further disclosed are rapidly disintegrating tablets for use in the preparation of compositions for treating keratinous fibers.

Abstract: An automated magazine feeder device is provided for supplying a manufacturing operation with elongate members of varying sizes in an assembly order dictated sequence. An apparatus for dispensing elongate members may include a magazine and a rotatable support member. The magazine may contain a plurality of elongate members including an elongate member in a first location and an elongate member in a second location immediately adjacent the elongate member in the first location. The first rotatable support member may include a first arm and a second arm. The first arm of the first rotatable support member supports the elongate member in the first location when the first rotatable support member is in a first position. The elongate member in the first location is ejected from the magazine by the second arm of the first rotatable support member in response to the first rotatable support member being rotated from the first position to a second position.

Abstract: Systems and methods for brewing coffee and producing other hot beverages are included herein. An automated coffee vending kiosk configured in accordance with one embodiment includes a coffee brewing unit for brewing coffee and a cup dispensing portion. The cup dispensing portion can include a motor and a door operably coupled to the motor. The door can be moveable between a closed position and an open position to provide access to a cup storage area having a plurality of cups. A coffee dispensing portion can be positioned to dispense the coffee into an individual cup.

Abstract: In some aspects, an analyte sensor is provided for detecting an analyte concentration level in a bio-fluid sample. The analyte sensor has a base with first and second ends, a concave recess in the first end, a second end receiving surface, and a sidewall extending between the ends. An electrode may be provided on the receiving surface with an electrochemically-active region coupled to the electrode. A conductor in electrical contact with the electrode may extend along the sidewall and may be adapted to be in electrical contact with a first contact of an analyte meter. Manufacturing methods and systems utilizing and dispensing the analyte sensors are provided, as are numerous other aspects.

Abstract: A system for providing pharmaceutical manufacturers marketing data related to the provision of samples includes an automated sample dispensing unit, a collateral materials printing device, a product information communication device, related prescription data flow information management services, companion wireless devices, robotic dispensing techniques, and bar code scanning capabilities.

Abstract: A vending machine includes a product detection system for signaling a vending controller that a selected product has released from a product support shelf. The vending machine includes a product delivery device that, upon initiation of a vending operation, transports the selected product from the product support shelf towards a delivery area. Upon initiation of a vending operation, a motor moves a product delivery device to a position adjacent the selected product. A dispensing mechanism then releases the selected product which falls into the delivery device, imparting a downward force which is sensed at the motor. A sensor detects the downward force and signals the vending controller that the product has been received by the product delivery device. At this point, the vending controller continues with the vending operation.

Abstract: A glove incorporating a roll of waste bags and ties on a rotatable spool contained within a pocket integrated on a palm side of the glove. The spool pocket is proximate a pathway having a first and second opening through which the waste bags may be individually pulled and removed from the spool for utilization as a package for solid animal waste. The ties may extend through the pathway or may extend through an opening in the pocket for access by a user.

Abstract: A medicine dispensing device has a device body (1), shelf members (2) arranged in the vertical directions in the device body (1), and a medicine conveyance member (3) for conveying medicines (D), received in the shelf members (2), on one by one basis from the front face side of the device body (1). A shelf member (2) has cassettes (26) in which medicines (D) are received in line, a pusher (31) for pushing the medicines in the cassettes (26) toward the front face side of the device body (10), and a constant load spring (32) for applying a constant load to the medicines (D) received in the cassettes (26) through the pusher (31). To fill the cassettes (26) with the medicines (D), the shelf member (2) can be pulled out from the front face side of the device body (1) and then positioned by pivoting the shelf member (2) so as to face obliquely downward.

Abstract: A cutlery utensil dispenser having at least one utensil compartment and a dispensing mechanism is disclosed. Each utensil compartment is so dimensioned and configured to house a stack of utensils. The dispensing mechanism includes a drive member in operable communication with at least one driven member, each driven member being associated with a respective one of the compartments. Actuation of the drive member causes simultaneous actuation of each driven member that causes a utensil to be dispensed from each compartment in repeatable succession one at a time. Also disclosed is a cutlery utensil dispenser having an electric motor in operable communication with the dispensing mechanism, and a controller in operable communication with the motor. The controller includes a processing circuit responsive to computer executable instructions which when executed on the processing circuit facilitates dispensing of a utensil from the utensil compartment by operation of the motor on command.

Abstract: A tissue dispenser for use with a cup holder having a body including a lower portion dimensioned for being received within an inner wall associated with the cup holder. An opening is provided in the body for withdrawing successive tissues. A waste storage compartment is configured within the body separate from the opening for storing used tissues.

Abstract: A cutlery dispenser comprises a storage chamber adapted to retain a plurality of cutlery therein; an ejector for sequentially ejecting the plurality of cutlery from the storage chamber; an actuator for driving the ejector; and a sensor for triggering the actuator in response to an event.

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: Improvements to increase the speed at which a vending machine can dispense articles are disclosed. In various embodiments, the machine defines plural first arrays of receptacles for receiving articles with the first arrays stacked so that adjacent receptacles in the first arrays form second arrays. A separate user door closes each first array of receptacles, a slot door assembly provides a plurality of receptacle doors operative to open a particular receptacle when the user door is unlocked, and a slot access mechanism provides access to a particular receptacle. The machine waits a specified time period after dispensing to detect whether a subsequent user request is received. If a subsequent user request is received, the machine moves the slot access mechanism directly to a receptacle where the articles are available. Additional improvements include procedures for avoiding problems caused by misaligned doors and procedures for providing optimal article stocking.

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: A device for dispensing pills includes a set of pill canisters, each having a machine-readable canister identifier. The device for dispensing pills further includes a reader adapted to read the machine-readable canister identifier and a selector interfaced to the reader. An active pill canister from the plurality of pill canisters is selected by the selector using data from the reader to determine which of the plurality of pill canisters is at a target location. A control is provided for releasing a desired quantity of pills from the selected pill canister at a target location into a target package.

Abstract: A vending machine has a support part that has a first support member extending in the right and left direction on the inside of a commodity storage chamber and a second support member extending in the front and rear direction on the inside of the commodity storage chamber, and supports a commodity column so that the commodity column is movable in the front and rear direction on the first and second support members. In the vending machine, when a support receiving part is detached from the first support member, the commodity column can be moved in the front and rear direction via the second support member, so that replenishment of commodities to the commodity column and maintenance of the commodity column can be accomplished. Both of the first support member and the second support members are located under the commodity column, and support the commodity column from the downside. Therefore, spaces for arranging support members at the right and left of the commodity column are unnecessary.

Abstract: A product discharge and delivery system for a vending machine includes a product delivery cup including a carriage portion and a shroud portion having an open bottom section and a discharge element. After receiving a selected product, the product delivery cup is shifted toward a dispensing chamber causing the discharge element to engage with a discharge member mounted within the vending machine. Engagement of the discharge element and discharge member causes the shroud portion to pivot relative to the carrier portion exposing the open bottom section allowing a selected product to release into a dispensing chamber. A delivery port is mounted in the dispensing chamber that rotated between a product receiving position and a product delivery position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vending machine that converts a force applied from a manual operation means into an electric power, and operates by utilizing the electric power as a source of power. A drive force generation/transmission mechanism includes a generator (45) that generates the electric power by utilizing the force applied from the manual operation means (9) and motors (49-55) driven by the electric power generated by the generator (45). Article moving mechanisms (63-69) are constructed to operate by utilizing the output of the motors (49-55) as the operation source.

Abstract: A system and method for communicating vending information for a digital video disc is provided. A plurality of vending transaction data is received, wherein each of the plurality of data comprises a transaction timestamp and corresponds to a rental transaction for a digital video disc. The plurality of vending transaction data is stored in a memory of a vending apparatus, and is encrypted. It is determined whether a predetermined period of time has elapsed since a first transmission of transaction data from the vending apparatus, and a communication request is transmitted upon such determination to a remote control center. A signal is received at the vending apparatus from a control center in response to the communications request, and a plurality of vending transaction data is transmitted to the remote control center in response to receiving the signal.

Abstract: Integrated circuits are made by bonding to a substrate one or more slices of material, and forming circuits using the slices of material.

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 device for dispensing pills includes a set of pill canisters and a control for releasing a desired quantity of pills from a selected pill canister at a target location. A frame is situated beneath the target location. The frame is adapted to accept and hold a selected platen of a set of platens and to move the selected platen in both an X axis and a Y axis. The selected platen holds and supports a target container into which the desired quantity of pills is deposited.

Abstract: An article dispensing machine and article transport storage unit are shown that permit articles slated for inventory to be delivered in secure manner from a centralized inventory supply center to an article dispensing machine forming part of an article distribution system. The article transport storage unit is locked during transport from the supply center to the machine and does not become unlocked until fully installed within the machine.

Abstract: A system for automatic counting of non-overlapping objects irrespective of shape, size, and color is provided by imaging and computer subsystems. Objects to be counted are placed on a transparent surface disposed on a diffusing surface uniformly irradiated by electromagnetic radiation sources. Low intensity object shadows and high intensity object background regions are digitally imaged. The digital image is converted by a computing unit to a binary image and subjected to the Distance Transform to determine a count of the objects. Object identification verification is provided by comparing identification information obtained from a bar code associated with a supply container of the objects and identification information obtained from a digitally imaged written request.

Abstract: Improvements to increase the speed at which a vending machine can dispense articles are disclosed. In various embodiments, the machine defines plural first arrays of receptacles for receiving articles with the first arrays stacked so that adjacent receptacles in the first arrays form second arrays. A separate user door closes each first array of receptacles, a slot door assembly provides a plurality of receptacle doors operative to open a particular receptacle when the user door is unlocked, and a slot access mechanism provides access to a particular receptacle. The machine waits a specified time period after dispensing to detect whether a subsequent user request is received. If a subsequent user request is received, the machine moves the slot access mechanism directly to a receptacle where the articles are available. Additional improvements include procedures for avoiding problems caused by misaligned doors and procedures for providing optimal article stocking.