Abstract: An inventory control system and method determines an inventory condition of objects stored in the system. Embodiments include a storage container including a plurality of storage locations for storing objects; an image sensing device to capture image data of the container, including image data of the plurality of storage locations and a target area that includes an individual object storage location having less than the plurality of storage locations; a data storage device for storing the image data of the container; and a data processor. The processor receives initial image data representing an initial image of the plurality of storage locations, and image data representing an image of the target area captured subsequent to the initial image; modifies the initial image data based on the image data of the target area to generate adjusted image data; and stores the adjusted image data in the data storage device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a magazine unit for fitting a brewing device with a portion capsule. The magazine has a storage magazine for storing portion capsules, said portion capsules being stacked one after the other in a stacking direction, and the magazine unit has a transporting means for transporting a portion capsule out of the storage magazine into the brewing device. The transporting means can be pivoted about a pivot axis between a removal position for removing the portion capsule from the storage magazine and a dispensing position for fitting the brewing device with the portion capsule, said pivot axis being perpendicular to the stacking direction.

Abstract: A recycling kiosk for recycling and financial remuneration for submission of an electronic device such as a mobile phone is disclosed herein. The recycling kiosk includes electrical connectors and an inspection area with an upper chamber, a lower chamber, a transparent plate and at least one camera in order to perform a visual analysis and an electrical analysis of the electronic device for determination of a value of the electronic device. The recycling kiosk also includes a processor and a display for user interaction.

Abstract: Tickets are preprinted with game content and are associated with a deal of tickets that includes at least some predetermined winning tickets. Each ticket has a base ticket denomination and each winning ticket has a predetermined base award amount. For each vended ticket, an indication is received from a patron for inputting into a vending machine of a total wager amount for payment of a ticket. The total wager amount is determined from the base ticket denomination and a multiple of the base ticket denomination that the patron selects for the ticket. The ticket is dispensed from the vending machine, The vending machine indicates on a winning dispensed ticket, using a ticket marker in the vending machine, an indicia of the total wager amount that visually communicates the multiple of the base ticket denomination that the patron selected. The indicia is not a numerical value. The indicia is used to determine the value of the winning ticket.

Abstract: An inventory control system and method determines an inventory condition of objects stored in the system. Embodiments include a storage container including a plurality of storage locations for storing objects; an image sensing device to capture image data of the container, including image data of the plurality of storage locations and a target area that includes an individual object storage location having less than the plurality of storage locations; a data storage device for storing the image data of the container; and a data processor. The processor receives initial image data representing an initial image of the plurality of storage locations, and image data representing an image of the target area captured subsequent to the initial image; modifies the initial image data based on the image data of the target area to generate adjusted image data; and stores the adjusted image data in the data storage device.

Abstract: Configuration technologies for cost-effectively monitoring indicia of regimen compliance or noncompliance in response to one or more indications of symptoms or actions or other data on data-bearing media or in wireless transmissions, such as implementing techniques for providing or preventing access or otherwise acting on or communicating incremental or definitive indicia of compliance or noncompliance.

Abstract: The medicament dispensing machine enables to use vials having various sizes and shapes without changing a part in the machine or without performing a special operation. The medicament dispensing machine contains a discharging unit that receives a vial filled with a medicament from a medicament filling means and discharges out of a vial discharging window. The discharging unit contains a vial gripping means having a pair of gripping arms that grip a vial, a body of gripping means having the vial gripping means, a moving means that moves the vial gripping means from the medicament filling means to the vial discharging window, and an orientation changing mechanism that changes the orientation of the body of gripping means. With a coordination of the movement of the body of gripping means toward the vial discharging window, the orientation changing mechanism makes the gripping arms orient to the vial discharging window.

Abstract: In a method for controlling physical access to a computing device a first access request to a room containing the computing device is received. In response, a processor determines that the first access request is valid based on the room and the date and time of the first access request and unlocks a door to the room to permit entry to the room. Subsequently, a second access request to a cabinet that is located in the room and contains the computing device is received. In response, a processor determines that the second access request is valid based on the cabinet and the date and time of the second access request and unlocks the cabinet to permit access to the computing device.

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

Abstract: A device and method are provided, the method including providing a device capable of at least semi-autonomous operation and enabling the device to autonomously gather at least one item and secure that item against unauthorized access while providing selective authorized access to the item while the item is in possession of the device.

Abstract: Provided is a medicine dispensing device including: a medicine mounting portion that transports medicines mounted thereon; a dispensing portion that moves between a receiving position at which the medicines transported by the medicine mounting portion are received and a dispensing position at which the received medicines are dispensed; and a position movement preventing portion that prevents position movement of the medicines to be received later on when the medicines are received by the dispensing portion. The medicine dispensing device further includes a guide portion that guides the medicines mounted on the medicine mounting portion to a position corresponding to the receiving position, defines a space in which the medicines enter the dispensing portion at the receiving position, and causes a size of the entrance space to be adjusted based on sizes of the medicines.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for monitoring medication are provided. A medication monitoring device according to one implementation includes a container configured to store a plurality of medication pills and a gating device connected at an opening of the container. The gating device is configured to electronically monitor the release of at least one of the medication pills. A system and method for monitoring the administration of medication to a patient are also provided. The system, according to one embodiment, comprises the medication monitoring device and a medication management server in communication with the medication monitoring device via a communication network.

Abstract: A container may include a secure chamber to hold a medication, a lockable lid that covers an opening of the secure chamber, a dispensing device, and one or more processors. The container may receive prescription information indicating a frequency to dispense the medication and indicating a dose of the medication to dispense at a dispense time. The container may determine the dispense time based on the frequency to dispense the medication. The dispense time may be a time to dispense a dose of the medication. The container may cause the dispensing device to dispense the dose of the medication from the secure chamber at the dispense time.

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

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a coating method including the steps of providing a multi-component coating composition including two or more components, applying each component to a porous substrate, mixing each component with at least one other component thereby causing at least two components to undergo a chemical reaction.

Abstract: A device and method are provided, the method including providing a device capable of at least semi-autonomous operation and enabling the device to autonomously gather at least one item and secure that item against unauthorized access while providing selective authorized access to the item while the item is in possession of the device.

Abstract: A pill grasping method comprises rotating a grasping arm with a nozzle to a predetermined initial position driven by a driving mechanism, rotating a number of pill storage cases to position one of the pill storage cases with a set number of pills to a predetermined grasping pill position driven by an actuating mechanism, rotating the grasping arm to enter into the corresponding pill storage case, starting a pump to generate a vacuum in the nozzle for sucking a pill, and determining if an actual pressure value in a pipe connecting the nozzle to the pump is less than a predetermined pressure value. The grasping arm is rotated to the predetermined initial position when the actual pressure value is less than the predetermined pressure value.

Abstract: A multi-single serve beverage dispensing apparatus, method and system is disclosed. Storage, management and delivery of a desired liquid enhancement cartridge to a beverage preparation positioned in a refrigerator or other liquid dispensing appliance is provided. A liquid dispensing cartridge is inserted and retrieved through a cartridge loading/unloading interface associated with a cabinet body of a liquid dispensing appliance. A storage system having multiple cartridge holding positions for storing and staging a variety of liquid enhancement cartridges is included. An indexing system has a means for moving one or more of the cartridges into a beverage preparation position for preparing and dispensing a beverage.

Abstract: Examples described herein relate to a gloving machine for applying gloves to the hands of a person. The gloving machine may include an actuator mounted onto the frame of said gloving machine and operable to generate a movement and a drive assembly coupled to the actuator for advancing a package of gloves having opposing layers from a storage area to a gloving position accessible to the hands of the person to be gloved. The drive assembly may include a first roller positioned adjacent a second roller. The first roller may be configured to rotate in a first direction and the second roller may be configured to rotate in a second direction different from the first direction. The first roller may be attached to one of the opposing layers of the package of gloves by one or more fasteners and the second roller may be attached to the other of the opposing layers of the package of gloves.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for separating a stack of notes of value, in which the stack of notes of value is arranged in a separating position. Subsequently, a withdrawal element is driven such that it transports at least one marginal note of value of the stack of notes of value in a separating direction in the direction of a separating gap formed between a transport element and a counter run element. Also the transport element is driven such that it transports the note of value further in the separating direction. By means of a sensor unit arranged downstream of the separating gap the number of the notes of value withdrawn and transported through the separating gap is determined. The withdrawal element, the transport element and/or the counter run element are controlled depending on this determined number of notes of value withdrawn.

Abstract: An automatic vending machine for vending a product selected by a user includes: an automatic vending machine cabinet having an opening that is opened and closed by a door: a plurality of product racks that is provided in the automatic vending machine cabinet, each product rack including a plurality of product storage columns each storing products ordered in a line; and a product storage device that allows a user to take out one product at a time by holding a body of the product, when the door is opened to open the opening.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for delivering single-dose packages sequentially from a substantially continuous strip having a first dispensing end and a second end. The strip includes a cover layer attached to a base layer to define a plurality of blisters therebetween that have one or more medications therein. The blisters are aligned in single file generally along the longitudinal axis between the first and second ends and/or otherwise arranged in single-dose packages adjacent one another, e.g., at least some of the single-dose packages including a plurality of blisters having different types of medications therein. A first single-dose package at the first dispensing end may be separable from a second adjacent single-dose package such that individual single-dose packages may be removed successively from the first dispensing end.

Abstract: An apparatus for containing, transporting, dispensing and keeping an inventory of a plurality of same size cleco type fasteners has a tubular housing with an interior bore dimensioned to receive the plurality of cleco type fasteners through a proximal opening on the housing that is closed by a removable closure device. The distal end of the housing has a retention device that retains the forward most cleco type fastener inserted into the housing interior bore with a sufficient force that prevents the forward most cleco type fastener from being unintentionally removed from the housing distal end, but allows the forward most cleco type fastener to be manually grasped and pulled from the housing distal end.

Abstract: A container adapted for dispensing a product is provided. The container includes an outer casing body for receiving a dispensing tray. The dispensing tray has an internal storage compartment for storage of a plurality of units of a product to be dispensed, and includes a cover plate defining at least one dispensing aperture through which a stored unit of product is accessible when the outer casing body is in a dispensing position. The container includes a locking mechanism that releasably locks the outer casing body in the closed and locked position.

Abstract: In duration of operating a vending machine, the vending machine can only provide a consumer with a simple service and cannot interact with the consumer. The vending machine is lack of and interactive feeling capable of catching the consumer's eyes and lets the consumer feeling novel and interesting, so that a sales volume of products cannot be raised. A vending apparatus and a product vending method of the invention can detect a consumer's operation by using a detector and a currency collecting device, and display a corresponding image on a screen according to the consumer's operation. Moreover, delivery of an actual object is in accordance with an image of object delivery, such that the consumer can smoothly feel the interactive feeling when purchasing products. Accordingly, the vending apparatus provides the consumer with a novel and interactive pattern, so as to elevate the consumer's purchase desire.

Abstract: The present application provides a tucker fold dispenser for folding and dispensing a sheet of material. The tucker fold dispenser may include an outer shell, a removable roller cassette positioned within the outer shell, a paper path therethrough, a number of loading rollers positioned about the paper path, a number of folding rollers positioned about the paper path, and a tucker bar mechanism positioned about the folding rollers.

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: A merchandise dispensing apparatus for deterring theft has at least one merchandise support module which includes a covering defining an interior space within the module. A support member and a dispensing member are mounted to the module, the dispensing member being mounted adjacent to the support member. A lockout device is also mounted to each module and connected to the dispensing member. The lockout device includes a housing with a user input member accessible from outside the housing. The user input member communicates with the dispensing member. A controller, which includes a memory and a processor, electrically communicates with the user input member. A sensor electrically communicates with the controller and senses the dispensing of an associated packaged item mounted on the support member. A signaling device electrically communicates with the controller to provide a notification upon the dispensing of the associated packaged item.

Abstract: Devices dispense medicine and dietary supplements in solid dosage form. The dimensions of the selection slots for the solid dosage forms in a device can be customized in depth by adding or subtracting spacers, and in width by adding or subtracting thickness inserts, or otherwise by employing components of suitable dimensions. Also, structures and methods for resolving jams of solid dosage forms are disclosed.

Abstract: An object storage device and method. The apparatus may include an object housing unit, a candy housing unit, and a candy dispensing unit. The candy housing unit may contain an object inside a concave cap. The candy housing unit may contain a flanged end, a hollow sleeve, and an open end. The candy dispensing unit may include a shaft for the candy to be attached to, a rotatable base, and a candy piece support seat. The method may include placing the object inside the concave cap and attaching the concave cap to the flanged end of the candy housing unit. The candy dispensing unit may also be attached to the candy housing unit. The candy and the candy piece support seat may be stored inside the candy housing unit.

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

Abstract: Present invention discloses a dispenser having means to dispense desired number of pills from a bulk supply of pills contained in the dispenser. The dispenser comprises of storage compartment having bulk supply of pills and having a discharge port emptying into counting compartment. The counting compartment contains first and second conveyors moving at first and second speed; wherein the second speed is greater than the first speed thereby enabling pill separation; the second conveyor discharges pills into dispensing compartment. Sensors are strategically placed along the conveyors to count pills discharged into dispensing compartment. A pill recovery system and apparatus is disposed inside the dispenser having means to recover pills remaining on first and second conveyors upon completion of a dispensation cycle and there after deposit recovered pills back into the storage compartment for use in future dispensation cycles.

Abstract: A bag dispenser includes a platform having first support surface, a first side, a second side, a first end and a second end. A mounting spike or barrier pole fixture may be attached orthogonally adjacent the platform. A wall mounting plate has a series of apertures to attach the plate to a vertical surface with fasteners. The plate is attached orthogonally to the second end of the bag platform. At least one side support extends outwardly from the first and second sides of the bag platform and upwardly from the platform. The side support defines a space for at least one stack of bags. A dispenser cover is affixed over the dispenser and may have a service aperture. The dispenser accommodates conventional, t-shirt and header-style bags in various configurations. The bags are assembled in bag stacks. The stacks may be configured in packs with removable covers or loaded in boxes.

Abstract: A device and a method for dispensing pharmacy/clinic loaded medications are described herein. The device may include multiple chambers, each chamber having stored therein one type of medication. Each chamber may have a cavity located along a rotating drum. Rotation of the drum causes the chamber to dispense the medications according to a defined schedule.

Abstract: A laboratory vial transfer device for automatically transferring laboratory vials from a transport package containing a plurality of said vials, comprising: a vial feeder configured to connect to the transport package after the package has been opened, so as to feed vials directly from the package without manual contact, wherein the vial feeder comprises a rotatable carousel having a plurality of vial receiving positions located on the carousel each for receiving a single vial and adapted to collect the vials from the opened package into respective vial receiving positions upon operation of the carousel, wherein the carousel is operable to feed the vials from their respective vial receiving positions to an exit position

Abstract: A medicine feeder's drive unit includes a drive motor, a gear transmission device, an output shaft and a switcher. The gear transmission device is constituted by a normal-rotation transmission path and a reverse-rotation transmission path provided between a motor shaft of the drive motor and the output shaft. The switcher selects one of the transmission paths for output of driving power from the drive motor. Thus, a jammed tablet in the medicine feeder can be cleared upon detection thereof, and reverse rotation of a rotor can be achieved without driving the motor in a reverse rotating direction, i.e., while the motor is in normal rotation setting.

Abstract: A disposable glove dispensing system may allow for a user to efficiently put on a disposable glove without touching the outside of the glove. In various embodiments, a disposable glove may comprise an opening for hand entry having a first opening edge and a second opening edge, a first interconnection point located near the first opening edge, where the first interconnection point attaches the disposable glove to a first adjacent disposable glove, and a second interconnection point located near the second opening edge. The second interconnection point may attach the disposable glove to a second adjacent disposable glove, wherein the disposable glove is positioned between the first adjacent disposable glove and the second adjacent disposable glove. Furthermore, a disposable glove dispensing system may comprise a pack of interconnected disposable gloves, and a glove dispenser comprising two glove hangers for hanging the pack of disposable gloves hang.

Abstract: An instrument adapted to determine an analyte concentration of a fluid sample using a test sensor is disclosed. The instrument comprises a display adapted to display information to a user, a user-interface mechanism adapted to allow the user to interact with the instrument, a first test-sensor cartridge, and a body portion including at least a first opening and a second opening formed therein. The first opening is adapted to receive a test sensor from the first test-sensor cartridge. The second opening is adapted to store at least one additional test-sensor cartridge.

Abstract: A disposable glove dispensing system may allow for a user to efficiently put on a disposable glove without touching the outside of the glove. In various embodiments, a disposable glove may comprise an opening for hand entry having a first opening edge and a second opening edge, a first interconnection point located near the first opening edge, where the first interconnection point attaches the disposable glove to a first adjacent disposable glove, and a second interconnection point located near the second opening edge. The second interconnection point may attach the disposable glove to a second adjacent disposable glove, wherein the disposable glove is positioned between the first adjacent disposable glove and the second adjacent disposable glove. Furthermore, a disposable glove dispensing system may comprise a pack of interconnected disposable gloves, and a glove dispenser comprising two glove hangers for hanging the pack of disposable gloves hang.

Abstract: A method of using a device for encouraging adherence to a medication schedule and proper administration technique includes placing the device on a surface. The device includes a body, a timer associated with the body for measuring and displaying an elapsed time since an immediately prior medication dose was administered; and a button on the body that, when depressed relative to the body, resets the timer. The button is sized and shaped for accommodating a medication container used to store or activate the medication. The button and the body are configured for cooperating with the medication container for facilitating mixing of the medication. The method further includes engaging the medication container with the button and resetting the timer.

Abstract: Fastener delivery apparatus for automatically selecting and delivering fasteners such as rivets to a setting tool. The fasteners are pre-loaded in a package and dispense via at least one fastener delivery tube that interconnects the setting tool to a fastener feeder device. The fastener feeder device releases selected fasteners from the package into the delivery tube. The fasteners are transportable individually or in groups in the tube from the feeder device to the tool.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, for metered ball delivery. An apparatus includes a secure enclosure housing a reservoir of tennis balls, a battery power supply and a battery powered portable tennis ball machine, the secure enclosure and tennis ball machine communicating via a wireless network to determine a location of the portable tennis ball machine.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a basket processing apparatus that includes a basket storage portion in a form of a horizontal load rail (2). A plurality of slide storage baskets (4) can be located in series on the rail (2). Each basket is “side loading” and the side loading aperture of each basket can be selectively covered by a slide retaining bar (6). When the baskets (4) are placed on the load rail (2) (e.g. by hooking or clipping the baskets onto the rail), the basket can be moved along the horizontal rail by a basket moving means. The arrangement of the rail and the basket moving means is such that the baskets can be pushed together and move as a “train”. Baskets moved to the pick-up end (12) of the rail can then be removed from the rail and processed. A vertical lift mechanism can be used to remove the basket and transport it to a processing device, for example a coverslipper.

Abstract: Embodiments generally relate to a pill box adapted for dispensing medication. In one embodiment, the pill box includes a base member, a carousel coupled to the base member and configured to rotate about the base member, one or more compartments, each compartment formed within the carousel and configured to store a single dose of medication with a lid configured to enclose the base and the carousel. The pill box ratchet advancement mechanism includes a resilient member and a stop member configured to facilitate motion of the carousel in a first direction and to restrict motion in a second direction, and a locking component configured to permit a pre-determined displacement of the carousel in the first direction and to limit further displacement in the first direction by locking the carousel.

Abstract: A medication reminder and compliance system including a pill box, a pill box and electronic device; or a pill box, electronic device and remote server. The pill box includes several detachable dosettes, each divided into several chambers having a door. A two-color LED is disposed beneath each chamber and is activated when a specific reminder time is reached. The LED initially illuminates the associated chamber with a green light but changes to a flashing red light if the door is not opened within a preset time. A switch engaged with the door deactivates the LED when the door is opened. The electronic device communicates with the pill box and alerts the patient when it is time to take medication. A remote server which communicates with both the pill box and electronic device can be programmed to control the reminder schedule and monitor the patient's compliance with a prescribed medication regimen.

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: A device (1) for orienting capsules (C) is described. The device comprises a container (9) for receiving randomly oriented capsules (C), which has bottom wall (11), provided with at least two apertures (17A, 17B). A rotor (13) is rotatingly arranged in the container and above the bottom wall (11). The rotor is provided with capsule receiving pockets (15). Under the apertures of the bottom wall (11), a capsule collector (19) is arranged, for receiving capsules discharged from the capsule receiving pockets (15) through either one or the other of the two apertures (17A 17B). The capsule receiving pocket (15), the two apertures (17A, 17B) and the capsule collector (19) are shaped and arranged such that the capsules (C) randomly contained in the container (9) exit the capsule collector (19) with a pre-determined orientation.

Abstract: The present application provides a cutlery dispenser for use with a number of cutlery utensils. The cutlery dispenser may include a housing and a front cover. The front cover may include a dispensing opening and a spring loaded retainer such that the cutlery utensils may be loaded through the front cover and may be dispensed therefrom.

Abstract: A system for counting diamonds includes a rotary table configured to accommodate diamonds, a collection box assembly provided in communication with the rotary table, an ejecting mechanism configured to enable controlled ejection of said diamonds from the rotary table to the collection box assembly, at least one scanner and a controller configured to regulate functioning of at least one of the rotary table, the collection box assembly, the ejecting mechanism and the scanner. Further, the scanner is configured to determine the number of diamonds collected in the collection box assembly.

Abstract: A carton with an improved dispenser at one end of the carton which preserves the integrity of the carton when the carton is opened by permitting a bottom end flap attached to the bottom panel to remain in place and also a portion of each side end flap that is adjacent to the bottom end flap. This dispenser may also provide a safety net for the first container that is automatically dispensed when the carton is opened.