Abstract: A tablet counting apparatus and method and an associated control device are provided to ensure that the same type of tablets is transferred from a canister to a counter following the replacement of one canister with another. In addition to the counter and the replaceable canister, the tablet counting apparatus includes a gate that moves between closed and open positions. The tablet counting apparatus further includes a controller configured, following installation of the canister, to provide an authorization command to authorize the gate to be opened by being moved from the closed position to the open position. The tablet counting apparatus additionally includes a timer responsive to the authorization command. The controller is also configured to be responsive to the timer so as no longer provide the authorization command following expiration of the timer to prevent the gate from being subsequently opened if the gate has not already been opened.

Abstract: There is provided a dispensing unit capable of alleviating the load on a dispensing unit and other components at the time of a collision while maintaining the vibration-suppressing function. Also, an automated analyzer having this dispensing unit is provided. The dispensing unit has a dispensing probe, a drive mechanism, an arm member, a first probe holder, a second probe holder, a first support spring, second support springs, and vibration dampers. The second probe holder is supported to the first probe holder so as to be movable vertically and holds the dispensing probe. The second support springs bias the second probe holder against the first probe holder and in combination have a spring constant smaller than that of the first support spring. The vibration dampers are bridged from the arm member to the second probe holder.

Abstract: Adjustable rods for use in a filing system are disclosed. An example adjustment member to be coupled to a rod for use in a filing system includes a hook extending laterally from an end of the adjustment member and a mounting portion including a means for mounting the adjustment member to the rod. The example adjustment member also includes a resilient structure coupled to the hook and the mounting portion. In this example, the resilient structure permits the hook to dynamically move longitudinally and adjust an effective length of the adjustment member by adjusting the length of the resilient structure in response to a lateral displacement imposed on the rod.

Abstract: A system and method are provided. The system includes a set of smart shelves. Each of the smart shelves has a mesh arrangement of sensors that include strain sensors, photodetectors, microphones, and spillage sensors placed on a bottom thereof to form a sensor mesh layer for generating a signal representative of a product count for a given product to be sold from a corresponding one of the smart shelves. The system further includes a data processing system for transforming the signal from each of the smart shelves into a product count value therefor. The system also includes a set of video displays for displaying characteristics of the given product to be sold from each of the smart shelves. The system additionally includes a set of wireless radios for transmitting the characteristics of the given product to be sold from each of the smart shelves to the set of video displays.

Abstract: An intracorporeal marker system includes a tissue marker pellet comprised of a polysaccharide material. The intracorporeal marker system may also include a fibrous marker of bioabsorbable fibers. In one embodiment, for example, an outer layer of bioabsorbable fibers is disposed around at least part of an inner core of bioabsorbable fibers.

Abstract: A multi-carrier signal transmission apparatus transmits a transmission stream including at least preamble information necessary for synchronizing a transmission signal and data information as a multi-carrier signal. A modulator generates a transmission symbol stream by modulating an arrangement of the preamble information and the data information. A symbol expanding portion expands the transmission symbol stream on a frequency axis by generating a complex conjugate value of at least one part of the preamble information symmetrically on the frequency axis.

Abstract: A vending machine has a housing with a first side and a second side opposite the first side. A first dispensing slot is located at the first side of the housing, and a second dispensing slot is located at the second side of the housing. A central product storage stores product to be dispensed from the vending machine. A product delivery system selectively delivers product from said product storage to the first dispensing slot and said second dispensing slot.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical product dispensers (e.g., in the shape of a common ink pen) are operable to indicate information regarding a dosing schedule of a pharmaceutical product dispensable from the dispenser. Embodiments of the dispensers may include a plurality of dosing segments, each corresponding to a different dose of the pharmaceutical product. Actuation of an actuator may result in interaction between the actuator and the pharmaceutical product storage area such that a dose of pharmaceutical product contained in the pharmaceutical product storage area is dispensed, along with a corresponding advancement of the plurality of dosing segments. The dispenser may also include one or more locks to prevent unauthorized access to the pharmaceutical product (e.g., by a child or the like). Furthermore, the pharmaceutical product dispenser may include a disabling mechanism to permanently disable actuation of the actuator of the dispenser.

Abstract: According to some example embodiments, systems, apparatus, methods, computer readable media, and computer program products are provided for implementing a wireless shelf pusher activity detection system. One example apparatus is a monitoring device for monitoring theft or sales activity associated with a product pusher device. The monitoring device may include a sensor configured to detect movement of a pusher member of the product pusher device, a wireless communications interface, and a processor. The processor may be configured to receive at least one sensor signal from the sensor indicating movement of the pusher member, determine a product movement activity type based on characteristics of the at least one sensor signal, and generate, for transmission via the wireless communications interface, a pusher activity message indicating the product movement activity type.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for detecting and communicating the position of a pusher assembly on a shelf. In an embodiment, a system includes a control module, a pusher assembly, and a laser scanner. The laser scanner is configured to transmit a swept beam to a mirrored reflective surface located behind the pusher assembly. The control module analyzes the laser beam at the laser scanner to detect the position of the pusher assembly on the shelf. In another embodiment, a system includes a control module, a pusher assembly, and an infrared transceiver that sends and receives infrared signals. The transceiver may be located behind the pusher assembly.

Abstract: A container for dispensing dosages of multiple medications over time. The present invention includes a container which has a plurality of compartments each configured to contain a plurality of dosages of a different medication. A rotatable lid is attached on top of the container such that an opening in the lid may be selectively positioned in fluid communication with each of the plurality of compartments. A lid position detection device is provided for identifying which of the compartments the opening is presently addressing. A programmable computing device is provided to track dosages administered from each of the plurality of compartments. A display, controlled by the programmable computing device, conveys information regarding the medication contained within a selected compartment. The ability to transmit and receive information from an external device or the Internet, either by a data port or wirelessly, is provided for increased functionality of the device.

Abstract: A medication dispensing cabinet, a medication dispensing drawer assembly and an associated method are provided to facilitate controlled access to medications in an efficient manner. A medication dispensing cabinet includes a cabinet body, a plurality of drawers disposed within and configured for slidable extension relative to the cabinet body and a plurality of pockets serially positioned within a drawer. Each pocket includes a lid configured to cover the pocket and limit access to medication within the pocket. The medication dispensing cabinet also includes a linkage member configured to operably engage the lids of the plurality of pockets. The linkage member has a first state in which the linkage member prevents one or more of the lids from being opened and a second state in which the linkage member permits the lids to be opened in accordance with a predefined sequential order.

Abstract: An inventory shelf monitoring system includes a plurality of track systems located on at least one shelf of a retail or warehouse establishment. Each track system includes a sensor and actuator that determines the position of a product pusher. The identity and location of the product pusher, for each track system on the shelf, is sent to a data acquisition and transmitter circuit that assembles, formats, and transmits pusher position data to a central receiver. The data is then transmitted to a central processing unit in a user device that maintains data corresponding to product count, availability, and activity associated with each track unit of each shelf employing the system. Inventory control, the prevention of out-of-stock situations, and the assessment of activity indicative of theft or accident is thus monitored in real time for prompt remedial action.

Abstract: According to some example embodiments, systems, apparatus, methods, computer readable media, and computer program products are provided for implementing an item pusher apparatus with channel-based shuttle displacement detection, One example method includes determining a position of a channel engagement member affixed to a shuttle, where the shuttle is movable and configured to at least exert a force on an item to urge the item towards a stopping member. The channel engagement member is configured to at least physically interface with as channel defined such that movement of the shuttle alone, to defined movement path causes movement of the channel engagement member in a direction that is nonparallel to the defined movement path in at least one plane. Example systems apparatuses, methods, computer readable media, and computer program products are also provided.

Abstract: Tamper evident devices and methods including devices that can be used with pill bottles and other packages to provide evidence of tampering by an unauthorized user are provided.

Abstract: A magazine for chain components of a chain with radiation sources comprises a housing as well as a first means for receiving chain components that is mounted in a pivotal manner in the housing and has recesses for receiving the chain components, a tension spring for driving the means for receiving the chain components, a sprocket being coupled in a pivotal manner to the means for receiving the chain components and being mounted in a pivotal position in the housing, and an ejector for ejection of the radiation sources. Furthermore, the magazine comprises an ejection lever which is mounted in a pivotal manner in the housing, whereby, in a first position, the ejection lever engages the sprocket, and in a second position it blocks the ejector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dispenser, particularly a refillable single-hand dispenser, having a sleeve (13) comprising an opening (23) at the top thereof, and a base part (27) opposite the top. A receptacle (15) for receiving tablets (22), lozenges, or the like is accommodated in the sleeve (3) such that it can be displace in the longitudinal direction. The receptacle (15) can be pulled out of the sleeve (15), the base being biased in the direction of the receptacle top by a zigzag spring (19). The zigzag spring (19) passes through the receptacle (15) through an opening in the base and is supported at the base (27) of the sleeve (13). A tablet package (20) comprising a tubular packaging (65) is disposed in the receptacle (15). The package wall (65) encloses the tablets (22). The sliding base (21) has exterior dimensions that correspond at most to the interior dimensions of the tubular packaging (65).

Abstract: In some embodiments, the instant invention provides an exemplary method for dispensing that at least includes: initiating a movement of a dispensing object along a dispensing passage of a dispensing device; determining, by a displacement sensor, a magnitude of a displacement of the dispensing object along the dispensing passage based on remotely measuring, by the displacement sensor, a characteristic associated with the dispensing object during the movement of the dispensing object along the dispensing passage; generating an indication by the displacement sensor when the magnitude of the displacement is equal to or exceeds a pre-determined distance value; separating, based on the indication, a portion from the dispensing object to form a remaining portion of the dispensing object and a separated portion of the dispensing object; and dispensing the separated portion of the dispensing object from the dispensing device.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure involve a pill-filtering article that is located and secured inside a pill container. Using one system, an assembly of articles distributes one pill at a time in the form of a single-pill dispensing apparatus that includes a pill-storage container and such a pill-filtering article. The container has an inner wall, an upper portion with a rim region where a cap may be secured, and a lower portion for containing pills. The pill-filtering article has a size and a shape that facilitates securing the article inside the pill-storage container near the inner wall, above the lower portion, and below the upper rim region, and also configured with a plurality of channel-defining regions including a first channel-defining region through which one-pill at a time passes and including a second channel-defining region through which one pill at a time passes.

Abstract: A pill dispensing assembly for dispensing a pill from a pill bottle includes a first layer having a pill exit passage. A second layer is operatively connected to the first layer, and includes a pill entry passage horizontally offset from the exit passage. A pill dispensing layer is positioned between the first and second layers, is movable with respect to the first and second layers, and includes a holding chamber sized to receive the pill. The holding chamber is horizontally movable from a first loading position in which the holding chamber is aligned with the entry passage and is horizontally offset from the exit passage to receive the pill, to a second dispensing position in which the holding chamber is aligned with the exit passage and is horizontally offset from the entry passage to dispense the pill through the exit passage. Pill dispensing may be timed or time monitored.

Abstract: The tablet cassette includes a division block installed to be rotated by a drive motor to discharge tablets introduced from above through transfer passages indented in an outer circumferential surface thereof. Each of the transfer passage includes a separation recess for downward transfer of the tablets, a lower end of which is blocked by a prop, and a supply recess along which the tablets having passed through the separation recess are moved on the outer circumferential surface of the division block to thereby be discharged downward via rotation of the division block. The tablet cassette further includes a bottom ring provided around a lower end of the division block to transfer the tablets located in the separation recess into the supply recess via rotation of the division block.

Abstract: A sliding surface having a gentle slope for carrying pharmaceutical products such as infusion bottles (20) is formed by a row of rollers (15) extending in the direction of slope. An ejecting member (14) for sequentially ejecting the products (20) is formed as a series of a flat plate (14a) and a curved plate (14c). The flat plate (14a) is pivotably supported such that the pivot center is on an extension of the sliding surface. The curved plate (14c) is provided below the flat plate (14a), maintaining a constant distance from the pivot center. An actuator such as an electric motor (12) for pivotally moving the ejecting member (14) is provided beneath the sliding surface. Since the pharmaceutical product at the head of a queue assists the pivotal movement, it is ensured that a small actuator serves the purpose.

Abstract: A device adapted to be releasable attached to a blister including at least one piece of medicament. The device includes apparatus for releasable attachment to the blister, a sensor arrangement including at least one first sensor arranged to register the sound of the dispense of a piece of medicament, a time system arranged to register the time and/or date of the dispensing of said piece of medicament and a memory for storing data, such as time and/or date data, related to the dispense of the piece of medicament.

Abstract: An inventory shelf monitoring system includes a plurality of track systems located on at least one shelf of a retail or warehouse establishment. Each track system includes a sensor and actuator that determines the position of a product pusher. The identity and location of the product pusher, for each track system on the at least one shelf, is sent to a data acquisition and transmitter circuit that assembles, formats, and transmits pusher position data to a central receiver, which receives corresponding data from all shelves employing the system in the retail or warehouse establishment. The data is then transmitted to a central processing unit in a user device that maintains data corresponding to product count, availability, and activity associated with each track unit of each shelf employing the system in the retail or warehouse establishment.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic tablet packing apparatus having sliding racks, wherein tablets received in a plurality of tablet cassettes are successively packed on a per dose basis based on a medical prescription. Each of the sliding racks includes a pair of left and right partition walls, a tablet discharge passage to guide the tablets discharged from the tablet cassettes being defined by facing inner surfaces of the left and right partition walls. Cassette pedestals are attached to outer surfaces of the left and right partition walls and in turn, the tablet cassettes are detachably arranged on the cassette pedestals. The left and right partition walls are able to be individually pulled out from a body of the apparatus. As the left or right partition wall is pulled out, the tablet discharge passage is revealed to the outside thus enabling easy cleaning thereof.

Abstract: Products are dispensed from a dispensing apparatus in which products marked with transaction information are received in a two-dimensional array of moveable bins. In response to control information synthesized from transaction information on the products in the bins and a dispense request, the array is operated to place a bin at a dispensing station on the dispensing apparatus. At the dispensing station, a mechanism is operated in response to the control information to provide access to the bin. A product in the bin may then be retrieved.

Abstract: A container for dispensing dosages of multiple medications over time. The present invention includes a container which has a plurality of compartments each configured to contain a plurality of dosages of a different medication. A rotatable lid is attached on top of the container such that an opening in the lid may be selectively positioned in fluid communication with each of the plurality of compartments. A lid position detection device is provided for identifying which of the compartments the opening is presently addressing. A programmable computing device is provided to track dosages administered from each of the plurality of compartments. A display, controlled by the programmable computing device, conveys information regarding the medication contained within a selected compartment.

Abstract: A cartridge assembly is adapted to be used in a sensor-dispensing device. The cartridge assembly comprises an end cap, a disposable cartridge and a sealing mechanism. The end cap includes one opening. The disposable cartridge comprises an outer and inner cartridge. The inner cartridge contains sensors arranged in a stack therein. Each of the sensors carries a reagent sufficient to produce a signal in response to the analyte concentration in a fluid. The outer cartridge forms an opening of sufficient dimensions to permit a sensor to pass through the opening. The outer cartridge includes a holding mechanism that holds at least one of the sensors in place during movement of the inner cartridge. The sealing mechanism is adapted to form a substantially moisture-tight seal.

Abstract: A product delivery system for delivering a product from a storage area to a dispensing area, such as for use in a vending machine. The product delivery system may include a vacuum holding device, a robotic positioning system, a reel and cable system, and a controller. A feature is the provision of a picker head with a built-in vacuum generating source that may be carried by a robotically movable arm system.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for dispensing one or more pills from a pill box by applying power when the one or more pills are poured from the pill box; identifying an opened compartment and an opening time; and recording the opened compartment and the opening time.

Abstract: A dispensing device for beverage cup lid which prevents excessive human contact with the lid prior to insertion upon the beverage cup, the device providing an externally threaded central rotary rod attached to a direct drive bidirectional electrical motor and suspended within a lid cabinet with a stacked plurality of lids retained upon the rotary rod through a central bore in each lid, the lids urged downward by a traveling press plate having a central threaded hole engaging the external threads of the rotary rod, the rotation of the rotary rod causing the press plate to move up and down the rotary rod, pressing against the uppermost lid on the rotary rod against the stacked plurality of lids in increments programmed to release only the lowermost lid from the end of the rotary rod in a receiving area below the retaining rod. The device is operated by the activation of a presence sensor, either a beverage cup or a clean hand, which causes the incremental dispensing of a single lid.

Abstract: A singulating disc, carried by a housing, has a plurality of openings around its periphery. The disc rotates vertically through a pickup chamber of a hopper carried by the housing. A vacuum is pulled through the openings by a pump which is connected to the disc. Items are placed in the hopper and, via gravity, fall to the bottom of the hopper where they contact the periphery of the rotating disc. The vacuum at the openings attaches an item and holds it while the disc rotates. At the top of the disc's rotation, a diverter directs the item into a path depending on the results of a fragment detection and/or counting mechanism. Items that are allowed to pass by the diverter are scraped off the disc into another path by a scraper. Negative pressure is used to singulate and count a multitude of sizes and shapes of items with no calibration. Retractable paddles, a vacuum management system, and RFID tags may be incorporated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the automated monitoring and the management of objects, especially medications in hospital environments, wherein this method consists, from a network of n individual housings containing a set of n objects, of transmitting to at least one of these objects, one or more movements selected from the extractions of said object from its housing and re-introductions of this object into an empty housing amongst the n housings, of automatically detecting the movement made and of using this detection in computer processes.

Abstract: A product delivery system for a vending machine includes first and second guide rails and a carriage rail. The guide rails are fixedly mounted in the vending machine spaced from and parallel to each other and extend along respective first and second axes. The carriage rail extends along a third axis and includes first and second ends that are slidably connected to the respective ones of the first and second guide rails. A carrier member is slidably mounted to the carriage rail for movement along the third axis. A first drive belt is coupled to the carriage rail and a first drive motor to selectively shift the carrier member along the third axis. A second drive belt, extending in multiple axes, is connected to each of the first and second ends of the carriage rail and a second drive motor. The second drive motor selectively shifts the carriage rail along the first and second axes upon driving the second drive belt.

Abstract: A device for dispensing items comprises a cabinet having an interior for storing items. A dispenser frame is coupled to the cabinet and is configured to be accessed, such as by pulling the dispenser frame from the cabinet. The dispenser frame includes a plurality of dividers that are configured to hold the plurality of dispensing mechanisms that each hold multiple items within the storage area. Further, the dividers are reconfigurable to permit the arrangement of the dispensing mechanisms to be adjusted. A lockable door is coupled to the front of the cabinet in front of the dispenser frame. The door may be opened to provide access to the interior of the cabinet and to the dispenser frame. A dispense drawer is positioned below the storage area so that items dispensed from the dispensing mechanisms.

Abstract: The invention describes improved methods and mechanisms for providing secure access to pharmaceutical and supply items in a clinical setting. In one version of the invention, a dispensing unit has an interior housing one or more drawers. Each drawer has one or more storage locations. The fronts of the drawers are covered with one or more locking doors, preventing access to a particular drawer, unless the covering door is unlocked. Indicators are mounted on the side of the enclosure, to guide the user to a drawer covered by an associated unlocked door. The unit further includes indicators on the sides of the drawers, to guide the user to the right storage receptacles or pockets within the drawer. Some pockets may have lids. Some of the lids may have locks. Sensors associated with at least some of the individual pocket lids may be provided to detect the lifting of a lid. Means to automatically detect the entry of a hand or fingers into a pocket may be provided.

Abstract: A small object dispenser adapted to receive a canister of objects such as pills, the canister being coupled atop it through a secure, bar-code matched gate operated by a central controller. A hopper below the gate directs smaller quantities of objects into a charge block adapted to measure out a select number of objects into an angularly disposed, circular counter where they accumulate atop a movable plate forming the bottom of the counter. The plate bears slots around its perimeter adjacent the cylindrical walls of the counter. As the central controller operates a servo motor to rotate the plate in measured increments, it urges a precise count of objects from the bottom of the counter to a port through which they fall one at a time into a receptacle such as a prescription bottle. Orientation means on the interior of the walls orient objects so that only a single object may fall into each slot, thereby preventing overfilling.

Abstract: A device for dispensing items comprises a cabinet having an interior for storing items. A dispenser frame is coupled to the cabinet and is configured to be accessed, such as by pulling the dispenser frame from the cabinet. The dispenser frame includes a plurality of dividers that are configured to hold the plurality of dispensing mechanisms that each hold multiple items within the storage area. Further, the dividers are reconfigurable to permit the arrangement of the dispensing mechanisms to be adjusted. A lockable door is coupled to the front of the cabinet in front of the dispenser frame. The door may be opened to provide access to the interior of the cabinet and to the dispenser frame. A dispense drawer is positioned below the storage area so that items dispensed from the dispensing mechanisms.

Abstract: A pharmacy medication verification system is particularly useful for verifying medications to be dispensed to hospital patients while minimizing or eliminating verification by a pharmacist. Typically, a technician or robot picks the medications from storage bins in accordance with a medical prescription or stocking order and uses various sensors to ensure that the correct medication was picked and enters a medication container. The system typically provides correct and incorrect medication indicators as well as correct and incorrect entry indicators. Error reports may be generated when appropriate to communicate any relevant errors to the pharmacist, who can then verify that the correct medications are in the container. In one aspect, the containers are in the form of patient drawers which fit within a cart for delivery to hospital rooms. A containment device may be used to secure the drawer or other container during the verification process.

Abstract: A medication managing apparatus, comprising a medicine package case formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape to store medicine packages in which medicine taken by users is contained. The medicine package case comprises a plurality of blocks partitioned by walls, arranged parallel with each other, and storing medicine packages, openings formed in the opposed walls of the blocks at positions facing each other through the medicine packages stored in the blocks, and an openable cover covering the plurality of blocks and enabling the storage and taking-out of the medicine packages. The blocks are formed in the flat rectangular parallelepiped shape, and arranged in the depth direction of the medicine package case while alternately displacing positions in the depth direction. The openings are formed in the opposed walls of the blocks at positions in the depth direction of the blocks.

Abstract: Dispensing apparatus for delivery product from a dispensing container received in use within said dispensing apparatus, the dispensing apparatus comprising a housing defining a socket for said dispensing container and an outlet for product dispensed from said dispensing container, the apparatus further comprising a dose counting mechanism wherein at least a part of the dose counting mechanism is formed from copolyester.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to improvements in article handling, such as in vending machines, and more particularly, to improvements in: methods and apparatus for handling articles using a vacuum-type product lifting/dispensing mechanism, article display panels which enhance sales of primary products, and product containment systems which improve product storage capacity, as well as the ease and efficiency of product handling, access and loading into the article handling apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system that utilizes one or more cassettes or trays, which hold one or more types of medicaments, the cassettes or trays being configured for intelligent dispensing of the medicaments. In one embodiment, a smart tray for dispensing medicaments includes.

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

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

Abstract: A dispensing device is described that comprises a base, a chip attaching member which is provided movably with respect to the base and to which a dispensing chip is attached removably, a first elastic member for suppressing a movement of the chip attaching member with respect to the base, a second elastic member serving to suppress the movement of the chip attaching member with respect to the base and having a greater elastic constant than an elastic constant of the first elastic member and a detector for detecting that the chip attaching member is moved with respect to the base. An analyzing apparatus is also described.

Abstract: A medicine dispensing apparatus is described including at least one module having a plurality of compartments. At least one side of the module has apertures to the compartments arranged in an array of rows and columns. The module includes an engagement track extending along columns of compartments. A compartment cover releasably inserted into the engagement track covers a column of compartments.

Abstract: The multiple compartment pill dispenser has a rotatable cap mechanism having two holes associated with the cap which are displaceable to be aligned with each of the compartments of the dispenser. There are two standard sized holes, one for small pills and one for large pills. The dial cap mechanism is used to rotate one of the two holes into alignment with a particular pill compartment and allow a pill to be dispensed therefrom. As a closure device, an alignment plate is rotatably mounted in the cap mechanism. The alignment plate also includes two different sized holes, identical in diameter, respectively, to the two holes in the cap mechanism.

Abstract: Products are dispensed from a dispensing apparatus in which products marked with transaction information are received in a chain of bins. In response to control information synthesized from transaction information on the products in the bins and a dispense request, the chain is moved to place a bin at a dispensing station on the dispensing apparatus. At the dispensing station, a mechanism is operated in response to the control information to provide access to the bin. A product in the bin may then be retrieved.