Abstract: A packaging assembly includes a case configured to at least partially contain injection devices for delivering a medicament; a light sensor configured to detect light incident on the packaging assembly; and a status indicator configured to generate an output which indicates a status of the packaging assembly conditional on an intensity of light detected by the light sensor exceeding a threshold light intensity.

Abstract: A packaging assembly comprises a case configured to at least partially contain a plurality of injection devices for delivering a medicament; a light sensor configured to detect light incident on the packaging assembly; and a wireless communication module configured to establish a wireless connection with at least one external device conditional on an intensity of light detected by the light sensor exceeding a threshold light intensity.

Abstract: A sanitizer and a method for using a sanitizer are disclosed. The sanitizer comprises an illumination source, a collection frame, a discharge frame and a carrier system comprising a pair of belts to transport the elongated item between the collection frame and the discharge frame. The elongated item may be a writing instrument, a stylus, an eating utensil, or any other elongated object.

Abstract: A portable, versatile pill dispensing system can be used in a variety of settings and for a variety of pill dispensing regimens. Such systems and methods can be configured for intuitive filling or refilling, early or flexible dispensing, remote monitoring software to verify user compliance with a predetermined medication regimen, and features designed to improve compliance while traveling.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cloud-based resource and information tracking system for medical patients and healthcare providers. The cloud-based software system integrates all or many sources of patient medical and health information, updates the information in near real-time, and makes the data available to member(s) of the patient's healthcare team securely.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cloud-based resource and information tracking system for medical patients and healthcare providers. The cloud-based software system integrates all or many sources of patient medical and health information, updates the information in near real-time, and makes the data available to member(s) of the patient's healthcare team securely.

Abstract: A hanging rod control device for a display rack includes a mounting member, a rod, a positioning assembly, a release assembly, a driven device, and a drive device. The mounting member is attached to the display rack. The rod has one end secured to the mounting member with items hung from the rod. The positioning assembly is secured to the mounting member and includes a front plate, a rear fastening member, a shaft interconnecting the front plate and the rear fastening member, and a sliding member having teeth. The release assembly is penetrated by both the shaft and the sliding member and includes arms and positioning plates arranged in alternating fashion. The driven device is disposed in the mounting member and includes a cam and a shaft member operatively connected to the cam.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a handle cover assembly. The assembly is structured to dispense and recover handle cover material, such as a hygienic handle cover material in the form of a sheet, web, sleeve, or the like. The assembly includes a housing configured and/or structured to serve as a handle and which provides an interior in which handle cover assembly components and handle cover material are at least partially contained, from which handle cover material is dispensed, and to which handle cover material is recovered. In at least some embodiments, the handle cover material is dispensed from the interior of the assembly to at least partially cover at least a portion of the outer surface of the assembly housing. The assembly can be connected to a structure, such as cart (e.g., shopping cart, luggage cart), that includes a handle as a retrofit, or installed during manufacture.

Abstract: Provided is a box for dispensing blister-packaged drugs. The box for dispensing blister-packaged drugs includes a drug accommodation unit having an accommodation space in which the plurality of blister-packaged drugs are separately accommodated, the drug accommodation unit being disposed in at least one row, a position moving unit coupled to the drug accommodation unit to move a position of the drug accommodation unit, and a dispensing unit disposed in the movement direction of the drug accommodation unit to dispense the blister-packaged drugs accommodated in the drug accommodation unit one by one to the outside.

Abstract: A dispenser of containers. A carousel is rotatably mounted to a main frame about a vertical axis of rotation and has a plurality of container compartments arranged around the axis and along the length of the axis. A driver mounted to the main frame rotates the carousel around the axis in a single direction and a lock limits rotation of the carousel in any direction when engaged.

Abstract: A slat segment is disclosed for use in packaging machines which dispense discrete pharmaceuticals, vitamin, or food products into containers. The slat segment is comprised of a straight elongated bar, whose first surface contains a plurality of substantially cylindrical cavities separated by adjacent walls. Discrete products ready for packaging are deposited into contoured intake flutes which guide the pharmaceuticals, vitamin, or food products into the cavities within the slat segment. The products are then dispensed from the slat segment via contoured disposal flutes connected to each cavity, to eventually be deposited into containers being conveyed proximate the packaging machine. Salient thermal radiation blocks are arranged along a second surface of the slat segment, along with thermal radiation webs, which facilitate conduction of thermal radiation away from the slat segment. The slat segment thereby maintains maximum strength and stability and minimizes necessary maintenance of the slat.

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: 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: A medicine dispensing apparatus which allows a prescribed quantity of medicines to be reliably taken out based on prescription data.

Abstract: A device for singulating open-ended caps includes: a housing configured to retain a plurality of open-ended caps, the housing having an open lower end; an outer ring positioned below the housing; a drum fixed to and positioned within the outer ring to form a drum assembly, the drum including a hub having a substantially circular wall and a platform that extends radially outwardly from the wall to contact the outer ring, the hub and outer ring forming a circular gap therebetween, the platform being positioned below much of the gap and including a discontinuity; a mounting structure with an exit aperture fixed relative to the housing; and a rotary drive unit mounted to the drum that rotates the drum assembly about an axis of rotation.

Abstract: Apparatus for releasing tablets from a blister pack (3) having a plurality of tablets (41) contained in corresponding blisters (40), the apparatus comprising abutment means (30), receiving means (10, 26) for receiving a blister pack with any selected one of a plurality of blisters of the pack in registry with the abutment means, either one of the abutment means (30) and the receiving means (10, 26) being moveable to cause a collapsing force to be exerted on a selecting blister thereby to release a tablet from the blister, wherein the apparatus includes biasing means (14, 20) for urging the receiving means into engagement with the blister pack, and that the receiving means is so arranged that said engagement releasably retains, and locates, the blister pack in position relative to the abutment means prior to the release of the tablet.

Abstract: A circular pill box comprises a body and also comprises a positioning ring, at least one pill disc, a rotating ring and a sleeve ring, which are stacked together from bottom to top inside the body, wherein the positioning ring, pill discs and rotating ring are engaged to each other. When rotated by a force, the rotating ring drives the positioning ring and pill discs to rotate synchronously. The bottom of the positioning ring has a positioning spring platelet press-fitting to one of positioning grooves formed on the bottom of the body. The positioning spring platelet can only rotate with respect to the positioning grooves stepwise and unidirectionally. Via the stepwise unidirectional rotation mechanism, the pills stored inside the pill discs can be sequentially released from the circular pill box according to the predetermined order.

Abstract: The present invention provides a random access and random load dispensing unit including a housing, at least one support located in the housing and defining a first axis, a plurality of platforms movable along the support along the first axis, a plurality of bins supported on the platforms, the bins being movable with the platforms, and a shuttle assembly movable along the first axis and further movable along a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis between the plurality of platforms to access and retrieve products stored in the bins.

Abstract: A dispensing device and method including a housing defining an opening. A door is movable relative to the housing from a closed position to a maximum open position. The door and the housing defining an access portion of the opening. A tray is disposed within the housing and is supported for movement relative to the housing. The tray is configured to support dispensable items within a plurality of segments of the tray. An access control mechanism is configured to locate the tray relative to the housing to generally align a selected one of the plurality of segments with the opening and also to limit opening movement of the door to limit a size of the access portion to a size of the selected segment if a corresponding position of the door is less than the maximum open position of the door.

Abstract: A rotating egg container is disclosed having a body and an internal rotating unit for storing a plurality of eggs. The internal rotating unit has a plurality of egg holding sections joined to two opposing tracks defining a pathway through which the egg holding sections can be moved.

Abstract: Trays within a given level of a drum-type vending machine form individual zones, and may be further subdivided into additional individual zones, for which pricing may be separately specified. A vend door for the corresponding level is constrained to allow access to a given zone upon payment of the appropriate amount. More levels and greater flexibility in pricing and product selection are thus enabled, together with greater control over vending operations.

Abstract: In the blood-sampling-tube preparation device according to the present invention, the each blood-sampling-tube containing section is provided with a number of compartments along a periphery thereof, in which the blood-sampling-tubes are contained one by one in a laying state, and an opening portion at a lower portion thereof for discharging the blood-sampling-tube from the each compartment, the compartments in each of the blood-sampling-tube containing section are intended to be moved in a peripheral direction thereof so that the blood-sampling-tube contained in the compartment aligned with the opening portion falls through the opening portion by moving the compartments at a suitable distance along the peripheral direction, and the blood-sampling-tube transferring means is arranged under the opening portions of the blood-sampling-tube containing sections for receiving the blood-sampling-tube felt from the each blood-sampling-tube containing section.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing open-ended objects such as pharmaceutical vials includes: a housing having an internal cavity configured to house open-ended objects, the housing including a guide and a floor; a pick-up unit mounted to the housing, the pick-up unit including an endless member and at least one pick-up member attached to the endless member; and a drive unit. The endless member engages the drive unit and the guide for movement relative thereto. As the drive unit drives the endless member, the at least one pick-up member travels on a pick-up path, at least a portion of which is within the housing.

Abstract: A sanitary cover dispensing apparatus for use with a shopping cart that is adapted to provide a fresh disposable portion of sanitary sheet material over the shopping cart handle using an electronic advance system actuated by a touch-free sensor. The sanitary handle cover dispenser comprises a housing containing a roll of sanitized paper of plastic sheet material wound about a rotatable reel mechanism and adapted to deploy a fresh portion of sanitized sheet material in covering relation with the shopping cart handle between uses. A reel mechanism is electrically driven and actuated by a touch-free sensor upon sensing the presence of a user's hand in proximity to the sensor. The sanitary sheet material is preferably adapted with advertising content. The dispenser is further adapted with an electronic display and wireless communication functions that enable the device to receive and display information directly to the user.

Abstract: A shelf system with computer-controlled compartment displays, whereby the displays indicate a number of articles to picked out of the compartment. The shelf system has a plurality of sliding shelves in that the shelves have at least one display element in their frontal area for order picking data. The shelf system is configured in such a way that a data exchange between the display elements and the control computer can take place irrespective of the relative position of the shelf vis-à-vis the other components of the shelf system.

Abstract: Apparatus for releasing tablets from a blister pack (34) containing a plurality of tablets, each held in a respective blister, the apparatus comprising receiving means (1) for receiving the blister pack so that the pack is moveable on the receiving means (1), and an abutment member (32) moveable into engagement with the blister in registry therewith so as to eject the tablet from that blister, wherein the apparatus includes indexing means (28, 30) for moving a blister pack (34) on the receiving means (1) to bring each of a succession of blisters in turn into registry with the abutment member (32).

Abstract: The vending machine disclosed automatically assembles and delivers a made-to-order food item such as a submarine sandwich, salad, taco, or sandwich wrap in response to a customer order. The machine includes a conveyer that produces relative motion between a food item and ingredient dispensing stations that dispense customer-selected ingredients, including condiments, dressings, seasonings, sliced meats and cheeses, vegetables, and soft sandwich spreads. The machine may include an oven that bakes a portion of the food item, and may include a computer with a network interface.

Abstract: Pill dispenser including a base with multiple compartments receivable of pills and a cover member engaging with the base and rotatable relative thereto. The cover member includes an access opening selectively alignable with each compartment upon rotation of the cover member relative to the base to enable removal of pills in each compartment when in alignment with the access opening. The base includes indicia for the timed dosage of pills arranged in alignment with the compartments. A retaining member is removably arranged in the base and receives a pill holder with an optional clock/alarm/timer unit. The pill holder includes a pill-receiving compartment which can store light-sensitive pills or an emergency supply of pills or money. The clock/alarm/timer unit includes a pill timer setting which activates an alarm at a set time. The alarm remains activated up to 25 hours if pills are not removed from one of the compartments.

Abstract: A medication dispensing cart has a pull-out drawer, and a conveyor that transports a number of removable medication bins within the cart, one at a time, to the position of the drawer. An on-board processor controls operation of the bin conveyor mechanism whose pathway can be a serpentine (folded) loop. The drawer slide engages the bin located at the drawer position, and the bin can be pulled forward from said conveyor and pushed back onto the conveyor. The bins can be lifted out when the drawer is opened. A 2-D bar code symbol or other machine-readable code, positioned on the bin, contains data identifying the contents of the bin and the associated patient. A reader device reads the coded symbol and transfers data for that bin to an on-board processor. The processor keeps track of the bins on the conveyor, as well as their contents. Pusher arms on the drawer assist in pushing the bin out when the drawer is opened and in returning the bin onto its carrier when the drawer is closed.

Abstract: The invention concerns an automatic single object dispenser (1) comprising storage means provided with a drum (3) with a horizontal axis on the periphery of which are formed receptacles (5) radially oriented to receive each an object through an opening and a delivery zone (7) whereat the user can collect the selected object, said drum (3) being driven in rotation to being the selected object to the delivery zone (7). The invention is characterised in that said dispenser comprises means for ejecting the selected object when it reaches the delivery zone (7). The invention is useful for selling or renting out articles and in particular video cassettes or compact discs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a package system intended to simplify the usage of multiple medications stored separately and used together, thereby minimize the non-compliant use of the multiple medications. Generally, the separate medication components are contained in a plurality of cavities, arranged in one or more arcs or concentric circles. The package system further includes an access shield having one or more openings, which are selectively aligned in one of a plurality of positions, corresponding to the per use groupings. When the one or more openings in an access shield are aligned with the cavities corresponding to one of the per use groupings, the medication components are capable of being released from their respective cavities. Conversely, the shield substantially restricts access to the medication components located in the non-aligned cavities.

Abstract: A vertical conveyor including first and second conveyors having first and second ends. The first conveyor is vertically aligned with and above the second conveyor. The vertical conveyor also includes a third conveyor having a free end and a coupled end. The third conveyor is pivotable about its coupled end to permit movement of its free end between a raised position and a lowered position and includes a reversible drive operable in a first direction to move an article toward the coupled end and in a second direction to move an article toward the free end. The free end is operably aligned with the first end of the first conveyor when the free end is in its raised position and operably aligned with the first end of the second conveyor when the free end is in its lowered position. The invention is also directed to a method of moving articles through a vertical conveyor that includes first, second, and third conveyors.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for supplying electronic components to a pick-up position, for example for automatically picking up and mounting said components on a printed circuit board by means of a mounting device, at least two supply carriers (8a,8b) being movable towards said pickup-position (7) by transport means, which carriers are each provided with recessed portions (9a,9b) containing respective electronic components, while said recessed portions are shielded off by means of a covering (10a,10b) which is removable during use. The invention aims to provide a tape-feeder of this kind with multiple tape supplies, wherein the mounting device can handle more electronic components whilst maintaining the width of the apparatus.

Abstract: A programmable vitamin and pill dispenser that is capable of storing multiple pill groups. The dispenser provides reminders to an individual when it is time to ingest the next serving. The serving is dispensed into a cup upon depressing a dispenser button. By loading the individual compartments specific to each serving, an individual does not have to create the serving each time.

Abstract: Improvements in patent of invention P9800864 for: vending machine, being of the type of vending machines that include refrigerating equipment keeping refrigerated products adequately preserved until they are consumed, the products to be dispensed being in some compartments, in order to be moved one by one by respective bodies (2) rotatably connected to a chain (3) geared between a pair of pinions (4). The base where the products are deposited is open in the center and in relation to whose opening there is the chain (3), in such a way that the bodies (2) have a center recess underneath whose sides there are respective lugs (9) and having in relation to the outside surface of the lugs (9) respective pivots (11), in orthogonal position towards the outside, which are positioned under the respective strips (6) that comprise the base where the products are deposited.

Abstract: An article dispensing apparatus is described. The dispensing apparatus includes a plurality of slats, each having one or more holders for holding and dispensing articles. Each slat has a cavity and an open end. Further, each holder includes an aperture through which a pin may extend into and retract from the cavity to assist in dispensing articles held therein. Each open end may include a curved surface to assist in inhibiting the articles from being dispensed prematurely. Further, each slat may include a tongue on one side and a groove on another side. The tongues of each slat fit within the grooves of adjacent slats, allowing them to ride in close conformity to each other and allowing for relatively unencumbered movement between the slats.

Abstract: The present invention is an automatic medication dispenser that is capable of distributing medication according to at least one prescribed time schedule, such as daily or weekly. The dispenser is capable of signaling to the patient the appropriate time for taking the next dosage of medicine by the activation of appropriate alarms. The dispenser has a housing with a removable cap, the housing adapted to receive at least one circularly shaped medication cassette, the at least one medication cassette being rotatable within the housing; a medication exit slot in the housing which allows medication contained by the at least one medication cassette to be distributed from the at least one medication cassette; a drive system contained by the housing which rotates the at least one medication cassette within the housing and a medication detector which is contained by the housing and detects the distribution of the medication, in combination with at least one removable circularly shaped medication cassette.

Abstract: An apparatus and control method for feeding medications in which processing units, which can prepare drugs, non-drug articles and drug-related articles, are provided along a carrier feed line, and in which carriers for respective patients are fed on the feed line in the order in which preparations for carriers, preparations for medications, and preparation for receiving carriers are all finished so that a large amount of medications can be collected and delivered by carts to a plurality of wards in a hospital with high efficiency. When patient data is entered in a host computer, at least one of the processing units corresponding to this data is activated to prepare medications. When preparations in all of the processing units, tray feed units, and tray receiving unit have been made, a corresponding tray is fed on the conveyor to collect medications and is then loaded into a predetermined one of a plurality of carts.

Abstract: Device to distribute photographic material, such as photographs, films, negatives, slides, etc.

Abstract: A snack dispenser consists of a series of tiers stacked to resemble a wedding cake. Each tier includes a trough divided into slots. A snack may be placed into each slot. The front of each slot is transparent. The troughs or trays are mounted on a rotatable carousel. The carousel is covered with a backshell and a transparent front shell. The front shell has transparent doors therein. By inserting a proper amount of money and aligning the carousel so that the desired snack is beneath a door; the door may be opened and the customer may withdraw his snack from that slot. The opening of the door blocks the rotation of the carousel, blocks the opening of the remaining doors, and also resets or cancels the credit of the coins inserted. When the single door is closed again, all doors will be blocked so that a person can not again open a door until proper coins are inserted. To service the dispenser the front shell is removed. A segment of all tiers is removed.

Abstract: An automated medication-dispensing cart includes a closed cart housing and a plurality of medication-containing bins which extend for substantially the length of the cart and which are supported within the cart housing. The support structure includes two spaced sets of sprockets positioned at both ends of the cart and endless chains which extend around the sprockets, with one of the sprockets being motor-driven. The bins are connected at opposing ends thereof to the spaced chains. The movement of the bins is controlled such that the bins can be stopped at a preselected position within the cart, in the vicinity of the top front edge of the cart. A plurality of doors is located in the top of the cart, such that when one or more of the doors is opened, a preselected portion of the bin in the preselected position and the medications therein are exposed.

Abstract: Present invention is a coin operable computer, having compiler memory compiled in both soft and hardware programs, with all supporting elements, an interfaced handshaking memory storage unit and modem card, arranged to run a sequential logic order of operations, in selectively dispensing a variety of products, from a coin operable vending machine after currency protocols have been satisfied, fetch data transactions, store to memory, and when called by a personal computer, transmit the stored data to owners personal computers or other peripheral operated devices, the present computer controlled vending machine provides owners a means of utilizing the art of computer science and modem technology to enhance monetary controls, and enhance profits, while providing consumers a variety of options in purchasing a product utilizing vending machines, as present computerized vending machine incorporates a multiple network of coin accepting units and a plurality of change back return paths, deleting the problem of one co

Abstract: This invention relates to a substantially circular tablet dispenser component system which may be adapted for a variable day start of a prescribed periodic tablet regimen. Also provided are a tablet dispenser kit, a tablet packge adapted for filling the tablet dispenser system, methods of filling the tablet dispenser of the invention and methods of administering a prescribed regimen of medication using the tablet dispenser system of the invention.

Abstract: This invention relates to a substantially circular tablet dispenser component system which may be adapted for a variable day start of a prescribed periodic tablet regimen. Also provided are a tablet dispenser kit, a tablet packge adapted for filling the tablet dispenser system, methods of filling the tablet dispenser of the invention and methods of administering a prescribed regimen of medication using the tablet dispenser system of the invention.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for maximizing the amount and selection of vendible items from a bucket-type vending machine includes a main access door over an access opening to buckets of the machine. One or more shields are positioned below the access opening but can be selectively interlocked with the door so that when the access door uncovers the access opening, any of the shields can be raised to cover any or all of the access opening. This arrangement allows each bucket to be subdivided into separate buckets. The selectable shields therefore can close off from access any of the sections of the bucket which are not selected by a customer thereby allowing use of one main access door to facilitate the increased amount and number of selections available from each bucket of the bucket-type vending machine.

Abstract: A panty hose vending machine including a housing with a plurality of dispensers situated therein. A label with indicia indicative of both a panty hose size and a panty hose color imprinted thereon is situated on each dispenser. A plurality of panty hose are situated within each dispenser with a corresponding label, wherein the panty hose are adapted to be made accessible to a user upon the actuation of the dispenser. Each panty hose comprises a thin square envelope with a transparent front face for viewing the panty hose therein. Also included is a money exchanger adapted to accept and account for money and further dispense change. Finally, a selection panel is situated on the housing including first row buttons each having indicia indicative of one of a plurality of sizes of panty hose and second row buttons each having indicia indicative of one of a plurality of colors of panty hose.

Abstract: The invention relates to an issuing device for disc-shaped parking tickets, which device makes it possible for the parking tickets, provided for issuing, to be presented reliably, on a permanent and requirement-related basis, from a supply, and which is at the same time of a simple design. For this purpose, the issuing device for disc- shaped parking tickets, having a supply container for parking tickets comprises at least one target station for the removal of parking tickets, a transporter which runs between the supply container and the target station and is in the form of a drivable turntable which exhibits receptacles which are distributed over the circumference of the turntable and are intended for temporarily receiving in each case at least one parking ticket which is to be issued from the supply container and for guidance during the transporting movement of the turntable, and further comprises at least one measuring device for identification of the parking ticket which is to be issued in each case.

Abstract: This invention relates to a substantially circular tablet dispenser component system which may be adapted for a variable day start of a prescribed periodic tablet regimen. Also provided are a tablet dispenser kit, a tablet package adapted for filling the tablet dispenser system, methods of filling the tablet dispenser of the invention and methods of administering a prescribed regimen of medication using the tablet dispenser system of the invention.

Abstract: The invention provides a transfer valve for a sterilizer/cooker, which is almost lubeless or is lubeless. Packing strips and packing rings are provided, which are made of high temperature thermo plastics compounded with internal lubricants, such as Teflon or silicon, and graphite.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided which can assign drugs to respective buckets running on a conveyor with accuracy and high efficiency and transport them. A case accommodates a plurality of storage/delivery conveyors. Near the drug inlets for the respective conveyors, displays are provided which indicate the prescription number. Buckets running on a conveyor each carry an IC card. A detector reads the data on the IC card of each bucket so that the drug indicated by the data will be discharged into a right bucket from the storage/delivery conveyor.