Abstract: An automatic picking machine for pharmaceutical drug packages includes at least one storage rack, at least one storage and retrieval machine, a control apparatus for controlling the storage and retrieval machine, and a filling apparatus for successively filling each of a plurality of transport containers with a group of pharmaceutical drug packages corresponding to one order, wherein the filling apparatus includes a plurality of collection containers, first transport apparatuses, each having a transport channel for conveying the pharmaceutical drug packages towards the respective collection container, and a receiving apparatus for receiving a transport container to be filled at a filling location of the filing apparatus.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for tracking and guiding a patient's clinically directed medication usage. Medicaments are placed in secure passive packaging that must be unlocked to enable dispensing of a dose or a set of doses. This packaging is designed to be difficult to open manually, and instead is designed to dispense only when used in combination with an unlocking device. The unlocking device is a separate device containing electronics, mechatronics or both, to unlock and dispense from the packaging and to track and guide usage. Together, the secure container and the unlocking device track medication usage, deter an excessive rate of patient usage, and deter unauthorized access to medication.

Abstract: A multi-tray medication dispensing apparatus and a method of use provides secure storage and dispensing of controlled substances and supplemental/alternative medication while providing remote assistance and monitoring. The apparatus includes at least two motorized medication trays for automatic dispensing of medication. Medication tray compartments can be filled manually or filled by inserting a prefilled blister pack containing sealed medication. The apparatus further comprises a secure tamper resistant housing, plurality of sensors, an optional reclamation safe, and a wireless communication module to notify remote operators of suspected illegal/unauthorized access. The apparatus can be configured in different form factors including, a portable desktop configuration, a wearable configuration designed for attaching to a person's wrist, arm, foot, etc.

Abstract: A system described herein may provide for the dynamic and secure assignment of lockers that may be used when delivering goods in response to a fulfillment request. In some embodiments, smart tags may be used for packages provided in response to a fulfillment request. A smart locker system of some embodiments may include a set of lockers and one or more scanners that identify goods that have been delivered into a particular locker, such as by scanning smart tags placed on or in packages. The smart locker system may further receive a request from a User Equipment (“UE”), via a contactless tap, to provide the delivered goods, authenticate the UE, locate the particular locker in which the delivered goods are located, and unlock the locker.

Abstract: A tele-presence system that includes a cart. The cart includes a robot face that has a robot monitor, a robot camera, a robot speaker, a robot microphone, and an overhead camera. The system also includes a remote station that is coupled to the robot face and the overhead camera. The remote station includes a station monitor, a station camera, a station speaker and a station microphone. The remote station can display video images captured by the robot camera and/or overhead camera. By way of example, the cart can be used in an operating room, wherein the overhead camera can be placed in a sterile field and the robot face can be used in a non-sterile field. The user at the remote station can conduct a teleconference through the robot face and also obtain a view of a medical procedure through the overhead camera.

Abstract: A prescription drug dispensing device for controlled dosing of capsules, pills, and tablets includes an access control, dispensing, and communication module, which is integral to a container. The container comprises a body, for holding a prescription drug for a user, and a lid to secure the prescription drug in the container. The access control, dispensing, and communication module is programmable with a biometric characteristic of the user and a dosing regimen. The access control, dispensing, and communication module dispenses a dose of the prescription drug, according to the dosing regimen, and sends dosing data to one or both of a smartphone of a user and an electronic device of a prescriber or a pharmacist. A tamper sensor detects an unauthorized attempt to open the container and sends a tampering signal to a dispenser, which dispenses a chemical solution onto the prescription drug to render the prescription drug inactive.

Abstract: Provided herein are various apparatuses, systems, and methods for improving the efficiency of medication distribution within a healthcare facility. In particular, embodiments may provide for dispensing medications needed and medications anticipated to be needed to an authorized medical person for administration to a patient in a healthcare facility. Methods may include receiving an indication of one or more unit dose medications anticipated to be needed by a patient; retrieving the one or more unit dose medications from a unit storage device; loading the one or more unit dose medications onto a transport device; transporting the one or more unit dose medications from the unit storage device to a location proximate the patient; and transferring the one or more unit dose medications from the transport device to a staging area at the location proximate the patient.

Abstract: Provided herein are automated article dispensing systems having inventory management capabilities, and methods for managing inventory of articles in automated dispensing systems. In particular, the systems and methods disclosed herein utilize an inventory management assembly which includes one or more sensors configured to detect directly or indirectly one or more parameters related to quality and/or quantity the articles and an inventory management processing module configured to compute inventory related data based at least on the one or more parameters.

Abstract: A medication dispensing system, comprising one or more medication panels, each having a plurality of docking ports located at a vertical displacement one from another. The medication dispensing system comprises: a plurality of medication container assemblies for storing medication, coupled to the plurality of docking ports; one or more actuators; a gripping assembly, movable vertically by the one or more actuators to a proximate one or more of the medication container assemblies for picking a medication dosage out of the one or more of the medication container assemblies; and a receptacle carrier having a receptacle mount for holding one or more medication receptacles configured to receive the medication dosage.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling and tracking computer devices using a secure communication path between a central database and a device control-file watchdog program. One or more device control-files can be generated to control, limit and track a computer device using a device control-file watchdog program. The system sets limits on the computer device to ensure the user operating the computer device stays within a restricted set of usage limitations. The device control-file watchdog program protects the one or more device control-files and additionally can report on all activities performed by the computer device to the central database.

Abstract: Improved systems and methods for enhancing the performance of network based computerized content rendering and hosting and providing of devices, systems and/or platforms by modifying the capabilities and providing non-native functionality to such devices, systems and/or platforms through a novel and improved aggregator, data processing and networking framework.

Abstract: Improved systems and methods for enhancing the performance of network based computerized content rendering and hosting and providing of devices, systems and/or platforms by modifying the capabilities and providing non-native functionality to such devices, systems and/or platforms through a novel and improved data processing and networking framework.

Abstract: In accordance with embodiments, there are provided mechanisms and methods for facilitating performance simulation for selected platforms for web products in database systems according to one embodiment. In one embodiment and by way of example, a method includes evaluating metadata associated with contents relating to a web product to be delivered through one or more platforms, where the metadata identifies the one or more platforms, and analyzing the one or more platforms to host the web product to deliver the contents. The method may further include identifying one or more performance factors associated with the web product and the one or more platforms, where the one or more performance factors are identified based one or more parameters associated with the one or more platforms to enhance performance associated with the web product when delivering the contents, and facilitating adjustments to one or more virtual dials to facilitate one or more modifications to the one or more parameters.

Abstract: A washing machine and a method for controlling the same are disclosed. The washing machine includes a plurality of washing devices, each of which includes a heater. Based on a target temperature of wash water heated by one heater of any one of the washing devices, the washing machine changes a target temperature setting environment of wash water heated by the remaining heater. The washing machine includes a first heater to heat wash water stored in a first tub, a second heater to heat wash water stored in a second tub, a control panel to provide a target temperature setting menu for setting a target temperature of the wash water stored in the first tub, and a controller to drive the first heater and the second heater. The controller changes the target temperature setting menu supplied from the control panel in response to the second target temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mobile selection system for selecting medical accessories comprising a control system, a user interface and a treatment cart. The treatment cart comprises a plurality of storage devices each having at least two storage areas for a respective accessory type. The control system thereby implements a selection method having the following method steps. The treatment identifier of the treatment to be performed is determined in one method step via the user interface. In a further method step, a plurality of accessory set parameters which characterize a medical accessory set are determined on the basis of an accessory database and on the basis of the treatment identifier of the treatment to be performed.

Abstract: In an example embodiment, a beverage vending device is provided that includes a network interface and one or more processors. The beverage vending device also includes a computer-readable tangible medium with instructions stored thereon that direct the one or more processors to establish contact with an available network and locate a second beverage vending device on the network. The computer-readable tangible medium also has instructions stored thereon that direct the one or more processors to establish contact with the second beverage vending device on the network, and communicate with the second beverage vending device via the network.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is a palletization device (1) comprising a freely accessible multiaxial robot (3) for gripping and moving the products (2) to be palletized and, at least one station (5) arranged on the ground, for receiving the pallets (4) on which the products (2) are deposited, which device is characterized in that the at least one station (5) is designed to receive and to position-reference a stack (6) of pallets (4) one above the other. A further subject matter of the invention is a corresponding method.

Abstract: A system (1) for handling containers (7) having electronic product ID tags (15), the system comprises a storage cabinet (5) with lockable compartments (51) for storing tool kits (53) for handling the containers; each tool kit has an electronic ID tag associated with a predetermined compartment (51) in the storage cabinet and with a predetermined product ID tag of a container; access to each compartment is allowed or blocked by a respective electronically controlled lock; an electronic control unit (21); an electronic ID reader device (25) in communication with the electronic control unit, operable to read electronic ID tags of the components of the system and communicate same to the electronic control unit; the electronic control unit is operable to actuate the electronic lock of a predetermined compartment in the storage cabinet to allow access to said compartment upon matching the electronic product ID tag of a container with the associated electronic ID tag of the tool kit stored in the predetermined compa

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for automatically dispensing labels for information handling systems being assembled, in an assembly line that is configured to produce many different types of information handling systems with differing internal components. In some embodiments, a service tag identifier and parts listing are associated with each information handling system-under-assembly. The service tag identifier is written to an RFID tag that can be read at various stages of assembly. In some embodiments, when an assembly bin arrives at a label station of the assembly line, the RFID tag is read and a database is searched for the matching service tag and the associated parts listing. One or more appropriate labels are then automatically dispensed in response to the components in the listing. In this manner, correct association of labels with the components is maintained, and the search and dispensing process is performed in an efficient manner.

Abstract: A product-dispensing device comprises a rod, a product-dispensing coil, an actuator, a locking gear, and a button. The rod is configured to support a product. The product-dispensing coil is disposed about the rod. The actuator is operably coupled to the product-dispensing coil for rotation about a first axis. The locking gear is rotatable between a first position and a second position and includes a locking arm configured to inhibit rotation of the actuator in the second position. The button is operably coupled to the locking gear and configured to rotate the locking gear between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, a listing table is created for each kind of drug, and a single kind of drug among the drugs listed in the prescription is displayed on the display screen of the monitor. Therefore, mistakenly collated drugs can be found easily, and the pharmacist (user) can perform the drug inspection efficiently. In the present invention, the listing table for the drug similar to the single kind of drug may also be displayed on the display screen. The drug whose similarity to the single kind of drug is equal to or more than a threshold value may be determined as a similar drug, and the similar drug may be included in the listing table.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention may involve systems, methods, and computer readable medium. In an embodiment of the invention, a computer-implemented method for paying for usage of a pay per use device may be provided. The method may transmit device identification information from the device to a server. Device setup information and vend price may be received and the vend price may be displayed. User identification may be received and transmitted to the server. An account balance value may be received and displayed on the display. A start request may be received and transmitted to the server. The device may start and an updated account balance may be displayed.

Abstract: A device for counting and dispensing objects, including two elements. A first element includes a conduit for dispensing the objects to be counted and dispensed, and a second element cooperates with the first element to form two obturators which define, in the dispensing conduit a chamber suitable for containing a predetermined number of said objects. The device includes a lock moveable between a lock state wherein said lock partially obturators the dispensing conduit, and an unlock state wherein the lock is retracted outside the dispensing conduit, the lock being configured so that the position of an object present in the chamber is not affected by a change in the state of the lock.

Abstract: Provided is an automated teller machine which effectively prevents a banknote from being blown away by wind when a banknote is input or withdrawn through an input-output unit of the automated teller machine. The automated teller machine includes an input-output unit which includes an inlet in which a banknote accommodation space is formed so that a banknote to be input or withdrawn is loaded therein and through which external wind is introduced, a movement path through which the external wind introduced through the inlet passes, and an outlet through which the wind that passes through the movement path is discharged to an upper surface of the loaded banknote.

Abstract: A computerized dispensary management system and method enhances dispensary product management and are supported by a blister pack separation apparatus. The system and method operate according to a computer-implementable application and at least one computer. A scanner system further cooperates with the application and computer for scan-inputting product- and person-identifying machine-readable code information to the application for processing. The person-identifying code is scannable to identify a person and a product regimen for the person. The application provides a series of sequential screenshots based upon basic filler and dispenser screenshots for filler and dispenser side product management, guiding the user through a regimen-filling and administration. The processes are characterized by screenshot re-arrangements occurring thereto as each successive code is scanned.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dispenser interface, associated methods and systems, and dispensers employing the dispenser interface and associated systems and methods. An example embodiment provides a product dispenser assembly for dispensing a product. The dispenser comprises a dispenser controller having a first communication interface; and a communication controller having a second communication interface. The second communication interface is operatively connected to the first communication interface. The communication controller is configured to be in communication with one or more devices. The communication controller is configured to receive a command from one of the one or more devices; and provide the command to the dispenser controller. The dispenser controller and communication controller are configured to cause (a) product to be dispensed, (b) dispenser data to be stored, or (c) dispenser data to be communicated in accordance with the command.

Abstract: An offloading unit for an automated pharmaceutical machine that dispenses filled, capped pharmaceutical vials includes at least one offload location; at least one tote to receive the vials at each offload location, the tote assigned for distribution to a remote pharmacy location; at least one sensor to detect the presence or absence of the tote; and at least one sensor to detect a fill level of the vials in the tote.

Abstract: A system and method for providing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation risk notifications in real time or near-real time is described. Rescue and controller medication events are detected by sensors associated with the patient's medicament device/s, and provide a basis to determine to rescue and controller medication use trends for the patient. This data is analyzed to determine the patient's risk for COPD exacerbation after each event, and is used to send notifications to one or both of the patient and their health care provider.

Abstract: Systems and methods of the invention relate to managing an inventory of items within a storage container. A storage container can house one or more items for distribution among one or more users such as, for instance, employees. The storage container discussed herein provides authentication of a user, tracking of the inventory each user removes or returns, video/image capture of user during access of the storage container, wireless tracking of items housed within the storage container, among others.

Abstract: An automatic picking machine for pharmaceutical drug packages includes at least one storage rack, at least one storage and retrieval machine, a control apparatus for controlling the storage and retrieval machine, and a filling apparatus for successively filling each of a plurality of transport containers with a group of pharmaceutical drug packages corresponding to one order, wherein the filling apparatus includes a plurality of collection containers, first transport apparatuses, each having a transport channel for conveying the pharmaceutical drug packages towards the respective collection container, and a receiving apparatus for receiving a transport container to be filled at a filling location of the filing apparatus.

Abstract: Modular automated dispensing systems for dispensing secured medications in a medical environment are provided. The system includes a compact enclosure configured to be disposed in a medical treatment area without taking up valuable floor space. The system includes lockable drawers having one or more compartments for storing and dispensing medications or medical supplies. The system is unlocked by use of an access control interface internally or externally connected directly to the system, or networked to the system through a medical center network.

Abstract: A portable pill dispenser is disclosed herein. The portable pill dispenser includes a container configured to house at least one pill therein. The container is attachable to a housing, which comprises a dispensing opening. A dispensing mechanism, a ramp, and a control panel are disposed within the housing. The dispensing mechanism is configured to dispense the at least one pill from the container to the dispensing opening. The ramp is configured to direct the at least one pill to the dispensing mechanism. A verification mechanism is disposed about the housing. The verification mechanism is configured to activate the dispensing mechanism. The control panel is in electrical communication with the dispensing mechanism and the verification mechanism.

Abstract: A contactless card useful for adjusting the operation, configuration, and/or performance of a secondary device is described. The contactless card is equipped with a communication interface which allows the contactless card to transmit information to the secondary device using NFC signals. The contactless card stores accommodation information related to a physical accommodation desired by the user and transmits that information in the form of an accommodation message to the secondary device after being placed in a NFC field generated by the secondary device. In some embodiments, the contactless card requests an authentication certificate in order to determine a degree of trust prior to sending an accommodation message. In some embodiments, the contactless card may adjust what accommodation information is included in the accommodation message based on the authentication certificate received from the secondary device.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for improving product usage prior to refill of product dispensers in service areas that include a plurality of such dispensers. Via a sensor configured with each of the product dispensers and a control system in communication with the sensors, a product level or amount condition of product in each dispenser is detected. Based on the information from the sensors, a visual or audio message is generated and transmitted to the patron that encourages the patron to use a first product dispenser that has a greater product fill amount as compared to a second product dispenser in the same or a different service area.

Abstract: Various systems and methods for providing a vending machine interface system are provided herein. A vending machine interface system installed in a vending machine includes a peripheral interface to receive data from a peripheral payment device connected to the vending machine, the data indicating an amount received; an inventory interface to determine a current price of a product; and a vending machine controller interface to transmit a signal to a legacy vending machine controller, the signal causing the vending machine to dispense the product.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dispenser interface, associated methods and systems, and dispensers employing the dispenser interface and associated systems and methods. An example embodiment provides a product dispenser assembly for dispensing a product. The dispenser comprises a dispenser controller having a first communication interface; and a communication controller having a second communication interface. The second communication interface is operatively connected to the first communication interface. The communication controller is configured to be in communication with one or more devices. The communication controller is configured to receive a command from one of the one or more devices; and provide the command to the dispenser controller. The dispenser controller and communication controller are configured to cause (a) product to be dispensed, (b) dispenser data to be stored, or (c) dispenser data to be communicated in accordance with the command.

Abstract: An embodiment includes a method executed by at least one processor comprising: determining inventories for first and second times for a first vending machine (VM); determining inventories for first and second times for a second VM; determining inventories for first and second times for a third VM; and determining a service route to visit the first and second VMs on a specific date, and to specifically avoid visiting the third VM on the specific date, in response to determining the inventories for the second times for the first, second, and third VMs. Other embodiments are described herein.

Abstract: A method of method of managing media replenishment at a media terminal, the method comprising: receiving a media event from a media terminal; retrieving a next scheduled media replenishment event for that media terminal; evaluating if the next scheduled media replenishment event is scheduled to occur within an acceptable delay period; and initiating an unscheduled replenishment event only if the next scheduled media replenishment event is scheduled to occur after the acceptable delay period.

Abstract: A sheet product dispenser is provided including a housing including a roll holder configured to receive a product roll, a dispensing mechanism configured to dispense a portion of the sheet product from the product roll, a sensor configured to emit a signal toward the product roll and receive a reflection of the signal from a surface of the product roll, and a controller. The controller is configured to receive an indication of replacement of the product roll, determine a time-of-flight of the signal, and determine an expected time-of-flight (or corresponding distance of travel) of a theoretical signal to a theoretical full product roll. The controller is further configured to compare the time-of-flight (or a corresponding distance of travel) of the signal to the product roll to the expected time-of-flight or distance, and adjust a product depletion curve based on the comparison.

Abstract: A speed sensor determines the velocity of an object. A first detector detects light emitted by a first emitter. The first detector includes multiple photodetectors connected in series. The photodetectors produce a current that is proportional to the amount of light incident to the photodetector. The first detector additionally includes a current-to-voltage converter and a threshold detector. The current-to-voltage converter converts the current produced by the photodetectors into a voltage and the threshold detector compares the voltage generated by the current-to-voltage converter with a threshold voltage. When an object passes in between the emitter and any of the photodetectors, the light incident to the photodetector is at least partially blocked, reducing the current produced by the photodetector.

Abstract: A method of method of managing media replenishment at a media terminal, the method comprising: receiving a media event from a media terminal; retrieving a next scheduled media replenishment event for that media terminal; evaluating if the next scheduled media replenishment event is scheduled to occur within an acceptable delay period; and initiating an unscheduled replenishment event only if the next scheduled media replenishment event is scheduled to occur after the acceptable delay period.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a color chip dispenser are provided and include a card shuffler device that receives color chips, each having a sample area displaying a color and an optical code area displaying a machine-readable optical code associated with the color. An optical code reader is configured to read optical codes and a robotic arm is configured to receive and grip color chips. A controller is configured to receive and decode the machine-readable optical code displayed in the optical code area of each of the color chips, determine whether a particular color chip corresponds to a selected coating color based on the decoded machine-readable optical code of the particular color chip, and control the robotic arm to display the particular color chip in a display area and/or dispense the particular color chip to a dispensing receptacle in response to the particular color chip corresponding to the selected coating color.

Abstract: An automated medication preparation system for preparing a prescribed dosage of medication in a drug delivery device includes a plurality of stations for receiving, handling and processing the drug delivery device so that the prescribed dosage of medication is delivered to the drug delivery device and a transporting device that receives and holds more than one drug delivery device and moves the drug delivery devices in a controlled manner from one station to another station. The system is configured so that two or more separate drug delivery devices can be acted upon at the same time.

Abstract: A method of determining an action associated with an apparatus, the apparatus having a disposable component, the method comprising: obtaining (100), by means of a camera (416), data representing a visual code (301, 303) and a visual symbol (302, 304); comparing (120), by means of a processor (414), the visual code represented by said data with a reference code, the reference code indicating an identity of a disposable component of the apparatus, and comparing (130), by means of said processor, the visual symbol represented by said data with a reference symbol, to obtain comparison results; and determining (140) the action in response to the comparison results.

Abstract: A support device includes a transmission device attached to a housing and having a carrier slidably attached to the housing, a driving device connected to the carrier for driving and moving the carrier up and down relative to the housing, an object attached to the carrier, a sensor element attached to the object for detecting an approaching of a user toward the object, a sensor member disposed close to the housing for detecting the approaching of the user toward the object, and a control device connected to the sensor element and to the sensor member for receiving signals from the sensor element and the sensor member, and the control device is connected to the driving device for driving and moving the carrier and the object relative to the housing to a selected position.

Abstract: A pill verification system obtains a prescription filled at a pharmacy and gathers information of the pills being dispensed for a remote pharmacist to verify the prescription. As pills are dispensed to a pill vial to fill the prescription, a pill imaging system captures images of the pills, and a pill vial imaging system captures an image of the pill vial. The prescription, pill images, and pill vial image are transmitted to a remote verification system. A pharmacist is presented with the prescription, images of substantially all pills filling the prescription, and the pill vial of the prescription to verify the prescription is correct. The remote verification system may present prescriptions filled from many different pharmacies, permitting increased rate of verification and one pharmacist to support many pharmacies. The pharmacist's verification is transmitted to the pill verification system and displayed for a technician to complete verification of the pills.

Abstract: A report creation system according to one embodiment creates a report indicative of a condition of a cooperative service in which a plurality of services are made to cooperate, the plurality of services being provided by a plurality of service providing apparatuses including at least one service providing apparatus in another company. The report creation creates the report, based on the first log information and the error occurrence information collected by each of the information collection apparatuses, and second log information of each of the services collected from each of the service providing apparatuses.

Abstract: Systems, and methods are provided for the electronic purchase of gaming or amusement credits using a transaction device at a patron's location to apply funds from a financial account to the purchase of credits for use with an amusement or gaming device, system, or point of other wagering activity. Such credits are provided at the patron's location in the form of a printed ticket or other physical indicia of equivalent value, credits appearing in the credit meter and on the display of a gaming device, credit issued to a player card confirmed at the patron's location, credit issued to a debit card confirmed at the patron's location, and/or cash or other monetary-equivalents. In addition, physical confirmation of the completed electronic transaction from the patron's financial account may be concurrently provided to the patron in the form of a receipt.

Abstract: A number of enhancements for financial services devices are provided. Financial services devices, as used herein, may include drive-up type financial services devices. These enhancements include user interface improvements as well as increasing functionality of the financial services device. Specific application of the enhancements include drive up financial services devices. The enhancements may include improved ergonomics for customer interaction and multiple display screens, as well as sensors for detection of a customer's vehicle.

Abstract: A system may include a client device. The client device may receive, from a set of vending devices and via a network connecting the set of vending devices with the client device, sensor data relating to a status of the set of vending devices. The client device may generate a user interface associated with providing information identifying the status of the set of vending devices. The client device may provide, for display, the user interface based on generating the user interface. The client device may detect, based on providing the user interface, a selection of an adjustment that is to be performed for a particular vending device of the set of vending devices. The client device may transmit, via the network, an instruction to the particular vending device to cause the adjustment to be performed for the particular vending device.