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.

Abstract: An augmented reality environment allows interaction between virtual and real objects. By monitoring user actions with the augmented reality environment various functions are provided to users. Users may buy or sell items with a gesture, check inventory of objects in the augmented reality environment, view advertisements, and so forth.

Abstract: Interactive medicine management systems and methods comprising integrated elements using a network processor to provide assistance to individuals in order to organize and monitor patient compliance in the administration of one or more medications are provided.

Abstract: A monitoring control system includes a control device that performs a device control process, and a high-order system that monitors the device control process. The control device includes a control CPU that performs the device control process, and an information CPU that is connected to the control CPU via an internal bus. The control CPU includes a device memory that stores therein device data to be used for the device control process, the device data being related to the device. The information CPU includes a built-in database and a data collection unit. The data collection unit performs a data collection process of reading the device data from the device memory via the internal bus, and storing the read device data in the built-in database.

Abstract: A system for dispensing product-filled containers in which the containers are filled prior to labeling, so that any container may filled at any dispensing station. The system includes multiple dispensing stations, both manual and automated, disposed adjacent a conveyor. Automated dispensing stations include quantities of products, fillable product containers, and a labeling assembly. Each dispensing station dispenses a predetermined quantity of products into a container and labels the container for transport via an exit conveyor to the main conveyor. Carriers are delivered via the main conveyor into a container carrier queue lane, where a sensor reads the RFID before a filled, labeled container is deposited into the carrier. A sensor reads the label bar code and transmits the bar code and RFID information to the computer database, mating the carrier with the filled container. System software load balances the components of an order by routing them to different dispensing stations.

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: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing storage at indoor golf driving ranges. In various embodiments, the disclosed systems and methods permit golfers to store their baggage in close proximity to the golfers while the golfers practice their swing.

Abstract: Computer program products, methods, systems, apparatus, and computing entities are provided for automated loading and retrieval of items. In various embodiments, items are received at a loading station where identification data may be captured for each item and handling instructions may be generated. In some embodiments, a label having indicia associated with the item may be generated and affixed to the item. The items may then be deposited through an access door into the vehicle identified in the handling instructions. Once the items are loaded into the access door, an automated load/unload device may deposit the item in the appropriate storage location. The automated load/unload device may also retrieve and rearrange items as desired.

Abstract: A key safe (10) includes a main container (14) defining an access port (20), an antechamber (16) and a primary hook (22) located within the antechamber (16). The antechamber (16) is movable between a first position in which a user is permitted access thereto and to the primary hook (22) from outside the main container (14) via the access port (20), and a second position in which the user is not permitted access to either the antechamber (16) or the primary hook (22) from outside the main container (14). The key safe (10) further includes a plurality of secondary hooks (26) located within the main container (14), which secondary hooks (26) are not directly accessible to a user. In use, transport means (18) transport keys between the primary hook (22) and a secondary hook (26) when the antechamber (16) is in the second position.

Abstract: A method, non-transitory computer readable medium, and apparatus for setting a language of a remote device are disclosed. For example, the method determines connectivity information for interacting with the remote device, assesses a language setting of the mobile endpoint device, and sets the language of the remote device by sending the language setting of the mobile endpoint device to the remote device using the connectivity information.

Abstract: A medicine feeding device is configured by providing a first rotor 23 that rotates around a first shaft 24, a second rotor 35 that rotates around a second shaft, a partition wall 18 extending from the second rotor 35 towards the first rotor 23, a medicine discharge port 73 provided on the outside of the second rotor 35, a medicine guide section 65 located in the downstream of a movement section 37 in the medicine transport direction, and a height regulator 41 disposed between the movement section 37 and medicine guide section 65. In addition, the width regulator 52 that is disposed between the medicine guide section 65 and the height regulator 41 is further provided. Also, the medicine counting device is further provided with a medicine detection means 70 for detecting a medicine that is supplied from the medicine discharge port 73, and a counting means (central control unit 83) for counting the medicines based on the detection by the medicine detection means 70.

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

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, an Automated Pharmacy Admixture System (APAS) may include a manipulator system to transport medical containers such as bags, vials, or syringes in a compounding chamber regulated to a pressure below atmospheric pressure. In a preferred implementation, the manipulator system is configured to grasp and convey syringes, IV bags, and vials of varying shapes and sizes from a storage system in an adjacent chamber regulated at a pressure above atmospheric pressure. Various embodiments may include a controller adapted to actuate the manipulator system to bring a fill port of an IV bag, vial, or syringe into register with a filling port at a fluid transfer station in the chamber. A preferred implementation includes a sanitization system that can substantially sanitize a bung on a fill port of a vial or IV bag in preparation for transport to the fluid transfer station.

Abstract: A medicine dispensing device includes a shell-like base unit, a shell-like cassette with a number of compartments for storage of medicines which is rotatable relative to the base unit, a unit for rotating the cassette relative to the base unit at predetermined times, a lid firmly connected to the base unit, and an aperture situated in the lid in such a way as to be movable to become central to any desired compartment of the cassette when the cassette is rotated relative to the base unit and the lid. A hatch is provided close to the aperture and can assume a position in which the aperture is closed and a position in which the aperture is exposed. The hatch is pivotable relative to a pivot axis. The hatch has a rear edge which has an extent in the circumferential direction of the device.

Abstract: A vending machine includes a reservoir for holding bulk goods and multiple reconfigurable distribution path devices to release the goods to a purchaser in entertaining fashion.

Abstract: A portable personal dispenser assembly comprising a combination of a dispenser and a communication enabled, portable handheld pocket-sized, personal computer in which the pocket-sized personal computer performs compliance monitoring of use of the dispenser and preferably controls and powers the use of the dispenser.

Abstract: System for an event alert signal and verifying the completion of event is disclosed. The system may include at least one alert device for generating alert for certain events. The system may also include at least one destination device that may be configured to be communicating with the alert device and may be associated with the event. The system may verify completion of the event when the alert device may be deactivated upon the user's completion of the event.

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

Abstract: The invention addresses the problem of providing a medication cassette, which in addition to being capable of smooth automated dispensing according to the remaining amount of stored medication despite being capable of storing large amounts of medication, allows accurate ascertainment of whether the medication has run out or is jammed. This medication cassette is provided with: a cylindrical body (110) in which the medication is stored; a first rotating body (111) capable of reciprocating movement inside the cylindrical body (110) in the direction of the shaft center thereof; a second rotating body (112) disposed on the outer circumference of the cylindrical body (110); a conveyed medication-detecting means (179) for detecting medication that has been conveyed by the second rotating body (112); and a control means (80) for moving the first rotating body (111) upward when a medication detection signal is not output from the conveyed medication-detecting means (179).

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for the dispensing and collection of objects in urban environments. More particularly, the disclosure provides systems and methods for dispensing and collecting helmets. The disclosure provides a self-sufficient, high-capacity, helmet dispensing system. In some embodiments, the system includes solar panels that provide the system with the requisite power needed to power the system. In some implementations, the system includes a vandal resistant return mechanism for the helmets. The system may also include communication modules, which may transmit system information to a backend server.

Abstract: An automatic food and beverage vending machine includes: a case; an ordering and billing system; an electronic control system; and an output system; wherein the output system comprises a food provider and a food outlet, the food provider is mounted in a food storage area of the case; the food provider comprises a tray holder, a food box transporter, and a sliding device; the tray holder and the food box transporter are mounted on the sliding device; the sliding device comprises an up-down sliding mechanism, a left-right sliding mechanism, and a front-rear sliding mechanism; the food outlet is provided on a door of the case. The machine provides a small volume, a small land occupation space, convenience of moving, a short time before obtaining the food, a proper food temperature for eating immediately, and a quick manner of dining for people in a hurry.

Abstract: A smart medicine container is provided to secure accesses to a bulk supply of pills stored therein and pills dispensed therein. The medicine container comprises a control unit, a memory, a communication interface unit, a pill-supply housing configured to store a bulk supply of pills, a pill-supply locking means configured to lock access to the pill-supply housing, a dispensing assembly configured to dispense pills from among the bulk supply of pills, and a dispensed-pill housing configured to receive and store dispensed pills, a dispensed-pill locking means configured to lock access to the dispensed-pill housing. The control unit is programmed to irreversibly cause the pill-supply locking means to lock access to the pill-supply housing and irreversibly cause the dispensed-pill locking means to lock access to the dispensed-pill housing when receiving information indicating that the bulk supply of pills should permanently discontinue to be taken by a patient.

Abstract: A dispensing device includes an actuating device that actuates first and second containers, respectively, and a sensor for detecting an environmental condition. In a first period the actuating device is inactive, in a second period the actuating device actuates the first container at a first frequency, and in a third period the actuating device actuates the second container at a second frequency. If the sensor has detected the environmental condition, the actuating device actuates the first and/or second containers, respectively, during a fourth period at a third frequency.

Abstract: The present invention is a pipette tip supplying apparatus which comprises: a storing section configured to store a plurality of pipette tips; a supplying section configured to supply at least one of the plurality of pipette tips stored in the storing section outside the storing section; a detector configured to detect a pipette tip assembly in which one pipette tip and another pipette tip are piled up with a distal end of the one pipette tip inserted into the another pipette tip; and a discharging section configured to discharge the pipette tip assembly from the storing section, when the detector has detected the pipette tip assembly in the storing section.

Abstract: A vending machine for dispensing a number of products. The vending machine may include a transparent panel, a number of visible product columns, a number of non-visible product columns, and a product delivery system.

Abstract: In combination a fluid dispenser for dispensing fluid and a sound sensing mechanism remote from the fluid dispenser, the fluid dispenser dispensing fluid when activated, the fluid dispenser including a sound generator which generates a sound when the fluid dispenser is activated, the sound sensing mechanism separate from and spaced from the fluid dispenser, the sound sensing mechanism including a sound sensor to sense the sound generated by the sound generator, the sound sensing mechanism including a communication system to transmit data representative of the sound sensed by the sound generator.

Abstract: A dispensing machine, and related operating method, includes a device for dispensing packaged and/or unpackaged edible goods or beverages, a control unit connected to one or more electrically-activated parts of the machine, a user interface to show information to the user and retrieve input commands from the user to be sent to the control unit. The user interface is a graphic user interface GUI comprising a touch-panel integrated in a graphic screen to display multimedia content. The content or form of the information shown on the screen is changed by the control unit based on at least one parameter related to any of the operative status of the machine, the location wherein the machine is running, the calendar date and/or the daily time, statistics indicative of previous selections made by user(s), or the signal provided by at least one sensor of the machine detecting proximity of the user(s).

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing solid articles includes a housing and at least one vacuum source. The housing defines a hopper chamber to hold the articles and a dispensing channel fluidly connected to the hopper chamber. The dispensing channel has an inlet and an outlet defining a dispensing flow path therebetween. The vacuum source is adapted to provide a vacuum pressure and induce a gas flow in the housing. The apparatus is configured to generate a forward drive gas flow from the vacuum pressure and induced gas flow, and the forward drive gas flow conveys articles through the dispensing channel along the dispensing flow path in a direction from the inlet to the outlet to dispense the articles.

Abstract: Solid contents verification systems and methods are provided. The system includes a contents sensor unit, a container-carrying unit and a control unit. The contents sensor unit has at least one contents sensor configured to send and receive sonic pulses to determine a state of contents in a container. The contents sensor unit is configured to send a signal communicating a state of the contents in a container. The container-carrying unit is configured to hold a container in substantial alignment with the contents sensors to expose the contents to the sonic pulses. The control unit is operatively connected to the contents sensor unit. The control unit is configured to receive the signal communicating the state of the contents and to compare the state of the contents with a desired state of the contents.

Abstract: A method and laboratory system for handling sample tube racks are disclosed. The laboratory system includes a storage section (14) with a plurality of shelves (110) for storing a plurality of storage racks (SR), a disposal unit (18) for disposing sample tubes from the storage racks (SR), a robotic transfer system (510) for loading storage racks (SR) into the storage section (14), for retrieving storage racks (SR) from the storing section (14) and for bringing storage rack to the disposal unit (18) after a given storage time has elapsed.

Abstract: An annular seal is provided. The annular seal is configured to be lubricated, allowing for automatic dispensing in dispensers, without the risk of clogging the dispensers or of building up with other seals. The annular seal has a determined thickness, made of an elastically deformable material, having a seal plane at mid-thickness and an axis of revolution perpendicular to the seal plane, and having: a so-called “inner” surface, turned toward the axis of revolution, and extending over a height of between ? and 22/50 of the thickness on either side of the seal plane, and a so-called “contact” surface extending over the rest of the seal. The seal includes, on the contact surface, at least one spot protuberance.

Abstract: Implementations of a public use tag marking kiosk. Aspects associated with particular implementations of a tag marking kiosk comprise, among others, automatically marking two sides of a tag within the kiosk, receiving the tag to be marked from the customer, providing a closeable door between the marking implement and the customer while the tag is being marked, ejecting the tag from a tag holder after the tag is marked, and aligning the tag so that a desired tag side is required to be initially facing up on the tag holder. Housing for the kiosk may surround all of the system parts or may be split into a housing shell and a marking unit that fits inside the shell. Marking implements may be laser, mechanical stylus, paint, or others. Tags may be suspended in a cantilevered manner during marking.

Abstract: A parts feeding device which is equipped in a surface mounting machine body includes a drive unit for feeding a parts feeding tape which houses parts, and a control unit for controlling the drive unit. The control unit includes a detection unit for detecting execution of work for removing the parts feeding device from the surface mounting machine body, and a pullback execution unit for causing the drive unit to execute a process of pulling back the parts feeding tape, which has become empty as a result of feeding the parts, when the execution of work for removing the parts feeding device is detected by the detection unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automatic drug dispensing and dosing time reminder device which automatically dispenses one dose of medication at every scheduled dosage time while simultaneously reminding a patient of the dosage time through a voice and a lamp. The device uses a motor, rotating body, and position sensor to dispense medications at the scheduled dosage times. The front face of the device includes an interface to program in the scheduled dosage times.

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

Abstract: A dispensing device includes first and second actuators that actuate first and second containers, respectively, to dispense volatile material therefrom and a sensor for detecting an environmental condition. In a first period the first and second actuators are inactive, in a second period the first actuator actuates the first container at a first frequency to dispense volatile material therefrom, and in a third period the second actuator actuates the second container at a second frequency to dispense volatile material therefrom. If the sensor has detected the environmental condition, the first and/or second actuators actuate the first and/or second containers, respectively, during a fourth period at a third frequency.

Abstract: A medical supply station is disclosed. The medical supply station includes a securable compartment configured to hold medical supplies, and a controller. The controller is responsive to access information and is configured to selectively permit access to the securable compartment when the access information indicates the securable compartment is authorized for access, and restrict access to the securable compartment when the access information indicates the securable compartment is not authorized for access. The medical supply station also includes a critical access module configured to, upon actuation, bypass the access information required by the controller and permit substantially immediate access to the securable compartment. The medical supply station further includes an image capturing device, coupled to the critical access module, configured to capture at least one image of an area proximal to the medical supply station in response to actuation of the critical access module.

Abstract: A smoothie dispenser (20, 20S, 20A) comprises a frame (22); a smoothie receptacle storage section (24); and a receptacle conformed chiller section (26). The smoothie receptacle storage section (24) is provided within the frame (22) and configured to house plural smoothie receptacles (30) at a first temperature. The chiller section (26) is arranged to receive a selected smoothie receptacle released from the smoothie receptacle storage section and configured to crystallize contents of the selected smoothie receptacle. The receptacle conformed chiller section (26) is “receptacle conformed” in the sense that a surface of the chiller section is configured to conform to (e.g., have a surface of shape to mate with or to form substantially greater than linear contact with) at least a portion an exterior profile or periphery of the selected smoothie receptacle.

Abstract: Sheet product dispensers and methods for controlling the dispensers are provided. A sheet product dispenser includes a housing and a dispensing assembly disposed in the housing. The dispensing assembly is configured to hold a roll of sheet product thereon and to dispense a portion of the roll of sheet product. The sheet product dispenser further includes an ultraviolet light source disposed on the housing. The ultraviolet light source is configured to emit ultraviolet light.

Abstract: Automatic distributor device for objects, in particular but not only for folded articles of clothing, such as for example garments, uniforms, overalls or other, comprising at least a box-like body provided at an ergonomic height with at least a pick-up window for the distribution of the objects and a loading window to supply the objects. The distributor device comprises a plurality of containing elements of the single-object type, which selectively have an open position for receiving and picking up the object, and a closed position for movement. The containing elements are configured to normally contain one object or a homogeneous plurality of objects. The distributor device comprises closed ring movement means which move the plurality of the containing elements inside the box-like body so as to position one of them on each occasion selectively facing toward the pick-up window or toward the loading window.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing solid articles includes a housing and at least one vacuum source. The housing defines a hopper chamber to hold the articles and a dispensing channel fluidly connected to the hopper chamber. The dispensing channel has an inlet and an outlet defining a dispensing flow path therebetween. The vacuum source is adapted to provide a vacuum pressure and induce a gas flow in the housing. The apparatus is configured to generate a forward drive gas flow from the vacuum pressure and induced gas flow, and the forward drive gas flow conveys articles through the dispensing channel along the dispensing flow path in a direction from the inlet to the outlet to dispense the articles.

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 only one pusher assembly may be activated to dispense a product at one time.

Abstract: A dispenser (200) and method for dispensing pills to patients from cartridges (224) featuring downloadable remotely programmable timer (1B) and network communications links (504), alerting timer, databasing, printer, and battery (60).

Abstract: Method for communication between a central server and a computerized juke-box which operates in a conference mode, including: sending a header before any transaction, which includes the identity of the destination together, the identity of the emitter, and the size of the packets; responding from the server in the form of a data packet, each packet sent by the server being encoded using the identification code of the juke-box software; and receiving a data packet by the juke-box, which decodes the packet, simultaneously performs a check on the data received by the CRC method and sends an acknowledgement of receipt to the server indicating the accuracy of the information received, to allow it to prepare and send another packet to the juke-box.

Abstract: The present invention concerns apparatus for efficiently dispensing and applying a wristband identification bracelet that is meant for attachment around an extremity of an animal or person. The apparatus is provided with a supply of identity bands that are adapted to become a bracelet by having a first portion of the band affixed to a second portion to form a continuous loop around the extremity. The extremity is positioned within a receptacle in the apparatus, permitting the identification band to be wrapped closely around the extremity by the band fixing mechanism of the apparatus. The identification band is fixed to itself to form a bracelet, so as to prevent its removal from the extremity without damaging the integrity of the bracelet.

Abstract: A method and laboratory system for handling sample tube racks are disclosed. The laboratory system includes a storage section (14) with a plurality of shelves (110) for storing a plurality of storage racks (SR), a disposal unit (18) for disposing sample tubes from the storage racks (SR), a robotic transfer system (510) for loading storage racks (SR) into the storage section (14), for retrieving storage racks (SR) from the storing section (14) and for bringing storage rack to the disposal unit (18) after a given storage time has elapsed.

Abstract: Provided are an automatic tablet dispenser of an automatic medicine packing machine, and a tablet supply method thereof, which are capable of automatically packing various-shaped tablets, and accurately, cleanly and rapidly distributing the tablets without missing any. The automatic table dispenser which is installed in a medicine packing machine for automatically packing tablets, includes: a body including a space for containing the tablets therein and a guide track for guiding the tablets contained in the space upward from a bottom of the body; and a driver vibrating the body so that the tablets contained in the space of the body are transferred upward along the guide track.

Abstract: A method and a dispenser dispense a sheet of paper through a bottom outlet gap from a stock. A sensor activates, upon detection of a person, an electric drive which delivers a portion of paper from the outlet gap so that the sheet of paper can be torn off by hand. When the delivered sheet of paper is torn off, a switch is actuated. Actuation of the switch puts the dispenser in an operational readiness for delivery of another portion of paper.

Abstract: An automatic machine for dispensing beverages has at least two rotatable cup dispensing towers having a plurality of housings for variously sized stacked cups. The housings may be rotated in a selective manner. Cups are dispensed from the housings. A cup holder device includes cup holders that receive the dispensed cups. The cup holder device is rotatable about a vertical axis that is parallel to the axes of rotation of the rotatable cup dispensing towers. The cup holder device is provided with at least two cup holders that move along concentric circular trajectories with respect to the vertical axis of the cup holder device.

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