Abstract: A dispense verification meter for measuring and verifying dispense operations (e.g., actual dispensed volumes) of media dispense systems. The dispense verification meter preferably automatically corrects zero offset drift, preferably samples the flow rate of media being dispensed at a sufficiently high sample rate, and verifies whether the desired dispense operation has been achieved.

Abstract: During operation of a vending machine, visual images of the next product to be dispensed from product dispensing locations are obtained. Features of the visual images are compared to a data base of features to determine the identity of the next product to be dispensed from each of the dispensing locations. After a product has been dispensed from a dispensing location, a visual image is obtained of the next product at the dispensing location. Features of the visual image of the next product at the dispensing location are compared to a data base of features to determine the identity of the next product to be dispensed. A displayed price of a product is compared with product prices in the data base. If necessary, the displayed price is adjusted to agree with the data base.

Abstract: An extruder or injection molding machine with user-specifically monitoring and regulating processing of plastic materials includes a material feed, a plasticizer, and a mold. A process input variable, e.g. cost of the apparatus, raw material, power, and processed quantity, can be inputted with an input device and transmitted to a controller. A process monitoring variable, e.g. the duration of a product cycle, product cost, raw material used/power consumed per product cycle, expected purchase price for a given quantity of a product, and number of product cycles until maintenance, can be determined in real time from a process control variable and/or process input variable. A value of a process monitoring variable, such as the actual desired, or mean value, the value integrated since starting, the history or tendency of this value, can be outputted on an output device in form of a characteristic diagram.

Abstract: Vending machines, automated retail stores, and retail displays with a computer controlled, activation system that senses either the gesture of a customer proximate product display tubes or a touch-screen selection on a computer screen. Item-based lighting produces variable visual effects in conjunction with actual or potential vends to provide an enhanced vending experience. Offered products are stored within display tubes that are arranged in orderly geometric arrays. RGB lighting through a plurality of LED banks associated with each display tube are controlled by the activation system Combinations of differently colored LED's are computer controlled on a per product basis to artistically illuminate available products and assist customers. Pre-programmed lighting sequences can switch LEDs off and on, vary their intensity, and alter resultant colors.

Abstract: Systems and methods for dispensing a product are provided. A plurality of product ingredients are associated with a product dispenser that is operable to form a plurality of selectable products from the plurality of products ingredients. Input for a selected product is received and a recipe that defines the ratio of product ingredients for forming the selected product is identified. The dispense of each of the respective product ingredients is commenced based at least in part on the identified recipe, and the dispense of each of the respective product ingredients is independently monitored during the dispense of the selected product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for dispensing bags, particularly plastic bags, one at a time, particularly for use in stores and shopping areas. The system has an actuator for actuating a bag dispenser to dispense a single bag at a time. The actuator is coupled to a controller, which may be the controller of an electronic cash register or a store controller, for two-way communication, permitting control of the total number of bags dispensed to each customer. If desired, the rate at which the bags are dispensed can also be set and controlled. According to one embodiment, the system can also hold advertising material or other informational or aesthetic displays, and may include a media player for displaying advertising material aimed at the specific customer.

Abstract: Methods and systems for programmed dispensation of consumable compositions are provided. A method for administering a consumable composition may comprise one or more of the following steps: (a) dispensing a dose of a consumable composition according to a programmed dosing schedule; and (b) communicating an aspect of the consumable composition to a system associated with a monitoring entity. A method for administering a consumable composition may comprise one or more of the following steps: (a) dispensing a dose of a consumable composition according to a programmed dosing schedule; and (b) controlling the functionality of a device according to an aspect of the consumable composition. A system for administering a consumable composition may comprise one or more of the following: (a) means for dispensing a dose of a consumable composition according to a programmed dosing schedule; and (b) means for communicating an aspect of the consumable composition to a system associated with a monitoring entity.

Abstract: An “RFID-Based Inference Platform” provides various techniques for using RFID tags in combination with other enterprise sensors to track users and objects, infer their interactions, and provide these inferences for enabling further applications. Specifically, observations are collected from combinations of RFID tag reads and other enterprise sensors including electronic calendars, user presence identifiers, cardkey access logs, computer logins, etc. Given sufficient observations, the RFID-Based Inference Platform automatically differentiates between tags associated with or affixed to people and tags affixed to objects. The RFID-Based Inference Platform then infers additional information including identities of people, ownership of specific objects, the nature of different “zones” in a workspace (e.g., private office versus conference room).

Abstract: The invention relates method for controlling a machine for treating containers (12) as well as for controlling processing and/or treatment stations located downstream from it, wherein the machine has a plurality of turntables (42) that are each driven by a motor and that serve to orient and/or position the containers (12), in which method the motor drives (44) of the turntables (42) are each monitored separately, so that, if an error occurs with one or more of the turntable drives (44), the affected defective turntable drives (44) are deactivated while the machine and/or the stations located downstream continue to be operated.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an HVAC data processing and communication network and a method of manufacturing the same. In one embodiment the network includes a system device and a user interface. The system device is configured to generate and locally store an alarm record in response to an alarm event. The system device is further configured to receive an alarm request message via a data bus. In response to receiving the alarm request message, the system device is configured to publish an alarm reporting message over the data bus. The user interface is configured to receive the alarm message and display an alert depending on a state of the flag.

Abstract: A fuel flow meter assembly for detecting fraud caused by tampering. The fuel flow meter assembly includes a fuel flow meter comprising a shaft and a displacement sensor operatively connected to the fuel flow meter shaft for generating information representative of an amount of fuel delivered through the fuel flow meter. At least one transponder is coupled with one of the fuel flow meter shaft and the displacement sensor. At least one interrogator electronics is coupled with the other of the fuel flow meter shaft and the displacement sensor. The at least one interrogator electronics is configured for remote electronic communication with the at least one transponder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for exchanging energy with an electric vehicle, in particular with a battery thereof, comprising, at least one energy exchange station, comprising, at least one port for exchanging energy with an energy source, at least one port for exchanging energy with a vehicle, at least one port for data communication with the vehicle, at least one port for data communication with a data processing device, a data processing device, comprising, at least one port for data communication with the energy exchange station, at least one port for data communication with at least one configuration device, at least one configuration device, comprising, at least one port for exchanging data with the data processing device; and means, such as a user interface, for editing configuration details. The invention further relates to a method and devices for exchanging energy with an electric vehicle.

Abstract: A fluid delivery nozzle for wireless communication to either an active or a passive device located on a vehicle and for wireless communication from the fluid delivery nozzle to a central location for storage of vehicle data. Upon initiation of a fluid delivery transaction, a communication link is established between a vehicle communication device and the central location and between a fluid container of the vehicle and the fluid delivery nozzle. The information received from the vehicle and container is relayed to the central location to authorize delivery of a fluid to the vehicle. Information is also transferred from the central location back and forth to the fluid delivery nozzle to update and store information regarding the fluid delivery transaction. A keyboard and display are provided on the fluid delivery nozzle to provide an operator interface during the fluid delivery transaction.

Abstract: A system comprising a medication tray (10) and a docking station (20) for facilitating effective self-management of medication treatment by patients is provided. The medication tray (10) accepts medication filled containers (30) and mates with the docking station (20). The medication tray (10) receives prescription data at the time the medication tray (10) accepts the medication filled containers (30), which is then downloaded to the docking station (20). The docking station (20) monitors and reports to third parties, via a network (160), a patient's compliance with various medication treatment regimens. Medication containers (30) are provided with low bit tags (35) that provide container presence information to the docking station (20). The docking station (20) provides visual and/or audio signals regarding prescription data to a patient. The docking station (20) can query patients and appliances regarding patient's medication usage and health status.

Abstract: A system and method for communicating vending information for a digital video disc is provided. A plurality of vending transaction data is received, wherein each of the plurality of data comprises a transaction timestamp and corresponds to a rental transaction for a digital video disc. The plurality of vending transaction data is stored in a memory of a vending apparatus, and is encrypted. It is determined whether a predetermined period of time has elapsed since a first transmission of transaction data from the vending apparatus, and a communication request is transmitted upon such determination to a remote control center. A signal is received at the vending apparatus from a control center in response to the communications request, and a plurality of vending transaction data is transmitted to the remote control center in response to receiving the signal.

Abstract: A computerized method includes sorting mail that comprises a multiple pass mail sort operation, wherein the multiple pass mail sort operation for a mail piece comprises performing a first pass of the multiple pass mail sort operation, wherein performing the first pass comprises capturing data to identify a feature of the mail piece. The multiple pass mail sort operation also includes generating a first fingerprint for the mail piece between performing the first pass and performing a second pass of the multiple pass mail sort operation. The multiple pass mail sort operation also includes performing the second pass of the multiple pass mail sort operation. Performing the second pass includes determining a final sorting of the mail piece.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a mobile rack for a library and an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) system for a library including the same, wherein the mobile rack includes a plurality of racks configured to keep books each attached with an RFID tag and mounted with an RFID reader for recognizing tag information stored in the RFID tag, a moving unit configured to move at least one of the plurality of racks, a server configured to manage the books that are inputted, outputted and stacked, and a controller configured to control the moving means in response to a user command through the server or the tag information and to adjust a discrete distance between racks.

Abstract: A vending arrangement for computerized vending machines, retail displays, automated retail stores, utilizes a centralized, robotic gantry associated with companion modules for vending a plurality of selectable products. The modularized design enables deployment of half-sized or larger, full sized machines. The robotic gantry is deployed in a centralized module disposed adjacent display and inventory modules. Inventory modules can be fitted to both gantry sides, and doors can be fitted to the gantry front or rear. The gantry comprises an internal, vertically displaceable elevator utilizing a central conveyor for laterally, horizontally moving selected items from associated display and inventory positions to a vending position. Computerized software enables the display and vending functions, and controls elevator movement to dispense products from twin sides of the gantry by appropriately controlling the conveyor.

Abstract: A computationally implemented system and method that is designed to, but is not limited to: electronically directing at least one second automated treatment occurrence of the at least one automated device to treat at least a portion of the automated ingestible product dispensing equipment other than removing material from the automated ingestible product preparation equipment including other than removing the at least one first substance, other than removing the first ingestible product, and other than removing other materials associated with preparation of the at least one first ingestible product prior to at least one second operation occurrence of the automated ingestible product dispensing equipment, the at least one second operation occurrence electronically initiated via electronically receiving first input associated with a particular individual living being. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.

Abstract: A computationally implemented system and method that is designed to, but is not limited to: electronically directing at least one second automated treatment occurrence of the at least one automated device to treat at least a portion of the automated ingestible product dispensing equipment other than removing material from the automated ingestible product preparation equipment including other than removing the at least one first substance, other than removing the first ingestible product, and other than removing other materials associated with preparation of the at least one first ingestible product prior to at least one second operation occurrence of the automated ingestible product dispensing equipment, the at least one second operation occurrence electronically initiated via electronically receiving first input associated with a particular individual living being. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.

Abstract: A computationally implemented system and method that is designed to, but is not limited to: electronically receiving status information regarding a particular ingestible material portion as related to a first engagement of an automated dispensing system with at least one manufacture, the first engagement occurring during a first condition including the at least one manufacture being united with the particular ingestible material portion, the first engagement to facilitate access by the automated dispensing system to the particular ingestible material portion for dispensing of the particular ingestible material portion, the electronically receiving status information to receive status information influenced by whether any disengagements of the automated dispensing system from the at least one manufacture occur during the first condition prior to the first engagement, the at least one manufacture arranged to inhibit access to the particular ingestible material portion prior to any engagements of the automated d

Abstract: During operation of a vending machine, visual images of the next product to be dispensed from product dispensing locations are obtained. Features of the visual images are compared to a data base of features to determine the identity of the next product to be dispensed from each of the dispensing locations. After a product has been dispensed from a dispensing location, a visual image is obtained of the next product at the dispensing location. Features of the visual image of the next product at the dispensing location are compared to a data base of features to determine the identity of the next product to be dispensed. A displayed price of a product is compared with product prices in the data base. If necessary, the displayed price is adjusted to agree with the data base.

Abstract: A method for tamping media during transportation is disclosed. Multiple parallel beltsets lie between an inlet station(s) and a delivery station(s). The multiple parallel beltsets have one or more parallel belts, a motor connected to drive the beltsets, and multiple pushers attached to the belts of the beltset with the pushers of one beltset placed between the pushers of the adjacent beltset. A control module coupled to the motors accepts a set of instructions and controls tamping of the media stack during transportation. The control module varies the velocity of one of the beltsets relative to the adjacent beltset and adjusts the distance between successive pushers on the beltsets to accept media or to tamp media during transportation.

Abstract: Devices and methods for generating an alert for a vending machine are disclosed. A method of generating an alert includes monitoring a bus for at least one communication from the vending machine controller via the bus. The bus is then monitored for a response to the communication from a peripheral device to the vending machine controller via the bus. The response from the peripheral device is then processed. An alert is then generated based on the processed response. A peripheral device for generating the alert includes a bus interface configured to receive data from the bus and to transmit data onto the bus, and a processing unit coupled to the bus interface, the processing unit configured to process data received from the at least one other peripheral device and generate an alert based on the processed data.

Abstract: A system and method for remotely supervising and verifying pharmacy functions performed by a non-pharmacist at an institutional pharmacy. The institutional pharmacy and a remotely located pharmacist are linked via wired and/or wireless telecommunication systems in a manner that enables the pharmacist to remotely supervise and verify the correct performance of pharmacy functions by non-pharmacist personnel. Images of the pharmacy work performed may be captured using any of a number of types image capture devices. Captured images and corresponding documentation may be transmitted from institutional pharmacy to the remotely located pharmacist, either directly or via a web site accessible to both. After verifying that the pharmacy work was correctly performed, the remote pharmacist may provide the institutional pharmacy with an initialed copy the captured image(s), or other documentation, indicating such verification.

Abstract: The present application discloses systems and methods for managing assets. In one exemplary embodiment, a system for monitoring an asset is disclosed. The system comprises at least one asset monitoring device, at least one fuel control device, and a central server. The asset monitoring device is configured for use with the asset to collect asset data about the asset. The fuel control device is configured for use with a fuel source to collect fueling data about fueling of the asset. The fuel control device is configured to communicate with the asset monitoring device to receive the asset data from the asset monitoring device. The central server is configured to communicate with the fuel control device to receive the asset data and the fueling data from the fuel control device.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system are presented for delivering multi-media products using a self-service kiosk. The kiosk delivers the multi-media product on a DVD or electronically downloads the multi-media product via high-speed communications to a portable device. The high-speed communications allows the multi-media product to be downloaded in relatively short time period.

Abstract: This invention provides a system and method for dispensing medication and a dispensing apparatus that comprises a plurality of compartments in an array within a housing, the compartments having respective lids, each of the lids being movable from a closed position to an open position, the respective lids each having a latch that secures the lid in a locked configuration in the closed position. The apparatus has an actuator mechanism that selectively unlocks the latch of each of the lids at a predetermined time so as to place the unlocked lid in an unlocked configuration that enables the lid to be moved to the open position. The compartments of the medication dispenser each receive a removable cup therein that is accessible when a respective of the lids associated therewith is in the open position. Other features, such as communication and messaging and/or audible/visual displays can also be provided.

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

Abstract: A solution comprising cost-effective methods and techniques for upgrading a traditional vending machine to a state-of-the-art vending machine with one or more of: mobile phone payment, telemetry, remote adjustment, graphical user interface, advertisement, intelligent energy management, hardware abstraction layer with common Application Programming Interface. A key aspect of this invention is that the original Vending Machine Controller board is not replaced in the vending machine and will still perform the normal vending operations as before. Another aspect of this invention is that the additional features are added to the vending machine at the processor level of the VMC board, by removing the original microcontroller on the VMC board and replacing it with an FPGA board or an electronic board, that can be plugged in the existing microcontroller socket on the VMC board, giving the application miming on the FPGA board or the electronic board access to all elements connected to the vending machine controller.

Abstract: This invention provides a medication dispensing system that instructs the user through visual and audio cues, such as the illumination of individual medication cups that are arrayed in accordance with a daily and weekly schedule in separate orifices within the dispenser body. It monitors compliance by determining when an indicated cup is accessed, based upon at least one of manipulating a lid and/or placing into, removing from, or replacing into the correct orifice based upon the indication. The cups can be refilled based upon an indication, and/or can be provided in removable prefilled refill tray. The dispenser can include an on-board processor that stores a current configuration including the treatment schedule. The configuration can be programmed/re-programmed, and compliance can be monitored, via a wired or wireless server connection that communicates with interested parties, and that supports a graphical user interface. Communication, messaging and/or display systems can also be integrated.

Abstract: A registering and counting system operated in response to information included on data bearing records is used for maintaining inventory records related to narcotics items. Data corresponding to users is read through record reading devices (448, 452). Authorized users are allowed access to a narcotics vault (402). Narcotics holding containers (422) are removable from storage locations in drawers (416). Wireless transmitters on the containers operate in conjunction with wireless readers in the storage locations to enable a computer (458) to track the use of the narcotics items and operating parameters of the system.

Abstract: A dynamic blind count setting is provided for dispensing medications from medication dispensing apparatuses. In some embodiments, when a dynamic blind count setting is provided for a medication at a medication dispensing apparatus, a blind count may be required at intervals of medication dispensing events such that a blind count is not required each time the medication is dispensed from the medication dispensing apparatus. The intervals may be random or scheduled. In some embodiments, a set point may be established for a medication such that blind counts are required when the system count for the medication reaches the set point.

Abstract: Methods for controlling the dispensing of medication are provided. The method can include holding at least one medication within a dispenser and alerting a patient that a dose of medication is to be taken or an optional dose of medication is available to be taken. Once the patient is present for receiving a does of medication, the identification of the patient can be confirmed. Upon confirmation of the identification, a dose of medication for the patient can then be dispensed and removal of medication from dispenser can be confirmed. The method can also include providing a location determination device with the dispenser to permit locating the dispenser.

Abstract: A chemical product dispenser includes one or more timing features. The chemical product may include cleaning, sanitizing, disinfecting, or other chemical products typically dispensed using a conventional spray bottle or other chemical product applicator used in the cleaning industry. The timed dispenser includes a timer and one or more indicators that are activated when one or more predetermined periods of time (such as a contact time or cure time) have elapsed. A timed dispenser audit system further monitors and analyzes use of the timed dispensers throughout one or more facilities, and may generate reports based on the analysis.

Abstract: A self-service kiosk apparatus is presented that has a plurality of secure service areas. Access to the plurality of secure service areas and the components of the kiosk system contained within each area is controlled. Authorization to access each secure service area is based on a person's level of training and security level.

Abstract: It used to be difficult to automatically mix—together with ordinary pet foods—nutrients and medications as additives based on a prescription from an animal hospital according to the condition of a pet. Also, it was not easy to submit from a personal computer or a mobile phone an order for custom-mixed pet food. This system easily receives, via the Internet from a personal computer 1 or a mobile phone 2, an order for custom-mixed pet food based on a prescription sent to a custom-mixed-pet-food prescription control computer system 4 that electronically controls a mixing device 5 that automatically produces custom-mixed pet food according to mixing data specified by an pet owner's order and prescription from an animal hospital.

Abstract: An inspection system and method that inspects at least two different medications is described. The automated filling station houses at least two different medications. The automated inspection station receives the medications associated with one of the packages. The measurement device associated with the automated inspection station is configured to examine the different medications and generate a measured medication value for the different medications. The measured medication value is received by the inspection control process module. Additionally, the expected medication value is received by the inspection control process module. The inspection result state is then selected by the inspection control process module. The inspection control module compares the expected medication value to the measured medication value. The inspection result state includes a positive inspection result state, a negative inspection result state, and an inconclusive inspection result state.

Abstract: If a vending machine is selected for service at a particular location, other vending machines at the same location may or may not be selected depending on the importance of minimizing the number of service visits to the other machines at the location.

Abstract: A system for managing liquid supply suitable for a process equipment with a liquid tank is disclosed. The system includes a host, a data-reading tool, a system controller and a tank-locking device. The host stores a built-in liquid database. The data-reading tool used for reading data related to the liquid tank is electrically connected to the host. The host receives the data related to the liquid tank from the data-reading tool, and the received data mapped with the liquid database. The system controller drives the tank-locking device according to the signal from the host to whether or not allow replacement of the liquid tank.

Abstract: A method and system may make iced beverages containing flavored ice cubes made from a flavored beverage. The method and system may include dynamically altering a freeze-cycle of an ice maker to account for various parameters, such as freezer temperature. When freezer temperature rises above a set-point temperature, the freeze-cycle may be stopped, and only resumed once the freezer temperature returns to back below the set-point temperature. The freeze-cycle may be dynamically lengthened by the amount of time that the freezer temperature remains above the set-point temperature. The set-point temperature may be substantially below the freezing point of the beverage, which in turn may be below the freezing point of water, to ensure that the beverage is frozen into ice cubes at the completion of the freeze-cycle. In one embodiment, the flavored beverage may have a non-clear color, such as coffee, and the flavored ice cubes are coffee ice cubes.

Abstract: The configuration of a gateway in a communications network may be updated. Provisioning data may be extracted from a gateway management server. The extracted provisioning data may be filtered against a list of target gateways. Upon determining an equipping status of endpoints associated with the target gateways in the list, the configuration of one or more target gateways may be updated utilizing existing endpoint provisioning associated with the one or more target gateways.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for distributed dispenser management are provided. A list of item selections is received, the list including at least one item with an item type. A collection of one or more dispenser groups may be identified, where each dispenser group in the collection includes a unique combination of one or more item dispensers with a combined unreserved inventory sufficient to dispense each item in the list. An item dispenser group may then be selected from the collection based on even depletion. The items in the list may be reserved from the selected dispenser group.

Abstract: In one example, the invention includes steps of: activating feeding and exiting motors of a dispensing device that cause corresponding rollers to rotate in forward direction, wherein the feeding motor is operatively connected to a displacement optical sensor, wherein the feeding and exiting rollers move a dispensing object; wherein an exit sensor generates a first signal, indicating that a leading edge of the dispensing object has activated the exit sensor, generating, by the stationary displacement optical sensor, a second signal, when, by passing at least one light beam over a surface of the portion of the dispensing object, the stationary displacement optical sensor determines that the portion of the dispensing object has traveled a pre-determined distance along the dispensing passage.

Abstract: A medicine collecting system (11) includes a cart (14) having a plurality of housing units (23) that each house a tray (12), and a dispenser (13) that dispenses a first medicine to the tray housed in each housing unit of the cart (14) according to prescription information that indicates the type of a medicine to be dispensed to each tray and the number of the medicines and is set for each tray. A memory unit (28) of the system (11) stores, for each tray, the prescription information with housing unit identification information that identifies the housing unit housing the tray to which the first medicine is dispensed by the dispenser (13), in association with one another.

Abstract: (Object) To enable, in an operation of supplying a medicine to a medicine cassette, in which it is typical that the medicine once put in a vial bottle is recovered to a medicine cassette (medicine receiving container), an operation of specifying the medicine cassette to which the medicine is to be supplied to be performed more accurately and more efficiently. (Solving Means) Information used for specifying the medicine is read by reading a prescription code (d31) recorded as a bar code on a vial bottle (S202) or is input as search information through an operation portion (S221). As a result, a cassette shelf (2) (cassette code (d21)) to which a medicine cassette (1) for receiving the medicine corresponding to the input information is mounted is specified (S203, S224), and a shelf lamp (3) provided to the specified cassette shelf (2) is brought into a predetermined notification display state (blinking state).

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are described for remotely managing items that are configured to be stored in at least one dispensing device. This includes receiving user identification information at a host computer system from an electronic device that is remotely located from the dispensing device. This also includes transmitting from the host computer system to the electronic device a disposition of at least one item, wherein the at least one item is associated with a patient. Further, this includes receiving, at the host computer system from the remote electronic device, information about the item originating from the dispensing device, wherein the information includes a further disposition of the item.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for remotely providing service functionalities for a beverage preparation machine (1). The beverage preparation machine (1) is adapted for preparing a beverage by receiving a capsule in a capsule extraction unit, circulating a carrier liquid, such as water in particular heated water, through said capsule in the extraction unit and by dispensing a resulting beverage. The machine is in data communication with a remote server (50) via a communication network (511, 501, 502). The machine (1) monitors (S1, S2, S3, S4) parameters related to the machine and submits (S5) the monitored parameters to the server (5). The server (5) initiates (S8, S9) a service functionality depending on the submitted parameters. The present invention further relates to a beverage preparation machine (1) adapted to support such a method and to a system (100) for remotely providing service functionalities for a beverage preparation machine (1) at a customer location (150).

Abstract: Computer assisted systems, methods and mediums for filling one or more orders. One embodiment of the present invention is a system that includes an order consolidation station configured to receive at least one bottle containing pills individually counted and/or at least one package containing pharmaceutical products without having been designated for any of the orders when the package was created and/or at least one literature pack optionally including patient specific information. The order consolidation station is further configured to combine automatically the received bottle and/or package and/or literature pack into a container to be sent to a recipient including, for example, mail order pharmacies, wholesalers and/or central fill dealers for subsequent distribution or sale including retailer distribution or sale. The bottle is specifically designated for the order, and the order generally includes at least one prescription for the package.

Abstract: A pharmacy workflow management system including plural counters and a pharmacy workflow management method. In embodiments, the system includes a housing, a first automatic object counter and a cassette dispenser which feeds objects from a cassette mounted thereto to the first object counter. A second object counter counts objects fed from a cassette mounted to the cassette dispenser. A data processing platform within the housing is programmed with instructions that enable the system to compare the counts from the first and second object counters. The data processing platform also provides for management of pharmacy workflow by providing improved control of prescription fulfillment.