Abstract: A system enables management of dispensable units by supporting functions such as retrieval, scheduled distribution, analysis, and notifications. To this end, a dispensable retrieval mechanism may be programmed to carry out blind retrievals of dispensable units using a retrieval strategy with a predetermined sequence of retrieval attempts (e.g., fixed or varying two-dimensional retrieval patterns), which may be open loop or closed loop. Techniques may also include the identification of dispensable units through optical sensors and weight measurement devices that can detect, e.g., a texture, a shape, and a size of dispensable units. Such identification can be used to program retrieval attempts by a retrieval robot and in the formulation of the retrieval pattern. Additionally, networked notification systems for dispensable units can be used for updating rules or schedules related to the dispensable units, or alerting users and remote resources of any potential misuse or hazards of the dispensable units.

Abstract: A dispensing device provides improved security and risk management through the inclusion of a security lock. The security lock may require authentication of a user as a condition for dispensing a dispensable included in a container of the dispensing device. The dispensable may include a consumable unit.

Abstract: A dispensing device is improved through the inclusion of modular components, for example, mechanical interfaces to couple to a container and a base. The modular dispensing device may also include communication systems related to the container and the base. Specifically, the modular dispensing device may receive information such as the contents of the container (e.g., quantity, identity, etc.) and a schedule for dispensing the contents. Using this information, the modular dispensing device may control the dispensing of the contents of the container.

Abstract: A dispensing cartridge may be improved by the inclusion of an actuator and an agitator. Specifically, activation of the actuator may move the agitator within the cartridge to agitate the items and to direct one of the items into a position for dispensing. Concurrently, activation of the actuator may move a cap of the cartridge to align a dispensing hole with the position for dispensing, thereby allowing for the dispensing of a single item.

Abstract: A device includes a desiccant and an enclosure having an interior surrounding the desiccant. The enclosure may include a moisture vapor permeable membrane with a moisture permeability sufficient to pass moisture from outside the enclosure to the desiccant. The device may further include a functional device within the enclosure having processing circuitry to perform at least one function associated with the desiccant.

Abstract: A dispensing cartridge may be improved by the inclusion of an actuator and an agitator. Specifically, activation of the actuator may move the agitator within the cartridge to agitate the items and to direct one of the items into a position for dispensing. Concurrently, activation of the actuator may move a cap of the cartridge to align a dispensing hole with the position for dispensing, thereby allowing for the dispensing of a single item.

Abstract: A system enables dispensing, tracking, storage, processing, analysis, management, fulfillment and/or commerce relating to dispensables, such as consumables. The system may include packages that hold consumables and function either independently or in concert with numerous smart configuration devices, such as tabletop machines or mobile machines, as well as remote servers, databases, and other cloud-based resources. A distributed software layer ties all devices and packages together and adds advanced interactivity, communication, analysis, and self-regulation functionality.

Abstract: A dispensing device provides improved security and risk management through the inclusion of a security lock. The security lock may require authentication of a user as a condition for dispensing a dispensable included in a container of the dispensing device. The dispensable may include a consumable unit.

Abstract: A dispensing device provides improved security and risk management through the inclusion of a security lock. The security lock may require authentication of a user as a condition for dispensing a dispensable included in a container of the dispensing device. The dispensable may include a consumable unit.

Abstract: A dispensing device is improved through the inclusion of modular components, for example, mechanical interfaces to couple to a container and a base. The modular dispensing device may also include communication systems related to the container and the base. Specifically, the modular dispensing device may receive information such as the contents of the container (e.g., quantity, identity, etc.) and a schedule for dispensing the contents. Using this information, the modular dispensing device may control the dispensing of the contents of the container.

Abstract: A dispensing device is improved through the inclusion of modular components, for example, mechanical interfaces to couple to a container and a base. The modular dispensing device may also include communication systems related to the container and the base. Specifically, the modular dispensing device may receive information such as the contents of the container (e.g., quantity, identity, etc.) and a schedule for dispensing the contents. Using this information, the modular dispensing device may control the dispensing of the contents of the container.

Abstract: A device includes a desiccant and an enclosure having an interior surrounding the desiccant. The enclosure may include a moisture vapor permeable membrane with a moisture permeability sufficient to pass moisture from outside the enclosure to the desiccant. The device may further include a functional device within the enclosure having processing circuitry to perform at least one function associated with the desiccant.

Abstract: A system enables dispensing, tracking, storage, processing, analysis, management, fulfillment and/or commerce relating to dispensables, such as consumables. The system may include packages that hold consumables and function either independently or in concert with numerous smart configuration devices, such as table top machines or mobile machines, as well as remote servers, databases, and other cloud-based resources. A distributed software layer ties all devices and packages together and adds advanced interactivity, communication, analysis, and self-regulation functionality.