Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating the provision of goods using automated stores are provided. The automated stores are distributed across a geographical area and are remotely controlled to create an on-line marketplace. Users of the system can access the marketplace using an interactive portal to purchase items. Buyers can create purchase orders for items stocked in the marketplace and collect the items at one or more automated stores. The items are consigned to the buyers in real time at the automated store.

Abstract: This application describes an automated inventory detection, retrieval and delivery system for traditional brick and mortar retail locations. The automated inventory detection, retrieval and delivery system may be retrofitted to existing brick and mortar retail locations to enable contactless ordering and retrieval of items.

Abstract: Disclosed is a blister pack smart dispensing package that has an overlay with conductors located over blister pack pockets that are broken when a user retrieves a solid medication, such as a pill, from the blister pack. The date and time that the user retrieved the solid medication from the smart pack is recorded by an electronics and communications package on the smart pack. A local communications device then receives this adherence data and transmits this data to a server, which generates a data structure containing adherence data. A blister pack overlay can be used which changes colors to indicate that the medication is about to expire, or has expired.

Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating the provision of goods using automated stores are provided. The automated stores are distributed across a geographical area and are remotely controlled to create an on-line marketplace. Users of the system can access the marketplace using an interactive portal to purchase items. Buyers can create purchase orders for items stocked in the marketplace and collect the items at one or more automated stores. The items are consigned to the buyers in real time at the automated store.

Abstract: An automated store includes a modular shelving structure and an autonomous robotic apparatus that operates to transfer items to and from the shelving structure.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods provide an automated store with a number of product locations and a fetch and delivery bucket that conveys product from a shelf location to a delivery location. Cameras and sensors within the automated store acquire data that may be stored in a remote database and analyzed to improve the reliability of the delivery process. Camera images may also be used to re-position the fetch and delivery bucket in real time, to provide images of actual, available product to consumers via a remote interface, to determine inventory, and to monitor the activities of replenishers and service personnel, and to generally operate the automated store remotely.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses provide a vending machine with a dispenser the moves product from a shelf to a conveyor bucket. The dispenser includes an elongate divider with a drive gear at its bucket end. A drive gear from the bucket engages the dispenser drive gear causing a linear positioner to move a carriage along the elongate divider and toward the bucket. The movement causes product on the shelf, and between the carriage and the bucket, to be forced into the bucket.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods provide an automated store with a number of product locations and a fetch and delivery bucket that conveys product from a shelf location to a delivery location. Cameras and sensors within the automated store acquire data that may be stored in a remote database and analyzed to improve the reliability of the delivery process. Camera images may also be used to re-position the fetch and delivery bucket in real time, to provide images of actual, available product to consumers via a remote interface, to determine inventory, and to monitor the activities of replenishers and service personnel, and to generally operate the automated store remotely.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods provide an automated store with a number of product locations and a fetch and delivery bucket that conveys product from a shelf location to a delivery location. Cameras and sensors within the automated store acquire data that may be stored in a remote database and analyzed to improve the reliability of the delivery process. Camera images may also be used to re-position the fetch and delivery bucket in real time, to provide images of actual, available product to consumers via a remote interface, to determine inventory, and to monitor the activities of replenishers and service personnel, and to generally operate the automated store remotely.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses provide a vending machine with a positioning system connected to a dispensing chassis. The dispensing chassis includes a retractable partition. The positioning system moves the dispensing chassis to receive product from a shelf of the vending machine and closes the retractable partition. The positioning system moves the dispending chassis and product to a dispensing position. A dispensing door is raised allowing a user to remove the product. With the door raised the retractable partition and chassis prevent unauthorized user access to other products within the vending machine.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses provide a vending machine with a dispenser the moves product from a shelf to a conveyor bucket. The dispenser includes an elongate divider with a drive gear at its bucket end. A drive gear from the bucket engages the dispenser drive gear causing a linear positioner to move a carriage along the elongate divider and toward the bucket. The movement causes product on the shelf, and between the carriage and the bucket, to be forced into the bucket.