Abstract: A medication dispensing system includes an automated dispensing device that includes cells with electronically activated locks. The device is configured to detect when medication counts in the cells fall below predetermined thresholds. The system further includes a plurality of first electronic devices that are associated with some of the cells and that have imagers. In response to any of the medication counts in the cells being below the predetermined threshold, the automated dispensing device is configured to automatically send a replenishment needed notification to the first electronic device associated with the cell. That first electronic device is configured to transmit a picture of a medication to a second electronic device. In response to a positive verification by a user of the second electronic device that the medication in the picture is the correct medication, the second electronic device is configured to transmit an unlock signal to the automated dispensing device.

Abstract: A dynamic vending system includes a vending manager and a delivery vehicle. The vending manager is configured to receive and evaluate a plurality of dynamic conditions from the delivery vehicle and to provide instructions including a planned route to the delivery vehicle based on the dynamic conditions. The delivery vehicle includes a plurality of products available for sale, and is configured to execute the instructions including the planned route. The delivery vehicle is further configured to receive requests from consumers to stop along the planned route and to execute a transaction with the consumer for one of the products available for sale. The transaction includes the selection of one of the products available for sale, receipt of payment for the product, and dispensing the selected product to the consumer.

Abstract: A medication dispensing cabinet includes one or more lockable compartments, each containing medication, and a biometric input device at least partially disposed within and recessed below a surface of a medication dispensing cabinet. A compartment containing the medication is unlocked when an authorized biometric input is received by the biometric input device. The medication dispensing cabinet may verify that the user attempting access to the medication is authorized to dispense the medication before unlocking the compartment.

Abstract: The medication container includes a receptacle and a cap. The cap includes a gate that can be selectively opened to enable access to medications in the receptacle and closed to restrict access to medications in the receptacle. The gate has a locking mechanism that only unlocks to allow the gate to open from the closed position in response to an application of a downward force on a portion of the gate to resiliently deflect a portion of the gate. The cap further includes electronic components that are configured to monitor movement of medications through the cap and into and out of the receptacle, the electronic components including a memory that is configured to store data pertaining to such passages of medications.

Abstract: A cosmetic dispenser includes a communication unit, a control unit for acquiring at least one of user information and environment information through the communication unit and acquiring a cosmetic dispensing method based on at least one of the user information and the environment information, and a cosmetic dispensing unit having a plurality of cartridges for containing cosmetics and a discharge unit for discharging the cosmetics contained in the plurality of cartridges. The control unit receives input information in which an amount of cosmetics to be provided is selected by either a number of times of use or a period of use. The cosmetic dispensing unit dispenses each of the cosmetics contained in the plurality of cartridges in an amount corresponding to the number of times of use or the period of use selected according to the input information.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for distributing capsules with axial symmetry and irregular shape, including: a container apt to receive in bulk a plurality of capsules; an ordering assembly placed inside the container, apt to arrange the capsules vertically; an orientating assembly, apt to receive the capsules from the ordering assembly and to orientate them in a predetermined direction; and a conveying assembly apt to receive the capsules from the orientating assembly and to convey them towards a distribution outlet in a predetermined orientation.

Abstract: Approaches are described for storing, managing, and dispensing products from automated multi-user kiosks. For example, a multi-user kiosk may include interface sides alternating with non-interface panels including at least one storage door for loading products. Products are stored in a shared storage within the kiosk. The shared storage may be a plurality of carousels stacked as a single column Each carousel can rotate independently of each other. Users are verified and authorized prior to purchasing products or accessing storage for loading products. A first carousel containing a first product may be rotated in a first direction to dispense the first product to a first user at a first side of the kiosk at substantially a same time as a second carousel containing a second product rotates in a second direction to dispense the second product to a second user at a second side of the kiosk.

Abstract: Systems and methods for use with one or more beverage dispensing systems are provided. A system execution program is stored on a memory device. A database stores data records related to a plurality of users of the system and recipe records related to a plurality of beverages. A server includes a processor programmed to execute the system execution program to establish a creation engine and a licensing engine. The creation engine is programmed to allow a mixologist to create and/or edit a beverage recipe and store/update the beverage recipe in the database in one of the recipe records. The dispensing system is configured to dispense a beverage as a function of the beverage recipe. The licensing engine provides a commission to the mixologist in response to the dispensing system dispensing the beverage as a function of the beverage recipe stored in the one of the recipe records.

Abstract: A system and method for dispensing sporting equipment sticks is provided. Embodiments have a controller generating a release signal in response to completing a purchase of a selected sporting equipment stick that is secured within the sporting equipment stick vending machine; a plurality of securing latches each defining a lockable compartment that receives a portion of a shaft of a sporting equipment stick, and wherein each one of the plurality of securing latches open to release its respective sporting equipment stick in response to the release signal received from the controller; and a stick guide system with a plurality of restraining apertures that are configured to receive a portion of a handle of the sporting equipment stick, wherein a size of reach restraining aperture is sized to receive a proximal end of the sporting equipment stick. The securing latch and corresponding restraining aperture cooperatively secure the sporting equipment stick.

Abstract: A system for automatic filling of medication organizers comprises i) a storage unit for medication containers that is accessible from a first side thereof ii) a plurality of medication organizer filling units, each having a temporary storage rack that is accessible from a side of the medication filling units that faces the storage unit, and iii) a container handling system that is positioned between the storage unit and the temporary storage racks and that is movable between the storage unit and each of the temporary storage racks for transferring selected medication containers therebetween. The system allows minimizing idle times by moving medication containers between the storage unit and temporary storage racks simultaneously to the filling process.

Abstract: A portable, versatile pill dispensing system can be used in a variety of settings and for a variety of pill dispensing regimens. Such systems and methods can be configured for intuitive filling or refilling, early or flexible dispensing, remote monitoring software to verify user compliance with a predetermined medication regimen, and features designed to improve compliance while traveling.

Abstract: Method for merging, within a logistical warehouse, k incoming flows of payloads, transported respectively by k FIFO conveyor lanes ?i with i?{1, . . . , k} into one outgoing flow of payloads transported by a collector conveyor. The k lanes are distributed along the collector and numbered a1 to ak. ?i is a time-related distance between the lanes ai and ak. A control system obtains a set L having n payloads distributed on the k lanes and having to be injected into the collector to form an exit sequence; computes a date t0 at which the first payload ?1 of the exit sequence ? passes in front of the lane ak; and computes n dates of injection of the n payloads into the collector, as a function of t0; and commands the collector and the k alleys, for an injection of the n payloads into the collector in compliance with the injection dates.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a system comprising a drug dispenser; a user interface to receive a user information; a bio-feedback monitoring device to monitor at least one vital of a user as an input to the bio-feedback monitoring device; a communication module; a processor; a database; a memory; wherein the processor is communicatively coupled with the memory; and wherein the processor is configured to: receive a prescription; dispense a drug through the drug dispenser on authenticating the user information with at least one vital of the user and the prescription; update an inventory of the drug through the communication module; log record of dispensing of the drug; maintain a ledger of the record of dispensing of the drug, use blockchain technology. The output of the bio-feedback monitoring device controls a quantity of drug dispensed from the drug dispenser.

Abstract: A vending machine for dispensing both soft-serve ice cream and frozen ice-cream-based beverages to consumers. The machine includes a power management system having a controller, a master relay for controlling power supplied to a first component, slave relays for controlling power supplied to second and third components, and a current sensor for sensing a current draw of the machine. The machine also includes a flavoring plate for providing flavoring to a dispensed ice cream product. The plate includes an orifice for extruding the product, a channel extending around the orifice, two or more ports in fluid communication with the channel, and one or more gates in communication with the channel and the orifice. Each of two or more ports is configured to introduce one of a flavoring fluid or a cleaning fluid to the channel.

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: A system for dispensing a beverage into a cup. Dispensing hardware is configured to dispense the beverage into the cup. A vision system captures an image of the cup within a dispensing area of the system. A model contains data corresponding to the cup being full. A control system compares the image of the cup to the model and controls the dispensing hardware to dispense the beverage into the cup based on the comparison of the image of the cup to the model.

Abstract: A transport system includes a track, transport vehicles, an area controller, buffers, and a host controller. The area controller, when a number of the transport vehicles present within a control area is a predetermined number and when receiving a first transport command to convey an article from a transfer port to a transport destination outside the control area from the host controller, stores the first transport command and transmits a report that the first transport command is not able to be assigned to the transport vehicle to the host controller. The host controller, when receiving the report, when the buffer is present, transmits a command to delete the stored first transport command to the area controller, generates a second transport command to convey the article from the transfer port to the buffer, and transmits the second transport command to the area controller.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for substance dependence cessation management are described. The system involves an electronic mobile device, a communication network and a substance packet holder adapted with a substance packet dispenser, the substance packet holder connected to the electronic mobile device through the communication network. The system being capable of collecting user related information of a user for activating for an algorithm on the electronic mobile device based on the user related information, defining a plan for the cessation of substance dependence and capable of controlling a dispensing of a substance packet from the substance packet dispenser for the user.

Abstract: A liquid product distribution network includes a keg distribution monitoring and reporting apparatus associated with a keg. The apparatus includes a radio transmitter device and sensing circuitry for sensing and communicating physical properties associating with the keg. A top or bottom chime of keg physically protects the sensing circuitry during keg distribution in the keg distribution network. The apparatus also includes a battery power supply unit fitted within and protected by the top or bottom chime. The apparatus further includes a unique identifier associated with the sensing and reporting device.

Abstract: A method of monitoring medication regimen with portable apparatus installed with a blister monitoring software for collecting patient compliance data, including one or multiple blister packages, a unique identification code disposed on each package. An embodiment of the invention includes steps of: logging patient into blister monitoring software with personal credential; capturing image of blister package using portable apparatus; analyzing image of blister package and obtaining unique identification code of package; crosschecking patient identity with package identification code to prevent false medication; automatically recording medication time and remaining tablets or capsules inside blister package. The method of the invention prevents false medication and enables doctors and nurses to remotely track patient's progress in real-time, thus increasing medication compliance.