Abstract: A dispensing system for dispensing items. The system includes a base that has first and second compartments. The base can rotate about an axis. An item can be stored in one of the first and second compartments. The system also includes a cover that covers the base, the first compartment, and the second compartment. Furthermore, the cover has an opening. The system also includes a handle that is coupled to the cover. The handle can be used to actuate the cover to rotate about the axis to align the opening with one of the first and second compartments. The system also includes an ejector that ejects the item from the compartment when the handle aligns the ejector with the opening.

Abstract: Products are dispensed from a dispensing apparatus in which products marked with transaction information are received in a chain of bins. In response to control information synthesized from transaction information on the products in the bins and a dispense request, the chain is moved to place a bin at a dispensing station on the dispensing apparatus. At the dispensing station, a mechanism is operated in response to the control information to provide access to the bin. A product in the bin may then be retrieved.

Abstract: A cabinet having a plurality of drawers, each drawer having at least one compartment. The cabinet includes a computer and a panel pivotally coupled to one of the drawers. The panel is disposed in a covering relationship with the compartments within the drawer and includes at least one opening. The opening corresponds with the compartment. A cover is pivotally connected to the panel and covers the opening. A locking mechanism is interconnected with the drawer and the cover. The locking mechanism receives a signal from the computer to position it in one of a locked and unlocked position.

Abstract: The invention provides an exemplary method for restocking pharmaceutical or medical supply items into a dispensing unit having a processor, with at least some of the pharmaceutical or medical supply items being held in removable liners having a plurality of receptacles. According to the method, a request is entered into the processor to restock pharmaceutical or medical supply items. One of the liners is then removed from the dispensing unit and is replaced with a replacement liner having a new inventory of pharmaceutical or medical supply items. Information identifying the replacement liner is also entered into the processor.

Abstract: A method of monitoring inventory within a dispensing cabinet. The method includes using an electronic inventory sensor to determine whether an item is removed, electronically reporting from the inventory sensor to a remote inventory data center that an item is removed, the inventory data center being accessible over a secured internet connection, and sending an electronic order from the inventory data center to a remote vendor to replace the removed item.

Abstract: A method of monitoring inventory within a dispensing cabinet. The method includes using different treatment of allocation codes, web-based special ordering, considered consumed check in check out function, find item function for searching different locations, defective item return function, market research function, quota function, and consignment function.

Abstract: A method and system of dispensing items in a controlled manner from cabinets or similar enclosures, re-ordering the dispensed articles or items, and providing inventory and other information about the items and users in the system. The invention utilizes a distributed network and permits users to browse and search for any item across multiple enclosures from any location. The method and system can track inventory, generate administrative reports, and independently initiate orders based on aggregate inventory levels of multiple enclosures to gain the benefit of volume discounts, minimize deliveries, maximize availability of items, or generate individual orders based on specific enclosures to maintain just-in-time inventory levels. The method and system also track the removal and stocking of items through unique identification strings, so that individual access, use, and theft of items can be monitored.

Abstract: A method and system of dispensing items in a controlled manner from cabinets or similar enclosures, re-ordering the dispensed articles or items, and providing inventory and other information about the items and users in the system. The invention utilizes a distributed network and permits users to browse and search for any item across multiple enclosures from any location. The method and system can track inventory, generate administrative reports, and independently initiate orders based on aggregate inventory levels of multiple enclosures to gain the benefit of volume discounts, minimize deliveries, maximize availability of items, or generate individual orders based on specific enclosures to maintain just-in-time inventory levels. The method and system also track the removal and stocking of items through unique identification strings, so that individual access, use, and theft of items can be monitored.

Abstract: The invention provides an exemplary method for restocking pharmaceutical or medical supply items into a dispensing unit having a processor, with at least some of the pharmaceutical or medical supply items being held in removable liners having a plurality of receptacles. According to the method, a request is entered into the processor to restock pharmaceutical or medical supply items. One of the liners is then removed from the dispensing unit and is replaced with a replacement liner having a new inventory of pharmaceutical or medical supply items. Information identifying the replacement liner is also entered into the processor.

Abstract: A drawer operating system for controlling a plurality of elongated drawers having a sliding direction, each drawer terminated by a front end and a rear end and partitioned by walls into a plurality of bins consecutive with one another along the sliding direction for holding various dispensable items, the drawers housed in an array in a cabinet, each drawer arranged to move independently between a closed position and graduated, progressively opened positions to allow access to one or more bins and the contents stored therein, the system for each drawer including a monitor for tracking the length of opening of the drawer on its immediately preceding excursion, a drive train responsive to the monitor for controlling the drawer from a fully closed and locked position to an open position exposing an item-filled bin flexible, non-stretchable first device for interconnecting the drawer and the drive train to control the increment of bin exposed in the drawer, and the second control device, including a keyboard for i

Abstract: A drawer operating system for controlling a drawer having a sliding direction, the drawer defined by a front end and a rear end and partitioned by walls into a plurality of bins consecutive with one another along the sliding direction for holding various dispensable items, the drawer housed in a cabinet and arranged to move between a closed position and graduated, progressively open positions to allow access to one or more bins and the contents stored therein, the system including a linear encoder for monitoring the position and direction of movement of the drawer, including the length of opening the drawer on its preceding excursion, and for producing a plurality of electronic signals specific to the position and movement of the drawer, a drawer stop device arranged between the drawer and the cabinet, a controller for receipt of the electronic signals, and an electric solenoid, including a spring-loaded plunger slidingly mounted therein, for activation by the controller, after the beginning of the drawer-ope

Abstract: The invention provides an exemplary dispensing unit which includes a cabinet having a plurality of drawers. A plurality of light sources are attached to a bottom of each of the drawers. A liner is removably held within each of the drawers above the light sources. Further, a plurality of adjustable dividers are provided to divide the liner into a plurality of bins for holding items. A processor having a memory for storing a list of items which are held within the bins and an entry device for entering a request for item removal is further provided. A plurality of light indicators are operably attached to the dividers and are arranged such that each light indicator is aligned with a corresponding light source.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for controlled dispensing of pharmaceutical and medical supplies which includes a cabinet having a plurality of drawers, the drawers each have a plurality of receptacles, with each receptacle sized to hold one item, and having a lid movable between a closed position and an open position. Selectively actuatable locks are provided for releasably maintaining the lid in the closed position, the locks include an electrically responsive actuator wire connected to the locks and causing movement of the locks in response to an electrical current supplied to the electrically responsive actuator wire. A processor is in communication with the selectively actuatable lock and configured to send a signal to the electrically responsive actuator wire to unlock the lid.

Abstract: The invention provides an exemplary method for dispensing medical supply or pharmaceutical items from a dispensing unit which comprises a processor and a cabinet having a plurality of drawers which are lockable within the cabinet by a locking mechanism. The drawers include a plurality of bins for holding the pharmaceutical or medical supply items, with at least some of the bins having lids equipped with a sensor that communicates with the processor to indicate when the lid is lifted. Further, the processor includes a record of the items held within each drawer and which items may be accessed by specific users or user types. According to the method, user identification information is entered into the processor to identify a user that is requesting access to one of the pharmaceutical or medical supply items held in the dispensing unit.

Abstract: A drawer operating system for controlling a drawer having a sliding direction, the drawer defined by a front end and a rear end and partitioned by walls into a plurality of bins consecutive with one another along the sliding direction for holding various dispensable items, the drawer housed in a cabinet and arranged to move between a closed position and graduated, progressively open positions to allow access to one or more bins and the contents stored therein, the system including a linear encoder for monitoring the position and direction of movement of the drawer, including the length of opening the drawer on its preceding excursion, and for producing a plurality of electronic signals specific to the position and movement of the drawer, a drawer stop device arranged between the drawer and the cabinet, a controller for receipt of the electronic signals, and an electric solenoid, including a spring-loaded plunger slidingly mounted therein, for activation by the controller, after the beginning of the drawer-ope

Abstract: A refrigerated, medical dispensing drawer for use in a computerized medicine-dispensing station, the station of the type having a cabinet that houses a plurality of openable drawers in stacked arrangement containing pharmaceutical items in locked storage therein for retrieval following instructions inputted into a computer integrated the station, a drawer including a base plate, spaced-apart side walls, and spaced-apart front and rear walls, all attached together along their respective mating marginal edges to define an interior compartment of a size and shape available for reciprocal movement on a pair of side rails into and out of the cabinet, a tub reposed in the drawer covered by a tub lid hingedly attached to the drawer to form an air-tight chamber interior thereof and moveable with the drawer into and out of the cabinet, a plurality of individual baskets, each formed of fenestrated side walls and a bottom plate joined along their respective mating marginal edges, arranged in the tub with their open tops

Abstract: A self-propelled lift truck comprising a forward carriage assembly, which includes a pair of spaced apart ground engageable wheels and a vertical mast on which is mounted a forwardly projecting fork assembly for lifting and lowering of loads thereon by relative upward and downward movement and a rearward carriage assembly which includes at least one ground engageable wheel and on which is supported a power source for operating components of the lift truck. The forward and rearward carriage assemblies are connected by an articulated support assembly which includes forward, intermediate and rearward transversely spaced apart support members. The foremost ends of the forward support members are pivotally attached to the forward carriage assembly. The rearmost ends of the rearward support members are pivotally attached to the rearward carriage assembly.

Abstract: A wall saw for cutting concrete or similar materials includes a track, mounting brackets to affix the track to a wall, and a movable saw carriage. The saw carriage is mounted to the track by a guide mechanism, which may include a plurality of rollers, mounted to the carriage for pivotal movement between an engaged position, in guiding contact with the track, and a retracted position, out of contact with the track, by movement of a carrying handle of the carriage. In one embodiment, the rollers are mounted for pivotal camming motion and are retracted sufficiently in their retracted positions to permit mounting and dismounting of the carriage relative to the track by movement of the carriage perpendicular to the wall.

Abstract: The surface of a hydraulic cylinder is enclosed with a cylindrical casing. A fluid, preferably a thixotropic dielectric hydrophobic fluid which retains a gel structure when static, has a specific gravity greater than water and inhibits bacteriogenic and aqueous corrosion fills the annular space between the cylinder surface and the casing, preventing water that may be rich in bacteria, from reaching the cylinder surface. A fluid conduit between the annular space and a reservoir is provided and the fluid fills the reservoir to a predetermined level such that water, hydraulic fluid or another fluid in the system may be detected by a rise in the predetermined level. The water or hydraulic fluid can be easily removed as it will float on the top of the fluid in the reservoir.

Abstract: A control valve assembly for an hydraulically operated elevator includes separate control valve units for controlling upwards and downwards movements of the elevator. The up valve unit is connected to a pump output and controls connection of the pump output to the elevator cylinder via a check valve. The up valve unit includes an orifice for connecting the pump output to a reservoir, and a valve member for varying the size of the orifice to control the amount of fluid passed to the reservoir, and thus the amount of fluid supplied to the elevator cylinder. The down valve unit has an inlet for connection to the elevator cylinder, a variable orifice connected to a reservoir, and a valve member for controllably varying the size of the orifice to control the rate of descent of the elevator.