Abstract: In one example, a method includes receiving, over an aircraft data communications bus, a plurality of non-pneumatic inputs corresponding to aircraft operational parameters. The method further includes processing the plurality of non-pneumatic inputs through an artificial intelligence network to generate an air data output value, and outputting the air data output value to a consuming system for use when a pneumatic-based air data output value is determined to be unreliable.

Abstract: A light assembly for an aircraft evacuation system may comprise a first casing including a weighted portion. A light source may be disposed within the first casing. A second casing may be coupled to the first casing by a bearing. The first casing may be configured to rotate with respect to the second casing about an axis. A center of mass of the first casing may be offset from the axis.

Abstract: A device for moving aircraft along the ground includes at least one runway and at least one aircraft. The aircraft is secured to a tractor element having a magnetic mass formed mainly of type II superconductor material and the runway includes stator coils arranged in the runway with at least one line of coils parallel to an axis of the runway. A command/control system supplies power to the stator coils to generate a magnetic field that levitates the tractor element, magnetized beforehand into a phase II superconducting state, above the runway.

Abstract: Passageway including a section that is extendable and retractable, the section including a frame, slide track assemblies, and scissor bar assembly. The frame has upright members. The slide track assemblies are disposed proximately to respective upright members. Each of the slide track assemblies includes a slide track and slide block. The slide track has a cavity and channel. The slide block is configured to ascend, descend, and rotate within the cavity. The slide block includes a guide block that extends from the slide block at least partially through the channel. The scissor bar assembly is secured to the upright members and slide track assemblies such that the upright members are enabled to extend and retract with respect to each other along at least one arcuate path, wherein the guide block limits rotation of the slide block within the slide track to rotation of the guide block within the channel.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for determining orbital parameters for spacecraft are provided. A computing device can receive a first plurality of orbital parameters defining a first orbit by a first spacecraft of a particular object. The first orbit can have a corresponding first ground track over the particular object. The computing device can receive a following time for a second spacecraft. The computing device can determine a second plurality of orbital parameters for a second orbit by the second spacecraft of the particular object based on the first plurality of orbital parameters and the following time. The second orbit can have a corresponding second ground track over the particular object that follows the first ground track. The computing device can generate an output that includes the second plurality of orbital parameters.

Abstract: A can, and device and method for producing same, includes two circular end elements forming a base and lid. The can further includes a sleeve which has fold lines forming edges, the can sleeve having a circular cross-sectional area at both ends and a polygonal-sectional area in its central region. The polygonal cross-sectional area in the central region is at most decagonal.

Abstract: Therapeutic jewelry is provided that can provide a therapeutic heating or cooling effect to a user. The therapeutic jewelry includes a thread, a first therapeutic container portion, a second therapeutic container portion, and a cap. The first therapeutic container portion defines a first internal cavity, includes a receiving member extending across, and has a hollow interior open at opposite sides of the first therapeutic portion to receive the thread there through. The second therapeutic container portion defines a second internal cavity and is connectable to the first container portion forming a jewelry element body such that the first and second internal cavities cooperatively form an interior fluid cavity. At least one of the first or second container portions define a filling aperture open to the interior fluid cavity of the jewelry element body, enabling filling the interior fluid cavity.

Abstract: A method and a system for setting corner protectors on a load. In operation of one embodiment, an actuator retrieves a two corner protectors from a corner protector storage and provides the corner protectors to a corner protector transferring and setting system. The corner protector transferring and setting system transfers the corner protectors to a side of the load furthest from the actuator and sets the corner protectors against the two adjacent vertically extending corners of that side of the load. The actuator retrieves another two corner protectors from the corner protector storage and sets the two corner protectors against the two vertically extending corners of a side of the load closest to the actuator. A wrapping machine then wraps a film around the corner protectors and the load, thereby securing the corner protectors in place.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a mobile strapping device for strapping packaged products using a loop of wrapping strap. The strapping device includes a tensioning device for applying tension to the strap and a connecting device for connecting two overlapping portions of the strap. The tensioning device includes a rotatable tensioning wheel and a tensioning plate. The tensioning wheel is supported by a rocker that is pivotable to change a distance separating the tensioning wheel and the tensioning plate. The mobile strapping device includes a motor that is operably connectable to the rocker or the tensioning wheel such that the motor causes pivoting of the rocker or rotation of the tensioning wheel when operating in a first direction of rotation. In various embodiments, gearing, including a plurality of planetary gear sets, is used to operatively connect the motor to the rocker and the tensioning wheel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pouch and a method for making the same. In the inventive method, which is adapted to produce pouches having a limited amount of fusible material, a heat-sealable cord is arranged on a web forming confronting side surface of each pouch. Those confronting side surfaces are fused by heating the heat-sealable cord. The present invention furthermore provides a pouch, in particular containing a brewable or extractable commodity such as tea, with a pocket defined between confronting side surfaces of a web. The pouch of the present invention can have a limited amount of fusible material as the confronting side surfaces are joined by solidified melt of a heat-sealable cord arranged in vicinity of at least one edge of the pouch.

Abstract: A wrapping apparatus and method utilize a corner geometry-based wrap control that controls the rate at which packaging material is dispensed at least in part based on the geometrical relationship between one or more corners of a load and a packaging material dispenser.

Abstract: A bottle extends along a longitudinal axis and includes an insulative body extending axially between a base and a neck of the bottle. The body includes radially outwardly facing first surfaces spaced axially apart from one another, and a radially outwardly facing second surface radially smaller than, and located axially between, the first surfaces. The body also includes a plurality of projections projecting from the second surface and collectively establishing a radially outwardly facing third surface radially larger than the second surface, and parting line bridges projecting radially outwardly from the second surface, diametrically opposed to one another, and extending axially between the first surfaces. A label is carried by the body over at least a portion of the third surface, wherein a continuous insulation volume is established between the label and the second surface, and extends continuously over more than 90 angular degrees around the bottle.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a liquid is disclosed. The dispenser comprises an outlet for dispensing a liquid, a reservoir for liquid, and a closure configured to engage with the dispenser and movable between a closed position in which the outlet is enclosed and an open position in which the outlet is not enclosed. The dispenser further comprises an arrangement for controlling liquid communication between the reservoir and the outlet, the arrangement and reservoir movable with respect to each other between a first configuration in which the reservoir is not in liquid communication with the outlet and a second configuration in which the reservoir is in liquid communication with the outlet. By requiring a second movement after removal of the closure accidental access or dispensing of the contents may be avoided or reduced.

Abstract: The invention provides a stabilized load tray for supporting a load stack, the stabilized load tray comprising: a horizontal floor; vertical side walls connected to the floor; a top connected to the side walls; and a deployable lip connected to the top, wherein the deployable lip can be folded from a substantially horizontal position to a substantially vertical position adjacent the load stack.

Abstract: The invention provides a container (2) comprising a base (4) for storing and displaying one or more items (42), and a cover (22), wherein the container (2) is configurable between a closed position in which the base (4) is covered by the cover (22) and an open position in which at least one item is (42) visible and removable from the base (4), in use, and wherein at least one of the cover (22) and the base (4) comprises an attachment point or area on a surface thereof, for connecting a base (4) or cover (22) of a second container (2) to the cover (22) or base (4), in use.

Abstract: A wraparound case comprises: a case main body including a top face panel and a bottom face panel that face each other, a front face panel and a back face panel that face each other, a pair of side face panels that face each other, and an insertion flap that extends out from the top face panel and overlaps with the front face panel; a hinge section that is formed between the top face panel and the back face panel; a slit that is formed along a ridgeline between the top face panel and each of the pair of side face panels; and tear sections that couple a front face panel side and a back face panel side of the top face panel with the pair of side face panels, and that are torn when the top face panel is opened.

Abstract: A cargo organizer includes a base, a storage compartment supported by the base and a deployment system for the storage compartment. The storage compartment includes a plurality of wall panels each having a hinged connection with the base and pivotable about its hinged connection between a stowed orientation and an upright orientation. The storage compartment is selectively deployable between a collapsed condition and an open condition. In the collapsed condition, each wall panel is lowered to its stowed orientation while, in the open condition, each wall panel is raised to its upright orientation. In the collapsed condition, the wall panels include an underlying wall panel and two adjacent overlying wall panels in spaced opposition about the underlying wall panel. The deployment system includes a strap system that connects an inboard portion of the underlying wall panel to respective outboard portions of the two adjacent overlying wall panels.

Abstract: A configurable shock pallet accommodates different types of rack-mounted information handling systems (IHSes) having different weight profiles. A bottom structure has a pair of parallel apertures to receive forklift tines. A top deck receives a rack-mounted IHS of a selected weight profile for shipping. A horizontal array of pad locations is designated between the bottom structure and the top deck. Dampening inserts are assigned to respective pad locations of the horizontal array from dampening inserts of different densities. Attaching components secure the top deck to the bottom structure, separated by the dampening inserts to provide appropriate shock protection for the weight and weight distribution of the IHS. A shock pallet configuring system can receive a weight profile and indicate on an output interface the assigned pad configuration to manually or automatically assemble the configured shock pallet.

Abstract: A system and a method for automatically packaging item(s) are disclosed, as well as associated packages. The method includes generally four steps. First, an outer tray containing one or more item(s) is received. Second, an inner tray is placed in the outer tray over the one or more item(s), and the inner tray includes a plurality of preformed columnar compartments. Third, the inner tray and the outer tray are sealed to form at least a partial vacuum between an exterior surface of the inner tray and an interior surface of the outer tray. The item(s) are firmly secured in the at least partial vacuum such that the item(s) will not shift within the package during shipment. Fourth, a cover is placed over the inner tray to close the plurality of preformed columnar compartments to thereby form a plurality of air compartments, which collectively protect the item(s) from external impact.

Abstract: An apparatus attached or formed on the sidewalls of a standard 5 gallon bucket with diverging sidewalls that enables stacked buckets to be vertically stacked and locked together so the handle on the upper bucket may be used to carry the stack of buckets and allows the individual buckets to be easily separated from the stack. The apparatus comprises a ring body made of elastic material with a center opening configured to fit transversely around the middle or upper region of the bucket. The ring body includes a downward facing circular groove sufficiently configured to receive and engage the upper edge on the bucket. Located inside the groove may be a protruding outer lip that extends inward and engages the upper edge. In another embodiment, a plurality of hooks are integrally formed on the top surface of the ring body that engage a laterally extending reinforcement ring on the bucket.

Abstract: According to certain aspect, the present invention provides a two-bottle package design comprising a first bottle and a second bottle. The second bottle can be frictionally inserted into an opening in the middle of the first bottle during normal storage and separated from the first bottle for mixing before actual application of the stored products. In one embodiment, the package comprises a first bottle to contain a liquid product and the second bottle to contain a concentrate refill of the first product. In another embodiment, the package comprises a first bottle to contain the first product, and a second bottle to contain a second product to be mixed with the first product before actual application of the mixture.

Abstract: A portable gas cylinder is disclosed which includes a gas cylinder including an upper portion having a valve port and an annular mounting collar surrounding the valve port, a handle assembly including a housing having a body portion configured to mate with the upper portion of the gas cylinder, a pair of diametrically opposed gripping handles extending upwardly from the body portion and a central aperture providing access to the valve port, wherein an annular retention channel is formed in an undersurface of the housing, extending about the periphery of the central aperture for receiving the mounting flange of the gas cylinder, and a blocking ring for securing the mounting flange of the gas cylinder within the retention channel of the handle assembly.

Abstract: A package includes a first panel and a second panel, wherein each of the first and second panels defines a right side edge portion, a left side edge portion, a first end portion, and a second end portion. The package includes a pleat that interconnects between the first end portions of the first and second panels. The pleat defines a right side edge portion and a left side edge portion and includes a handle aperture forming a handle. A first seam joins the right side edge portions of the first panel, the second panel, and the pleat and a second seam joins the left side edge portions of the first panel, the second panel, and the pleat. A third seam joins the second end portion of the first panel with the second end portion of the second panel. The first panel, the second panel, and the pleat are integrally formed.

Abstract: A closure for closing a bag and a die head and method for making the closure. The closure includes two closure members having support walls and mating interlocking profiles. The support walls are resilient and have self-retaining forms in vertical section including middle sections curving outwardly away from one another when mounted on a bag. Top portions of the support walls extend outwardly away from one another to form gripping panels when the closure is closed. A die head for forming a closure member includes a body that defines a slot including a support wall segment for forming the support wall of the closure member. The support wall segment includes first and second portions oriented transverse to one another and intersecting at a vertex. To form the closure member, polymer is extruded through the slot and quenched.

Abstract: A draw-cord cinching system includes various element. For example, the system generally includes a tube having a tubular wall forming a through-channel between a first end of the tube and a second end of the tube. The tubular wall includes at least a first portion with a first amount of pliability and a second portion with a second amount of pliability, which is less than the first portion. The first and second portions may be arranged or located such that the when the tube is shortened, such as by pulling a draw cord positioned in the through-channel, the tubular wall folds or bends at the first portion having a higher amount of pliability than the second portion.

Abstract: A method of sealing a peelable lid to a circumferential and inwardly projecting flange formed in a tubular metal can body, where the flange has a sealing surface having a substantially V-shaped profile. The method comprises pressing the peelable lid against the sealing surface of the flange using a punch, an engagement surface of the punch having a generally V-shaped profile such that the apex of the punch presses the peelable lid into the valley of the engagement surface of the flange.

Abstract: A container, that prevents an illegal operation and can be easily identified after being illegally operated, includes a bowl-shaped base and a cover selectively closing the bowl-shaped base, wherein a pre-broken structure is formed on the cover and the cover cannot be smoothly detached from the bowl-shaped base before the pre-broken structure being damaged. For the market, the salesperson easily confirms that the container has been illegally operated and the illegally operated container is replaced in time for providing fresh good to the consumers. For the consumers, the illegally operated containers can be easily confirmed and eliminated through choosing for preventing from buying unsafe or stale goods, particularly foods.

Abstract: A packaging container includes a base section having a U-shaped perimeter wall and a cover section having a cover outer wall, the cover section adapted to cover the base section when in a closed state. The packaging container includes a closure mechanism including an aperture formed within an outer wall segment of the base section and a projection extending inward from the cover outer wall for engaging the outer aperture of the base section. The closure mechanism retains the cover section over the base section and securing the packaging container in a closed position, wherein an obstructive member obstructs movement of the inner wall segment of the base and prevents the projection from being released from the outer aperture. A release tool is provided for being inserted between the cover outer wall and the base outer wall, wherein the release tool is adapted to move the cover outer wall outwardly to release the projection from the outer aperture, thereby opening the packaging container.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a cap for controlling fluid flow from a bottle that includes an opening for dispensing the fluid. The cap includes a first section and a second section. The first section defines an orifice and a plurality of air channels. The opening of the bottle is in flow communication with the orifice and the plurality of air channels. The second section includes a first plurality of rings for securing the opening of the bottle, such that at least one of the air channels and the orifice creates an air-lock to secure the fluid within the bottle.

Abstract: A child resistant packaging container having a closure and release mechanism is provided having a base section and a cover section, with the cover section adapted to cover the base section when in a closed state. The closure and release mechanism includes an inner aperture formed within an inner wall segment of the base section and an outer aperture formed within an outer wall segment of the base section, which is aligned with the inner aperture. A projection extending inwardly from a side wall portion of the cover section is also provided for engaging the outer aperture and the inner aperture of the base section. Thus, the closure and release mechanism retains the cover section over the base section and secures the packaging container in a closed position. The projection is released from the outer aperture by depressing a deformable flange and applying inward pressure to the outer wall, thereby opening the packaging container.

Abstract: A subgrade vault system and method of forming the same is provided. Specifically, a subgrade vault suitable for housing utility and similar equipment is provided, the vault comprising a main body portion, a cap, and a lid that may be selectively secured to prevent or deter unauthorized access to vault contents.

Abstract: A closure includes a base and a lid, the base and lid being joined by a double hinge arrangement so that the lid is movable between a closed position and an open position. The double hinge arrangement includes a first hinge and a second hinge. The lid may be held stably in the open position via tongues or the like, which are provided on or by the lid, base, and/or hinge arrangement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cap for a container. The cap comprises a main body having a top plate and a circular sidewall, wherein one periphery of the circular sidewall connects to the top plate forming a closed end, and the other periphery of the circular sidewall at the opposite side of the closed end forms an opened end; and a ring member located at the opened end of the main body, separated from the main body by a first incision line, and connected to the main body by a plurality of connecting portions, wherein a plurality of second incision lines locate on the main body or the ring member and locate at one side of the plurality of connecting portions. The cap provided by the present invention will, while in its open and/or closed state, continue to be connected to its container.

Abstract: A foldable and flexible carrier which may include a polymeric form that is foldable to provide a carrier having sufficient strength to securely hold and carry items while maintaining position about the items and which can be assembled without fastening hardware.

Abstract: An apparatus is improved to successively make plastic bags each of which includes an end surface provided with a spout, by employing the general feeding way of panel material, to be simple in structure, low in cost, high in speed and to make it possible to successively make the plastic bags two by two. A first folded portion is formed in a first web of panel material 1. An aperture is formed in a second web of panel material 2. A spout is inserted into the aperture, the spout and the second web of panel material 2 being heat sealed with each other. The second web of panel material 2 is guided by a guide device 18 to be folded after being heat sealed so that a second folded portion should be formed in the second web of panel material. The spout is turned over by the second folded portion. The second folded portion and the first folded portion are heat sealed with each other while the second folded portion and the second web of panel material 2 are heat sealed with each other about the spout.

Abstract: An article of packaging, assembly and a method of manufacturing packaging for holding an object securely by a web or extensible portion formed in a single piece foldable member adapted to insert into a container or formed as an overlap panel to the container contiguous pattern. The foldable member has a planar structure with an upper surface and a lower surface. The pattern includes a platform portion, one or more side panel (s), and a web section in a predefined tessellation pattern. The web section is either integral to the pattern, or a separate web section. The web section is aligned to overlie the planar surface and is attached by an attachment portion to secure the web section to said side panels. In operation, the object is held securely in three-dimensions between the web section and the upper surface of the platform portion when the side portions are folded in a direction away from the web section thereby tightening the web section against the object between the web section and the platform portion.

Abstract: A packaging structure for a cooking device is so configured that a packaging material (101) with trays (91, 92) packaged therewith is disposed in a heating chamber (2) with such an inclination that a one-side portion of the packaging material (101) becomes higher than the other-side portion of the packaging material (101). Also, the one-side portion of the packaging material (101) is placed on a one-side-portion side tray holder (16A). Further, a cushioning material (201) is inserted between an upper portion (2e) of the heating chamber (2) and the one-side portion of the packaging material (101), so that the one-side portion of the packaging material (101) is pressed against the one-side-portion side tray holder (16A) while the other-side portion of the packaging material (101) is pressed against the other-side-portion side inner side surface (2c) of the chamber.

Abstract: A sponge for insertion into the open upper end of a mud pan which acts as a plug to prevent the mud in the mud pan from drying out during periods of non-use of the mud pan.

Abstract: An cooler capable of achieving a sufficient temperature gradient between an inside of the cooler and an outside of the cooler such that at least a partial vacuum forms within the cooler may include an enclosure defined by at least one wall and a lid. The lid may form a relatively airtight seal with a wall of the cooler when in a closed position. A vacuum release assembly may be disposed in one of the walls or lid of the cooler, the assembly being capable of reducing a pressure differential between the enclosure and the outside of the cooler.

Abstract: A portable tablet dispensing device is provided for dispensing tablets to an athlete. The dispensing device includes: an elongate magazine body, a tablet follower positioned within the magazine body, the tablet follower being slidable along a vertical length of the magazine body and a spring positioned between the tablet follower and lower end of the magazine body, the spring configured to urge the tablet follower towards the upper end of the magazine body; a dispensing head slidably mounted to the top elongate body and having a tablet pickup shaped to contact a tablet within the cavity of the dispensing head and urge the tablet towards a front of the tablet dispensing device when the tablet pickup moves from the first position to the second extended position.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a remaining-amount reduction member capable of preventing the generation of space whose periphery is closed by pressurized fluid, reducing a final remaining amount of a content to be ejected, stabilizing an ejection amount of the content per unit time, and smoothly ejecting the content to the end. Provided is a remaining-amount reduction member 110 that is attached inside a flexible interior bag 102 arranged inside an aerosol container 100, the remaining-amount reduction member including: an attachment part 120 attached such that the content F is capable of flowing in an inflow port 103 of the interior bag 102; and a guiding part 130 having a plurality of grooved blocks 132, each of which has a guiding groove 131 in a longitudinal direction, connected in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A pod containing one or more beverage ingredients is provided, where the pod comprises a generally rigid outer member (12) with an open top and an outlet opening in the bottom, with an internal filter (16) adjacent a bottom portion of the outer member, one or more beverage ingredients disposed above the filter, and a lid (14) closing the open top. The outer member has an outer peripheral sidewall (20) defining the open top and extending downwardly from the open top toward the bottom portion and inwardly converging toward the outlet opening. The bottom portion of the sidewall defines a plurality of ribs (36) extending inwardly in the interior of the outer member toward the outlet opening. Beverage outlet flow paths are disposed between adjacent ribs and directed toward the outlet opening. The filter is supported above the outlet opening and the beverage outlet flow paths by the ribs.

Abstract: A foldable shipping container is provided. The foldable shipping container has improved locking mechanisms on the inside and outside of the shipping container to improve assembly and disassembly of the container.

Abstract: A cargo carousel system for shipping containers is provided that can include a frame configured to fit within a shipping container and a cargo carousel mechanism in the frame that can move cargo pod platforms, configured for holding cargo pods, in a continuous loop path in the frame. The system can further include two frames side-by-side in the shipping, each frame with its own cargo carousel system.

Abstract: A bridging apparatus which may be used to span the gap. The apparatus may be used to span the gap between a vertically movable storage container and a stationary floor structure when a landing of the storage container is planar to a landing of the stationary floor structure. In this invention, the bridging apparatus comprises a bracket, an overlay plate, a hinge comprising a rod, glides, and a switch, which interact with each other and with the vertically movable storage container and the stationary floor structure. As the storage container ascends, the glide of the overlay plate slides angularly contacts a vertical wall of the stationary floor structure and glides along the wall. When the storage container landing is planar with the stationary floor structure landing, the overlay plate rotates downward to a 90-degree angle, resting in a recess in the stationary floor structure landing, engaging the switch to terminate power to the vertically movable storage container.

Abstract: A versatile container a versatile pipe section comprising a sleeve and a tube inserted into the sleeve, the tube being held in place using a first capping element at a first end, at least one mounting element in a middle portion and a second capping element at a second end. The first and second capping elements are provided with an opening of a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the tube for allowing liquid or gas to flow through the tube. Also, a versatile container comprising a sleeve, at least one liquid or gas holding compartment adapted to be positioned within the sleeve, the at least one compartment being held in place using at least one mounting element. The sleeves are adapted to hold the contents of the tube or the at least one compartment in case of a leak.

Abstract: The invention is a trash compacting device with a handle configured horizontally, so a person can grip the handle with the palm of their hand facing downward to maximize compression force and minimize slippage. The frame supports one or more smite plate receivers that may extends horizontally from the frame to increase the distance between center regions of two smite plates. Each smite plate receiver may extends downward at different heights to ensure that bulky trash, such as boxes, does not impede the downward movement of every smite plates. The frame may houses a telescoping tube to ensure ergonomic operations when a garbage can is less than full. Smite plates of different shapes and sizes may be attached to the smite plate receiver to further ensure more uniform compaction of trash. Smite plates and handle grips are pivotally attached to allow for portable transport and compact storage.

Abstract: A trash bin having parts optimized for partial or full automated assembly. Components are fabricated of materials that are easily manipulated by factory automation equipment as well as those that may be selectively deformed during the assembly or installation process. Elastic or deformable characteristics also facilitate the retention of assembled or installed parts. A barbed element deforms during installation into a received aperture, then returns to a relaxed state in which one or more barbs inhibit the dislocation of the element from the aperture. A post having an aperture for receiving an axle therein is formed of resilient materials such that the post flexes outward under the urging of the axle until the axle is aligned with the aperture, at which point the post resumes a neutral position with the axle engaged in the aperture. Interfaces between components are selected in order to simplify the mechanical mating of components.

Abstract: An article transport facility comprises a plurality of article transport vehicles each of which is configured to travel along a track and to transport an article. Each article transport vehicle includes at least one obstacle detection sensor, each configured to detect an obstacle that exists in at least one detection area defined in a peripheral area of the article transport vehicle. The transport vehicle controller of each article transport vehicle is configured to receive the detection area information from the transport facility controller through wireless communication, and to transmit the received detection area information to at least one of the at least one obstacle detection sensor. Each of the at least one obstacle detection sensor is configured to cause the area information memory to store the transmitted detection area information.

Abstract: A dispensing system, apparatus and associated method for dispensing individually packaged products includes maintaining positive physical control of the individual packages throughout the apparatus and may include different storage and dispensers for products having different frequencies of use as well as buffering of products. The system, apparatus and method described herein may be particularly useful for dispensing pharmaceutical products such as solid medications and nutritional supplements to be taken orally in health care settings, including but not limited to long term care (LTC) and assisted living settings.