Abstract: A multi-function homecare system including a dispensing device having a housing, a display device, a video camera, a speaker, a plurality of compartments, a cover for the plurality of compartments, and a control unit. The control unit of the dispensing device may be operable to issue an alarm and open the cover when a current date and time matches a prescription schedule stored on the control unit. The multi-functional homecare system may further include a controlling device that includes a control unit that is operable to transmit a new prescription schedule to the dispensing device in order to replace a previous prescription schedule.

Abstract: An access controlled storage device may include multiple doors, each having a different lock, to insure safety and security of the contents of the storage device. In one example, the access controlled storage may include a first outer door having a physical lock and a second interior door having an electronic lock. The physical lock and the electronic lock may require different keys. Additionally or alternatively, unlocking the interior door may require unlocking of the first door in an authorized manner. Access and inventory data may be transmitted to or received from remote devices through wireless communication networks.

Abstract: Various exemplary embodiments relate to a medicament storage case including: a case body securable to a wall; a door connected to the body; a sleeve to contain an epinephrine injector; a medicament lock including a hook, wherein the hook is positioned to engage the sleeve when in a first position and is positioned to disengage the sleeve when in a second position; an actuator including a solenoid, wherein the solenoid, upon activation, moves the hook from the first position to the second position; a microphone configured to receive first audio as input; a speaker configured to output second audio; a communication unit configured to provide Internet connectivity; a button; and a processor configured to: in response to pressing the button: establish communication between the local user and a remote site, receive an unlock message, and in response to receiving the unlock message, activate the solenoid to release of the sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for presenting at least one item of media to a user from a media recycler module. The media recycler module may be included in a Self-Service Terminal (SST). The media recycler module comprises a pocket interface for presenting media items to a user, and a moveable member operable to move media items located within the pocket interface towards an opening of the pocket interface, thereby enabling a user to retrieve the media items within the pocket interface.

Abstract: Described is a needle assembly reuse prevention mechanism comprising a barrier movable between a retracted position and an extended position, a spring coupled to the barrier, a pin formed on the barrier, and a slot receiving the pin. When in the extended position, the barrier substantially covers an opening of a needle assembly storage compartment. The spring forces the barrier in a first direction. The slot has at least one abutment face for abutting the pin and preventing movement of the barrier in the first direction.

Abstract: A container and dispensing system is provided that includes a tamper resistant and sealable container with a child resistant latching mechanism. The container includes at least one hopper for storing a controlled substance or sensitive material, and includes a container unit locking lid with a locking mechanism that may be opened through manual manipulation or through the use of a key. In at least one embodiment, the locking mechanism is a flat spring locking device. A designated person, in the event of a pill container, a pharmacist, may control an optionally required key for removing the lid during refill operations. For other sensitive materials where tampering or unauthorized access is desired, such as a feed hopper, the owner of the container may retain control of the optional key.

Abstract: An article dispensing apparatus includes a carousel and a dispensing face including a dispensing orifice through which the articles are dispensed. The carousel includes plural holding sections for holding the articles to be dispensed and is rotationally movable. A controller controls an actuating unit to apply a force to the carousel to cause the carousel to move rotationally relative to the dispensing face when an instruction to dispense an article is received. When the carousel is moved relatively to the dispensing face so that one of its holding sections having an article therein is aligned with the dispensing orifice, the article is allowed to be dispensed through the dispensing orifice. A detector can detect when an article is within one of the holding sections aligned with the dispensing orifice and when the article is no longer within the one of the holding sections aligned with the dispensing orifice.

Abstract: A smart medicine container is provided to secure accesses to a bulk supply of pills stored therein and pills dispensed therein. The medicine container comprises a control unit, a memory, a communication interface unit, a pill-supply housing configured to store a bulk supply of pills, a pill-supply locking means configured to lock access to the pill-supply housing, a dispensing assembly configured to dispense pills from among the bulk supply of pills, and a dispensed-pill housing configured to receive and store dispensed pills, a dispensed-pill locking means configured to lock access to the dispensed-pill housing. The control unit is programmed to irreversibly cause the pill-supply locking means to lock access to the pill-supply housing and irreversibly cause the dispensed-pill locking means to lock access to the dispensed-pill housing when receiving information indicating that the bulk supply of pills should permanently discontinue to be taken by a patient.

Abstract: Embodiments generally relate to a central monitoring system for a dispensing device in a healthcare network. In one embodiment, the central monitoring system includes one or more accessing devices configured to transmit a unique identity tag to the dispensing device, and one or more computing devices configured to receive an identity tag from one or more accessing devices. The computing device is further configured to receive a time stamp and create a report of the time of access of the dispensing device by the one or more accessing devices. In another embodiment, the central monitoring system is configured to transmit a real-time notification based on device data analyzed by the computing device.

Abstract: Item-management systems, apparatus, and methods are described, preferably for management of items such as medicaments. In a method embodiment, a method of hand-loading a container with at least one type of medicament is provided. A portable container having plural cells for holding medicament-type items is gotten and is docked at a docking station. Visible information, preferably viewable on the docked container, indicates the cell into which each medicament is to be hand-loaded. The visible information assists a user to hand-load a medicament into the correct cell. The docked container is removed from the docking station after the cells have been loaded with the medicaments.

Abstract: A device and method for monitoring the removal or consumption of fluid from a container. The device has a housing with an attachment means on one side for affixing the device to a fluid container and a plurality of electrical components environmentally protected within the housing. The electrical components include a display screen having a length about the height of the container, a keypad, a timer and a processor. All of the electrical components are powered by and connected to a power source. The processor contains computer instructions that when activated indicate on the display screen the level of fluid that should have been removed or consumed based on the time since activation. This provides the user with information for monitoring fluid consumption.

Abstract: Systems and methods secure, store and/or dispense one or more retail items, and have at least one shelf and at least one product holder having a front portion, a back portion, a pusher paddle, at least one product stop ramp, and a level actuator. The systems and methods have a hinged front panel hinged, a blocker panel locatable in an engaged position or in an unengaged position, and at least one linkage connecting the front panel and the blocker panel, wherein the at least one portion of the level actuator is movable within the opening formed in the front panel to lift the associated forks above the stop ramp of the at least one product holder.

Abstract: There is provided a cartridge for a medication dispensing apparatus having a roll-rotating drum, the cartridge including a cartridge case having an open outlet formed on a bottom thereof so as to dispense medication; a drum installed inside of the cartridge case so as to selectively open and/or close the outlet; and a cartridge base having the cartridge case installed thereto, wherein projections projected downward and grooves recessed upward are formed on a bottom of the drum, alternatively, and a concave-convex part having protruding portion protruding upward are formed on a bottom surface of the cartridge case at intervals.

Abstract: In order to monitor the administration of medicament portions Ta in a reliable and simple manner, the invention provides a display device for a dispenser for medicament portions Ta, it being necessary to administer the medicament portions at regularly recurring reference administration times, and the display device comprising a display 1 and an electronic actuation means for the display, characterized in that the display comprises a first visualization means 30, 40 for displaying a first period of time between a first reference administration time and the current time, and the first reference administration time being distinguished in that the medicament portion has not been taken by the first reference administration time.

Abstract: A medication adherence and container system for informing a patient when it is time to and not to take medication; for storing medicine information sheets with the medicine containers; and holding the medicine containers in arranged clusters, having containers and caps which interact between each other as switches with the electrical circuits provided. The electrical circuits have a timing device which can be set for a predetermined elapsed time and provides a continuous signal, such as a colored light, during the running of said predetermined time to indicate “not to take medication” and then provides a different signal, such as a different colored light, when the predetermined time has lapsed to indicate “take medication” and continues that signal until being reset upon breaking the electrical circuit between cap and container and restarting the timing device on closing the circuit between cap and container for measuring another predetermined elapsed time.

Abstract: A medicine dispensing device includes a shell-like base unit, a shell-like cassette with a number of compartments for storage of medicines which is rotatable relative to the base unit, a unit for rotating the cassette relative to the base unit at predetermined times, a lid firmly connected to the base unit, and an aperture situated in the lid in such a way as to be movable to become central to any desired compartment of the cassette when the cassette is rotated relative to the base unit and the lid. A hatch is provided close to the aperture and can assume a position in which the aperture is closed and a position in which the aperture is exposed. The hatch is pivotable relative to a pivot axis. The hatch has a rear edge which has an extent in the circumferential direction of the device.

Abstract: A medicine station or stand-alone alert device has a processor having access to memory, wherein the memory stores a control module, and the processor is configured to execute the modules stored in the memory. The medicine station or stand-alone alert device also includes one or more indicators. The control module is configured to periodically check for an external notification from a primary alert device that it is time to take a medication. Upon receiving the external notification, the control program is configured to cause the medicine station or stand-alone alert device to enter an amplified alert mode with respect to the primary alert device via the one or more indicators.

Abstract: When the present time of a clock circuit is a medication time recorded in advance in a SD card, a notice that the medication time has come is given by a voice output portion or the like. Presence/absence of a medicine package in each block of a medicine package case is sensed by a medicine package sensor. The time point and the presence/absence of the medicine package are recorded in the SD card. A notice corresponding to the presence/absence is output. At a time except for the medication time, taking-out of the case, opening/closing of the cover, taking-out and return of the medicine package are recorded in the SD card based on detection signals from the medicine package sensor, medicine package case sensor, and case cover opening/closing sensor. A notice corresponding to the sensed situation is output.

Abstract: A device and a method for dispensing pharmacy/clinic loaded medications are described herein. The device may include multiple chambers, each chamber having stored therein one type of medication. Each chamber may have a cavity located along a rotating drum. Rotation of the drum causes the chamber to dispense the medications according to a defined schedule.

Abstract: The disclosed pill bottle allows for timed dispensing of medicine, as programmed by a doctor, pharmacist, or caregiver. The device has a slot for pill entry in any one of the walls, the slot being sealable and lockable. In an unlocked and open condition, the slot is a portal from the outside of the bottle into an inner cavity, the cavity being adapted for pill storage and extending between the slot/opening for pill entry and an exit tube. The exit tube is sized for single-file passage of a plurality of pills. A spring-loaded member is adapted to apply pressure in the exit tube on a single pill of the plurality of pills such that the pressure prevents exit of the single pill and the single pill blocks other pills of the plurality of pills from exiting. A button extends through a wall, such as the side wall, and is configured to release the pressure (defined as changing the static nature of the pill and spring placement) on the single pill, allowing it to fall.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an intelligent medication dispensing device that gives a patient access to his/her right daily doses of oral solid medications anywhere at the right time. The device is programmed to alert the patient when the doses due time occurs. The medication dispensing device of the present invention comprises essentially a plurality of cartridges divided into a plurality of compartments, a plurality of cylinders to position the cartridges in the device of the present invention, a medication box, a non-taken medication storage component, a portable component, and a plurality of actuators. The portable component can be taken by the patient to any place in order for such patient to adhere to his/her medication doses. The device of the present invention stores the missed dosages in the non-taken medication storage component, and thus prevents the accumulation of such missed doses with a new dose, which has its due time occurred.

Abstract: A dispensing device includes an actuating device that actuates first and second containers, respectively, and a sensor for detecting an environmental condition. In a first period the actuating device is inactive, in a second period the actuating device actuates the first container at a first frequency, and in a third period the actuating device actuates the second container at a second frequency. If the sensor has detected the environmental condition, the actuating device actuates the first and/or second containers, respectively, during a fourth period at a third frequency.

Abstract: A dispensing device for dispensing doses of non-individually packaged pills at a plurality of pre-specified dosing times includes a housing that holds a removable magazine, a dispensing unit and an electronic circuit. The removable magazine is configured to hold a stack of the non-individually packaged pills. The dispensing unit is configured to operate on the removable magazine to dispense a pre-specified dose of the pills upon receipt of a signal. The electronic circuit includes a timer that provides the signal at the pre-specified dosing times to activate the dispensing unit to dispense the pre-specified dose.

Abstract: A portable, time-release, dosage form dispensing assembly is provided. A hopper holds a supply of like, loose and randomly oriented dosage forms. The hopper including a bottom portion having an opening sized and shaped for receiving one of the dosage forms. An electromechanical apparatus dispenses the dosage forms from the hopper through the opening. The apparatus is adapted to dispense the dosage forms to a dispensing area one dosage form at a time. A programmable controller generates a set of control signals to control the apparatus to dispense a preselected number of dosage forms at a preselected time of day or time interval. A communication apparatus wirelessly communicates a first set of data to the controller to program the controller. The first set of data represents the preselected number and the preselected time of day or time interval.

Abstract: Dispensing systems and methods are disclosed that provide controlled advancement of product and provide controlled access to product stored within the system. Embodiments include a product pushing device having a track and a pusher that urges product stored on the track forward. Certain embodiments include mechanisms to limit the forward progression of the pusher along the track, such as a brake mechanism, and certain embodiments include mechanisms to block access to product located on the track. Some embodiments include mechanisms for providing a time delay in between the vending of products.

Abstract: A dispensing kit for medicine bottlecaps that includes a first bottlecap with a first preprogrammed timer programmed for a first time interval, a second bottlecap with a second preprogrammed timer programmed for a second time interval and a dispensing device for independently dispensing the first and second bottlecaps.

Abstract: A dispensing device includes first and second actuators that actuate first and second containers, respectively, to dispense volatile material therefrom and a sensor for detecting an environmental condition. In a first period the first and second actuators are inactive, in a second period the first actuator actuates the first container at a first frequency to dispense volatile material therefrom, and in a third period the second actuator actuates the second container at a second frequency to dispense volatile material therefrom. If the sensor has detected the environmental condition, the first and/or second actuators actuate the first and/or second containers, respectively, during a fourth period at a third frequency.

Abstract: A medical supply station is disclosed. The medical supply station includes a securable compartment configured to hold medical supplies, and a controller. The controller is responsive to access information and is configured to selectively permit access to the securable compartment when the access information indicates the securable compartment is authorized for access, and restrict access to the securable compartment when the access information indicates the securable compartment is not authorized for access. The medical supply station also includes a critical access module configured to, upon actuation, bypass the access information required by the controller and permit substantially immediate access to the securable compartment. The medical supply station further includes an image capturing device, coupled to the critical access module, configured to capture at least one image of an area proximal to the medical supply station in response to actuation of the critical access module.

Abstract: A portable, time-release, dosage form dispensing assembly is provided. A hopper holds a supply of like, loose and randomly oriented dosage forms. The hopper including a bottom portion having an opening sized and shaped for receiving one of the dosage forms. An electromechanical apparatus dispenses the dosage forms from the hopper through the opening. The apparatus is adapted to dispense the dosage forms to a dispensing area one dosage form at a time. A programmable controller generates a set of control signals to control the apparatus to dispense a preselected number of dosage forms at a preselected time of day or time interval. A communication apparatus wirelessly communicates a first set of data to the controller to program the controller. The first set of data represents the preselected number and the preselected time of day or time interval.

Abstract: Systems for deterring theft of retail products. Systems of this invention provide theft deterrent dispensing modules for dispensing products and may incorporate theft deterrent measures including mechanical deterrents, time delays and sound. The dispensing modules may include one or more pusher assemblies for dispensing product. Certain systems of this invention may also include a lockout feature, so that only one pusher assembly may be activated to dispense a product at one time.

Abstract: A dispenser (200) and method for dispensing pills to patients from cartridges (224) featuring downloadable remotely programmable timer (1B) and network communications links (504), alerting timer, databasing, printer, and battery (60).

Abstract: A product dispenser including a frame configured to support a plurality of products and flag element connected to the frame, the flag element being moveable relative to the frame from a first, un-deployed configuration when the flag element is engaged with at least one of the products, to a second, deployed configuration when the flag element is not engaged with the products.

Abstract: A system for controlling advancement of and access to product and for generating data associated with such advancement and access. Systems of this invention include a pusher system having a track, a pusher, and mechanisms for generating data relating to the movement of the pusher. Certain embodiments of the invention include a door assembly, which controls consumer access to product located behind the door assembly, a stop for limiting the forward progression of the pusher along the track, and mechanisms for generating data relating to when and/or for how long the door assembly is open.

Abstract: A dispensing kit for medicine bottlecaps that includes a first bottlecap with a first preprogrammed timer programmed for a first time interval, a second bottlecap with a second preprogrammed timer programmed for a second time interval and a dispensing device for independently dispensing the first and second bottlecaps.

Abstract: A dispensing device includes a controller and first and second actuators coupled to the controller and adapted to actuate first and second containers, respectively, to dispense volatile material therefrom. The device further includes a sensor coupled to the controller for detecting an environmental condition. The controller is configured to operate in a first period during which the first and second actuators are inactive, in a second period during which the first actuator is controlled to periodically actuate the first container at a first frequency to dispense volatile material therefrom, and in a third period during which the second actuator is controlled to periodically actuate the second container at a second frequency to dispense volatile material therefrom.

Abstract: One embodiment includes a healthcare base for the health of a user. The base includes an area to receive a bottle that carries a health-related substance for the user to take. The base includes a detector, an input mechanism, an output mechanism and a storage medium. The detector can electronically detect information from the bottle. The input mechanism can allow the user to input information into the base. The output device can allow the user to receive output from the base. The storage medium can electrically store a piece of information regarding the user. In addition to electronically detect information from the bottle, the base provides electronic assistance regarding taking the health-related substance. In another embodiment, the base includes a space to receive a sensor. The sensor can measure an attribute of the user with the health-realted substance affecting the results of the measurements.

Abstract: A method of dispensing a volatile material comprises the steps of providing power to a volatile material diffuser having a diffusion element. The method further includes the step of operating the diffusion element for a randomly determined period of time, wherein the diffusion element is continuously activated and deactivated during the period of time at a randomly determined duty cycle.

Abstract: A system for controlling advancement of and access to product and for generating data associated with such advancement and access. Systems of this invention include a pusher system having a track, a pusher, and mechanisms for generating data relating to the movement of the pusher. Certain embodiments of the invention include a door assembly, which controls consumer access to product located behind the door assembly, a stop for limiting the forward progression of the pusher along the track, and mechanisms for generating data relating to when and/or for how long the door assembly is open.

Abstract: A patient-portable medication event monitor is disclosed which is capable of detecting the dispensing of doses of a particular medication from the monitor, comparing the dispensing detected with information concerning the desired dosing regimen for the certain medication and displaying graphically to the patient at least one feedback indication of the patient's degree of compliance or deviation with the desired regimen.

Abstract: A vending machine includes a storage/display region, a dispensing chamber including a product access opening, and an anti-pilfer device that prevents unauthorized removal of products from the storage/display region through the product access opening. A delivery door is provided which can be shifted from a closed position to an open position to enable the removal of products from the dispensing chamber. The anti-pilfer device includes a plate coupled to a lower portion of the delivery door. When the delivery door is moved from the closed position, the anti-pilfer plate shifts, over a guide element, into a position that prevents products from being withdrawn from the storage/display area. Preferably, the storage/display region and dispensing chamber are separated by a product door, with the anti-pilfer plate preventing the product door from opening when the delivery door is shifted from the closed position.

Abstract: The daily pill dispensing apparatus has a front section connected to a back section, a top hinge disposed on the top between the front section and the back section, a dispenser lid connected to the top hinge and pivotally covering the front section, a septet of top doors disposed atop the back section, each top door pivotally covering a separate compartment of the back section via the top hinge, a day indicia disposed atop each top door, a dispensing door hingedly separating each compartment from the front section, each dispensing door opening into the front section, a display disposed atop the dispenser lid, a controls disposed in the front section bottom, the controls in communication with the display and with each dispensing door, whereby each dispensing door sequentially opens, each dispensing door opening only one day per week, and battery power.

Abstract: A dispensing kit for medicine bottlecaps that includes a first bottlecap with a first preprogrammed timer programmed for a first time interval, a second bottlecap with a second preprogrammed timer programmed for a second time interval and a dispensing device for independently dispensing the first and second bottlecaps.

Abstract: This invention relates to an interactive medication container or console that hold or otherwise organizes one or more medication vials or containers. Each vial has a memory strip containing medication and prescription information. Each vial can also include a reminder unit that is attached to and portable with the individual vials. The console or reminder unit reads the information strip of the vial and communicates this information to or interacts with a patient to remind them to take the medication. The medication container or reminder unit also gathers or tracks information such as consumption time, quantity remaining, patient feedback, and contraindication information. The medication container or reminder unit interacts with the patient by displaying questions or receiving and recording input from the patient before, during or after a dose of medication is taken. The patient input can be used to modify the dosing regimen for future doses of medication.

Abstract: A prescription compliance device which aids patients in complying with instructions given by a physician for taking prescription medication. The device reminds a patient when the next dose of medication is to be taken and indicates whether a specified dose has been taken. The device includes a microcontroller, a display, a program memory for storing pre-programmed medication-taking regimens for single and multiple medications, a real time clock, a selector for selecting one of the regimens and for programming the device as to the time and day on which a first dose of medication is to be taken, a display which alternately displays the current time and a time at which a next dose of medication is to be taken and an alarm which alerts the patient at times when a dose of medication is to be taken.

Abstract: A medication on demand dispenser. The dispenser provides patient access to medications prescribed to be available on an as-needed basis but with a prescribed minimum time interval between doses. The dispenser permits access to a single medication dose after each minimum time interval has elapsed. After a drug dose is presented to the patient, the dispenser prevents access to the next dose until the minimum time interval has elapsed.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to clear a jammed tablet in a medicine feeder upon detection thereof, through improvements on a drive unit so that reverse rotation of a rotor can be achieved without driving a motor in reverse rotating direction, i.e., while the motor is in normal rotation setting. A medicine feeder's drive unit includes a drive motor, a gear transmission device, an output shaft and a switcher. The gear transmission device is constituted by a normal-rotation transmission path and a reverse-rotation transmission path provided between a motor shaft of the drive motor and the output shaft. The switcher selects one of the transmission paths for output of driving power from the drive motor.

Abstract: A product delivery system for a vending machine includes first and second guide rails and a carriage rail. The guide rails are fixedly mounted in the vending machine spaced from and parallel to each other and extend along respective first and second axes. The carriage rail extends along a third axis and includes first and second ends that are slidably connected to the respective ones of the first and second guide rails. A carrier member is slidably mounted to the carriage rail for movement along the third axis. A first drive belt is coupled to the carriage rail and a first drive motor to selectively shift the carrier member along the third axis. A second drive belt, extending in multiple axes, is connected to each of the first and second ends of the carriage rail and a second drive motor. The second drive motor selectively shifts the carriage rail along the first and second axes upon driving the second drive belt.

Abstract: This invention is a fault tolerant computer controlled automatic medication dispenser with a unique dispensing system. This dispensing system enables a large number of detachable medication filled dispensing wheels to be vertically stacked and held in a fixed position; and then be automatically dispensed one dispensing wheel. The patient's medication can be dispensed for a few days, weeks, and or many months without a refill. These medication filled dispensing wheels are stored and held in a fixed position within the dispenser.

Abstract: An ice dispenser has a duct cap and a controller to control movement of the duct cap. The controller includes a guide, a first control surface, and a second control surface. A first frictional force between the guide and the first control surface is greater than a second frictional force between the guide and the second control surface. The first frictional force controls the duct cap to move at a first rate and the second friction force controls the duct cap to move at a second rate faster than the first rate.

Abstract: A refrigerator with an ice dispenser includes a spiral type time delay unit for controlling the opening and closing of an ice duct. A duct cap opens and closes an ice duct formed in the refrigerator. A rotating shaft of the time delay unit is operably connected to the duct cap. Foldaway catching members on a rotating shaft intersect with a threaded cylindrical body. The catching members fold back to allow a quick opening of the ice duct. The catching members then interact with the threaded cylindrical body as the ice duct closes to delay the closing process.