Abstract: A wearable computing device for monitoring and facilitating prescription adherence by a patient is provided. The wearable computing device is in communication with an inventory management server. The wearable computing device includes a processor and a memory. The processor is configured to receive a set of prescription plan data including at least a prescription identifier and a prescription rate associated with the prescription identifier. The processor is further configured to determine an inventory level associated with the prescription identifier. The processor is also configured to determine, based at least on the prescription rate, a time value representing a period of time in which a patient is prescribed to take a pharmaceutical associated with the prescription identifier. The processor is additionally configured to present a prescription inventory indicator representing the inventory level. The processor is also configured to present a timer indicator representing the time value.

Abstract: A medication storage and dispensing system that includes a plurality of cavities that can be used to securely store and dispense pills and other medications in a secure, traceable and controlled environment. The system allows for the secure transport and dispensing, while allowing the tracking of inventory. The system provides reminders of when the medication should be taken.

Abstract: Disclosed is an invention for dispensing multiple medications to a patient over an extended period of days up to several times a day. The system includes a carousel with storage bins and a delivery bin on its periphery. A vacuum system and a vacuum probe with a vacuum cup at the end of the probe for grasping and holding by an induced vacuum a dosage of medication located in a storage bin and moving it to a dispending or delivery bin. The system includes a programmable computer to control the system and sequence the proper dispensing of the medication at the predesignated times.

Abstract: A wearable computing device for monitoring and facilitating prescription adherence by a patient is provided. The wearable computing device is in communication with an inventory management server. The wearable computing device includes a processor and a memory. The processor is configured to receive a set of prescription plan data including at least a prescription identifier and a prescription rate associated with the prescription identifier. The processor is further configured to determine an inventory level associated with the prescription identifier. The processor is also configured to determine, based at least on the prescription rate, a time value representing a period of time in which a patient is prescribed to take a pharmaceutical associated with the prescription identifier. The processor is additionally configured to present a prescription inventory indicator representing the inventory level. The processor is also configured to present a timer indicator representing the time value.

Abstract: A wearable computing device for monitoring and facilitating prescription adherence by a patient is provided. The wearable computing device is in communication with an inventory management server. The wearable computing device includes a processor and a memory. The processor is configured to receive a set of prescription plan data including at least a prescription identifier and a prescription rate associated with the prescription identifier. The processor is further configured to determine an inventory level associated with the prescription identifier. The processor is also configured to determine, based at least on the prescription rate, a time value representing a period of time in which a patient is prescribed to take a pharmaceutical associated with the prescription identifier. The processor is additionally configured to present a prescription inventory indicator representing the inventory level. The processor is also configured to present a timer indicator representing the time value.

Abstract: Modular sweep detectors, systems, and methods for securing items of merchandise from theft and are provided. In one example, a modular sweep detector includes a housing configured to engage a pusher of a pusher device and a sensor configured to engage a biasing member of the pusher device. The biasing member is configured to be biased in response to movement of the pusher. The sensor is configured to detect movement of the pusher for determining if a predetermined number of items of merchandise have been removed from the pusher device.

Abstract: Provided herein is an engagement and care support platform (“ECSP”) computer system including at least one processor in communication with at least one memory device for facilitating senior user engagement. The processor is programmed to: (i) register a user through an application, (ii) register a caregiver associated with the user through the application, (iii) generate a senior profile based upon user personal and scheduling data, (iv) build a daily interactive user interface that reflects the senior profile, (v) display the daily interactive user interface at a first client device associated with the user, (vi) cause the first client device to initiate a daily interaction prompt to the user, (vii) determine whether any user interaction was received in response to the daily interaction prompt, and (viii) transmit a daily update message to a second client device associated with the caregiver, including an indication of whether any user interaction was received.

Abstract: A protective phone cover dispenser dispenses sleeves that isolate a phone from contaminants in the external environment. The dispenser has a container, a storage compartment, a set of protective covers, an access hole, and an external device coupler. the storage compartment is located within the container and acts as a holding chamber for the set of protective covers. Each of the protective covers is a sleeve that is used to envelop the phone. Thus, isolating the phone from contaminants in the external environment. The access hole traverses through the container into the interior compartment so that a user is able to retrieve the protective covers stored within the interior compartment. The external device coupler is mounted onto the exterior surface of the container and is positioned offset from the access hole. Thus, the dispenser can be mounted onto an external structure without hindering the user from retrieving protective covers.

Abstract: A button assembly, vending machine using such a button-assembly, and methods of use thereof are disclosed. In an example, the button assembly can include a base, and a button component resiliently coupled to the base, such that the button component is depressible relative to the base. The button component can define a cavity, and the assembly can also include a first sensor configured to sense proximity of a human user to the button assembly, the first sensor being disposed in the cavity of the button component.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a medication dispensing device of a system for controlling and monitoring medicine dispensation includes means for securely containing a medication to be dispensed to a specific patient, means for confirming an identify of the patient, means for determining whether or not the patient is eligible to receive a dose of the medication at a time the dose is requested, and means for dispensing the dose of medication only if the patient's identity is confirmed and the patient is eligible to receive the dose.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wall-mountable holder/dispenser for at least ten different shades of puck-shaped ingots from which dental crowns are fabricated. The holder/dispenser is formed from two snap-together pieces: an anterior portion and a posterior portion. Ten cylindrical columns are formed when the anterior and posterior portions are snapped together, with each portion forming one-half of each column. The posterior portion also includes a bottom extension for each column. Each extension underlies a column and provides a front opening through which an individual ingot can be extracted from the column with the fingers. Each extension has an upward protruding bump at the anterior end thereof which acts as a stop to prevent ingots from slipping out of the opening. Each column of the holder/dispenser is designed to hold a stack of identically colored zirconia ingots.

Abstract: A medication dispensing system is provided with several cooperating components which help to accommodate the responsible handling of medications. These systems include a user interface to receive input from the user and to present appropriate information/notices/alarms. Further, physical controls and multiple sensors are provided to detect tampering, misuse, and attempts to inappropriately access medications contained within the dispensing system. This misuse can thus be detected, and appropriate notifications can be provided, where appropriate. Further, by adding network communications capabilities, notices can be widely communicated to others, and operation of the medication dispensing system can be controlled and/or monitored remotely.

Abstract: The present application provides an intelligent scheduling system for vending robots and a corresponding method. The system comprises: at least one video monitor, configured to acquire a population image of a plurality of regions and obtain population density information of the plurality of regions by performing image processing on the population image; and a scheduling control server configured to allocate at least one vending robot to the plurality of regions according to the population density information of the plurality of regions and transmit, to the allocated at least one vending robot, a scheduling instruction which specifies a position of a region to which it is allocated, wherein the at least one vending robot is configured to autonomously move to the position of the region to which it is allocated for selling goods according to the scheduling instruction which specifies the position of the region from the scheduling control background server.

Abstract: In various example embodiments, a system and method for smart recurrent orders are presented. An inventory indicator corresponding to an inventory level of a first item may be received. An order schedule for the first item may be identified. An adjustment to the order schedule based on the inventory indicator may be determined. The adjustment to the order schedule for the first item may be facilitated.

Abstract: A merchandising system that improves the merchandising of product by limiting the number and the frequency with which product can be removed from, for example, a merchandising shelf. The merchandising system may include a base configured to support product and a housing configured to engage the base. The housing may comprise a top wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, and a front retaining wall. The merchandise system may be configured to hold a number of products, such as cans (for example, baby formula cans) in the merchandise system that would be accessible to the customer one at a time out of the front of the merchandise system. The front of each merchandise system may include its own individual security window attached to the merchandise system that allows the customer to remove one can at a time.

Abstract: Systems and methods for autonomous concessions robots are described herein. An exemplary concessions robot device may include a body comprising a dispensing container for holding one or more items to be dispensed, a motor, wheels, a communication interface that receives instructions sent over a communication network regarding a designated route, and a processor that executes the received instructions to automatically power up the motor, propel the body forward, and steer the wheels along the designated route. The items from the dispensing container may be dispensed at one or more points on the designated route.

Abstract: In a method for processing a payment, a seller-end electronic device transmits payment information to a transaction platform, which transmits an authentication code to the seller-end electronic device. A buyer-end electronic device allows the user thereof to input a verification code associated with the authentication code, and to transmit the verification code to the transaction platform. When the verification code is deemed valid, the buyer-end electronic device receives a personal identification number (PIN), and transmits a confirm signal to the transaction platform when the PIN is correct. The transaction platform then communicates with a bank terminal to process a payment, according to the payment information.

Abstract: A system for dispensing doses of medication to a patient includes a reminder/dispenser device and a remote monitoring station. The reminder/dispenser device includes a plurality of medication holding drawers; a plurality of drawer rails mounted between a device housing and the plurality of drawers; and a plurality of electromagnets, each of which is mounted in the housing adjacent to one of the plurality of drawers configured to maintain the drawer in the closed position when the electromagnet is in a first state and to automatically open the drawer when the electromagnet is in a second state. The device also includes a patient input component to allow the patient to confirm that the drawer has been emptied of medication in accordance with a pre-programmed dosing schedule. The remote monitoring station is configured to receive an alert from the device when the patient is not in compliance with the dosing schedule.

Abstract: A reel for a component mounting apparatus that pulls a carrier tape out of the reel and pitch-feeds and supplies the carrier tape by a tape feeder in a component supply part and picks up a supplied component and mounts the component in a substrate by a mounting head. The reel includes: a reel core part; and the carrier tape being wound and stored around the reel core part, wherein the carrier tape includes a distal end fixed to the reel core part, and a brittle part that is positioned in the vicinity of the distal end and is broken by action of longitudinal tension in excess of a prescribed strength on the carrier tape, and the pitch-feed separates the carrier tape from the reel core part at the brittle part.

Abstract: A medication filling and management system comprises a medication storage device for assisting patients in filling and managing medication supplies. The medication storage device includes a number of electronically monitored storage compartments and a communication system to identify a medication to be provided from an adjacent medication commercial package, automatically identify to a user which compartments of the storage device are to be filled with the identified medication from the commercial package, and detect and communicate the filling and dispensing of the medication from the storage device.

Abstract: A prophylactic kit apparatus configured to be used with only a single patient includes a plurality of sealed modules and a housing configured to contain those sealed modules such that only one of the plurality of sealed modules can be removed from the housing at a time. This kit may include a physically-discrete informational patient aid disposed within the housing and having information disposed thereon. By one approach these physically-discrete informational patient aids can have a bookmark form factor. So configured, a medical services provider can readily provide the physically-discrete informational patient aid to a patient to thereby facilitate the patient becoming informed regarding the corresponding prophylactic service with little or no burden on the service provider.

Abstract: Compliance calendars distributed in connection with prescription containers configured to improve compliance by a patient in taking a prescription medication, the compliance calendars configured to include a frequency reminder and one or more sequence reminders of the times to take the medicine during each frequency.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a time-controlled dispensing device comprising at least a tray and a cover, which may be lockable, for example via snap fitting, for consecutive dispensing of doses of medicaments. The device comprises a desired number of storage compartments and/or cartridges, for example disposable cartridges, each containing a predetermined dose of one or several medicaments. The tray is fitted with a transporting means for displacing the tray to a position where a desired compartment and/or cartridge will be in the only dispensing position suitable for removal of the dose, as a response to a signal from a timing means. The timing means is connected to a reminder and/or an alarming means, directed to the person using the device and a person at a distance, respectively. By way of the alarming means, removal of doses is indicated, for example through the manipulation of a lever or a hatch, and a signal may be sent for example via GSM or via the internet.

Abstract: The invention provides a pillbox comprising a plurality of pill receiving compartments detachably connected with one another in side-by-side relation to form a unitary structure, each of the compartments being constructed to store pills to be taken at a single predetermined time and have an opening which is covered by a cover and through which the compartment is accessible; wherein the unitary structure is configured such that the plurality of compartments are arranged sequentially according to a medication schedule created according to a prescription, with the compartment storing the pills to be taken first as an outermost one, and that only the opening of the outermost compartment is permitted to be uncovered all the time, and wherein the outermost compartment is removed from the unitary structure after the pills contained therein are taken. The invention also provides a medication management system and a mediation dispensing system based on the pillbox.

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 merchandise dispensing apparatus for deterring theft has at least one merchandise support module which includes a covering defining an interior space within the module. A support member and a dispensing member are mounted to the module, the dispensing member being mounted adjacent to the support member. A lockout device is also mounted to each module and connected to the dispensing member. The lockout device includes a housing with a user input member accessible from outside the housing. The user input member communicates with the dispensing member. A controller, which includes a memory and a processor, electrically communicates with the user input member. A sensor electrically communicates with the controller and senses the dispensing of an associated packaged item mounted on the support member. A signaling device electrically communicates with the controller to provide a notification upon the dispensing of the associated packaged item.

Abstract: A prophylactic kit apparatus configured to be used with only a single patient includes a plurality of sealed modules and a housing configured to contain those sealed modules such that only one of the plurality of sealed modules can be removed from the housing at a time. Each of the plurality of sealed modules contains at least one prophylactic agent to be used in service of the patient. These sealed modules are to be used in a particular order and the housing is further configured to facilitate the removal of the sealed modules in only that particular order.

Abstract: A portable self medication management system and method comprising at least a plurality of receptacles, a scanner, a display screen, a housing for a compact electronic box, a compact electronic box and a processor to acquire medication information from a medication container, determine whether the medication information exists in a first database, if the medication information does not exist in the first database, associate the medication information with a location information comprising a receptacle and store the medication information and the location information in the first database, indicate the location information, and confirm placement of the medication container in the associated receptacle, notify a user to administer the medication held in the medication container, and request the user to scan the medication container of the notified medication, detect retrieval of an incorrect medication container from the plurality of receptacles, and issue a warning of the detection, and provide instructions fo

Abstract: Embodiments generally relate to a pill box adapted for dispensing medication. In one embodiment, the pill box includes a base member, a carousel coupled to the base member and configured to rotate about the base member, one or more compartments, each compartment formed within the carousel and configured to store a single dose of medication with a lid configured to enclose the base and the carousel. The pill box ratchet advancement mechanism includes a resilient member and a stop member configured to facilitate motion of the carousel in a first direction and to restrict motion in a second direction, and a locking component configured to permit a pre-determined displacement of the carousel in the first direction and to limit further displacement in the first direction by locking the carousel.

Abstract: A prophylactic kit apparatus configured to be used with only a single patient includes a plurality of sealed modules and a housing configured to contain those sealed modules such that only one of the plurality of sealed modules can be removed from the housing at a time. Each of the plurality of sealed modules contains at least one prophylactic agent to be used in service of the patient. These sealed modules are to be used in a particular order and the housing is further configured to facilitate the removal of the sealed modules in only that particular order.

Abstract: Identification card (ID) dispenser comprising an ID card storage module (20) for receiving and coupling with one or more ID card containers (30) with a plurality of positions for receiving an ID card; an ID card extractor (60) for picking ID cards from the ID card containers (30); wherein the ID card extractor (60) has access to the individual ID card positions of the ID card containers (30); and the ID card containers (30) are removable from the dispenser and suitable for uncoupling from the ID card storage module (20); optionally comprising a confirmation slip printer, a touch screen, a bank note reader and respective opening, and a card reader (4) and respective opening, in a user interaction module; optionally comprising a biometric module (40). Therefore, the present invention is useful for applications in the areas of ID card production, transport and management, and final user dispensing.

Abstract: A medicine packet dispensing device with an automatic reminder function comprises a box having a medicine discharge hole; a control device arranged in the box; and a medicine discharge module arranged in the box. The control device includes a processor used to set at least one medication time; at least one reminder unit controlled by the control device to emit an alert according to the medication time; and a plurality of medicine discharge operating interfaces used to input an instruction to the processor to enable the processor to generate a medicine discharge signal to the medicine discharge module. The medicine discharge module has medicine packet accommodation spaces for accommodating medicine packets and sends one medicine packet to the medicine discharge hole according to the medicine discharge signal. The present invention reminds the user to take medicine at designated times and allows the user to change the medication times.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing solid articles includes a housing and at least one vacuum source. The housing defines a hopper chamber to hold the articles and a dispensing channel fluidly connected to the hopper chamber. The dispensing channel has an inlet and an outlet defining a dispensing flow path therebetween. The vacuum source is adapted to provide a vacuum pressure and induce a gas flow in the housing. The apparatus is configured to generate a forward drive gas flow from the vacuum pressure and induced gas flow, and the forward drive gas flow conveys articles through the dispensing channel along the dispensing flow path in a direction from the inlet to the outlet to dispense the articles.

Abstract: A gumball machine includes a gumball container that contains a plurality of gumballs, and a neck portion coupled to the gumball container. The gumball machine has an elongated transparent housing having an upper end coupled to the neck portion, and a base coupled to the lower end of the elongated housing. A speaker is positioned inside the base and is electrically coupled to a switch, a plurality of lighting elements are arranged inside the transparent housing and electrically coupled to the switch, and a power supply is housed inside the base and electrically coupled to the switch, the speaker and the lighting elements. When an actuator is actuated, the actuator turns on the switch to cause the lighting elements to flash, the speaker to broadcast sound and/or music, and a gumball to be dispensed from the gumball container.

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 portable carousel assembly for storing and facilitating access to medicine containers, such as plastic bottles commonly used for prescription or over-the-counter medications. Each medicine bottle is housed in a station that includes an aperture formed in a top plate of a rotatable receptacle. The rotatable receptacle is coupled to a stationary base. An ejection mechanism, such as a lever, cam track or ramp is operable to partially eject a selected medicine bottle from the receptacle so that it can be viewed or removed from the receptacle. The medicine bottle is maintained in the partially ejected condition by grasping means, such as flaps, gaskets, or webbing, or by operation of the cam track or ramp, so that the user need only use one hand to operate the carousel assembly and remove the medicine bottle.

Abstract: The invention relates to an actuation device for pull-outs, shelf boards, flaps, or other such elements to be opened, particularly front elements of particularly kitchen and office furniture, kitchen appliances and flush-mounted appliances, product dispensing devices, and the like, having components comprising a corpus, wherein the element to be opened can be transferred into an open position relative to the corpus 2 by way of a drive unit 5, the drive unit 5 can be activated by way of control means, and the control means comprise a front body sound sensor 6 that is associated with the front element 3.

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: Method for communication between a central server and a computerized juke-box which operates in a conference mode, including: sending a header before any transaction, which includes the identity of the destination together, the identity of the emitter, and the size of the packets; responding from the server in the form of a data packet, each packet sent by the server being encoded using the identification code of the juke-box software; and receiving a data packet by the juke-box, which decodes the packet, simultaneously performs a check on the data received by the CRC method and sends an acknowledgement of receipt to the server indicating the accuracy of the information received, to allow it to prepare and send another packet to the juke-box.

Abstract: A product display apparatus including a product supply module that includes a support frame and defines a storage area. A door assembly coupled to the support frame is structured to provide bulk access to the storage area in an open position and prevent bulk access to the storage area in the closed position. A return area is defined between the support frame and the top of the door assembly while a retrieval area is defined between the support frame and the bottom of the door assembly. A modular display portion is coupled to the door assembly that extends into the retrieval area to define a single unit retrieval opening. A load block member may be disposed in the retrieval area to permit retrieval of a product, but inhibit return of a product. A retrieval detector may be configured to detect when a product has been withdrawn through the retrieval area and generate an alert upon detection of rapid product removal.

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: An article dispensing apparatus has a housing defining a first chamber and a second chamber that are divided by a dividing wall, a lid covering the second chamber and a cover covering the first chamber, with the first chamber holding a plurality of articles, and an opening provided in the dividing wall to allow an article to pass through to the second chamber. A figure is retained inside the second chamber, the figure having a pair of arms that are normally positioned adjacent the opening in the dividing wall to receive an article that is transferred from the first chamber via the opening in the dividing wall. An actuator is coupled to the figure to push the figure upwardly through the lid so that the figure, and the article held in the arms of the figure, are delivered outside the housing.

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 gumball machine includes a gumball container that contains a plurality of gumballs, and a neck portion coupled to the gumball container. The gumball machine has an elongated transparent housing having an upper end coupled to the neck portion, and a base coupled to the lower end of the elongated housing. A speaker is positioned inside the base and is electrically coupled to a switch, a plurality of lighting elements are arranged inside the transparent housing and electrically coupled to the switch, and a power supply is housed inside the base and electrically coupled to the switch, the speaker and the lighting elements. When an actuator is actuated, the actuator turns on the switch to cause the lighting elements to flash, the speaker to broadcast sound and/or music, and a gumball to be dispensed from the gumball container.

Abstract: A use-activated cup dispenser capable of sensing the manual removal of individual cups therefrom is provided. Manual removal is understood to include physical contact between a hand and a cup and extraction of the cup from the cup dispenser by the user. The invention includes a decorative cover including a housing disposed between first and second covers, at least one switch mechanism, a control circuit, and at least one active element including light elements, motor elements, scent dispensers, and/or audio elements. The decorative cover further includes an opening along one end. One or more switch mechanisms are provided along the first cover adjacent to the opening. The functionality of switch mechanisms includes direct contact, indirect contact, and non-contact between the cup and an optical or mechanical switch. The control circuit could be disposed on a circuit board and controls the functionality of the active elements.

Abstract: A device adapted to be releasable attached to a blister including at least one piece of medicament. The device includes apparatus for releasable attachment to the blister, a sensor arrangement including at least one first sensor arranged to register the sound of the dispense of a piece of medicament, a time system arranged to register the time and/or date of the dispensing of said piece of medicament and a memory for storing data, such as time and/or date data, related to the dispense of the piece of medicament.

Abstract: Method for communication between a central server and a computerized juke-box which operates in a conference mode, including: sending a header before any transaction, which includes the identity of the destination together, the identity of the emitter, and the size of the packets; responding from the server in the form of a data packet, each packet sent by the server being encoded using the identification code of the juke-box software; and receiving a data packet by the juke-box, which decodes the packet, simultaneously performs a check on the data received by the CRC method and sends an acknowledgement of receipt to the server indicating the accuracy of the information received, to allow it to prepare and send another packet to the juke-box.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic tablet packing apparatus having sliding racks, wherein tablets received in a plurality of tablet cassettes are successively packed on a per dose basis based on a medical prescription. Each of the sliding racks includes a pair of left and right partition walls, a tablet discharge passage to guide the tablets discharged from the tablet cassettes being defined by facing inner surfaces of the left and right partition walls. Cassette pedestals are attached to outer surfaces of the left and right partition walls and in turn, the tablet cassettes are detachably arranged on the cassette pedestals. The left and right partition walls are able to be individually pulled out from a body of the apparatus. As the left or right partition wall is pulled out, the tablet discharge passage is revealed to the outside thus enabling easy cleaning thereof.

Abstract: A portable, medication dispensing device which dispenses prepackaged pill strands of medication from a secure, storage compartment through a mechanism which physically limits the quantity dispensed per a pre-programmed protocol. The device has a detachable storage component which can be filled by trained clinical or pharmacy staff, which can be locked. The device has a dispensing mechanism, which employs a user-powered, hub to advance a pill strand of pre-packaged medications, when appropriate. This advancing hub is secured from advancing inappropriately by a locking mechanism where a sturdy piston is moved into and out of recesses in the rounded surface of the hub. The device also contains standard electronic components, including a power source, central processing unit (CPU), visual and auditory outputs, and communications ports.

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.