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 treat dispenser for a pet animal enclosure, the treat dispenser allowing a user to selectively release a treat into the enclosure without having to open the enclosure. The treat dispenser may include a top with an opening into which a user may place a treat for the pet animal. The treat dispenser may include a user actuated mechanism to release a treat into a tube extending from the top to a bottom, the bottom including an opening to deliver the treat to the pet animal within the enclosure.

Abstract: A hand held medicine dosing and dispensing device (10) comprising a housing (12) including a storage chamber (14) to store discrete units of medicine (16). The dispensing device (10) further includes a feed assembly (18) located between the storage chamber (14) and a dispenser (20) to feed individual units of medicine (16) from the storage chamber (14) to the dispenser (20). An impacter (22) is operably associated with the storage chamber (14) to agitate units of medicine (16) stored in the storage chamber (14).

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing pharmaceutical articles includes a housing assembly and an adjustment system. The housing assembly includes a first inlet wall and a second inlet wall that is moveable relative to the first inlet wall. The housing assembly defines a hopper chamber that houses pharmaceutical articles, and a dispensing channel fluidly connected to the hopper chamber. The dispensing channel has an inlet and an outlet and defines a flow path. The inlet is defined at least in part by the first and second inlet walls. The adjustment system is operable to adjust the position of the second inlet wall relative to the first inlet wall to adjust the size of the inlet to singulate the pharmaceutical articles passing through the inlet. The adjustment system includes an input mechanism and an operator feedback mechanism. The input mechanism is selectively operable by an operator to selectively move the second inlet wall relative to the first inlet wall.

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 product merchandiser stores a plurality of products, dispenses products one at a time and produces a sound when a product is dispensed. The product merchandiser may include a housing, a track, a door and a structure that produces sound. The housing has a proximal opening. The track may be disposed within the housing and directs products towards the proximal opening of the housing. The door is disposed near the proximal opening of the housing. The door pivotally connects to the housing and is movable from a first position to at least a second position. When the door is in its first position, a product is held at least partially within the housing. When the door is in its second position, a product is removable from the housing. The sound-producing structure produces a sound when the door is moved between its first position and its second position.

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 compliance packaging system and method for dispensing tablets to the vision impaired is described. The compliance packaging system comprises a dispenser and compliance indicia. The dispenser has a plurality of tablet containers wherein each of the tablet containers contains at least one tablet associated with a dosage regimen. The compliance indicia are associated with the plurality of tablet containers and are configured to allow a visually impaired person to verify that a particular tablet container has exited the dispenser.

Abstract: A device for manually dispensing medications is realized, which allows the operator to perform preliminary manual medication dispensing in advance of several subsequent dispensing steps, while facilitating the operator's ability to recognize the region to which each medication is to be dispensed, there by allowing the operator to easily and precisely perform manual dispensing of various kinds of medications.

Abstract: A blister pack system has an upper part and a bottom part, between which a blister pack is disposed. Pouches of the blister pack are aligned with corresponding ejection openings of the upper part and corresponding ejection openings of the bottom part. Every ejection opening of the upper part is associated with an individual contact surface that can be connected to a control/computing unit via an individual strip conductor. The system includes an ejection device, which at a top section has an electrical contact, and at a peg section an additional electrical contact which is electrically connected to the electrical contact of the top section. The individual contact surfaces and the individual strip conductors associated therewith, as well as a common contact surface and a common strip conductor associated therewith or a subsection thereof extend in surfaces of the upper part that are electrically isolated from each other.

Abstract: A vending machine that dispenses items for use with a power source. Power control circuitry is electrically coupled between the power source and one or more vending components of the vending machine. A controller is adapted to manage the supply of electrical power to such components by transitioning between a normal-operation mode and at least one power-conserving mode. An audio signal detector is provided that generates at least one dispensing event signal that represents the occurrence of one or more sound-based dispensing events. The controller transitions between the power-conserving mode(s) and the normal-operation mode based upon the at least one dispensing event signal from the audio signal detector, and possibly other data signals supplied to the controller.

Abstract: A system for dispensing cylindrical containers is disclosed. In an embodiment, a housing with an upper opening and a lower opening includes a track that connects the upper and lower openings. A drawer is mounted in the lower opening so that containers placed in the upper opening may travel along the track until they reach the drawer. In an embodiment opening the drawer allows a single container to be removed. A plurality of tracks connecting a plurality of upper and lower openings may be provided so that different types of containers may be dispensed. In an embodiment the drawer may be lockable and a cover that may include a lock may be mounted to the housing so as to cover the upper opening. In an embodiment, a sensor may be included to detect the opening of the drawer.

Abstract: The invention describes improved methods and mechanisms for providing secure access to pharmaceutical and supply items in a clinical setting. In one version of the invention, a dispensing unit has an interior housing one or more drawers. Each drawer has one or more storage locations. The fronts of the drawers are covered with one or more locking doors, preventing access to a particular drawer, unless the covering door is unlocked. Indicators are mounted on the side of the enclosure, to guide the user to a drawer covered by an associated unlocked door. The unit further includes indicators on the sides of the drawers, to guide the user to the right storage receptacles or pockets within the drawer. Some pockets may have lids. Some of the lids may have locks. Sensors associated with at least some of the individual pocket lids may be provided to detect the lifting of a lid. Means to automatically detect the entry of a hand or fingers into a pocket may be provided.

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: Systems for deterring theft of retail products. Systems of this invention provide theft deterrent cabinets for dispensing products and may incorporate theft deterrent measures including mechanical deterrents, time delays and sound.

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 reminder and dispensing system includes a computing or electronic device for programming a medication regimen, such as a prescription, a docking station or unit for downloading the medication regimen and storing a medication, a personal medicine container for holding a daily or weekly supply of the medication and receiving the medication regimen. The personal medicine container is carried by a user and includes an alarm for reminding the user to take or administer the medicine in accordance with the medication regimen.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus having a housing adapted to receive material to be dispensed, such as medication; a signal mechanism; and a closure for mounting the signal mechanism on the housing so as to be operable to provide a signal in a first position and a second position in which the closure is removed from the housing to provide access to the material to be dispensed therewithin.

Abstract: A theft-deterring merchandise dispensing apparatus has a chassis configured to provide limited access to an interior space housing merchandise in a secure manner. A knob is secured to a front panel of the chassis. The knob is secured to one end of an elongate wire coil, the knob and coil rotational about a common axis. An elongate cantilevered rod is mounted on a rear panel of the chassis and extensive therefrom within the coil, the rod terminating at a free end in proximity to the front panel. Units of merchandise are slidingly secured on the rod and positioned between windings of the coil so that rotation of the coil by the knob moves the packages along the rod to exit proximate the front panel. A noise-maker creates a noise when the knob is rotated to alert store personnel that products are being dispensed.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for dispensing products that includes a theft deterrent retail product dispensing hook. In certain embodiments, the hook prevents product “sweeping” (where a thief quickly empties a conventional retail hook of product) and also delivers a time-delayed delivery of product per hook. A specific embodiment of a time-delay display hook system comprises a two-prong system having an upper member and a lower member, with the upper member supporting a dispensing system and the lower member supporting a product to be dispensed. Upon triggering of an activation member, the dispensing system releases a single product and provides a time-delay between dispensing of further product.

Abstract: A product merchandiser stores a plurality of products, dispenses products one at a time and produces a sound when a product is dispensed. The product merchandiser may include a housing, a track, a door and a structure that produces sound. The housing has a proximal opening. The track may be disposed within the housing and directs products towards the proximal opening of the housing. The door is disposed near the proximal opening of the housing. The door pivotally connects to the housing and is movable from a first position to at least a second position. When the door is in its first position, a product is held at least partially within the housing. When the door is in its second position, a product is removable from the housing. The sound-producing structure produces a sound when the door is moved between its first position and its second position.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing pharmaceutical articles includes a housing assembly and an adjustment system. The housing assembly includes a first inlet wall and a second inlet wall that is moveable relative to the first inlet wall. The housing assembly defines a hopper chamber that houses pharmaceutical articles, and a dispensing channel fluidly connected to the hopper chamber. The dispensing channel has an inlet and an outlet and defines a flow path. The inlet is defined at least in part by the first and second inlet walls. The adjustment system is operable to adjust the position of the second inlet wall relative to the first inlet wall to adjust the size of the inlet to singulate the pharmaceutical articles passing through the inlet. The adjustment system includes an input mechanism and an operator feedback mechanism. The input mechanism is selectively operable by an operator to selectively move the second inlet wall relative to the first inlet wall.

Abstract: A medicinal organizer having a base and a plurality of containers. The base includes an alert system and a hanging arrangement. The plurality of containers is configured to be placed on the hanging arrangement. Each container is configured with at least one access opening disposed on a bottom section of each container allowing for the retrieval of medicinal item held within each respective container. Methods of using a medicinal organizer are also provided.

Abstract: A medicine supply device is capable of dispensing an appropriate dose of medicine even when used by for a patient with dementia living alone who is unaware of presence of medicine to be taken, by calling attention of the patient on a phone. The medicine supply device has an animal shape overall so that the patient can know immediately. The medicine dose in a PTP package is held individually between an open hole in the upper plate 6 having appropriate elasticity and a lower plate 8 having an outfall opening, the upper plate 6 is automatically rotated when a time becomes that set in a 24-hour time 4, and a medicine then is deliver to the outfall opening, thus a dose of a medicine is supplied to the medicine tray 16 by gravity.

Abstract: A medication box may include a processor, a plurality of compartments configured to store medication and a transceiver capable of communication with a patient via a user or patient device which is within communication range of the medication box. A server which may be configured to communicate information stored by the processor to a third-party device via wired or wireless communication methods. An estimated distance between the medication box and an RF patient device can be determined by a received signal strength indicator measured by the medication box or by the RF patient device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a storage machine (1) for objects, comprising a compartment system (4) with a plurality of compartments (3) which are at least partially enclosed by a machine housing (2) or some other surround, and with at least one closure mechanism (7) which can be displaced relative to a central, predefined access orifice (6) in the machine housing (2) to release or prevent access to a specific individual compartment (3) or a specific group of adjacent compartments (3). The storage machine (1) also has at least one drive system for displacing the closure mechanism (7) in a controlled manner and the ability of the closure mechanism (7) to move is dependent on an access right which can be checked by a control system. This storage machine (1) has at least one safety system (28) for affording extensive, increased personal safety with respect to risks posed by automated sequences or with respect to its displacement drives which can be activated automatically.

Abstract: A combination of an organizer for medications and an alarm clock is disclosed. A rigid housing is divided into at least seven peripheral compartments, each of which is open at one side thereof and has a pivoting door. Each door and compartment may further include a manually-actuable mechanical door snap for holding the door in the closed position. At least seven such peripheral compartment doors are included having an indicia thereon for indicating a day of the week. One of the compartments may be designated as a spoon compartment, adapted to receive a spoon for allowing a user to physically manage medications contained in at least one of the other compartments. Likewise, one other of the compartments may be designated as a tweezers compartment. An alarm clock is fixed proximate the center of the housing, the alarm clock for reminding the user once each day to take the medication in the compartment corresponding to the present day of the week.

Abstract: Each of four compartment blocks have a plurality of pill compartments with floors that are angled downward. The compartments have open ends of similar dimensions. The open ends are proximal to a door compartment. A retainer belt forms a loop around a tractor drive and the open ends. The retainer belt has a discharge port of substantially the same dimensions as the open ends. The tractor drive is operable to cause the discharge port to serially pass in alignment with the open ends. When the discharge port is in the discharge alignment one of the pill compartments, a sensor provides a stop signal to a control circuit. In response to the stop signal, the tractor drive stops moving the retainer belt. Additionally, medication from the one pill compartment passes through the discharge port into the door compartment. When the door compartment is opened, a switch provides a start signal.

Abstract: The invention consists of a medication docking station that will accept pre-sorted medication array packages (a.k.a “blister packs”). The docking station will use digital image processing schemes to determine the state of each medication chamber. The digital image processing algorithm uses color content of a given cell (chamber) as a means to determine the state of that cell. If the color content matches that of a known empty cell, then the cell will be reported as empty, otherwise it will be determined as non-empty. The method can detect partial removal of medication pills. Also the information regarding the med-pack can be transmitted via wired or wireless means to a custom server or personal computer for further processing or forwarding to a user-client on the internet interested in adherence of a patient or care-recipient in taking medication.

Abstract: A prescription compliance device includes a microcontroller, a program memory storing data representing a plurality of pre-programmed commonly prescribed medication-taking regimens, a selector selecting the regimen and programming the device in accordance therewith, and a display. The selector includes an event switch which is activated in conjunction with a patient taking a dose of a medication corresponding to their regimen to record the taking of the medication. The event switch causes the microcontroller to effect the display of the time at which the next dose of medication is scheduled to be taken, in accordance with the regimen selected by the selector. The microcontroller recalculates the time the next dose is to be taken based on the last time a dose of medication was taken in conjunction with a time change of the prescription compliance device to ensure a medically acceptable minimum time interval is maintained between doses of medication.

Abstract: A dispenser for items of merchandise is formed as a wire rack having an entrance opening for placing the items into the dispenser and a discharge opening for removal of the items from the dispenser by a customer. A pivotally moveable gate located adjacent the discharge opening permits removal of the items one at a time, with a time delay being required between the removal of each of the items to retard shoplifting. The gate also produces an audible sound when moving toward the open position to further reduce possible shoplifting.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing prepackaged medication packages includes an apparatus having a body with an internal cavity and an opening. A central processing unit operably communicates with an actuator and at least one sensor within the cavity to regulate and monitor the dispensation of the packages, while the actuator operably communicates with a feed mechanism within the cavity to dispense the packages.

Abstract: A compact, portable tablet dispenser is particularly adapted for carrying aspirin tablets for ingestion as therapy upon the onset of a suspected heart attack. The tablets are in a blister within the dispenser, which includes actuators aligned with the tablets to eject the tablets through an aperture in the dispenser. Upon operation, the actuators provide a permanent indication that a tablet has been ejected. The dispenser may include electronic circuitry to provide reinforcement and/or guidance, for its use and may include means for alerting a third party, such as by a 911 call, of its activation.

Abstract: A medicament dispenser for use with a medicament carrier having multiple distinct medicament doses carried thereby and an internal mechanism for dispensing the distinct medicament doses carried by the medicament carrier. The mechanism comprises receiving means for receiving the medicament carrier; release means for releasing a distinct medicament dose from the medicament carrier on receipt thereof by the receiving means; an outlet, positioned to be in communication with the medicament dose releasable by the release means; indexing means for individually indexing the distinct medicament doses of the medicament carrier; and counting means for counting each time a distinct medicament dose of the medicament carrier is indexed by the indexing means. The counting means is a distinct electronic counter unit that is reversibly receivable by the medicament dispenser.

Abstract: An automated personal pill dispenser has one or more chambers for holding a supply of pills. A feed mechanism is associated with each chamber and is selectively operable to dispense an incremental number of pills from each respective chamber. A programmable controller is coupled to control and operate the feed mechanism. The controller has a timer, a memory and an input means and is programmably operable by the user and/or by remote input from a smart card, PDA or various networks such as one having access to data from a pharmacy. The programming presets at least one of a time and a number of pills to be dispensed from each chamber. The controller operates an alarm to alert the user and operates the feed mechanism to dispense pills at the preset time and number, also detecting the user's access to obtain the dispensed pills.

Abstract: A dispenser for items of merchandise is formed as a wire rack having an entrance opening for placing the items into the dispenser and a discharge opening for removal of the items from the dispenser by a customer. A pivotally moveable gate located adjacent the discharge opening permits removal of the items one at a time, with a time delay being required between the removal of each of the items to retard shoplifting. The gate also produces an audible sound when moving toward the open position to further reduce possible shoplifting.

Abstract: Sheet dispensers, which provide feedback to a user or provide a unique function to a user, are disclosed. Visual, audio, aromatic, or other types of feedback may be provided to a user by the sheet dispenser. Sheet dispensers suitable for use as a switch, a room deodorizer, a flame-generating device, or a combination thereof are disclosed. A method of activating a switch-controlled object is also disclosed. Further, a method of making sheet dispensers is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for enabling a user to follow a detailed schedule for taking a plurality of medicines/supplemdents at various times. The apparatus includes a set of containers, one for each medicine, a release mechanism for each container and a computer programmed to open any one of its containers at a time according to the schedule of events. An event is defined as taking of a dosage at a scheduled time. An “alert” signal alerts the user to prepare for each event. A “take” signal indicates that the dosage has actually been taken, A warning signal; is activated after a ‘take period indicating that the user has not taken his dosage. A form is initally filled out by the user listing “events” according to the schedule. Events shown on the screen are underlined as they occur and the daily form with underlines of executed events is saved as a history with later evealuation. A “fresh” form (without uderlines) is programmed to appear with the days date to start the next day's program.

Abstract: A tablet dispenser includes a housing formed by first and second shells defining a cavity therebetween. A blister tray configured to receive a plurality of tablets therein is rotatably attached to the housing. The blister tray is moveable between a closed position in which the blister tray is releasably contained within the cavity, and an open position in which at least a portion of the blister tray extends out of the cavity. An alarm unit activates at least one alert signal upon completion of a cycle period. The alarm unit is reset after the blister tray is accessed to dispense at least one tablet.

Abstract: An automated personal pill dispenser has at least two chambers, each for holding a supply of pills. A feed mechanism is associated with each of the chambers and is operable selectively to feed an incremental number of pills from a respective one of the chambers. A programmable controller is coupled to control and operate the feed mechanism to dispense pills from the chambers. The controller has a timer, a memory and an input means. The controller is operable programmably, by the user and/or by remote input from a smart card, PDA or network, for example with access to data from a pharmacy including instructions and warnings. The programming presets at least one of a time and a number of pills to be dispensed from each of said chambers. The controller operates an alarm to alert the user and operates the feed mechanism to feed pills from the chambers at the preset time and number, also detecting the user's access to obtain the dispensed pills.

Abstract: An interactive vending machine which enables a consumer to view customized products before they are purchased and thereafter enables the consumer to purchase the customized products. The machine also keeps track of inventory so that if a particular item or accessory is out of stock, it will not be displayed on the screen for purchase.

Abstract: A multi-media vending machine is provided with a multi-media computer, a video monitor, audio speakers, controls and visual displays. A currency accepter, coin handler and magnetic stripe card reader are provided for accepting payment using paper currency, coin currency, a credit card or a debit card. Music compositions and other multi-media products are stored in the multi-media computer. Additionally, one or more multi-media players are provided for playing a variety of media such as CD, DVD and CD ROM, to allow presentation of music, full motion video or software such as games, entertainment, productivity or other software titles. A hardware docking port allows a user to connect a digital media player and select video, software or music tracks to be purchased and downloaded to the user's portable digital media player. A user control panel allows the user to sample tracks of the product selected, and to adjust the parameters of audio and video during sampling.

Abstract: A medication dispensing system comprising an on-site medication dispensing unit and a central monitoring facility. The on-site medication dispensing unit holds bulk amounts of medication in a plurality of separate receptacles from which it selects a desired medication dosage according to an entered and stored prescription regimen and then notifies the patient by an audible or other sensory signal. If the patient presses a button within a prescribed time, the unit dispenses the dosage. If the patient does not press the button within the prescribed time, or if the unit detects a failure to dispense the selected canister, the unit makes the receptacle inaccessible and contacts a predetermined list of caregivers and the central monitoring facility.

Abstract: A system for dispensing pill- or capsule-form medications (61) in desired doses (60). The system comprises a dispensing device (35), which includes a cartridge (20, 40) rotatable relative to a housing or frame (10) and provided with discrete dosage compartments (27, 47) for desired doses of medication. The cartridge (20, 40) is manipulated by elements (18, 18a, 18b; 14a, 14b, 15, 18, 19), whereby each separate dosage compartment (27, 47) is rotatable relative to the housing or frame (10) to a dispensing point (4, 12) for the dose of medication (60). A signalling device (75, 76) producing a sound and/or light signal activates at pre-programmed times. An electronics unit (19, 55) containing a dispensing program is reprogrammable by means of an external programming device (36, 66, 101, 102).

Abstract: A hand-held device for alerting a user when scheduled medications, nutritional supplements, nutrients and minerals should be ingested. The device includes a processor positioned and a memory unit connected to the processor for storing user input data concerning a schedule for ingesting desired medications, nutritional supplements, nutrients and minerals. A display screen displays a message from the processor related to the schedule and function keys are connected to the processor for inputting the data concerning the schedule. The data includes a signal identifing the desired medications, nutritional supplements, nutrients and minerals to be ingested and a time at which they are to be ingested. The processor monitors a time of day and alerts the user when a scheduled time arrives. A speaker is connected to the processor for generating an audible alarm signal and alerting the user when a scheduled time arrives.

Abstract: An automated personal pill dispenser has at least two chambers, each for holding a supply of pills. A feed mechanism is associated with each of the chambers and is operable selectively to feed an incremental number of pills from a respective one of the chambers. A programmable controller is coupled to control and operate the feed mechanism to dispense pills from the chambers. The controller has a timer, a memory and an input means. The controller is operable programmably, by the user and/or by remote input from a smart card, PDA or network, for example with access to data from a pharmacy including instructions and warnings. The programming presets at least one of a time and a number of pills to be dispensed from each of said chambers. The controller operates an alarm to alert the user and operates the feed mechanism to feed pills from the chambers at the preset time and number, also detecting the user's access to obtain the dispensed pills.

Abstract: An in-wall coin bank with novelty face. The bank features a novelty face with an entertainment feature. The entertainment feature responds when a deposit is made, amusing or entertaining the user. The face may be detachable, different types of faces with entertainment features are possible. Methods of using the bank for saving are also disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A response form containing a means of input that on manual influence can switch a conducting electrical circuit connected to an electronic unit (40) incorporated into the response form for registration of the said influence. The present invention provides such a response form at low cost and enables the use of the response form as a patient journal. The patient journal also can be integrated with a pharmaceutical response package. The response package is formed of a disposable material in the form of a sheet (12), and a conducting circuit (26) is printed onto one side (16) of the disposable material. The means of input can consist of circuit makers (30, 32) that are visually marked-on one side of the disposable material and that are arranged to make electrical contact across an interrupted loop (28) of the conducting circuit (26) upon pressing together localized inner surfaces (14, 16) of the disposable material which face each other.

Abstract: An automated medicine dispensing apparatus for dispensing an accurate amount of medication at a particular time of the day.

Abstract: An audio instruction system includes a pill container, a sound player, an activating member, and a locator. The sound player is operatively engaged to the pill container. The activating member is operatively engaged to the pill container to activate the sound player. The locator is positioned relative to the pill container and the activating member to aid a user to locate the activating member.