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.

Abstract: A medicine-dispensing system has a medication reminder to assist the patient in following a drug regimen. In an example embodiment, a medication reminder comprises a timer programmable to a predetermined interval. A user-alert is responsive to the timer, reminding the user to take a dose of medicine at the predetermined interval. A sensor detects whether a dose of medicine has been taken and a dose-indication informs the user of the time since a last medication. The dose indication further informs the user as to whether to take a next medication dose. Time of the last dose is determined by the timer receiving a signal from the sensor. A communications interface enables programming of a parameter associated with administering a medication.

Abstract: The system for automatically dispensing medications or other medical elements includes several groupings, i.e. vaults, of storage members, each vault containing approximately 100 individual cartridges, which each contain packages of unit-of-use doses of a given medication or other medical supply, such as syringes. Each storage member includes an ejector which ejects selected medications/supplies to a supply trough. The packages in the trough are moved to a central collator, which dispenses them to a bin receptacle which has been moved underneath the collator and which is typically identified with a particular patient. Information concerning medications/supplies for a particular patient is stored in a system database and used to determine the particular medications/supplies dispensed into a given bin. Bar coding is used to maintain control over the bins, and the medications, forming a closed information/control system.

Abstract: A medication dispensing system capable of connecting to the Internet is provided. The medication dispensing system can be in the form of a periphery device having electronic means for linkage to a personal computer, PDA, cell phone or WEB TV or can be a stand-alone, on-site terminal having means to connect to the Internet. The medication dispensing system comprises a rotatable medication tray having a plurality of compartments, a servo-mechanism operatively connected to the medication dispensing tray, a microprocessor based controller electronically connected to the servo-mechanism and being programmable to rotate the dispensing tray at a pre-set time. The controller also comprises a data store for maintaining and transmitting a variety of patient information, including the patient's medication regimen and compliance schedule.

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 message delivery system for paper dispensers having a housing for dispensing paper, audible message delivery annunciator, switch mechanism, timer and speaker, wherein the annunciator stores and delivers at least one message when the switch is closed, the speaker provides an audible output of the message, the switch triggers when paper is dispensed and the timer controls the length of the message and supply of power.

Abstract: An electronic device mounting apparatus prevents an error at the setup time prior to startup of the apparatus and enables mounting of proper electronic devices without a mistake. A cartridge and a lane of a cartridge mounting rack have a cartridge side connector (upper electrode portion, connection plug, lower electrode portion) and a lane side connector (fixed plug) which are electrically connected when the cartridge is installed on the lane. An error detecting circuit is formed by employing these connectors as part thereof. The error detecting circuit determines whether or not the installation position of the cartridge is appropriate depending on the conductive state or non-conductive state from a power supply to a warning buzzer when the connectors are connected.

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 product dispenser which includes a main housing and a second housing. The main housing contains a pivot arm that closes an electrical switch via a tension spring for producing a desired sound. The pivot arm is operated by a push button which functions to raise a scissor jack which in turn raises a conveyor tube in which a product has been loaded from a product reservoir. The conveyor tube is provided with a slide door that prevents discharge of a product from the reservoir. The conveyor tube also includes a push rod that contacts a pivotable character when the conveyor tube is raised. The push rod pushes the character over so it appears that the character is pouring a product from a container. At the same time the product moves from the conveyor tube to an exit tube. Then the movements are reversed to a rest position from which they started.

Abstract: A device that can be loaded with appropriate pills and programmed to automatically dispense the proper amount(s) and proper type(s) of pill(s) at the proper time(s) each day. The device includes a system for alerting the pill taker that pills have been dispensed, a system for providing voice messages to coach the pill taker to use the device and consume the pills, and a system for alerting an off-site caregiver when the pill taker has not responded as required or when there is a problem with the operation of the device.

Abstract: The invention is a business card dispenser that dispenses a single card using a sliding button which has a card counter and a means of indicating when the business card dispenser is empty.

Abstract: A mobile vending machine for transporting and vending a number of products. The mobile vending machine includes a storage compartment for storing the products, a dispensing mechanism for dispensing the products, and a drive mechanism. The storage compartment is positioned about the drive mechanism for movement therewith.

Abstract: An electronic device for holding medicines, typically pills, to be taken at different times and to remind the user to take particular pills at specific times. A first container has a plurality of pill holding compartments, with a hinged lid closing each compartment. A second container, which is releasably fastenable to the first compartment, contains a microprocessor, an alarm, a display and buttons for controlling the microprocessor to display different information. The display can be set to show the time, times for taking pills from different compartments, whether pills have been taken on time, if a pill has been missed or skipped, when the last pill has been taken, etc. When a time set for taking a pill arrives, an alarm, typically a light and/or sound alarm, alerts the user as to the compartment holding the pill to be taken.

Abstract: The present invention is a computer timed-locked medication container, which includes a container for holding medication. The container includes sidewalls, a partially open front, a back, a bottom, a top, at least one section extending from the partially open front to the back. Each section is sized and shaped to hold a plurality of compartments and each of the compartments is sized and shaped to hold at least one unit of medication. Each compartment has sidewalls, a bottom, a front, a back, opening-locking means for opening and locking at least one unit of medication in the compartment. When medication is due to be dispensed, an alarm will sound. Upon pressing a medication release button, the scheduled compartment will be opened and the medication will be accessible. If the medication button has not been sounded within a preselected time period, a message will be generated, either internally or through the Internet, on non-compliance.

Abstract: A dispenser for storing/dispensing pharmaceutical dosages that are provided in a stamp-like (flat) dosage form. In some embodiments, the present dispenser includes a housing for retaining a plurality of stacked, individual “stamp-like” pharmaceutical dosages. Disposed within the housing beneath the dosages is a bias element, such as a helical spring, that urges the dosages towards a dosage delivery port of the housing. From the dosage delivery port, dosages are dispensed through an aperture. In other embodiments, the instant dispenser includes a cylindrical main body for retaining pharmaceutical dosages having a stamp-like dosage form that are collectively organized in a roll. A dosage delivery port depending from the cylindrical main body receives dosages one at a time therefrom. The present dispenser is configured, in various embodiments, for manual, mechanically assisted, or automated dispensing.

Abstract: A clamshell case for birth control pills is provided with a 24 hour alarm device to remind the user to take the pills at the same time each day.

Abstract: A system and apparatus are described in which modular receptacles are filled and transported to automated dispensing machines for later retrieval and distribution. A system of the present invention includes the loading, refilling, and replacement of the modular receptacles at various stages in the process of the invention. The present invention results in a more efficient and easier to manage system for distribution of such items as medical supplies and drugs.

Abstract: The present invention is an automatic medication dispenser that is capable of distributing medication according to at least one prescribed time schedule, such as daily or weekly. The dispenser is capable of signaling to the patient the appropriate time for taking the next dosage of medicine by the activation of appropriate alarms. The dispenser has a housing with a removable cap, the housing adapted to receive at least one circularly shaped medication cassette, the at least one medication cassette being rotatable within the housing; a medication exit slot in the housing which allows medication contained by the at least one medication cassette to be distributed from the at least one medication cassette; a drive system contained by the housing which rotates the at least one medication cassette within the housing and a medication detector which is contained by the housing and detects the distribution of the medication, in combination with at least one removable circularly shaped medication cassette.

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 he 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 preserver for preserving drugs, comprising a door detector for detecting opening/closing the door of the preserver; a controller for determining whether the door was opened or not during a predetermined period of time based on the signal supplied by the door detector. When it is determined that the door was not opened at all in the period, the controller generates an alarm signal indicative of the determination to an administrator of the preserver. Upon receipt of the alarm signal, the administrator informs a medical facility of the situation, so that a further organized administration of the medical treatment may be provided.

Abstract: An audio device for a capped medication container to record and playback medication instructions has a housing which carrier a power supply, an input component (i.e., microphone or input jack), an audio output component (speaker), an electronic data and operating memory, and operating control buttons and may be adapted for releasable attachment to a capped upper end or a closed lower end of a medication carrier.

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 the 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: The present invention is an article dispenser comprising an alarm reminder device having an alarm, a clock and resettable electronic circuitry means for controlling the alarm and the clock, a medicine cup, a substantially hollow housing having a base attached to the alarm reminder device, the housing rotatably coupled to the base, the base having a means for transferring medicine including a pill slide formed therethrough and a foundation having an orifice formed therein adjacent to and below the pill slide, the aperture sized to receive the medicine retainer cup in a secure relationship, and electromechanical circuitry means for controlling the electronic circuitry means disposed upon the exterior surface of the base within the orifice, the electromechanical circuitry means for controlling in electrical communication with the electronic circuitry means, the medicine cup engaging the electromechanical circuitry means for controlling when the cup is disposed within the aperture, the three-way switch being dise

Abstract: A voice announcement medication storage and dispensing device for patients. The storage and dispensing device comprises a medical storage portion and a closure portion with data storage means disposed within the closure portion. The device is activated by access to the storage container and can be programmed with medication information including medication dosage, schedule, medical warnings and patient information. The medication storage and dispensing device has a self-contained power source with a data processing and memory chip and electronic data interface with audio data output.

Abstract: A device for enabling a patient to have ready access to a daily dosage of medication placed in compartments at predetermined time periods and wherein the compartments are only accessible to the patient at predetermined time periods. The device comprises an annular plate member having a plurality of medicine receiving compartments formed adjacent the periphery thereof. Specific dosages in the form of capsules or pills are sequentially placed in selected compartments. In a preferred mode, up to four compartments are loaded in sequence to provide one dosage, up to four sequences of four compartments allowing four daily dosages to be provided. An annular top cover member is positioned over the plate member, the cover member including a window or door. The annular compartment containing member is controlled in a manner such that a selected compartment is positioned at a location under the window.

Abstract: A vending machine and distribution management system is provided which stores and sells merchandise to customers. The system includes a host computer for receiving actual sales data from the vending machine in order to track inventory and sales preferences, and to notify suppliers to restock the machine. The vending machine provides a variety of signals which are intended to entice potential customers to approach the machine and purchase merchandise. A questionnaire is provided for obtaining consumer preferences in the machine and the data is sent to the host computer for analyzing.

Abstract: A Medical Reminder System has an electronic messaging watch which is programmed with a medication regimen for the patient via an infrared or other electronic data transfer link to a health care provider's computer system having custom software. The programmable watch sounds an alarm when a medication is to be taken, or a health care procedure is to be performed. Each watch is programmed with the patient's name, individual medicine names, dosage amounts and specified medication times, as well as with alerts for appointments, prescription refills and medical events. Nonmedical messages may also be programmed into the watch. The alarm consists of distinctive monotone beeps and is sounded by the watch at the preset times programmed by the health care provider. The medication information scrolls across the screen when the patient records the event by pressing a button on the watch.

Abstract: An electronic device mounting apparatus prevents an error at the setup time prior to startup of the apparatus and enables mounting of proper electronic devices without a mistake. A cartridge and a lane of a cartridge mounting rack have a cartridge side connector (upper electrode portion, connection plug, lower electrode portion) and a lane side connector (fixed plug) which are electrically connected when the cartridge is installed on the lane. An error detecting circuit is formed by employing these connectors as part thereof. The error detecting circuit determines whether or not the installation position of the cartridge is appropriate depending on the conductive state or non-conductive state from a power supply to a warning buzzer when the connectors are connected.

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

Abstract: A 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 he 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 dispensing system comprising an on-site medication dispensing unit and a central monitoring facility. The on-site medication dispensing unit holds medication in a plurality of canisters which it selects from 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 selected canisters. 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 canister inaccessible and contacts a predetermined list of caregivers and then a central monitoring facility.

Abstract: A device that can be loaded with appropriate pills and programmed to automatically dispense the proper amount(s) and proper type(s) of pill(s) at the proper time(s) each day. The device also includes a system for alerting the pill taker that pills have been dispensed and need to be taken, a system for providing voice messages to coach the pill taker to use the device and consume the pills, a system for alerting an off-site caregiver when the pill taker has not responded as required or when there is a problem with the operation of the device, and a system for the efficient and accurate loading of pills into the device.

Abstract: A pill dispenser with means is provided for alerting a user when medication must be taken. The dispenser includes a housing having a top face with at least one compartment formed therein and a lid having a first orientation for allowing access to the corresponding compartment and a second orientation for precluding access thereto. A real time clock is situated within the interior space of the housing for tracking a present time. Memory is included for storing a plurality of medication time. Further provided is a selector mechanism including a plurality of buttons for allowing the entering and storage of a plurality of medication times within the memory by a user. A plurality of alarm mechanisms are included and adapted to alert a user upon the actuatin thereof. Finally, a control mechanism is included for actuating at least one selected alarm mechanism upon the matching of the present time and at least one of the medication times within the memory.

Abstract: A medication dispensing and timing system includes a central monitoring computer which generates and sends an address-specific medication prompting message in accordance with a prescribed medication dispensing schedule over a two-way paging system to a communicator carried by a patient. The communicator includes receiver circuitry which responds to the prompt message to generate a display and audible alarm to alert the patient. Upon the patient acknowledging the message by actuating a switch on the communicator transmitter circuitry within the pager sends a reply message to the monitoring computer. In the event that a reply message is not received within a predetermined time period following the dispensing event, the computer initiates an alternative communication procedure which includes telephone calls to 1) the patient, 2) his doctor, 3) his care provider, or 4) an emergency contact.

Abstract: A new Programmable Medicine Dispenser and Storage Device for allowing for user or physician programming of a medication administration schedule, alerting the user, by means of an audible alarm, of a scheduled medication administration time, opening a corresponding medication compartment upon user acknowledgment of the alarm and instructing the user on the proper method of taking the medication.

Abstract: A merchandise dispenser for dispensing merchandising prizes which are used in conjunction with coin operated amusement games. It includes a conveyor belt that follows a continuos path of travel within a housing, a control cabinet having an interface device which is connected to a remote coin operated device which offers an award based upon a score, points or achievement, a prize retrieval space contained within the housing, and an access door formed in the front of the housing to retrieve a prize.

Abstract: A medication filling apparatus which is capable of preventing medications from being over-dispensed so as to enable accurate filling operation. The medication filling apparatus is equipped with: a tablet case for holding medications; a dispenser drum for dispensing the medications one at a time from the tablet case as it rotates; a motor for driving and rotating the dispenser drum; a sensor for detecting the medications which have been dispensed; and a controller which starts the motor, counts the dispensed medications according to an output of the sensor, and stops the motor when a predetermined count value is reached. The controller drops the voltage applied to the motor before the predetermined count value is reached and then short-circuits the terminals of the motor when the predetermined count value is reached.

Abstract: A programmable time interval alarm that has a plurality of switches or buttons to set the alarm interval. Each button corresponds to a different time interval setting. In this manner, the alarm is simply programmable by actuating a single button corresponding to the desired interval. The alarm has a housing with a resilient element such as a rubberized inner surface to compress against containers of different dimensions and be clamped into position to move with the container.

Abstract: A vending apparatus for printed publications includes a programmable announcement capability which permits audio messages to be played in response to a customer stimulus. Programming is conveniently carried out through the connection of a portable programming unit to the vending apparatus to download a message stored in the programming unit. Such programming may be done frequently, such as daily, or at such time when the rack is refilled with printed publications. The announcement capability within the vending apparatus is preferably triggered when a customer opens an access panel on the rack, which then plays the message downloaded through the portable programming unit.

Abstract: A medication compliance, co-ordination and dispensing system for coordinating the administration of medication regimens at home equipped with a system for monitoring patient compliance and protection from overdosage and underdosage. The system is accessible to all types of patients, including children, the elderly, the visually-impaired, the hearing-impaired and patients with other handicaps. The device comprises a centrally positioned main housing containing a control element, a plurality of storage and dispensing units dedicated to different medications engageable with the main housing, and a system of input and output devices in communication with the control element. The I/O devices include visual and audible alarms for alerting the patient of administration times, voice and display means for providing extended medication information to the patient, a mini-camera for recording patient compliance and a user-wearable message receiving component for doing same.

Abstract: An interactive window display enables a person to activate one or more electrical devices located inside an enclosure from outside of the enclosure. Each electrical device is electrically connected to an infrared sensor located inside the enclosure. Each infrared sensor emits a light beam through a window of the enclosure. A person on the outside of the enclosure can manually place a small reflective card against the window in the path of the light beam of a selected infrared sensor. The light beam is reflected back to the infrared sensor. Upon sensing the reflected light beam, the infrared sensor produces a signal that energizes an electrical circuit and activates the associated electrical device.

Abstract: The use of medication is common and many times is small but potent and should be taken on a timely basis. However, some people have a tendency to forget this and this creates medical and psychological problems. This unit is designed to prevent such occurrences. This unit is a machine that will allow a person to receive his or her medication on a timely basis. The machine will hold the medication in a series of small spaces and will rotate to allow the proper dose to be picked up via a fixed window.

Abstract: A microprocessor acts upon instructions received from a random access memory and a read only memory. A removable hard drive contains musical selections digitally stored thereon. The hard drive stores data in the random access memory and retrieves data from the random access memory as directed by the microprocessor. A monitor displays a list of available musical selections and a list of the customer's selections. A keyboard is used by the customer to provide input to the microprocessor. A card reader retrieves electronic information from a payment card and sends payment information to the microprocessor. A CD writer and dispenser is controlled by the microprocessor to retrieve a blank compact disk from a CD storage, record the customer's musical selections onto the compact disk, and dispense the compact disk.

Abstract: The invention provides a device that cautions the user of medication, for example, by visual change and/or surface contour change of a part of a medicine container, that a preset time since an event, such as since the last prior use or application of the medication, has not transpired. The medicine container cover or an indicating element of the container or cover changes visually or dimensionally to signal the user that it is not advisable to administer the next dose of the medication. The device shuts itself down upon changing to a permissive configuration, and requires no power input until it is again activated by accessing the container.

Abstract: A vending apparatus and system for storing and automatically dispensing magnetic or optical disks. A user interface means allows a user to enter a dispensing request corresponding to the selection of a desired disk and includes means for receiving user identification information, such as credit or debit card information, or other information stored magnetically on a bank card, driver's license, school identification card, or library card. Once a disk selection has been entered and user identification information received and verified, the selected disk is dispensed from the vending unit. The disks to be dispensed by the vending unit may be provided to have a region of magnetic recording media formed on one surface, and the vending unit may be equipped to write information relevant to the transaction onto the region of magnetic media.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a combination of medications in dose lots at timed intervals comprising the following: a housing (12); a plurality of dose modules (32) rotatably mounted in the housing, each dose module including at least one circular disc (34), each of the discs having a plurality of apertures (36) therethrough, wherein each aperture is sealed on either side with film (38, 39) so as to form a compartment which contains a single dose of a medication; extractor means (110) mounted to the housing for selectively piercing the film coveting the apertures so as to release the medication contained in respective apertures; signaling means (92, 182) mounted to the exterior of the housing for periodically indicating a time medication is to be taken; and dose module index means (150, 152) for indexing each dose module at a predetermined interval and for actuating the signaling means. In an alternative embodiment, the dispenser is controlled by a microprocessor system (188).

Abstract: Portable programmable medication alarm device for aiding in the administration of medication or pharmaceuticals in accordance with a prescribed medication dosage schedule. In a first illustrative embodiment, the programmable medication alarm device is manually programmed with data representative of a prescribed medication dosage schedule specifying a prescribed administration time, dosage amount, administration route, and medication instructions for each medication dosage to be administered to the patient. In response to the timed occurrence of each programmed administration time, an audible dosage alarm signal is generated and graphical representations of the prescribed administration time, dosage amount, administration route and medication instructions are visually displayed in predefined visual display fields.

Abstract: A tool for depositing seed uniformly along a prepared furrow. The tool uses the rolling motion of a ground engaging wheel to drive a seed pickup and delivery mechanism. A pickup wheel which is coupled to the ground engaging wheel contacts the seeds via a slot in the seed container. A suction force created by an oscillating bellow is channeled to a pickup aperture in the circumference of the pickup wheel. Picked seed is carried by the pickup wheel to a guiding duct to be released and delivered to the soil. The tool also includes an electronic monitor that produces a short audible beep for every deposited seed.

Abstract: An unattended vending machine for the sale of articles such as compact audio cassette tapes, video cassette tapes, electromagnetic or electro-optical storage devices, or any other device capable of storing recorded information for subsequent reproduction by a patron. The machine displays the various disks or cassettes available, for customer purchase, and is also capable of playing extracts or complete sections of audio or audio-visual entertainment from the available disks or tapes on a video screen or audio speaker. Communications capability is available for transmitting pricing, accounting, and alarms, and for verifying credit cards, and a centralized automatic-ordering system permits reduced human intervention, and the maintenance of high levels of sales with a minimum inventory.