Abstract: This invention provides a blister pack dosage form container, comprising an advanceable blister pack holder, comprising a series of access portals sized to accommodate pass-through of at least one dosage form contained within a multi-dosage form containing blister pack located within said holder proximally therethrough upon engagement of an appropriate depilling structure, wherein said advanceable blister pack holder optionally accommodates upright positioning of said dosage forms and said depilling structure displaces said dosage form laterally.

Abstract: A programmable pill dispensing device, system, and methods are provided. A programmable pill dispensing device may be used to automatedly dispense a pill, such as a prescription medication, at a programmed predetermined time.

Abstract: An aspect of the present disclosure is related to a medication dispensing device that includes a housing with an interior. A plurality of cartridge slots are located in the interior, and each of the cartridge slots includes a drive mechanism. A plurality of cartridges are removably disposed in respective ones of the cartridge slots. Each cartridge includes a stationary hub and a rotational wheel. The stationary hub has a window, and the rotational wheel has a plurality of medication chambers that contain medications. The rotational wheel is disposed in the stationary hub. The drive mechanism of the respective cartridge slot is operably connected with the drive wheel and is configured to rotate the rotational wheel relative to the stationary hub to selectively align the medication chambers with the window to dispense the medications contained in the medication chambers out of the cartridge.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for Secure Storage and Dispensing of Opioid (SSDO) or other controlled substances while providing remote assistance and monitoring. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a motorized medication tray for automatic dispensing of pills with optional blister pack containing sealed medication. The device further comprises of a secure tamper resistant housing mechanism, plurality of sensors along with a wireless communication module to notify the remote operators in case of illegal and unauthorized access. The current invention can be configured into multiple embodiments including but not limited to a mobile wearable device capable of attaching to a person's wrist, arm, foot and other body parts.

Abstract: A container includes a cartridge containing a plurality of products therein. The cartridge defines a dispensing opening. The container also includes an outer shell configured to receive the cartridge therein. The outer shell includes a dispensing end and a receiving end. The receiving end is configured to receive the cartridge therethrough. The container further includes a dispensing mechanism coupled to the outer shell dispensing end. The dispensing mechanism is movable between a first position and a second position. The dispensing mechanism in the first position obstructs the dispensing opening such that the products are retained in the container, and the dispensing mechanism in the second position enables the products to be dispensed from the container.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for tracking and guiding a patient's clinically directed medication usage. Medicaments are placed in secure passive packaging that must be unlocked to enable dispensing of a dose or a set of doses. This packaging is designed to be difficult to open manually, and instead is designed to dispense only when used in combination with an unlocking device. The unlocking device is a separate device containing electronics, mechatronics or both, to unlock and dispense from the packaging and to track and guide usage. Together, the secure container and the unlocking device track medication usage, deter an excessive rate of patient usage, and deter unauthorized access to medication.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system that comprises a case. The case comprises a body comprising a lever. The body defines a cover latch aperture and a dispensing port. The case comprises a cover coupled to the body via a hinge. The cover is releasably closeable with the body via a cover latch and the cover latch aperture.

Abstract: A cash box (18) is provided along with a device (12) for handling notes of value, in which such a cash box (18) is receivable. The cash box (18) has a receiving area (30) for receiving a value note stack and a housing (32) with at least one mechanical coding unit (50) for optional assignment of the cash box (18) to first or second receiving compartments (16) of the device (12). The coding unit (50) has a coding element (60) that is adjustable between first and second positions. The coding element (60) is designed so that the cash box (18) is feedable only to the first receiving compartment (16) when the coding element (60) is in the first position, and only to the second receiving compartment (16) when the coding element (60) is in the second position.

Abstract: An automatic vending machine for vending a product selected by a user includes: an automatic vending machine cabinet having an opening that is opened and closed by a door: a plurality of product racks that is provided in the automatic vending machine cabinet, each product rack including a plurality of product storage columns each storing products ordered in a line; and a product storage device that allows a user to take out one product at a time by holding a body of the product, when the door is opened to open the opening.

Abstract: A merchandise dispensing apparatus for deterring theft includes a housing having a plurality of walls defining an interior space within the housing. At least one merchandise support module is mounted in the housing and includes an electro-mechanical ejector located adjacent a front end of the at least one module. The ejector includes an electrical motor with an output shaft, along with an ejector plate movably mounted in relation to the housing. A gear train connects the output shaft of the motor to the ejector plate. A relay selectively provides electrical power to the motor.

Abstract: A multiple-use blotting device for blotting blood from a fingertip includes a substrate, and a blood absorbing pad secured to the substrate. The blood absorbing pad has a plurality of blood absorbing sections that are evenly spaced from one another. The blotting device includes a protective cover overlying the blood absorbing pad, the protective cover having a window formed therein for exposing the blood absorbing pad. The cover is coupled with the substrate and is adapted to rotate relative to the substrate and the blood absorbing pad for sequentially aligning the window of the cover with each of the blood absorbing sections for exposing, one at a time, each of the blood absorbing sections. After one section of the pad has been used to blot blood, the cover is rotated for exposing a clean, unused section of the pad, while covering the used, blood-soaked section of the pad.

Abstract: A container for dispensing dosages of multiple medications over time. The present invention includes a container which has a plurality of compartments each configured to contain a plurality of dosages of a different medication. A rotatable lid is attached on top of the container such that an opening in the lid may be selectively positioned in fluid communication with each of the plurality of compartments. A lid position detection device is provided for identifying which of the compartments the opening is presently addressing. A programmable computing device is provided to track dosages administered from each of the plurality of compartments. A display, controlled by the programmable computing device, conveys information regarding the medication contained within a selected compartment. The ability to transmit and receive information from an external device or the Internet, either by a data port or wirelessly, is provided for increased functionality of the device.

Abstract: Tamper evident devices and methods including devices that can be used with pill bottles and other packages to provide evidence of tampering by an unauthorized user are provided.

Abstract: The tablet cassette includes a division block installed to be rotated by a drive motor to discharge tablets introduced from above through transfer passages indented in an outer circumferential surface thereof. Each of the transfer passage includes a separation recess for downward transfer of the tablets, a lower end of which is blocked by a prop, and a supply recess along which the tablets having passed through the separation recess are moved on the outer circumferential surface of the division block to thereby be discharged downward via rotation of the division block. The tablet cassette further includes a bottom ring provided around a lower end of the division block to transfer the tablets located in the separation recess into the supply recess via rotation of the division block.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling removal of one or more receptacles from a receptacle tray are described herein, in which a removal indicator indicates which of the one or more receptacles to remove. Thereafter, the indicated one or more receptacles may be manually removed from the receptacle tray using a gripping mechanism. The receptacles are secured in the tray with two or more tangs protruding from a front face of the receptacle closest to a connector interface. The two or more tangs fit into respective mating units in the receptacle tray, and one or more protrusions toward the rear of the receptacle, with respect to the two or more tangs, mate with respective mating units in the receptacle tray.

Abstract: A container for dispensing dosages of multiple medications over time. The present invention includes a container which has a plurality of compartments each configured to contain a plurality of dosages of a different medication. A rotatable lid is attached on top of the container such that an opening in the lid may be selectively positioned in fluid communication with each of the plurality of compartments. A lid position detection device is provided for identifying which of the compartments the opening is presently addressing. A programmable computing device is provided to track dosages administered from each of the plurality of compartments. A display, controlled by the programmable computing device, conveys information regarding the medication contained within a selected compartment.

Abstract: A dispensing device for beverage cup lid which prevents excessive human contact with the lid prior to insertion upon the beverage cup, the device providing an externally threaded central rotary rod attached to a direct drive bidirectional electrical motor and suspended within a lid cabinet with a stacked plurality of lids retained upon the rotary rod through a central bore in each lid, the lids urged downward by a traveling press plate having a central threaded hole engaging the external threads of the rotary rod, the rotation of the rotary rod causing the press plate to move up and down the rotary rod, pressing against the uppermost lid on the rotary rod against the stacked plurality of lids in increments programmed to release only the lowermost lid from the end of the rotary rod in a receiving area below the retaining rod. The device is operated by the activation of a presence sensor, either a beverage cup or a clean hand, which causes the incremental dispensing of a single lid.

Abstract: An article dispensing system is provided which can be customized to selectively store and dispense multiple desired articles to suitable containers. The system of the invention is particularly relevant for items which can be stored on hangers in a vertical format and dispensed therefrom.

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: The invention relates to an interactive system comprising of a primary device interacting with user and working in conjunction with at least one other multifunctional device providing authentication of a package containing a product and optionally one or more of package registration, product dispensation and recording real-time product dispensation information and facilitating user compliance with a pre-determined regime.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for the dispensing of product is provided. The apparatus includes a dispenser that is configured for dispensing product and a sensor in communication with an electrical circuit carried by the dispenser. The sensor is configured for detecting identification information about the product when the electrical circuit is completed by the product. Additional exemplary embodiments are also provided in which the sensor operates through optical detection, smell, physical contact with the product, or vibration instead of or in addition to the completion of an electrical circuit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to assisting patients in the taking of medication, and to assisting third parties in accumulating information regarding patient medication intake. The invention may be embodied a system including a portable medication monitor used in association with an instrumented medication package to provide intake data acquisition and patient support functions. The system may further be connected to a computer or computer network allowing information distribution between the medication monitor and third parties, such as physicians or pharmacists.

Abstract: An article dispensing system is provided which can be customized to selectively store and dispense multiple desired articles to suitable containers. The system of the invention is particularly relevant for items which can be stored on hangers in a vertical format and dispensed therefrom.

Abstract: An automated method for dispensing pharmaceuticals particularly tablets and capsules, and other small discrete objects, includes: receiving prescription information, selecting a container, labeling the container, dispensing the tablets or capsules into the labeled container, applying a closure to the filled, labeled container, and offloading the container to a designated location. Preferably, the tablets are dispensed with high speed dispensing bins that employ forced air to agitate and singulate the tablets. The other functions within the system are typically carried out at stations designed to offer speed, flexibility and precision to the dispensing operation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for indicating a position of an item to be processed from a shelf is disclosed. An embodiment of the apparatus includes a frame member and an indicator moveable on the frame member. The indicator is positionable in front of the item to be processed from the shelf. In an embodiment of a method for indicating a position of an item to be processed from a shelf, the method includes moving the indicator on the frame member such that the indicator is positioned in front of the item to be processed from the shelf.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-functional package system. This integrated package system integrates the aspects authentication, prompting the consumer to consume a product from the package as per a prescribed plan including appropriate patient feedback from clinical trials and/or collection of pharmacovigilance data, real time recording of the history of product dispensed from the package, communicating/interacting with an external device, establishing and converting the package into a non-authentic package after the validity period/expiry period has elapsed or the package has been tampered with or after the entire contents of the package has been dispensed. This multi-functional capability is achieved by the synergistic combination of a tailored coupling/decoupling of the dispensing system, product sensing system, data processing system and communicating/interacting with an external device/system along with the unique identification information provided on the package.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system that utilizes one or more cassettes or trays, which hold one or more types of medicaments, the cassettes or trays being configured for intelligent dispensing of the medicaments. In one embodiment, a smart tray for dispensing medicaments includes.

Abstract: An automated method for dispensing pharmaceuticals particularly tablets and capsules, and other small discrete objects, includes: receiving prescription information, selecting a container, labeling the container, dispensing the tablets or capsules into the labeled container, applying a closure to the filled, labeled container, and offloading the container to a designated location. Preferably, the tablets are dispensed with high speed dispensing bins that employ forced air to agitate and singulate the tablets. The other functions within the system are typically carried out at stations designed to offer speed, flexibility and precision to the dispensing operation.

Abstract: A vending machine automatically detects the size of a customer-selected container or cup placed in the dispensing area of the vending apparatus to receive a dispensed beverage. A plurality of sensors positioned proximate the container receiving area detects the container's size (e.g., small/large; small/medium/large). In response, the vending machine conveys or illuminates to the customer one or more of the available beverage selections (provided by the vending machine) indicating which of the beverage selections is available based on the detected cup size.

Abstract: On each of a plurality of disposed racks, an injection drug storing container is each detachably mounted. The injection drug storing container includes a transportation device for transporting a stored injection drug in one direction. The injection drug transported by the transportation device is housed in each housing portion formed on a circumferential portion of a rotating body one by one. The injection drug in each housing portion is sequentially delivered one by one by rotation of the rotating body.

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: A holding device for pharmaceutical blisters has an upper part and a lower part between which a pharmaceutical blister is disposed. Ejection openings are disposed in both the upper part and the lower part in a pattern that corresponds to the pattern of the contained dragées. An ejection device that can execute a linear movement and/or a rotary movement in relation to the upper part has an ejection ram, which optionally can be guided into a certain ejection opening of the upper part to remove a corresponding dragée. The ejection device has a contact element, which in the desired ejection position short-circuits a pair of contact points with a contact field to display the desired ejection position. The contact field for each possible ejection position short-circuits only one pair of contact points corresponding to the desired ejection position through the contact field.

Abstract: A cabinet suitable for use in storing items. The cabinet includes a drawer having a base. A plurality of cassettes are arranged within the drawer. Each cassette is individually movable in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the base. A plurality of locking mechanisms cooperate to inhibit movement of each of the plurality of cassettes. A controller is operable to actuate one or more locking mechanisms to release one of the plurality of cassettes for movement.

Abstract: An automated method for dispensing pharmaceuticals particularly tablets and capsules, and other small discrete objects, includes: receiving prescription information, selecting a container, labeling the container, dispensing the tablets or capsules into the labeled container, applying a closure to the filled, labeled container, and offloading the container to a designated location. Preferably, the tablets are dispensed with high speed dispensing bins that employ forced air to agitate and singulate the tablets. The other functions within the system are typically carried out at stations designed to offer speed, flexibility and precision to the dispensing operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for the selection and automatic dispensing of products, such as food products. The products are stored in a storage cabinet, where a detachment device cuts them into a dispensable form for dispensing. An operating panel enables the consumer to make selections simple and quickly.

Abstract: A sundry article vending apparatus, in structural and functional cooperation with a fully automatic vehicle-related product and/or service providing apparatus, for the on-site storage and vending of sundry articles, wherein the payment for the sundry articles may be accomplished through cash payment to a cash box integrated into the structure of the product and/or service providing apparatus, or through an on-line banking or payment facility, using the keypad, card reader and banking or billing system for the product and/or service providing apparatus. The vehicle-related product/service vending device may be a service station fuel pump, an automated or self-service car wash device,.or a compressed air vending device, among other vehicle-related vending devices.

Abstract: A drug dispensation method and apparatus significantly reduces the likelihood that a nurse or other health care personnel will inadvertently administer the wrong drug to a patient. The method and apparatus identify a classification and a characteristic of a drug.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the present invention is an integrated product supply network comprised of a computer network linked through a variety of methods to a plurality of intelligent vending or dispensing machines and each component of the overall product supply network. The intelligent vending or dispensing machine is comprised of a combination of dispensing mechanisms including one type that it allows for both vertical and horizontal displacement of products to allow a wider variety of products to be offered for sale. In particular, the dispensing mechanism allows paper and art supplies to be dispensed. The intelligent dispensing machine is particularly useful in catering to small offices that need supplies any time, day or night.

Abstract: This invention relates to a substantially circular tablet dispenser component system which may be adapted for a variable day start of a prescribed periodic tablet regimen. Also provided are a tablet dispenser kit, a tablet packge adapted for filling the tablet dispenser system, methods of filling the tablet dispenser of the invention and methods of administering a prescribed regimen of medication using the tablet dispenser system of the invention.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing pills from a blister pack in which cavities containing pills are distributed, comprises a lower part for supporting the pack in a ring-shape and an upper part fitting onto the lower part and surrounding the blister pack together with the lower part. The lower part and/or upper part includes at least a passage opening with which a pill to be dispensed can be aligned. A push out element can be positioned in line with the various pills in the blister pack and the passage opening and is operable for pushing out the pill to be dispensed through the passage opening. The lower and upper parts are substantially ring-shaped and the push out element is positioned on the inner side of the ring and is moveable outwardly for the push out action.

Abstract: This invention relates to a substantially circular tablet dispenser component system which may be adapted for a variable day start of a prescribed periodic tablet regimen. Also provided are a tablet dispenser kit, a tablet packge adapted for filling the tablet dispenser system, methods of filling the tablet dispenser of the invention and methods of administering a prescribed regimen of medication using the tablet dispenser system of the invention.

Abstract: A system for guiding the taking of medicine having a host computer, a personal computer connected to the host computer, and a color printer connected to the personal computer producing a document or a medicine bag with guiding instructions for taking medicine prepared by the system printed thereon. The host computer is used for inputting prescription information for a patient by a doctor. The input information are transmitted to the personal computer from the host computer. The pharmacist edits the information received from the host computer to prepare the medicine bag and/or document by printing the edited guiding instructions for taking medicine inclusive of visual image of each drug thereon.

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 system for monitoring and dispensing medical items, includes a data terminal (76) which is connected through a local area network (82) to at least one remote computer (84) including a processor and the data store. The data store includes data representative of medical items which may be stored in dispensing devices (96, 100) or in storage locations external to said dispensing devices. The data store further includes data representative of information concerning patients. The data store further includes information concerning kits which kits include more than one of the available medical items. The items in each kit are used in the course of a medical procedure. A user is enabled to interface with the data terminal to select a patient and a kit for use by the patient.

Abstract: A computer controlled dispensing system including a first unit having a plurality of compartments for containing articles to be dispensed. A second unit includes larger compartments for containing articles of a size larger than the dimensions of the compartments in the first unit. Each compartment of the second unit including a locking mechanism. Some of the compartments of the first unit being programmed to receive and dispense means to operate the locking mechanisms to gain access to articles stored in the compartments of the second unit. A key pad associated with the first unit. A computer. Means are provided for inputting codes to the computer via the key pad to access the contents of a selected compartment of the first unit to dispense one of the means to operate a selected one of the locking mechanisms.

Abstract: This invention relates to a substantially circular tablet dispenser component system which may be adapted for a variable day start of a prescribed periodic tablet regimen. Also provided are a tablet dispenser kit, a tablet packge adapted for filling the tablet dispenser system, methods of filling the tablet dispenser of the invention and methods of administering a prescribed regimen of medication using the tablet dispenser system of the invention.

Abstract: This invention relates to a substantially circular tablet dispenser component system which may be adapted for a variable day start of a prescribed periodic tablet regimen. Also provided are a tablet dispenser kit, a tablet packge adapted for filling the tablet dispenser system, methods of filling the tablet dispenser of the invention and methods of administering a prescribed regimen of medication using the tablet dispenser system of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a self-actuating dispenser for a regimen of pills satisfying the needs discussed herein above. A self-actuating dispenser having the features of the present invention comprises a base, a pill container, and a means for cyclically indexing the pill container with respect to the base. The base has a pill exit aperture. The pill container, which houses the pills in individual compartments or cells, is movably attached to the base such that any pill cell can be aligned with the pill exit aperture. The pill cells are provided with open bottoms for loading and dispensing which are covered over by the base when attached thereto. The means for cyclically indexing provides that each pill cell in turn is brought into alignment with the pill exit aperture thereby singly dropping the resident pills in a series of dispensing cycles.

Abstract: A dispenser for consecutive dispensing of tablets in a fixed order comprising a cylindrical body defining along its periphery a number of juxtaposed vertical chutes each accommodating a number of tablets piled on edge radially oriented in the body, a cup shaped dispensing part comprising a bottom plate having an upstanding cylindric wall and forming a stop at the lower end of the chutes. An opening in the cylindric wall allows a tablet on edge to pass from the outside of the cup into the inner space thereof. Above the opening a protrusion extends radially outwards from the cylindric wall into the space between a tablet abreast of the opening and a possible overlying tablet in the chute, and a wall adjacent to the opening extends into the lower ends of the chutes. A detent mechanism makes the body and dispensing part stepwise unidirectionally rotatable in relation to each other.