Abstract: A device for aiding medication compliance includes a cap for a medicine container. The cap has a multi-color light-emitting diode; for determining when said cap is opened; and a button, operatively connected to the circuitry, for triggering a signal to an external dispenser to request a refill of medication when pressed.

Abstract: An all-purpose ATM kiosk/vending machine network that services the unbanked and underbanked markets, that will enables wireless transactions and processing of currency, pre-paid cash debit cards, and online banking. The concept can be applied to any vending machine product such as sodas, beverages, gasoline, candy, postage stamps, and more with the following features and benefits: Full service ATM/Vending, Issue cash debit cards, Transfer funds from one machine to another Issues and prints money orders, Bill paying GPS travel directions, Advertising on LCD screen, Purchase sporting/event tickets Reload cell phone pre-paid cards, Purchase beverage or gas, Wireless Internet access, and Bank-to-bank wire transfers. The present invention will provide financial services solutions to sub-prime prospects and the unbanked.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an exchange of multimedia products between a plurality of users is disclosed. For example, a user has a multimedia product to be given up in exchange for either another product desired or exchangeable denomination of value, including cash and/or value points, which may be used in exchange to acquire said multimedia product desired. The method includes collating each user's exchange criteria into a data system, matching a user willing to part with a multimedia product with another user desiring said multimedia product in said data system; collecting said multimedia product desired from said willing user; and dispensing said multimedia product desired to said desiring user. A mutual exchange between 2 matched users is also possible. Kiosks housing a jukebox-like apparatus for depositing and retrieving the products which are in operative control by a data system implemented over the Internet are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a broadcasting system extracting characters from images in hospital and the method of the same. The said broadcasting system extracting characters from images in hospital is adapted to transmit the characters contained in the images of the display unit to a remote end to broadcast. It comprises of an image extracting unit acquiring the frames of the display unit and converting them into a digital image information; a reading unit acquiring the digital image information of the image extracting unit and reading a character information, a transmission unit acquiring and transmitting the character information of the reading unit, and an output unit collecting and broadcasting the transmitted character information of the transmission unit.

Abstract: A unit dose medication compliance monitoring and reporting apparatus and system (100) that includes a dispenser shell (120) formed with dose compartments (130). A retainer sheet (150) affixed to the shell (120) seals each compartment (130) and partially bursts upon dispensing. A sensor network and monitoring and reporting circuitry (160, 170) records dispensing times and determines an average time interval, which can be reported with other data on an integral data display (190). The system (100) can thereby monitor and report patient compliance with prescription regimens. Additional data can be recorded and displayed for augmented patient compliance assistance and analysis, which data can include customized informational messages, telephone and other patient support contact information, unit doses dispensed and remaining, reminder alarms, identification data, prescription regimens, among other data.

Abstract: A medication dispenser comprises slots that may be sized to accommodate medication containers of various sizes. Each slot has an associated barcode reader. A user inserts the pharmacy-provided pill or medication container into one slot. The barcode on the container is read. From the barcode the medication in the container is identified. The device contains a simple user interface that allows the user to enter the dosing frequency prescribed, how many pills or cc's are in the container, how many refills and a starting time. The dispenser alerts users to possible drug interactions with medications in other slots as well as alerts them to dosing times and other pertinent information.

Abstract: In some embodiments of the present invention, a vending machine display apparatus and method includes a controller, a display electrically coupled to the controller and adapted to be coupled to the vending machine in a location externally visible on the vending machine, and a power line coupled to the display and adapted to supply power to the display. The display can be associated with the user-manipulatable control and/or with a product in the vending machine dispensed by operation of the user-manipulatable control. In some embodiments, the display is responsive to the controller by changing graphics and/or text displayed by the display.

Abstract: A soda dispensing machine that includes a dynamic advertising medium that includes a memory coupled to a microprocessor which controls an audio generating device and a video displaying means. The audio generating device is coupled to a speaker that emits an advertising message. The programmable memory is coupled to a connector for updating the memory of the dynamic advertising medium. The memory may be re-programmable in a variety of ways. The video displaying means displays both a static advertising image and a dynamic advertising message. The audio generating device and the video displaying means are actuated by a switch or a plurality of switches wired in parallel in a variety of manners.

Abstract: An alerting system for use in generating an alert in respect of usage of a device, the alerting system including a detector capable of detecting an event that is indicative of usage of the device, the alerting system being arranged to invoke a selected alert state prior to the activation of a forthcoming said event by a user, the alert state being selectable from a plurality of different alert states, wherein each of the different alert states represents a different stage of elapsed time since a previous said event, and wherein the alerting system is arranged to select an alert state in dependence on the elapsed time.

Abstract: Disclosed is a medicament dispenser having a base unit and a replaceable refill container. The base unit has one or more sensors for sensing one or more conditions of the medicament dispenser and a display for displaying indicia representing a state of the medicament dispenser. First indicia show the base unit and second indicia show the refill container. The display of at least one of said first and said second indicia is selectively controllable independently of the display of the other of said first and said second indicia in order to indicate said one or more sensed conditions of the medicament dispenser.

Abstract: A vending machine has an input/output switching device between an image display device for displaying a still image and/or a moving image and a first image output device capable of outputting image data of a small data size in a predetermined signal form. This input/output switching device permits arbitrary connection of a second image output device capable of outputting image data of a large data size in a predetermined signal form.

Abstract: A unit dose medication compliance monitoring and reporting apparatus and system that includes a dispenser shell formed with dose compartments. A retainer sheet affixed to the shell seals each compartment and partially bursts upon dispensing. A sensor network and monitoring and reporting circuitry records dispensing times and determines an average time interval, which can be reported with other data on an integral data display. The system can thereby monitor and report patient compliance with prescription regimens. Additional data can be recorded and displayed for augmented patient compliance assistance and analysis, which data can include customized informational messages, telephone and other patient support contact information, unit doses dispensed and remaining, reminder alarms, identification data, prescription regimens, among other data.

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 dispenser for storing and dispensing a plurality of objects including a tray defining a storage area and a divider assembly located within the storage area.

Abstract: In some embodiments of the present invention, a vending machine display apparatus and method includes a controller, an electroluminescent display electrically coupled to the controller and adapted to be coupled to the vending machine in a location externally visible on the vending machine, and a power line coupled to the electroluminescent display and adapted to supply power to the electroluminescent display. The electroluminescent display can be associated with the user-manipulatable control and/or with a product in the vending machine dispensed by operation of the user-manipulatable control. In some embodiments, the electroluminescent display is responsive to the controller by changing graphics and/or text displayed by the display.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system of medication monitoring which includes analyzing data on the clinical consequences of variable patient compliance with prescribed drug regimens, communicating to caregivers and/or patients the compliance-dependent probabilities of two clinically important transitions in health status: substantive improvement in the patient's health status and substantive deterioration in the patient's health status, defining acceptable levels of the respective probabilities of deterioration and of improvement, and intervening when appropriate to improve the patient's compliance, in order to achieve mutually-agreed upon maintenance, improvement, or avoidance of deterioration in health status.

Abstract: A fuel dispenser and method to detect the presence of a human being at a fuel dispenser as well as gather data about the human being using the fuel dispenser. The data is used to determine the language or dialect of the fueling instructions as well as the language or dialect of the advertisements understood by the human being. The data is also used to retrieve advertisements tailored to the human being. The fueling instructions and advertisements are displayed on the fuel dispenser in the language or dialect understood by the human being using the fuel dispenser.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel dispenser capable of sensing the proximity or location of a customer relative to the fuel dispenser without requiring direct customer contact and controlling the display or aspects of the display accordingly to conserve energy, reduce heat generation or draw the customer's attention to the display once the customer is within a relative proximity to the fuel dispenser.

Abstract: A device for dispensing awards includes a housing having a set of compartments, the contents of which are visible from the outside. Each compartment contains a small but valuable award, such as a diamond. The housing is part of, or connected to, a gaming machine. When a player wins a game which entitles the player to select a tangible award, the device signals this fact to the player. The player then selects a compartment by pressing a input device located on the housing. An attendant opens an external door, and inserts an electronic key into a receptacle associated with the selected compartment, and enters a required code into the key. The compartment then opens, and the player obtains the award. The device provides enhanced security, because the compartment will not open unless the player has won the required game and has pressed the input device, and the attendant has properly opened the external door and has entered the correct code with the electronic key.

Abstract: A method of dispensing a prescribed medication, in pill form, and verifying that the medication dispensed is the prescribed medication. A medication identified from a prescription (P) is dispensed into a container (C). An image of the dispensed pills is taken and processed to obtain a set of characteristic features of the pill. These features include the coloration, shape, size, and any surface features of the pills. These features are then automatically compared with those of all the pills which can be dispensed by a dispensing apparatus (10). If a pill can be uniquely identified as the correct pill, the container of pills is accepted. Otherwise, the container is rejected. If, as a result of the processing, a determination cannot be made, the container is provisionally rejected and is subsequently inspected by a pharmacist to determine if the prescription is correctly filled.

Abstract: A vending machine for vending articles such as cassettes or boxes is disclosed which has a touch screen (18) for receiving user input commands, a key pad (26) and credit card or coin payment devices (22, 24). A control system (FIGS. 11 to 13 and 23) controls operation of the machine. A vending unit (14) has a carriage (70) mounted for movement below a storage compartment (46) which is divided into a plurality of sections (74). The compartment (46) stores cassettes or boxes which can be stacked one above the other and released into the carriage (70) so that the carriage (70) can move to dispense the article through an outlet (58). A latch (80) controls movements of the cassettes or boxes (75) into the carriage (70). The latch (80) is pivotally mounted and movable from a position where abutment (196) engages a cassette or box (75) or releases the cassette or box.

Abstract: A portable electrically operable and tamper resistant medication dispenser for supplying multiple daily medications to a patient on a predetermined schedule and which includes a programmable assembly for indexing a plurality of containers which are filled with the medications to a dispenser outlet.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel dispenser capable of sensing the proximity or location of a customer relative to the fuel dispenser without requiring direct customer contact and controlling the display or aspects of the display accordingly to conserve energy, reduce heat generation or draw the customer's attention to the display once the customer is within a relative proximity to the fuel dispenser.

Abstract: A device which can reduce the workload on operators during replenishment and stocktaking of drugs stored in a drug dispenser. The drug dispenser has a memory for storing data on the initial number of drugs in each of the drug feeders, a processor for calculating the number of drugs currently remaining in each drug feeder by subtracting the number of drugs discharged from each feeder from the initial number of drugs in each drug feeder, and a display for displaying the name of drugs if the number of drugs currently remaining in any drug feeder is smaller than a predetermined value. With this arrangement, an operator can easily see which drug feeders are short of drugs without directly checking the respective feeders by removing them from shelves. The workload on operators for drug replenishment is thus reduced.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steering system for a motor vehicle having at least one steerable wheel, an actuator and a superposing gear assembly. The steering movement, which is initiated by the driver of the vehicle, and the movement, which is initiated by the actuator, are superposed by the superposing gear assembly for generating a steering movement of the steerable wheel within pregiven steering stops. The essence of the invention is that the movement, which is initiated by the actuator, is at least reduced before reaching the steering stop. According to the invention, one arrives at a superposed steering with which the steering stops are considered so as to provide increased safety and increased comfort.

Abstract: There is provided a vending machine and concurrently ice-box furnished in a hotel room, etc. that serves the paying guest of the room with cold water and personal articles as a room service and enables them to conveniently purchase various kinds of beverages and drinks such as beer and side dishes for wine as they likes, wherein the vending machine and concurrently ice-box is provided with a counting function in itself.

Abstract: A system for dispensing and redeeming electronic discount coupons in a store. A card-dispensing kiosk collects information from a customer and subsequently issues a “smart card” for storing electronic coupons. Upon completion of shopping, the customer redeems the electronic coupons at the checkout area, by inserting the card into the checkout station. During checkout, when UPC product data corresponds to coupons stored on the card, the customer is credited with the value of the corresponding coupon.

Abstract: A candy dispenser that provides a message when a piece of candy is dispensed is provided with a housing adapted to hold candy, an actuating member, a candy dispensing mechanism that releases a piece of candy from the housing when the actuating member is moved and a message mechanism having a plurality of different messages associated therewith. The message mechanism includes a spinner that spins from a first radial position to a second and apparently random radial position when the actuating member is moved. The spinner includes visual indicators corresponding to a characteristic of the piece of candy.

Abstract: A portable electrically operable and tamper resistant medication dispenser for supplying multiple daily medications to a patient on a predetermined schedule and which includes a programmable assembly for indexing a plurality of containers which are filled with the medications to a dispenser outlet.

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 fuel dispenser includes fuel delivery components located in a service station, a card reader for reading customer credit or debit cards, a customer data input mechanism, and a video infeed line for infeeding a video signal including advertising of a product available for sale at the service station and data about the advertisement in a closed-captioning portion of the video signal. The dispenser also includes a video display screen arranged to receive the video signal and display the advertisement as a visible video program, a memory of information about products that may be advertised, and a data controller adapted to control data for the card reader and capable of reading data from the closed-captioning portion of the video program for use in a manner independent of affecting the way the visible video program is displayed.

Abstract: An item dispensing system having modular and distributed components that are suitable for use at POS counter. Item dispensing units are placed beneath the counter and are electrically connected by a cable to a retailer keypad and display which, in turn, is electrically connected by a cable to a customer keypad and display. A panel having images representing the available games to be played is applied to the top of the counter surface. Thus, a customer can easily pay for and select items to be purchased. Items are automatically dispensed, collected by the retail clerk and provided to the customer.

Abstract: An item dispensing system having modular and distributed components that are suitable for use at a POS counter. Item dispensing units are placed beneath the counter and are electrically connected by a cable to a stand-alone retailer keypad and display which, in turn, is electrically connected by a cable to a stand-alone customer keypad and display. Thus, a customer using the customer keypad and display selects items to be purchased. A clerk uses the retailer keypad and display to accept payment for the items and authorizes the dispenser to dispense the items.

Abstract: A goods selecting apparatus and method for an automatic vending machine enables uses a control device to take necessary actions in case a user selects an article in error among goods stored in the automatic vending machine thereby preventing undesired goods from being extracted. The apparatus has a key input part for generating a key signal corresponding to a cancel or an extract selection of a goods selected by an user. A control part is provided and selectively generates a control signal to cancel or to send the selected goods to a goods extracting slot according to a key signal from the key input part within a predetermined time.

Abstract: A tablet dispenser having a control unit which can eliminate the possibility of erroneously putting tablets in a wrong tablet storage space. The tablet dispenser has a tablet storage unit and a packing unit. Tablets designated by drug information are dropped from the tablet storage unit. When tablets in any of a plurality of tablet storage cells in the tablet storage unit run short, tablets are manually supplied into this cell by opening its cover. Before supplying tablets, the control unit reads a code on the tablet container with a bar code reader, compares this code with a code that represents tablets to be supplied into the above particular cell, and indicates on a display if these codes coincide. An operator checks the display to see if the codes coincide, and if they do, the operator then supplies tablets in the tablet container into the particular cell.

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: An automatic transaction apparatus, such as a vending machine, containing a current inventory of products for purchase and including a display unit. The current product inventory stored in the apparatus is monitored and representations of products appearing on the display unit are changed in response to monitoring the current product inventory. Methods of operating the automatic transaction apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: An article dispensing and positioning device is disclosed in which a plurality of rectangular articles such as dominos or the like are placed on a flat surface in a plurality of parallel rows and in evenly spaced relationship with each other in each row. In one embodiment, the device includes a plurality of article dispensing assemblies mounted in a unitary housing which is capable of being propelled along the flat surface, preferably by motor mounted in the housing. In another embodiment, each article dispensing assembly is an integral unit, a plurality of which can be removably attached together to form a plurality of rows of dominos or the like.

Abstract: A game machine is provided with an automatic gift ejecting function of selecting gifts, even if in different forms, through game-like operations and automatically ejecting the gifts without using special capsules or the like by using devised gift display, gift selection and selection indication methods. The game machine has a gift display portion including a plurality of vertically arranged tiers each having a plurality of gifts placed horizontally, a selection indicating device for indicating gift display positions respectively corresponding to the gifts, a tier selection device for selecting one of the plural tiers, a horizontal position selection device for selecting one of the gift display positions of the horizontally arranged gifts, and an automatic gift ejecting device for automatically ejecting one of the gifts selected by the tier selection device and the horizontal position selection device into a gift outlet.

Abstract: A medication dispenser cap and container comprises a base connected to the container and including a non-circular, for example polygonal, indication portion with multiple points or nodes. A cover which also has a non-circular shape is rotatably mounted to the base and moveable into aligned closed position with the base. The base includes multiple openings around its periphery and the cover includes one opening which can be aligned with one of the base openings to dispense medication, for example pills, from the container. The openings are aligned only when the cover is offset with respect to the base. This exposes parts of the base which may carry indicia that indicate when the dosage should be taken.

Abstract: An article collecting device comprising: feed unit 5 for feeding a set of articles smaller in quantity than a target quantity for collection; a recirculating conveyer 2 for conveying a set of articles fed by the feed unit 5; an operation unit 14 for combining at least two sets of articles fed during conveyance of the set of articles by the conveyer and determining whether a target quantity of articles as a preset collection unit is obtained; and an opening unit 12 for discharging the sets of articles combined as the target quantity from the conveyer to a bagging and packaging unit 13 as the result of the combination by the operation unit.

Abstract: A device for allowing the dispensing of cigarettes at a predetermined rate comprising a drum and a plurality of chambers for receiving individual cigarettes, the drum having an open upper end and a plate at the lower end; a container of a size to receive the drum; a cover pivotally attached to the cylindrical container at the upper end and movable between an open position for loading cigarettes, the cover also including a lid at the delivery position openable to allow removal of a single cigarette; a locking assembly to maintain the cover closed except when in the load orientation; drive mechanisms to sequentially bring each chamber beneath the lid for cigarette removal; and control means to activate the drive mechanisms in a time sequence.

Abstract: A game token dispenser is equipped with a token hopper for dispensing, to a token receiving port, a predetermined number of tokens supplied from a token reservoir. The token hopper is divided into a sequentially operating preliminary hopper and a dispensing hopper. The preliminary hopper has a sensor for detecting whether or not there are any tokens received from the reservoir, and a conveying mechanism for conveying the tokens forwardly. The dispensing hopper has a sensor for detecting whether or not there are any tokens received from the preliminary hopper. A discharging mechanism is provided for discharging the tokens one by one to the token receiving port. The dispenser preferably includes a display, on a front surface of a housing, for displaying whether or not it is possible to dispense the tokens and the number of the tokens dispensed.

Abstract: An improved article handling system includes an article storage structure for containing articles to be handled, transport structure for transporting articles to a position where they can be delivered to or removed from machine, control devices to identify, remove and deliver article to said storage bins, a record keeping device for recording each transaction of the system including dispensing, retrieval and identification of the article and user. The construction and arrangement of the transport means for transporting articles to the dispense and/or return position is unique in its construction, its two axes of motion is performed using one motor allows this article vending machine to be constructed very efficiently and at a very reliable cost. Further, The article vending machine is capable of identifying articles for return prior to their insertion into the machine.

Abstract: Granular body discharge containers for holding granular bodies, such as oral conceptives, vitamin tablets or candies in a line so that the granular bodies can be discharged have an operating member for discharging the granular bodies is urged in the direction of a linear arrangement of the granular bodies. A side wall of a storage portion is open and releasably receives a storage tube. A granular body receiving member is disposed the a resilient member for urging the granular bodies in a discharging direction. A spring receiving member can be formed unitarily and separably with the granular body receiving member. Indications showing the order of use of the granular bodies are provided on a granular body receiving member serving as an index for these indications. The indications can be provided on a rotary member adapted to be turned at a predetermined angle every time an operating member is pressed.

Abstract: Preferably, instant-winner lottery tickets are sold by the machine. The machine includes a bill acceptor to receive the money of the purchaser. It has from one to four windows in a front panel. Lottery tickets are displayed in the window and move past the window as they are being dispensed, thus allowing the buyer to see the messages and terms on the tickets themselves. When more than one window is provided in the machine, the buyer can select among a plurality of different instant-winner lottery games. The machine is connected electrically to a central computer for accounting and control functions. In another embodiment, representations of the tickets are displayed in a movable array on a video screen.

Abstract: An automatic food dispenser for dispensing hot instant meals, particularly pizza, includes a refrigeration chamber and at least one oven. The frozen instant meals are stored in tubular magazines which are disposed on a circle within a rotatable drum-type storage container. The oven includes a horizontally extendable push frame and a push front which forms the oven door. A cooking tray is mounted on the push frame to be raised and lowered in such a manner that, when the oven is opened, the cooking tray is automatically moved upward from a lowered cooking position within the cooking chamber into a loading position and, once the push frame is fully extended, further upward into a discharge position within a discharge chamber accessible to the operator.

Abstract: Medication dispenser apparatus comprises a plurality of containers for holding different kinds of medications; an injector for selectively injecting medications from their responsive containers; a dispensing station for receiving the ejected medications; and a programmable control for controlling the ejection of medications from their respective containers according to pre-programmed kinds of medication, amounts, and times. The described preferred embodiment is a group dispenser for dispensing medications for a plurality of patients, such as in the ward of a hospital, at predetermined times and in predetermined amounts.

Abstract: An automated drinkmaker system which is designed to accept an input drink order, as from a cash register, and deliver the drink order, for different sizes and different flavors, with or without ice, completely finished in lidded containers to an output station. The automated drinkmaker system is designed for labor free processing of drink orders in high volume quick service or fast food establishments. The machine is designed around a carousel type of drink transporter which intermittently carries each drink to and from four circularly spaced stations, cup dispensing, ice dispensing, soda dispensing, lid application and marking. The carousel design allows a cup to be dispensed at one station while another cup is being filled with ice at a second station, and yet another is being filled with soda at a third station, etc. The use of carousels is extended to both cup and lid dispensing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a container for dispensing tablets in a non-reversing manner. The container includes a main container body, an actuator disk and a stop. The main container body is adapted to receive at least one stack of tablets and has an operating orifice and at least one annularly located ejection post. It is adapted to receive and rotatably hold the actuator disk so as to render it rotatable about a central axis. The actuator disk has a first recess which form a complete annulus about the central axis and is coincidental to and mates with the ejection post. The actuator disk also has a recess of width and depth sufficient to receive a predetermined number of one or more tablets, which has an inward end which is at least coincidental with the dispensing orifice when located thereunder and an outward end which is open for tablet dispensing. The container also includes a stop to assure that said actuator disk can only be rotated in one direction.