Abstract: A medication dispensing cabinet includes one or more lockable compartments, each containing medication, and a biometric input device at least partially disposed within and recessed below a surface of a medication dispensing cabinet. A compartment containing the medication is unlocked when an authorized biometric input is received by the biometric input device. The medication dispensing cabinet may verify that the user attempting access to the medication is authorized to dispense the medication before unlocking the compartment.

Abstract: An electronic medication storage cabinet includes a plurality of drawers configured with a plurality of sensors arranged to identify a positioning of storage pockets within the drawers. Upon receiving an indication of a new medicine container to be loaded in the cabinet, a sequence of steps to load the medicine container into the cabinet is generated based on a mapping algorithm. A first step is displayed on a display the cabinet, and a determination is made as to whether the first step is associated with one of the plurality of drawers. In response to determining that the first step is associated with one of the plurality of drawers, the drawer is automatically unlocked. In response to determining that the first step is successfully completed, a determination of whether execution of any additional steps is pending and indicated on the display.

Abstract: An electronic medication storage cabinet includes a plurality of drawers configured with a plurality of sensors arranged to identify a positioning of storage pockets within the drawers. Upon receiving an indication of a new medicine container to be loaded in the cabinet, a sequence of steps to load the medicine container into the cabinet is generated based on a mapping algorithm. A first step is displayed on a display the cabinet, and a determination is made as to whether the first step is associated with one of the plurality of drawers. In response to determining that the first step is associated with one of the plurality of drawers, the drawer is automatically unlocked. In response to determining that the first step is successfully completed, a determination of whether execution of any additional steps is pending and indicated on the display.

Abstract: A method including authorizing a user to access a dispensing unit upon receipt of a medication request, is provided. The dispensing unit comprises a storage location with one or more door enclosure storing at least one container. The method also includes providing a visual indicator to the user for a selected container in the storage location with one or more door enclosure, the selected container comprising a medication associated with the medication request, and unlocking the selected container for the user by wirelessly actuating a latch for a lid in the selected container from a mat that is communicatively coupled with the dispensing unit. The method also includes locking the selected container when the user verifies a transaction comprising the medication request, and updating a record and a medication inventory in a remote server based on the transaction. A storage location with one or more door enclosure and a container used in the above method are also provided.

Abstract: A smart carrier has a housing comprising one or more docking locations configured to accept a secure receptacle, a wireless interface module disposed within the housing, and a processor disposed within the housing and operatively coupled to the one or more docking locations and the wireless interface module. The processor is configured to communicate with an external device through the wireless interface module and with a secure receptacle that is mated with one of the one or more docking locations. The smart carrier also has a battery disposed within the housing and configured to provide all operational power to the processor, the wireless interface module, and the one or more docking locations.

Abstract: An apparatus, and associated method, facilitates delivery of a package to a recipient. A personal package box is installed at a destination location. The box contains a locking device that permits a delivery person to secure the package, once delivered. An identifier is maintained at the personal package box. The delivery person records the delivery of the package, using the identifier to identify the location of the delivery. An indication of the delivery is sent to the recipient to alert the recipient of the delivery.

Abstract: A cabinet system for securely storing items includes a cabinet housing, a controller, and at least one drawer unit. The cabinet housing has a locking mechanism, and the controller is in communication with the cabinet housing and configured to operate the locking mechanism. The drawer unit is designed to be releasably locked at least partially within the cabinet housing by the locking mechanism, and slidable within a portion of the cabinet housing when released by the locking mechanism. The drawer unit includes at least one storage compartment, a cover, memory, and a power source. The storage compartment is configured to store at least one item therein. The cover is movable to an open configuration and a closed configuration. When the cover is in the closed configuration, the cover limits access to the item of the storage compartment. The memory is powered by the power source and is configured to store data associated with a movement of the cover.

Abstract: A system for controlling advancement of and access to product housed within a device. Systems and devices include a pushing assembly having a track, a pusher, and a stop for restricting forward movement of the pusher when the stop is engaged. The device also includes a door assembly that has an open position and a closed position, an engaging mechanism that engages the stop when the door assembly is in the open position, and a blocker mechanism that restricts consumer access to product located behind the door assembly.

Abstract: An integrated tissue dispensing apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a hollow dispensing container configured to hold at least one tissue, the hollow dispensing container comprising a front face, a top face, a back face positioned opposite to the front face, a left side face, a bottom face, and a right side face positioned opposite to the left side face, and a foldable trash disposal receptacle formed with and fixedly adjoined to the hollow dispensing container and comprising a receptacle bottom wall connected to the back face of the dispensing container. The foldable trash receptacle is configured to fold between a closed position and an open position relative to the dispensing container. Also provided are embodiments including a multi-panel single semi-rigid foldable piece that when assembled forms a dispensing container and trash disposal receptacle. The device may be constructed of cardboard, for example.

Abstract: Wipe dispenser and collector unit particularly for use in gents' toilets, with a storage cabinet (2) for batches of wipes (24), with an aperture for the bottom wipe (24) located at the center of an angled bottom at an acute angle with the horizontal; the cabinet has a wall-mounting rear cover (3) and a front panel (5) connected to it that can be tilted forward in order to open it, with those two components forming the interior of the closed wipe storage cabinet (2), with a waste container at a specific distance underneath, which also has a wall-mounting rear cover (30), whose storage space, open at the top, is defined by the rear cover (30) and the front unit that can be tilted against it, with the bottom of the front unit connecting to the holes (14) at the bottom of the rear cover (30) with matching bolts (15), which can be released when the unit is tilted forward.

Abstract: A modular recycling unit comprises a support for supporting a first container. The first container is tiltable between a first position where the interior of the container is accessible and a second position where the interior of the container is inaccessible. The first container is freely removable from the support. A second container is supported on the support such that it is in a stacked relationship relative to the first container. The second container is freely removable from the support.

Abstract: Systems and methods related to dispensing food (e.g., fruit) or other items in a “first-in, first-out” manner are discussed. The system can include a base having one or more cavities therein and a plurality of chutes configured to align within a subset of the cavities. Each of the chutes can include an inlet that can provide access to an open interior for storage of items, and the plurality of chutes can dispense the plurality of items in a “first-in first out” manner. An ice chest capable of cooling the plurality of chutes can be included, as can a drip tray or other mechanism for separating the fruit from its juices to prolong its useful lifespan.

Abstract: A medication dispenser provides automation to the steps of locating and acquiring medications to be administered to a patient. The medication dispenser includes an enclosure providing a secure environment for storing medications in multiple sized medication storage bins. The medication storage bins are hung in storage racks located within the enclosure. A robot system is also provided within the enclosure for moving bins between the storage racks and a medication dispensing area. The medication dispensing area includes doors configured to open to define an opening for passing a selected bin through the enclosure. The medication storage bin includes a bulk bin loading drawing for loading medication storage bins into the medication dispensing apparatus.

Abstract: A medication dispenser provides automation to the steps of locating and acquiring medications to be administered to a patient. The medication dispenser includes an enclosure providing a secure environment for storing medications in multiple sized medication-storage bins. The medication storage bins are hung in storage racks located within the enclosure. A robot system is also provided within the enclosure for moving bins between the storage racks and a medication dispensing area. The medication dispensing area includes doors configured to open to define an opening for passing a selected bin through the enclosure. In some embodiments, the doors provide a variable-sized opening and, in some instances, the opening matches the size of a bin containing medications selected for dispensing.

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

Abstract: A dispensing method and vending machine (1) for products (2), whereby a drawer (7), defining a pickup compartment (8) for a selected product (2) in the vending machine (1), is maintained by a first force (F1) in a stable closed position to receive the selected product (2), and is then moved into an open position, in which the pickup compartment (8) is accessible from outside the vending machine (1), by imparting a work movement to an actuator (24), which simply moves into contact with the drawer (7) to exert on the drawer (7) a second force (F2) in opposition to and greater than the first force (F1).

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for dispensing cards and other items. In one embodiment, a card dispensing apparatus includes at least first and second card hoppers and a movable card carriage. The card carriage is movable between a first position proximate to the first card hopper and a second position proximate to the second card hopper. The card carriage is configured to receive a first card from the first card hopper when in the first position and a second card from the second card hopper when in the second position. In one aspect of this embodiment, the card carriage can dispense at least the first card into a card outlet chute when the first card has been sufficiently read by a card reader. Alternatively, the card carriage can dispense the first card into a card escrow chute when the first card has not been sufficiently read by the card reader.

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 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: A dispenser assembly for dispensing small items such as pieces of candy or gum is disclosed herein. The dispenser assembly includes a first container including a first storage chamber for storing small items, a second container including a second storage chamber for storing small items, the second container including a dispenser opening, the second container movable between a dispensing position and a storage position, wherein the dispenser opening is in communication with the second storage chamber in the dispensing position and the dispenser opening is blocked off from the second storage chamber in the storage position, wherein the second container is removably attachable to the first container and refillable with small items from the first storage chamber of the first container when the second container is still attached to the first container.

Abstract: A dispensing device is described that comprises a base, a chip attaching member which is provided movably with respect to the base and to which a dispensing chip is attached removably, a first elastic member for suppressing a movement of the chip attaching member with respect to the base, a second elastic member serving to suppress the movement of the chip attaching member with respect to the base and having a greater elastic constant than an elastic constant of the first elastic member and a detector for detecting that the chip attaching member is moved with respect to the base. An analyzing apparatus is also described.

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 invention provides methods and apparatus for dispensing items from a dispensing unit. According to the invention, the dispensing unit comprises a plurality of locations in which the items are held, a processor in which records corresponding to the items on the unit are stored, and a plurality of item switches corresponding to the locations in which the items are held. The item switches are connected to the processor so that a user of the dispensing unit can input records of items removed from the unit into the processor. The apparatus described is particularly suited for dispensing medical supplies although the apparatus will be usable for other types of items as well. Preferred embodiments will include a plurality of visual indicators, typically in the form of light emitting diodes, corresponding to the locations in which the items are held.

Abstract: Dispenser for rolls of a web-shaped material, such as paper, said dispenser having space for at least two rolls, at which one space is located adjacent the outlet opening (14) and is intended for a first roll in a use position and the second space is located above the first space and is intended for a roll in standby position. A lock (24, 25;27) is intended to keep the second roll in standby position. The disk plate is spring-loaded (23) and cooperates with the lock such that when a roll is located in place in the disk plate the lock (24, 25;27) prevents the standby roll from falling down.

Abstract: A cold care bag system that includes a housing for holding tissues and the like that is provided with a mechanism for dispensing cold care bags from the roll; each cold care bag being impregnated with disinfectant material such that a user may use a tissue and dispose of the tissue by putting it in a disinfectant impregnated cold care bag, tearing the cold care bag from the roll, sealing the cold care bag, and throwing the sealed cold care bag into the garbage.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for dispensing items from a dispensing unit. According to the invention, the dispensing unit comprises a plurality of locations in which the items are held, a processor in which records corresponding to the items on the unit are stored, and a plurality of item switches corresponding to the locations in which the items are held. The item switches are connected to the processor so that a user of the dispensing unit can input records of items removed from the unit into the processor. The apparatus described is particularly suited for dispensing medical supplies although the apparatus will be usable for other types of items as well. Preferred embodiments will include a plurality of visual indicators, typically in the form of light emitting diodes, corresponding to the locations in which the items are held.

Abstract: A system and apparatus are described in which modular receptacles are filled and transported to automatic 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. A preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for distribution of items such as medical supplies and drugs.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing articles such as tickets and cards includes a cabinet. A plurality of article dispensing assemblies are disposed inside the cabinet. Each article dispensing assembly includes a base and a frame for enclosing the articles to be dispensed in a stack. The bases are mounted on a pair of vertical support plates. A gate is disposed behind each frame for receiving articles from its associated frame and allowing only one article at a time to pass through. A toothed blade is disposed underneath each frame and a motor driven rack and pinion is coupled to the toothed blade for bringing the toothed blade into engagement with the lowermost article in the stack, moving said toothed blade so that the lowermost article is transported from the stack into the gate, bringing the toothed blade out of engagement with the article and then moving the toothed blade back to engage the next article in the stack.

Abstract: A device for dispensing card-like media, referred to as "cards", from a stack of such cards has a front-loading magazine for storing and dispensing the cards, the magazine being received within a primary aperture of a housing. The magazine has a casing formed by two lateral walls and a base and having a mechanism for biasing the stack of cards towards its front opening. A front cover, attached to the casing near its front end, retains the stack of cards within the casing and provides a slot shaped to facilitate manual removal of a single card from the stack. The front cover is displaceable between a closed position in which the front cover closes most of the front opening and an open position in which the front cover allows front loading of the cards into the casing. The open position is such that the front cover forms a partial obstruction to the front opening so as to retain the stack of cards within the cavity.

Abstract: A diaper dispenser apparatus includes a housing having an interior region. The housing includes a front panel formed to include an aperture therein. The apparatus also includes a spring loaded platform located in an interior region of the housing. The platform is configured to support a stack of diapers and to locate a top diaper on the stack in alignment with the aperture in the front panel of the housing to permit removal of the top diaper through the aperture.

Abstract: A tablet dispensing system includes a container and an arcuate housing for containing a supply of tablets. The arcuate housing is configured for being removably attached around a generally cylindrical container and has sufficient length to extend around a majority of the perimeter of the container. The arcuate housing may be shipped in a single circular piece with a perforation therein for separating the arcuate housing and in order to removably dispose same on the cylindrical container. An open end of the arcuate housing is provided for dispensing the tablets therefrom, and a resilient outer wall of the arcuate housing enables one-by-one dispensing of tablets in a carrier therefrom without dispensing of tablets sequentially held in the carrier.

Abstract: A pill dispenser includes at least one closeable chamber for storing pills therein, and threads for attaching the pill dispenser to the opening of a drinking fluid container such that the dispenser serves as a cap for the container.

Abstract: A control panel drawer for a consumer-operated vending machine of a type having a cabinet defining an internal volume in which vendable products are held for selectable vending, a front display at which vendable products are designated with price and selection indicia and a money acceptance and product selection panel at which an amount of money corresponding to the price of a desired product selection and instructions for dispensing the desired product selection are entered by the consumer and an operatively associated vending mechanism connected through an electronic circuit to vend the selected product to the consumer in response to insertion of money and instructions from a consumer to the control panel drawer includes a drawer which is slidably connected to the vending machine cabinet having a first position at which the drawer is inserted within the vending machine cabinet adjacent to the internal product holding volume and a second position slidably extended forward of the front display.

Abstract: Storage container for button-shaped batteries with a minimum of one channel, which is dimensioned to fit the cross section of the battery and which has an entrance and an exit opening, a slide, which is located inside the channel and which is secured against being pushed out of the channel by means of limit stops at the entrance and exit openings, and locks which permit the passage of the button-shaped batteries only in the direction of the exit opening. The storage container serves to store new and used button-shaped batteries, with the latter being able to be inserted only into the entrance opening, while, at the same time a new button-shaped battery is dispensed at the exit opening. After all new batteries have been used up and the storage container is filled with used button-shaped batteries, the passage is blocked so that no further button-shaped batteries can be inserted.

Abstract: A combination cracker dispenser and entertainment center is provided and consists of a housing that will contain a lazy susan tray near the bottom to hold crackers, a mechanism to dispense one cracker at a time, a dish near the top to hold dip therein to be used for the crackers and a built-in radio placed within a transparent middle portion of the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for storing beads in a liquid medium and for draining and dispensing said beads essentially in the absence of said liquid medium is described. In one embodiment, the apparatus is designed so that the liquid medium in which the beads are stored can be captured in a separate compartment from the bead-containing compartment and the beads can be delivered without the liquid medium when the apparatus in inverted. This apparatus is designed so that the liquid medium will join with the beads for storage in the bead-containing compartment when the apparatus is upright. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a bottle with a removable, threaded inner container which is used to drain the liquid medium from the beads prior to attachment to a separate bead dispenser.