Abstract: A medication delivery device includes a housing containing separate first and second storage locations for holding medication dosages away from access by the user. Associated separate first and second delivery mechanisms permit selective delivery of a medication dose from either the first or second storage locations to the patient. The invention provides a control element that discriminates between the actuation of the first delivery mechanism and the second delivery mechanism, thereby discriminating between the delivery of medication housed in the first and second storage locations. The control element discriminates between different first and second input criteria. In response to the first input criteria but not is response to the second input criteria, the control element actuates the first delivery mechanism. In response to the second input criteria, the control element actuates the second delivery mechanism.

Abstract: An automatic cash transaction apparatus which dispenses a predetermined maximum amount of cash in each dipensing operation. When it is desired to dispense more than the maximum amount of cash, it carries out multiple dispensing operations. Means are provided for indicating to a user that further cash dispensing operations are to be carried out. This indication occurs no later than during the first such dispensing operation. This indication is provided by a so called "preinforming means" that, in a preferred embodiment, generates a synthetic sound to inform the execution of a next cash dispensing operation when a current cash dispensing operation is completed if the successive cash dispensing operations are carried out.

Abstract: A medication dispensing system comprises a portable, securable medication cabinet which includes a programmable logic controller to provide for patient medication control. The system includes periperal components such as a transmitter, patient response means, display means, and a clock. The securable medication cabinet permits easy access by the patient to medication which is prescribed and dispensed logically. The securable cabinet restricts access by the patient to unauthorized medication. The securable medication cabinet contains a plurality of medication dispensing components, each comprising dispensing means, such as a coil attached to a motor positioned interiorly of a wall of the cabinet, to hold a medication package and dispense the package upon actuation of the dispensing means, with means for actuating the dispensing means. A receptacle in the bottom of the cabinet receives a medication package as it is dispensed.

Abstract: A medication delivery device measures a preselected physical parameter of a patient as well measures at least one preselected parameter in the patient's immediate environment that relates to the physical parameter. A control element compares the preselected physical parameter measured with the preselected environmental parameter measured. A first command signal is generated when a predetermined correlation exists between the two parameters, while a second command signal is generated when it does not. The command signal can be used to base a decision to dispense medication to the patient, or to change the patient's immediate environment.

Abstract: A motorized card dispenser is disclosed that consists of a case with a hinged lid. The lower part of the case has a card storage area and a sealed motor-drive area. The cards are dispensed through a small slot in the front of the case. A dispensing pad, which is driven by a motor is used to dispense the cards. The motor is powered by a small battery located within the case. Three different types of control circuits are disclosed. All three circuits are controlled by a button which is located on the top of the device. A pressure bail, which is spring loaded and hinged, is used to maintain pressure on the cards from the top of the stack. Cards are dispensed from the bottom of the stack. An optional storage case that can be attached to the device to hold business cards that are received by the user is also disclosed.

Abstract: A transfer microprocessor is programmed to monitor and control four label dispensers paired two each on either side of a flow of containers, with each side having an upstream and a downstream dispenser. Operation of a transfer function on either side between an on line and a standby mode is timed differently depending upon whether an upstream or a downstream dispenser is on line. A low web sensor is employed to generate signal to the transfer controller to initiate the transfer function. Upon command one of the on line dispensers is deactivated and its standby dispenser is activated to produce a continuous supply of labels to that side of the containers as they move past the label dispensers.

Abstract: A vending machine control with an improved vendor selector switch detection and decoding circuit is described which detects and decodes the closure of selector switches in a vending machine utilizing a low cost decoding arrangement. Each selector switch is associated with a corresponding impedance in a keyboard network so that a unique impedance is presented on a keyboard decode line from the keyboard network. Decode circuitry and a decode algorithm are also disclosed for a period based decoding scheme which compensates for various tolerances and environmental affects.

Abstract: A system for the storage and retrieval of motor vehicle keys wherein the keys are mounted in a container to which is affixed a printed bar code label identifying the vehicle stock number, its color and model. The system includes a bar code reader and a plurality of vertically rotatable circular plates having a plurality of key storage locations around the periphery of each. A pick and place arm is driven by a central processing unit in response to either the bar code read upon insertion of a key to be stored or upon entry of data from a key pad by a user to either store a key in an assigned location or to retrieve a key from that storage location and deliver it to the user. The system also includes routines whereby reports may be prepared for management indicating the individuals who currently have keys outstanding and the number of times each individual has removed the keys for each particular vehicle over a period of time.

Abstract: A ticket issuing device for a ticket machine according to the present invention comprises a holding plate for receiving thereon tickets fed one by one from a data writing station by a feeding mechanism and for temporarily holding the tickets in a layered condition thereon, a receiving plate located adjacent a ticket issuing port, and an operating member for discharging tickets on the holding plate onto the receiving plate when an issuing signal is issued. Thus, a plurality of tickets can be discharged at a time onto the receiving plate, thereby giving facilities to a person who tries to receive the tickets. The device further comprises a transferrer constituted by electromagnets, the holding plates, and a mechanism interconnecting them which operates when an issue stopping signal is issued to transfer tickets on the holding plate toward a storage. Thus, tickets to be withdrawn are automatically transferred into the storage, thereby giving facilities to a withdrawing person.

Abstract: A microprocessor controlled system for monitoring, storing and periodically reporting on data pertinent to the commercial operation of a reporting system, such as a soft drink vending machine, to a central data collection and monitoring computer, and which periodically reports such data over a telephone line which it accesses on a nondedicated basis. The microprocessor controls operations of the telelink system, and stores in memory data related to the overall status of the commercial operation of the reporting system, such as totals, inventory, etc. Reporting system status sensors are provided for reporting on the status of the reporting system without interrupting normal operation thereof, such that a problem with the operation of or a malfunction of the telelink system does not adversely affect operation of the reporting system.

Abstract: A control system for a vending machine having a plurality of article storage bins mounted on a circulatory moving member includes discriminating devices associated respectively with the article storage bins for identifying the kinds of the articles stored respectively in the article storage bins and whether there are articles stored in the article storage bins, and a delivery control unit for controlling the delivery of a selected article based on information from the discriminating devices. Articles of many different kinds can be efficiently vended through a single article conveyor mechanism on a first-in first-out basis.

Abstract: A sheet feeder includes a supply tray from which the paper sheets are individually withdrawn from the bottom of the stack. The stack supporting bottom of the tray is inclined relative to a horizontal plane, its angle of inclination being adjustable. The inclination of a supported stack can be adjusted according to stack weight or height. The weight of the sheet stack exerting pressure on stack support and/or the sheet separating device can thereby be controlled such that uniform sheet removal conditions are achieved.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for dispsensing medications prescribed by a doctor or other medical personnel. A portable memory device (such as a magnetic card) is used to store data representing prescription information. Prescription information is encoded into the memory device by a programming device located in a pharmacy. A container having a plurality of individual compartments is filled at the pharmacy with medications in accordance with the prescription information. The portable memory device and filled container are transported together to a medication dispenser located near a patient. The dispenser includes apparatus which reads the prescription information from the memory device and makes medications within the individual compartments available to the patient only at prescribed times. The medication dispenser also includes apparatus for monitoring whether or not the patient is complying with the prescribed medication schedule. Patient compliance information is stored within the memory device.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing pills wherein a rotating annular element includes a number of compartments for receiving pills. When a compartment is above an opening in the base, the pills fall into a chute and are dispensed. A pin is associated with each compartment and is placed in an activated position when pills are loaded into the compartment. When the compartment is above the dispensing opening, a pin engages a microswitch which activates audio and visual alarms. The alarms are deactivated by depressing a shut-off switch which operates a delay-type relay. A trapdoor is rotatably mounted beneath the dispensing opening and is operated by the lid of the apparatus so that in the loading position, the dispensing opening is locked.

Abstract: An autoteller accepts on a ramp exchangeable banknote cassettes which can only be opened at the predetermined angle of the ramp when a key assembly on the ramp is presented to a lock. The cassettes may only have the key assembly presented to the lock when not on the ramp at an angle to the horizontal, whereat opening of the doors on the cassette is prevented by a blocking bar swinging to engage a notch in the opening mechanism to prevent operation of the opening mechanism. A processor in the autoteller accepts a password from an internal keypad, enters a wide access bank service routine if a first password is provided and a restrictive access third party service routine if a second password is provided, shutting down the autoteller if no correct password is provided within a predetermined number of tries in a predetermined time.

Abstract: A reversed can end ejector system is provided for detecting and ejecting a can end in reverse orientation with respect to a moving stack of otherwise similarly aligned and nested can ends. This system comprises an optical detection apparatus including a light-emitting portion for emitting light in a direction toward the path of travel and a light-detecting portion located adjacent said path of travel. The optical detection apparatus is responsive to one of the presence or absence of light incidence upon its light-detecting portion for producing a control signal. An ejector is movable relative to the stack for contacting and ejecting a reversed can end therefrom and an actuator is coupled with the ejector and responsive to the control signal for driving the ejector in a direction for contacting and ejecting the reversed can end from the stack.

Abstract: A stamp dispensing apparatus receives and transmits serial data between itself and a central computer. The data from the computer includes stamp dispensing commands as well as supervisory commands in a predetermined serial data format. The stamp dispensing apparatus comprises interface means for receiving the data, decoding the data, and actuating a stamp dispensing mechanism. The apparatus includes an LED-photodetector mechanism for detecting stamp perforations to allow counting of the number of stamps dispensed. Dispensing errors are detected and reported back to the computer.

Abstract: A hand held labeler having an optical reader attached thereto whereby an encoded article may be scanned to provide information to the labeler. The information may be used to set the print head of the labeler.

Abstract: A control system for an automatic vending machine is adapted to set operating parameters such as the selling prices of various commodities. The system includes a microprocessor, associated memory, push-button switches, displays and a control program. For setting the price of a particular commodity the system responds to repeated actuation of certain switches and sequentially increments the values of a particular operating parameter stored in memory and displayed on the display, so that the value of a particular operating parameter can be changed without directly inputting data representing the desired value of the parameter. The operating mode of the machine is changed in a similar manner. The system reduces the number of switches required to change parameter values.

Abstract: A ticket dispensing machine includes a stack support, posts and guide and the lowest ticket from the stack is moved by a striker plate actuated by a solenoid towards a pair of rollers the lower one being driven by motor which takes up the dispensing action. A nozzle with a fluid sensor detects passage of fluid e.g., beer and actuates the ticket dispensing operation after a predetermined period corresponding to a given volume of fluid discharge.

Abstract: Identical products are stored in a plurality of columns. Dispensing product numbers of the respective columns are calculated in accordance with the numbers of products stored in the respective columns. The calculated dispensing product numbers are set in corresponding counters. The counters are decremented every time a product or products is/are dispensed from each column. When all the counts of the counters are set to "0", the calculated dispensing product numbers are set again in the corresponding counters, and the above operation is repeated, thereby dispensing the products on the FIFO basis.

Abstract: A hand-held labeler, particularly a labeler employing a thermographic print head, utilizes improved control circuitry for accurately sensing the position of the web and controlling the operation of the print head in order accurately to control the position of the imprints on the web. When a motor is used to advance the web, the control system is operative to control the operation and speed of the web advancing motor.

Abstract: A web positioning system, particularly usable for use in a hand-held labeler employing a thermographic print head, utilizes a circular indexing member having a plurality of position defining indices for providing indications representative of the position of the web. The circular, and relative rotation between the circular member and the shaft is prevented by a plurality of key slots or the like disposed on said circular member and engaging a key, and slot or the like on the shaft. The angular spacing between the key slots is unequal and is substantially greater than the spacing between the position-defining indices; but the position of the position defining indices relative to the shaft may be adjusted by a distance less than the distance between the position defining indices by bringing a different one of the key slots into engagement with the shaft.

Abstract: A machine for vending flat articles, such as newspapers, magazines and the like comprises an enclosed cabinet having a merchandise storage magazine with an inclined bottom wall and an inclined outlet chute substantially aligned with the magazine bottom wall and having a discharge opening communicating with the exterior of the cabinet, a series of connected vertically movable telescoping members forming a bar between the storage magazine and the outlet chute, endless chains extending vertically at both sides of the storage magazine and mounted at their opposite ends on sprockets mounted on shafts journaled in the magazine side walls, the uppermost of said telescoping members being connected at its sides to the respective chains, motor drivingly connected to one of said shafts for lowering the uppermost telescoping member to release individual articles from the storage magazine and permit them to slide over the uppermost telescoping member and onto the outlet chute, coin-actuated command module for energizing t

Abstract: A system for the remote monitoring of vending machines and for automatically communicating conditions at the vending machines to a central computer complex is described. Each vending machine is provided with a microprocessor which monitors and stores data within that machine and transmits the data to the central computer complex either immediately or at scheduled call-in times. The distributed logic between the vending machine microprocessors and the central computer complex provides various alarm function signals and aids in inventory control and efficient route planning for the supply and maintenance of the machines. In a preferred embodiment the data is transmitted between the central computer complex and each vending machine over telephone lines.

Abstract: Coin ruminant slot machine games comprising a plurality of slot machines, back feeders, blockaders and a belt conveyer, the slot machines being respectively coupled with the back feeders, the back feeders being respectively coupled with the blockaders, the slot machines being located above the belt conveyer and the back feeders below the belt conveyer. The blockaders are located above a lower section of the conveyer belt and the slot machines discharge the coins to an upper section of the conveyer belt. The back feeders feed the coins back up to the slot machines and the belts of the conveyer, and the blockaders take the coins off of the lower belt to drop them into the back feeders.

Abstract: A counting and filling apparatus for tablets, dragees, or similar elements comprises a plurality of counting bars arranged parallel and closely adjacent each other and each formed with a plurality of cutouts therethrough, spaced from each other in the longitudinal direction of the bars. The bars are connected in the region of opposite ends by chains or the like to form an endless receiving and transporting unit, which is guided over front and rear reversing rolls, at least one of which is driven so that the unit moves along an endless path having an upper and a lower run. The elements are filled in the region of the upper run into the cutouts of the counting bars and prevented from falling out of the same by a boundary means extending along the upper run and the front reversing roll.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling a multiplicity of like bodies such as pills or tablets has a drum rotatable in a housing about a horizontal axis and formed with a multiplicity of throughgoing holes constituting body-receiving pockets. A pair of axially spaced end walls axially close the drum and a pair of inner and outer shields insure that except for an inner input location and an outer retrieval location bodies in the apertures of the drum will not fall out as the drum rotates. A pair of transparent end walls are rigidly mounted together by way of axially extending bolts and carry feed plates, a separating comb, and a separating disc. These end plates and the elements carried on them are slidable axially into and out of the drum. The separating comb is formed of a plurality of axially spaced and parallel elements that define slits that are aligned with the rows of apertures in the drum and between which fit elastomeric discs carried on the separating roller.

Abstract: An article handling system including means for moving articles from one position to another and including computer means for controlling a plurality of functions of said article handling means including unalterable memory devices for controlling some of the functions and manually operable mechanical selectively programmable memory devices for controlling other of the functions.

Abstract: An automatic money-issuing system adapted to automatically issue bank notes and a necessary amount of money of predetermined denominations with the aid of a tape information input or a manual input, which comprises a device adapted to indicate an amount of money to be paid, a circuit storing a signal from the device, a means to issue bank notes or coins, a circuit adapted to compare the amount of money issued with the amount of money indicated, and a device adapted to stop the operation of the device issuing money by a coincidence signal issued from a comparison circuit.

Abstract: A plurality of keys are movably suspended on a support in successive orientation one behind the other. The leading key engages a dispensing device which normally prevents the discharge of the keys from the support but which is actuable on command to selectively release the first or leading key while retaining the remainder of the keys on the support. Secondary rails are provided for separating and diverting keys according to their use.

Abstract: Mechanism for operating a rotary cash drawer provided in an automatic banking unit. The cash drawer is movable between "home", "open", and "dump" positions for receiving paper money at the "home" position to be delivered at the "open" position, for accepting deposits in the "open" position, and for dumping at the "dump" position deposits, or money left in the drawer and not removed at the "open" position. The operating mechanism includes a simplified rotor movement control cam, a cooperating pair of solenoids, and a reversing drive motor. These control movement of the rotary cash drawer between the various positions, lock the rotary cash drawer in "home" position, and prevent retrograde rotor movement at certain times during the cycle of drawer operation.