Abstract: An automated restroom dispenser assembly includes a personal electronic device that is carried by a maintenance worker of a public building. A toilet paper dispenser, a paper towel dispenser and a soap dispenser is each mountable in a public restroom located in the public building. A communication unit is integrated into each of the toilet paper dispenser and the paper towel dispenser and the soap dispenser and the communication unit is in remote communication with the personal electronic device. The communication unit associated with each of the toilet paper dispenser or the paper towel dispenser or the soap dispenser communicates a service request to the personal electronic device for refilling the toilet paper dispenser or the paper towel dispenser or the soap dispenser.

Abstract: A method of depositing material on an electronic substrate with a dispensing system includes acquiring an image of a first feature of a first component and an adjacent second feature of a second component, performing a measure command to measure an actual distance of a gap between the first feature of the first component and the second feature of the second component, dividing the length of the gap into segments to determine a gap width for each segment, based on the gap width, determining a number of dots to be dispensed by the dispensing unit for each segment, and performing the dispense operation for each segment.

Abstract: A transaction appliance and techniques for effecting a consumer transaction in a fueling station system is disclosed. Presence of a consumer vehicle at a fuel dispenser is detected and the transaction appliance transmits a transaction trigger to a transaction server located remotely outside the retail fueling station environment. The transaction server responsively invokes personalized consumer data associated with the transaction trigger including advertising and promotions for purchasing products and services from a vendor. The transaction server provides personalized data to a fuel dispenser user interface via the transaction appliance and a user interface system inside the consumer vehicle during a fuel dispensing period.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling and tracking computer devices using a secure communication path between a central database and a device control-file watchdog program. One or more device control-files can be generated to control, limit and track a computer device using a device control-file watchdog program. The system sets limits on the computer device to ensure the user operating the computer device stays within a restricted set of usage limitations. The device control-file watchdog program protects the one or more device control-files and additionally can report on all activities performed by the computer device to the central database.

Abstract: A system for and method of generating alternative pricing is provided. A user accesses an online portal to set a pricing scheme for products. The user inputs a credit card price for one or more products along with a desired cash discount rate or amount. The invention can then generate a second price for each product and check said prices for compliance against one or more rules and regulations set by credit card issuers, state governments, and/or federal governments. Some embodiments of the invention include notifying the user of non-compliance and automatically providing iterative pricing checks to find the best compliant price. The invention can also generate a reference or point-of-sale code which can be utilized by a consumer to view a final resulting price list.

Abstract: The invention relates to an imaging device for a shelf support on a shelf edge comprising a receiving section configured to receive electronic labels, the imaging device comprising: aback side configured to be removably fitted in the receiving section, a front side (10) opposite to the back side, an optical sensor (15) configured to acquire an image of shelves facing the front side, an actuator configured to rotate the optical sensor around one or more axes of rotation, a memory configured to save the image, a processing unit configured to transmit the image to an image server.

Abstract: A browser application of a mobile device receives an instruction from a web page to obtain identity and/or age data from a digital wallet application of the mobile device, obtains the requested data upon successful biometric authentication, transmits the requested data to the server system, receives a graphic barcode from the server system corresponding to a determination by the server system that the requested data satisfies an identity or age-based restriction or regulation, and causes the graphic barcode to be displayed on a display of the mobile device. A verifying device scans the graphic barcode and transmits it to the server system. The server system transmits a validation decision to the verifying device based on a determination that the graphic barcode transmitted to the mobile device corresponds to the graphic barcode received from the verifying device.

Abstract: An IC card communicates with a reader/writer, which is induction-type read/write communication equipment, in a contactless manner. A power supply control circuit detects presence or absence of power reception in accordance with an output voltage of a power receiving circuit, detects presence or absence of predetermined communication by using an electronic functional circuit, starts to charge an electrical energy storage device by using a charging circuit when there is not the predetermined communication immediately after power reception is detected, and supplies power from a voltage conversion circuit to the electronic functional circuit without starting to charge the electrical energy storage device by using the charging circuit when there is the predetermined communication immediately after power reception is detected.

Abstract: A method for communicating regarding supply of hydrogen of a moving vehicle to one or more distribution stations begins by collecting at least two parameters relating to the vehicle during its movement by two or more sensors onboard the vehicle. The parameters include at least the current location of the vehicle. Next, the parameters are transmitted to a control module. At least one parameter relating to hydrogen available in the one or more distribution stations is then collected by another sensor, which then transmits the hydron availability parameters to the control module. A hydrogen distribution station is then identified while the vehicle is moving, and a user of the vehicle is informed of available hydrogen distribution stations and of hydrogen supply conditions in the identified distribution stations.

Abstract: A medication container system and method of use thereof that may be locked using a locking mechanism. A request from a user is received by a medication provider for a medication and placed in a medication container with a locking mechanism that is operable to lock and unlock the medication container. The medication container is locked using the locking mechanism. The locked medication container with the medication within is provided to the user. Subsequent to providing the locked medication container to the user, a request is received from the user to access the medication in the medication container. A credential is sent to the user that is usable, via the locking mechanism, to unlock the medication container. The user may then input the credential into the locking mechanism to unlock the medication container and access the medication therein.

Abstract: A vehicle wash component at a vehicle wash location includes a processor for controlling an operational status of the vehicle wash component, an actuator communicatively coupled to the processor and configured to operate the vehicle wash component, and a power source electrically coupled to the processor and the actuator. The processor receives a signal from a car wash controller located at the vehicle wash location, the signal for commanding control of the vehicle wash component, and upon receipt of the signal, the processor interprets the signal, generates a separate signal, and transmits the generated signal to the actuator. The actuator receives the signal from the processor for controlling the operational status of the vehicle wash component based thereon. The power source provides power to the actuator for operating the vehicle wash component based on the operational status of the vehicle wash component.

Abstract: In various examples, a system identify a first issue object associated with the alert by making a first set of determinations, based on an alert of an active issue of a system resource. Additionally, the system can determine whether the active issue associated with the first issue object can be automatically corrected by one or more self-healing processes, based on the first issue object. Moreover, the system can implement the one or more self-healing processes, based on determining that the active issue associated with the first issue object can be automatically corrected by one or more self-healing processes.

Abstract: Management of pharmaceutical procurement for a pharmaceutical ordering location. A method includes determining a medication need and a drug product preference for an ordering location. The method includes identifying one or more drug products satisfying the medication need by communicating with one or more pharmaceutical suppliers and selecting at least one of the one or more drug products based on the drug product preference. The method includes generating a recommended order for the ordering location comprising the at least one of the one or more drug products.

Abstract: A system includes a drug product packaging system that is configured to hold a plurality of cells in a lockable section thereof and to maintain the plurality of cells in a locked state via a locking mechanism, the locking mechanism being configured to receive ones of the plurality of cells into the lockable section of the drug product packaging system and configured to maintain the ones of the plurality of cells in the locked state without changing the locked state of previously received ones of the plurality of cells into the lockable section of the drug product packaging system.

Abstract: A gift card system and method for purchasing gift cards at a kiosk is disclosed. The system/method includes a gift card distribution kiosk located at a retail establishment that provides a user with access to a multitude of different forms of gift cards that may be purchased and printed onto a customizable card with a personalized message. The kiosk includes a kiosk processor interface, a gift card dispenser, a card reader and gift card management server connected to a network. The gift card management server, through the kiosk processor interface, provides vendor options to users to select and pay via the card reader. In another embodiment, the kiosk is used to redeem unused user gift cards for a reduced value user selected gift card, reduced cash value, full value store card, rewards points, bank debit, and/or electronic code user towards online purchases.

Abstract: An RF module and method include a base with a probe, a reader unit, a communications unit, and a control unit that establish tracking activation EM field into a container having electrically-conductive walls. RFID tags attached to medical articles located within the container are activated and produce identification signals. The probe and base receive the identification signals and provide identification data related to medical articles located within the container. The RF module is self-contained excepting power and a data connection with which to operate. Where an Ethernet is used, power is obtained by PoE. The RF module is used to retrofit existing medication containers and may be used during the construction of a new medication container.

Abstract: A document handler system and method includes timed operation functionality in which the manufacturer of the document handler may input coded information in the document handler to establish a timed operation of the document handler which may be contingent on continued payments for use of the document handler. Alternatively, or in addition, the timed operation may be used to establish an appropriate warranty period during which the manufacturer is obligated to provide repairs, modification and/or support for the document handler.

Abstract: A container management system (1) with a number of containers (2) which have identifying, electronically readable codes assigned to them, and with a number of dispensing/filling stations configured for dispensing a liquid from the container (2) or supplying said container with a fluid. The dispensing/filling stations are associated with electronic reading units by means of which the codes of containers (2) can be read. Data read by the electronic reading units are fed into a cloud-based computer system (13) configured for storing and analyzing the data.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed to use a robotic arm to palletize or depalletize diverse items. In various embodiments, data associated with a plurality of items to be stacked on or in a destination location is received. A plan to stack the items on or in the destination location is generated based at least in part on the received data. The plan is implemented at least in part by controlling a robotic arm of the robot to pick up the items and stack them on or in the receptacle according to the plan, including by for each item: using one or more first order sensors to move the item to a first approximation of a destination position for that item at the destination location; and using one or more second order sensors to snug the item into a final position.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a visual analytical method of verifying dispensed pills. In a preferred embodiment, a camera captures one or more parameters of each pill as it travels along a dispense path. The camera stores the parameters, and a processor displays the parameters or evaluates whether the parameters are within a threshold limit for the dispensed pill. If the parameter is outside the threshold, the pill or the receptacle is separated and/or removed. If all the parameters are within the threshold, the pill is stored in a receptacle, and the images are processed and archived for future verification. The process is repeated for each pill in the dispenser. The system captures at least one verification image for every pill dispensed into the receptacle.

Abstract: Methods and systems for item delivery using multiple unmanned aerial vehicles are provided. The methods and systems include operations comprising: obtaining, by a distance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), a package that includes a plurality of items, each item being associated with a target delivery destination; delivering, by the distance UAV, the package to a regional hub that includes a local UAV, the distance UAV being configured to travel a longer distance and carry more weight than the local UAV; retrieving, by the local UAV, a given item of the plurality of items from the package; determining, by the local UAV, the target delivery destination associated with the given item; and delivering, by the local UAV, the given item to the target delivery destination.

Abstract: A storage container for a storage and dispensing station for drugs is provided. The storage container includes a housing enclosing a receiving space, a circular-cylindrical section and a bottom area having a discharge opening. A singling device situated in the circular-cylindrical portion of the housing includes at least one duct and a restrainer completely situated within the housing enclosing the receiving space. The restrainer includes a fastening portion and a restraining portion. The restraining portion is kept above the discharge opening and the fastening portion works together with at least one fastening socket within the housing to fix the restrainer in the housing.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for performing wireless power transfer and foreign object detection with authentication at different power levels. The impact of time required for an authentication process to execute between transitions to different power levels is reduced.

Abstract: A contact lens package includes a first package layer and a second package layer joined to the first package layer at an edge of the first package layer. The first package layer and the second package layer collectively define, at least in part, a cavity and a contact lens is disposed within the cavity. A visual trigger is depicted on either the first package layer or the second package layer, and the visual trigger is identifiable by a mobile device to be associated with an executable file.

Abstract: A piece of hygiene equipment includes a transmitting section configured to transmit an outbound radio signal carrying transmission payload data; a receiving section configured to receive an inbound radio signal carrying reception payload data; a processing section configured to transmit an outbound radio signal carrying specific transmission payload data and/or to receive an inbound radio signal carrying specific reception payload data for determining a communication partner to which outbound radio signals are to be transmitted and from which inbound radio signals are to be received; and a memory section. The processing section is configured to determine said communication partner and to store information on the determined communication partner in said memory section.

Abstract: A hybrid actuation device including an artificial muscle is disclosed. The artificial muscle includes a housing including a first reinforcing thread extending across an expandable fluid region of the housing, an electrode pair positioned in an electrode region of the housing, and a dielectric fluid housed within the housing. The electrode pair includes a first electrode positioned adjacent a first surface of the housing and a second electrode positioned adjacent a second surface of the housing. The electrode pair is actuatable between a non-actuated state and an actuated state such that actuation from the non-actuated state to the actuated state directs the dielectric fluid into the expandable fluid region. The first reinforcing thread restricts expansion of the expandable fluid region when the electrode pair is in the actuated state.

Abstract: Provided herein is a methods, apparatus, and system for the configuration of customizable trays for the storage and dispensing of articles. Methods may include: receiving an indication of a plurality of articles to be stored in a tray; determining a plurality of bins corresponding to the plurality of articles; generating a layout of the bins on the tray; identifying locations of the plurality of articles within the bins on the tray; and causing the tray to be configured according to the layout of the plurality of bins on the tray. Methods may include: receiving an indication of an article to be loaded into a bin of the plurality of bins; receiving a unique identifier of the bin of the plurality of bins into which the article is loaded; and storing, in a memory, a correlation between the unique identifier of the bin and the article loaded into the bin.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods include an intraocular lens (IOL) cart that may assist with inventory management and may help users identify an IOL for use in a particular surgical application. The IOL cart may include sensors and indicators that provide information to a user and may update IOL inventory automatically whenever the IOL cart is accessed by a user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a data transmission method including injecting signals into a communications channel between a predefined hardware device for a computing system and an application executing on the computing system, for receipt by the application. A data transmission system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A power distribution control system of a vehicle includes a driving information provider for collecting and providing information required for power distribution control of an engine and a motor in the vehicle; a communication unit for transmitting the information provided by the driving information provider from the vehicle; a cloud server outside the vehicle for selecting and transmitting optimal power distribution control logic data corresponding to a driving situation of the vehicle based on the information provided through the communication unit from the vehicle; and a vehicle controller for performing power distribution control of the engine and the motor based on real-time driving state variable information of the vehicle using the optimal power distribution control logic data received through the communication unit by the vehicle from the cloud server.

Abstract: Ambulatory medical devices, which includes ambulatory medicament pumps, and blood glucose control systems that provide therapy to a subject, such as blood glucose control, are disclosed. Disclosed systems and devices can implement one or more features that improve the user experience, such as prompting and/or facilitating the user to order additional infusion sets, sensors, and/or other components to facilitate treatment.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes: determining, by a computer device, initial locations of products in a repository; determining, by the computer device, an initial arrangement of the products based on the initial locations; determining, by the computer device, current locations of the products in the repository; determining, by the computer device and based on the initial locations and the current locations, that one of the products is moved away from its home location; determining, by the computer device and based on the determining the one of the products is moved away from its home location, that the one of the products is misplaced based on predefined conditions being satisfied; and generating, by the computer device, an alert based on the determining the one of the products is misplaced.

Abstract: This disclosure generally relates to a battery kiosk that houses and distributes rechargeable batteries for light electric vehicles. The battery kiosk includes various visual indicators that are activated based on the individual's progress with a rechargeable battery exchange process.

Abstract: Described are systems and techniques configured to provide a user interface for an unauthenticated user of a materials handling facility. A transient profile indicative of one or more user preferences may be created and associated with the unauthenticated user. As the unauthenticated user interacts with the facility, preferences may be determined and included in the transient profile. Subsequent operation of the facility may take into account the transient profile. As the unauthenticated user moves throughout the facility, the transient profile may “follow” them, providing an ongoing user experience. Should the unauthenticated user later be authenticated, the transient preferences may be incorporated into a persistent profile.

Abstract: A remote controlled robot system that includes a mobile robot and a remote control station. The mobile robot is controlled by the remote control station and includes a robot monitor, and a robot camera that captures a robot image. The system also includes a medical image device that can be coupled to the robot. The remote control station includes a camera that captures a remote station image, and a monitor that displays the robot image captured by the robot camera in a robot view field, displays the remote station image in a station view field. The robot transmits the robot and medical images to the remote control station such that a larger portion of a network bandwidth is allocated for the medical image than the robot image.

Abstract: An exchange service robot includes a communication unit, a traveling unit including at least one wheel and a traveling motor, an output unit configured to output a request for putting a currency, a currency recognition sensor configured to recognize the amount of currency put through a currency slot, and a processor configured to acquire information on a withdrawal amount based on exchange rate information between the put currency and a currency to be withdrawn and the amount of put currency, and provide the currency to be withdrawn based on the acquired information.

Abstract: A vending system is disclosed and claimed. In particular, the disclosed vending machine system allows multiple vendors to sell food items through a vending machine. The vending machine provides multiple locked bins, each of which can authenticate to a single vendor. Also, the vending machine implements price adjustment rules, such as raising the price of a particular item during, before, and after a high traffic event. In addition, customer dietary restrictions can be tracked, and purchases of food items that would violate those dietary restrictions can be prevented. The vending system allows a consumer to perform contactless vending transactions, with the identity of the consumer being verified through biometrics and a camera. Upon verification of the consumer, the vending system transacts payment for selected items, dispenses items in a contactless manner, updates inventory of items, records the purchase history of consumer, and provides indisputable visual media evidence of the transaction.

Abstract: A drug dispensing system includes fulfillment stations that are each characterized by a set of dispensary attributes. The fulfillment stations each, in response to receiving a first order message including a first unique drug identifier, fill a container with pills matching the first unique drug identifier. A routing determination module, for each order message corresponding to a prescription order, selects one of the fulfillment stations based on compatibility between dispensary attributes for the selected fulfillment station and dispensation preferences related to the order message and transmits the order message to the selected fulfillment station. An order status subsystem conditionally sends a cancellation instruction relating to one of the order messages to the respective fulfillment station to cancel dispensing of pills.

Abstract: Medical item usage is monitored, and a number of new items to store in a dispensing device is determined. A first maximum number of items that can be stored in a first compartment of the dispensing device is determined based on a volumetric space of an item unit loaded into the first compartment, and a second maximum number of items that can be stored in a second compartment is determined based on the determined first maximum number, the volumetric space of the respective item unit loaded into the first compartment, and a change of volume between the first and second compartments and, when the number of new item units to store in the dispensing device exceeds the first maximum number of items that can be stored the first compartment, the second compartment is assigned for storage of new item units, and a notification is sent regarding the assignment.

Abstract: A grain and flour supply apparatus is provided, including a holding bin provided above a container and having an exhaust port from which gas is discharged, an introduction port into which grain and flour are introduced, and a supply port which supplies the grain and flour to the container; a first vacuum breaker valve opening and closing the exhaust port; a second vacuum breaker valve opening and closing the introduction port; a third vacuum breaker valve opening and closing the supply port; a temperature sensor measuring the temperature in the holding bin; a vacuum device drawing a vacuum in the holding bin; and a control device configured to control the first vacuum breaker valve, the second vacuum breaker valve, the third vacuum breaker valve, and the vacuum device, and set with a target temperature.

Abstract: A system and related methods of enhanced distribution of pharmaceuticals in long-term care facilities are provided. An embodiment of a system includes one or more pharmaceutical storage and electronic dispensing machines each positioned in a long-term care facility remote from a long-term care facility pharmacy group management server and in communication therewith, and long-term care facility pharmacy management computer programs associated with the long-term care facility pharmacy group management server to enhance use of the one or more of pharmaceutical storage and electronic dispensing machines.

Abstract: Methods of enhanced distribution of pharmaceuticals in long-term care facilities are provided. An embodiment of a method includes positioning two or more pharmaceutical storage and electronic dispensing machines each positioned in a different long-term care facility remote from a long-term care facility pharmacy group management server and in communication therewith, and long-term care facility pharmacy management computer programs associated with the long-term care facility pharmacy group management server to enhance use of the one or more of pharmaceutical storage and electronic dispensing machines.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for performing wireless power transfer and foreign object detection with authentication at different power levels. The impact of time required for an authentication process to execute between transitions to different power levels is reduced.

Abstract: Asynchronous item delivery utilizes a system including a first depot and a first mobile robot at a first site and a second depot and a second mobile robot at a second site. A centralized control system manages asynchronous delivery of items through the first depot and the second depot such that the first mobile robot can retrieve an item from the first depot and deliver the item to a transportation systems for transition to the second site, such that the second depot at the second site can, in an asynchronous fashion, receive the item and deliver the item to the second mobile robot for transportation to the ultimate destination at the second site. Two or more sites can be coordinated by the centralized control system for management of movement of items through a supply chain using asynchronous item delivery and movement through each respective site to an ultimate destination.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and computer implemented method for executing card present transaction dynamically from remote environment. A first payment terminal receives payment details and configuration information of a second payment terminal associated with a merchant located separate from the first payment terminal from an intermediate agent device. A payment channel is initiated by emulating the second payment terminal using the configuration details. The first payment terminal receives transaction related data once user initiates the payment transaction using a physical payment card in the first payment terminal. The transaction related data is communicated to the second payment terminal which sends a transaction message comprising transaction related data to an issuer system for authorization. Thereafter, a result of the payment transaction is received from the second payment terminal via the intermediate agent device.

Abstract: An order to customer linking system may include a sensor to sense a position of an order, a projector and a processing unit to associate a customer with the order and to output signals causing the projector to project a customer identification image based upon the position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a data transmission method including injecting signals into a communications channel between a predefined hardware device for a computing system and an application executing on the computing system, for receipt by the application. A data transmission system is also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for validation of transaction policy compliance are provided. Code is implemented, including a transaction policy compliance check, in a form of a trusted application to be executed in a trusted execution environment (TEE). A secret is attested and provisioned to a trusted application instance in the TEE. The trusted application instance is executed on a client transaction request to generate a policy compliance result. A transaction object is generated, including the policy compliance result and a proof of the execution. The transaction object is proposed to a distributed ledger system. The policy compliance result and a proof of the execution during transaction validation in the distributed ledger system is verified.

Abstract: An IV product transport device is configured to transport an IV product from one location to another in automated fashion. The transport device may comprise a chassis with one or more ports for IV products. A drive mechanism is configured to move the transport device. In one embodiment, the transport device includes a controller. Information may be provided to the controller about an IV product, such as its intended destination or use. The controller may also exchange information with a delivery device, such as an infusion pump, to verify that the IV product is delivered to the proper destination. The transport device may include a delivery mechanism for off-loading an IV product. The transport device may deliver IV products of various configurations, including one in which the product comprises a flexible bag and a container housing for supporting and protecting the fluid bag.

Abstract: A business method of providing trade and data and analyzing suggestion to product and service platform includes following steps: a step of providing at least one vending machine, wherein a cash flow for a payment is processed by a consumer via the vending machine, and the vending machine provides a logistic flow of supplying product to the buyer; a step of listing at least one supplier; a step of establishing at least one payment mode means; a step of establishing at least one platform; and a step of establishing at least one data analysis; accordingly, the buyer and the supplier can both be provided with the product and the purchase payment in a safe means, the supplier can be prevented from wasting the product via a product data analysis or suggestion, so that the platform and the supplier can both have benefits and share the financial gains.