Abstract: The present invention provides a random access and random load dispensing unit including a housing, at least one support located in the housing and defining a first axis, a plurality of platforms movable along the support along the first axis, a plurality of bins supported on the platforms, the bins being movable with the platforms, and a shuttle assembly movable along the first axis and further movable along a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis between the plurality of platforms to access and retrieve products stored in the bins.

Abstract: An apparatus for the dispensing of product is provided. The apparatus may include a dispenser sensor unit in communication with a dispenser that is configured for the dispensing of product. The dispenser sensor unit may be configured for detecting information about the product and for varying a dispensing parameter of the dispenser. A data communications unit in communication with the dispenser sensor unit may also be provided and may be configured for receiving information from the dispenser sensor unit. A washroom monitoring station in communication with the data communications unit may also be present and may be configured for receiving information from the data communications unit. The dispenser sensor unit may be configured for receiving a communication so as to vary a dispensing parameter of the dispenser.

Abstract: A solution comprising cost-effective methods and techniques for converting a traditional vending machine into a vending machine with a graphical user interface, multimedia advertising and info kiosk capabilities. A key aspect of this invention is the integration of a consumer DVD player in a vending machine, in which the graphical user interface is implemented as DVD Menu structures stored on a DVD disc that also contains the video clips. Another aspect of this invention, is the changed logic of a traditional vending machine to delay item dispense until a video clip has been played. The present invention provides interfacing methods between a DVD player, a Vending Machine Controller and an optional microcontroller. These methods can be used to implement a communication protocol between a DVD player and a microcontroller. The methods and techniques of the invention can be integrated in an MDB peripheral device of a vending machine.

Abstract: A communication system for providing the ability to control, monitor or diagnose equipment such as a mobile storage system having a series of movable storage units. Each storage unit includes a controller or operational interface, and a communication interface is interconnected with the controller. The communication interface preferably provides access to the controller via the Internet, which enables access to the controller from virtually any location without the need for dedicated communication software. The communication system enables an owner to have access to information on the mobile storage system from any location, and also enables local service personnel and a manufacturer's customer service personnel to access information on the system from any location to assist in troubleshooting, servicing and maintenance.

Abstract: Coin operated vending machines and vending methods for self service car washes that vend different commodities or services at a united price. The machines vend vacuum at different speeds, and spot remover or fragrance. Each machine has a computer-controlled, multi-segmented bar graph providing an analog indication of the amount of a vend that remains, and a dot matrix system for displaying text messages. The bar graph has multiple adjacent segments each having multiple cells that contain separate LEDS of different colors. The bar graph provides a relative, analog indication of the amount of a particular commodity remaining to be vended. When a vend starts, all of the bar graph segments are illuminated and as vending continues, bar graph segments and individually cells are sequentially decremented. Different products are associated with different colors. The customer may switch selections while a credit balance remains, and bar graph illumination is reset to 100%.

Abstract: A system for dispensing items comprises trays each adapted to support items to be dispensed. A casing comprises a restocking volume receiving trays with items thereon for subsequent storage. A storage volume accommodates the trays in storage. An outlet is used to dispense any selected items on the trays. An arm displaces trays within the casing, and displaces items from the trays to the outlet. A controller unit receives an identification of each item in the trays when positioned in the restocking volume, and monitors a position of each identified item within the trays in the casing to control the actuation of the arm to dispense items through the outlet as a function of an order entered through the user interface.

Abstract: An automated store arrangement (1) for storing and dispensing medicaments comprises a number of store areas (2), which can in each case accommodate a number of medicament packs (5) and/or containers (16), at least one operating device (3) for storing and retrieving medicament packs (5) and containers (16) on or from the store areas (2), a dispensing device and a control device (15). The containers (16) may respectively accommodate a multiplicity of medicament portions and have an integrated discharge device (19) for discharging individual medicament portions. The dispensing device (4) serves for producing medicament packs (21) respectively containing a number of medicament portions.

Abstract: A system and method for regulating vendible media products is provided. A database stored information corresponding to a plurality of digital video discs within a vending apparatus at a vending location. A central server, having a memory, stores the database. An interface application interfaces with the central server and the database, and selects from the database a subset of the digital video discs. A vending processor within the vending apparatus receives a first signal from the central server, wherein the first signal comprises a list of digital video discs identifying the subset of digital video discs. The vending processor also generates a second signal to place the subset of digital video discs into a portable vending management module.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to display devices for displaying cut flowers pivotally mounted with respect to a transparent display case. The display device comprises a drum and a container for an aqueous liquid therewithin. Additional embodiments of the present invention relate to vending machines comprising the display devices.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for dispensing collectibles to a user comprising a housing with a user interface, such as displays, speakers, touch screens, push buttons, joy sticks, track balls, mouse(s), spinning dials, wheels, microphone and/or pull actuators. The user interface provides audio visual information related to one or more collectibles. A plurality of hoppers are coupled to a dispensing mechanism and are adapted to hold the collectibles. A controller is coupled to the user interface and the dispensing mechanism. The user may designate one or more collectibles through the user interface. The dispensing mechanism releases the designated collectibles from the appropriate hoppers. The apparatus and method may incorporate one or more games that may be configured to allow a user to affect the collectible being dispensed. Tracking the inventory of available collectibles may also affect the availability of specific collectibles.

Abstract: System and method of dispensing disc-based media and other consumer products. A user can interact with an automated business system to select disc-based media for rental and/or purchase. The automated business system can retrieve the selection from the interior of the automated business system and dispense the selection through a port to the user. The automated business system can retrieve the selection from the port in a return process.

Abstract: A wall-mounted medications cabinet has at least one, and preferably up to four locking drawers, each with a removable bin holding the medications for a given patient. The drawers are each independently openable electronically. This can be accomplished using an incorporated PC with a touch screen monitor, or authorized access can be obtained via a network. The cabinet may be connected using USB or ethernet interface. A key lock can provide access in the event of a power failure.

Abstract: Fuel supply station information distributing system includes at least one vehicle, an information distributing server and at least one station, which are interconnected through communication line networks. The information distributing server transmits at every given time a request-to-send for vehicle information to the vehicles as well as a request-to-send for station information to the stations. The information distributing server then creates a fuel supply station information associating for each vehicle based on the vehicle information received from the vehicle and the station information received from the stations, and distributes it to the vehicle. When the vehicle receives the fuel supply station information from the information distributing server, it is displayed on the car navigation screen for notifying the driver.

Abstract: Control apparatus for a pneumatic seed meter having a seed disc that uses a pneumatic pressure differential to hold and release seed on a rotating disc. The control apparatus is controlled to disrupt the pressure differential in an area of the rotating disc to selectively disrupt planting of seed by the seed meter to, for example, reduce overlap planting.

Abstract: Dispensers and method for controlled dispensing of products, preferably paper products, are discussed in this patent disclosure. Various embodiments of the present invention can comprise a housing, a separating assembly, a feed mechanism, and an advancing mechanism. The housing can support inner components of the dispenser. The housing can hold a stack of paper product to be dispensed. The separating assembly can comprise a separating member. The separating member can separate one or more napkins from the stack. The separating member can be controlled by a controller for controlled dispensing operations. The feed mechanism can move the separated napkin or napkins toward a dispensing slot for dispensing. The advancing mechanism can advance the stack of napkins such that, as the stack is depleted from one end of the stack, a remainder of the stack is advanced toward the separating member for dispensing. Other aspects, embodiments, and features are also claimed and described.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser includes an electronic control system for controlling beverage dispenser components. The beverage dispenser components include at least a user interface, a dispensing valve, and a valve interface for regulating the delivery of a beverage from the dispensing valve. The electronic control system includes a microcontroller for monitoring the user interface and for activating the valve interface responsive to user input, thereby regulating the delivery of a beverage from the dispensing valve. The electronic control system further includes a program memory with firmware configured in a state machine system architecture for controlling the microcontroller. The state machine system architecture supports either a non-preemptive or a preemptive multitasking real time operating system. The firmware includes supervisory control firmware, dispenser tasks firmware, and low level drivers firmware.

Abstract: Dispensing apparatus is primarily intended for dispensing product from product containers by extrusion. In controlling discharge of product a flexible tube is connected to the container outlet and the tube is engageable with drive means for deforming the tube and controlling product discharged along the tube to an outlet nozzle. Usually there will be valves towards the entry and exit of the flexible tube and the drive means engages the tube between the spaced positions.

Abstract: A vending machine includes a coin handler, a bill handler, and a vending machine controller (VMC). The bill handler communicates with the coin handler and the VMC. The bill handler includes a bill recycler and a controller. The controller receives a Coin Tubes message from the coin handler. The Coin Tubes message includes information about a coin denomination available for dispensing in the coin handler. The controller produces a second Coin Tubes message by adding information about a bill denomination available for dispensing in the bill handler to the first Coin Tubes message. The controller sends the second Coin Tubes message to the VMC. The controller receives a Change Issue message from the VMC, that identifies an amount of money to be dispensed from the vending machine. In response, the controller causes the bill recycler to dispense at least one bill.

Abstract: Vending machines, automated retail stores, and retail displays with a computer controlled, activation system that senses either the gesture of a customer proximate product display tubes or a touch-screen selection on a computer screen. Item-based lighting produces variable visual effects in conjunction with actual or potential vends to provide an enhanced vending experience. Offered products are stored within display tubes that are arranged in orderly geometric arrays. RGB lighting through a plurality of LED banks associated with each display tube are controlled by the activation system Combinations of differently colored LED's are computer controlled on a per product basis to artistically illuminate available products and assist customers. Pre-programmed lighting sequences can switch LEDs off and on, vary their intensity, and alter resultant colors.

Abstract: A system, software, and methods related to enhanced pharmaceutical order entry and administration by medical personnel, and enhanced pharmaceutical inventory control within a medical institution are provided. An embodiment of the system includes a pharmaceutical information management server having memory and a medication administration program product including a set of instructions stored in the memory of the pharmaceutical information management server to enhance provision of pharmacy services. The system also includes medical institution physician computers to provide for computerized physician medication order entry, pharmacy computers to provide for review and verification by a pharmacist of electronic medication orders placed through the physician computers, and medical institution nursing unit computers, to provide for review of and input to electronic medication administration records.

Abstract: Present invention discloses a dispenser having means to dispense desired number of pills from a bulk supply of pills contained in the dispenser. The dispenser comprises of storage compartment having bulk supply of pills and having a discharge port emptying into counting compartment. The counting compartment contains first and second conveyors moving at first and second speed; wherein the second speed is greater than the first speed thereby enabling pill separation; the second conveyor discharges pills into dispensing compartment. Sensors are strategically placed along the conveyors to count pills discharged into dispensing compartment. A pill recovery system and apparatus is disposed inside the dispenser having means to recover pills remaining on conveyors upon completion of a dispensation cycle and deposit recovered pills back into the storage compartment for use in future dispensation cycles. A docking station having receptacles to accommodate dispenser is provided.

Abstract: Vending machines, automated retail stores, and retail displays with computer controlled, item-based lighting that produces variable visual effects in conjunction with actual or potential vends to provide an enhanced vending experience. Offered products are stored within display tubes that are arranged in orderly geometric arrays. RGB lighting through a plurality of LED banks within polygonal circuit boards associate with each display tube are controlled by a computer activation system that senses the presence of a customer, and the selection of a vend. Combinations of differently colored LED's are computer controlled on a per product basis to artistically illuminate available products and assist customers. Pre-programmed lighting sequences can switch LED off and on, vary their intensity, and alter resultant colors. A touch screen computer responds to user inputs for selections and transactions.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a device (14) adapted to be releasable attached to a blister (10) including at least one piece of medicament (13). The device (14) comprises means for releasable attachment to said blister (10) a sensor arrangement including at least one first sensor arranged to register the sound of the dispense of a piece of medicament (13), a time system arranged to register the time and/or date of the dispensing of said piece of medicament (13) and a memory for storing data, such as time and/or date data, related to the dispense of said piece of medicament.

Abstract: A system, software and related methods of enhanced pharmaceutical operations in long term care facilities are provided. An embodiment of a system includes a long-term care facility pharmacy group management server, long-term care facility pharmacy management software associated with the long-term care facility pharmacy group management server to manage pharmacological operations in a plurality of long-term care facilities, a plurality of pharmaceutical storage and electronic dispensing carts each positioned in a long-term care facility remote from the long-term care facility pharmacy group management server and in communication therewith, a remote pharmacy group server in communication with the long-term care facility pharmacy group management server, and a plurality of pharmaceutical prescription document processors each positioned in a long-term care facility and in communication with the remote pharmacy group server or the long-term care facility pharmacy group management server.

Abstract: The system for controlling and tracking medical items (830) includes a plurality of medical item storage cabinets (878). Each cabinet includes a plurality of doors (888-894). The doors control access to shelves (902, 904) and support modules (1210). Shelves and support modules include user interfaces (938, 1214). Authorized users desiring to take medical items from storage locations in cabinets for use in treating patients are enabled to provide inputs through a display terminal (880) adjacent to cabinets and/or interfaces to indicate the taking of medical items. Storage cabinets include visual indicators so that users may be guided to find a selected medical item for which information is input at an associated display terminal. Alternatively, authorized users gain access to the interior of the cabinet and indicate through appropriate inputs through interfaces on the shelves the types and quantities of items being taken.

Abstract: A smart pill dispenser may be used to receive, store, track and/or dispense one or more pills for a user. The dispenser may be capable of tracking information related to the pills. Moreover, the user may manually enter their prescription details or alternatively, the dispenser may include a reader capable of reading the specific code and retrieving the details. The dispenser may be capable of informing the user when to take their pills. The dispenser may either automatically or manually quantify the pills in the dispenser. The dispenser may be capable of tracking medical parameters of the user that may be associated with the pills they are taking The dispenser may be capable of communicating with external sources such as a pharmacy to replenish the pills or a doctors office to renew a prescription or enable the doctor to modify the prescription.

Abstract: An apparatus for selectively dispensing articles such as towels and wash cloths. The apparatus includes a housing having a dispensing mechanism for selectively releasing at least one article from one of at least two magazines, and a communication unit interoperable with the dispensing mechanism and the housing. The communication unit has a reader and a selection menu.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a medication dispenser having a refrigerated compartment and a plurality of access doors that provide access to a limited portion of the refrigerated compartment. A plurality of turntables are rotatably disposed within the refrigerated compartment. The turntables receive at least one medication in a predetermined location, and each turntable aligns with an access door. The dispenser further includes a computer system that receives input selecting a first medication to be dispensed and outputs a first signal in response to the input. A controller is operably coupled to the refrigerated compartment and receives the first signal from the computer system. The controller outputs a second signal to rotate a turntable such that the first medication is positioned adjacent an access door, and the controller outputs a third signal to unlock the adjacent access door.

Abstract: Provided are a dosage management system and an apparatus and method for supporting a medicine-taking service. The dosage management system includes a dosage management server managing information required for a dosage schedule and support of a medicine-taking service, and transmitting a corresponding dosage schedule on demand of the dosage schedule; and an apparatus for supporting a medicine-taking service, wherein the apparatus for supporting a medicine-taking service deposits packets of medicines packaged in a series of medicine packets, receives a corresponding dosage schedule, displays medicine-tacking alarm according the received corresponding dosage schedule, sequentially discharges one of the deposited packets of medicines, checks whether a user takes a packet of medicines to transmit the result of taking medicine to the dosage management server.

Abstract: A system and method for communicating secondary vending options for a vendible media product having entertainment content therein is provided. The system comprises a transaction network, and a database in communication with the transaction network, wherein the database stores a plurality of digital video disc titles and a plurality of locations and release dates corresponding to the digital video disc titles. A vending controller at a vending location receives a user request signal for a digital video disc, and determines whether the digital video disc is available in a vending inventory at the vending location. A central controller receives a first signal from the vending controller, wherein the first signal comprises a secondary vending option and a user electronic mail address. The central controller receives a second signal from the vending controller, wherein the second signal comprises an indication that the digital video disc is available in the vending inventory.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modular beverage system incorporable into a transportation unit. The system comprises a power source, at least one user point, at least one vessel, at least one liquid transferring apparatus operatively associated with said power source; and piping. The vessel is adapted to store therein liquid. Activation the liquid transferring apparatus causes the distribution of at least some of the liquid from the vessel to respective user points via said piping.

Abstract: A medication dispensing system and method where the patient can have his personal console capable of receiving an insert having a tray with an array of medication compartments corresponding to respective times and dates at which the medication is prescribed to be taken. A database in the console can be set with the specified times and dates at which the medication is to be taken. When the console determines the time to dispense medication in one of the compartments has been reached, a visual and/or audible indicator can be triggered. Membranes which are to be hand-removed by the patient cover the respective compartments. A detector provided under the insert can detect across the tray whether or not the membrane corresponding to the selected medication compartment has been removed.

Abstract: A wall-mounted medications cabinet has at least one, and preferably up to four locking drawers, each with a removable bin holding the medications for a given patient. The drawers are each independently openable electronically. This can be accomplished using an incorporated PC with a touch screen monitor, or authorized access can be obtained via a network. The cabinet may be connected using USB or ethernet interface. A key lock can provide access in the event of a power failure.

Abstract: An apparatus for converting a gift card into a generic prepaid credit card is comprised of a gift card reader, a data input device, a data output device, a telecommunications device and a prepaid credit card production device, all operatively connected to a computer. The telecommunications device permits communication between the apparatus, the gift card vendor and the generic prepaid credit card vendor. The computer is programmed such that when a gift card is inserted into the reader its value is determined and, after the deduction of transaction fees, the monetary value is transferred to a generic prepaid credit card which is dispensed to the customer. The method for converting a gift card into a generic prepaid credit card which is implemented by the apparatus is also a part of this invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of food/drink containers and multimedia systems. More specifically, the present invention relates to a combination of a food/drink container. The present invention provides the user an immediate multimedia/communications sources while using the container wherein the container includes a body for accommodating food/drink, a closure for closing the container and a communications/multimedia module.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for ensuring a controlled supply source of web material 34 to be dispensed through at least one dispenser 2, 4, 6 or 24.

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

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for advancing the sale of vending machine products. The invention enables selling products without revealing the identity of the product. By concealing the identity of the products from a consumer prior to receiving payment, the present invention promotes the automated sale of perishable, slow-selling and/or less profitable products, to increase the overall profitability of a vending machine. Various embodiments are disclosed, including: predetermined price embodiments in which a vending machine sells one or more mystery products for a predetermined price; consumer-specified price embodiments in which a consumer is allowed to specify a price for one or more mystery products; and upsell embodiments in which a vending machine offers one or more upsell mystery products in exchange for the amount of change owed to a consumer, or in exchange for an amount of change owed to a consumer plus an additional monetary value.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for coordinating automated package and bulk dispensing at a remote site. A hopper apparatus includes a series of storage compartments and access doors. The compartments and doors are linked to a PLC that is further linked to an inventory provider. The inventory provider takes product orders from an end-user. The end-user is provided an end-user access code. The inventory provider communicates with the PLC and reserves for the ordered product(s) a vacant storage compartment(s). The inventory provider delivers the product(s) ordered by the end-user to the hopper apparatus. Upon delivery, the inventory provider enters the appropriate end-user access code(s), causing the PLC to open the storage compartment(s) previously reserved by the inventory provider for the products ordered by the end-user. The inventory provider loads the appropriate storage compartment(s) with the end-user product(s).

Abstract: A system for dispensing a plurality of customized doses of pharmaceuticals includes: a housing; a customer interaction station; a customized packaging station configured to selectively package individual doses of medication into customized packaging, the medications being selected responsive to input from the customer input station; and a controller connected to the customer interaction station and the customized packaging station, the controller configured to control the customized packaging based on customer input from the customer interaction station.

Abstract: A vending machine handles a purchase transaction by receiving a payment, receiving a product selection from the customer, and dispensing the product indicated by the product selection. As part of the same transaction, the vending machine offers an information item such as an audio recording or a video recording. The vending machine also receives from the customer a destination address, which may be an e-mail address. The vending machine or a system of which it is part transmits the information item to the received destination address.

Abstract: A product providing apparatus and a method for providing a GUI using the same are provided. The product providing apparatus includes a display unit, a payment unit, and a control unit which determines the form of payment and controls images corresponding to products to be displayed. Therefore, it is possible to provide a user with a menu field more conveniently and more intuitively.

Abstract: A method of retrofitting a vending machine for dispensing products or services. The method includes the steps of removing a vending machine controller from the vending machine, placing the vending machine in communication with a vending bridge, placing the vending bridge in communication with a remote data processing device having one or more virtual equipment modules, and communicating instructions from the virtual equipment modules to the vending machine via the vending bridge to dispense the products or services.

Abstract: A vending machine system for dispensing goods or services. The vending machine system may include a vending machine with a vending mechanism, a data processing device remote from the vending machine, and a vending bridge. The vending bridge is in communication with the data processing device and the vending mechanism of the vending machine so as to instruct the vending mechanism to dispense the goods or the services.

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 subject matter disclosed herein relates to systems and methods for providing image projection and entertainment.

Abstract: A method of dispensing an age-restricted item from a vending machine at a first location is presented. The method includes receiving age documentation from a purchaser at a second location remote from the first location. The age of the purchaser is verified at the second location based on the received age documentation and direct visual inspection of the purchaser. Upon verification, a signal is sent from the second location to the vending machine that allows dispensing of the item. From the second location, it is visually verified that the purchaser receives the item from the vending machine at the first location.

Abstract: A dispensing system for medication comprising a dispenser (55, 56) into which the canister (60) of medication is placed. The dispenser has a locking mechanism for selectively preventing dispensing of the medication. The system receives input data from a user and has a control device remote from the dispenser to lock the dispenser until the input data is correctly entered. The dispenser may be configured by a cartridge (100) inserted into the dispenser in place of the canister (60). The dispenser also has means for determining its location and locking the device if the dispenser is not at or within a fixed location.

Abstract: A system for dispensing media discs comprising, in combination, a storage system for storing the media discs, a dispense system for dispensing the media discs to consumers, a disc transfer system for moving the media discs from the disc storage system to the dispense system, and a control system operably connected to the disc transfer system to selectively activate the disc transfer system to move the media discs from the disc storage system to the dispense system. An inventory management system is operably connected to the disc transfer system to selectively activate the disc transfer system to move selected ones of the media discs from the disc storage system to a holding location located outside the disc storage system for manual removal.

Abstract: A vending machine for purchasing selected items by a customer. The vending machine includes a dispensing assembly for dispensing an item and a selector assembly connected to the dispensing assembly. A computer assembly having a central computer, video display screen and a modem is connected to and actuated by the selector for connecting the computer to an internet site and displaying a received transmission on the video screen in response to a purchased item.