Abstract: A writing device for display members is provided which can erasably writing patient information on a display member carried on the side of a drug carrier and automatically attach and detach it to and from the carrier. The writing device has an attach/detach/transfer unit for detaching, attaching and transferring a rewrite card to a carrier carrying the rewrite card, and a writing means connected to the attach/detach/transfer means for writing and displaying patient information on the rewrite card. The respective means are controlled based on prescription information to attach and detach the rewrite card to and from the side of the carrier.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling vials comprises a shelving unit defining an array of storage locations. The shelving unit may be an array in an XY plane or one or more carousels. A plurality of storage containers are provided, each removably carried by one of the storage locations. A counting and dispensing unit, a source of vials, a label printer and application unit or units, and an output device are also provided. The output device may take a variety of forms such as an output chute, which is preferably used when a capping unit is provided, an output conveyor, a plurality of output lanes, and an output carousel, which may be a dedicated carousel or a portion of the carousel providing the plurality of storage locations. A computer controlled engagement device provides motion in a Z direction. The engagement device may be comprised of a first stage for engaging the storage containers and a second stage for engaging the vials.

Abstract: A pill dispensing system includes a shelving unit in array form that holds a number of bulk containers, each holding a bulk amount of a pill to be dispensed. A computer controlled robot removes a selected bulk container and places it on a counter that also dispenses pills. The robot has an arm with a free end portion that can grip a bulk container or a single pill bottle to be filled. The robot is computer controlled to retrieve an empty pill bottle, place it on a label printing and applying unit, then place it next to the counter/dispenser to receive the selected number of selected prescription pills, then place the filled, labeled bottle on a conveyor. In an alternate embodiment, pill bottles are dispensed from a dispenser that holds bottles on inclined plates and feeds them to a vertical dispensing channel. Gates prevent the flow of bottles from an inclined position until the plate above has been emptied.

Abstract: A publication-dispensing apparatus that permits a user to select from among the publications in memory to which the user has a subscription, and to print at least a portion of a selected publication. The publication-dispensing apparatus permits travelers having a subscription to a newspaper, magazine, or other publication to obtain a copy of the subscribed publication, or a copy of an individual article from the subscribed publication, without paying the full cost of a new copy.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a vending machine for engraved medals and a method of automatically engraving medals wherein an engraver is contained in the vending machine, and if a coin or a note is inserted into the vending machine and a starting button is pushed according to messages displayed on a monitor, a desired type of medal is selected and loaded on a bed of the engraver to be engraved according to a selected image, and the engraved medal is taken out outside the vending machine.

Abstract: A data template for a personalized printed product, where data fields for specific graphical components of the product indicate whether or not these graphical components can be edited and specify an edit order. An application parses the data template and presents the operator with interface screens in a sequence determined by edit order fields. Each interface screen prompts the user to complete the entry of a graphical component.

Abstract: A publication-dispensing apparatus that permits a user to select from among the publications in memory to which the user has a subscription, and to print at least a portion of a selected publication.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for the remote dispensing of packaged and non-packaged medical products using networked communications systems. A preferred embodiment of the invention utilizes a network to provide for the secure delivery of confidential patient information and the sending of dispense instructions to a remote dispensing station. A preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to systems and methods of dispensing samples of drugs or other medical products. Another preferred embodiment of the invention provides a system and method for dispensing non-prescription medications.

Abstract: Vouchers and methods for providing vouchers configured to assist in distinguishing unauthorized duplicate or counterfeit vouchers are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a voucher can include a substrate, a first indicia on the substrate, and a thermally responsive second indicia on the substrate. At least one of the first indicia and the second indicia indicating a value of the voucher. In another embodiment, a method is provided to assist in distinguishing duplicate or counterfeit vouchers. The method includes providing a substrate with a thermally responsive first indicia, and printing on the substrate at the coin-counting machine at least a second indicia. The second indicia containing at least an indication of a value of the voucher.

Abstract: A publication vending apparatus and method includes a display and at least one input device for selecting a publication. A paper supply apparatus is provided. A printing device receives paper from paper supply apparatus and prints the pages of the publication using text and graphic information and printing information particular to the publication. A binding apparatus sorts and binds the paper into a publication.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying labels to surfaces of packages, cartons, or boxes comprises a single rotary arm which is capable of being operated in accordance with two different operational modes. In accordance with a first mode, two separate labels are applied to two different mutually perpendicular surfaces of the package, carton, or box, while in accordance with a second one of the two different operational modes, a single label is applied to the two different mutually perpendicular surfaces of the package, carton, or box as a result of being wrapped around a corner region of the package, carton, or box.

Abstract: This invention relates to an interactive medication cassette with a machine readable and writable information strip that contains information corresponding to the medication in the cassette. The cassette is designed for use in a medication distribution and inventory system that includes at least one medication dispensing machine having a sensor for reading the information in the strip and updating or altering this information when medication is added to or removed from the cassette. The cassette is filled by a dispensing machine that counts the quantity of medication added to the cassette. The information strip is altered by the dispenser to include medication and quantity information corresponding to the dispensed medication. The cassette is also for use with a dispensing machine that dispenses the medication from the cassette, and updates the information strip with additional information including the quantity of medication dispensed from the cassette.

Abstract: A hospital drug distribution system for efficiently distributing solid medicinal units to hundreds of patients comprises subsystems for placing trays on a conveyor, placing cups thereon, labeling the cups, conveying the cups under drug tubes, sealing the cups, unloading the trays, and coordinating the overall activities of the system. Medicinal units are stored in long, thin vertical tubes positioned side-by-side, and are dispensed by valves disposed at the bottom of each tube. The rows of tubes are suspended over a conveying means transporting individual medication cups. The cups are arranged on trays on the conveying means in single file. The computer-controlled conveying means proceeds in a step-and-stop fashion, such that each cup stops briefly beneath each drug tube. When a cup completes its journey beneath the drug tubes, it contains the drugs needed by the patient to which it is assigned.

Abstract: The invention provides a photographic processing system and a method of processing customer image orders. The method comprises the step of selecting a picture package corresponding to a processed film. The picture package includes information on non-customer-film image files relating to the processed film and digitally printing images obtained by scanning the processed film to generate output format images. The method further comprises the step of automatically printing one or more of the non-customer-film image files to be included with the output format images. Preferably, the non-customer-film image files are printed on the same print medium (e.g. photosensitive paper) as the output format images.

Abstract: A method for personalizing a product at the point of sale by a consumer. The method may include the steps of selecting a product, purchasing the product, selecting a shrink-wrap sleeve to be applied to the product, placing the sleeve on the product, and affixing the sleeve on the product.

Abstract: An automated system for preparing a plurality of cytological specimens from a plurality of fluid samples in vials includes an apparatus for collecting a monolayer of cells from each sample and transferring the cells to a microscope slide for fixing, staining, and inspection. The system includes a first loading station for receiving the sample vials, a second loading station for receiving consumables such as filter membranes, a slide dispenser, and an unloading area for removing completed specimen slides. To maintain one-to-one correlation between the samples and specimens produced therefrom, the system includes a subsystem for identifying each sample and permanently marking each slide with corresponding indicia prior to transferring the specimen thereto.

Abstract: A front-loading syringe which comprises a movable plunger for injecting liquid contrast media, is rotatably mountable on a front wall of an injector housing with an interference fit and in sealed relationship with respect thereto, with or without a pressure jacket, by a first-quick release mechanism. At the same time, the plunger is connected to an injector drive mechanism by a second readily releasable mechanism. During the mounting operation, a sensor reads injection information from an indicator device on the syringe and feeds it to an injector control. An audible-and-tactile indicating mechanism also is activated when the syringe is essentially in the desired mounted position. The syringe may include reinforcing ribs, which also function as volumetric gradations, and liquid media presence-or-absence indicating dots which appear circular against a liquid media background and oval-shaped against an air background.

Abstract: An automated drug dispensing system includes a cabinet adapted to store a variety of prepackaged pharmaceuticals in a plurality of bins for filling patient prescriptions. Each bin stores a particular variety of packaged multiple-dose pharmaceutical. Each variety of pharmaceutical is associated with a particular code. A controller receives request signals and in response generates dispense signals. Each bin includes a dispenser coupled to the controller for dispensing the packaged pharmaceuticals therefrom in response to a dispense signal sent from the controller. After a package is dispensed, a code reader determines the code of the dispensed package and verifies whether the code on the dispensed package matches the code of the requested package.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing information that generally includes retrieving or receiving a block of electronic information from a remote information source at a predetermined time. The block of electronic information retrieved from the remote source is stored on a data storage unit. A user interface is provided that is configured to produce a selection signal based upon an input from a user regarding the information intended for purchase by the user. A step of receiving and verifying a payment is performed based upon the selection signal input by the user. Once payment is verified, the electronic information corresponding to the materials being purchased is retrieved from the data storage unit based upon the selection signal. The portion of the block of electronic information selected by the user for purchase is then printed on a medium and dispensed to the user.

Abstract: A method for personalizing a product at the point of sale by a consumer. The method may include the steps of selecting a product, purchasing the product, selecting a shrink-wrap sleeve to be applied to the product, placing the sleeve on the product, and affixing the sleeve on the product.

Abstract: The bill arranger of the present invention comprises: a loader for loading bills and feeding the bills one by one; a conveyer for conveying the bills fed from said loader; a discriminating device for discriminating the bills conveyed by said conveyer; a plurality of stackers for stacking the bills, which are conveyed by said conveyer, so that the bills can be removed; an operating device for selecting one of sorting process modes which defines a method of sorting the bills loaded in said loader; a controller for delivering the bills, which are fed from said loader, to one of said stackers, by said conveyer, based on the results of the discrimination by said discriminating device, according to the sorting process mode selected by said operating device; and displays, separately provided for said respective stackers, which can change displayed contents.

Abstract: This invention allows the user to prepare customized wrapping paper at a kiosk by downloading an image into the kiosk, selecting a wrapping paper background at the kiosk, selecting wrapping paper quality and dimensions at the kiosk, viewing the customized wrapping paper at the kiosk, and printing the customized wrapping paper at the kiosk.

Abstract: A vending machine for vending computer software and electronic data into a user's portable device and for providing in one embodiment, travel information, maps etc. either as data or as a printout. The machine has a display to show items available and a keyboard for entering the user's requests. A central unit directs operation of various parts of the apparatus. Connectors for different devices, such as ebook, PDA, and smart cards are provided.

Abstract: An interactive internet photo terminal for composing an electronic self-image photo message utilizing a “live” image background of the terminal's location. The photo terminal includes a cash and credit receiving device, video camera and message composition input control monitor interconnected to a CPU and telecommunication connector capability.

Abstract: A system and method for providing information concerning a live event, tourist attraction, etc. to a material object via a kiosk, the Internet, a personal computer or other electronic system.

Abstract: A computer system that can be embodied in a vending machine or accessed through a personal computer. When embodied as a vending machines, the vending machine has a payment interface for receiving payment of a predetermined fee by a customer. The vending machine also has a display monitor, a printer, a data input device and a telecommunications modem. The computer processor within the vending machine reads a point of destination entered by a customer. The computer processor plots the quickest route from the location of that vending machine to the desired destination. Prior to calculating the quickest route, the computer processor accesses a database of traffic information via a telecommunications link. The route selected between the vending machine and the desired destination takes into account current traffic information.

Abstract: An article inventory tracking and control system tracks and controls removal of articles from a secured facility. Exemplary facilities in which the system may be useful include libraries, rental stores and retail stores. Each article is marked with an EAS marker to prevent unauthorized removal. In the system, each user of a facility and each article in the facility is uniquely identifiable. Upon receiving the user and article information, the system queries a central database to ensure that the user is a valid user and that the desired transaction is authorized. A receiving compartment is specifically designed to receive a particular type of article, such as a video or audio cassette. Sensors in the receiving compartment ensure that the article is properly placed within the receiving compartment. Proper placement of the article within the receiving compartment ensures that the marker is properly re/desensitized, and also ensures that only one transaction on one article can be performed at a time.

Abstract: When a fare is inserted, a receipt on which a password assigned to the user is printed is issued, and a sheets each bearing a printed image is housed in a storage bin or a storage box. When the password printed on the receipt is inputted, the corresponding storage bin (storage box) is shifted to a sheet outlet, thereby allowing the user to take this out. Thus, it is possible to provide a print system that is superior in the operability and allows the user to positively obtain his or her own job, and a sheet-processing device suitable for such a system.

Abstract: A data template for a personalized printed product, where data fields for specific graphical components of the product indicate whether or not these graphical components can be edited and specify an edit order. An application parses the data template and presents the operator with interface screens in a sequence determined by edit order fields. Each interface screen prompts the user to complete the entry of a graphical component.

Abstract: An improved automated method for dispensing bulk medications with machine-readable code. The method includes dispensing oral solid and liquid unit-of-use medications in unit dosage amounts. The medications are dispensed with machine-readable information which is generated as the medication is dispensed. The machine-readable information is patient- specific and can be customized to suit the needs of the operator. The machine-readable information can be used to monitor and control the medication from the time it is dispensed through to the time it is taken by the patient.

Abstract: A vending machine including a method of creating a set of instructions for the manipulation of an image is disclosed including the steps of displaying an initial array of sample images for a user to select from; accepting a user's selection of at least one of the sample images; utilizing attributes of the images the selection to produce a further array of sample images; iteratively applying the previous steps until such time as the user selects at least one final suitable image; utilizing the steps used in the creation of the sample image as the set of instructions; outputting the set of instructions. The method can further include scanning a user's photograph and utilizing the scanned photograph as an initial image in the creation of each of the sample images. The instructions can be printed out in an encoded form on one surface of a card in addition to printing out a visual representation of the instructions on a second surface of the card.

Abstract: Anti-counterfeiting and counterfeit detection devices and procedures are provided particularly usable in connection with vouchers issued by coin discriminator or coin counting machines. Paper stock may be preprinted with inks which are not readily photocopied without apparent alteration. Preprinting is preferably in two or more orientations such as longitudinal and lateral and preferably some preprinting is positioned closer to the paper stock edge than can typically be achieved using ordinarily available laser printers or inkjet printers. A pattern of perforations, preferably micro perforations, are provided in a curved, preferably tightly radiused shape or configuration. Serial numbers or other identifiers may be preprinted on portions of the paper stock and matching or correlatable numbers printed on such preprinted paper stock substantially at the time of printing the voucher value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a data vending machine system and a method thereof, and in particular to a data vending machine system and a method thereof which are capable of selecting a certain music file, recording the selected music file onto a recording medium and printing a selected image and character message on a surface of the recording medium. The present invention includes a host computer for storing a digital music file and a plurality of remote data vending machine connected with the host computer. The data vending machine includes at least one listing and reserving apparatus for providing a reservation function of the music files selected by the customer, a database and fabrication control apparatus for storing a part of the music files stored in the host computer and recording the selected music file onto the recording medium, and a charge paying unit.

Abstract: A newspaper vending machine is equipped with a computerized control and an infrared (IR) communications transceiver. A user equipped with an IR transceiver may download an electronic copy of an article, an electronic copy of the newspaper itself or a network address where these may be obtained. The IR link is also used to transfer digital cash or payment authorizations to the vending machine in exchange for the information.

Abstract: A document dispensing system comprising a companion document data transfer device and a document dispenser having a document variables data input terminal, a document printer, a digital data input port coupled to the companion document data transfer device, a companion document data memory, an operational program memory, and a digital controller programmed to store new companion document data in the companion document data memory and to control the document printer in accordance with the document variables data, the new companion document data, and the operational program data. Replacement companion document data is downloaded from the data transfer device to the companion document data memory via the digital data input port.

Abstract: A printing apparatus comprises a real-time command interpreter that functions even when the printing apparatus is off-line, and interprets control commands simultaneously with receiving data. The printing apparatus can therefore output pulses to the external devices even when printing is in progress or the printer is off-line. Such printing apparatus comprises a command detector for directly detecting predetermined command data from the received command data. An external controller controls an external device in accordance with predetermined command data detected by the command detection.

Abstract: A drug dispensation method and apparatus significantly reduces the likelihood that a nurse or other health care personnel will inadvertently administer the wrong drug to a patient. The method and apparatus identify a classification and a characteristic of a drug.

Abstract: A system and method for printing an outbound and/or an associated return postage meter stamp, including a desired postage amount, onto a label or onto an outbound document and/or an associated return document. A processor based system is programmed to interact with a customer to produce individualized documents, printed address labels, and a printed postage meter stamp having in one embodiment, a customized postage indicia. The processor based system automatically calculates the postage due for each specific document, prints that postage amount as a meter stamp, interacts with the customer to generate a personalized stamp indicia, encrypts selected information into a machine readable format, and prints the information entered by the customer in a selected format, all on the document or documents for transfer to the outside of a mailing envelope.

Abstract: A system for communicating with a card distribution center for selecting, ordering, and sending social expression cards using a personal computer. The user can enter names and addresses of card recipients into the system wherein the information is maintained in a database. The system displays digitized images of the cards on a display screen which are retrieved from a card database. From the cards displayed, the user can select cards for designated recipients and enter personalized messages and a digitized signature. The user may then send the order to a card distribution center, which processes the order, retrieves and prints the selected card images, including any user messages or user signature, and mails the cards to designated recipients or customers. The system maintains a database of all recipients, addresses, associated occasions and dates, card preferences, relationships and order history.