Abstract: Systems, apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture provide for modular vending systems utilizing reloadable product dispensing modules, including, but not limited to, vertical product dispensing modules comprising a vertical conveyor and a mounting structure for releasably engaging with module holder structures of modular vending machines, and a central controller device for communicating with a plurality of modular vending machines.

Abstract: A store profile generation system includes a mobile base and an image capture assembly mounted on the base. The assembly includes at least one image capture device for acquiring images of product display units in a retail environment. A control unit acquires the images captured by the at least one image capture device at a sequence of locations of the mobile base in the retail environment. The control unit extracts product-related data from the acquired images and generates a store profile indicating locations of products and their associated tags throughout the retail environment, based on the extracted product-related data. The store profile can be used for generating new product labels for a sale in an appropriate order for a person to match to the appropriate locations in a single pass through the store.

Abstract: A method for enabling automated waste management is described. In one embodiment, data related to an event detected via a sensor coupled to a trash receptacle is received. A waste collection vehicle is configured to collect trash directly from the trash receptacle. The data related to the detected event is processed. A notification is generated based on the processing of the data. In some cases, a notification based on a determination of a volume of trash within the trash receptacle is generated, where the volume is determined via a ranging sensor. A notification is generated based on a determination of a weight of the trash within the trash receptacle, where the weight is determined via a load sensor.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for managing a fuel dispensing account associated with fuel dispensing transactions. A fuel dispensing apparatus includes a receiver configured for wireless communication with a user device. The fuel dispensing apparatus receives a request to dispense fuel from the user device via the receiver and associates the fuel request with a primary user account stored in a computer database. A notification is sent to one or more users of the primary account requesting instructions regarding the fuel request. Fuel is dispensed from the fuel dispensing apparatus if instructions are received from a user of the primary account authorizing the request.

Abstract: An ultrasound apparatus includes a base, a housing extending upwardly from the base and having opposed lateral sides, the housing being configured to support an operator console and display, and a storage bin received in a recess in the housing. The storage bin is movable from a first position in which the storage bin is received within the recess of the housing, and a second position in which the storage bin extends from one of the lateral sides of the housing.

Abstract: Automated systems and processes may provide fuel dispenser management. In one aspect, a system for managing a fuel dispenser may include a dispenser manager, a display, a user input device, a fuel controller, and a management module at the fuel dispenser. The dispenser manager may be operable to control electronic functions of the fuel dispenser. The display may be coupled to the dispenser manager and operable to visually present fueling session data, and the user input device may also be coupled to the dispenser manager and operable to detect user indications during a fueling session. The fuel controller may be coupled to the dispenser manager and operable to control fuel flow operations. The management module may be associated with the dispenser manager and operable to generate operational commands for the dispenser manager.

Abstract: A medication confirmation method and apparatus. The method of an embodiment of the invention includes the steps of capturing one or more video sequences of a user administering medication by a video capture device, storing the captured one or more video sequences to a non-transitory memory, and analyzing at least one of the stored video sequences to determine one or more indications of suspicious activity on behalf of the user.

Abstract: A UHF radiofrequency identification (RFID) system comprising a UHF RFID reader and at least one UHF RFID antenna for enabling communication of the UHF RFID reader with UHF RFID tags affixed on articles within a cabinet having electrically conductive walls and at least one door, the UHF RFID antennas being positioned within the cabinet and the UHF RFID system further comprises at least one conductive surface (e.g., a brewer, brasseur, or cross-connector) enclosed in a compartment positioned within the cabinet and comprising a conductive surface set in movement by a motor.

Abstract: A management method for transactions done by at least one automatic distribution machine (12_1, 12_2), includes the following steps: detecting a malfunction during a transaction of a first automatic distribution machine (12_1, 12_2) with a user of the first automatic distribution machine (12_1, 12_2), the malfunction creating a harm for the user, generating an identifier, at least part of the identifier being specific to the detected malfunction and the identifier (28) being intended to be introduced into a second automatic distribution machine (12_1, 12_2), the introduction making it possible for the second automatic distribution machine (12_1, 12_2) to take an action to compensate the harm suffered by the user, and creating a ticket including the identifier.

Abstract: Systems and methods of the invention relate to managing an inventory of items within a storage container. A storage container can house one or more items for distribution among one or more users such as, for instance, employees. The storage container discussed herein provides authentication of a user, tracking of the inventory each user removes or returns, video/image capture of user during access of the storage container, wireless tracking of items housed within the storage container, among others.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical management system including a housing having a closeable top cover. Within the housing, there is provided, in combination, a computer processor and a computer readable medium storing computer executable instructions being executed by the computer processor, a plurality of pharmaceutical containers within the housing; each of the plurality of pharmaceutical containers having an identification means, and scanning means in communication with the computer processor adapted to read information from the identification means. The computer executable instructions include instructions identifying a pharmaceutical in each of the containers based on information in the identification means.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiments herein provide a medical cart having a drawer with a post which extends upwardly from a bottom surface of the drawer. The cart further includes a removable medication delivery module having four sidewalls and a bottom wall as well as a plurality of individually-lockable bins placed above the bottom wall and within the four sidewalls. A lock may be positioned above the bottom wall and below the plurality of individually-lockable bins with an aperture on the lock which engages with the post and a hole in the bottom wall sized to accept the post.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus (200) for dispensing a food product, the dispensing apparatus comprising a receptacle (210) for receiving a supply (510), a dispensing unit (220) configured to dispend portions of the food product, dispensing a portion of the food product consuming an amount of the supply, an electronic counting unit (232) configured to represent an amount of authorized supply, the counting unit is configured to decrease the amount of authorized supply when the dispensing unit dispenses a portion of the food product, the dispensing unit being configured to block dispensing of the food product if the amount of authorized supply is below a minimum authorized supply amount, a communication unit (240) configured to receive a digital authorization message from an authorization server (400) through mobile communication device (300), the authorization server being external to the dispensing apparatus, and a dispensing authorization unit (230) configured to obtain from the authorization message a supply authori

Abstract: A system and method for reducing the data transmitted from an energy management system is described. The system and method include a critical event evaluator receiving data from a plurality of data sources, where the critical event evaluator monitors the data for critical events requiring immediate transmission to a monitoring center. A schedule comb and a delta comb receive the data from the plurality of data sources, the schedule comb operable to reduce the data according to data schedule rules stored in a data definition database and the delta comb reduce the data by eliminating data values that have not changed since a previous transmission. The schedule comb and delta comb produce a reduced data set. A queue stores the reduced data set, which is transmitted when the queue reaches a trigger size or a critical event is found.

Abstract: A report creating system includes a storage part storing machine type information correlating the machine type codes of apparatuses with corresponding types of the apparatuses, pattern information showing usage patterns based on the presence or absence of usage of the types of the apparatuses, and type information correlating the usage patterns with corresponding report types; an identification part obtaining the machine type code of one or more of the apparatuses remotely managed by a remote management system and identifying the type of the one or more of the apparatuses based on the machine type code and the machine type information; a first determination part determining the usage pattern based on the identified type and the pattern information; a second determination part determining the report type based on the determined usage pattern and the type information; and a creation part creating a report based on the determined report type.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the consumption by an infant of beverages produced from capsules in a beverage production machine. Capsule information regarding a plurality of different types of capsules is stored in a server. Further at least one user account including personal information about the infant consuming beverage produced from capsules is stored in said server. A beverage is produced from a capsule and the capsule used therefore by the beverage production machine is identified. The information on the identified capsule is transmitted to the server; such information including at least the date and time the beverage is prepared.

Abstract: A variable dose dispensing system may include a processor and memory. The processor may receive a request for a variable dose order of a medication, such as from a user. The processor may request an amount of the medication to be administered, and receive, in response to the request, an indication of the amount to be administered. The processor may verify that the amount to be administered is within a range of the variable dose order. The processor may determine an item in a local inventory that contains at least the amount of the medication to be administered, and may dispense the item. If an amount of the dispensed item exceeds the amount to be administered, such as by a waste amount, the processor may display an indication of the waste amount to the user, and may transmit a notification of the waste amount, such as to a management server.

Abstract: A system and method for dispensing a kit of items from one or more vending machines includes a kit determination system with a kit analyzer to determine whether there is a specific kit or kits to recommend or assign to a user. A kit may be pre-assigned to the user by a third party. If there is no kit assigned to the user, a kit may be recommended to the user based on past history and a number of other factors. Also included is a vending machine kit dispensing system for dispensing a kit of items from one or more vending machines, the vending machines being interconnected on a network.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical storage and retrieval system and a method of storing and retrieving pharmaceutical containers from the system. The system includes a pharmaceutical storage and retrieval and a controller operatively coupled to the device to control storage and retrieval functions of the device. The device includes a gantry assembly, a shelving assembly, a user access assembly, and a user authorization system that function in a coordinated manner to carry out the storage and retrieval functions of the device.

Abstract: Medication dispensing system for remote monitoring of the daily dispensing of medication and pre/post dispense monitoring of medication effected physiological functions is disclosed. In one embodiment a dispensing unit equipped with weight sensing mechanism such as scale or balance communicates with a monitoring application residing in a wireless terminal. The monitoring application provides supervision over a medication dispensing process.

Abstract: A pill dispenser is configured to receive a plurality of different pill types into discrete pill reservoirs, whereby a dose of different pills may be provided to a user in a dispense reservoir. A vacuum manifold may be configured with a vacuum tube for removing pills from the discrete reservoirs and placing them into the dispense reservoir. In one embodiment, a pill dispenser is part of a pill dispenser system that utilizes a remote electronic device having an application software program for setting, managing and displaying the dosing regimens for pills loaded into the pill dispenser. The application software program may be coupled with a prescribing pill database, whereby prescription pill information, including dosing regimens may be loaded onto the application software program to ensure compliance with the prescription.

Abstract: Various embodiments relate to a dose unit for a dry powder inhaler including: a dose carrier including a plurality of pockets each adapted to contain a dose of medication powder suitable for inhalation, the pockets being sequentially arranged such that the content of the pockets can be sequentially exposed to a flow of air for successive inhalations and a plurality of medication powder doses arranged in the pockets of the dose carrier. The doses are regularly distributed in the pockets according to a sequence of identical groups, each group including at least one blank pocket and one pocket containing a dose of medication powder. Various embodiments also relate to a pack including one such dose unit and one further dose unit with all pockets containing a medication powder. Various embodiments further relate to a dry powder inhaler including such a pack of dose units.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention can provide systems and methods for electronic transaction auditing and accountability. In one embodiment, a method of providing electronic transaction auditing can be implemented. The method can include determining at least one unique identifier associated with a respective transaction. The method can also include communicating the at least one unique identifier to a destination server. In addition, the method can include receiving data associated with an electronic transaction and at least one unique identifier corresponding to the unique identifier previously communicated to the destination server and associated with the respective transaction.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system that includes a server hosting a pool data receiving and storage service. The system further includes a database in communication with the server. Still further, the system includes a user communication device in communication with the server having an interface configured interact with the pool data receiving and storage service hosted by the server, the interface configured to receive a manual user input of a pool related data, the interface configured to transmit the pool related data to the server. The pool related data corresponds to chemical levels in a pool. The pool data receiving and storage service of the server is configured to receive the pool related data from the user communication device and store the pool related data in the database. The interface of the user communication device is configured to access the pool related data through communication with the server.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical filling system for a high volume pharmacy is described. The system can include a paper feed device and method. The system may include a paper collator with at one selectively openable shelf. A control device may monitor the capacity of the selectively openable shelf, and instruct a printer to hold printing additional print jobs. The selectively openable shelf may then be opened to allow the printed literature resting thereon to fall to a lower shelf, and the printer can then be restarted. Sheets of printed literature may be drawn from the paper collator, collected with any other sheets of printed literature associated with a prescription order, and mated with the prescription order for shipment.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes determining, via a vehicle computer, that a current fuel-tank fill-level matches a stored fill-level, stored prior to a refueling process. The method also includes calculating an average fuel-consumption when the current fill-level matches the stored fill-level, based on distance traveled since the refueling process and a total amount of fuel received by the vehicle, as indicated by stored fuel-dispensed data received from one or more fuel pumps, since the stored fill-level was stored.

Abstract: In one implementation, a device for dispensing items includes a plurality of compartments for storing medicines or medical supplies, a respective light source associated with each of the plurality of compartments, and a computerized controller coupled to the light sources. The computerized controller maintains an inventory of the contents of the plurality of compartments and receives requests to dispense medicines or medical supplies from the plurality of compartments. In response to a request to dispense a particular medicine or medical supply item, the computerized controller illuminates the light source associated with the compartment holding the particular medicine or medical supply item, the light source being illuminated with a brightness controlled by the computerized controller. The brightness of the light source may be controlled in accordance with a detected brightness of the ambient environment. The light source may be a multi-colored light source.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet, a first compartment, a second compartment, a first door providing access to the first compartment, a second door providing access to the second compartment, and a beverage dispensing system operatively connected the cabinet. The refrigerator further includes a user interface operatively connected to the cabinet, the user interface having a display and being configured to identify a user of the beverage dispensing system and customize beverage settings and preferences associated with the user.

Abstract: A console for a fuel delivery management system, including a processor, a touch-sensitive display, a plurality of ports configured to facilitate communications with a plurality of lines, tanks, containments, sensors and pumps, and a memory including a plurality of instructions which when executed by the processor cause the console to generate a home screen on the display, the home screen having a quick jump menu icon which when activated by a user, causes the processor to generate a navigation window on the home screen, the navigation window including a plurality of function icons, each corresponding to a function screen, wherein activation of one of the plurality of function icons causes the processor to generate a function screen including a graphic indication of a parameter of one of the plurality of lines, tanks, containments, sensors and pumps.

Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to methods and devices for taking care of elderly, disabled, or other dependents. The devices and methods may be useful for dependents that are not willing or able to live in an environment which has a caretaker physically present. Example devices and methods can facilitate communication between a caretaker and a dependent. Devices and methods can optionally facilitate disbursing medications remotely.

Abstract: Devices, systems, methods, and software for providing remote medical diagnosis and therapy to a subject comprising: a module for conducting telecommunications with a telemedicalist; a module for applying a diagnostic or a therapeutic analysis; an apparatus for dispensing one or more medical items from an inventory of medical items, the inventory of medical items risk profiled to a subject, a population, a venue, or a situation; and optionally, a biosensor apparatus.

Abstract: An approach is provided for presenting, via a set-top box, a first media content to a user. The user is prompted with an option to experience a second media content relating to the first media content. The set-top box presents the second media content to the user upon selection of the option by the user.

Abstract: A quiescent doze mode permits significant reductions in power consumption and dissipation by electronic devices while idle without producing adverse latencies to users. Device drivers communicate predictions as to future use of their coupled devices with a kernel. The kernel may then enter a quiescent doze mode comprising gating clocks on the processor and peripherals, disabling interrupts, and executing a wait for interrupt. Dynamically increasing timer interrupt intervals to significant fractions or multiples of a second further increases the percentage of time the device remains in quiescent doze mode.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for providing medical data based on a handover of a medical sensor. The apparatus includes a medical data client that requests and receives the medical data from the medical sensor; a security module that manages access to the medical data; a data management unit that stores the received medical data; and an event handler that receives an abnormal condition notification from the medical sensor and sends a command to release access to the medical data, based on the abnormal condition notification.

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: An automated dispenser receives a canister of small objects secured atop the dispenser using a bar-code matched gate operated by a central controller. A hopper below the gate directs small quantities of objects into a charge block which urges them into a circular counter and atop a movable plate forming the bottom of the counter. The plate bears slots around its perimeter adjacent the cylindrical walls of the counter. The central controller operates a servo motor to rotate the plate in measured increments, urging a precise count of objects into a port through which they fall one at a time into a receptacle. Means on the cylinder walls orients objects so that only a single one at a time may fall into each slot, thereby preventing overfilling. An exit sensor counts the objects as they fall to verify quantity and guard against under-filling.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems for radio frequency identification (RFID)-enabled information collection are disclosed, including an enclosure, a collector coupled to the enclosure, an interrogator, a processor, and one or more RFID field sensors, each having an individual identification, disposed within the enclosure. In operation, the interrogator transmits an incident signal to the collector, causing the collector to generate an electromagnetic field within the enclosure. The electromagnetic field is affected by one or more influences. RFID sensors respond to the electromagnetic field by transmitting reflected signals containing the individual identifications of the responding RFID sensors to the interrogator. The interrogator receives the reflected signals, measures one or more returned signal strength indications (“RSSI”) of the reflected signals and sends the RSSI measurements and identification of the responding RFID sensors to the processor to determine one or more facts about the influences.

Abstract: Disclosed in the present invention is a medicine dispensing device comprising: a medicine storage portion for storing a medicine; a medicine discharge portion for discharging the medicine stored at the medicine storage portion; a communication module for communicating with a hospital server; and a control portion for controlling the operation of the medicine storage portion and the medicine discharge portion so as to allow the medicine to be discharged on the basis of prescription information of a prescription received from the hospital server through the communication module.

Abstract: A media processing device, controls such that when a medium is transported in the inserting direction by means of transporting means, the media information recorded on the medium is read by a media information read means and stored by recording to memory. Whether or not the medium is ejectable is determined by transporting the medium in the ejecting direction by means of the transporting means. The media information stored in memory is controlled so as to be deleted when it is determined that the medium is not ejectable. In this way, as long as it is not confirmed that the medium is ejectable, the media information recorded in the medium is not output to the host device.

Abstract: Systems for controlling the dispensing of medication are provided. The system can include a dispenser device capable of holding and delivering at least one medication. A controller can be operatively connected to the dispenser. The controller can automatically operate the dispenser for movement to a dispensing position at a predetermined time. An electronic communication device for connecting the system to a remote facility can be provided. An identification verification device for restricting access to the system can be in communication with the controller of the system. A location determination device for determining the location of the system can also be provided.

Abstract: A system and method of predicatively accruing a credit in a variable value transaction are provided. The variable value transaction may involve a piece of media content and include an initial balance and a remaining balance. The initial balance and the remaining balance may be dependent on the piece of media content and when the variable value transaction is completed. Credits may be accrued for a predicted redemption of the credit for the remaining balance, depending on the availability and applicability of the credits. A payment card may also be processed for some or all of the remaining balance. The remaining balance may not be known until the variable value transaction is completed. A pending revenue amount may be determined based on the accrual of the credits.

Abstract: Item-management systems, apparatus, and methods are described, preferably for management of items such as medicaments. In embodiments, an item-management system comprises a holder defining plural cells, a docking station configured to receive the holder, at least one indicator selectively-operable to indicate the holder cell into which an item is to be loaded, and at least one controller operable to selectively operate each at least one indicator to indicate the cell into which the item is to be received. In embodiments, indicators are provided on the holder. In other embodiments, the indicators may by on a guide associated with the docking station to assist the user in loading the holder. The contents of the loaded holder may be easily loaded, for example, into an automated dispensing machine for packaging and subsequent administration to a patient or for another use.

Abstract: An article vending machine in a network of article vending machines capable of exchanging an inoperable rental article received from a user for an operable replacement article. The article dispensing machine checks customer identification information against one or more customer rental criteria to determine if the customer is eligible to exchange an inoperable article for an operable one. The article vending machine searches for an identical replacement article within an inventory of the machine itself and within inventories of the networked article vending machines. Alternatively, the article vending machine may provide a refund for the inoperable article.

Abstract: An inventory monitoring system. The inventory monitoring system includes a cabinet. The cabinet is configured to store the item and is in electronic communication with a terminal. The cabinet dispenses an item in response to the sale and records the removal of the item. The inventory monitoring system also includes a terminal, wherein the terminal is configured to allow a user to enter a sale of an item.

Abstract: Invented method comprises data detection by watching communication between vending machine and its payment system in unified manner, without intervention in this communication, and automated downloading this data; transmitting downloaded data via wireless network by invented device's modem/external peripheral device's resource; analyzing this data by determining events and one-time events and generating states by unifying the meaning of communication between vending machine and its payment systems performed according to multitude of standard communication protocols; extracting from analyzed data of information about technical condition of vending machine/payment systems, about operating regime of vending machine, about sales made by vending machine and revenues in its payment systems; remote control on basis of analyzed data and optional discontinuation/restoration of vending machine operation by invented device at request by external peripheral device connected to vending machine.

Abstract: A drawer block of a support system, the drawer block including at least one drawer accommodation including a housing defining a receptacle, a drawer including a lock having an actuator and a mechanism configured to lock the drawer in the receptacle of the drawer accommodation, and a receiver assembly that is electrically connected to the actuator and configured to convert an opening signal to an opening instruction for the actuator.

Abstract: A receptacle adapted for removable placement on a retention tray is disclosed. The receptacle includes a lid having a closed position and a lid hook. The receptacle includes a latching apparatus with a lid latch configured to engage the lid hook when the lid is in the closed position. The latching apparatus also has a tray latch configured to engage a tray hook that is coupled to the retention tray when the receptacle is placed on the retention tray. The latching apparatus has an actuator configured to selectably release either the lid hook or the tray hook, thus eliminating a need for a second set of actuators in the retention tray to releasably secure the receptacles to the tray.

Abstract: A hand towel dispenser capable of data capture and transmission. The hand towel dispenser includes a reel shell for holding a hand towel roll that includes fresh dispenser material, a rotatably held reel that takes up used dispenser material, a measuring apparatus for capturing measured values that represent the quantity of used dispenser material, and a radio module that is connected to the measuring apparatus to receive the measured values captured by the measuring apparatus. The radio module is designed to transmit radio signals, each of which contains at least one measured value. The measuring apparatus incoudes at least one first sensor for capturing the quantity of used dispenser material. And, the sensor is connected to the radio module.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical dispensing system includes a frame having first and second opposed sides, a plurality of cells configured to house pharmaceutical pills, a first touch screen display on the frame first side, and a second touch screen display on the frame second side. A plurality of dispensing shelves configured to receive filled pill containers are accessible from the second side of the frame for removal of pill containers therein. The pharmaceutical dispensing system includes a processor and memory coupled thereto. A computer program resides in the memory and is executable by the processor for displaying a cell inventory graphical user interface (GUI) within the first touch screen display, and a series of GUIs within the second touch screen display that include status information about a prescription order at a respective stage of completion by the pharmaceutical dispensing system.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical dispensing system includes a frame having first and second opposed sides, a plurality of cells configured to house pharmaceutical pills, a first touch screen display on the frame first side, and a second touch screen display on the frame second side. The pharmaceutical dispensing system includes a processor and memory coupled thereto. A computer program resides in the memory and is executable by the processor for displaying a cell inventory graphical user interface (GUI) within the first touch screen display, and a prescription order processing GUI within the second touch screen display that include status information about a prescription order at a respective stage of completion by the pharmaceutical dispensing system.