Abstract: An automatic prescription drug dispenser including a remote dispenser, a prescription entry system, and a communications network. The remote dispenser transmits and receives information from the communications network and dispenses prescription drugs to the patient. The prescription entry system transmits and receives information from the communications network and provides an input system for the prescriber to electronically enter individual prescriptions for each patient. The communications network coordinates communications between the doctor, insurance carrier, and the remote dispenser. The remote dispenser stores, retrieves, and labels prescription drug and over-the-counter products directly to patients through a remote automated dispenser, a prescription entry system, and a communications network.

Abstract: A system and method for article management, the method comprising providing a processor and a terminal connected to the processor, providing a closet comprising at least one module comprising at least one location for an article, each location comprising a presence sensor and a signaling unit, at least one door, a user interface connected to the terminal; wherein the processor controls the door into preventing access to articles stored within the closet in a closed position and allowing access to an article requested through the user interface in an open position if the article is authorised for retrieval by the processor.

Abstract: Various technologies described herein pertain to an automated dispenser including a dispensing portion, a motion sensor, a receiver module, and a control module. The control module initiates motion sensing by the motion sensor in response to receipt of an activation signal from a network server by the receiver module. The dispensing portion dispenses a product in response to the motion sensor sensing an absence, presence or motion of an object.

Abstract: A prescription dispensing system having a dispensing station for holding an inventory of prescription medications, a secure internet connection to the dispensing station for access by a potential prescription medication recipient, by healthcare personnel in a physician office and by pharmacy personnel at the pharmacy distribution center in a remote location, at least two webcams for visual and auditory communication between the location of the dispensing station and the pharmacy personnel via the internet to allow identification of the correct medication, identification and communication with the correct potential prescription medication recipient, and visual validation and recording of all documentation from the physician's office or potential prescription medication recipient, and a biometric reader disposed at the dispensing station for identifying a potential prescription medication recipient.

Abstract: Vending Machines (VMs) employ a series of physical locks to prevent unauthorized access and/or control of the machine. In addition to the lock on the front door, in one embodiment of the invention an electrical door switch is employed that is used to enable a set of protected commands to the Vending Machine Controller Card (VMCC) only when the door has been opened. An electronic override of this switch, via remote control of a telemetry device (VIU) coupled to the VM, allows the VMCC to accept protected-mode commands from a central command server via a wireless network regardless of whether the door was actually opened. Other embodiments are described herein.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for remote monitoring of daily dispensing of medication is disclosed. In one embodiment, a dispensing unit, equipped with a 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: Methods, systems and computer-readable mediums may provide for performing one or more operations including, but not limited to: obtaining dosing schedule data associated with a consumable composition regimen; dispensing of at least one dose of a consumable composition into a container according to the dosing schedule data associated with a consumable composition regimen; and detecting at least one indication of at least one ingestion of the consumable composition via from data from at least one sensor incorporated into the container configured to measure at least one property selected from: a physical property, a chemical property, an optical property or an electrical property.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, system and use of a least one sensor in a reverse vending machine for empty beverage containers for, on the sensor's detection at least one biometric feature of a person, allowing such a feature to serve as an identifying token for return value due for empty beverage containers delivered by the person to the reverse vending machine. The biometric feature is, at a return value payout point and by using at least one other sensor, redetected and re-recognized as a previously registered feature for payment of the return value in the form of a payout of the return value, credit for the return value or issuance of a lottery ticket with a stake equivalent to the return value. Said biometric feature is selected from at least one of the group consisting of: fingerprints, facial features, eye characteristics, iris features, handprints, palm line patterns, blood vessel patterns, body shape, height, weight, DNA-characteristics and voice spectrum.

Abstract: A method of dispensing restricted products includes providing: a dispenser containing an inventory of restricted goods and a communication link to an authorized vendor; means to enable the vendor to verify the purchaser as an approved purchaser; an inventory system including storage for products in rows and columns; an identification system that identifies the location of each product by row and column; a product section device enabling verification that the selected product is correct and moves the product to a printing location, a viewing location, and/or an issue tray; a visual viewing means for the vendor to view the product; a payment transaction system to verify payment for the product; at least two collection trays remaining locked until the vendor releases product to the purchaser; a product reject hopper to collect product not approved for collection; and reject system to securely remove product to the reject hopper.

Abstract: A pill dispensing device includes a base with a top surface and a bottom surface, a transfer tray assembly coupled to the top surface of the base, a controller, and a plurality of vibrating tray assemblies. Each vibrating tray assembly couples to the top surface of the base and includes a pill tray, at least one spring support, a pill tray electric motor, and at least one optical sensor. The pill tray has an open end which is positioned above the transfer tray assembly. The at least one spring support is coupled between the top surface of the base and the pill tray. The pill tray electric motor couples to the pill tray and an offset weight. Each pill tray electric motor electrically couples to the controller. An optical sensor couples to the pill tray.

Abstract: A system and method for electronic assistance in dispensing pharmaceuticals, utilizing software, hardware and barcode technology to yield error free, clinically correct, adjudicated prescriptions. The system is adaptive to the preferences of an authorized user, by being configurable on the basis of when and what type of warnings are given in particular circumstances, based on entries in a field, and whether the order can proceed. Additionally, the invention allows for automated and electronically assisted refilling of orders. The invention allows for tracking and monitoring of prescription orders through barcode labeling and scanning.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modular automated tool dispenser comprising at least one tool delivery module with at least one tool compartment containing a plurality of tools that are combined to form tool classes and with a plurality of tool conveying devices, each device being associated with one of the tool classes and conveying tools of one class to a tool delivery point. Each tool class is defined by the tool type, tool size and/or the tool weight as a tool parameter. The dispenser also comprises a tool selection device for selecting the desired tool class and the number of tools to be delivered and for activating the tool conveying device that is associated with the selected tool class.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving and dispensing cards automatically includes a card receiving and dispensing main body (1000) and a card dispensing box (1001) removably installed on said main body (1000). Said card dispensing box (1001) includes a card dispensing box body, a card outlet (141) and a card gate (90) configured on said card dispensing box body. Said card dispensing box (1001) also includes a card gate locking device for controlling the opening and closing of said card gate (90). Said apparatus also includes an identification and unclocking device, which controls the activity of the card gate locking device on the card dispensing box (1001) associated with the card receiving and dispensing main body (1000) to open the card gate (90) of the card dispensing box (1001).

Abstract: A medication dispensing cabinet, a medication dispensing drawer assembly and an associated method are provided to facilitate controlled access to medications in an efficient manner. A medication dispensing cabinet includes a cabinet body, a plurality of drawers disposed within and configured for slidable extension relative to the cabinet body and a plurality of pockets serially positioned within a drawer. Each pocket includes a lid configured to cover the pocket and limit access to medication within the pocket. The medication dispensing cabinet also includes a linkage member configured to operably engage the lids of the plurality of pockets. The linkage member has a first state in which the linkage member prevents one or more of the lids from being opened and a second state in which the linkage member permits the lids to be opened in accordance with a predefined sequential order.

Abstract: A controlled access pharmaceutical storage cabinet has at least one pull-out drawer that is divided into a number of locked compartments, arranged in rows. A slide bar lock is positioned between rows of the compartments, and has a series of slots along each edge which align with lock pins on hinged lids or covers for the compartments. Only one compartment can be opened at a time. A gear-motor is provided for each slide bar to move the slide bar to a position for access to a given compartment.

Abstract: A medication dispenser assembly provides access to medication to promote compliance with a prescribed medication schedule. The assembly includes a housing having a bottom, a top, and a perimeter wall extending from the bottom to the top. Apertures extend through the top. A plurality of vertically aligned bays is positioned in the housing with each bay having an associated access opening extending through the perimeter wall. A plurality of trays each have a plurality of compartments. An interior space of each compartment is accessible through a top of each compartment. Each tray is insertable into a selectable one of the bays through the associated access opening. The compartments of an uppermost one of the trays are accessible through the apertures in the top of the housing. A plurality of doors is coupled to the top of the housing with each door covering an associated one of the apertures.

Abstract: A method for operating an access and storage system including providing a storage component storing items therein or thereon, each item being stored in an associated storage position. The storage component provides a user direct manual access to at least some of the items in their storage positions. The storage component includes a sensor system configured to operate independently of any sensor component secured to the items. The method further includes tracking, via the sensor system, at least one of a user's removal of items from the associated storage position or replacement of items to the associated storage position.

Abstract: A method of dispensing a product item is disclosed. The product item has packaging. On the packaging are a number of coded data portions. Each coded data portion encodes an identity of the product item and a part of a signature. A sensing device senses one or more coded data portions and generate indicating data indicative of: the identity of the product item; a signature part; and a signature part identifier. A processor receiving the indicating data from the sensing device then determines a determined signature part and authenticates the product item by comparing the received signature part and the determined signature part. Further, a criterion for dispensing the product item is determined and the product item is caused to be dispensed based on the criterion being satisfied.

Abstract: In order to automatically actuate a locking element of a vehicle, movement of an object in a region surrounding the vehicle is detected. If the detected movement corresponds to at least one predefined movement profile, the locking element is automatically actuated. If the detected movement does not correspond to the at least one predefined movement profile, a further predefined movement profile is produced depending on the detected movement.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving, dispensing, and regulating controlled substances is provided. Furthermore the apparatus may comprise a portable, handheld container which is tamper-resistant and can withstand severe physical manipulation. The apparatus may only permit the dispensing of medication according to a prescribed schedule and dosage.

Abstract: A pill dispenser for dispensing pills of various sizes includes a pill storage section, a dispensing section located at a lower end of the storage section, an optical sensor, a memory and a controller. The dispensing section includes a device for adjusting a variable size cavity configured to adjust to various pill sizes. The controller adjusts the variable size cavity of the dispensing section depending on the individual pill specifications, and determines if the optical sensor has sensed presence of the pill to be dispensed.

Abstract: A method of checking the accuracy of a prescription fill including activating an electronic scale operatively coupled to a network, accessing a prescription to fill; selecting an appropriate stock container corresponding to the prescription from a plurality of available stock containers, entering data that is associated with a stock container selected by the user; determining if the stock container selected by the user is the correct stock container to fill the prescription by determining if the drug corresponding to the selected stock container is the appropriate drug for the accessed prescription; retrieving a piece weight of the drug from the selected stock container; measuring a weight of a plurality of pills to be dispensed; comparing the measured weight of the pills to be dispensed to a standard weight; determining if the comparison is within an acceptable range; and generating an automated authorization for the prescription fill.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for controlling and tracking patient access to medicaments. A patient is provided with medication in locked pill containers that must be unlocked with an access code before the patient can access a limited quantity of medication in each container. Thus the patient is forced to go through an interactive session periodically with a master system, via a communicative intermediary, in order to obtain a valid passcode for each batch of medications and follow a treatment regimen. The patient may be assessed during each interaction with the master system. That assessment can include various questions, including questions about status codes that may optionally be displayed on each medication container. These status codes may optionally encode detail about the patient's pattern of accessing medication. The general rate of medication usage can also be deduced by the rate at which the patient contacts the master system.

Abstract: A method for configuring a network device includes activating a sensor of the network device to receive data. The data from the sensor is analyzed to determine physical location information indicated thereby. A network address is automatically assigned to the network device based on the physical location information indicated by the data from the sensor. Related methods, systems, and apparatus are also discussed.

Abstract: Dispensing devices and systems for oral transmucosal administration of small volume drug dosage forms to the oral mucosa are provided. The dispensing device may be a single dose applicator (SDA), or an electromechanical device comprising a means for patient identification such as a wrist worn RFID tag and annular bidirectional antenna together with a lock-out feature.

Abstract: An imaging and workflow method, system, computer readable medium and user interface for processing information efficiently for the processing of medical prescription orders. The system includes support for document scanning, automated rules-based order processing, statistical reporting, document generation and document storage and retrieval. The present invention takes advantage of imaging technology to assist the user in scanning information into the system and software modules to improve the processing of orders. The present invention also includes database tables that identify to application processing logic the types and sequences of actions to be implemented for orders.

Abstract: An article dispensing machine, system and method for authenticating an article returned to the article dispensing machine and an article for use in such a machine and system are disclosed herein. The returned article comprises an authentication code disposed on the surface of the returned article and a layer that is substantially opaque in visible light and at least partially overlays the authentication code. The article dispensing machine comprises a light source for illuminating the surface of the returned article so that the authentication code is visible through the layer, an image capture device for capturing an image of the authentication code when the surface is illuminated, and a processor for comparing the captured image to a master authentication code.

Abstract: A system with distributed transaction control and processing which utilizes coding and mobile technology electronic devices to communicate transaction control with various mediums is provided. The system has the ability to facilitate access to goods or services within and/or at an independent medium such as vending machines, kiosks and point of sale systems. The system facilitates selection and payment for goods and/or services at specific independent mediums and encodes commands relating thereto for secure transfer within the system via encryption and compression of transaction information. The system may execute transaction control with and/or without internet connectivity to facilitate delivery of user desired items and/or services without requiring cash or a credit card on hand.

Abstract: Provided are medium handling apparatus and method. The medium handling apparatus comprises an identification number recognition module recognizing an identification number of a medium, a memory in which a condition with respect to a management target medium is stored, and a controller determining whether the identification number of the medium recognized by the identification number recognition module satisfies the condition with respect to the management target medium stored in the memory to determine whether the medium is the management target medium.

Abstract: A digital media transaction kiosk and method which provide security for digital media. An example kiosk includes a digital media identifier for reading an identifier of a digital media item on a representative of the digital media item provided by the customer, and a digital media dispenser for dispensing the digital media item to the customer using the identifier.

Abstract: Method for securing a charging process of a vehicle (30) at a charging station (2), comprising outputting a random or pseudorandom first release code to a user on the charging-station side, releasing the charging current on the charging-station side, receiving a second release code that is input by a user on the charging-station side, comparing the first release code with the second release code on the charging station-side, and interrupting the charging current on the charging-station side in the event of a positive comparison result.

Abstract: A delivery service system includes a cabinet having a plurality of controlled-access storage cells, located in a plurality of zones, a user interface, a user evaluation device, and a processor. The system receives a user request to accept an item for delivery, detects user physical characteristics, and provides user access to a storage cell in a selected zone, the zone being selected based on the detected user physical characteristics.

Abstract: A vending system including a machine housing having an operative side configured to interface with an individual. The vending system also includes a product dispenser supported by the machine housing. The product dispenser is configured to dispense a controlled product. The vending system also includes an imaging system that is configured to capture visual data when the individual is positioned proximate to the operative side. The visual data includes a present image of the individual and a card image of the identification card. The identification card includes a personal image of a person. The vending system also includes a computing system that is configured to analyze the visual data to determine whether the person in the personal image is the individual positioned proximate to the operative side. The computing system is also configured to determine whether the individual is permitted to purchase the controlled product.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and articles of manufacture for providing promotions at vending machines, such as by providing vending machine subscriptions to a category of products, are disclosed.

Abstract: An appliance including a housing, a dispenser, and a water supply mechanism. The appliance includes a drink supply mechanism configured to removably hold a plurality of drink supply containers, a user interface panel, and a computer. The computer is configured to: cause the user interface panel to display a plurality of different images, each image associated with a different one of a plurality of different beverages which correspond to a drink supply in at least one of the plurality of drink supply containers held by the drink supply mechanism, enable the user interface panel to receive an input from a user of a selected one of the plurality of different displayed images, and after receiving the input from the user of the selected one of the plurality of different displayed images, cause the dispenser to dispense the beverage corresponding to the selected image.

Abstract: A multi-pocket step-drawer is disclosed that includes a dispensing drawer and a control module. The dispensing drawer has a body comprising at least one fixed wall forming at least two open-top compartments that are arranged along an axis parallel to the front-to-back axis and a ladder fixedly coupled to the body. The ladder has a plurality of cross arms arranged along an axis parallel to the front-to-back axis. The control module includes a housing and a latching element coupled to the housing and disposed proximate to the ladder. The latching element has a first position wherein the latching element engages one of the plurality of cross-arms so as to prevent the dispensing drawer from moving toward the front and a second position wherein the latching element allows the dispensing element to move toward the front.

Abstract: A system and method for dispensing an article from an article dispensing machine by reducing the amount of time for completing a transaction involving the article is provided. A request related to a selected article and payment information for a balance related to the selected article may be received at the article dispensing machine through a user interface. The payment information may be validated, and simultaneously and in parallel, the selected article may be retrieved from a storage unit in the article dispensing machine. The selected article may be dispensed from the article dispensing machine if the payment information is valid. If the payment information is not valid, the selected article may be returned to the storage unit. Quicker dispensing of articles during consumer transactions with the article dispensing machine may result. The articles may include media articles, such as DVDs, Blu-Ray discs, and video game discs.

Abstract: An integrated medication management and compliance system for enabling a care provider to remotely manage and deliver individual doses of medications to a patient, in a non-sequential fashion. The system includes delivery apparatus remotely located from the care provider, wherein the apparatus stores a plurality of sealed unit dose packages that are delivered to a patient at a scheduled dosing time. The delivery apparatus is coupled to a control facility and to a computer terminal of the care provider by way of a secure communications network. The system enables the patient's medication regimen to be remotely tailored in real-time to accommodate fluid medical conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automatic drug dispensing and dosing time reminder device which automatically dispenses one dose of medication at every scheduled dosage time while simultaneously reminding a patient of the dosage time through a voice and a lamp. The device uses a motor, rotating body, and position sensor to dispense medications at the scheduled dosage times. The front face of the device includes an interface to program in the scheduled dosage times.

Abstract: Storage devices, systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for dispensing medication. The storage devices include a container dispensing device for providing users with containers that can be used to securely transport (i.e., in a closed, identifiable container) medications dispensed from the storage device for a single selected patient. In this way, a single user may be able to dispense medications for multiple patients during a single user interaction with a storage device, while keeping medications for different patients separate and easily identifiable so as to provide secure transport between the storage device and the different patients' bedsides. Thus, a printing device may be provided for printing a summary of details, such as in the form of a label and/or a receipt. A sensor may also be provided for detecting the receipt of medications into the container as a check that the correct medications were dispensed by the user.

Abstract: A method for using a vending machine nutritional information display system using standard inventory control system components. A vending machine nutritional information display system using standard inventory control system components. An apparatus for implementing a vending machine nutritional information display system using standard inventory control system components.

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: A system for dispensing paper product at a food-selling establishment. The system includes a point-of-sale device for entering details of a particular sale transaction, with the point-of-sale device being configured to output a slip containing specific indicia associated with the particular sale transaction. A dispenser of paper product is configured to obtain information from the specific indicia on the slip and to dispense a predetermined quantity of paper product in response to the obtained information.

Abstract: There is provided medicine storage apparatus. The apparatus may include a medicine storage case including a plurality of cells storing medicines therein, a door installed on a top surface of each of the cells and being opened and closed, a door opening/closing unit opening and closing the door, and a memory chip storing identification information for each of the cells while being initially manufactured and information of the medicines stored in each of the cells, and a medicine storage case mounting unit, on which the medicine storage case is mounted to be detachable, including a control unit controlling the door opening/closing unit to open the door provided in each of the cells.

Abstract: An automatic liquid supply system includes an assembly of a storage component and a pump device operable to allow liquid flow out of the storage component, an installation component for installing the assembly, an RFID tag that records an authentication code and that is disposed on the assembly, a storage unit storing qualified authentication codes, a transmission unit controlling the pump device, and a control unit. The control unit controls the transmission unit to activate the pump device to allow the liquid flow when the control unit determines that the authentication code matches one of the qualified authentication codes.

Abstract: An appliance having a housing including a body defining a compartment and a door attached to the body, a water supplier including a first valve actuator configured to cause water to be dispensed by the water supplier, a supply container holder configured to hold a supply container for a liquid supply, at least one user input device including a touch screen configured to enable a user to make an input to request dispensing of the liquid supply from the supply container, a supply dispenser including a second valve actuator and configured to cause the liquid supply in the supply container to be selectively dispensed from the supply container based on the input made by the user using the touch screen, and a dispensing computer configured to receive a dispense signal from the touch screen, in response to receipt of the dispense signal, cause the second valve actuator to cause the liquid supply in the supply container to be dispensed from the supply container for a first period of time to dispense an appropriate am

Abstract: A method of printing indicia on a container to control a product dispenser. The method may include the steps of printing indicia on the container, the indicia controlling access to dispense from the product dispenser, reading the indicia about the product dispenser, determining if the container is authorized to use the product dispenser, and allowing a user to dispense a selected product type into the container.

Abstract: A system for dispensing medicament units is provided. The system for dispensing medicament units comprises a dispensing apparatus, a medicament container and control logic. The dispensing apparatus has a set of slots, and a slot of the set of slots is configured to receive a medicament container. The medicament container is configured to be inserted into the slot and comprises a housing, a chamber, an outlet, a memory, a motorless rotatable disk structure, and a drive mechanism. The control logic is coupled to the memory of the medicament container and the dispensing apparatus, and is configured to transmit the data to the dispensing apparatus. The dispensing apparatus receives the data transmitted from the control logic and determines the slot of the set of slots and selects the medicament container to actuate the drive mechanism to dispense the set of medicament units.

Abstract: A medical supply station is disclosed. The medical supply station includes a securable compartment configured to hold medical supplies, and a controller. The controller is responsive to access information and is configured to selectively permit access to the securable compartment when the access information indicates the securable compartment is authorized for access, and restrict access to the securable compartment when the access information indicates the securable compartment is not authorized for access. The medical supply station also includes a critical access module configured to, upon actuation, bypass the access information required by the controller and permit substantially immediate access to the securable compartment. The medical supply station further includes an image capturing device, coupled to the critical access module, configured to capture at least one image of an area proximal to the medical supply station in response to actuation of the critical access module.

Abstract: A storage device, method, and computer program product is provided that includes a number of drawer-level display devices. Each drawer-level display device may be associated with and disposed on a particular drawer. Each drawer-level display device may be configured to present a user with medication information for a selected medication stored in the associated drawer. Thus, a user can have direct access to information required for completing a dispensing or restocking operation at the accessed drawer and does not need to refer back to the cabinet-level display device for information. The drawer-level display devices may be main drawer-level display devices, located near a leading end of each drawer, and/or secondary drawer-level display devices located at the pockets defined by the drawer. Thus, the information needed to complete a dispensing or restocking operation that is in progress can be found at the drawer-level, where the user's attention is already focused.