Abstract: In a material handling system having a material feeder, a material container may be configured to discharge material to the material feeder and a process aid may be engaged with the material container, a method including determining a process indicator associated with a material flow characteristic of the feeder during operation of the feeder, determining a difference between the process indicator and an indicator threshold value, adjusting the operation of the process aid based on the value of the difference determined above between the process indicator and the indicator threshold value.

Abstract: A system and method for determining and communicating a volume-based fill pattern for a multi-dose medicament container is disclosed. Pill information corresponding to one or more pills for a patient to be packaged together may be obtained, and non-volume fill factors may be obtained. The volume-based fill pattern may be selected and indicated to be a cuboid volume or a packing parameter fill pattern. Pill and multi-dose medicament container data may be obtained and used to determine a fill pattern that is communicated to a filling entity for execution. The present disclosure may operate in accordance with multi-dose blister packs, and systems and methods of filling said blister packs.

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

Abstract: A system and method related to dispensing and disposing medical items is provided. The dispensing portion is generally configured to dispense medical items stored within compartments based on dispensing instructions. The disposal portion is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container.

Abstract: Interactive medicine organizers comprising integrated software and hardware elements and multifunctional interactive wireless devices to provide assistance to individuals who need to organize or monitor the administration of one or more medications are provided.

Abstract: An appliance including a housing and a cylindrical dispenser supported by the housing, the cylindrical dispenser including a body which defines an opening and a plurality of outlets arranged around a bottom portion of the body and around the opening. The appliance includes a water supply apparatus supported by the housing and in fluid communication with the cylindrical dispenser, a container holder supported by the housing and configured to removably hold a plurality of containers, and a plurality of pumps supported by the housing and configured to operate with the water supply apparatus and the containers held by the container holder. The appliance also includes a user beverage requester supported by the housing and a computer supported by the housing, the computer connected to the user beverage requester and configured to control the plurality of pumps to cause the dispensing of a beverage.

Abstract: A dispense verification meter for measuring and verifying dispense operations (e.g., actual dispensed volumes) of media dispense systems. The dispense verification meter preferably automatically corrects zero offset drift, preferably samples the flow rate of media being dispensed at a sufficiently high sample rate, and verifies whether the desired dispense operation has been achieved.

Abstract: Systems and methods to reduce bioburden on at least a portion of a fluid transfer port include supplying a dose of radiation to the portion in optical communication with at least one source of radiation. In an illustrative example, a medical container, such as a vial or IV bag, receives a dose of ultraviolet (UV) energy substantially at a predetermined region of a fluid transfer site. In some examples, such a sanitization process may precede a fluid transfer operation in which a fluid is transferred into or out of the medical container by passing through the sanitized region. Such fluid transfers may be used in automated or semi-automated pharmaceutical processes, such as drug reconstitution. Various embodiments may further include one or more seal assemblies, each seal assembly having an aperture through which the radiation dose is supplied from the source to a controlled region on the fluid transfer port.

Abstract: A biodegradable payload material delivery and notification device includes a biodegradable shell enclosing at least a portion of a biodegradable detector that includes a payload material, and biodegradable circuitry electrically connected to the detector and capable of performing a delivery notification operation. The biodegradable shell degrades upon exposure to environmental conditions causing release of an amount of the payload material, and the detector communicates release of the amount of the payload material to the circuitry causing the circuitry to perform the delivery notification operation. The delivery notification operation includes generating and transmitting to a mesh network a signal having one or more parameters that are correlated with the amount of the payload material released. A mesh network includes a plurality of biodegradable devices and one or more edge collection devices.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for automatically controlling hot glue level in a book-binding apparatus. The embodiments include monitoring glue level in a reservoir and measuring glue temperature in the reservoir. If the glue level is below a level threshold value and the glue temperature value is above a temperature threshold, the system dispenses a predetermined amount of meltable glue pellets into the reservoir.

Abstract: A method of dispensing product includes determining by a processor if product loaded into a dispenser is authorized for use in the dispenser by identifying a reference indication associated with the product; in response to determination that the product is authorized, dispense a first amount of product; and in response to determination that the sheet product is unauthorized, dispense a second amount of sheet product, wherein the second amount of sheet product is different than the first amount. To determine if the sheet product is authorized, a pigment is excited to emit a light with an intensity signature. A portion of the intensity signature is measured and compared to a desired value. If the portion is substantially equal to the desired value, the sheet product is authenticated.

Abstract: An apparatus for the dispensing of product is provided. The apparatus includes a dispenser that is configured for dispensing product and a sensor in communication with an electrical circuit carried by the dispenser. The sensor is configured for detecting identification information about the product when the electrical circuit is completed by the product. Additional exemplary embodiments are also provided in which the sensor operates through optical detection, smell, physical contact with the product, or vibration instead of or in addition to the completion of an electrical circuit.

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

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are described related to the assignment and management of patient-specific bins. A dispensing device at a healthcare facility includes a number of bins for storage of medical supplies, with some of the bins designated as patient-specific bins allocated to be assigned to patients for storage of their medications or certain other supplies. A central server computer system, in communication with a computer of the dispensing device, may monitor and assign current and future patient-specific use of the bins for the dispensing device. The assignment and management of patient-specific bins may be performed by devices distributed through the system.

Abstract: A vending system restricts, limits and/or controls access and/or to various products, and tracks purchases, use or consumption of those products by an individual, group, class or classification, and implements continued decisions regarding future access within the context of a hierarchy of policy enforcement or guideline recommendations. The individual or group is associated with a unique identification, captured by an input device, such that product selection availability is based upon identity, product type, quantity limits, serving recommendations and nutritional guidelines, user preferences, governance and access restrictions. Subsequent tracking of the dispensing of products, permits the system to compare consumption and make future decisions regarding access to products.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for medicament tracking are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, medicaments are initially stored within secure medicament containers. One or more containers comprise a radio frequency identification module or another electromagnetic transmitter adapted to generate tracking signals. Optionally, the tracking signals may be transmitted according to one or more anti-collision protocols in order to reduce and/or prevent interference with other transmitted signals. Electromagnetic readers situated at one or more locations verify when the medicament containers are proximate to those readers. In some embodiments, once the medicament containers have successfully been tracked to a target location, inventory and tracking data may be updated within one or more external devices.

Abstract: A method of operating a detection system includes receiving a detection signal representing aggregate light emission received from a plurality of optical emitter elements at an optical detector, and determining, from the detection signal, respective light emission received from one of the optical emitter elements based on a respective signature thereof in the detection signal. The respective signature is independent of an emission wavelength of the respective light emission. Related detection systems and automated pill dispensing systems are also discussed.

Abstract: A medication dispensing device comprising a housing having an enclosure configured to provide direct access to a current medication container storing medication to be dispensed. The device includes a plurality of bins, each bin configured to receive and store therein a medication container within a bin seat. Additionally, the device includes a scale assembly, within the housing, configured to automatically lift the medication container from the bin seat, weigh the medication container at least once and lower the medication container into the bin seat during a weighing cycle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for remotely managing a vending machine system are provided. A host system transmits control data to an audit system installed in a vending machine system. This control data is used to modify a data collection parameter of the audit system, such as modifying alert conditions, reporting schedules, and filter terms used to parse DEX files received from a vending machine controller.

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 method for application of an agricultural product to a field is provided. The method includes acquiring real-time sampled data using real-time agricultural sensors, auto-calibrating the real-time agricultural sensors using statistical characteristics of the real-time sampled data to determine an application rate, and applying the agricultural product to the field based on the application rate. The step of auto-calibrating can be performed in various ways depending upon the type of agricultural product, the data available from the agricultural sensors or otherwise, or otherwise.

Abstract: A medication dispenser provides automation to the steps of locating and acquiring medications to be administered to a patient. The medication dispenser includes an enclosure providing a secure environment for storing medications in multiple sized medication storage bins. The medication storage bins are hung in storage racks located within the enclosure. A robot system is also provided within the enclosure for moving bins between the storage racks and a medication dispensing area. The medication dispensing area includes doors configured to open to define an opening for passing a selected bin through the enclosure. The medication storage bin includes multiple sub-compartments, each configured to receive a single medically related item. The medication storage bin is moved through the opening to present the first sub-compartment containing a medically related item, while other sub-compartment containing medically related items remain within the enclosure.

Abstract: The invention describes improved methods and mechanisms for providing secure access to pharmaceutical and supply items in a clinical setting. In one version of the invention, a dispensing unit has an interior housing one or more drawers. Each drawer has one or more storage locations. The fronts of the drawers are covered with one or more locking doors, preventing access to a particular drawer, unless the covering door is unlocked. Indicators are mounted on the side of the enclosure, to guide the user to a drawer covered by an associated unlocked door. The unit further includes indicators on the sides of the drawers, to guide the user to the right storage receptacles or pockets within the drawer. Some pockets may have lids. Some of the lids may have locks. Sensors associated with at least some of the individual pocket lids may be provided to detect the lifting of a lid. Means to automatically detect the entry of a hand or fingers into a pocket may be provided.

Abstract: Dispenser for dispensing individual goods, the dispenser comprising a containing space for holding an array of goods, a transport device for consecutively feeding a good from the array to a delivery member for dispensing one or more goods to a consumer, a reading device for reading data from a first good, a control unit connected to the reading unit for receiving data from the reading unit, the control unit being connected to a functional member and being adapted for changing the state of the functional member on the basis of the data received from the first good, characterised in that the data received from the first good includes information pertaining to one or more goods that are to be dispensed consecutively to the first good.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing restricted goods such as pharmaceuticals by an pharmacist to a purchaser with a prescription includes a cabinet containing an inventory storage system, a purchaser transaction module, a reject system and a control system. The inventory storage system includes product storage in rows and columns. The purchaser transaction module including an audio communication link from the dispenser to the pharmacist, a payment transaction system in the dispenser to verify payment for the product and an issue tray in the dispenser that is locked until the pharmacist releases the product to the purchaser. The reject system securely removes product to a reject hopper at any time after the product is held by the product selection device but prior to the pharmacist releasing the product from the issue tray. The control system includes means to enable the pharmacist to view the prescription and the purchaser.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention described herein provide an apparatus and method for networked vending. According to embodiments described herein, a vending machine is provided that may be installed and managed by the venue in which it is installed. Consumers may purchase vending products from the vending machine using cashless accounts managed by an external device in communication with the vendor. The venue may manage the inventory for the vending machine by placing orders for single product inserts to be loaded in the vending machine.

Abstract: Products and processes are disclosed for defining at least one inventory group. This at least one inventory group includes at least two products that are available for sale by a vending machine. The vending machine outputs an indication of products that the at least one inventory group includes. The vending machine receiving, from a customer, a selection of a first product that the at least one inventory group includes. The vending machine processes a sale of a unit of the first product and a respective unit of at least one additional product for a single price.

Abstract: A medication dispensing system uses a series of medication rings grouped as a rotary drum and controlled for dispensing medication on a daily basis into a divided pill box. Each medication ring includes an associated medication collar that cooperates with the medication ring to reduce the possibility of abrasion of the medication dosages held in the medication rings. The pill box is moved and rotated within the dispensing system by a carriage to dispense medication into appropriate cells of the pill box. A computer control module controls the movement of the various components and is programmable for loading and dispensing different medication regimes.

Abstract: A networked items dispenser is disclosed. The device includes a housing having a bulk storage bin for storing items, a temporary storage bin for receiving the items, and a dispensing receptacle for receiving the items from the temporary storage bin. A communications network interface is provided for entering programming instructions. A programmable internal memory device is also included for storing a schedule for dispensing the items, such that the schedule can be automatically adjusted according to a hierarchy of dispensing rules.

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

Abstract: There is provided an automated prescription filling system using a robotic arm in combination with an automatic pharmaceutical dispenser having a plurality of individual pill-counting units, each under the control of its own microprocessor. The automatic pharmaceutical dispensers are modified for use with the robotic arm. Because tablet counting is completely independent of the robotic arm, system throughput is higher than in systems of the prior art. Unlike systems of the prior art, each individual pill-counting unit can be removed from behind the pharmaceutical dispenser so that the system need not be stopped for such service. The fact that counting operations are divorced from robotic arm movements allows the arm movements to be optimized and multiple prescriptions to be processed simultaneously. Controller software optimizes movement of the robotic arm based upon such factors as the fullness of the vial being transported.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a vending system wherein a monitoring system verifies that a product ordered by a vending customer is actually delivered through a delivery area to the customer. If the product ordered is unavailable either because of an out of stock situation or a blockage of the delivery path for that product, the present invention allows the customer to request a refund or order a second product. Additionally, the present invention helps to prevent theft of product from the vending system.

Abstract: A paper-sheet processing apparatus including a reading unit, a handling determining unit, a cashing processing unit, and an abnormality-handling processing unit is provided. The reading unit reads, from a check, check information containing an amount of the check. The handling determining unit determines approval and disapproval of handling of the check based on a matching result between the check information read by the reading unit and a predetermined condition. The cashing processing unit dispenses money in a cashed amount corresponding to the amount read by the reading unit when the handling determining unit determines that the handling of the check is approved. The abnormality-handling processing unit performs a predetermined abnormality handling process when the handling determining unit determines that the handling of the check is approved.

Abstract: A method for facilitating storage and/or retrieval of unit dose medications may include receiving an indication that a medication receptacle is positioned proximate to an alignment pin, determining a position of the alignment pin relative to an alignment guide disposed in the medication receptacle, and providing an output indicative of an alignment state of the medication receptacle based on the position determined. A corresponding computer program product and apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: An automated small items dispensing apparatus is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the invention includes a networked, programmable, automatic medication items dispensing apparatus for use by individual patients who are enrolled in a medication protocol or medication therapy regimen. The device is located separate from the patient's health care provider's facility, such as in the patient's home.

Abstract: The present application provides a vending system for dispensing a number of products. The vending system may include a number of enclosures with each of the enclosures including an access system, a weighing system positioned about the enclosures, and a user interface in communication with the access systems and the weighing system. The weighing system may be adapted to determine the number of products removed from the enclosures.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, an Automated Pharmacy Admixture System (APAS) may include a manipulator system to transport medical containers such as bags, vials, or syringes in a compounding chamber regulated to a pressure below atmospheric pressure. In a preferred implementation, the manipulator system is configured to grasp and convey syringes, IV bags, and vials of varying shapes and sizes from a storage system in an adjacent chamber regulated at a pressure above atmospheric pressure. Various embodiments may include a controller adapted to actuate the manipulator system to bring a fill port of an IV bag, vial, or syringe into register with a filling port at a fluid transfer station in the chamber. A preferred implementation includes a sanitization system that can substantially sanitize a bung on a fill port of a vial or IV bag in preparation for transport to the fluid transfer station.

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

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for controlling patient access to medicaments are disclosed. A method, system and apparatus can include an interfacing system such as an IVR system that can receive identifying data from a user of a medicament dispensing device. The interfacing system can also communicate limited-use access authorization data to the user via a communicative intermediary. The limited-use access authorization data enables the dispensing device to dispense a medicament up to a certain limit in response to entering the access authorization data into the dispensing device. The dispensing device may not be connected to a network, but is capable of computing and storing a limited-use access authorization data as well as validating an inputted access authorization data.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system that utilizes one or more cassettes or trays that hold medicaments for dispensing. In one embodiment a medicaments container includes a housing configured to be inserted in an apparatus; a chamber coupled to the housing and configured to store a plurality of medicament units; and control logic disposed within the housing and configured to determine whether the medicaments container is authorized for operation with the apparatus, and to generate an alert if the medicaments container is not authorized for the apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device that comprises a tool holder that can be adjusted in an x-axis, a y-axis which is perpendicular thereto, and a z-axis that is perpendicular both to the x-axis and the y-axis and that can be pivoted about the z-axis. A dispense head for solid material is mounted on the tool holder as the tool. Two scales are disposed on the dispense head for solid material, said scales weighing the material which is or is to be delivered by the dispense head for solid material. The inventive design with two scales directly mounted on the dispense head for solid material allows for weighing of the material without the dispense head for solid material or the material having to be placed on separate scales.

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 key storage and dispensation assembly 10 which selectively and securely stores keys, such as key 144 and which allows access to a stored key, such as key 144, without allowing access to the remaining key, and to a method which uses such a technique.

Abstract: An automatic vending machine (1) is provided with a vending machine main unit (10), with a play device (20) including a stuffed toy (21) on which a user can ride and a drive mechanism (24) for driving the stuffed toy (21), and with a control device that controls the vending machine main unit (10) and the drive mechanism (24) in the play device (20). The vending machine main unit (10) and the play device (20) are interconnected via the control device. The vending machine main unit (10) includes a product dispensing mechanism ((14a (14)), and payment accepting mechanisms ((13a), (13b) (13)) for accepting payment for the item, wherein the control device activates the product dispensing mechanism ((14a (14)) so as to deliver the item to the outside, as well as activates the drive mechanism (24) in the play device (20).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing customized food blends for animals includes a food assembler that is in electrical connection with one or more computer systems that provide instructions and specifications for the preparation of a custom food blend. The food assembler includes a number of basic food elements contained in hoppers that can be selectively combined to create a custom food blended from the basic food elements. These elements may include a selection of meats, fruits, vegetables, grains, herbs, vitamins, minerals, and other therapeutic elements.

Abstract: An article dispensing system is provided which can be customized to selectively store and dispense multiple desired articles to suitable containers. The system of the invention is particularly relevant for items which can be stored on hangers in a vertical format and dispensed therefrom.

Abstract: An automatic product dispenser determines if the roll loaded into the dispenser is approved for use with the dispenser. The core of a roll contains a feature that alters an electromagnetic field created proximate the core. The alteration of the electromagnetic field may then be used to determine if the core, and thus the roll, is usable with the dispenser. The feature is designed such that it is damaged once product is completely dispensed from the roll thereby preventing replenishment and reuse of a spent roll.

Abstract: A device for dispensing pills includes a set of pill canisters, each having a machine-readable canister identifier. The device for dispensing pills further includes a reader adapted to read the machine-readable canister identifier and a selector interfaced to the reader. An active pill canister from the plurality of pill canisters is selected by the selector using data from the reader to determine which of the plurality of pill canisters is at a target location. A control is provided for releasing a desired quantity of pills from the selected pill canister at a target location into a target package.

Abstract: It is provided a vending machine (1) for dispensing foods and the like, comprising at least one food dispenser (2) adapted to hold and dispense foods to a user, and an evaluation system (3) suitable to evaluate the user's body condition and select one of the foods, based on said evaluation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed herein for a medicament container with a multi-colored, multi-functional display. In some embodiments, the display is adapted to output multiple colors and/or characters. In one embodiment, the display may change colors and/or blinking status in order to indicate the working status of the tray. For example, the display may show a green light to indicate that the medicament container is working properly, a yellow light to indicate that the tray needs to be replenished soon, or a blinking red light to indicate that the tray is empty.