Abstract: A dispenser for packets comprises a plurality of horizontal rows comprising a plurality of side by said dispenser compartments. Each compartment defines a channel for receiving a horizontal stack of packets and comprises a front edge. A movement imparting assembly is mounted within each compartment and comprises a pusher member for engaging the horizontal stack of packets. The movement imparting assembly provides for the pusher member to selectively push forward the horizontal stack of packets so as to push at least one of the packets in the compartment off the edge thereof for retrieval. Sensor are mounted to the dispenser so as to detect dispensing of packets and to communicate this information to a controller.

Abstract: A portable, medication dispensing device which dispenses prepackaged pill strands of medication from a secure, storage compartment through a mechanism which physically limits the quantity dispensed per a pre-programmed protocol. The device has a detachable storage component which can be filled by trained clinical or pharmacy staff, which can be locked. The device has a dispensing mechanism, which employs a user-powered, hub to advance a pill strand of pre-packaged medications, when appropriate. This advancing hub is secured from advancing inappropriately by a locking mechanism where a sturdy piston is moved into and out of recesses in the rounded surface of the hub. The device also contains standard electronic components, including a power source, central processing unit (CPU), visual and auditory outputs, and communications ports.

Abstract: A system and method for communicating vending information for a digital video disc is provided. A plurality of vending transaction data is received, wherein each of the plurality of data comprises a transaction timestamp and corresponds to a rental transaction for a digital video disc. The plurality of vending transaction data is stored in a memory of a vending apparatus, and is encrypted. It is determined whether a predetermined period of time has elapsed since a first transmission of transaction data from the vending apparatus, and a communication request is transmitted upon such determination to a remote control center. A signal is received at the vending apparatus from a control center in response to the communications request, and a plurality of vending transaction data is transmitted to the remote control center in response to receiving the signal.

Abstract: A medication dispenser provides automation to the steps of locating and acquiring medications or supplies to be administered to a patient. The medication dispenser includes one or more modules housing one or more compartmentalized drawers. Access to each drawer is controlled by a lockable door, and each the drawer may only be slid from the module housing the drawer in response to a signal. A series of lights direct the user to the appropriate drawer and the appropriate compartment of the relevant drawer to remove the appropriate medication or supply.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and computer program products are provided for facilitating the expedited dispensing of medications from an automated medication storage device. In this regard, a method may cooperate with the first device to facilitate the presentation of various displays that include features to reduce number of user interactions to dispense medications safely and effectively.

Abstract: A dispensing system has a cartridge with a body having a plurality of bins and a plurality of attached lids that cover the respective bins when the lids are closed. The body has an external connector and the lids are opened by receipt of a command signal through the connector. The system also includes a cabinet with a docking location configured to accept a cartridge. The cabinet has a docking connector that connects to the cartridge connector when the cartridge is placed on the docking location. The cabinet also has a controller that sends the command signal through the docking connector to the cartridge to open one or more of the lids.

Abstract: A small object dispenser adapted to receive a canister of objects such as pills, the canister being coupled atop it through a secure, bar-code matched gate operated by a central controller. A hopper below the gate directs smaller quantities of objects into a charge block adapted to measure out a select number of objects into an angularly disposed, circular counter where they accumulate atop a movable plate forming the bottom of the counter. The plate bears slots around its perimeter adjacent the cylindrical walls of the counter. As the central controller operates a servo motor to rotate the plate in measured increments, it urges a precise count of objects from the bottom of the counter to a port through which they fall one at a time into a receptacle such as a prescription bottle. Orientation means on the interior of the walls orient objects so that only a single object may fall into each slot, thereby preventing overfilling.

Abstract: A vending arrangement for computerized vending machines, retail displays, automated retail stores, utilizes a centralized, robotic gantry associated with companion modules for vending a plurality of selectable products. The modularized design enables deployment of half-sized or larger, full sized machines. The robotic gantry is deployed in a centralized module disposed adjacent display and inventory modules. Inventory modules can be fitted to both gantry sides, and doors can be fitted to the gantry front or rear. The gantry comprises an internal, vertically displaceable elevator utilizing a central conveyor for laterally, horizontally moving selected items from associated display and inventory positions to a vending position. Computerized software enables the display and vending functions, and controls elevator movement to dispense products from twin sides of the gantry by appropriately controlling the conveyor.

Abstract: Disclosed are a quantity regulating module of an automatic tablet dispenser, and a tablet dispensing method thereof, which are capable of automatically packing various-shaped tablets, and accurately, rapidly and cleanly controlling supplying of tablets without missing any.

Abstract: An automatic data collection system tracks articles by providing a robust electromagnetic (EM) field within an enclosure in which the articles are stored. Respective data carriers, such as RFID tags, attached to each article respond to the electromagnetic field by transmitting unique data identified with each article. Where the frequency of the EM field coupled to the enclosure differs from the natural resonance frequency of the enclosure, the placement of a probe to couple energy to the enclosure is selected to have the reflected phase of the EM energy from walls equal at the probe location thereby producing a robust EM field to activate and/or detect data carriers.

Abstract: A vibration tray assembly for use in a container filling machine, the vibration tray assembly comprising a tray for transporting discrete articles from a receiving end of the tray towards a drop-off end of the tray, the tray providing a slope along which the discrete articles travel from the receiving end of the tray to the drop-off end of the tray, wherein the tray is adjustable for changing the slope along which the discrete articles travel. The vibration tray assembly further comprises a vibration imparting device for imparting vibrational motion to the tray.

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: In one embodiment, an antenna configuration for locating RFID tags has two sets of (mutually orthogonal) elongated reader coils, where each elongated reader coil corresponds to two or more different possible locations of RFID tags, and each possible location is associated with one reader coil in each of the two sets. The identities and locations of RFID tags can be determined by (sequentially) energizing the different sets of reader coils and correlating the recorded responses from RFID tags. In one application, the antenna configuration is used at the box level of a cold storage system for biological samples having one or more freezers, each freezer having one or racks, each rack receiving one or more boxes, each box receiving one or more sample containers, where, in addition to the biological sample, each sample container has a unique passive RFID tag.

Abstract: During operation of a vending machine, visual images of the next product to be dispensed from product dispensing locations are obtained. Features of the visual images are compared to a data base of features to determine the identity of the next product to be dispensed from each of the dispensing locations. After a product has been dispensed from a dispensing location, a visual image is obtained of the next product at the dispensing location. Features of the visual image of the next product at the dispensing location are compared to a data base of features to determine the identity of the next product to be dispensed. A displayed price of a product is compared with product prices in the data base. If necessary, the displayed price is adjusted to agree with the data base.

Abstract: A method and system for administering a consumable composition may comprise one or more of the following (a) dispensing a dose of a consumable composition according to a programmed dosing schedule; and (b) communicating an aspect of the consumable composition to a system associated with a monitoring entity. The method may comprise one or more of the following steps: (a) dispensing a dose of a consumable composition according to a programmed dosing schedule; and (b) controlling the functionality of a device according to an aspect of the consumable composition.

Abstract: A registering and counting system operated in response to information included on data bearing records is used for maintaining inventory records related to narcotics items. Data corresponding to users is read through record reading devices (448, 452). Authorized users are allowed access to a narcotics vault (402). Narcotics holding containers (422) are removable from storage locations in drawers (416). Wireless transmitters on the containers operate in conjunction with wireless readers in the storage locations to enable a computer (458) to track the use of the narcotics items and operating parameters of the system.

Abstract: A cartridge for use in a dispensing system is disclosed. The cartridge includes a body having an exterior and a plurality of bins. A plurality of lids are movably attached to the body and are configured to cover a bin. A release mechanism is movable along an axis. A plurality of latches are movably attached to the body. Each latch is configured to secure the respective lid when in a first position and to release the respective lid when in a second position. The release mechanism will not cause a latch to move to the second position when the release mechanism is moving along the axis in a first direction. The release mechanism will cause a single latch to move to the second position while leaving the remaining latches in the first position when the release mechanism is moving along the axis in a second direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling removal of one or more receptacles from a receptacle tray are described herein, in which a removal indicator indicates which of the one or more receptacles to remove. Thereafter, the indicated one or more receptacles may be manually removed from the receptacle tray using a gripping mechanism. The receptacles are secured in the tray with two or more tangs protruding from a front face of the receptacle closest to a connector interface. The two or more tangs fit into respective mating units in the receptacle tray, and one or more protrusions toward the rear of the receptacle, with respect to the two or more tangs, mate with respective mating units in the receptacle tray.

Abstract: A self-service kiosk apparatus is presented that has a plurality of secure service areas. Access to the plurality of secure service areas and the components of the kiosk system contained within each area is controlled. Authorization to access each secure service area is based on a person's level of training and security level.

Abstract: An apparatus for distributing at least one product to consumers includes a housing and a plurality of belt conveyors for storing a predetermined quantity of such product. A serving tray is positioned externally to the housing for incrementally receiving one of the predetermined quantity of such product. Another belt conveyor is provided for incrementally obtaining such one of such product and for delivering it to the serving tray. A controller for selectively operating storage and delivery conveyors. A manually operable switch activates the controller to operate the delivery conveyor in order to deliver such one of such product. The apparatus is capable of capturing consumer personal data. Various methods contemplate use of these devices for delivering targeted marketing information, distributing product samples and for cross-marketing products.

Abstract: A system for storing a plurality of solid objects and dispensing the solid objects into a plurality of containers. The system comprises non-automated dispensing cells, physically actuated to dispense solid objects one at a time into one of the containers, and automated dispensing cells, electrically actuated to dispense solid objects from a holding tank simultaneously in bulk into one of the containers. The automated dispensing cells may independently dispense objects into the holding tank one at a time while a manipulator arm of the system simultaneously brings a container to one of the non-automated or automated dispensing cells. Then, when the manipulator arm brings a container to one of the automated dispensing cells, the solid objects may be dispensed into the container in bulk by simply opening a gate mechanism.

Abstract: A system for managing liquid supply suitable for a process equipment with a liquid tank is disclosed. The system includes a host, a data-reading tool, a system controller and a tank-locking device. The host stores a built-in liquid database. The data-reading tool used for reading data related to the liquid tank is electrically connected to the host. The host receives the data related to the liquid tank from the data-reading tool, and the received data mapped with the liquid database. The system controller drives the tank-locking device according to the signal from the host to whether or not allow replacement of the liquid tank.

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 a bulk bin loading drawing for loading medication storage bins into the medication dispensing apparatus.

Abstract: A system and method for processing mailpieces within a mail transportation and distribution system includes first and second distribution centers, and an electronic parcel compartment facility located near the second center. Data, about the mailpiece and recipient, is acquired from the mailpiece. Destination information for a compartment facility is associated with the mailpiece. The information is compared with a registered customer database. A re-routing instruction is ascertained from the customer data. The second center is ascertained. The mailpiece is sorted in the first center based on the destination. Data about the mailpiece and destination is transmitted to a second data processor of the second center. The mailpiece is transported to the second center. Information identifying the mailpiece is acquired with a reading device. The destination is determined based on information identifying the mailpiece, which is sorted based on the destination. The information is transmitted to a mobile device.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for distributed dispenser management are provided. A list of item selections is received, the list including at least one item with an item type. A collection of one or more dispenser groups may be identified, where each dispenser group in the collection includes a unique combination of one or more item dispensers with a combined unreserved inventory sufficient to dispense each item in the list. An item dispenser group may then be selected from the collection based on even depletion. The items in the list may be reserved from the selected dispenser group.

Abstract: (Object) To enable, in an operation of supplying a medicine to a medicine cassette, in which it is typical that the medicine once put in a vial bottle is recovered to a medicine cassette (medicine receiving container), an operation of specifying the medicine cassette to which the medicine is to be supplied to be performed more accurately and more efficiently. (Solving Means) Information used for specifying the medicine is read by reading a prescription code (d31) recorded as a bar code on a vial bottle (S202) or is input as search information through an operation portion (S221). As a result, a cassette shelf (2) (cassette code (d21)) to which a medicine cassette (1) for receiving the medicine corresponding to the input information is mounted is specified (S203, S224), and a shelf lamp (3) provided to the specified cassette shelf (2) is brought into a predetermined notification display state (blinking state).

Abstract: A medication dispensing cart having a computer and monitor, a work surface with pull out keyboard, and plural drawers arranged as a vertical series of cassettes that can be added as needed. The battery powered device uses software and pass codes for controlling access to each drawer, and requires a second pass code for any drawer designated to contain narcotics. Records can be kept of who dispenses what medication and when for each cart in a system of carts. The cart in the system is in wireless communication with a system administrator. Emails alerting the system administrator of low battery power, of a cart switching to off, of an attempted break-in, and of inventory and usage data are sent automatically by email.

Abstract: Computer assisted systems, methods and mediums for filling one or more orders. One embodiment of the present invention is a system that includes an order consolidation station configured to receive at least one bottle containing pills individually counted and/or at least one package containing pharmaceutical products without having been designated for any of the orders when the package was created and/or at least one literature pack optionally including patient specific information. The order consolidation station is further configured to combine automatically the received bottle and/or package and/or literature pack into a container to be sent to a recipient including, for example, mail order pharmacies, wholesalers and/or central fill dealers for subsequent distribution or sale including retailer distribution or sale. The bottle is specifically designated for the order, and the order generally includes at least one prescription for the package.

Abstract: A pharmacy workflow management system including plural counters and a pharmacy workflow management method. In embodiments, the system includes a housing, a first automatic object counter and a cassette dispenser which feeds objects from a cassette mounted thereto to the first object counter. A second object counter counts objects fed from a cassette mounted to the cassette dispenser. A data processing platform within the housing is programmed with instructions that enable the system to compare the counts from the first and second object counters. The data processing platform also provides for management of pharmacy workflow by providing improved control of prescription fulfillment.

Abstract: A method for configuring a network device including an optical sensor includes activating the optical sensor of the network device to generate data representing an image in view thereof, and analyzing the data from the optical sensor to determine image information represented by the image. A network address is automatically assigned to the network device based on the image information represented by the image in view of the optical sensor. Related methods, systems, and apparatus are also discussed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for ensuring that blood transfused into a patient is the correct blood for that patient, is transfused in the correct manner and that a complete audit trail is created that will allow later tracing of blood from donation through to ultimate transfusion.

Abstract: This invention provides an improved method to deliver large amounts of digital content to portable electronic devices at low cost, without requiring the users of such devices to download such content from the Internet. Neither do the users have to purchase or manipulate data storage media such as CDs, DVDs, or memory cards. Moreover, the digital content delivery system of this invention can facilitate digital rights management, a major concern of content publishers.

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. In some embodiments, the doors provide a variable-sized opening and, in some instances, the opening matches the size of a bin containing medications selected for dispensing.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling secure access and storage of at least two different types of articles is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of compartments for articles, the compartments arranged in a rotatable cylindrical array with one opening for each compartment on the surface of the cylinder. A linearly driven belt having an access port thereon limits access to a single compartment. The compartments may be of equal or different size to accept different articles. A sliding door, positionable over an opening in the housing, provides additional security. A drawer with additional compartments may be included in the apparatus in addition to the cylindrical array. Certain compartments may have an assignment linking them to other compartments in the cylindrical array or drawer, allowing for the secure and separate storage of sets of related articles, such as the keys, registration and/or license plate of a car.

Abstract: A medication cabinet that includes at least one drawer, a drive mechanism, and a drawer latching mechanism, is disclosed. The drawer includes a slider, and a container that includes a receptacle and a lid that moves between an open position and a closed position. The container also includes a fastener to fasten the lid to the receptacle. The slider maintains the lid in the closed position when at least a portion of the wall is coupled with the fastener, and actuates the lid from the closed position to the open position when the fastener passes through an opening in the wall. The drive mechanism controls longitudinal movement of the slider, and is mounted to the chassis, allowing the drawer to be free of electrical connections with the chassis. When the drive mechanism is not used to move the lid into the open position, longitudinal movement of the slider is inhibited.

Abstract: A system for filling medication dose packs with oral-solid medication items comprises storage tray drawers each having storage trays. Each storage tray stores a specific type of oral-solid medication item. The storage tray drawers are displaceable to a drawn position to expose the storage trays thereof. A table supports dose packs having a plurality of receptacles arranged in rows, with each receptacle associated with an intake time and date of a patient prescription file. A dispensing mechanism has fingers for grasping by suction an oral-solid medication item, and degrees of freedom to displace the fingers from any one of the storage trays to the dose pack, to transfer the oral-solid medication items from the storage trays in the drawn position to the receptacles of the dose pack.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments involving assignment and use of sort bins in a materials handling facility. A manifest is generated in at least one computer system that directs a picking of items from inventory locations in a materials handling facility. Each of the items is associated with a corresponding one of a plurality of groups of items. Sort bin assignments are generated for each of the items. Each sort bin assignment specifies a corresponding one of a selected subset of a plurality of sort bins located in a sorting station of the materials handling facility. The selected subset of the sort bins is designated to coalesce together the group of items that includes the respective item for further processing. Each sort bin assignment is based at least in part on a dimension associated with the respective sort bin and at least one attribute associated with the respective item.

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

Abstract: A kiosk and a method for dispensing items therefrom. In various embodiments, the kiosk comprises a shelf system for holding items to be dispensed from the kiosk and a gripper capable of transporting items from the shelf system to a dispenser. The shelf system preferably comprises a series of parallel shelves, each shelf capable of holding one dispensable item. When not in operation, the shelves of the shelf system remain in an inclined position, thereby preventing the items situated thereon from falling off the shelves. To dispense an item, the shelves are rotated into a substantially horizontal position so the gripper may engage the selected item and transport the item to a dispenser.

Abstract: A robotic system that includes a remote controlled robot. The robot may include a camera, a monitor and a holonomic platform all attached to a robot housing. The robot may be controlled by a remote control station that also has a camera and a monitor. The remote control station may be linked to a base station that is wirelessly coupled to the robot. The cameras and monitors allow a care giver at the remote location to monitor and care for a patient through the robot. The holonomic platform allows the robot to move about a home or facility to locate and/or follow a patient.

Abstract: There is provided a tablet discharging method capable of discharging a vial to an outlet corresponding to a size of the vial even if the size of the vial is changed. The tablet discharging method is related to removing a vial from a stocker accommodating a large number of vials according to a prescription data, dispensing tablets into the vial to fill the vial and discharging the vial filled with the tablets. The tablet discharging method includes the following steps of: determining a vial of an appropriate size according to a prescription data; checking for a stock of the determined vial; fixing a size by changing the determined vial to a vial of a size larger than that of the determined vial when the vial of the determined size is out-of-stock; and discharging the vial filled with the tablets to an outlet holding the vial of the fixed size.

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: An entertainment media rental and return system comprises a rental terminal at which a customer can either rent entertainment media or return entertainment media which has been previously rented from the rental terminal, a return terminal at which a customer can only return entertainment media which has been previously rented from the rental terminal, and a removable storage bin interchangeable between the terminals and arranged to (i) receive entertainment media which has been returned by a customer at the return terminal when the bin is installed in the return terminal, (ii) receive entertainment media which has been returned by a customer at the rental terminal when the bin is installed in the rental terminal, and (iii) provide entertainment media which is available to be rented to a customer at the rental terminal when the bin is installed in the rental terminal.

Abstract: This invention provides a medication dispensing system that instructs the user through visual and audio cues, such as the illumination of individual medication cups that are arrayed in accordance with a daily and weekly schedule in separate orifices within the dispenser body. The system and method monitors compliance by determining when an indicated cup is accessed, based upon at least one of manipulating a lid and/or placing into, removing from, or replacing into the correct orifice based upon the indication. The cups can be refilled at an appropriate time based upon an indication by the system, and/or can be provided in removable refill tray (that is prefilled by a pharmacist) which simplifies the refill process. The dispenser can include an on-board processor that stores a current configuration including the treatment schedule. The configuration can be programmed/re-programmed, and compliance can be monitored, via a wired or wireless server connection that communicates with interested parties (e.g.

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: 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: Disclosed is a medicine discharge device of an automatic medicine packing machine, which is used to discharge a medicine, fed from a medicine cassette based on a medical prescription, into a medicine packing device. The medicine discharge device includes a medicine input unit installed under a medicine cassette mount to receive the medicine fed from the medicine cassette, a frame provided with a gate unit, the gate unit including gate members to be opened or closed by a drive unit so as to control movement of the medicine discharged from the medicine input unit, a plate installed under the frame and having an accommodation portion to receive the medicine and a recess to allow the medicine to be moved from the gate members to a discharge passage, a vibrator to vibrate the plate, and a medicine transfer unit to discharge the medicine, having passed through the recess, into a hopper.

Abstract: A medication dispensing cart (10) having a computer and monitor (12), a work surface (16) with pull out keyboard (18), and plural drawers (30) arranged as a vertical series of cassettes that can be added as needed. The battery powered device uses software and pass codes for controlling access to each drawer, and requires a second pass code for any drawer designated to contain narcotics. Records can be kept of who dispenses what medication and when for each cart in a system of carts. The cart in the system is in wireless communication with a system administrator. Emails alerting the system administrator of low battery power, of a cart switching to off, of an attempted break-in, and of inventory and usage data are sent automatically by email.

Abstract: Products are dispensed from a dispensing apparatus in which products marked with transaction information are received in a two-dimensional array of moveable bins. In response to control information synthesized from transaction information on the products in the bins and a dispense request, the array is operated to place a bin at a dispensing station on the dispensing apparatus. At the dispensing station, a mechanism is operated in response to the control information to provide access to the bin. A product in the bin may then be retrieved.

Abstract: A weight-based dispensing system is disclosed. The system includes a platform and a container, coupled to the platform, including a lid configured to move between a closed state restricting access to items in the container and an open state allowing access to the items in the container. The system also includes at least two weight sensors, wherein each of the weight sensors is coupled to the platform and is configured to determine a change in weight on the platform, and a controller configured to determine a change in the number of items in the container based on the state of the lid and the change in weight on the platform. A method for dispensing items is also disclosed.