Abstract: Beginning with a successive commanded end-effector destination shift, the method of the invention, which includes a calculation corresponding to a special algorithm of inverse kinematics using the Jacobi Matrix in the control of a manipulator, effects an optimization of weighted criteria (energy criteria, acceleration criteria and reference-position criteria) in a real-time cycle while reliably maintaining all path limitations and resulting in an optimized acceleration behavior. The method of the invention can be used in interactive path guidance of a manipulator and/or as a modular component of a superordinate task, such as for force-control objectives.

Abstract: A computerized medication dispensing cart and system for dispensing prepackaged unit-dose medications to a patient in a medical facility including a computer system on the cart for storing medication information regarding each patient provided by a pharmacy and a plurality of dispensers on the cart that automatically dispense prepackaged unit dosages of prescribed medications at the request of nursing personnel while making rounds. A separate dispenser on the cart is used to dispense each type of medication. An input device, such as a touch screen monitor, is mounted on the cart to permit nursing personnel to access the medication information regarding the patient and to request that the cart dispense the prescribed medications. A detector is mounted on each dispenser that detects the administration of the medications to the patient and records the time and date that the medications were administered.

Abstract: An oil mist generating system and monitoring method is shown and described, including pressurized air and oil supplies connected to a mist generating head. Sensors are provided for monitoring current values of the system operating parameters and for generating data signals based on the monitored values. A data processor functionally connected to the sensors generates signals based on the data input, such as an alarm signal if one of the monitored values is beyond the extremes of a predetermined range of values indicative of a fault condition. A visual display device displays programmed messages based on the signals generated by the data processing means. If a fault condition exists, the displayed messages aid the user in diagnosing and correcting the reason for the alarm signal. The user may manually request further programmed messages using a keypad, which messages direct the user to take predetermined actions to troubleshoot the problem and maintain the system at an appropriate operating level.

Abstract: A medical item dispensing apparatus includes a dispenser (100) which encloses a plurality of magazines (168). Each magazine holds a plurality of medical items (170) which in the preferred form of the invention are cylindrical containers. Each magazine includes an opening (180). A guide (182) and a front gate member (194) are positioned adjacent to the opening. A back gate member (200) is positioned further inward from the opening than the front gate member. The front gate member and back gate member are moved in coordinated relation so that the front gate member enables a medical item adjacent the opening to pass through the opening while the back gate member moves to prevent the other medical items in the magazine from moving toward the opening. After the dispense of the medical item from the magazine the front gate member moves to block the passage of further medical items through the opening while the back gate member moves to enable medical items to move toward the opening.

Abstract: An octane sensitive blending dispenser for fluids, particularly for fuel dispensers. The dispenser controls component pumps according to octane data measured by octane meters. In one form of the invention octane measurements are taken within the input lines connected to the dispenser from fluid storage tanks. Control of the component pumps is accomplished by determining the difference between the desired blend octane and the observed blend octane and adjusting the pumps so as to more closely blend the desired fluid.

Abstract: A vending machine and distribution management system is provided which stores and sells merchandise to customers. The system includes a host computer for receiving actual sales data from the vending machine in order to track inventory and sales preferences, and to notify suppliers to restock the machine. The vending machine provides a variety of signals which are intended to entice potential customers to approach the machine and purchase merchandise. A questionnaire is provided for obtaining consumer preferences in the machine and the data is sent to the host computer for analyzing.

Abstract: An automatic lubricating oil feeding system is disclosed which can centralistically control a plurality of dependent terminals to feed lubricating oil to required machine elements, such as bearings, at proper times by receiving the operation state information from the respective terminals. The system includes a host controller which utilizes a personal computer programmed to supervise, check, and display terminal state information, and an RF section, coupled to the personal computer via an interface, for transmitting command data of the personal computer and receiving the terminal state information data through a radio communication network.

Abstract: A centralized monitoring unit for an agricultural implement is disclosed herein. The monitoring unit is preferably used with a planting system including a planting implement coupled to a work vehicle. The implement includes a frame supporting row units which are configured to apply a product (e.g., seed, fertilizer, insecticide, herbicide) to the rows in a field. The monitoring unit includes a product delivery apparatus which has at least one product channel for delivering the product to the row units, and an electronic product sensor which is coupled to the product delivery apparatus and configured to generate a product signal representing an amount of the product which moves through the product channel. An electronic display located in the cab of the work vehicle is configured to generate an image in response to a display signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to an interactive fuel dispenser system having a plurality of fuel dispensers operating in conjunction with a local server. Each dispenser generally has two fueling positions, each with a graphical user interface through which a customer interacts. In contrast with efforts to turn fuel dispensers into super computers, applicants' provide a dispenser architecture that need only be sufficient to establish interactivity with a server to create multimedia applications and carry out POS functions with a browser interface. Each fueling position acts as a client of a local server at the fuel station store. In the preferred embodiment, each fueling position client also may access remote servers connected to the same network in which the fueling position clients and the local server are connected. Preferably, this network is connected to the Worldwide Web of the Internet.

Abstract: A vending machine capable of communicating with a central station using any one of multiple cellular carriers includes a telemetry device. The telemetry device includes a cellular transceiver, a digital signal processor-based modem, and memory storing software corresponding to protocols for each of the cellular carriers. The telemetry device can be reconfigured, in response to signals received from the central station using a first one of the cellular carriers, to transmit and receive signals subsequently using a second one of the cellular carriers. Software code residing in memory associated with a sub-unit of a vending machine can also be upgraded or otherwise modified by transmitting segments of software code from a remote station to a telemetry device in the vending machine using a cellular carrier, assembling the segments of software code in the telemetry device, and routing the assembled software code to a designated one of the sub-units of the vending machine.