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 method for dispensing includes receiving a signal at a medicament container authorizing the medicament container to dispense a medicament unit contained therein; unlocking an outlet port of the medicament container in response to the signal; dispensing the medicament unit through the outlet port in response to the signal; and locking the outlet port after the medicament unit is dispensed.

Abstract: An integrated medication management and compliance system for enabling a care provider to remotely manage and deliver individual doses of therapeutic products 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: Fueling transactions (and other types of transactions) may be verified for legitimacy and validity by recording audio, video and/or images of the transaction as it occurs. The recordings may then be indexed according to one or more transaction parameters such as a driver identifier, a vehicle or transportation unit identifier, an invoice number, a fueling station and the like. A carrier associated with a driver and/or vehicle or other transportation unit may specify which transactions are to be recorded. Accordingly, the fueling station may automatically determine whether to record a transaction upon receiving a transaction initiation request. Transaction recordings may be made based on transaction recordation parameters defined by a carrier and stored and indexed based on transaction storing parameters.

Abstract: A sheet product dispenser and method of operation is provided. The sheet product dispenser records usage data and stores the data on a storage device. A dispenser controller uses the usage data to create a model that is used to determine a predicted depletion date. The depletion date is provided as feedback to an operator to allow the operator to more efficiently dispatch maintenance personnel. In one embodiment, the feedback is in the form of a display on the front of the dispenser that displays the predicted depletion date.

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: A system that can enable clinical trial compliance determination by viewing sequences of images captured during an event is disclosed. For example, the innovation can employ captured event sequences to enable a subject or third party to assess a subject's actions related to a medical trial. The capture of event sequences can be triggered based upon sensory data, radio frequency identification (RFID) data, pattern recognition data, etc. The system also provides mechanisms to locate images or sequences, playback images or sequences or images as well as to set compliance parameters associated with a particular clinical trial.

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: Devices, systems and methods for controlling dispensing of medication are provided. A dispenser device used, for example, in the systems and methods can include a housing for storing units of medication. A dispensing well can reside within the housing with the dispensing well having an opening therein to permit removal of units of medication therefrom. The dispenser device can include a first slide having an opening therein that is configured to funnel a unit of medication toward the opening in the dispensing well. The dispenser device can also include a second slide disposed between the opening in the dispensing well and the first slide. The second slide can have an opening therein that is alignable with the opening in the dispensing well and the opening in the first slide.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the automated monitoring and the management of objects, especially medications in hospital environments, wherein this method consists, from a network of n individual housings containing a set of n objects, of transmitting to at least one of these objects, one or more movements selected from the extractions of said object from its housing and re-introductions of this object into an empty housing amongst the n housings, of automatically detecting the movement made and of using this detection in computer processes.

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.

Abstract: In one aspect, the disclosure is directed to a device for determining and/or indicating a medicament dosage regime. The device may include a housing, a processor, a memory, an input device, and/or an indication device. The dosage determining and/or indicating device is configured for receiving user, e.g., patient, information, medicament information, and/or dosage information, and using that information to determine one or more of the following: the type of medicament recommended to be administered, how often and when the medicament should be administered, how much of the medicament should be administered, potential problematic cross reactivity information, and/or patient compliance information, such as when the when the medicament was last administered, when the medicament is next due to be administered, when a recommended administration was not administered, and the like. The device may further be coupled to an alarm to indicate when a dosage of the medicament is to be delivered.

Abstract: An improved processing assembly having a meat emulsion pump connected to a stuffing horn. The stuffing horn positioned to fill casings with meat emulsion which form a strand of processed meat that is received by a twister, then a linker, and subsequently deposited on a conveyor.

Abstract: An integrated medication management and compliance system for enabling a care provider to remotely manage and deliver individual doses of therapeutic products 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: Embodiments of the invention provide a partition plate capable of efficiently cleaning a medicine remaining in a V-measure. The partition plate comprises: a slide member (8) which is installed so as to be capable of reciprocating along side plates and has a guide reception part (11); and a partition member (9) which has a guide part (18) removably guided by the guide reception part (11) of the slide member (8) and reciprocates together with the slide member (8) while maintaining such a state so as to be parallel with an end plate (5).

Abstract: A system and method of detecting fuel theft at a fuel dispenser. The system has a fluid flow meter, a pulser operatively coupled to said fluid flow meter, and a control system in electrical communication with the pulser. The control system is configured to calculate a flow rate of fuel being dispensed from a gasoline dispenser during a single dispensing transaction. The flow rate is sampled at predetermined time intervals during the single dispensing transaction. The system then compares the sampled flow rates to a predetermined flow rate pattern indicative of potential fraud. A shutoff signal is then provided to the dispenser to stop fuel flow through the dispenser if the sampled flow rates are substantially similar to the predetermined pattern.

Abstract: The automated drug discrimination system inspects the drug being dispensed during the dispensing process so that the pharmacist can be certain the correct formulation, dosage and quality of pharmaceuticals were dispensed so the pharmacist does not need to spend as much time examining the dispensed drug. The pills are dispensed through a dispensing area using a dispensing apparatus and are collected in a collection area. At least two sensors take a plurality of measurements of an aggregate of the pills during the dispensing process or of each pill as it moves through the dispensing area. A discrimination system compares the measurements taken to verify that the pills dispensed are the type of pharmaceuticals intended to be dispensed as identified in the individual prescription for at least one of formulation and dosage of the pill.

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: A portable data storage cartridge comprising a housing, a first information storage medium removeably disposed within the housing, a holographic data storage medium disposed within the housing, wherein the housing is formed to include an aperture, and wherein the holographic data storage medium is disposed adjacent the aperture.

Abstract: An automated medication dispensing system is disclosed. The system includes a memory configured to store identifying information for at least one item. The identifying information includes an indicator associated with at least one specific feature of the at least one item. The system also includes a processor configured to dispense the at least one item to a user, an output module configured to display the identifying information for the at least one item, and an input device configured to receive, from the user, input indicating that the user has verified that the dispensed item has the same identifying information as the identifying information displayed by the output module. Handheld devices, bedside administration systems, methods, and machine-readable mediums are also disclosed.

Abstract: A chemical product dispenser dispenses a chemical product having at least one active ingredient during a primary dispense cycle based on time or some other factor. After the chemical product has been dispensed, the dispenser determines the amount of chemical product that was dispensed. The dispenser then determines whether the dispensed amount of chemical product is within a defined threshold of a desired amount. If not, the dispenser proceeds to dispense additional chemical product during one or more make-up dispense cycles until the threshold is satisfied.

Abstract: A self-contained, fully automated system for dispensing medicants into vials. Prescriptions are entered using a built-in workstation. Vials of several sizes are each contained in preloaded cassettes. Upon command from a computer, a vial is released and labeled with the prescription information. A robotic system moves the labeled vial to the output chute of one of many automated dispensing units that has previously been commanded to count a predetermined number of tablets, pills, or capsules. The filled vial is robotically moved to an optional capping station where a cap is applied if needed. The vial is then moved to an output region where it is sorted with other prescriptions for a customer. The prescription may be checked using the built-in computer workstation. Optionally, the automated dispensing system may be linked to pharmacy control software.

Abstract: A vending machine automatically detects the size of a customer-selected container or cup placed in the dispensing area of the vending apparatus to receive a dispensed beverage. A plurality of sensors positioned proximate the container receiving area detects the container's size (e.g., small/large; small/medium/large). In response, the vending machine conveys or illuminates to the customer one or more of the available beverage selections (provided by the vending machine) indicating which of the beverage selections is available based on the detected cup size.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for calculating vending machines' service priorities and scheduling the vending machines for service taking into account a number of factors and thresholds (520). In some embodiments, the machines (110) are subdivided into subroutes (320). Each subroute has one or more machines, and at least one subroute has a plurality of machines. The vending machine service schedule is generated by selecting the highest priority subroute (410) and selecting the machines in that subroute (420). Other subroutes can be selected (430, 440) if there is time left in the Service Period.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dispenser, especially for dispensing solid preparations, comprising a housing having a dispensing orifice, and a collar member having a receiving opening, and a passage member, having a receiving chamber, which should be improved in respect to proper dispensing a single unit dose of a substance when required.

Abstract: A management apparatus, a charging object apparatus and a management system and method by which a product of an object of use can be used in an efficiency as high as possible when it is used commonly by a plurality of people.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for detecting and communicating the position of a pusher assembly on a shelf. In an embodiment, a system includes a control module, a pusher assembly, and a laser scanner. The laser scanner is configured to transmit a swept beam to a mirrored reflective surface located behind the pusher assembly. The control module analyzes the laser beam at the laser scanner to detect the position of the pusher assembly on the shelf. In another embodiment, a system includes a control module, a pusher assembly, and an infrared transceiver that sends and receives infrared signals. The transceiver may be located behind the pusher assembly. The control module analyzes the infrared signals to determine the position of the pusher assembly on the shelf.

Abstract: The change replenishment management system includes a coin roll storage (1), a coin change dispenser (3), and a POS register (5). A control unit (16) of the storage (1) detects the presence and the denomination of a coin roll in a storage section of each drawer (11, 12, 13) in accordance with an output signal generated from a detection system (18), and transmits the result of detection to the coin change dispenser (3). When loose coins obtained by unpacking removed coin rolls, which are removed from the storage (1), are introduced into an inlet (30), a control unit (36 or 50) of the change dispenser (3) or register (5) compares the denomination and the number of the loose coins, which are detected by identification unit (31), with the denomination and the number of the removed coin roll determined on the basis of the detection result transmitted from the storage (1), and judging the correspondence therebetween.

Abstract: A circuit compliance compensated volume control system in a patient respiratory ventilation system and method, including: a circuit compliance estimator, to provide a relationship between a circuit volume and a differential pressure between a circuit pressure and a positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) of the respiratory circuit, a circuit volume estimator, operative to provide an estimated circuit volume based on the relationship between the circuit volume and the differential pressure, a patient volume observer, operative to provide an estimated patient volume by subtracting the estimated circuit volume from a measured machine delivered net volume, and a volume delivery controller, operative to update the machine delivered net volume based on the estimated patient volume and a set tidal volume.

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

Abstract: A coin bar storage of the invention includes: a casing; a coin bar tray that is provided in the casing so as to be drawn out from and stored into the casing, and that has a plurality of set sections in which set coin types are respectively pre-set to assign a coin type to each of the set sections; a set coin type presence confirmation section that is provided in all of the set sections of the coin bar tray, that respectively confirms whether or not coin bars of the set coin types is set, and that outputs a confirmation result; and a management section that manages a present amount of coin bars in the coin bar tray based on the confirmation result from the set coin type presence confirmation section.

Abstract: A system and method for selling and/or dispensing consumer products from a vending or transactional-based machine is disclosed. The vending or transactional-based machine comprises an aerial display device that displays an aerial image designed to attract the attention of potential consumers and sell advertising, special promotions or certain products. Once a consumer begins to interact with the vending machine, demographic data is collected or correlated with the product purchased or dispensed. The consumer can initiate and conclude a purchase by merely pointing at the desired product. A mechanism is provided that accepts payment by currency, credit card or electronically.

Abstract: A coin-roll storage 1 comprises a storage body 1a and a coin-roll drawer 11 (12, 13) having a plurality of coin-roll storage portions 14 provided therein, each coin-roll storage portion 14 being adapted for storing one coin roll therein. Each coin-roll storage portion 14 of the coin-roll drawer 11 (12, 13) is adapted for storing therein the coin roll of any denomination. A determination unit 16 is adapted for determining the denomination of each coin roll by detecting an outer diameter, an axial length and material of the coin roll.

Abstract: To permit a plurality of pharmacists to perform dispensing efficiently and simultaneously despite of simple, low-cost configuration. There are provided: responsible a pharmacist identification means 7 which is provided at each container 14 of a drug rack 3 where a drug D is contained and which identifies a responsible pharmacist; a memory 25 where the pharmacist data is stored; and a control means 24 which, as a result of inputting the prescription data, associates the prescription data and the pharmacist data stored in a memory means 25 with each other to create a prescription table, stores the prescription table into the memory means 25, and then, when the drug is taken out from the drug rack 3, refers to the prescription table based on the pharmacist data of the pharmacist identified by the responsible pharmacist identification means 7, and judges whether or not the pharmacist is permitted to perform dispensing of the drug to be taken out from the drug rack 3.

Abstract: A method for controlling access to and segregating items dispensed from a vending machine having a stock of said items, said method comprising: vending an item only when a control procedure is satisfied; storing a record indicating said vended item has been dispensed; if said vended item is not distributable to an authorized recipient; quarantining said vended item including inserting said vended item into a port on an exterior of said vending machine that conveys said inserted vended item to a secure repository in the interior of said machine; and updating said record to indicate said vended item has been returned to said machine.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for authenticating medicaments stored within a medicament container. In one embodiment, a medicament container comprises a scanner adapted to scan a medicament unit and provide data indicative of at least one physical characteristic of the medicament unit. This data may comprise the color, size, shape, and/or chemical composition of the medicament unit for the purposes of determining whether the medicament unit bears one or more features of a medicament unit prescribed to a requester. In some embodiments, the data is used to create a determination as to whether the medicament is counterfeit based upon one or more data comparisons.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for controlling access to and segregating dispensable items comprises a vending machine that contains the dispensable items to be vended. The vending machine includes an access control mechanism responsive to selection of one of the dispensable items for causing the vending machine to activate and vend the selected item. Transaction information associated with each of the vended items is stored in memory. The vending machine further includes a port on an exterior of the machine and adapted to receive items previously vended from the vending machine for return. A repository is located on the interior of the machine and operably connected to the port for quarantining the returned items, whereby the returned items are separated from the items to be vended. A sensor may be provided for sensing the returned items and causing the system to update transaction information to indicate that the sensed item has been returned to the machine.

Abstract: Methods and systems for administering consumable compositions according to a programmed dosing schedule are provided. A method for administering a consumable composition may comprise one or more of the following steps: (a) dispensing a first dose of a consumable composition according to a programmed dosing schedule; and (b) detecting at least one ingestion of the consumable composition. A method for administering a consumable composition may comprise one or more of the following steps: (a) dispensing a first dose of a consumable composition according to a programmed dosing schedule; (b) detecting at least one aspect of the consumable composition; and (c) providing a user notification according to the aspect of the consumable composition. A system for administering a consumable composition may comprise: (a) means for dispensing a first dose of a consumable composition according to a programmed dosing schedule; and (b) means for detecting at least one ingestion of the consumable composition.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing malfunctions of apparatus delivering goods or services against payment of an automatic terminal type, is provided. The method includes calculating the value of at least one data item representative of the operation of the apparatus, comparing the calculated value to a predetermined reference value and deducing the occurrence of a malfunction in the event of a predetermined difference between the values.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the idea of enabling an individual to conveniently purchase herbal medications and prescription medicines from specialized vending machines. The system provides for the individual to be processed through a central database to be certain that the item being purchased has been legally authorized by an appropriate medical authority such as a licensed physician and has provided appropriate verification to confirm that the individual who is receiving the medication is the correct individual. The present invention enables the individual to conveniently purchase the medication from a vending machine.

Abstract: The drug compliance monitoring system provides a patient with a portable medication dispenser programmed with medication-taking data. The dispenser alerts the patient to take a dose of medication and gathers compliance data relating to the medication-taking data. The compliance data is accessible to a physician, or other caregiver, etc., via a network database.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medicament dispensing container for dispensing medicaments contained therein and further including electronic circuitry for performing various functions such as, for example, determining an operating mode of the container, determining if the data stored in the memory device is up to date, determining if a new container needs to be ordered, determining if the medicament units have been recalled, determining if the container is to be returned for credit, determining if the medicament units may cause adverse side effects to a specified patient, and determining if the container is to be discarded.

Abstract: A computer-based system for monitoring medication compliance. The system can include one or more processors configured to process and manage data. Additionally, the system can also include one or more one or more medication packagings comprising a machine-readable medium. Notably, the machine-readable medium can comprise medication information among other types of information. The one or more processors can be configured to receiving the medication information of the machine-readable medium. The machine-readable medium and corresponding medication information can be adjustable based on a dispensing of a medication from the one or more medication packagings.

Abstract: A method is provided for dispensing solid pharmaceutical articles using an apparatus including a housing and a sensor system, the housing defining a dispensing passage having a dispensing inlet and a dispensing outlet downstream of the dispensing inlet, the sensor system including first and second sensors spaced apart along the dispensing channel such that the second sensor is located downstream of the first sensor. The method includes: forcing at least one article along a path through the dispensing passage; generating detection signals using the first and second sensors responsive to articles passing through the dispensing channel; and using the detection signals from the first and second sensors to monitor dispensing performance of the apparatus.

Abstract: An integrated medication management and compliance system for enabling a care provider to remotely manage and deliver individual doses of therapeutic products 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: Methods and systems for administering consumable compositions according to a programmed dosing schedule are provided. A method for administering a consumable composition may comprise one or more of the following steps: (a) dispensing a first dose of a consumable composition according to a programmed dosing schedule; and (b) detecting at least one ingestion of the consumable composition. A method for administering a consumable composition may comprise one or more of the following steps: (a) dispensing a first dose of a consumable composition according to a programmed dosing schedule; (b) detecting at least one aspect of the consumable composition; and (c) providing a user notification according to the aspect of the consumable composition. A system for administering a consumable composition may comprise: (a) means for dispensing a first dose of a consumable composition according to a programmed dosing schedule; and (b) means for detecting at least one ingestion of the consumable composition.

Abstract: This invention is a fault tolerant computer controlled automatic medication dispenser with a unique dispensing system. This dispensing system enables a large number of detachable medication filled dispensing wheels to be vertically stacked and held in a fixed position; and then be automatically dispensed one dispensing wheel. The patient's medication can be dispensed for a few days, weeks, and or many months without a refill. These medication filled dispensing wheels are stored and held in a fixed position within the dispenser.

Abstract: A vending machine includes a vend sensor for detecting a completion of a vend operation. The vend sensor includes an electronic circuit connected to first and second sound elements positioned on opposing sides of a product delivery chute of the vending machine. The first sound element directs a sound beam across the product delivery chute where it is received by the second sound element. During a vend operation, a product container is guided to the product delivery chute to be dispensed to a consumer. As the container passes through the product delivery chute, the sound beam is interrupted, thereby signaling the completion of a vend operation. Each of the first and second sound elements is provided with a cone that focuses the sound beam so as to limit interruptions stemming from outside sound sources.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tablet packaging controller of an automatic tablet packaging machine for recognizing information of tablets accommodated in tablet cassettes and tracking positions of the tablet cassettes. The controller includes RF tags recording tablet information, and tablet information access units receiving the tablet information via a wireless line, to transmit tablet information and identification information of cartridges to a host terminal, or to record new tablet information in the RF tags. The host terminal creates and stores position arrangement information of the tablet cassettes, estimates a quantity of remaining tablets, controls tablets to be discharged in a certain order of tablet cassettes, and controls the tablet information access units to package only the accommodated tablets when the remaining tablets are short, and displays the short tablet on an LCD, and controls the tablet information access units to package the remaining tablets when the short tablets are supplemented.

Abstract: A cleaning process management system monitors information concerning chemical products dispensed by automated chemical product dispensers. The cleaning process management system analyzes data received from the dispensers and generates reports regarding dispensation of chemical products. The cleaning process management system may also generate reports concerning recommended cleaning process improvements based on the analysis of the dispenser data.

Abstract: System, methods, and apparatuses are provided for energy management in store or dispense equipment for food and/or beverages. Such store or dispense equipment may allow for food and/or beverages to be heated, cooled, or maintained near the ambient temperature, or a combination thereof. Demand data may be retrieved from the store or dispense equipment. Demand data may include sales, usage, and/or occupancy information for the respective vending machines, appliances, coolers, dispensers, and other store or dispense equipment. This demand data may then analyzed to determine whether there are demand patterns such that there are opportunities for energy conservation or energy management. If there are opportunities for energy conservation or energy management, an instruction set may be prepared, where the instruction set is based at least in part on this analyzed data. The instruction set is loaded onto the store or dispense equipment, which operates in accordance with the instruction set.