Abstract: A method and device for indicating whether a dispensable product will require refilling prior to the next scheduled service interval includes tracking the amount of use over a first interval, and calculating a frequency based from the use over the first interval. The quantity remaining is compared with the required amount, which is the product of the number of weeks in the service interval and the calculated frequency. Thus, when the quantity remaining is less that the required amount, a warning will be provided to indicate that the dispensing product should be replaced, as it will be empty before the next service interval.

Abstract: A monitor and method for reasonable confirmation of a vend from a vending machine includes a set of optical emitters positionable on one side of a dispensing area and a set of optical detectors, adapted to sense the optical energy of the emitters, positioned on an opposite side of the dispensing area. The emitters are spaced apart from each other and mounted on a supporting structure that can be installed on the one side of the dispensing area in a vending machine. The detectors similarly are spaced from one another on a supporting structure that can be installed on an opposite side of the dispensing area. A controller operates the emitters to individually turn on and off in a predetermined sequence. The controller checks for falsing of any detector during the off periods and monitors if any detector is blocked during the on periods. Upon sensed falsing or blockage, the controller generates an output signal.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention includes a system comprising a housing having an upper end and a lower end. The housing carries a plurality of movable blades defining an entry aperture proximate to the upper end, an exit aperture proximate to the lower end, and a chamber there between. An adapter may be provided for connection to the housing and for receiving an article storage container. The upper end of the housing carries a sensor responsive to the presence and absence of the article storage container. A memory device carries information about the presence and absence of the article storage container. An article determining and actuating station has electronics for interrogating the memory device, for controlling the plurality of blades and for determining the number of items dispensed. A receptacle collects articles that have been dispensed. Methods of associating a flow control device with an article storage container and of dispensing items are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing items from a pack of items wherein the pack of items has parameters associated therewith such as pack size, an item dimension and an item price. The apparatus includes an item dispenser, a cash acceptor, input and output devices, and a controller. The controller has an item load table for storing data corresponding to the parameters associated with the pack of items. Thus, the parameters in the item load table can be displayed by the output device in lieu of the parameters being manually entered.

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: An apparatus for filling vials comprises a shelving unit defining an array of storage locations. The shelving unit may be an array in an XY plane or one or more carousels. A plurality of storage containers are provided, each removably carried by one of the storage locations. A counting and dispensing unit, a source of vials, a label printer and application unit or units, and an output device are also provided. The output device may take a variety of forms such as an output chute, which is preferably used when a capping unit is provided, an output conveyor, a plurality of output lanes, and an output carousel, which may be a dedicated carousel or a portion of the carousel providing the plurality of storage locations. A computer controlled engagement device provides motion in a Z direction. The engagement device may be comprised of a first stage for engaging the storage containers and a second stage for engaging the vials.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a vending system wherein a monitoring system verifies that a beverage product ordered by a vending customer is actually delivered through a delivery area to the customer. If the beverage 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.

Abstract: The system for controlling and tracking medical items (830) includes one or more computers and associated data stores including information concerning authorized users, patients, medical items that have been prescribed for patients, medical items available, storage locations for medical items and events associated with receiving, dispensing, taking and returning medical items for patients. Authorized users taking medical items from storage locations are enabled to provide inputs through a display terminal (880) to indicate the taking of medical items for patients. Medical items are enabled to be taken from a plurality of storage cabinets (878). Storage cabinets are operative so that users may be guided to find a selected medical item for which corresponding information is input at an associated display terminal. Alternatively, users are enabled to gain access to the interior of the cabinet and indicate through appropriate inputs, the types and quantities of items that are being taken.

Abstract: A goods sales management system has a plurality of goods vending machines 1provided with containers for storing a plurality of goods and a vending machine management apparatus 80 connected to each of the plurality of the goods vending machines via a communication line 70. The goods vending machine 1 has a time adjustment management unit 64 for making a time managed by itself coincide with a time managed by the vending machine management apparatus 80, an information management unit 63 for managing sales information such as number of sold goods and a sales time, a transmission time setting unit 66 for setting a transmitting time when the sales information is transmitted to the vending machine management apparatus 80, and an information transmitting unit 65 for transmitting the sales information to the vending machine management apparatus 80 at the set transmission time.

Abstract: A medication storage/dispenser unit comprises a processor connected to medication package storage compartments. The storage compartments comprise a medication package, and preferably may also include a content reader, a medication information reader, and a medication package indicator. The processor receives a medication request from the medical information system, receives content and other medication from the storage compartments, processes the information and automatically opens the appropriate compartment with the correct medication.

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 offline vending of digital video discs is provided. The method comprises the step of receiving, at a vending location and at a first time, a request for a digital video disc from a user interface. The method also comprises the step of determining whether a vending controller is capable of being placed in communication with a transaction network. Transaction data is stored, wherein the transaction data is provided by the user interface. The transaction data is stored in a memory, and comprises a title of the requested digital video disc and financial information provided by the user interface. The method also comprises encrypting the transaction data, and generating a signal for vending the digital video disc from a vending apparatus.

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

Abstract: 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: An electronic device for packet boxes includes a processor programmed to assign users to groups of users and a control system capable of managing the possibilities of access to functions of the device on the basis of the user's membership to the user groups.

Abstract: The system for controlling and tracking medical items (830) includes a plurality of medical item storage cabinets (878). Each cabinet includes a plurality of doors (888-894). The doors control access to shelves (902, 904) and support modules (1210). Shelves and support modules include user interfaces (938, 1214). Authorized users desiring to take medical items from storage locations in cabinets for use in treating patients are enabled to provide inputs through a display terminal (880) adjacent to cabinets and/or interfaces to indicate the taking of medical items. Storage cabinets include visual indicators so that users may be guided to find a selected medical item for which information is input at an associated display terminal. Alternatively, authorized users gain access to the interior of the cabinet and indicate through appropriate inputs through interfaces on the shelves the types and quantities of items being taken.

Abstract: A drug dispensing control system and a drug dispensing unit are disclosed. The drug dispensing control system includes a prescription filling system and a drug dispensing unit. The drug dispensing unit is configured to interface with the prescription filling system. The drug dispensing unit includes a canister configured to receive a prescribed amount of medication from the prescription filling system. The canister includes a single dose dispensing mechanism. The drug dispensing unit also includes circuitry configured to allow access to a dose of the medication at a predetermined interval. In certain aspects, the drug dispensing unit is approximately handheld-sized.

Abstract: A cashless vending system, comprising, a plurality of vending machines, wherein each vending machine comprises a Vending Machine Controller that supports the international Multi-Drop Bus/Internal Communication Protocol standard; wherein each vending machine includes a NetVend interface, wherein each NetVend interface communicates, via a Multi-Drop Bus/Internal Communication Protocol interface, with the Vending Machine Controller; wherein each NetVend interface communicates with at least one central server, wherein the central server contains a database for storing user Identifiers and an associated allowable credit or available cash data for each user Identifier, wherein the central server is capable of authenticating users for granting/denying access to a vending machine, receiving transaction data, and monitoring and controlling each of the plurality of vending machines; and wherein each vending machine includes a display/reader.

Abstract: A method of controlling the functioning of a portable medicament dispenser, said portable medicament dispenser being for use with a refill container, said method comprising: (a) providing a memory for storing one or more parameters relating to the functioning of said dispenser; (b) storing authentication data for authenticating data for controlling a function of said dispenser; (c) receiving control data for said dispenser; (d) performing authentication of the control data using said stored authentication data; (e) in dependence on a result of the authentication, activating one or more parameters in said memory to control functioning of said dispenser in accordance with said control data, characterized in that the step (d) of performing authentication of the control data is performed by said refill container.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for filling tires with high purity nitrogen involves evacuating and then filling tires with nitrogen. An automated apparatus has a mode of operation which can be selected from among a four tire service, a spare tire service and a top off service, with or without vacuuming during evacuation. With the four tire service, four tires connected to the apparatus are evacuated and then filled to set front and rear tire pressures. With the spare tire service a single tire connected to the apparatus is evacuated then nitrogen filled to a set tire pressure. A five tire service for evacuating and filling two front and two rear tires and a spare tire is also disclosed. The top off service of a tire connected to the apparatus involves sensing the tire pressure and then evacuating or nitrogen filling to obtain a set tire pressure. Evacuation of a tire is automatically stopped when a set minimum pressure level or a set maximum time limit for evacuation is reached.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to improvements in article handling, such as in vending machines, and more particularly, to improvements in: methods and apparatus for handling articles using a vacuum-type product lifting/dispensing mechanism, article display panels which enhance sales of primary products, and product containment systems which improve product storage capacity, as well as the ease and efficiency of product handling, access and loading into the article handling apparatus.

Abstract: A method and control unit for medication administering devices. The first aspect of the present invention is automatic programming of the scheduled events. The second aspect is simple user-request expression. The third aspect is guided user operation. The forth aspect is automatic medication-storage mapping. The fifth aspect is no clock setting. Prior art systems typically require the user to figure out a loading-scheduling plan, follow the plan to load the medications, program the scheduled events and tell the system how the medications are stored (manual medication-storage mapping). The system of the present invention does the opposite: it figures out the loading-scheduling plan, guides the user to load the medications, program the scheduled events, and establishes medication-storage mapping, all automatically. The system of the present invention is extremely easy to use, and vision-impaired users can easily use it.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a vending machine or other device receives, from a customer, a request for a product to be dispensed by a vending machine. It is determined that a customer service issue exists with the vending machine. It is also determined whether to provide a resolution to the customer service issue, and the resolution is provided to the vending machine customer.

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: An inventory management system for use, for example, in automatically distributing items (such as laundered items) to users within a particular facility (e.g., a hospital), and for monitoring the amount (e.g., weight) of items distributed by the system. The system may include, for example, at least one automated dispenser having a weighing mechanism (e.g., a scale) for measuring the weight of its inventory and for periodically transmitting this information to a computer system associated with a particular item processing facility (e.g., a laundry facility). The computer system may then use this information, for example, to predict the amount of incoming items (e.g., dirty laundry) to be processed by the item processing facility during an upcoming time period. The computer system may also use this information for other purposes, such as predicting the amount of items that will need to be loaded into the system's dispensers during an upcoming time period.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to an assembly comprising a plurality of bins with a plurality of lids associated therewith. Each of the bins has a lock assembly that includes a catch operable to lock the lid in its closed position and a mechanical indicator responsive to the catch. Another aspect of the invention relates to an automated dispensing cabinet that includes a control computer and a plurality of drawers having a plurality of row assemblies therein. Each row assembly has bins that include a tabbed lid, a lock assembly with a catch operable to engage and disengage the tab, and an indicator responsive to the lock assembly. Methods for dispensing from and restocking the remote dispensing systems are also given, as well as a method for indicating which item is to be dispensed from one of a plurality of bins.

Abstract: A portable dispensing system comprising a vending machine including an upper snack-holding portion, an intermediate beverage-holding portion, a lower refrigeration portion, contained within a housing that fits within the basket of a golf cart. The snack-holding portion and the beverage-holding portion occupy a common cabinet being separated by an insulating wall, allowing a refrigeration mechanism within the refrigeration portion to refrigerate the beverage-holding portion without refrigerating the snack-holding portion. The cabinet is disposed above the basket within the golf cart, and may be provided with a pair of belts for fastening the dispensing system to the golf cart. Within the snack-holding portion, snacks are held in a plurality of snack-holding bins, with similar snacks being stored in a single bin, separated from one another by sliding platforms.

Abstract: An apparatus for contactless detection of filling levels of automatic machine shafts, each including removal units of an order-picking system, wherein the removal units dispense piece goods on one or more conveyor units. A distance measuring device is provided which can travel along a guidance track to measurement positions associated with different automatic machine shafts. The guidance track is provided on the automatic machine shafts, and the distance measuring device has a reading unit which can be pivoted into a plane of each automatic machine shaft.

Abstract: An automatic vending system for gas tanks is provided herein. The vending system contains a container assembly having a number of containers. Each container contains a door sensor to sense whether the door to the container is opened, an electronic lock to lock and unlock the door, an availability indicator which is lit when a gas tank is stored in the container, a knob-type detector for identifying the type of knob of the gas tank, and a material detector for identifying the type of the material of the gas task to make sure that a real gas tank is stored. The foregoing components of the containers are connected to a container control module. The container control module in turn is connected to a management module. The management unit is further connected to a remote monitor module so that the containers can be monitored and controlled remotely.

Abstract: This invention is an automatic sprout vending machine which provides racks for seeds to rest upon for automatically sprouting or germinating such seeds. In one embodiment, the automatic sprout vending machine comprises a housing having, preferably, an upper compartment, a lower compartment and a middle section. The middle section has a plurality of racks which are adapted to slidably receive and release a corresponding plurality of modules. In this embodiment, each of the plurality of modules includes at least on seed germinating tray having seeds mounted in the bottom thereof.

Abstract: An administration system (10) for administering medication (25) to peoples the system comprising: a medicine cabinet (20) to contain a plurality of medication (25), each medication (25) identified by at least one radio frequency identification (RFID) tag (26); at Feast one RFID reader (40) to monitor the storage and removal of medication (25) from the medicine cabinet (20); a database (70) to store information related to the medication (25); an alert module (35) to provide an alert to the person if incorrect medication (25) have been removed from the medicine cabinet (20) or if correct medication (25) have not been removed from the medicine cabinet (20) at the correct time, wherein the information stored by the database (70) includes any one from the group consisting of: contraindications combination of medication (25) which may be safely taken, allergic reactions of medication (25), the recommended dosage for each medication (25), the administration schedule for each medication (25), and expiry date of each

Abstract: Disclosed is an information input device for a tablet automatic packing machine capable of easily and directly storing tablet information in a memory chip and updating/reading the tablet information in/from the memory chip at a user side.

Abstract: Manufacturing execution systems relating to methods, systems, and software program for validation of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes and quality assurance process are described and disclosed herein. Consequently, the methods provide a means to perform validation on an integrated level whereby the quality control unit can ensure data and product integrity and minimize cost.

Abstract: Manufacturing execution systems relating to methods, systems, and software program for validation of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes and quality assurance process are described and disclosed herein. Consequently, the methods provide a means to perform validation on an integrated level whereby the quality control unit can ensure data and product integrity and minimize cost.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are provided for remote visualization of the storage compartments in a medication dispenser device, to monitor a patient's compliance with a medication dosage schedule and for verifying the proper loading of medication into the patient's medication dispenser device. The device may include a plurality of storage compartments, each having an interior space for storing at least one medication or medication reminder marker; an image capturing device (e.g., a camera) positionable to capture an image of the interior space of each storage compartment; and a communications module for electronically transmitting the captured image to a central monitoring station.

Abstract: A positional flow sensing device includes an accelerometer or inclinometer with user readable indicators for tracking information associated with a succession of fluid flow events. The fluids can be any fluid that it may be desirable to monitor the dispensing of, such as beer, other beverages, or oil. Each fluid flow event volume is calculated based on control valve positional information, upon which the positional flow sensing device is installed. The positional flow sensing device is operatively coupled to a user interface having a display and grouping of switches arranged to provide to the user fluid volume related information during and after each fluid flow event.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for quantum information processing is disclosed in which logical qubits |0>L and |1>L are respectively encoded by different near orthogonal coherent states |?> and |?>, where <?|?>=0, |?> and |?> being the computational basis states for the qubits, for example, in which logical qubits |0>L and |1>L are respectively encoded by different ones of the vacuum state |0> and a multi-photon optical coherent state |?> which states are the computational basis states for the qubits. This provide an efficient scheme for linear optics quantum processing which is deterministic and for which qubit readout can use homodyne detection which is highly efficient. The invention finds application in quantum computation and quantum communication.

Abstract: An automated medication preparation system for delivering a dosage of medication to a drug delivery bag having a fill port through which the medication is delivered into the bag includes an automated transport device for controllably delivering each drug delivery bag from one location to another location via a driven member. The system has a carrier that releasably captures and holds a portion of the bag and orients each bag such that the fill port of each bag is positioned at a uniform location relative to the carrier. The carrier is coupled to the transport device such that movement of the driven member is translated into movement of the carrier and the captured drug delivery bag. An automated drug delivery device is part of the system and includes a drug delivery member that sealingly mates with the fill port for delivering the dosage of medication to the bag.

Abstract: A foldable electronic device and a detection method. The detection method determines whether the foldable electronic device is in an open position or a closed position according to a detected sound wave received by a microphone of the foldable electronic device.

Abstract: Tablets are delivered from a tablet storage case (3) mounted on a case support table (4), and when the tablets are passed through a delivery passage (9), formed in the case support table (3), quantity of the passed tablets is counted by a counting means (10). A start state of mounting of the tablet storage case (4) on the case support table (3) is detected by case detection means (8, 19), and the counting sensor (10) is kept in off state until the start state of mounting of the photon-electron conversion region is detected by the case detection (8, 19) and is set to On state after the detection. This ensures prevention of erroneous operation due to the mounting and dismounting of the tablet storage case (4) on and from the case support table (3).

Abstract: A fuel cartridge includes a fuel tank which stores fuel to be supplied to a fuel cell of a main device, and a storage unit which stores information on type of fuel, remaining amount of fuel in the fuel tank, and number of times the fuel tank has been used. The fuel cartridge is formed separate from the fuel cell.

Abstract: Disclosed is an information input device for a tablet automatic packing machine capable of easily and directly storing tablet information in a memory chip and updating/reading the tablet information in/from the memory chip at a user side. The information input device includes a plurality of cassette supporters each of which has a first connector on the upper surface thereof and a memory chip mounted and electrically connected on and to the first connector.

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 care givers, etc., via a network database.

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: Disclosed is an information input device for a tablet automatic packing machine capable of easily and directly storing tablet information in a memory chip and updating/reading the tablet information in/from the memory chip at a user side. The information input device includes a plurality of cassette supporters each of which has a first connector on the upper surface thereof and a memory chip mounted and electrically connected on and to the first connector.

Abstract: The system for controlling and tracking medical items (830) includes a plurality of medical item storage cabinets (878). Each cabinet includes a plurality of doors (888-894). The doors control access to shelves (902, 904) and support modules (1210). Shelves and support modules include user interfaces (938, 1214). Authorized users desiring to take medical items from storage locations in cabinets for use in treating patients are enabled to provide inputs through a display terminal (880) adjacent to cabinets and/or interfaces to indicate the taking of medical items. Storage cabinets include visual indicators so that users may be guided to find a selected medical item for which information is input at an associated display terminal. Alternatively, authorized users gain access to the interior of the cabinet and indicate through appropriate inputs through interfaces on the shelves the types and quantities of items being taken.

Abstract: A medicament dispensing cabinet is comprised of a frame, at least one controller, and a plurality of drawers each movably carried by the frame and each defining a plurality of dispensing cells. A plurality of removable dispensing devices is provided with each one carried by one of the dispensing cells. Each of the dispensing cells further comprises a motor for providing rotary motion to one of the removable dispensing devices in response to the controller, a sensor operating in conjunction with the controller for counting medicament dispensed from one of the removable dispensing devices, a chute for receiving medicament dispensed from one of the removable dispensing devices and a chute gate for controlling access to the chute. The cabinet may additionally comprise a chute gate release responsive to the controller for controlling the chute gate and a chute gate sensor connected to the controller and responsive to the position of the chute gate.

Abstract: A system includes a plurality of vending machines communicating wirelessly with a centralized consolidation unit. The consolidation unit communicates via a pre-established communications network, such as a wired or wireless telephone network with a data collection center. A method of polling a vending machine having a wireless transceiver includes sending a first wireless signal to the wireless transceiver of the vending machine, the first signal soliciting a status response from the vending machine, and receiving a second wireless signal from the transceiver of the vending machine, the second signal including the status response which includes information pertaining to a status of the vending machine. The status information may pertain to an inventory level, money deposits, maintenance status or security status of the vending machine.

Abstract: Disclosed is an information input device for a tablet automatic packing machine capable of easily and directly storing tablet information in a memory chip and updating/reading the tablet information in/from the memory chip at a user side.

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.