Abstract: A medication dispensing device that includes a medication holding container for holding medication to be dispensed; a dispensing mechanism in communication with the medication holding container configured for dispensing medication from the medication holding container; a communication module in communication with the dispensing mechanism that activates the dispensing mechanism to dispense medication from the medication holding container after receiving a signal from a control device; and a synchronization module that keeps track of signals sent from the control device to the medication dispensing device.

Abstract: One variation of a method for accessing medication parameters for prescription medications includes: reading a unique identifier from a medication cartridge installed in a medication dispenser; based on the unique identifier and a dispenser identifier assigned to the medication dispenser, confirming assignment of the medication cartridge to the medication dispenser; based on the dispenser identifier, retrieving medication parameters for a medication contained in the medication cartridge; and at the medication dispenser, outputting a dynamic visual queue to consume a dose of the medication from the medication cartridge during a medication window, the medication window of a duration based on the medication parameters.

Abstract: A filling device for filling a removable medication cartridge for the smart medication dispenser is provided. The filling device includes a stationary fill plate with a plurality of openings. The openings are shaped to allow the passage of medications through the fill plate. The cartridge is removably positioned vertically below the fill plate and with the chambers of the cartridge being aligned with the openings of the fill plate. A gate is positioned vertically below the fill plate and above the cartridge. When in a closed position, the gate covers the openings from beneath the fill plate, and movement of the gate to an open position causes at least one medication to fall through at least one of the openings from above the stationary fill plate into at least one of the chambers in the cartridge prior to removal of the medication cartridge with the medications received within the chambers.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a vending machine. The vending machine comprises an access port, a chassis including a plurality of trays and a plurality of columns, a movable stage, and a product catch coupled to the movable stage. The product catch is operable to move in a first direction to accept a product from one of the plurality of trays, and the product catch is operable to move in a second direction to deposit the product in the access port.

Abstract: A portable, versatile pill dispensing system can be used in a variety of settings and for a variety of pill dispensing regimens. Such systems and methods can be configured for intuitive filling or refilling, early or flexible dispensing, remote monitoring software to verify user compliance with a predetermined medication regimen, and features designed to improve compliance while traveling.

Abstract: The present invention deals with an intelligent device, connected to the internet, providing for the safe storage and delivery of medicines in an automatic and controlled manner. In addition, it allows for health checks to be made on the patient using data obtained through peripheral devices, which are not the subject of this invention. Thus it is an electromechanical device together with the necessary software both in the device and in external applications, to improve compliance with pharmacological treatments for patients, also generating reliable information and enabling continuous monitoring of the patient by the responsible person.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for a healthcare management service are provided.

Abstract: A medication storage and dispensing system that includes a plurality of cavities that can be used to securely store and dispense pills and other medications in a secure, traceable and controlled environment. The system allows for the secure transport and dispensing, while allowing the tracking of inventory. The system provides reminders of when the medication should be taken.

Abstract: The present invention is a snack containment and dispensing apparatus having a plurality of separate snack containment compartments, a preferably transparent lid having an opening therein, and a plunger or like means to index or rotate the lid such that access to a singular snack compartment is obtained one-at-a-time. By selectively accessing only one snack compartment at a time, the snacks in the other non-currently accessed snack compartments are rendered non-spillable. Moreover, by providing indexable access to a snack compartment, a user—typically a child—not only gains access to a snack contained therein but is also provided snack choice autonomy and entertainment thereby.

Abstract: Dispenser for dispensing sheet products stacked in a stacking direction comprising a housing having first opposite side walls and second opposite side walls defining an interior space configured to accommodate the stack of the sheet products, the housing defining a dispensing opening at a front end of the first and second opposite side walls, and an engagement surface arranged at a front end portion of each of the first opposite side walls closer to one of the second opposite side walls than to the other of the second opposite side walls, wherein the engagement surfaces are engageable with respective opposite edges of the sheet products and extend in the stacking direction.

Abstract: A timed medicant dispensing device for limiting abuse of controlled substances includes a shell, which is selectively securable to the disc so that the shell and the disc define an interior space. The shell has an aperture positioned therein proximate to a perimeter thereof. A ring positioned in the interior space has a plurality of slats engaged thereto and extending outwardly therefrom to define a plurality of compartments. Each compartment is configured to have positioned therein a respective medicant. A rotator engaged to the disc and operationally engaged to the ring is positioned to selectively rotate the ring to align a respective compartment with the aperture. A timer engaged to the disc and operationally engaged to the rotator is positioned to selectively actuate the rotator to rotate the ring to align the respective compartment with the aperture. The aperture is configured to allow dispensing of the respective medicant.

Abstract: A magazine (18) that stores a plurality of needles (56) configured to engage a medication pen (2) for medication delivery, the magazine (18) comprising a magazine housing (20) enclosing a removable array (26) having a plurality of hub chambers (22) each enclosing one of a plurality of needle hubs (50), a connector (28) in each of the plurality of huh chambers (22), each connector (28) engages one of the plurality of needle hubs (50), a plurality of peel tabs (30) each sealing one of the plurality of hub chambers (22), and an electronic indicator (62) to identify a status of the plurality of needle hubs (50), wherein the electronic indicator (62) identifies how many of the plurality of needle hubs (50) are unused.

Abstract: A packaging assembly includes a case configured to at least partially contain injection devices for delivering a medicament; a light sensor configured to detect light incident on the packaging assembly; and a status indicator configured to generate an output which indicates a status of the packaging assembly conditional on an intensity of light detected by the light sensor exceeding a threshold light intensity.

Abstract: A dispensing assembly, including a case including at least one aperture, a drive gear operatively arranged to engage the case, a tablet disc rotatably arranged in the case and including a plurality of compartments, and an electronics assembly, including a motor engaged with the drive gear, and a housing operatively arranged to engage the tablet disc, wherein the motor is arranged to rotate the electronics assembly and the tablet disc with respect to the case to align the plurality of compartments with the at least one aperture.

Abstract: A medication dispensing apparatus includes a housing for at storing at least one medication in bulk, a dispenser and a verification sensor. The at least one medication including a plurality of doses of the at least one medication. The dispenser separates a single dose from the at least one medication in bulk. The dispenser moves the single dose of the at least one medication from a position within the housing to a position outside the housing. The verification sensor verifies that the at least one medication is a correct medication.

Abstract: A medication dispenser apparatus is described. The apparatus includes a container configured to hold medication, a display interface, and a controller configured to perform, in sequence, a learning operation in which the controller learns a medication dispensing regimen of the container, a validation operation in which the controller validates the learned medication dispensing regimen; and a notification operation in which the controller provides on the display interface a status of use of the container for medication dispensing in relation to the learned medication dispensing regimen.

Abstract: A sheet dispensing apparatus to dispense sheets from a sheet material card having a plurality of sheets. The sheet dispensing apparatus includes a door, a door plate, a back plate, and a motor including a motor shaft, wherein the motor is operatively connected to the door plate, and a motor wheel is operatively connected to the motor shaft. The motor wheel is driven by the motor shaft to detach a sheet from the sheet material card. The apparatus further includes a first light pipe having a first end and a second end, wherein a signal transmitted at the first end of the first light pipe is received at the second end if the correct sheet material card is being used. A second light pipe receives a signal at the first end and receives the signal at the second end, if the sheet material card is not present or out of sheets.

Abstract: A packaging assembly comprises a case configured to contain a plurality of injection devices for delivering a medicament and a lid coupled to the case. The lid is movable between an open position and a closed position. The packaging assembly further includes a countdown timer configured to monitor a time remaining to a scheduled time and a sensor configured to output a signal representative of a change in position of the lid from the closed position to the open position. The packaging assembly also includes a reminder alert configured to activate once the scheduled time has been reached, and deactivate based on the signal received from the sensor. The packaging assembly further comprises a reset input device. The packaging assembly is configured to respond to operation of the reset input device by a user to set the scheduled time.

Abstract: A medicine supply apparatus capable of suppressing entry of foreign substances into a medicine passage and also capable of reducing time and effort required in an operation of attaching and detaching a medicine container is provided. A container support portion is configured to support a medicine container so as to be attachable and detachable. The container support portion is provided with a medicine passage through which a medicine discharged from the medicine container passes. The container support portion has an opening and closing member. The opening and closing member is movable to: an open position at which the medicine passage is opened; and a close position at which the medicine passage is closed.

Abstract: A medicine container closure device for recording and broadcasting information about the contents of a container includes a housing that defines an interior space. The housing is configured to couple to a bottle to selectively close the bottle. A power module and a recording-playback assembly are coupled to the housing and are positioned in the interior space. The recording-playback assembly is operationally coupled to the power module. The recording-playback assembly is configured to record and broadcast information regarding the contents of the bottle, such as a name, a usage, a purpose, and a date to refill the contents.

Abstract: The package for a pharmaceutical product includes a syringe and an electronic tag for obtaining information relating to the integrity of the product as assessed from an exposure of said product to physical or environmental conditions during a time span. The tag is attached at or to a constituent of the syringe; or at least a portion of the tag is integrated in a constituent of the syringe. The tag includes an electronics unit having a control unit, a sensor unit having at least one sensor for monitoring the physical or environmental conditions, a display unit having a display for displaying data relating to the integrity referred to as status data and a switch. The control unit is structured and configured for effecting that the display unit displays the status data in reaction to an operation of the switch.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for a medical pill dispensing system using a manual fill tray. The system includes a plurality of canisters and/or a manual fill trays for storing one or more pills. Each of the plurality of canisters and/or manual fill trays are configured to dispense one or more pills that are to be packed for a patient. The system also includes a hopper system that receives the pills dispensed from either a canister and/or a manual fill tray. The manual fill tray includes a plurality of storage section. Each storage section includes a plurality of slots that are open to its top and bottom. Each storage section includes its own dispensing belt which wraps around the slots of the storage section. The wrapping creates a base at the bottom of each slot as well as either an opening or a cover for the top of each slot. The dispensing belt includes dispensing openings and deposition openings.

Abstract: A secure medication dispenser or apparatus dispensing only prescribed amounts of controlled medication (e.g., pain medication, narcotics and the like) on a limited, periodic basis. Medication is dispensed through an access slot. The dispenser cannot be opened by the user or any third party except on this limited, periodic basis. The dispenser is manufactured from strong, penetration-resistant material, and cannot easily be broken, smashed, cut, or otherwise opened.

Abstract: A secure cabinet that can secure and distribute products. The cabinet can have a user interface that receives information about a user and the user's identity can then be authenticated. The cabinet can accept a user's request to dispense a product and, if the user is approved, the cabinet can dispense a quantity of product to the approved user.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a medication adherence administration and monitoring system. An apparatus for managing medication adherence by a patient is provided, the apparatus comprising: a dispensing device configured for communication with a medication administration system, the dispensing device designed for dispensing medication stored within the dispensing device to the patient; a control system for controlling the dispensing device based, at least in part, on command instructions provided by the medication administration system, and issuing commands to dispense medication based on the satisfaction of one or more pre-determined conditions provided by the medication administration system; and an alert system configured for alerting the patient when medication should be dispensed and configured to receive an indication from the patient verifying the consumption of medication, the alert system communicating to the control system that the medication has been dispensed and consumed.

Abstract: Examples relate to tamper detecting cases comprising a socket and a mating lid. The socket has a bottom wall, opposing side walls and an upper opening and the mating lid has a top wall, opposing side walls and a lower opening. The socket and the mating lid fit together defining an inner cavity to store a storage unit. The tamper detecting case further comprises a three dimensional grid of conductive traces formed on the opposing side walls of the socket, an inner surface of the bottom wall of the socket and on an inner surface of the top wall of the mating lid, that forms a current path. The tamper detecting case also comprises a sensor that is to sense a flow of electrical current flowing through the current path and to generate a signal to erase the storage unit when the current path is interrupted.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for automated dispensing of individual medicament portions. The systems can include a housing that encloses a receiving space having a bottom surface. A separation device may be provided and arranged on the bottom surface with at least one channel to receive at least one medicament portion. At least one channel may have an opening facing the receiving space and an opening facing the bottom surface. The opening facing the bottom surface may be associated with a contact area on the bottom surface, over which contact area the medicament portions may be guided upon a movement of separation device. At least one recess may be arranged in the bottom surface outside of the contact area to receive contamination particles present in the container.

Abstract: A product dispenser defines a product dispensing path and includes a housing, a pusher, a driver, and a controller. The housing extends along the product dispensing path. The pusher is configured to translate along the product dispensing path. The driver is operably coupled to the pusher and configured to urge the pusher along the product dispensing path. The controller is in communication with the driver and operable to activate the driver to urge the pusher along the product dispensing path after a threshold period of time.

Abstract: Concepts presented herein relate to approaches for loading a medication dispenser. In one aspect, a medication schedule is obtained and compartments for medication to be positioned in the medication dispenser are identified. A particular medication is selected to be loaded and an indication is provided of the compartment that will hold the particular medication.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for automated dispensing of individual medicament portions. The systems can include a housing that encloses a receiving space having a bottom surface. A separation device may be provided and arranged on the bottom surface with at least one channel to receive at least one medicament portion. At least one channel may have an opening facing the receiving space and an opening facing the bottom surface. The opening facing the bottom surface may be associated with a contact area on the bottom surface, over which contact area the medicament portions may be guided upon a movement of separation device. At least one recess may be arranged in the bottom surface outside of the contact area to receive contamination particles present in the container.

Abstract: A pharmacy formulation preparation system (2) for preparing individual pharmaceutical formulations such as formulations for ointments, semisolid preparations, eye drops, lotions, pills, capsules or teas in quantities of up to 5 kg, according to the invention comprises: reading means (8); weighing means (12); mixing means (14), in particular a stirrer having a drive and a mixing container; display means (10); a data processing unit (4) adapted to have access to data in a pharmacy-associated stock database area (6); a preparation database (18) comprising composition information; and that for the read-in individual prescription data of an individual prescription, by accessing the preparation database (18), the raw materials required for preparing the individual prescription and the respective quantities thereof as well as the time period, the processing devices and the procedure parameters of the mixing procedure can be determined.

Abstract: A supplemental device for attachment to an injection device is presented having a display; a processor arrangement; a dose dialed detector operable to detect a dose of medicament dialed into an attached injection device; a dose delivery determiner for determining that a dose of medicament has been delivered; a quantity determiner determining a quantity of medicament that has been delivered; and a clock configured to determine a current time. The processor arrangement is configured when the supplemental device is in a default mode to display both a quantity of medicament that was delivered since a last dose and a time elapsed since delivery of the last dose.

Abstract: Technologies are generally provided for a pill dispensing device to track removal of a pill from a pill package. The device may include circuits printed/embedded on a composite sheet configured to be locally or completely flexible/stretchable with a multitude of slits corresponding to locations of pill containing cavities of the pill package. Composite sheet may include embedded rigid sections and be flexible near the slits. Additionally, top and/or bottom plates may further provide structural rigidity to achieve desired flexible behavior of the composite sheet. Electronic circuits printed/embedded on or in the composite sheet may detect removal of a pill from the pill package through the slits. Slits may include electrical contacts configured to switch a circuit corresponding to each slit between an active and an inactive state. Upon removal of the pill, the contacts may separate or touch each other, opening or closing the circuit corresponding to the expanded slit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medication dispensing container for holding medications, which container is provided with a dispensing mechanism comprising: an arranging body comprising passageways, each for accommodating a number of medications in a single row, a first wall member with an output opening arranged below said arranging body, said arranging body is arranged to subsequently align one of said passageways with said output opening, a separating member which blocks a passageway when aligned with the output opening, a storage body comprising waiting chambers arranged below said first wall member, each waiting chamber is arranged for receiving the medication(s) from one passageway, a second wall member with an outlet opening arranged below said storage body, said storage body is arranged to subsequently align one of said waiting chambers with said outlet opening, and a detection arrangement for the detection whether or not one of said waiting chambers is filled.

Abstract: A dispensing cartridge may be improved by the inclusion of an actuator and an agitator. Specifically, activation of the actuator may move the agitator within the cartridge to agitate the items and to direct one of the items into a position for dispensing. Concurrently, activation of the actuator may move a cap of the cartridge to align a dispensing hole with the position for dispensing, thereby allowing for the dispensing of a single item.

Abstract: An insert used in conjunction with a pill container consisting of a circular alignment plate or dialer and base. The alignment plate contains a plurality of opening of various sizes and shapes. The circular base contains one opening, preferably equal in size and shape to the largest opening on the alignment plate or dialer. The two components are connected at the center point so that the dialer or alignment plate may rotate to align one of the openings on the alignment plate with the opening of the base. The alignment of the openings allows the user to control, limit or restrict the dispensing of pills located in the container while also providing addition safeguards.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods to provide safe, secure and accurate point-to-point delivery of prescription and non-prescription drugs in the long-term home care or ambulatory care environment. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide for a low-cost, easy-to-use system comprised of a secure drug dispensing unit and medication enclosure combined with wireless connectivity and software based on smart mobile phone technology. Such systems and methods, referred to herein as a Secure, Control, and Enhance Medication Adherence (SCEMA) system, can mitigate the aforementioned risks associated with the use of prescription and non-prescription drugs. These risks can be significantly reduced for the elderly in the homecare environment, as well as the general public, without disrupting, or a significantly increasing the cost, to the existing prescription and non-prescription drug distribution infrastructure.

Abstract: The package for a pharmaceutical product includes a vial and an electronic tag for obtaining information relating to the integrity of the product as assessed from an exposure of the product to physical or environmental conditions during a time span. The tag is attached at or to a constituent of the vial; or at least a portion of the tag is integrated in a constituent of the vial. The tag includes an electronics unit including a control unit, a sensor unit including at least one sensor for monitoring the physical or environmental conditions, a display unit including a display for displaying data relating to the integrity referred to as status data and a switch. The control unit is structured and configured for effecting that the display unit displays the status data in reaction to an operation of the switch. A rip strip may be bonded to the vial body.

Abstract: A pill dispensing system for monitoring compliant receipt of pills by a patient, comprising a base unit having an area adapted to receive a pill container, the base unit comprising a microprocessor and a power supply, the pill container comprising a plurality of breakable closures each sealing a respective one of the pill compartments, each breakable closure comprising a breakable conductor being adapted to break upon breaking of the breakable closure of a respective one of the pill compartments and to generate a first pill compartment opening signal on the microprocessor, said base unit further comprising a plurality of optical detectors, each optical detector being associated with a respective one of the pill compartments of the pill container and being adapted to generate a second pill compartment opening signal on the microprocessor upon the breaking of the breakable closure of a respective one of the pill compartments.

Abstract: A pill dispenser is configured to receive a plurality of different pill types into discrete pill reservoirs, whereby a dose of different pills may be provided to a user in a dispense reservoir. A vacuum manifold may be configured with a vacuum tube for removing pills from the discrete reservoirs and placing them into the dispense reservoir. In one embodiment, a pill dispenser is part of a pill dispenser system that utilizes a remote electronic device having an application software program for setting, managing and displaying the dosing regimens for pills loaded into the pill dispenser. The application software program may be coupled with a prescribing pill database, whereby prescription pill information, including dosing regimens may be loaded onto the application software program to ensure compliance with the prescription.

Abstract: An item dispensing device having a wheel with a dispensing bucket formed into the wheel wall. The device can have a number of features to prevent items being dispensed from interlocking and thereby preventing further dispensing. These features can include protrusions on the cylinder wall, and a torsion spring to agitate the items to be dispensed, and a reed sweeper to help prevent jamming of an item during dispensing. Further, the device includes an ejection arm having an ejection face configured to dispense items in a manner that are engaging for a pet.

Abstract: The invention concerns a secure device for dispensing unit doses (Mi) of an active substance in a solid dosage form. Such a device comprises means to prevent refilling of the chamber containing the unit doses. It may further accommodate a processing unit and means of communication with the outside world. Such a device is particularly effective when it comes to combating the counterfeiting of medicines. It may further be used to detect patients' non-adherence during a clinical trial or the non-adherence of a patients suffering from chronic diseases.

Abstract: A system and related methods for wireless medication compliance sensing is provided. The system includes a housing having a plurality of medication compartments. A breakable substrate is positioned on at least one side of the housing, wherein the breakable substrate covers an opening to the plurality of medication compartments. A sensor array is positioned on the at least one side of the housing. The sensor array has a plurality of resistors, wherein one of the plurality of resistors is positioned across one of the openings of the plurality of medication compartments. A wireless tag is connectable to the sensor array, the wireless tag comprising a transmitter, an accelerometer, and a sensing circuit, wherein the sensing circuit is adapted to scan the sensor array upon activation of the accelerometer, and wherein the transmitter transmits a signal having scanned sensor array data externally from the wireless tag.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment includes a cabinet having at least one drawer with selectable access for storing items, such as medications. A slidable cover with a first opening allows for closure and/or access to items in an interior of the drawer. The cabinet further includes an actuator coupled to the cover and a controller coupled to the actuator to control movement of the first opening relative to the drawer interior in response to signals generated from a user interface.

Abstract: A medical equipment case is provided for containing and transporting at least one article of medical equipment and a two-way audio-visual system. Such equipment may be used, for example, for telemedicine applications by a patient discharged from a hospital, or other subject in need of remote health care monitoring. The medical equipment case may include features that provide for security and facilitate return of the medical equipment case and medical equipment and audio-visual system contained therein, such as machine-readable indicia encoding information for return of the case from a usage location. The medical equipment case and contained medical equipment and two-way audio visual system together form a medical support system that can be used by a patient discharged from a hospital. Methods of controlling the medical support system are also described.

Abstract: In general, this disclosure is directed to techniques for generating, by a computing device, at approximately a time that a user is eating, at least one computer-generated indication. Based at least in part on the at least one computer-generated indication and pre-defined activity data that are indicative of a human consuming an ingestible substance, the computing device determines whether the user is currently consuming an ingestible substance. Responsive to determining that the user is currently consuming the ingestible substance, the computing device outputs a reminder to consume at least one particular ingestible substance, such as a medication.

Abstract: A device and method of tapering medication in a post-operative patient is provided. The system includes a stationary base having indicia thereon representative of a defined period of time; a first circular wheel concentrically positioned on the stationary base, the first circular wheel representative of a first medication being taken by a patient; and a pin coupling the substantially circular wheel to said stationary base to permit the wheel to rotate 360 degrees about said base. The method of tapering medication includes gradually increasing the time intervals that medication is administered to a post-operative patient.

Abstract: A portable machine vision component for use in machine vision systems is provided. The component can include a base portion configured to removably connect with a machine vision device, the base portion including an electrical input and an electrical output. The component can also include a control system operatively connected with the base portion, the control system configured to control an operation of the machine vision device and to receive feedback from the machine vision device. The component can further include one or more interface elements associated with the base portion, the one or more interface elements configured to allow a user to access the control system and communicate with the machine vision device.

Abstract: An electronic vapor device is disclosed comprising a first container for storing a vaporizable material, a vaporizer component coupled to the first container, configured for vaporizing the vaporizable material, a processor coupled to the vaporizer component, configured to control the vaporizer component in response to a disposition signal, and a network access device, coupled to the processor, configured for receiving the disposition signal from a remote server.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed comprising a vapor output, a container for storing a vaporizable material, a vaporizer component coupled to the container, configured for vaporizing the vaporizable material to create a vapor and expelling the vapor out the vapor output, a processor, coupled to the vaporizer component, configured to control the vaporizing of the vaporizable material, and an input/output connector, coupled to the processor, configured for coupling to an electronic communication device to exchange one or more of power and data.