| Entries |
| Document | Title | Date |
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| 20080228317 | Method, system and apparatus for controlling patient access to medicaments - A method, system and apparatus for controlling patient access to medicaments are disclosed. A method, system and apparatus can include an interfacing system such as an IVR system that can receive identifying data from a user of a medicament dispensing device. The interfacing system can also communicate limited-use access authorization data to the user via a communicative intermediary. The limited-use access authorization data enables the dispensing device to dispense a medicament up to a certain limit in response to entering the access authorization data into the dispensing device. The dispensing device may not be connected to a network, but is capable of computing and storing a limited-use access authorization data as well as validating an inputted access authorization data. | 09-18-2008 |
| 20080228318 | Device and Method of Controlling Dispenser For Refrigerator - The present invention relates to an device and method for controlling a dispenser for a refrigerator. The present invention comprises an input unit including a switch for generating a dispensing-start signal to initiate the dispensing of ice, water or both through the dispenser, a dispensing button for inputting an operation signal to allow ice, water or both to be selectively dispensed through the dispenser, and dispensing amount-setting and dispensing time-setting buttons for inputting an operation signal to set a dispensing time and amount per unit time of ice, water or both through the dispenser, respectively; and a control unit for receiving the dispensing-start signal from the switch and controlling ice, water or both corresponding to the dispensing amount per unit time inputted through the dispensing amount-setting button to be dispensed through the dispenser for the dispensing time inputted through the dispensing time-setting button in response to the operation signal inputted through the dispensing button. According to the present invention, there is an advantage in that ice and/or water can be selectively dispensed more conveniently. | 09-18-2008 |
| 20080275591 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING RENTED OR LEASED OR LOANED EQUIPMENT - A method and apparatus relating to the renting, leasing and/or loaning of electronic equipment operable and/or controllable by a computer, wherein one entity not in physical possession and/or control of the equipment desires control over another entity which has physical possession and/or control of the equipment. Such equipment may comprise a washing machine, medical, office or industrial equipment, a vending machine, etc. A central computer system includes software which enables management and execution of financial transactions between the entities, such as debiting or crediting of accounts held by these or other entities, or creating an invoice for one entity to present to another entity. Information used in making these financial transactions can be determined by analysis of information which may be communicated to the central computer system from at least one other source. Such source may include the control system of the controlled equipment, e.g., from a vending machine or the computer system of an interested entity. | 11-06-2008 |
| 20080288105 | Object Dispenser With Locking Fill Door Useful in System and Method for Dispensing Objects - A dispenser for dispensing prescription pharmaceuticals contained therein includes: a bin, the bin including an access opening; a door adjacent to the opening and movable between open and closed positions to allow access for filling the bin through the opening, wherein one of the bin and the door includes a first identifier corresponding to the identity of units of a single prescription pharmaceutical contained in the bin; a locking assembly configured and positioned to engage the door in the closed position and prevent the door from moving to the open position; an identifier reading device operably associated with the locking assembly to scan the first identifier and a second identifier on a bulk container, the second identifier corresponding to the identity of the contents of the bulk container; and a controller having a data storage unit and configured to receive and compare signals from the identifier reading device corresponding to the first and second identifiers. The controller is operably associated with the locking assembly such that the locking assembly disengages from the door responsive to a positive comparison by the controller, thereby enabling the door to be moved to the open position. | 11-20-2008 |
| 20090037019 | Vending machine dispensing system - A dispensing system for a vending machine includes a vend motor, a cradle, a load bar and a push arm. Upon selection of a particular product, the vend motor rotates the cradle, causing the product to emerge from the vending machine. The cradle is designed to accommodate a wide array of container sizes. The dispensing system incorporates a rotation sensor, a position sensor, and a lift arm. The sensors enable accurate rotation of the cradle through a plurality of vend angles depending upon the particular product being vended, while the lift arm cooperates with the push arm and load bar to refill the cradle after a series of product containers have been dispensed. In addition, the vend motor includes a soft start control that prevents instantaneous rotation of the output shaft so as to prolong an overall operational life of the motor. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090048706 | FUEL DISPENSER - A fuel dispenser comprising a housing, a fuel dispensing apparatus mounted within the housing, control electronics operatively connected to the fuel dispensing apparatus, at least one display mounted in the housing and operatively coupled to the control electronics, and a nozzle operatively coupled to the fuel dispensing apparatus and the fuel dispensing apparatus control electronics, the nozzle configured to produce electromagnetic signals. The dispenser is configured to trigger an alarm when the nozzle is brought into close proximity to the at least one display to prevent the user from using the nozzle to make data entries. | 02-19-2009 |
| 20090048707 | FUEL DISPENSER - A method of operating a fuel dispenser comprising providing a fuel dispenser having a housing, a fuel dispensing apparatus mounted within the housing, the fuel dispensing apparatus having control electronics, at least one display mounted in the housing and operatively coupled to the control electronics, a nozzle operatively coupled to the fuel dispensing apparatus, and a position sensor mounted in the nozzle and configured to detect and transmit nozzle movement to the fuel dispensing apparatus control electronics. The method further comprising presenting a menu of choices on the at least one display, detecting nozzle movement by the position sensor, transmitting signals representative of the nozzle movement to the fuel dispensing apparatus control electronics and making selections of the menu choices in response to the detected nozzle movements. | 02-19-2009 |
| 20090112360 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INTERACTIVE ITEMS DISPENSER - 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. | 04-30-2009 |
| 20090112361 | ITEMS DISPENSER - An automated small items dispensing apparatus is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the invention includes a networked, programmable, automatic medication items dispensing apparatus for use by individual patients who are enrolled in a medication protocol or medication therapy regimen. The device is located separate from the patient's health care provider's facility, such as in the patient's home. | 04-30-2009 |
| 20090118860 | COIN DEPOSIT AND DISPENSING APPARATUS - A coin dispensing apparatus has a cabinet housing the apparatus. The apparatus has a controller and at least one dispenser for dispensing coins. The apparatus is for dispensing a specific composition of coins, under control by the controller, from the at least one dispenser to a portable coin receptacle. A closeable dispense space is arranged within the cabinet. The closeable dispense space has an open state which permits reception of the portable coin receptacle to be filled, and a closed state which permits dispensing of the specific composition of coins from the at least one dispenser into the portable coin receptacle while shielding the closeable dispense space from user access during the dispensing. | 05-07-2009 |
| 20090118861 | PAPER MONEY RECEIVING/DISPENSING MECHANISM AND AUTOMATIC TELLER MACHINE - A paper money receiving/dispensing mechanism comprises a paper money storage unit that temporarily stores paper money; a paper money receiving/dispensing opening, arranged above the storage unit, used for receiving and dispensing paper money; a paper money transport unit capable of switching to either one of an operating position for transporting paper money between the storage unit and the paper money receiving/dispensing opening and a standby position; and a transport control unit for switching the paper money transport unit to the operating position or the standby position. | 05-07-2009 |
| 20090143899 | Communication regarding aspects of a dispensed consumable composition - Methods and systems for programmed dispensation of consumable compositions are provided. | 06-04-2009 |
| 20090143900 | Reordering of Consumable Compositions - Methods and systems for programmed dispensation of consumable compositions are provided. | 06-04-2009 |
| 20090143901 | AUTOMATED BUSINESS SYSTEM AND METHOD OF VENDING AND RETURNING A CONSUMER PRODUCT - System and method of dispensing disc-based media and other consumer products. A user can interact with an automated business system to select disc-based media for rental and/or purchase. The automated business system can retrieve the selection from the interior of the automated business system and dispense the selection through a port to the user. The automated business system can retrieve the selection from the port in a return process. | 06-04-2009 |
| 20090143902 | AUTOMATED BUSINESS SYSTEM AND METHOD OF VENDING AND RETURNING A CONSUMER PRODUCT - System and method of dispensing disc-based media and other consumer products. A user can interact with an automated business system to select disc-based media for rental and/or purchase. The automated business system can retrieve the selection from the interior of the automated business system and dispense the selection through a port to the user. The automated business system can retrieve the selection from the port in a return process. | 06-04-2009 |
| 20090143903 | AUTOMATED BUSINESS SYSTEM AND METHOD OF VENDING AND RETURNING A CONSUMER PRODUCT - System and method of dispensing disc-based media and other consumer products. A user can interact with an automated business system to select disc-based media for rental and/or purchase. The automated business system can retrieve the selection from the interior of the automated business system and dispense the selection through a port to the user. The automated business system can retrieve the selection from the port in a return process. | 06-04-2009 |
| 20090149987 | Programmed dispensing of consumable compositions - Methods and systems for administering consumable compositions according to a programmed dosing schedule are provided. | 06-11-2009 |
| 20090149988 | Programmed dispensing of consumable compositions - Methods and systems for administering consumable compositions according to a programmed dosing schedule are provided. | 06-11-2009 |
| 20090157219 | Intelligent Sleeve Container for Use in a Controlled Syringe System - Various embodiments of the present invention concern improving the dosing accuracy and efficacy of systems that calculate medicine doses for injection in animals and prepare the correct dose in an automated syringe subsystem. In an embodiment, the improvement is gained by simultaneously protecting the medicine from ambient outdoor temperatures that thermally degrade its efficacy while precisely monitoring the amount of medicine remaining inside the source vial to prevent inadvertent under-dosing due to undetected source depletion. This dual-sleeve system (one for temperature, one for data storage concerning the source vial contents) forms an intelligent adjunct to current and future automated injection technology used to maintain healthy livestock. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090177315 | Product, Dispenser and Method of Dispensing Product - A method of dispensing product includes determining by a processor if product loaded into a dispenser is authorized for use in the dispenser by identifying a reference indication associated with the product; in response to determination that the product is authorized, dispense a first amount of product; and in response to determination that the sheet product is unauthorized, dispense a second amount of sheet product, wherein the second amount of sheet product is different than the first amount. | 07-09-2009 |
| 20090177316 | AUTOMATED PILL DISPENSING SYSTEMS CONFIGURED FOR DETECTING BOTTLES IN OUTPUT CHUTES AND RELATED METHODS OF OPERATION - An automated pill dispensing system includes an output chute configured to hold pill-containing vials and an optical sensor located at a predetermined location in the output chute. The optical sensor includes an optical emitter and an optical detector configured to be operated cooperatively to output a detection signal indicating a presence or absence of a vial at the predetermined location of the output chute. A controller is coupled to the optical sensor and is configured to receive the detection signal therefrom, detect the presence or absence of the vial at the predetermined location of the output chute in response to the detection signal, and control a next depositing event whereby a next vial is deposited in the output chute responsive to the detection. Related methods of operation are also discussed. | 07-09-2009 |
| 20090187273 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING A VENDING MACHINE - A method and apparatus are provided for controlling a number of functions within a vending machine. The method includes the steps of providing a central processing unit, coupling a USB class controller to the central processing unit, and controlling the vending machine by the central processing unit through the USB to serial controller. | 07-23-2009 |
| 20090192648 | MEDICATION COMPLIANCE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - Methods and systems tell patients when to take their medications, control medication dispensing based on compliance to the prescribed dosage, and determine that the proper dosage has been taken. This system integrates with other devices related to home telehealth by including support for a world-wide web-based medical record associating the patient, his/her medication requirements or prescription, compliance with that prescription, and other associated medical telemetry data that may be used to determine patient response to said medication. | 07-30-2009 |
| 20090198373 | AUTOMATED DISPENSER WITH A PAPER SENSING SYSTEM - A dispenser for dispensing a portion of sheet product stored in a dispenser, in which a dispensed sheet portion is to be removed by tearing the sheet portion from the remaining product supply. The dispenser includes a system which detects the presence of sheet product in a region of a dispensing outlet. Upon detection of a potential user, the sensing system causes dispensing of paper, on the condition that the sheet portion is regarded as having been torn off. The system includes elements for detecting a discontinuity in the sheet product. | 08-06-2009 |
| 20090210087 | Ultrasonic sensor for detecting the dispensing of a product - 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. | 08-20-2009 |
| 20090222131 | INTERNET CAPABLE BROWSER DISPENSER ARCHITECTURE - The invention relates to an interactive fuel dispenser system having a plurality of fuel dispensers operating in conjunction with a local server. Each dispenser generally has two fueling positions, each with a graphical user interface through which a customer interacts. In contrast with efforts to turn fuel dispensers into super computers, applicants' provide a dispenser architecture that need only be sufficient to establish interactivity with a server to create multimedia applications and carry out POS functions with a browser interface. Each fueling position acts as a client of a local server at the fuel station store. In the preferred embodiment, each fueling position client also may access remote servers connected to the same network in which the fueling position clients and the local server are connected. Preferably, this network is connected to the Worldwide Web of the Internet. | 09-03-2009 |
| 20090248198 | RETAIL SHELF SUPPLY MONITORING SYSTEM - An inventory shelf monitoring system includes a plurality of track systems located on at least one shelf of a retail or warehouse establishment. Each track system includes a sensor and actuator that determines the position of a product pusher. The identity and location of the product pusher, for each track system on the at least one shelf, is sent to a data acquisition and transmitter circuit that assembles, formats, and transmits pusher position data to a central receiver, which receives corresponding data from all shelves employing the system in the retail or warehouse establishment. The data is then transmitted to a central processing unit in a user device that maintains data corresponding to product count, availability, and activity associated with each track unit of each shelf employing the system in the retail or warehouse establishment. Inventory control, the prevention of out-of-stock situations, and the assessment of activity indicative of theft or accident is thus monitored in real time for prompt remedial action. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090254214 | VIAL DISPENSING MECHANISM - A vial dispensing mechanism for dispensing oblong or other non-cylindrical shaped vials. The vial dispensing mechanism includes at least one spirally-disposed guide wall that defines a vial delivery chute for guiding a plurality of vials; a rotatable platter positioned below the guide wall; a motor coupled with the rotatable platter; and a control system for selectively directing the motor to rotate the platter in a first direction to load the vials into the vial dispensing mechanism or in a second direction to dispense the vials from the vial dispensing mechanism. | 10-08-2009 |
| 20090265034 | FEEDER - The feeder for the controlled transfer of product items into the pockets of a web of sheeting has a base unit, a supply container for holding the product items, and a product conveyor for receiving the product items from the supply container. Further, the feeder has an exchangeable format unit including a sorting plate for receiving the product items from the product conveyor, a filling unit with a number of vertically extending filling tubes for receiving the product items from the sorting plate and with a blocking slide unit with a blocking slide plate for temporarily blocking the guiding channels of the filling tubes. The format unit further has a filling shoe for receiving the product items from the filling unit and for guiding them to the pockets of the web of sheeting. A plurality of drives and the corresponding electrical control components for moving the format unit, the sorting plate, the blocking slide plate and the filling shoe are arranged in the base unit. | 10-22-2009 |
| 20090287347 | PHARMACEUTICAL DISPENSING SYSTEMS AND GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACES ASSOCIATED WITH SAME - A pharmaceutical dispensing system includes a frame having first and second opposed sides, a plurality of cells configured to house pharmaceutical pills, a first touch screen display on the frame first side, and a second touch screen display on the frame second side. The pharmaceutical dispensing system includes a processor and memory coupled thereto. A computer program resides in the memory and is executable by the processor for displaying a cell inventory graphical user interface (GUI) within the first touch screen display, and a prescription order processing GUI within the second touch screen display that include status information about a prescription order at a respective stage of completion by the pharmaceutical dispensing system. | 11-19-2009 |
| 20090287348 | CONTROL APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR AN AUTOMATIC DISPENSER - A control apparatus for an automatic dispenser provided at least with a display device and a processing and command unit. The control apparatus comprises at least first sensor elements able to detect at least the presence of an image reproduced by the display device and to transmit the data detected to the processing and command unit, which is able to vary the operating and/or functional conditions of the display device and/or of the automatic dispenser according to the data detected. | 11-19-2009 |
| 20090306817 | Virtual Vending Machine - A vending machine system for dispensing goods or services. The vending machine system may include a vending machine with a vending mechanism, a number of virtual equipment modules remote from the vending machine, and a vending bridge. The vending bridge is in communication with the virtual equipment modules and the vending mechanism of the vending machine so as to instruct the vending mechanism to dispense the goods or the services. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20090312866 | DISPLAY APPARATUS FOR VENDING MACHINE, VENDING MACHINE AND CONTROL METHOD WITH THE SAME - A display apparatus for a vending machine that has a goods storage to store a plurality of goods, and an outlet to accommodate the goods, which are discharged from the goods storage, to be taken out, the display apparatus includes: an input part through which a plurality of goods is selected to be discharged together; a display unit which displays information and quantity of the selected goods; and a controller which controls the selected goods to be discharged from the goods storage to the outlet based on the information and the quantity of the selected goods. | 12-17-2009 |
| 20090319080 | BANKNOTE PROCESSING DEVICE - In addition to storing cassettes ( | 12-24-2009 |
| 20100004780 | MEDICATION DISPENSING CART - A medication dispensing cart ( | 01-07-2010 |
| 20100010666 | System to secure, control, inventory and dispense items - A safe/secure cabinet that preferably protects and deters the internal and external threat of theft and robbery most preferably for use with controlled and non-controlled items. | 01-14-2010 |
| 20100010667 | PLANTER MONITOR SYSTEM AND METHOD - A planter monitor system and method that provides an operator with near real-time data concerning yield robbing events and the economic cost associated with such yield robbing events so as to motivate the operator to take prompt corrective action. | 01-14-2010 |
| 20100106291 | Multiple drawer and compartment vending - A multi-drawer and doored vending system in which each drawer has one or a plurality of compartments each holding an items to be vended, and each doored compartment contains at least one item for vending. Drawer control is provided by a drawer opening and position control system comprising an array of spaced apart control tabs on each drawer, a drawer lock and release assembly, and a progressively movable drawer position control bar to control drawer opening in conjunction with the control tabs. Each doored compartment also employs a lock and release assembly. A control system is provided to control user interface, to maintain product inventory counts and to control the vending process. This involves verifying the identity of a user seeking to obtain a vended item, verifying any other system or pre-vend requirements, and permits limited access to a drawer and compartment corresponding to an approved vend selection. An item return compartment is also included | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100145506 | Method, System and Apparatus for Dispensing Drugs - A method, system and apparatus is provided for dispensing drugs quickly, conveniently, securely, and accurately and at relatively less cost than traditional pharmacy-based dispensing systems. A script for a drug prescribed to a user is generated comprising a human readable description of the drug and the user or a machine readable description of the drug and the user. The script is provided to a robotic prescription dispensary operable to recognize either the human readable description or the machine readable description, and validate and dispense the drug accordingly. The robotic prescription dispensary includes a user interface, a teleconferencing or videoconferencing means enabling communication between the user and a human validation agent, and a scanning means for capturing an image of the script. A method for managing inventory and distribution of drugs is also provided. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100152891 | LIQUID HANDLING SYSTEM WITH ELECTRONIC INFORMATION STORAGE - An electronic storage device is coupled with a container capable of holding liquid for electronically storing information relating to the liquid stored in the container. The system can be configured with an antenna, for storing information to and reading information from the electronic storage device. A microprocessor-based controller, coupled with the antenna, may be employed for controlling processing of the liquid based on information read from the electronic storage device by the antenna. A connector of a secure reader system having a reader is provided to physically couple to a container having an information storing mechanism, for periodically reading information from an information storing mechanism. The connector may draw material from the container simultaneous with the reading. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100179687 | Interlacing pipette or dispenser tips in a liquid handling system - A liquid handling system has a robot manipulator for orienting pipette or dispenser tips in relation to sample containers situated in or on the system, pipette or dispenser tips, drives for moving the robot manipulator, and processors for controlling the movements and actions of the robot manipulator and/or of the pipette or dispenser tips. The system also includes at least two blocks situated on two arms of the robot manipulator, at least two of the pipette or dispenser tips being situated on each block and at an axial distance to one another. The axial distance essentially corresponds to the grid spacing of wells of a microplate. At least one of these blocks, for the alternating interlaced orientation of the pipette or dispenser tips of at least two blocks along a shared line, are individually movable at least in the X direction. A method allows the time-saving pipetting over of liquid samples between diverse sample containers, e.g., between sample tubes and microplates having 24, 96, 384, or 1536 wells. | 07-15-2010 |
| 20100198398 | MEDICINE DISPENSING DEVICE - A medicine dispensing device capable of appropriately dispensing medicines independent of their form and having a compact structure. The medicine dispensing device has a device body ( | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100198399 | METHODS, DEVICES AND BANK COMPUTERS FOR CONSUMERS USING COMMUNICATORS TO WIRE FUNDS TO SELLERS AND VENDING MACHINES - Methods for consumers to pay at the point of sale by using a personal communicator to wire transfer funds out of their bank account. The communicator is coupled to, and exchanges signals with a reciprocating communicator of the seller, which in turn is coupled to the seller's bank. This way the money is transferred as an EFT payment code directly from the buyer's bank to the seller's bank, where it may be considered direct deposited, without processing delays. Devices also include vending machines that can receive payment this way. Bank computers are provided with systems and software for enabling the above. The bank computers are accessible by telephone lines, and work with cooperating banks by exchanging signals, for transferring the funds. The seller's bank generates a payment confirmation code that is ultimately transmitted to the seller's satisfaction for releasing the goods at the point of sale. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100268376 | Automated article dispensation mechanism - Disclosed is a system for collecting, sorting, counting and consolidating an unorganized pool of solid or semi-solid articles such as pills for dispensation. Specifically, the articles are extracted from inside a bin using attraction points on a transport substrate and sorted into containers in finite quantities. The system consists of several components, preferably including a torque source, a counter and a vacuum source, which are uniquely integrated onto a single end-effector to reduce cost and redundancy by servicing several bins. Further, the system presents a method of attracting and carrying pills using negative vacuum pressure, gravity and centrifugal force. This centrifugal force holds articles to the local attraction points and is provided by the spinning of the transport substrate. Pills are collected from the bin or plenum at the local attraction points, counted, cleaved from the local attraction points and guided to a container or vial. | 10-21-2010 |
| 20100280655 | APPARATUS, METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DISPENSING MERCHANDISE OR INDIVIDUAL SELECTABLE VENDIBLE ITEMS - An apparatus, method, and system of dispensing merchandise packaged with a hole at the top. An inventory of merchandise packaged with a hole at the top to be vended are supported on a horizontal surface. The horizontal surface is selectively actuated to provide controlled movement of each item to a dispensing location. The surface is a helically shaped member contained within a dispensing module. An electrical system operatively connects each dispensing module to a controller. The controller can be programmed to actuate movement of the surface. It can also optionally require an authorization input and/or identification input, and keep track of each dispension. This information can be stored in a manner to track usage to individuals and control inventory in the dispenser. | 11-04-2010 |
| 20100286817 | SHEET PRODUCT DISPENSER - A sheet product dispenser is provided for sheet product from a roller. The sheet product dispenser includes a first roll of sheet product, called a stub roll, a main roll of sheet product, and a dispensing arrangement. A sensor is provided for detecting when sheet product on a stub roll is depleted. The sensor generates a signal in response to the depletion of the stub roll and a controller activates an electromechanical actuator. The actuator acts to operate a transfer bar that moves an end portion of the main roll sheet product adjacent a roller assembly that engages the main roller sheet product. | 11-11-2010 |
| 20100305749 | Interactive medicine organizer - Interactive medicine organizers comprising integrated software and hardware elements and multifunctional interactive wireless devices to provide assistance to individuals who need to organize or monitor the administration of one or more medications are provided. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100332021 | Apparatus For Dispensing And Detecting Solid Pharmaceutical Articles And Related Methods of Operation - A method for dispensing and detecting solid pharmaceutical articles includes: forcing an article through a dispensing channel and past a sensor configured and positioned to detect the article passing through the dispensing channel, wherein the article includes one of the solid pharmaceutical articles; generating a detection signal using the sensor responsive to the article passing through the dispensing channel, wherein the detection signal indicates a time that the article takes to traverse the sensor; and determining whether the article is a complete article or an article fragment responsive to a comparison of the time indicated by the detection signal and an article fragment travel time representing an expected travel time for a complete article to traverse the sensor that is determined independent of physical attributes of the solid pharmaceutical articles. | 12-30-2010 |
| 20100332022 | HYGIENE COMPLIANCE MONITORING SYSTEM - A hygiene compliance monitoring system provides a dispenser that is associated with a data collection unit that collects dispensing events, such as the dispensement of material from the dispenser, which occurs during time segments of a predetermined duration. The hygiene event monitoring system also includes a portable data acquisition unit that is in wireless communication with the data collection unit of the dispenser. As such, when the data acquisition unit is brought within the range of reception of the data collection unit, the hygiene compliance data and time segment information are transmitted to the data acquisition unit and stored at a portable memory unit, which is removable. As such, the hygiene compliance data stored on the portable memory unit can be readily transferred to any desired computing device for analysis and report generation. | 12-30-2010 |
| 20100332023 | INTEGRATED ELECTRONIC PILLBOX - A medicine dispenser and method of reminding a user to take medicine includes providing a device having a housing defining a plurality of compartment openings, each adapted to hold at least one medicine item and a plurality of covers. Each of the covers selectively closes one of the compartment openings to restrain access to the content of that compartment and provide access to the content of the respective compartment when opened. The device further includes a safety latch having first and second positions, wherein the safety latch inhibits opening of any of the covers when in its first position and allows opening of any of the covers when in its second position. When a user is reminded to take a medication, the position of the safety latch is monitored for an indication that the safety latch is moved from its first position to its second position. The user continues to receive the reminder until such indication is given. | 12-30-2010 |
| 20110015781 | HORIZONTAL SMALL PACKET DISPENSER - A dispenser for packets comprises a plurality of horizontal rows comprising a plurality of side by said dispenser compartments. Each compartment defines a channel for receiving a horizontal stack of packets and comprises a front edge. A movement imparting assembly is mounted within each compartment and comprises a pusher member for engaging the horizontal stack of packets. The movement imparting assembly provides for the pusher member to selectively push forward the horizontal stack of packets so as to push at least one of the packets in the compartment off the edge thereof for retrieval. Sensor are mounted to the dispenser so as to detect dispensing of packets and to communicate this information to a controller. | 01-20-2011 |
| 20110054676 | ULTRASONIC SENSOR FOR DETECTING THE DISPENSING OF A PRODUCT - 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. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110071666 | CARD DISPENSING APPARATUSES AND ASSOCIATED METHODS OF OPERATION - Apparatuses and methods for dispensing magnetic stripe cards, smart cards, other cards, and/or other items from kiosks and other structures are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a card dispensing apparatus includes at least a first card hopper and a card transport assembly. The first card hopper is configured to hold a stack of cards that includes at least a first card stacked on a second card. The card transport assembly includes a card carrier configured to lift the first card off the second card and transfer the first card toward a card outlet. Methods are also disclosed for monitoring card stacks in a card dispensing apparatus and for prereading cards prior to sale to expedite dispensing operations. Devices are also disclosed for maintaining the alignment or levelness of top cards in stacks of cards having embossing or other raised features that cause uneven stacking. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110071667 | INTEGRATED SUITE OF MEDICAL TOOLS - The present disclosure is directed to a tool that can be used to order, dispense, locate, request and administer medications as well as locate, issue and administer medical items and supplies for patients from a plurality of entry points into the system, e.g. handheld devices, mobile cart, etc. New workflows and functionality for various devices such as dispensing devices (automated dispensing cabinets) and issuing devices (e.g. open shelving) are also disclosed. Because of the rules governing abstracts, this abstract should not be used to construe the claims. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110087367 | Dispenser and Support for Dispensing Doses of a Deliverable Substance - A support ( | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110087368 | DRUG DELIVERY DEVICE AND DRUG DELIVERY METHOD - A drug delivery device ( | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110125315 | MEDICAMENTS CONTAINER HAVING ENCRYPTED INFORMATION - A medicaments container having encrypted information is disclosed. The container includes a housing and a dispenser disposed in the housing and configured to dispense a medicament unit in response to a signal from an apparatus. The container further includes a memory disposed in the housing and configured to store encrypted information and control logic disposed within the housing and configured to decrypt at least a portion of the encrypted information. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110144801 | Vending Machine - In an exemplary embodiment of this invention, a vending machine may include sensors for capturing audio and visual data. A processing unit in the vending machine may analyze this data to calculate an attention score that is indicative of whether attention is being paid to the vending machine. Alternatively, or in addition, the processing unit may analyze this data to calculate the gender or emotional state of a person. Based on these calculations, a vending machine may alter its behavior, such as by changing its audiovisual output. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110153066 | CONTAINER DISPERSION WHEEL - A multi-pharmaceutical dispensing station includes a circular platform around which a plurality of individual dispensers is arrayed at a convenient loading height. Cylindrical, empty prescription containers bearing indicia of the patient and pharmaceutical to be dispensed into each container. Incident containers first enter an entraining column, where sensors detect the indicia and determine the proper dispenser to which to direct the container. The containers then drop into a dispersion wheel which translates them around the circular station and aligns them with a vertical chute leading to the designated dispenser. Slidable gates cover the chutes until the transport system determines they are above the proper dispenser, then open to drop the containers into the designated dispenser. The dispersion wheel may be used in other applications, such as container content verification, and may include container processing stations along its perimeter for processing the containers before sending them on. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110172811 | METHOD OF APPLYING AN INPUT TO AN AGRICULTURAL FIELD - A method of applying an input to a field is provided when using an implement having row or section control and when using an automated location and guidance system, enabled by GPS or other position technology, to avoid double application of inputs in areas covered more than once by the implement or machine. The present invention provides an application pattern and control in which double application is avoided by turning off row units or sections of row units during the first pass over the area, leaving the actual application of inputs to the second pass over that area. The minimizes or eliminates areas where a previously applied input is disturbed during a second time over that area and minimizes or eliminates areas where the soil is compacted around previously planted seed by driving over the area a second time after seeding. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110270441 | MEDICAMENT CONTAINER - 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 medicaments container includes control logic configured to enable the medicaments container to operate with an apparatus; control logic configured to determine whether the medicaments container is authorized for operation with the apparatus; and control logic configured to generate an alert if the medicaments container is not authorized for operation with the apparatus. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110301747 | Automatic Pill Dispensing Device and Method of Use Thereof - Devices, systems, and methods for automatic pill dispensing are disclosed herein. An exemplary automatic pill dispensing device includes a temporary storage compartment, a lateral transport assembly, a feeding assembly, a dispensing route, a plurality of optical sensors, and a controller. The temporary storage compartment stores pills to be dispensed. The lateral transport assembly transports pills from the temporary storage compartment to the feeding assembly, which can move or stop the flow of pills into the dispensing route, where the plurality of optical sensors counts the pills as they pass by the light beams thereof. The controller receives a count from the plurality of optical sensors and stops the feeding assembly when a predetermined count of pills has been reached. Systems and methods utilizing the pill dispensing devices include incorporating a centralized computer and a conveyor belt system to accurately and efficiently dispense a plurality of pill types into pill bottles. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110313566 | MODULE FOR REGULATING QUANTITY OF VARIOUS-SHAPED TABLETS IN AUTOMATIC TABLET DISPENSER, AND TABLET DISPENSING METHOD THEREOF - Disclosed are a quantity regulating module of an automatic tablet dispenser, and a tablet dispensing method thereof, which are capable of automatically packing various-shaped tablets, and accurately, rapidly and cleanly controlling supplying of tablets without missing any. The quantity regulating module includes: a module body including an inlet through which a tablet is put, a hopper-side supply part supplying the tablet put through the inlet to a hopper of a medicine packing machine, and a recollecting part returning the tablet put through the inlet to a location from which the tablet starts to be transferred; a detecting sensor counting the number of tablets put through the inlet; and a controller comparing the number of tablets counted by the detecting sensor to a predetermined quantity, transferring the tablets to the hopper-side supply part if the counted number of tablets is equal to the predetermined quantity, and transferring the tablets to the recollecting part if the counted number of tablets exceeds the predetermined quantity. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20120004768 | SEEDING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF DETERMINING A SEED SPACING VARIABILITY VALUE - A seeding apparatus and a method is disclosed in which a seed spacing variability value is determined and displayed to the operator during a planting operation. Any method of determining variability among a set of data can be used to determine the seed spacing variability value. Three examples are shown: standard deviation; coefficient of variation; and coefficient of uniformity. Data can be stored for later comparison with harvest yield data to determine the effects of seed spacing on yield. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20120035760 | DIGITAL DISPENSER SYSTEM - A digital dispenser system including a cartridge for storing a supply of medicament, a mechanical dispenser for metering medicament out of the cartridge, and a communication system established between the cartridge and the dispenser for relaying information about the medicament stored and dispensed. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120046785 | Bag-in-Box Pump System - Systems and methods for packaging beverage components and dispensing beverages are provided. Bag-in-box packages include connectors that contain rotary pumps. Each rotary pump includes a resiliently deformable housing and a rotor that form a plurality of chambers. The bag-in-box package may be incorporated into a dispenser system that includes a touch screen that allows users to input beverage selections. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120059511 | Dispensing machine control method - In order to control the status and the operation of a dispensing machine assembly comprising one or more modules or sub-assemblies, at least one of modules or sub-modules is provided with an electronic tag and the machine is provided with a tag controller device for interacting with said tag by reading, writing and transmitting information data comprising initialization data on or through said tag and operating said dispensing machine according to the information gathered from said tag or tags. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120059512 | APPARATUS FOR DISPENSING SOLID PHARMACEUTICAL ARTICLES - An apparatus for dispensing solid pharmaceutical articles includes a housing, a drive mechanism and a sensor system. The housing defines a dispensing passage having a dispensing inlet and a dispensing outlet downstream of the dispensing inlet. The drive mechanism serves to force the articles along a path through the dispensing passage between the dispensing inlet and the dispensing outlet. The sensor system includes first and second sensors operative to detect articles passing through the dispensing passage and a controller to receive and use detection signals from the first and second sensors to monitor dispensing performance of the apparatus. The first and second sensors are spaced apart along the dispensing channel such that the second sensor is located downstream of the first sensor. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120072016 | APPARATUS CONFIGURED TO DISPENSE A PLURALITY OF CONNECTED INFLATABLE STRUCTURES AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEM AND METHOD - An apparatus configured to dispense a plurality of connected inflatable structures is provided. The apparatus may include a motor which is configured to advance a dispensing device to thereby advance the connected inflatable structures. A sensor is configured to detect a pulling force applied to the dispensing device and configured to output a signal corresponding to the pulling force. A controller is configured to receive the signal and output a control signal to direct the motor to advance the dispensing device in response to the signal to thereby dispense the connected inflatable structures. A related system includes the apparatus in addition to an inflation device configured to inflate the connected inflatable structures and an accumulation bin configured to store the connected inflatable structures. A related method is also provided. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120072017 | ROTARY-TYPE TABLET FEEDER - Provided is a rotary type tablet dispenser in which drugs can move along a guide track. The tablet dispenser includes a main body having a space part in which tablets are accommodated and including a guide track formed upward from a bottom part along an inner wall in a spiral shape to guide movement of the tablets accommodated in the space part, a vibration part configured to vibrate the main body to move the tablets accommodated in the space part of the main body upward along the guide track, and a tablet conveyance assisting member configured to move along the guide track and convey some of the tablets which cannot be conveyed along the guide track to an upper part of the main body. Accordingly, the tablets can be smoothly conveyed along the guide track by the tablet conveyance assisting member. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120072018 | DISPENSING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DISPENSING A PRODUCT - A dispensing system including a dispenser for dispensing a product and a waste receptacle for receiving a used product. A triggering connection is present between the dispenser and the waste receptacle. The triggering connection is suitable to trigger in response to a dispensing action an encouraging action of the waste receptacle to encourage use of the waste receptacle. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120095593 | DISPENSING CANISTER FOR DELIVERY OF SOLID MEDICATION - The apparatus and process of the present invention provides for the automated, singulated dispensing of articles, particularly solid oral medication in predetermined quantities. The apparatus of the invention is a canister which houses a screw having a channel of a certain width and depth that corresponds to the dimensions of a particular pill type. The screw is removably mounted within a canister, such that screws having channels of various dimensions, corresponding to a particular pill to be dispensed, can be substituted into the canister. Upon rotation of the screw, the articles to be dispensed travel along a sidewall, pass under a singulation ramp, and exit from an aperture on the proximal end of the canister. A rotational driver-coupling is mounted to the proximal end of the screw, allowing for activation of the canister by engaging the screw. The present invention further describes methods of dispensing articles. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120101630 | PHARMACEUTICAL PACKAGING AND METHOD FOR DELIVERY OF SAME - A disease management system and therapeutic hub are provided. In certain embodiments, a dispensing apparatus used as part of a compliance monitoring system for the disease management system can function as a therapeutic hub that interacts with a plurality of peripheral devices to accumulate, communicate, and analyze a variety of medical and non-medical related data of the patient. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120109365 | METHODS AND A SYSTEM FOR DISPENSING - In one example, the invention includes steps of: activating feeding and exiting motors of a dispensing device that cause corresponding rollers to rotate in forward direction, wherein the feeding motor is operatively connected to a displacement optical sensor, wherein the feeding and exiting rollers move a dispensing object; wherein an exit sensor generates a first signal, indicating that a leading edge of the dispensing object has activated the exit sensor, generating, by the stationary displacement optical sensor, a second signal, when, by passing at least one light beam over a surface of the portion of the dispensing object, the stationary displacement optical sensor determines that the portion of the dispensing object has traveled a pre-determined distance along the dispensing passage. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120109366 | INSERT FOR USE WITH A ROLL OF WEB MATERIAL, AND PROVIDING A UNIQUE IDENTIFIER FOR THE ROLL OF WEB MATERIAL - An automatic product dispenser determines if the roll loaded into the dispenser is approved for use with the dispenser. The core of a roll receives a plug that engages a hub within the dispenser. The plug has a feature that alters an electromagnetic field created proximate the hub. The alteration of the electromagnetic field may then be used to determine if the plug, and thus the roll, is usable with the dispenser. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120191241 | MEMORY WIRE TERMINATOR WITH SPRING CONTACTS - A container for use in a dispensing system is disclosed. The container comprises a body, a linkage element movably attached to the body, a control module, and an actuator comprising a memory wire having a length and a terminator that is attached to the memory wire. The linkage element has a first position and a second position, and the actuator is mechanically coupled to the linkage element. The control module is attached to the body and comprises a contact element. The terminator is attached to the body and electrically coupled to the contact element, wherein the electrical coupling between the memory wire and the contact element is mechanically compliant such that the position of the terminator relative to the body is invariant when the position of the control module relative to the body varies. | 07-26-2012 |
| 20120232691 | CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPERATING A PRODUCT DISTRIBUTION MACHINE - A control system and method of operation of a product distribution apparatus or machine that uses map based information to disengage the dynamic down force control for certain designated areas of the field. These areas can be roadways or waterways that are not planted with seed but through which the machine does operate. The control system disengages the down force dynamic control when the designated areas are reached and leaves the down force applied by the actuator at the magnitude immediately prior to entering the area or at some other desired level. This magnitude of down force will typically be much closer to the magnitude needed when the roadway, waterway or other designated area has been crossed. | 09-13-2012 |
| 20120245729 | NETWORK ENABLED DISPENSER - A network enabled dispenser is configured to bidirectionally communicate with a remote computer system via a wireless network. The dispenser transmits operation data to the remote computer system upon the dispensing of material, such as soap. The remote computer system is configured to generate hygiene compliance reports, deliver informational content to the dispenser for presentation thereon, as well as to provide an interface where an administrator can adjust one or more of the dispenser's functions. | 09-27-2012 |
| 20120245730 | SPECIMEN DISPENSING DEVICE - A novel specimen dispensing device for skin care and skin treatment is disclosed. Methods to utilize the embedded memory and electrical interface of the device to produce customizable skin care products and give better skin treatment results are presented. The invention has applicability to other health care and personal care needs. | 09-27-2012 |
| 20120265335 | DEVICE FOR SELECTIVELY PRESENTING OBJECTS - An assembly for selectively presenting objects includes: a frame; a carousel rotatably mounted to the frame for rotation about a generally vertical axis of rotation, the carousel including a plurality of object compartments arranged about the axis of rotation; a servomotor operably connected with the carousel, the servomotor being configured to rotate the carousel about the axis of rotation; and a controller. The controller is configured to actuate the servomotor to rotate the carousel when torque applied to the servomotor exceeds a predetermined magnitude. Such an assembly can serve as a presentation device that enables an operator to remove objects therefrom at his/her convenience. | 10-18-2012 |
| 20120271452 | AUTOMATED PILL DISPENSING SYSTEMS CONFIGURED FOR DETECTING BOTTLES IN OUTPUT CHUTES AND RELATED METHODS OF OPERATION - An automated pill dispensing system includes an output chute configured to hold pill-containing vials and an optical sensor located at a predetermined location in the output chute. The optical sensor includes an optical emitter and an optical detector configured to be operated cooperatively to output a detection signal indicating a presence or absence of a vial at the predetermined location of the output chute. A controller is coupled to the optical sensor and is configured to receive the detection signal therefrom, detect the presence or absence of the vial at the predetermined location of the output chute in response to the detection signal, and control a next depositing event whereby a next vial is deposited in the output chute responsive to the detection. Related methods of operation are also discussed. | 10-25-2012 |
| 20120330460 | DYNAMIC REFILL LEVEL FOR MEDICATION DISPENSING APPARATUS - A dynamic refill level is used for determining medication refill requirements for a medication at a medication dispensing apparatus. When a medication refill report process for a medication dispensing apparatus is triggered, a quantity of medication likely needed to fulfill orders for a medication from the medication dispensing apparatus until a next scheduled refill is determined. A dynamic refill level is set for the medication based on the quantity of medication likely needed. A current count for the medication in the medication dispensing apparatus is compared against the dynamic refill level. If the current count satisfies the dynamic refill level, there is no need to refill the medication. However, if the current count does not satisfy the dynamic refill level, there is a need to refill the medication. | 12-27-2012 |
| 20130006413 | SYNCHRONIZATION OF TIME CRITICAL ACTIVITIES ACROSS VENDING MACHINE NETWORKS - Synchronization of activities requiring coordinated timing across a bank of vending machines, such as harmonious actuation of illumination elements, is performed by specifying, in an application layer (e.g., Zigbee) of a network protocol, actions to be synchronized to a distributed timing event and distributing notice of the specified timing event using physical and media access control layers of the network protocol. | 01-03-2013 |
| 20130018504 | FUEL DISPENSER HAVING FM TRANSMISSION CAPABILITY FOR FUELING INFORMATIONAANM Oldham; Christopher AdamAACI High PointAAST NCAACO USAAGP Oldham; Christopher Adam High Point NC US - A fuel dispenser is configured to transmit fueling information to a receiver associated with a vehicle at a first fueling position adjacent the fuel dispenser. The fuel dispenser comprises a control system configured to generate first fueling information associated with a first transaction at the fuel dispenser. The fuel dispenser also comprises first transmitter electronics in electronic communication with the control system. The first transmitter electronics are configured to produce first RDS information based on the first fueling information. Also, the first transmitter electronics comprise modulator circuitry to modulate a radio frequency (RF) carrier signal carrying the first RDS information. The RF carrier signal has a predetermined frequency. The fuel dispenser further comprises an antenna in electrical communication with the first transmitter electronics to radiate the modulated RF carrier signal over the first fueling position for receipt at the vehicle receiver. | 01-17-2013 |
| 20130018505 | Electromechanical Latch and Ejector - An electromechanical latch and ejector to selectively unlatch and eject an object. | 01-17-2013 |
| 20130030565 | COMPENSATION METHOD FOR PLANTER SHUT OFF DELAY - A method for compensating for planter shut off delay in a planter includes automatically calculating by an intelligent control associated with the planter, a time delay look-ahead distance based on groundspeed of the planter and a time delay, and a total look-ahead distance based on the time delay look-ahead distance and a distance delay look ahead distance. The method further includes determining by the intelligent control if seeding should be off or on at a point in the field at the total look ahead distance, and sending a signal to a row shutoff device of the planter to control the seeding. A control system is also provided. | 01-31-2013 |
| 20130035785 | INTELLIGENT DISPENSER - A pill dispenser for dispensing pills of various sizes includes a pill storage section, a dispensing section located at a lower end of the storage section, an optical sensor, a memory and a controller. The dispensing section includes a device for adjusting a variable size cavity configured to adjust to various pill sizes. The controller adjusts the variable size cavity of the dispensing section depending on the individual pill specifications, and determines if the optical sensor has sensed presence of the pill to be dispensed. | 02-07-2013 |
| 20130085598 | SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING AIR FLOW WITHIN AN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCT METERING SYSTEM - A system for controlling air flow within an agricultural product metering system is provided. One system for distributing an agricultural product includes an air conveyance system having a blower configured to provide an air stream for moving metered product toward a distribution device. The air conveyance system is mounted on an air cart. The system also includes control circuitry mounted on an agricultural vehicle, and configured to adjust a speed of the blower based at least partially on a product flow rate from the air cart. | 04-04-2013 |
| 20130144431 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DISPENSING ITEMS - A method for rapidly and accurately dispensing a predetermined number of discrete items, the method comprising: operating a conveyor to transport multiple items towards an imaging device, wherein the items are arranged in a single layer and at least some of the items are transported in parallel; operating the imaging device to continuously capture images of an area immediately below an end of the conveyor, so that items falling off the conveyor are recorded in the images while in trajectory; processing the images in real time, to continuously determine the number of falling items; stopping the conveyor before the number of falling items has reached the predetermined number, while continuing to determine the number of falling items until items cease to fall off the conveyor innertially; and automatically dispensing an additional amount of items, to complete the predetermined number of items. | 06-06-2013 |
| 20130204432 | PILL COUNTING AND CONTROL SYSTEM FOR A PILL TRANSPORT APPARATUS - The present invention provides a method and apparatus for dispensing varying quantities of pills quickly, conveniently, securely, accurately operable to incorporate one or more sensors and at least two data sets for the purpose of monitoring the activity of transferring pills from a pill singulation to a bottle. For example, a counting means may be operable, in real-time or near-real time, to count the pills transferred to a bottle. A sensor array data-acquisition means may be utilized to facilitate the collection and monitoring of data relating to transfer of pills to a bottle. The counting means and sensor array data-acquisition means may be applied in a cooperative manner so as to facilitate examinations for the purpose of identifying pill events, such as overlapping pill dispensing, that have the potential to invalidate the counting means results. | 08-08-2013 |
| 20130211582 | ERROR REDUCTION IN BLISTER PACKAGING APPARATUS - An apparatus for reducing human error in loading prescribed medications automatically into blisters ( | 08-15-2013 |
| 20130245819 | DYNAMIC GRAPHICAL DISPLAY FOR A BEVERAGE DISPENSING SYSTEM - Systems and methods are provided for generating a dynamic graphical display for use in a product dispensing system, wherein the content of the display is dynamically generated based, at least in part, by the dispensing of a product. The product dispensing system can be a beverage dispensing system. When an operator activates a product dispenser to dispense a product, product imagery and/or related information may be dynamically generated and presented on a graphical display. A product dispensing and display system can include multiple product dispensers (for example, beverage taps) and an associated display for displaying dynamic digital content (such as visual and/or audible content) based on information received from the product dispensers and/or other input sources. | 09-19-2013 |
| 20130253699 | REMINDER PROGRAMMING DEVICE AND METHOD - An electronically controlled reminder device is adapted to be set in a programming mode by a user, perform a user-actuated operation, and detect when a user-actuated operation is performed. When in programming mode the device is adapted to record and set reminders in accordance with a detected time pattern of operation(s) of the device, wherein the programming mode is activated for a pre-determined number of operations or for a pre-determined period of time, after which the device automatically returns to the operational mode in which it provides reminders to the user based on the recorded time pattern of operations. Thus, normal use of the device provides automatic programming of the reminder scheme. | 09-26-2013 |
| 20130261791 | ITEM DISPENSING UNIT - Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for dispensing items. In one embodiment, a magazine defining a channel adapted to store a plurality of items of substantially similar size in a uniform manner is provided. The magazine may also define (a) a rake element path adapted to allow one item of the plurality of items to be engaged and (b) a dispensing opening adapted to allow the engaged item to be urged out of the dispensing opening. In such an embodiment, a receptacle may also be provided. The receptacle may comprise a storage cavity and a rake element, wherein the rake element is adapted to (a) pass through the rake element path of the magazine to engage the item and (b) urge the item out of the dispensing opening of the magazine into the storage cavity of the receptacle. | 10-03-2013 |
| 20130345859 | MEDICINE DISTRIBUTING SYSTEM - A medicine distributing system includes a cassette placement portion for temporary placement of an individual distributing cassette including a large number of cells, a medicine container placement portion for temporary placement of a container for medicines, a medicine transporting device configured to put the medicines into the cells, and a distribution control device configured to acquire individual medicine distribution information to control an operation of the medicine transporting device. The medicine distributing system additionally includes a carrier placement portion for temporary placement of a medicine container carrier capable of housing medicine containers in a vertical column, and a medicine container transporting device configured to transport the medicine containers from the carrier placement portion to the medicine container placement portion. | 12-26-2013 |
| 20140094963 | METHOD OF DISPENSING MATERIAL BASED ON EDGE DETECTION - A dispensing system for depositing material on an electronic substrate includes a frame, a dispensing unit gantry movably coupled to the frame, a dispensing unit coupled to the dispensing unit gantry, a vision system gantry coupled to the frame, and a vision system coupled to the vision system gantry. A controller is configured to manipulate the vision system with the vision gantry system to move to the position defined by a feature, to acquire an image of at least a portion of a feature, to search for an edge of interest along a center of the image, and to return a value indicating an offset of zero (0), which is interpreted as the location that is exactly as expected, and an offset that reflects where the edge of interest intersected that axis location. | 04-03-2014 |
| 20140107835 | Product Dispensing System - A system for controlling selection and distribution of a product in a product dispensing system. The system includes a user interface for prompting a selection and selecting the product, a machine control processor in communication with the user interface, a power distribution module connected to the machine control processor, and a power supply unit for supplying power to the system through the power distribution module. | 04-17-2014 |
| 20140214198 | ROUTER FOR USE WITH A PNEUMATIC CARRIER SUITABLE FOR BANKING SYSTEMS - In an example embodiment, a router that is configured to pass a pneumatic carrier therethrough and comprises a solid continuous curved tube, a tube rotational support, and a drive. The tube includes a first open end and a second open end opposed of the first open end. The tube rotational support is in operative supporting connection with the tube and enables the tube to rotate about an axis. The first open end is generally aligned with the first opening. In a first rotational position of the tube, the second open end is generally aligned with a first of the plurality of second openings. In a second rotational position of the tube, the second open end is generally aligned with a second of the plurality of second openings. The drive is operative to cause the tube to move between the first and second rotational positions. | 07-31-2014 |
| 20140244031 | REMOTELY-EXECUTED MEDICAL THERAPY DEVICE - Devices, systems, and software for providing remote medical therapy to a subject comprising: an apparatus for dispensing one or more medical items from an inventory of medical items, the inventory of medical items risk profiled to a subject, a population, a venue, or a situation; and a connector device comprising: at least one means for communicating with the apparatus for dispensing one or more medical items from an inventory of medical items; at least one means for communicating with a technology device; and a software module enabling communications between the apparatus for dispensing one or more medical items from an inventory of medical items and the technology device. | 08-28-2014 |
| 20140277701 | Interactive Unit - The disclosure generally pertains to an interactive unit (IU) comprising a housing and a container. The IU can operate with at least one device enabling network connectivity. An end user device can connect to the IU to activate voice and/or video, and interact with the IU. A user can use the end user device to control the IU to dispense a treat, food, or product from the container. In at least one embodiment, a user will use the IU to connect with an animal located at the IU in order to communicate, bond, and train the animal. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140288698 | MEDICAMENT INVENTORY SYSTEM AND METHOD - The invention relates to a method and system for dispensing medicament units. In one embodiment, a medication dispensing container includes: a housing; a processor contained within the housing; a memory contained within the housing and coupled to and readable by the processor, the memory storing executable instructions which, when executed by the processor, causes the processor to control dispensing of medicaments from the medication dispensing container or perform a communication function; and one or more wireless transceivers contained within the housing and coupled to the processor, and configured to communicate wirelessly with one or more external devices, wherein the housing is configured to hold a plurality of medicaments for dispensing. | 09-25-2014 |
| 20150148942 | Control Board and Dispenser Security Monitoring System - The invention is a dispenser security system which has a control board that controls one or more fuel dispensing components to prevent the flow of fuel from the dispenser if the security system detects that dispenser is being tampered with. If the control board detects tampering based on a select criteria it will turn off the power using a breaker. | 05-28-2015 |
| 20150148943 | PROGRAMMABLE TIME MOTORIZED TAMPERPROOF BLISTER PACK DOSAGE DISPENSER AND METHOD OF PREVENTING UNAUTHORIZED USE OF PHARMACEUTICALS AND OTHER ITEMS - A dispensing device for dispensing medications or other items required to be dispensed according to a predetermined schedule includes a mechanism for advancing a bandolier containing the medications or other items to a dispensing position only when activated by an authorized user at predetermined time intervals. Access to the bandolier is limited at all other times to personnel in a controlled facility. The dispensing device may be utilized to implement a method of controlling access to addictive prescription medications. | 05-28-2015 |
| 20150305983 | QUADRUPLE THERAPY USEFUL FOR TREATING PERSONS AFFLICTED WITH THE HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (HIV) - The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for treating the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in a human being, comprising four active principles selected as being: one nucleoside inhibitor of reverse transcriptase (NRTI) selected from lamivudine and emtricitabine; two nucleoside or nucleotide inhibitor of reverse transcriptase (NRTI) selected from didanosine, abacavir and tenofovir; and the fourth active principle is selected from (i) a non-nucleoside inhibitor of reverse transcriptase (NNRTI) selected from nevirapine, efavirenz and etravirine; or (ii) a protease inhibitor selected from atazanavir, lopinavir, saquinavir, ritonavir, indinavir, amprenavir, nelfinavir, fosamprenavir, tipranavir and darunavir. | 10-29-2015 |
| 20160157420 | Agricultural Product Application In Overlap Areas - By varying the agricultural product application rates when a product delivery system travels through predetermined overlap areas, the drawbacks of over seeding such overlap areas may be substantially reduced. As a result, a product delivery system may travel without stopping meter sections and without dragging a seeding tool through a completely seeded region. | 06-09-2016 |
| 20160171811 | DISPENSE EVENT VERIFICATION FOR DISPENSERS | 06-16-2016 |
| 20160179089 | Behavior-Modifying Shared Electronic Device | 06-23-2016 |
| 20160252893 | Robotic Self-Service Device and Methods for Banking and Vending | 09-01-2016 |
| 20160375459 | Inline Dispense Capacitor System - A fluid dispensing apparatus and method is disclosed. Systems include an in-line or linear bladder apparatus array configured to expand to collect a charge of fluid, and contract to assist with fluid delivery and dispensing. The bladder array is disposed within a chamber of pressure control fluid common to exterior surfaces of each bladder in the bladder array. Simultaneously, some bladders within the array of linear bladders can be dispensing fluid or maintaining fluid while some bladders are collecting fluid. A given filtration rate can be less than a dispense rate and thus the system herein compensates for filter-lag that often accompanies fluid filtering for microfabrication, while providing a generally linear configuration that reduces chances for defect creation. With multiple bladders, multiple different types of fluid can be readied for selective dispense. | 12-29-2016 |
