Entries |
Document | Title | Date |
20080215180 | ARRANGEMENT FOR DYNAMIC LEAN REPLENISHMENT AND METHODS THEREFOR - A dynamic lean replenishment method for handling inventory management is provided. The method includes performing analysis to determine a projected inventory stock. The analysis is performed in accordance with at least one of a synchronous mode and an asynchronous mode. In the synchronous mode, a computer is configured to perform the analysis to determine the projected inventory stock after consumption has occurred. The consumption is deemed to have occurred when a first bin of a plurality of bins is consumed and changes from a bin state of on-hand to the bin state of empty. In the asynchronous mode, the computer is configured to perform the analysis to determine the projected inventory stock after a preset time interval. The method also includes comparing the projected inventory stock to a safety stock to determine replenishment. | 09-04-2008 |
20080234859 | Minibar - A device for a mini bar is described that can be operated by a customer to remove goods with the removal being registered by the mini bar operator simultaneously, and possibly invoiced, and is characterized in that the mini bar is a product unit vending machine, that the product unit vending machine comprises a control system with which restrictions for delivery of product units from the vending machine can be regulated. | 09-25-2008 |
20080249658 | Products and Processes for Addressing a Customer Service Issue - According to an embodiment, a vending machine or other device receives, from a customer, a request for a product to be dispensed by a vending machine. It is determined that a customer service issue exists with the vending machine. It is also determined whether to provide a resolution to the customer service issue, and the resolution is provided to the vending machine customer. | 10-09-2008 |
20090005902 | METHOD FOR OPERATING AND MANAGING A RE-FUELING BUSINESS - Disclosed is a method for operating and managing a re-fueling business. The method includes contracting with a customer to fuel a fuel consuming vehicle for the customer, providing a locking device with a fuel tank of the vehicle, the locking device being unlockable by the re-fueling business and the customer, and transporting a fuel containing structure from the re-fueling business to various locations of the customer's vehicle whenever a fueling of the vehicle is desirable to the business and the customer, the locations being remote of the business, unlocking the locking device of the fuel tank upon arrival at the locations, filling the fuel tank with an amount of fuel from the fuel containing structure upon the transporting of the fuel container to the locations, and re-locking the locking device after filling the fuel tank with the amount of fuel. | 01-01-2009 |
20090069930 | Systems and Methods for Dispensing Consumable Products - Embodiments of the invention can include systems and methods for dispensing consumable products. One embodiment of the invention can provide a product dispenser. The product dispenser can include an ingredient matrix operable to receive a plurality of product ingredients. In addition, the product dispenser can include a controller in communication with the ingredient matrix, and operable to execute a set of instructions to receive product data associated with the plurality of product ingredients. Moreover, the controller can further comprise a set of instructions to track usage of the plurality of product ingredients when at least one product is dispensed. Furthermore, the controller can further comprise a set of instructions to update the product data during or after dispensing of a product or installation of one or more product ingredients in the ingredient matrix. | 03-12-2009 |
20090069931 | Systems and Methods for Facilitating Consumer-Dispenser Interactions - Embodiments of the invention can include systems and methods for dispensing consumable products. In one embodiment, a system comprising a product dispenser and processor can be provided. The processor can be operable to execute a set of instructions operable to receive a consumer preference to receive a notification associated with a product. The set of instructions can be further operable to determine whether the product is being offered, and based at least in part on the consumer preference, notify the consumer regarding availability of the product from the product dispenser. | 03-12-2009 |
20090177318 | DISPENSER CONTROL SYSTEM - An improvement for dispenser systems of the type having a dispenser controller and at least one dispenser, each dispenser having at least one actuator activated in response to a control signal from the dispenser controller. The dispenser controller is positioned at a location remote from the dispenser and, and includes an input interface or control panel for activating the controller control circuitry to transmit the signal to the dispenser. | 07-09-2009 |
20090177319 | Electronic Device for the Sale of Intangible Products in Vending Machines - An electronic device for the sale of intangible products through vending machines that includes an interface to communicate with external peripherals through the MDB protocol, an interface to communicate with external peripherals through the RS232 standard, an interface to communicate with external peripherals through the DEX protocol, an interface to communicate with users, a communications system which enables it to act as part of a network and communicate with a central system, and a controller, which articulates the communication among the above-mentioned components, so as to enable a central system to perform diverse actions on a vending machine. | 07-09-2009 |
20090254215 | Programmed dispensing of consumable compositions - Methods and systems for programmed dispensation of consumable compositions are provided. | 10-08-2009 |
20090259336 | Smart Medicine Container Assembly - Present invention discloses a dispenser having means to dispense desired number of pills from a bulk supply of pills contained in the dispenser. The dispenser comprises of storage compartment having bulk supply of pills and having a discharge port emptying into counting compartment The counting compartment contains first and second conveyors moving at first and second speed; wherein the second speed is greater than the first speed thereby enabling pill separation; the second conveyor discharges pills into dispensing compartment. Sensors are strategically placed along the conveyors to count pills discharged into dispensing compartment A pill recovery system and apparatus is disposed inside the dispenser having means to recover pills remaining on conveyors upon completion of a dispensation cycle and deposit recovered pills back into the storage compartment for use in future dispensation cycles. A docking station having receptacles to accommodate dispenser is provided. Docking station has communication ports enabling two-way communication with personal computer. | 10-15-2009 |
20090287350 | 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. A plurality of dispensing shelves configured to receive filled pill containers are accessible from the second side of the frame for removal of pill containers therein. 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 series of GUIs 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 |
20100004781 | SYSTEM FOR VENDING PHYSICAL AND INFORMATION ITEMS - A vending machine handles a purchase transaction by receiving a payment, receiving a product selection from the customer, and dispensing the product indicated by the product selection. As part of the same transaction, the vending machine offers an information item such as an audio recording or a video recording. The vending machine also receives from the customer a destination address, which may be an e-mail address. The vending machine or a system of which it is part transmits the information item to the received destination address. | 01-07-2010 |
20100017023 | Automated dispensing device - An automated dispensing device is disclosed for dispensing items of value. Included is the dispensing device and inventory/control software. | 01-21-2010 |
20100017024 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ADMINISTERING MICRO-INGREDIENT FEED ADDITIVES TO ANIMAL FEED RATIONS INCLUDING CONTROLLED BIN ACCESS - A method and system are provided for administering micro-ingredient feed additives wherein controlled access is provided to the bins or containers that store the micro-ingredients prior to delivery thereby preventing inadvertent errors in adding incorrect micro-ingredients to a feed ration as well as to provide a measure of security to prevent tampering with the micro-ingredients in the bins. A micro-ingredient delivery system typically includes a plurality of bins that store designated micro-ingredients therein. Each bin may have a locking device thereby restricting access to the bin, along with a switch indicating whether the bin access cover is open or closed. A master controller of the delivery system provides signals to lock or unlock the locking devices based upon authorizations provided to access the bins in accordance with the particular operating parameters and requirements of the delivery system. | 01-21-2010 |
20100049363 | Smart Medicine Container - Present invention discloses a dispenser having means to dispense desired number of pills from a bulk supply of pills contained in the dispenser. The dispenser comprises of storage compartment having bulk supply of pills and having a discharge port emptying into counting compartment. The counting compartment contains first and second conveyors moving at first and second speed; wherein the second speed is greater than the first speed thereby enabling pill separation; the second conveyor discharges pills into dispensing compartment. Sensors are strategically placed along the conveyors to count pills discharged into dispensing compartment. A pill recovery system and apparatus is disposed inside the dispenser having means to recover pills remaining on conveyors upon completion of a dispensation cycle and deposit recovered pills back into the storage compartment for use in future dispensation cycles. A docking station having receptacles to accommodate dispenser is provided. Docking station has communication ports enabling two-way communication with personal computer. The present invention also relates to a method of determining medication-medication interaction. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method of determining medication side effect as being causative of a patient's clinical symptoms. | 02-25-2010 |
20100094456 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING CASHLESS PAYMENT AND DIAGNOSTICS FOR VENDING MACHINES - A peripheral device for a vending machine, a method of communicating with a vending machine, a vending system, and a computer readable storage medium including software that is adapted to control a computer to implement a method of communicating with a vending machine are provided. The peripheral device includes a bus interface and a processor coupled to the bus interface. The peripheral device, via the bus interface, receives data from a bus and transmits data onto the bus. The processor enables cashless payment and provides diagnostic information for at least one other peripheral device of the vending machine based on data received from the at least one other peripheral device via the bus interface. | 04-15-2010 |
20100114367 | ADMINISTERING OF MEDICATION - Methods, systems, and apparatuses to facilitate administering of medication. | 05-06-2010 |
20100114368 | Systems and methods for vending machine customer account management - Some embodiments are associated with providing, establishing, registering, administering, and/or managing vending machine subscription accounts. In some embodiments, third parties may administer and/or manage subscription-vending accounts associated with customers. | 05-06-2010 |
20100125362 | SELF-SERVICE BEVERAGE AND SNACK DISPENSING USING IDENTITY-BASED ACCESS CONTROL - A token-based system providing self-service vending of snacks or beverages. The system includes a vending machine with a controller selectively dispensing goods. A token reader is linked to the controller. Tokens are provided to users of the system that each includes access data. During use, the token reader reads the access data and provides it to the controller. The controller dispenses a unit of the goods based on the access data read from the token. The system provides token-based vending with the token being a handheld or wearable object providing the access data, such as with an RFID tag on a bracelet or pin or with a barcode or magnetic stripe on a card or room key. The vending machine may be a beverage dispenser that dispenses a drink with a user obtaining a disposable container near the dispenser and presenting their token to the token reader. | 05-20-2010 |
20100131096 | Free Sample Distributing System, Free Sample Distributing Device, Free Sample Distribution Information Server, Free Sample Distributing Method, Free Sample Distributing Information Processing Program and Computer Readable Medium - A free sample distributing system comprises a plurality of free sample distributing devices and a free sample distribution information server. Each free sample distributing device imports identification information of a user desiring acquisition of a free sample, and sends the identification information to the free sample distribution information server. The free sample distribution information server decides a type of a free sample to be provided for the user, by searching a user information storage unit, by recognizing personal information of the user pertaining to the identification information, and by comparing the personal information with the free sample distribution conditions of free sample types. The free sample distributing device dispenses the free sample of the decided type from a housing unit and provides the user with the free sample. | 05-27-2010 |
20100145508 | Collectibles dispensing apparatus and method - The present invention is an apparatus and method for dispensing collectibles to a user comprising a housing with a user interface, such as displays, speakers, touch screens, push buttons, joy sticks, track balls, mouse(s), spinning dials, wheels, microphone and/or pull actuators. The user interface provides audio visual information related to one or more collectibles. A plurality of hoppers are coupled to a dispensing mechanism and are adapted to hold the collectibles. A controller is coupled to the user interface and the dispensing mechanism. The user may designate one or more collectibles through the user interface. The dispensing mechanism releases the designated collectibles from the appropriate hoppers. The apparatus and method may incorporate one or more games that may be configured to allow a user to affect the collectible being dispensed. Tracking the inventory of available collectibles may also affect the availability of specific collectibles. | 06-10-2010 |
20100234986 | METHOD AND SYSTEMS FOR COLLECTING INVENTORY AND MARKETING DATA, PROVIDING DATA AND VIDEO SERVICES - Methods and systems for providing inventory and/or marketing services using distributed devices and a network or communications medium such as via the Internet. In specific embodiments, a thin client logic system is installed at multiple item dispensers and communicates inventory and/or marketing data to a server system. The server system provides a central data location from which a supplier can provide inventory and/or marketing data services potentially to many different customers. | 09-16-2010 |
20100262281 | RELATIONSHIP ANALYSIS METHOD, RELATIONSHIP ANALYSIS PROGRAM, AND RELATIONSHIP ANALYSIS APPARATUS - To obtain a high accuracy marketing analysis result, while reducing an effect of a low accuracy visual line detection processing, a storage unit of a visual line analysis apparatus stores therein, for each commodity, a basic zone including the commodity and an extended zone at least a portion of which, is overlapped with the basic zone. The basic zone and the extended zone are stored in association with each other. An attention degree calculation part of the visual line analysis apparatus compares positional information on a visual line data detected by the visual line detection part and positional information on each zone defined in a zone definition data to calculate an attention degree for each zone, aggregates attention degrees in each zone for each commodity corresponding to the each zone, calculates an attention degree data for each commodity, and stores the calculated data in the storage unit. | 10-14-2010 |
20100280658 | AUTOMATED VENDING SYSTEM AND METHOD - An automated vending system includes an automated vending machine and an account managing device for managing purchase transactions made with the automated vending machine. The automated vending machine includes an article dispenser operable to dispense an article, a memory unit storing a user phone number, a communication module, and a processing unit. The communication module is assigned with a first phone number and is adapted to receive a request made by a user through operating a mobile phone assigned with a second phone number to dial the first phone number. The processing unit is operable to determine if the second phone number contained in the request has a match with the user phone number stored in the memory unit, and controls the article dispenser to enable dispensing of the article when the second phone number has a match with the user phone number. | 11-04-2010 |
20100324725 | AUTOMATIC VENDOR SYSTEM USED IN HOTELS - An automatic vendor system used in hotels is provided, comprising: automatic vending machines each having a man-machine interaction interface, being used as vending and pickup platforms; a host being configurable for operation control, monitoring and storing information, which has a plurality of automatic vendor and management functions; a plurality of local shopping networks are formed and arranged in a hotel to generate a chain store network in an area through connection of computer network; through a information transfer link of production-direct marketing constructed with the sales information from the local networks, shortage of goods in a day is collected so as to supplement goods in the single vending machines; customers select goods through a touch screen after receiving an electronic cash card, then the host inquires cash amount through the reader and send an delivery instruction to the control board, the control board records and subtracts quantity of the purchased goods, and control a corresponding transfer channel to deliver the goods; meanwhile the host uploads the transaction record, and commands a printer to print out a voucher. The present invention has advantages of an integration of online shopping, electronic consumer system and automatic vending machines. | 12-23-2010 |
20100324726 | ANIMATION EMBEDDED AUTOMATIC VENDING MACHINE - An animation embedded automatic vending machine is provided, comprising: a core board having a chip with high video playing capability; a 3D animation system for simulating the scene of a customer entering into a store to do shopping; a sales system supporting charge, computation, data storage and financial report printing; the 3D animation system is embedded into a shopping procedure control module; the sales system is connected to corresponding ports of the core board respectively, a display screen arranged on a man-machine interaction interface of the automatic vending machine, and a FPGA control bottom board, are connected to the core board of the automatic vending machine respectively, and the FPGA control bottom board instructs a delivery executing mechanism of the automatic vending machine to deliver the goods selected via the animation window. With the technical solution of the present invention, the automatic vending machine utilizes 3D animations displayed on the screen to show attributes of goods stored in the machine, and provides animation man-machine interface for customers to select goods and make payment, meanwhile guide the customers with the operation procedure, therefore a intelligent sales system having man-machine interaction is achieved. | 12-23-2010 |
20110046778 | METHOD OF CONDUCTING A SALES TRANSACTION USING A RANDOM ACCESS AND RANDOM LOAD DISPENSING UNIT - The present invention provides a random access and random load dispensing unit including a housing, at least one support located in the housing and defining a first axis, a plurality of platforms movable along the support along the first axis, a plurality of bins supported on the platforms, the bins being movable with the platforms, and a shuttle assembly movable along the first axis and further movable along a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis between the plurality of platforms to access and retrieve products stored in the bins. | 02-24-2011 |
20110054677 | SELF-SERVICE TERMINAL MANAGEMENT - A self-service terminal comprises at least one customer transaction module, a terminal controller, a management component, and a network connection coupled to the terminal controller. The customer transaction module is operable to (i) implement a function associated with a customer transaction, and (ii) provide status information relating to the module. The terminal controller is coupled to the customer transaction module and includes (i) a management component for retrieving status information from the customer transaction module and (ii) a Web services interface for providing access to the retrieved status information to a remote device. The network connection is coupled to the controller and provides the remote device with access to the Web services interface. | 03-03-2011 |
20110060455 | INTEGRATED, NON-SEQUENTIAL, REMOTE MEDICATION MANAGEMENT AND COMPLIANCE SYSTEM - An integrated medication management and compliance system for enabling a care provider to remotely manage and deliver individual doses of therapeutic products to a patient, in a non-sequential fashion. System includes delivery apparatus remotely located from the care provider, wherein the apparatus stores a plurality of sealed unit dose packages that are delivered to a patient at a scheduled dosing time. The delivery apparatus is coupled to a control facility and to a computer terminal of the care provider by way of a secure communications network. The system enables the patient's medication regimen to be remotely tailored in real-time to accommodate fluid medical conditions. | 03-10-2011 |
20110087370 | Electronic Access Control Device and Management System - A mobile electronic control device, such as an electronic key, is used to access or otherwise control the operations of a field device, such as an appliance, power tool, shipping container, etc. In a control event in which the mobile control device interacts with the field device via wired or wireless communications, the control device obtains the current location and the field device ID. The communications between the mobile control device and the field device may be secured with encryption. The location information is used by the mobile control device to determine whether the field device should be accessed or enabled. Alternatively, the location information may be stored separately in a location sensing device, and the control event data recorded by the key and the location information recorded by the location sensing device are later combined when they are downloaded into a management system for auditing. Moreover, an electronic access control device is disclosed comprising two microprocessors. | 04-14-2011 |
20110125317 | METHODS FOR POINT-OF-USE MEDICATION CONTROL - Methods for controlling the dispensing of medication are provided. The method can include holding at least one medication within a dispenser and alerting a patient that a dose of medication is to be taken or an optional dose of medication is available to be taken. Once the patient is present for receiving a does of medication, the identification of the patient can be confirmed. Upon confirmation of the identification, a dose of medication for the patient can then be dispensed and removal of medication from dispenser can be confirmed. The method can also include providing a location determination device with the dispenser to permit locating the dispenser. | 05-26-2011 |
20110166699 | Liquid Level Measuring Device - A liquid level sensing and reporting system for bar keepers is proposed, having a liquid level sensor in wireless communication with a remote computer having software algorithms for calculating and reporting volume. The sensor is substantially in the form of a liquor bottle spout, and includes a means for measuring the height of the liquid in a bottle, sensing inversion of the spout, and sending the data wirelessly to a receiver. The receiver is associated with the computer, and transmits the data to the computer which calculates liquor volumes based on the changing height of the liquid in a bottle from pre-pour to post-pour status. The software extrapolates this information to produce a variety of real-time beverage consumption reports, including error reports caused by over pours, under pours, and skimming. | 07-07-2011 |
20110208349 | ELECTRONIC POINT OF SALES VENDING CONTROL APPARATUS - An electronic point of sales (EPOS) vending control apparatus for connecting different types of electronic point of sales (EPOS) systems with different types of vending machines is disclosed. The apparatus provides means for ensuring that the signals carrying control instructions for each EPOS system and vending machine connected to the control apparatus are in an appropriate format. The invention also ensures that one person is fully accountable for all vends originating from a particular EPOS system to provide one point of access and includes a verifiable audit trail. Each vend operation is recorded against a single authenticated operator. | 08-25-2011 |
20110231010 | 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. | 09-22-2011 |
20110231011 | Distributed system of electronically controlled and monitored containment systems for the management and handling of solid and liquid material. - A scalable system for monitoring a collection of electronically enabled containers which can hold solid or liquid material. Containers are built into the surface of a framework which provides electronic and software support. Containers are programmed with a time of day value for generating a notification and sending messages for handling container material at specified time intervals such as when to remove, add, mix material, for example. The system may be contained within one physical framework or spread across multiple frameworks to form a network. The invention is scalable from a single standalone device to a networked system of multiple frameworks. The invention provides improvements over existing designs by using networking technology, a database system for container and user information, a logging system for all activities and a scalable architecture. | 09-22-2011 |
20110245967 | Secure Method for Delivering Regulated Items Including Drugs to a Patient - The present invention is generally directed to a method of dispensing regulated items, particularly drugs, directly to the patient via a dispensing system, without pharmacist intervention, that reduces human error associated with dispensing regulated items wherein a manufacturer or distributor of a regulated item establishes a dispensing system in communication with a data base wherein a prescriber is registered and enters patient data such as which regulated item is prescribed for the patient, characteristics such as sex, age, height, weight, etc., any other drugs the patient is currently taking or has a prescription for, any allergies to any particular drugs, substances, components, etc., reliable data for verifying the identity of the patient, and subsequently dispensing a regulated item directly to the patient from said dispensing system without pharmacist intervention, including communicating any necessary educational or instructional information to the patient concerning the regulated item and verifying the steps to the data base. | 10-06-2011 |
20110276178 | SHEET PRODUCT DISPENSER AND METHOD OF OPERATION - A product dispenser includes a housing configured to receive a supply of product, a dispensing mechanism disposed and configured to dispense the product, and a controller operably coupled to the dispensing mechanism. The controller includes a processer responsive to executable instructions which when executed by the processor facilitates: recording of usage data associated with the product; calculation of a usage rate of the product; and, prediction of at least one of a depletion date of the product, a time to depletion of the product, a time to near-depletion of the product, and a near-depletion date of the product. | 11-10-2011 |
20110282489 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DISPENSING MEDICATION - A method for dispensing at least two medications to a patient, the method comprising the steps of: automatically dispensing at least one first medication to a patient according to a predetermined dosage level; receiving ( | 11-17-2011 |
20120004771 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DEFINING AND UTILIZING PRODUCT LOCATION IN A VENDING MACHINE - In accordance with one embodiment, a vending machine comprises a plurality of receptacles for holding units of products, each receptacle operable to hold a respective plurality of units in a series. The vending machine further comprises a dispensing mechanism operable to dispense, from each receptacle, a first unit in the respective plurality of units, the dispensing mechanism thereby being operable to dispense only a first unit from the respective series at a time. The vending machine further comprises a means for determining, for a unit, information allowing a relationship among the unit and a location of the unit in the receptacle to be determined. | 01-05-2012 |
20120109369 | TANGIBLE STORAGE MEDIA ACCESS MANAGEMENT - Apparatus, systems, and methods operate to receive a request to access a selected one of a plurality of tangible storage media held in substantially rectangular tangible storage media storage racks. Each rack has first and second opposing sides substantially parallel to a media insertion axis of the rack in a horizontal plane. Operations may include rotating a vertical spindle about its longitudinal axis, the spindle coupled to the plurality of racks with a corresponding plurality of arms having substantially equal length. Rotation provides access to grippers located to extract the selected media along the media insertion axis. A side axis coinciding with the first opposing side of a first one of the racks intersects the second opposing side of a second one of the racks, the first one of the racks being adjacent the second one of the racks. Additional embodiments are disclosed. | 05-03-2012 |
20120116579 | SECURE MEDICAMENT DISPENSING CABINET, METHOD AND SYSTEM - A medicament dispensing cabinet includes a frame, at least one controller, and a plurality of drawers each movably carried by the frame and each defining a plurality of dispensing cells. A plurality of dispensing devices is provided with each one carried by one of the dispensing cells. Each of the dispensing cells further comprises a motor for providing rotary motion to one of the removable dispensing devices in response to the controller, a sensor operating in conjunction with the controller for counting medicament dispensed from one of the removable dispensing devices, a chute for receiving medicament dispensed from one of the removable dispensing devices and a chute gate for controlling access to the chute. The cabinet may additionally comprise a chute gate release responsive to the controller for controlling the chute gate and a chute gate sensor connected to the controller and responsive to the position of the chute gate. | 05-10-2012 |
20120130534 | ACCESS CONTROLLED MEDICATION STORAGE AND INVENTORY CONTROL APPARATUS - An access controlled medication storage and inventory control cabinet includes a main body having an access controlled door for protecting a plurality of containers each configured to store medical items. The cabinet can further include an inventory control module configured to identify each of the medical items stored within the containers and report the same to a central control unit configured to interface with a user, provide access to the cabinet, and control the inventory control module. | 05-24-2012 |
20120130535 | Carpet Cleaning Machine Rental Kiosk - A self-service kiosk enables customers to conduct rental transactions for carpet cleaning machines without the need of assistance from store personnel. The kiosk comprises a housing having several stalls or bays that hold and display carpet cleaning machines and carpet cleaning accessories for rental. The kiosk controls whether such carpet cleaning machines and carpet cleaning accessories can be removed from or returned to the kiosk. The kiosk also optionally includes a control panel for conducting a rental transaction. The self-service kiosk may also include automatic dispensing of cleaning products purchased by the customer at the kiosk. Still further, the self-serve kiosk may include shelving for holding cleaning products that can be purchased separately at a checkout counter. | 05-24-2012 |
20120158172 | METHODS TO BROADCAST STATUS OF A SELF-SERVICE DISPENSING DEVICE - A method is provided to that allows for the broadcast the status of a self-service dispensing device that a user is likely or scheduled to visit. A diagnostic program may be installed on a self-service dispensing device and/or a central server. The diagnostic program monitors the health and status of the self-service dispensing device. If a problem is detected by the diagnostic program, the self-service dispensing device or the central server proactively contacts likely visitors to the device as well as creates a service call to support personnel in order to have the problem repaired. | 06-21-2012 |
20120158173 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DISPENSING A BEVERAGE - A method and system for managing the dispensing of beverages from an automatic beverage dispensing unit. The beverages may be comprised of a single or multiple ingredients, including a first plurality of liquids, a second plurality of liquids, and/or a combination of one or more first and second plurality of liquids. In addition, garnishes and sides may be included in the beverage. The beverages are dispensed according to a pouring schema. The pouring schema may be a beverage recipe and may be preprogrammed by a system manager, or alternatively, be chosen by a consumer during operation of the system. The first plurality of liquids may include liquors and the second plurality of beverages may include mixers which are mixed with the liquors to create the beverage. | 06-21-2012 |
20120191242 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FINDING AND ACCESSING A VEHICLE FUELING STATION, INCLUDING AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATION - A control system and method are provided for a station to dispense fuel to a vehicle, including an electric vehicle, without requiring dedicated access to a communications network, with the advantage that authorization for fleet vehicles or individuals can be obtained from an access management system, using a portable, wireless device, such as a smart phone or a dashboard appliance. The authorization is wirelessly relayed to the station by the wireless device, to enable the dispensing of fuel. Subsequently, a log comprising the transaction is provided to the access management system, through the same or a different wireless, mobile computing device. The log may also report status and other events, such as load shedding. | 07-26-2012 |
20120209424 | COMBINATION DISPOSAL AND DISPENSING APPARATUS AND METHOD - A medical item dispensing and disposal system includes a dispensing portion configured for dispensing a first medical item and a disposal portion coupled with the dispensing portion. The disposal portion comprises a scanner, a plurality of waste containers, and a disposal control system. The scanner is configured for scanning an identifier associated with a second medical item to be disposed within the disposal portion. Each of the plurality of waste containers is associated with at least one of a plurality of waste categories. The disposal control system is configured to: allow access to one of the plurality of waste containers based on a waste category, of the plurality of waste categories, being associated with and common to both the scanned identifier and the one waste container; and prevent access to others of the plurality of waste containers to ensure proper disposal of the second medical item within the system. | 08-16-2012 |
20120226379 | APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR DISPENSING PRODUCTS - Products are dispensed from a dispensing apparatus in which products marked with transaction information are received in a two-dimensional array of moveable bins. In response to control information synthesized from transaction information on the products in the bins and a dispense request, the array is operated to place a bin at a dispensing station on the dispensing apparatus. At the dispensing station, a mechanism is operated in response to the control information to provide access to the bin. A product in the bin may then be retrieved. | 09-06-2012 |
20120232692 | LOCAL ACCESS DELIVERY CONTROL SYSTEM - The patent disclose a multi-user local access and delivery control system which comprises at least one storage device including a plurality of controlled storage cavities and a plurality of mobile units, each comprising a plurality of lockable storage drawers and an ID information pickup device. Particular storage cavities and storage drawers are unlocked to allow a deliverer to remove items from the storage cavities and place them in the storage drawers. After being relocked, the storage drawers are unlocked only when designated receivers are identified. | 09-13-2012 |
20120239189 | Systems and Methods for Vending Machine Control Using a Digital Panel - Methods and systems are disclosed for controlling and communicating with a multi-drop bus (MDB)-compatible vending machine. A system includes a selection module for selecting an item from an MDB-compatible vending machine using a digital panel display, such as a touch screen or a display of a remote portable device. The system includes control and monitoring modules. The selection module communicates with the vending machine without requiring direct access to a manufacturer's proprietary vending machine controller (VMC) via a communication system interpreting MDB protocol information from the VMC to a computing device in order to display change system and machine status information during the purchase process, as well as providing technical access to an operator and data collection to the vendor. In another embodiment, a method confirms a digital purchase order for a selected item and forwards the purchase order to a VMC. The method confirms and communicates item delivery status. | 09-20-2012 |
20120253510 | STORAGE DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR FACILITATING MEDICATION DISPENSING AND RESTOCKING - A storage device, method, and computer program product is provided that includes a number of drawer-level display devices. Each drawer-level display device may be associated with and disposed on a particular drawer. Each drawer-level display device may be configured to present a user with medication information for a selected medication stored in the associated drawer. Thus, a user can have direct access to information required for completing a dispensing or restocking operation at the accessed drawer and does not need to refer back to the cabinet-level display device for information. The drawer-level display devices may be main drawer-level display devices, located near a leading end of each drawer, and/or secondary drawer-level display devices located at the pockets defined by the drawer. Thus, the information needed to complete a dispensing or restocking operation that is in progress can be found at the drawer-level, where the user's attention is already focused. | 10-04-2012 |
20120259456 | MEDICATION DISPENSING AND CONTROL UNIT - A medication and dispensing system tracks the medication of multiple users over time and preferably combines this information with periodic test results provided to the system. The system is designed to allow remote access electronically to authorized users whereby doctors or other medical professionals can review the data of actual medication dispensed and preliminary test results accumulated over time. Preliminary analysis of the data is conducted by the system to determine alert conditions. Such alert conditions include incorrect medication dispensing (i.e. failure to take a prescribed medication) and test results that warrant investigation. Many different types of alerts may be programmed into the software of the device. | 10-11-2012 |
20120265336 | COMBINATION DISPOSAL AND DISPENSING APPARATUS AND METHOD - In a method of dispensing and disposing medical items a first medical item is dispensed from a dispensing portion of a medical item dispensing and disposal system. An identifier is received via a scanner. The identifier is associated with a second medical item to be disposed within a disposal portion of the medical item dispensing and disposal system. Based on the identifier, a control system: allows access to one waste container of a plurality of waste containers of the medical item dispensing and disposal system; and prevents access to other waste containers of the medical item dispensing and disposal system to ensure proper disposal of the second medical item within the medical item dispensing and disposal system. | 10-18-2012 |
20120277905 | Disc dispensing device, tubular container for use in such a disc dispensing device and method of dispensing discs - Disc dispensing device for dispensing discs impregnated with antibiotics onto a culture dish. The device comprises a stationary support on which a magazine is removably mounted. The magazine holds a plurality of tubular containers each containing a stack of discs to be dispensed. A moving means moves one disc from a bottom end of a tubular container to a pick-up position. From the pick-up position a transfer means picks up said one disc and transfers it to the culture dish where it is dispensed. The removable culture dish is supported by a moveable carriage which is mounted on the stationary support. The carriage is moveable relative to the magazine from a starting position to an operating position and vice versa. Control means control the operation of the device. The plurality of tubular containers is rotatable around a magazine centre under control of the control means. | 11-01-2012 |
20120303159 | TIMED DISPENSER AND AUDIT SYSTEM - A chemical product dispenser includes one or more timing features. The chemical product may include cleaning, sanitizing, disinfecting, or other chemical products typically dispensed using a conventional spray bottle or other chemical product applicator used in the cleaning industry. The timed dispenser includes a timer and one or more indicators that are activated when one or more predetermined periods of time (such as a contact time or cure time) have elapsed. A timed dispenser audit system further monitors and analyzes use of the timed dispensers throughout one or more facilities, and may generate reports based on the analysis. | 11-29-2012 |
20120323361 | SYSTEM FOR FEEDING BANKNOTES TO A BANKNOTE TRANSPORTING UNIT WITH THE AID OF A DOCKING STATION - The invention relates to a system ( | 12-20-2012 |
20130006416 | CUSTOMER USAGE STATISTICS GATHERING WITHIN VENDING MACHINES - A vending machine is configured to collect rich customer insight information, including time-based records of the customer interaction with the vending machine during a vend transaction. Customer menu selections, brand information associated with customer payment or product selections, and promotions or displays triggering customer input are logged for analysis to provide further information regarding customer sales and promotion responses. | 01-03-2013 |
20130024022 | MEDICATION MANAGEMENT APPARATUS AND SYSTEM - The invention relates to an apparatus, system and method for managing medication. In an aspect, an adaptable pill organizer comprises of at least one or more rectangular units for containing pills. Individual units and/or rows of seven units—attach and detach from one another in order to create a custom pill organizer. The adaptable pill organizer further employs electronic capabilities which: allow user to input, store and display information on the pill organizer; provide lighting means for the device; provide various automatic and/or commanded physical responses to usage of the device such as the lighting of a unit, or the opening and closing of a unit; provide programmed alarms; communicate data messages and usage information with third party devices; and store and provide access to user medication and medication schedule information. | 01-24-2013 |
20130041501 | APPLIANCE WITH DISPENSER - An appliance having a housing including a body defining a compartment and a door attached to the body, a water supplier including a first valve actuator configured to cause water to be dispensed by the water supplier, a supply container holder configured to hold a supply container for a liquid supply, at least one user input device including a touch screen configured to enable a user to make an input to request dispensing of the liquid supply from the supply container, a supply dispenser including a second valve actuator and configured to cause the liquid supply in the supply container to be selectively dispensed from the supply container based on the input made by the user using the touch screen, and a dispensing computer configured to receive a dispense signal from the touch screen, in response to receipt of the dispense signal, cause the second valve actuator to cause the liquid supply in the supply container to be dispensed from the supply container for a first period of time to dispense an appropriate amount of liquid supply, and store data representative of the amounts of the liquid supply dispensed by the supply dispenser. | 02-14-2013 |
20130066465 | Automated device for a biologic drug distribution - The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for dispensing biologic drug compositions. The apparatus includes an automated device that can store a biologic drug under the desired conditions. When authorized, the automated device can process the stored biologic drug by performing the desired processing steps to prepare the biologic drug for administration to a patient. The automated device may include a computing system to transmit patient information to a remote location and receive authorization from a remote location. | 03-14-2013 |
20130079924 | SYSTEMS, METHODS AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR STREAMLINED MEDICATION DISPENSING - Methods, apparatuses and computer program products are provided for facilitating the expedited dispensing of medications from an automated medication storage device. In this regard, a method may cooperate with the first device to facilitate the presentation of various displays that include features to reduce number of user interactions to dispense medications safely and effectively. | 03-28-2013 |
20130079925 | Medication Management Device - A medication management device for assisting a patient with management of health information and medication as well as communicating directly with a health provider regarding compliance. The medication management device generally includes an interior accessible through an access door. The housing will generally include a touch screen display for receiving and displaying data to a patient. The interior will generally include a plurality of medication chambers for storing medications and a plurality of chamber displays for displaying the type of medication stored and various other messages. Data may be entered into the present invention through a data reader, which may be configured to read various types of data such as barcodes. A transceiver is also provided for communicatively interconnecting with mobile devices such as a cell phone or with a doctor's office. | 03-28-2013 |
20130085600 | BEVERAGE DISPENSING SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A beverage dispensing system comprises a beverage dispenser electrically coupled to a point of sale. The point of sale has an input module, a beverage selection module, and a dispensing module. The input module includes a user interface configured to receive a user identification and a beverage selection. The beverage selection module receives data from the input module that includes the beverage selection and identifies an ingredient in the beverage selection. The dispensing module receives data from one or both of the input module and the beverage selection module that includes the beverage selection and the ingredient. The dispensing module also generates a beverage dispensing instruction based at least in part on the beverage selection and the ingredient. The beverage dispenser receives data from the dispensing module that includes the beverage dispensing instruction and dispenses a beverage according to the beverage dispensing instruction. | 04-04-2013 |
20130090759 | AUTOMATIC DISPENSING SYSTEM METHOD AND APPARATUS - A vending machine includes a reservoir for holding bulk goods and multiple reconfigurable distribution path devices to release the goods to a purchaser in entertaining fashion. | 04-11-2013 |
20130103189 | MINI-BAR - Mini-bars are provided which have a containment body defining a refrigerated inner housing space for housing a plurality of products, the inner housing space being a space having controlled access communicating with a lower space, the inner space also having a product falling plane. Such mini-bars also may have electronic or electromechanical selection devices, a plurality of actuators, and an electronic control and management unit to track and record usage for both billing and refilling purposes. | 04-25-2013 |
20130110283 | PILL DISPENSER | 05-02-2013 |
20130116818 | Pill Dispensing Assembly - A pill dispensing assembly for dispensing a pill from a pill bottle includes a first layer having a pill exit passage. A second layer is operatively connected to the first layer, and includes a pill entry passage horizontally offset from the exit passage. A pill dispensing layer is positioned between the first and second layers, is movable with respect to the first and second layers, and includes a holding chamber sized to receive the pill. The holding chamber is horizontally movable from a first loading position in which the holding chamber is aligned with the entry passage and is horizontally offset from the exit passage to receive the pill, to a second dispensing position in which the holding chamber is aligned with the exit passage and is horizontally offset from the entry passage to dispense the pill through the exit passage. Pill dispensing may be timed or time monitored. | 05-09-2013 |
20130123974 | COMBINED PHARMACEUTICAL PACKAGER AND PREPACKAGED PHARMACEUTICAL SYSTEM - A medication dispenser and organization assembly includes a cabinet housing having at least first and second openings and first and second storage units for selectively storing at least one of a prepackaged oral solid medication and a non-oral solid medication. The first and second storage units are removably received within either one of the first and second openings in the cabinet housing and are selectively locked within the cabinet housing by first and second locking mechanisms. The assembly further includes a computing device configured to receive input selecting at least one medication to be dispensed and configured to output a first signal in response to the input. A controller is operably coupled to the first and second storage units and is configured to receive the first signal from the computing device and output a second signal to unlock at least one of the first and second storage units. | 05-16-2013 |
20130123975 | DELIVERY UNIT FOR AN APPLICATION SYSTEM - Delivery unit for an application system for an industrial application of an adhesive and/or sealant comprising a line system for the adhesive and/or sealant and an input suitable for the connection of a storage container to the delivery unit and an output suitable for the connection of a dispensing means to dispense the adhesive and/or sealant and a feed pump and a measuring unit to collect data especially about the amount of fed adhesive and/or sealant and an interface to tap the data collected by the measuring unit. | 05-16-2013 |
20130131863 | ARTICLE DISPENSING MACHINE AND METHOD FOR AUDITING INVENTORY WHILE ARTICLE DISPENSING MACHINE REMAINS OPERATIONAL - An article dispensing machine capable of performing an inventory audit of a portion of the inventory and automatically pausing the inventory audit in response to a customer transaction request and method for performing the same are shown. After completing the customer request, the article dispensing machine resumes the inventory auditing process. The article dispensing machine thereby remains available for customer use during the inventory auditing process. | 05-23-2013 |
20130144432 | METHOD FOR AUTOMATED PLANOGRAM PROGRAMMING IN A VENDING MACHINE - Automatic planogram programming for a glass front snack or cold drink vending machine is accomplished using tray, product and price barcodes, each preferably a different type of barcode. Trays within the vending machine are labeled with unique barcodes, and a set of price barcodes for predetermined prices is provided together with a USB-connected scanner. The barcode label affixed to any tray is scanned by the route driver. The UPC/EAN barcodes on products are then scanned for each selection progressing across the tray, together with a price barcode for the first selection and each subsequent selection having a different price from the prior selection on the tray. Planogram data for the tray may be reviewed and corrected on a customer interface display for the vending machine before moving on to another tray, with the trays programmed in any order. The planogram for the entire vending machine is quickly and accurately programmed. | 06-06-2013 |
20130144433 | DISPENSING AND DISPLAY SYSTEM - A system for controlling advancement of and access to product and for generating data associated with such advancement and access. Systems of this invention include a pusher system having a track, a pusher, and mechanisms for generating data relating to the movement of the pusher. Certain embodiments of the invention include a door assembly, which controls consumer access to product located behind the door assembly, a stop for limiting the forward progression of the pusher along the track, and mechanisms for generating data relating to when and/or for how long the door assembly is open. | 06-06-2013 |
20130166066 | METHODS FOR POINT OF USE MEDICATION CONTROL - Methods for controlling the dispensing of medication are provided. The method can include holding at least one medication within a dispenser and alerting a patient that a dose of medication is to be taken or an optional dose of medication is available to be taken. Once the patient is present for receiving a does of medication, the identification of the patient can be confirmed. Upon confirmation of the identification, a dose of medication for the patient can then be dispensed and removal of medication from dispenser can be confirmed. The method can also include providing a location determination device with the dispenser to permit locating the dispenser. | 06-27-2013 |
20130184858 | AUTOMATED PAPER CONSUMPTION TRACKING AND AUDITING - An apparatus and computer program product for managing paper consumption. Responsive to dispensing a first amount of paper from a set of paper dispensers in which the first amount of paper is dispensed for an account, the set of paper dispensers updates the account based on the first amount of paper dispensed. Responsive to receiving a second amount of paper at a set of paper disposers in which the second amount of paper is received for the account, the set of disposers updates the account based on the second amount of paper received. | 07-18-2013 |
20130211584 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SINGLE UNIT ACCESS DISPLAY - A product display apparatus including a product supply module that includes a support frame and defines a storage area. A door assembly coupled to the support frame is structured to provide bulk access to the storage area in an open position and prevent bulk access to the storage area in the closed position. A return area is defined between the support frame and the top of the door assembly while a retrieval area is defined between the support frame and the bottom of the door assembly. A modular display portion is coupled to the door assembly that extends into the retrieval area to define a single unit retrieval opening. A load block member may be disposed in the retrieval area to permit retrieval of a product, but inhibit return of a product. A retrieval detector may be configured to detect when a product has been withdrawn through the retrieval area and generate an alert upon detection of rapid product removal. | 08-15-2013 |
20130245820 | GENERATING A SINGLE AUDIT FILE FROM MULTIPLE SOURCES - A vending machine audit system includes a vending machine including a vending machine controller configured to generate device data representative of the operations of the vending machine. At least one peripheral device is operatively coupled to the vending machine and is configured to generate device data representative of the operations of the peripheral device. An audit module includes a data storage component and is operatively coupled to the vending machine controller and the at least one peripheral device. The audit module is configured to receive device data from each of the vending machine controller and the at least one peripheral device and to perform a merging operation to generate a single merged audit data record representative of the operations of the vending machine and the at least one peripheral device. | 09-19-2013 |
20130253700 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ONSITE DISTRIBUTION OF MEDICATIONS AND MEDICAL SUPPLIES - Secure access distribution machines and methods for distributing a plurality of medical items to an authorized user. The distribution machine includes a housing enclosing a plurality of bins for storing medical items mounted on carousels. Once the distribution machine has been provided with user identification data, patient identification data, and an item selection, the plurality of carousels is actuated to move a bin holding a selected medical item to a location behind an access door in the housing. The user can then reach into the housing to manually retrieve and then verify the removal of the selected medical item. Only one access door into the housing is opened at any time, thereby preventing unauthorized removal of medical items stored in any other bins within the housing. | 09-26-2013 |
20130274917 | VENDING MACHINE AND METHODS FOR VENDING ITEMS - A vending machine for use in a vehicle includes: a vending housing operable to dispense at least one of a plurality of items stored within the vending housing; a display screen; and a processor coupled to the display screen and the vending housing. A vending computer program is configured to execute on the processor. The vending computer program, when executing, displays a selection of items on the display screen that can be purchased and dispensed from the vending housing and receives an identification of at least one item to be purchased. The program then receives a payment indicator indicating that payment has been received for the at least one item and controlling the vending machine to dispense that at least one item for which payment has been received. The vending machine is compact enough to be placed into a vehicle such as a taxi cab. | 10-17-2013 |
20130282170 | AUTOMATIC PILL DISPENSER - A pill dispensing device includes a base with a top surface and a bottom surface, a transfer tray assembly coupled to the top surface of the base, a controller, and a plurality of vibrating tray assemblies. Each vibrating tray assembly couples to the top surface of the base and includes a pill tray, at least one spring support, a pill tray electric motor, and at least one optical sensor. The pill tray has an open end which is positioned above the transfer tray assembly. The at least one spring support is coupled between the top surface of the base and the pill tray. The pill tray electric motor couples to the pill tray and an offset weight. Each pill tray electric motor electrically couples to the controller. An optical sensor couples to the pill tray. | 10-24-2013 |
20130282171 | MEDICINE STORAGE APPARATUS - There is provided medicine storage apparatus. The apparatus may include a medicine storage case including a plurality of cells storing medicines therein, a door installed on a top surface of each of the cells and being opened and closed, a door opening/closing unit opening and closing the door, and a memory chip storing identification information for each of the cells while being initially manufactured and information of the medicines stored in each of the cells, and a medicine storage case mounting unit, on which the medicine storage case is mounted to be detachable, including a control unit controlling the door opening/closing unit to open the door provided in each of the cells. | 10-24-2013 |
20130297067 | Electronically Controlled and Monitored Enclosure to Dispense Product Packages - A device for storing and dispensing tobacco products includes a housing configured to store tobacco product packages, a tracking system, and an electronic system. The housing may contain a plurality of chambers, each configured to store a different brand of tobacco product packages. The tracking system is configured to track the number of tobacco product packages in each chamber as tobacco product packages are dispensed from the chambers and to include one or more light emitting elements and one or more light detection elements. The electronic system is configured to enable dispensing of the tobacco product packages from the chambers and to store information related to the dispensing of the packages from the chambers. | 11-07-2013 |
20130317645 | 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. | 11-28-2013 |
20130325170 | PHARMACY AUTOMATION OPTIMIZATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A method of assessing the productivity of a pharmacy includes: (a) recording information regarding the identity and quantity of each pharmaceutical being automatically dispensed with an automated prescription monitoring unit; (b) with an overall pharmacy prescription monitoring unit, recording information regarding (i) dispensing of pharmaceuticals dispensed from the automated pharmacy machine and (ii) manual dispensing of pharmaceuticals; (c) identifying in step (a) low performing pharmaceuticals; (d) identifying in step (b) high performing pharmaceuticals dispensed manually as candidates for automated dispensing; (e) comparing low performing pharmaceuticals of step (c) with high performing pharmaceuticals of step (d) to determine whether replacement is recommended; (f) confirming whether high performing pharmaceuticals identified in step (d) are capable of automated dispensing; and (g) replacing in the automated pharmacy machine a low performing pharmaceutical identified in step (c) with a high performing pharmaceutical identified in step (d). | 12-05-2013 |
20130325171 | APPLIANCE WITH DISPENSER - An appliance having a housing including a body defining a compartment and a door attached to the body, a water supplier including a first valve actuator configured to cause water to be dispensed by the water supplier, a supply container holder configured to hold a supply container for a liquid supply, at least one user input device including a touch screen configured to enable a user to make an input to request dispensing of the liquid supply from the supply container, a supply dispenser including a second valve actuator and configured to cause the liquid supply in the supply container to be selectively dispensed from the supply container based on the input made by the user using the touch screen, and a dispensing computer configured to receive a dispense signal from the touch screen, in response to receipt of the dispense signal, cause the second valve actuator to cause the liquid supply in the supply container to be dispensed from the supply container for a first period of time to dispense an appropriate amount of liquid supply, and store data representative of the amounts of the liquid supply dispensed by the supply dispenser. | 12-05-2013 |
20130325172 | APPLIANCE HAVING A USER INTERFACE PANEL AND A BEVERAGE DISPENSER - An appliance including a housing, a dispenser, and a water supply mechanism. The appliance includes a drink supply mechanism configured to removably hold a plurality of drink supply containers, a user interface panel, and a computer. The computer is configured to: cause the user interface panel to display a plurality of different images, each image associated with a different one of a plurality of different beverages which correspond to a drink supply in at least one of the plurality of drink supply containers held by the drink supply mechanism, enable the user interface panel to receive an input from a user of a selected one of the plurality of different displayed images, and after receiving the input from the user of the selected one of the plurality of different displayed images, cause the dispenser to dispense the beverage corresponding to the selected image. | 12-05-2013 |
20130325173 | APPLIANCE HAVING A USER INTERFACE PANEL AND A BEVERAGE DISPENSER - An appliance including a housing, a dispenser, and a water supply mechanism. The appliance includes a drink supply mechanism configured to removably hold a plurality of drink supply containers, a user interface panel, and a computer. The computer is configured to: cause the user interface panel to display a plurality of different images, each image associated with a different one of a plurality of different beverages which correspond to a drink supply in at least one of the plurality of drink supply containers held by the drink supply mechanism, enable the user interface panel to receive an input from a user of a selected one of the plurality of different displayed images, and after receiving the input from the user of the selected one of the plurality of different displayed images, cause the dispenser to dispense the beverage corresponding to the selected image. | 12-05-2013 |
20130325174 | APPLIANCE HAVING A USER INTERFACE PANEL AND A BEVERAGE DISPENSER - An appliance including a housing, a dispenser, and a water supply mechanism. The appliance includes a drink supply mechanism configured to removably hold a plurality of drink supply containers, a user interface panel, and a computer. The computer is configured to: cause the user interface panel to display a plurality of different images, each image associated with a different one of a plurality of different beverages which correspond to a drink supply in at least one of the plurality of drink supply containers held by the drink supply mechanism, enable the user interface panel to receive an input from a user of a selected one of the plurality of different displayed images, and after receiving the input from the user of the selected one of the plurality of different displayed images, cause the dispenser to dispense the beverage corresponding to the selected image. | 12-05-2013 |
20130331983 | Medication Administering Apparatus - A method of administering medication. Medication is stored in a plurality of drawers wherein each of the plurality of drawers includes a drawer electrical connector, a medication conveyor, and a non-volatile read/write memory to store data about the drawer. A drawer of the plurality of drawers is inserted into a receptacle of a housing, wherein the receptacle is one of a plurality of receptacles, and the housing also includes a plurality of housing electrical connectors corresponding to the plurality of receptacles, wherein one of the housing electrical connectors is coupled to the electrical connector of the drawer when the drawer is inserted in the receptacle. Data is selectively transmitted from among non-volatile read/write memory of the plurality of drawers to a computer in communication with the plurality of housing electrical connectors, wherein when the drawer is inserted into the receptacle such that the drawer and housing electrical connectors are operatively engaged, the memory of the inserted drawer is triggered to transmit data stored therein to the computer. | 12-12-2013 |
20140005825 | METHODS, APPARATUSES AND SYSTEM FOR OBTAINMENT AND/OR USE OF GOODS AND/OR SERVICES IN CONTROLLED WAY | 01-02-2014 |
20140046481 | Inventory system and method for the prevention of scratch-off lottery ticket theft - A system for monitoring inventory for scratch-off lottery tickets to simplify tracking inventory and aid in theft prevention. A computing device communicates with lockable metal ticket dispensers to maintain real-time inventory of product and display product inventory on the product dispensers. Dispensers log ticket inventory information and the identity of users associated with ticket dispensing. | 02-13-2014 |
20140046482 | CABINET SYSTEM - A cabinet system for securely storing items includes a cabinet housing, a controller, and at least one drawer unit. The cabinet housing has a locking mechanism, and the controller is in communication with the cabinet housing and configured to operate the locking mechanism. The drawer unit is designed to be releasably locked at least partially within the cabinet housing by the locking mechanism, and slidable within a portion of the cabinet housing when released by the locking mechanism. The drawer unit includes at least one storage compartment, a cover, memory, and a power source. The storage compartment is configured to store at least one item therein. The cover is movable to an open configuration and a closed configuration. When the cover is in the closed configuration, the cover limits access to the item of the storage compartment. The memory is powered by the power source and is configured to store data associated with a movement of the cover. | 02-13-2014 |
20140067113 | PRODUCT DISPENSER, SYSTEM, AND METHOD OF OPERATION - A product dispenser includes a housing configured to receive a supply of product, a dispensing mechanism disposed and configured to dispense the product, and a controller operably coupled to the dispensing mechanism. The controller includes a processer responsive to executable instructions which when executed by the processor facilitates: recording of usage data associated with the product; calculation of a usage rate of the product; and, prediction of at least one of a depletion date of the product, a time to depletion of the product, a time to near-depletion of the product, and a near-depletion date of the product. | 03-06-2014 |
20140100692 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO PROCESS TRANSACTIONS AT RETAIL FUELING STATIONS USING A MOBILE DEVICE - A method of processing a transaction includes receiving a site location code. Site configuration information corresponding to the received site location code is received from a database. That information includes more product record(s), each corresponding to a reservable product or a non-reservable product. A selection of one or more of the product records in the retrieved information is received. If any selected product record corresponds to a reservable product, a reservation command is produced. That command requests reservation of selected reservable product(s). A method of selecting a product includes receiving a location input and determining a site location code with it. The site location code is transmitted and one or more product records are received. Representations of one or more of the received product records are presented and a selection of products is received. An indication of the selection is transmitted. | 04-10-2014 |
20140107836 | AUTOMATED BANKING MACHINE THAT CAN DETECT SERVICING ACTIONS - In an example embodiment, an automated banking machine can cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records. The machine includes a card reader that can read from user cards, card data which corresponds to financial accounts. The machine can operate responsive to the read card data to carry out transactions that transfer and/or allocate funds between accounts. The machine can provide users a transaction receipt. The machine includes a cash dispenser that can dispense cash to authorized users. Value of dispensed cash can be assessed to an account which corresponds to the read card data. The machine is equipped with sensing devices strategically positioned adjacent to machine components. The sensing devices enable the machine to automatically detect servicing activities performed on the machine. The machine is operable to send information corresponding to detected service activity to a service data-collecting computer. | 04-17-2014 |
20140114471 | MEDICINE-TAKING MANAGEMENT APPARATUS - Provided is a medicine-taking management apparatus. The medicine-taking management apparatus includes a preservation unit for preserving a chartula package, a transfer unit including at least one roll for transferring the preserved chartula package, a cutting unit for cutting a chartula of the transferred chartula package, a dispensing hole through which the cut chartula is dispensed from the chartula package to the outside, a storage unit providing a space in which the cut chartula is stored therein, and a path selection unit for controlling a path so that the cut chartula travels to one of the dispensing hole and the storage unit. Even though the medicine is not taken at a fixed medicine-taking time when the medicine-taking time is fixed, the follow-up medicine-taking management may be enabled without separately managing the corresponding chartula by the user. | 04-24-2014 |
20140121829 | VEHICLE BATTERY POINT OF SALE SYSTEM AND METHOD - A point of sale battery distribution system includes a cabinet in which batteries may be stored, a user interface for facilitating selection and purchase of batteries, and doors which may be secured and freed to be opened based upon purchase transactions. Batteries stored in the cabinet may be charged by a charging system until purchase. The charging system may provide one or more charging voltages and regimes, and output of the charging system may be disabled by a control system when a door is open or freed to be open. An inventory management system may detect batteries stored in the cabinet and convey inventory information to remote systems for replenishment of the cabinet based upon purchases. | 05-01-2014 |
20140121830 | TIME ANALYSIS OF A BANKING SYSTEM - A banking system that utilizes metrics in acquiring and processing event data related to financial transaction activity at a plurality of automated banking machines. Automated banking machine include sensors able to detect event data during a transaction. The event data can include transaction data related to the type of transaction, time analysis data related to duration of the transaction, and operational data related to machine components used in carrying out the transaction. The event data for automated banking machines can be obtained, analyzed, and stored. Statistical averages associated with the banking system machines can be determined in real time. The averages allow a respective machine to be compared to other machines with respect to operational efficiency. An alert can be issued concerning a statistical anomaly regarding the respective machine. | 05-01-2014 |
20140135979 | MONEY HANDLING SYSTEM - A money handling system includes a money handling machine that has a money storage unit for storing money, and a money recycling unit for temporarily storing money taken from the exterior of the money handling machine after the money is recognized. The money recycling unit is adapted to feed the money temporarily stored therein to the money storage unit and/or to dispense the temporarily stored money to the exterior of the money handling machine. A wrapped-coin dispensing unit for storing wrapped coins and for dispensing the wrapped coins to the exterior of the money handling machine is also provided. Finally, a central control unit communicates with various components of the money handing machine, while being isolated therefrom. | 05-15-2014 |
20140148945 | PHARMACEUTICAL DISPENSING SYSTEMS, METHODS AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCTS FOR DETERMINING AND DISPLAYING REPLENISHMENT INFORMATION - A pharmaceutical dispensing system includes a frame having first and second opposed sides, a plurality of cells configured to house pharmaceutical pills, and a display on the frame first side. A plurality of dispensing shelves configured to receive filled pill containers are accessible from the second side of the frame for removal of pill containers therein. 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 display. The cell inventory GUI includes a GUI control that is responsive to user activation for displaying replenishment information about one or more of the cells. The computer program is configured to determine a replenish point and replenish quantity for each cell and is configured to adjust the replenish quantity for each cell according to a stock-out risk. | 05-29-2014 |
20140148946 | SALES KIOSK - This disclosure is directed to a smart sales kiosk, a smart kiosk system and a process for dispensing or ordering one or more target products or samples of the target products. This disclosure is further directed to a kiosk system having a plurality of the sales kiosks connected via wired or wireless connections. The sales kiosks can be particularly useful for dispensing samples of sales products, such as furniture, typically not suitable to dispense at the sales location; or customized products that need to be customized. The sales kiosk can further be useful for ordering sales products. The sale kiosks can provide advantages for seeing and experiencing the sales products even the sale products cannot be directly displayed or dispensed. The kiosk can be modular and can comprise one or more modules. The kiosk can comprise a dispense ID identifier to identify each of said storage devices based on a storage device ID affixed to each of said storage devices, each of said stored products based on a dispense package ID affixed to said stored products, or a combination thereof. The kiosk can further have the capability of facial identification and link the facial image to user data. | 05-29-2014 |
20140156064 | TECHNIQUES TO DELIVER MULTIPLE MEDICATIONS IN A SYNCHRONIZED MANNER - Techniques to deliver multiple medications in a synchronized manner are described. A synchronization engine operative on a processor component may receive a prescription order for a period of days comprised of multiple prescriptions for a single patient. Each prescription may be representative of a medication and include prescription data. The prescriptions may be synchronized to conform to the period of days. A customization engine operative on the processor component may determine a master hours of administration (HOA) schedule for all of the prescriptions in the prescription order over the period of days. The medications may be placed into the appropriate pouches of a single customized package based on the master HOA schedule. The single customized package houses all of the medications for all of the prescriptions and may include one or more pouches for each day in the period. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 06-05-2014 |
20140180474 | "Method for distribution, vending and replacement of goods through automatic vending machines installed on board of vehicles of public transportation (VT); automatic vending machines and equipment for installation of automatic vending machines on vehicles public transportation". - An operating method for vending of goods in automatic vending machines developed to be placed on board of vehicles of public transportation, such as city buses or long distance buses, subway cars, trains, vessels, places and any locations of human busy movement; the replacement of machines or goods through a method for managing the vending including the storage logistics and distribution of goods, and a method for installing and uninstalling the machines of public transportation. | 06-26-2014 |
20140214199 | VARIABLE DOSE DISPENSING SYSTEM - A variable dose dispensing system may include a processor and memory. The processor may receive a request for a variable dose order of a medication, such as from a user. The processor may request an amount of the medication to be administered, and receive, in response to the request, an indication of the amount to be administered. The processor may verify that the amount to be administered is within a range of the variable dose order. The processor may determine an item in a local inventory that contains at least the amount of the medication to be administered, and may dispense the item. If an amount of the dispensed item exceeds the amount to be administered, such as by a waste amount, the processor may display an indication of the waste amount to the user, and may transmit a notification of the waste amount, such as to a management server. | 07-31-2014 |
20140236349 | MEDICATION DISPENSING APPARATUS FOR PREVENTING MEDICATION DISPENSING ERROR - A medication dispensing apparatus for preventing a medication dispensing error is provided. The medication dispensing apparatus includes: a communication unit configured to communicate with a manager server; a medication collecting unit configured to contain capsules or tablets for one dose which are discharged from cartridges; a medication image acquiring unit configured to acquire an image of the capsules or tablets contained in the medication collecting unit; and a control unit configured to comprise a dispensing information delivery unit to transmit to the manager server the medication information acquired by the medication image acquiring unit, and a dispensing control unit to continue a medication dispensing process or control capsules or tablets to be re-dispensed according to a user's dispensing control instruction received from the manager server. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a medication dispensing error. | 08-21-2014 |
20140288700 | Systems and Methods for Dispensing Consumable Products - Embodiments of the invention can include systems and methods for dispensing consumable products. One embodiment of the invention can provide a product dispenser. The product dispenser can include an ingredient matrix operable to receive a plurality of product ingredients. In addition, the product dispenser can include a controller in communication with the ingredient matrix, and operable to execute a set of instructions to receive product data associated with the plurality of product ingredients. Moreover, the controller can further comprise a set of instructions to track usage of the plurality of product ingredients when at least one product is dispensed. Furthermore, the controller can further comprise a set of instructions to update the product data during or after dispensing of a product or installation of one or more product ingredients in the ingredient matrix. | 09-25-2014 |
20140288701 | PRODUCT INVENTORY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD - A product inventory management system includes at least one product cabinet in communication with a server. The at least one product cabinet is configured to store one or more product units each configured with a corresponding one or more RFID tags, and monitor an inventory of the one or more product units by wirelessly detecting the one or more RFID tags. The server is configured to receive product inventory information associated with the one or more product units from the at least one product cabinet, store the product inventory information, and transmit the product inventory information to a network node associated with at least one vested entity associated with the one or more product units. | 09-25-2014 |
20140309771 | Secure Medicament Dispensing Cabinet, Method and System - A medicament dispensing cabinet is comprised of a frame, at least one controller, and a plurality of drawers each movably carried by the frame and each defining a plurality of dispensing cells. A plurality of removable dispensing devices is provided with each one carried by one of the dispensing cells. Each of the dispensing cells further comprises a motor for providing rotary motion to one of the removable dispensing devices in response to the controller, a sensor operating in conjunction with the controller for counting medicament dispensed from one of the removable dispensing devices, a chute for receiving medicament dispensed from one of the removable dispensing devices and a chute gate for controlling access to the chute. The cabinet may additionally comprise a chute gate release responsive to the controller for controlling the chute gate and a chute gate sensor connected to the controller and responsive to the position of the chute gate. The cabinet may be used in conjunction with a number of processes including dispensing, secure-pickup (insuring the person picking up the dispensed medicament is authorized to do so), back-end verification (verifying the identity of the person picking up the dispensed medicament), a process for removing a dispensing device from a drawer, and a process for inserting a dispensing device into a drawer. | 10-16-2014 |
20140316561 | VENDING KIT AND METHOD - One variation of a method for controlling access to products from a vending machine includes: locking a door of the vending machine; recording an initial inventory of products arranged within the vending machine based on signals received by a radio antenna arranged within the vending machine and read by a radio frequency identification reader; initiating a transaction in response to receiving a cashless payment mechanism from a patron; unlocking the door in response to authentication of the cashless payment mechanism; in response to closure of the door, recording a final inventory of products within the vending machine based on signals received by the radio antenna and read by the radio frequency identification reader; and initiating a payment with the cashless payment mechanism for a difference between the initial inventory and the final inventory to complete the transaction. | 10-23-2014 |
20140343726 | Machine for Selling Precious Metals and Method of Use Thereof - A machine is used for selling precious metals. The precious metals include gold, silver and the like. The precious metals could be either in a form of bullion coin or a bullion coin embedded into a plastic card for the purpose of protection. The machine contains a shell, a frame, a payment validation system, a display panel, a selection panel, a storage system, a dispensing system, a controller, a stock checking system and a security system. The machine is capable of selling gold and silver bullion coins at selling prices that are directly linked to the real time gold and silver prices traded on the commodity market. Such prices can be remotely updated via a wired or wireless connection. The security system protects the machine and functions as deterrence to potential robbers. | 11-20-2014 |
20140350720 | HOME MEDICATION MANAGER - A portable self medication management system and method comprising at least a plurality of receptacles, a scanner, a display screen, a housing for a compact electronic box, a compact electronic box and a processor to acquire medication information from a medication container, determine whether the medication information exists in a first database, if the medication information does not exist in the first database, associate the medication information with a location information comprising a receptacle and store the medication information and the location information in the first database, indicate the location information, and confirm placement of the medication container in the associated receptacle, notify a user to administer the medication held in the medication container, and request the user to scan the medication container of the notified medication, detect retrieval of an incorrect medication container from the plurality of receptacles, and issue a warning of the detection, and provide instructions for administering the medication. | 11-27-2014 |
20140371904 | APPARATUS FOR DISPENSING MEDICINE, VITAMINS AND/OR SAMPLES - An apparatus for distributing medicines, vitamins and/or samples, including an organizer and dispensing units for medicines, vitamins and/or samples. The organizer includes seats in which to place the dispensing units. The apparatus includes an identification device connected to a data processing device and containing dispensing data on medicines, vitamins and/or samples, including detecting members controlled to a detecting state by detecting signals generated on the basis of dispensing data in the data processing device. The identification device is configured to be brought in connection with the organizer so that at least some of the detecting members are aligned with at least some of the seats of the organizer, wherein at least those dispensing units, which are aligned with at least one detecting member, can be identified by means of detecting signals generated on the basis of dispensing data in the data processing device. | 12-18-2014 |
20140379123 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VENDING PRODUCTS - A vending machine comprising two or more compartmentalized storage units (CSUs), each comprising a compartment array configured for accommodating items in different compartments of the grid. The items are independently accessible; a retrieval system configured for accessing the compartments to retrieve an item and providing it to a desired location within the vending machine, other than its respective compartment; a controller associated with an items map indicative of the content and location of the items within the compartment array of the CSU. The controller is configured for operating the retrieval system to access an item based on the items map; The controller is further configured for receive an indication of the location of an first empty compartment, which contains no item therein, in a first CSU, to transfer a first item from a second compartment of a second CSU to the first empty compartment; and to update the items map to indicate that the second compartment is empty and that the first item is located at the first compartment. | 12-25-2014 |
20150012130 | MEDICAL PRODUCT DISPENSING SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Methods and systems for transferring restricted distribution medical products to an over-the-counter general sales environment are provided. Methods and systems of dispensing non-prescription, behind-the-counter medical products from a vending machine in a general sales location are also provided. In some embodiments, methods and systems are provided for dispensing a medical product from a vending machine in a general sales location based, at least in part, on biometric data collected from the purchaser and, in some instances, based on self-selection and/or de-selection criteria, is provided. Further, methods and systems of switching prescription medical products to non-prescription, over-the-counter medical products are provided. | 01-08-2015 |
20150012131 | MEDICATION DISPENSING AND CONTROL UNIT - A medication and dispensing system tracks the medication of multiple users over time and preferably combines this information with periodic test results provided to the system. The system is designed to allow remote access electronically to authorized users whereby doctors or other medical professionals can review the data of actual medication dispensed and preliminary test results accumulated over time. Preliminary analysis of the data is conducted by the system to identify a predetermined medical alert condition. Upon determination of the predetermined medical alert condition, the dispensing system dispenses or makes available for dispensing an alert response medication. | 01-08-2015 |
20150025680 | VENDING MACHINE - A vending machine is disclosed. The vending machine may include a main body, a pathway, a shaft having a circular surface and a receiving space, a selection button, a sliding path, an opening, a plurality of merchandises and a payment managing system, wherein one or more merchandises are disposed in each pathway and the merchandises are supported by the circular surface of the shaft, wherein when the merchandise is selected and payment has been processed by the payment managing system, the shaft starts to rotate and the selected merchandise is received in the receiving space during the rotation of the shaft and dispensed to the sliding path and opening. | 01-22-2015 |
20150045945 | System and Method for Securely Transporting an Item - A system. The system includes an apparatus and a server. The apparatus is configured for securely transporting an item from a first location to a second location, and includes a mobile robot and a cart. The cart is coupled to the mobile robot and includes at least one secure storage area. The server is communicably connected to the apparatus and includes a module. The module is configured to maintain a chain of custody record for the item. | 02-12-2015 |
20150045946 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPTIMIZED REDEMPTION OF CREDITS IN A VARIABLE VALUE TRANSACTION - A system and method of optimizing the redemption of credits in a variable value transaction are disclosed. The variable value transaction may involve a piece of media content and include an initial balance and a remaining balance. The initial balance and the remaining balance may be dependent on the piece of media content and when the variable value transaction is completed. The remaining balance may not be known until the variable value transaction is completed. Credits may be assigned an order of availability for redemption based on credit redemption criteria such as a redemption priority, a product value, an expiration date, and/or a redemption value. The credits with a higher order of availability may be redeemed prior to credits with a lower order of availability. | 02-12-2015 |
20150057796 | Snack and Food Dispenser for Commercial Aircraft Use - Embodiments of the present invention provide snack and food dispensers on passenger transport vehicles, particularly aircraft, that will ensure fair distribution of self-serve snacks provided between meals and/or during flight in an organized, systematic, safe, and sanitary manner as well as allow a more accessible means for buying “Food for Purchase” items with less crew dependence for serving. | 02-26-2015 |
20150066207 | HAND TOWEL DISPENSER HAVING MEANS FOR DATA CAPTURE AND TRANSMISSION - A hand towel dispenser capable of data capture and transmission. The hand towel dispenser includes a reel shell for holding a hand towel roll that includes fresh dispenser material, a rotatably held reel that takes up used dispenser material, a measuring apparatus for capturing measured values that represent the quantity of used dispenser material, and a radio module that is connected to the measuring apparatus to receive the measured values captured by the measuring apparatus. The radio module is designed to transmit radio signals, each of which contains at least one measured value. The measuring apparatus incoudes at least one first sensor for capturing the quantity of used dispenser material. And, the sensor is connected to the radio module. | 03-05-2015 |
20150088305 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR COMMUNICATING WITH VENDING MACHINE - Invented method comprises data detection by watching communication between vending machine and its payment system in unified manner, without intervention in this communication, and automated downloading this data; transmitting downloaded data via wireless network by invented device's modem/external peripheral device's resource; analyzing this data by determining events and one-time events and generating states by unifying the meaning of communication between vending machine and its payment systems performed according to multitude of standard communication protocols; extracting from analyzed data of information about technical condition of vending machine/payment systems, about operating regime of vending machine, about sales made by vending machine and revenues in its payment systems; remote control on basis of analyzed data and optional discontinuation/restoration of vending machine operation by invented device at request by external peripheral device connected to vending machine. The data is tracked or monitored and the diagnosis at the vending machine is transferred. | 03-26-2015 |
20150088306 | INVENTORY MONITORING SYSTEM - An inventory monitoring system. The inventory monitoring system includes a cabinet. The cabinet is configured to store the item and is in electronic communication with a terminal. The cabinet dispenses an item in response to the sale and records the removal of the item. The inventory monitoring system also includes a terminal, wherein the terminal is configured to allow a user to enter a sale of an item. | 03-26-2015 |
20150105902 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REDEMPTION OF CREDITS IN A VARIABLE VALUE TRANSACTION - A system and method of predicatively accruing a credit in a variable value transaction are provided. The variable value transaction may involve a piece of media content and include an initial balance and a remaining balance. The initial balance and the remaining balance may be dependent on the piece of media content and when the variable value transaction is completed. Credits may be accrued for a predicted redemption of the credit for the remaining balance, depending on the availability and applicability of the credits. A payment card may also be processed for some or all of the remaining balance. The remaining balance may not be known until the variable value transaction is completed. A pending revenue amount may be determined based on the accrual of the credits. | 04-16-2015 |
20150302177 | DRUG DISPENSING SYSTEM - In a drug dispensing system, data about the medication of a patient is received and used for generating drug dose data. The drug dose data includes data on the drug dose to be administered at a time. Drug balances can be maintained on the basis of the drug dose data. The drug storage of the hospital can be controlled by maintaining drug balances of a first drug storage in a computerized storage control system, and by updating the drug balances of the first drug storage on the basis of a drug delivery from the first drug storage to a second drug storage, and also by maintaining the drug balances of this second drug storage and by updating the drug balances of the second drug storage on the basis of both the drug delivery and the dispensing of the drug from the second drug storage. | 10-22-2015 |
20150310695 | FOOD PRINTING CUSTOMER LOYALTY SUBSTRATE STRUCTURE INGESTIBLE MATERIAL PREPARATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A computationally implemented system and method that is designed to, but is not limited to: electronically directing control of at least partial dispensing of the one or more selected ingestible products subsequent to and based at least in part upon the selection of the at least one candidate ingestible product as the at least one selected ingestible product via the electronically enabled input in response to the electronically outputted one or more selection menus and prior to dispensing of the one or more selected ingestible products for ingestion by the particular individual living being of the selected ingestible products, the at least partial dispensing of the one or more selected ingestible products occurring within a vicinity of the electronically outputting of the electronically outputted one or more selection menus. In addition, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure. | 10-29-2015 |
20150317455 | HOME MEDICATION MANAGER - A portable self medication management system and method of provided. For example, the system may include a removable tote and docking station. The removable tote including a plurality of receptacles, communicating section for transferring data to and from a docking station and a power reception station for receiving power from the docking station. The docking station including a scanner, a display screen, a controller, a storage device, communicating sections for transmitting data to the removable tote and other external devices and a power transmitting section for transferring power to the removable tote. | 11-05-2015 |
20150347713 | INTERACTIVE ADHERENCE DRUG DISPENSING AND COMMUNICATIONS PLATFORM - Technologies are generally described for providing a pill dispensing device with adherence monitoring and alerting features, as well as communication capabilities. A pill pack may be integrated within a housing of the pill dispensing device, where removal of each pill in the pill pack may be monitored through a conductive trace or comparable mechanism. Timing of the removal, remaining pills, and similar information may also be detected by the pill dispensing device and provided along with additional information such as health status of the consumer monitored by one or more sensors to a health care provider or similar entity over wired and/or wireless networks. The pill dispensing device may include audio and/or visual output device(s) to provide alerts and health/medication related information to the consumer. A display technology may employed enabling continuous display with low power usage such as ink display while providing color and/or video capabilities. | 12-03-2015 |
20150356809 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CREATING VENDING MACHINE KITS - A system and method for dispensing a kit of items from one or more vending machines includes a kit determination system with a kit analyzer to determine whether there is a specific kit or kits to recommend or assign to a user. A kit may be pre-assigned to the user by a third party. If there is no kit assigned to the user, a kit may be recommended to the user based on past history and a number of other factors. Also included is a vending machine kit dispensing system for dispensing a kit of items from one or more vending machines, the vending machines being interconnected on a network. | 12-10-2015 |
20160019368 | SECURE MEDICAMENT DISPENSING CABINET, METHOD AND SYSTEM - A medicament dispensing cabinet is comprised of a frame, at least one controller, and a plurality of drawers each movably carried by the frame and each defining a plurality of dispensing cells. A plurality of removable dispensing devices is provided with each one carried by one of the dispensing cells. Each of the dispensing cells further comprises a motor for providing rotary motion to one of the removable dispensing devices in response to the controller, a sensor operating in conjunction with the controller for counting medicament dispensed from one of the removable dispensing devices, a chute for receiving medicament dispensed from one of the removable dispensing devices and a chute gate for controlling access to the chute. The cabinet may additionally comprise a chute gate release responsive to the controller for controlling the chute gate and a chute gate sensor connected to the controller and responsive to the position of the chute gate. The cabinet may be used in conjunction with a number of processes including dispensing, secure-pickup (insuring the person picking up the dispensed medicament is authorized to do so), back-end verification (verifying the identity of the person picking up the dispensed medicament), a process for removing a dispensing device from a drawer, and a process for inserting a dispensing device into a drawer. | 01-21-2016 |
20160098695 | ELECTRONIC CONTAINER VENDING PAYMENT CONTROL SYSTEM - A payment system for vending containers is provided. The system includes an electronic payment interface accessible by a user and proximate to a container vending machine, comprising an input means, an output means, and a payment module. The input means comprising an electronic interface to an electronic container inventory means, an electronic selection means, at least one of a magnetic card payment interface and an NFC payment interface. The output means comprising an electronic interface to the electronic container inventory means, and the payment module comprising an electronic interface to a microcontroller, the input means, and the output means. A user interfaces with the input means in order to obtain or return a container, and the payment module determines a payment or credit due and interfaces with the user with the output means. | 04-07-2016 |
20160162660 | MEDICATION MANAGEMENT - Methods and systems for managing medications of a patient are described. A dispenser device having compartments for holding medications and containing a patient profile is provided. The dispenser device is delivered to a pharmacist, who can fill the dispenser device and bill a patient based on the patient profile. The pharmacist can access medical records and other information, such as insurance and payment information, that is needed to fill the prescription, by reading the patient profile. In various embodiments, the dispenser device includes a security component to control that accesses the dispenser device. | 06-09-2016 |
20160180627 | BANKNOTE PROCESSING APPARATUS AND BANKNOTE PROCESSING METHOD | 06-23-2016 |
20160180628 | CANISTER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM | 06-23-2016 |
20160203295 | Automated device for biologic drug distribution | 07-14-2016 |
20160376140 | INTERNET-ENABLED BEVERAGE MAKER - A home beverage dispensing device for dispensing servings of a beverage, having a vessel for holding a volume of liquid. This vessel may be equipped with a refrigeration unit, or may be comprised of a removable pitcher that may be put in an external refrigerator. This invention is equipped with a radio communications controller to provide for the ability to communicate over radio frequencies such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. A special disposable beverage cartridge or beverage pouch fits into the holder. This cartridge or pouch may have pressure rupturable seals or diaphragms and contain beverage concentrate. The mixing structure also receives the optionally chilled liquid from vessel for holding a volume of liquid, and ensures that the concentrate mixes with the liquid without contacting the walls of the mixing structure. | 12-29-2016 |
20190142229 | POWER CONSUMPTION MANAGEMENT METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR PRODUCT DISPENSERS | 05-16-2019 |
20190147375 | System and Method for Managing Product Usage from Dispensers | 05-16-2019 |