9904results about "De-stacking articles" patented technology

An inventory control system and method that tracks inventories of items with RFID tags, includes a reader unit and an intelligent station that tracks RFID tags to determine item information of items to be inventoried. The reader unit transmits and receives RF signals. The intelligent station includes a first RF antenna connected to the reader unit by a first transmission cable through a first switch, and one or more additional RF antennae connected to the reader unit by the same first transmission cable through additional switches. An inventory control processing unit receives item information from the intelligent stations to update inventory information regarding the items to be inventoried.

A system and methods for shipping a package (12) from a package sender (16) to an intended recipient (18), utilizing Internet communications (30) to place shipping orders, request on demand package pickup, maintain and utilize prestored profile information, view shipping history, track orders, etc. A package sender (16) with an Internet-accessible computer (20) accesses an Internet site and associated shipping system (10) operated by a shipping service provider (14). The package sender (16) enters information required for shipping the package (12), including shipping options and methods for payment. The options and payment for the shipment transaction are validated. If the transaction is validated, printer indicia are communicated to the customer's computer (20), which is enabled to locally print a prepaid label (25) containing special machine-readable (876) as well as human-readable indicia (904). The shipping service provider (14) acquires the package by drop-off, standard pickup or on call pickup, scans the machine readable indicia, verifies other indicia of authenticity, and processes the package (12) in accordance with information encoded on the label.

A system, in which information is the primary asset and in which investments may be made in information, includes multiple data stores for storing different types of a user's information. The safe, secure and properly authorized transfer of information while preserving individual privacy is provided. The system also provides for secure backup and storage, as well as for ubiquitous and nomadic access to information while maintaining the privacy of such information. A first data store includes static identification data about a user. A second data store includes moderately dynamic personal data about the user. A third data store includes dynamic demographic information data about the user. An electronic wallet can be used with the system to download selected portions of the data for use by the user. A method of use of the data includes using the data for billing out forms, providing services to the user and allowing merchants to selectively target users for sales while maintaining user anonymity.

The invention provides methods and apparatus for dispensing items from a dispensing unit. According to the invention, the dispensing unit comprises a plurality of locations in which the items are held, a processor in which records corresponding to the items on the unit are stored, and a plurality of item switches corresponding to the locations in which the items are held. The item switches are connected to the processor so that a user of the dispensing unit can input records of items removed from the unit into the processor. The apparatus described is particularly suited for dispensing medical supplies although the apparatus will be usable for other types of items as well. Preferred embodiments will include a plurality of visual indicators, typically in the form of light emitting diodes, corresponding to the locations in which the items are held. Upon selection of a desired item from a list of items held by the unit, the visual indicator corresponding to the item is actuated so that the user can locate the desired item quickly and conveniently with the help of the visual indicator.

The invention provides a substantially moisture-proof, air-tight apparatus for both dispensing a plurality of diagnostic test strips and testing a biological fluid dispensed onto the strip. One strip may be advanced for use in testing using a single, translational movement.

A method and system for tracking and redeeming smart card loyalty points includes storing loyalty program information related to transactions with at least one merchant in a loyalty register residing on a smart card microcomputer for the customer. Transaction information about transactions with the merchant is stored in a purchase log likewise residing on the smart card microcomputer for the customer. The stored transaction information is compared with the stored loyalty program information, and transaction information about one or more transactions with the merchant which is stored in the purchase log, but which is omitted from the loyalty register, is automatically identified. The stored loyalty program information is then automatically updated with the omitted transaction information. The transaction information includes, for example, a plurality of unique transaction numbers in ascending order, and identifying the omitted transaction information involves identifying one or more transaction numbers in the stored transaction information that is greater than any transaction number stored in the loyalty program information.

A container for dispensing a product is provided, the container including an outer casing body having a cavity; a dispensing tray adapted for sliding movement within the cavity of the outer casing body between a closed and locked position and a dispensing position, the dispensing tray having an internal storage compartment for storage of a plurality of units of a product to be dispensed, a dispensing window, and a stop for engaging the outer casing body to prevent removal of the dispensing tray from the cavity; and a locking mechanism for releasably locking the dispensing tray in the cavity, the locking mechanism including protrusions projecting from the outer casing body into the cavity and positioned adjacent to a moveable flap formed in the outer casing body, and recesses carried by the dispensing tray and positioned to engage the protrusions when the dispensing tray is in the closed and locked position.

A system and method for enabling patrons at large venues, such as spectator venues, convention halls, or airports, which have identifiable delivery locations, to utilize hand-held, wireless communication devices to self-order food, drink, souvenir items or services from remote order fulfillment locations within the venue for delivery to the identified delivery locations. Verification of available service level is provided. Hierarchical menus can be provided for visual display or audible presentation of items or services for purchase on the devices, or for presenting other information. A delivery location identification code is provided with the order, which is acknowledged. Automatic electronic payment for the order occurs by prearranged means.

A container adapted for dispensing a product is provided, the container including a storage compartment configured to store a plurality of units of a product to be dispensed; a dispensing chamber for receiving at least one unit of the product, the dispensing chamber configured for movement between a closed and locked position and a dispensing position; a dispensing pathway between the storage compartment and the dispensing chamber, the dispensing pathway sized for passage of at least one unit of the product; a locking mechanism adapted for releasably locking the dispensing chamber in the closed and locked position; and a blocking member operatively positioned to block the dispensing pathway when the dispensing chamber is in the dispensing position.

An embodiment of a sensor dispensing device for dispensing sensors for measuring analyte concentration in a fluid includes a cartridge assembly (32) having a housing (70) with an opening and means (16) for making a moisture-proof seal around the opening. A stack of sensors (12) is stored in the housing (70) and urged through the opening towards a stop member (73) by spring means. The device is provided with an externally actuable pusher (18) for breaking the seal and for pushing a single sensor from the housing.

Disclosed is a package for storing a product, such as smokeless tobacco, which includes, inter alia, a container that has opposing upper and lower surfaces, and a container sidewall that extends between the upper and lower surfaces to define an interior for storing a plurality of products. The upper surface of the container has an apex intermediate a first region and a second region and the container sidewall defines an opening sized and configured to release at least one of the products. The package also includes an outer cover having an upper section and a cover sidewall depending from the upper section. The outer cover is configured to retain the container and selectively seal the opening. The container pivots about the apex to transition between open and closed positions.

A drug dispensing device is comprised of an upper hopper having an upper opening for receiving a medicament and a lower opening. A lid covers the upper opening. A lower hopper having an upper opening and a lower opening in a bottom portion thereof is provided. The upper hopper defines a bulk storage chamber and the lower hopper defines a dispensing chamber. A rotatable dispensing disc is positioned in a lower portion of the dispensing chamber for dispensing medicament from the drug dispensing device through the lower opening in the lower hopper. A regulator is situated between the bulk storage chamber and the dispensing chamber for controlling the rate at which medicament moves from the storage chamber to the dispensing chamber. The regulator may take a variety of forms. In one embodiment, the regulator includes a valve for controlling the flow of medicament from the storage chamber to the dispensing chamber. The valve may include a member responsive to the volume of medicament in the dispensing chamber for controlling the position of the valve. The valve and member may include a trap door valve and a float, a butterfly valve and a rotatable arm, a guillotine valve and a movable arm, and a conical plunger and a wing extending from the base of the plunger. In another embodiment, the regulator may include a rotatable member having an opening therein. The rotatable member may include a cylindrical wall having an opening in a portion thereof, a plate having an opening therein, a cup shaped member defining an opening and a pair of rotatable members which together define at least one opening therein. The regulator may be configured such that the rate at which medicament moves from the storage chamber to the dispensing chamber is never zero. Further, agitating members may be provided which extend toward the upper hopper. Methods of operation are also disclosed.

Methods and apparatus are provided for increasing and / or for monitoring a party's compliance with a schedule for taking medicines. In a first embodiment, a method is provided that includes receiving information regarding whether at least two medicine containers were able to communicate during a pre-determined time period, and determining a level to which the party complied to a medicine schedule based on the information. The method further includes rewarding the party based on the party's level of compliance. Systems, apparatus and computer program products are provided for carrying out the above-described embodiments and numerous other embodiments.

A method for stacking cases on a pallet includes supplying cases to a buffer, determining physical characteristics of buffer cases including dimensions of a case base and case height, and determining available positions on the pallet where a buffer case can be placed. Rules for selecting a case from the buffer for placement on the pallet are applied to at least a portion of the buffer cases to identify a selected buffer case that satisfies at least one of the rules and a corresponding place on the pallet for the selected case. Then the selected case is removed from the buffer and placed on the pallet in the corresponding place by an industrial robot.

A cartridge assembly is adapted to be used in a sensor-dispensing device. The cartridge assembly comprises an end cap, a disposable cartridge and a sealing mechanism. The end cap includes one opening. The disposable cartridge comprises an outer and inner cartridge. The inner cartridge contains sensors arranged in a stack therein. Each of the sensors carries a reagent sufficient to produce a signal in response to the analyte concentration in a fluid. The outer cartridge forms an opening of sufficient dimensions to permit a sensor to pass through the opening. The outer cartridge includes a holding mechanism that holds at least one of the sensors in place during movement of the inner cartridge. The sealing mechanism is adapted to form a substantially moisture-tight seal.

The system includes a bin hopper which temporarily stores a plurality of small elements, such as medications. The elements are moved out of the bin and singulated into a one-by-one sequence by a series of singulating conveyors. The resulting sequence of elements is moved onto a main system conveyor where the element is identified and then moved to a loading mechanism which arranges the item so it is ready to be gripped and stored. The system includes a mass storage apparatus comprising a series of four upstanding cylindrical drums, each having a plurality of individually accessible and addressable cell storage locations for the elements. A gripping apparatus removes the elements from the loading mechanism and transfers them to a selected location in a cylindrical drum. When an article is to be dispensed, the drum is rotated so that an ejection arm comes adjacent the desired location in the drum. The ejector arm is actuated, pushing the small element out of its slot, into the center of the drum, where it falls onto a conveyor which moves the dispensed item from the system.

A sensor dispensing instrument adapted to handle a sensor pack containing a plurality of sensors and to perform a test using one of the sensors. The sensor dispensing instrument includes an outer housing and a disk drive mechanism contained therein for rotating the sensor pack and ejecting one of the sensors from the sensor pack and through a sensor opening on the housing. The disk drive mechanism of the sensor dispensing instrument is operated by pressing a button which activates a motor. The motor moves a disk drive pusher in a first direction to rotate the sensor pack, and then moves the disk drive pusher in a second direction to eject a sensor from the sensor cavity and through the sensor opening.

An inventory control and prescription management and dispensing system including a dispensing vault for storing and dispensing prescriptions, the dispensing vault in communication with a central computer system that, in turn, communicates with prescription providers, insurance companies, and other third parties; the dispensing vault including robotic means for randomly accessing pre-filled prescriptions within the vault, with the vault further including RFID, bar code, and other means for verifying the content and internal location of pre-filled prescriptions; a customer interface that uses customer biometrics to ID a customer to ensure that prescriptions are only dispensed to the correct person; a patient registration system in communication with the central computer system for collecting insurance, doctor, biometric, and other information to facilitate transactions; a labeling system for labeling pre-filled prescriptions with customer specific information upon dispensing; transport container that integrate into the dispensing vault and provide secure transportation from a pharmaceutical manufacturer or repackager to the dispensing vault, security provided through RFID tags which communicate with the central computer to verify that the transport container contains the correct formulary and that the integrity of the container (temperature range, time in transit, tampering) has not been compromised; a payment system integral to the dispensing vault that is in communication with third party banks and pharmacy billing management systems, credit agencies and the central computer; a verification system for ensuring that pre-filled bottles received from the manufacturer (before they are placed into the storage locations inside the vault) have not had their integrity compromised, with this system evaluating each container's weight, size, moisture content, shape, velocity change, color, pattern, and physical integrity (all comparisons made against standards stored in the central computer).

The cartridge comprises a housing, a plurality of test sensors, a mechanical mechanism, and a pusher assembly. The housing forms at least one opening therethrough. The plurality of test sensors is stacked in the housing. The plurality of test sensors is adapted to assist in testing at least one analyte. The mechanical mechanism is adapted to urge the plurality of test sensors in a first direction. One of the plurality of test sensors is positioned for extraction from the cartridge. The pusher assembly is adapted to push one of the plurality of test sensors from the cartridge. The pusher assembly includes a ferromagnetic material or a magnet.

A spring alignment mechanism utilizes a guide inserted into a display carton below merchandise items. A spring-driven rear pull member travels on the guide so that as items are removed from the carton, remaining items are pulled forward. Merchandise items with rounded edges may rest on the directly on the carton, so that the guide may be inserted beneath the items. Other items may be supported on cardboard support ribs built into the bottom of the carton or provide on a carton insert.

A system for monitoring and dispensing medical items includes a plurality of hook registers (10). Each of the hook registers includes sensors (48, 60, 62, 64) sensing the removal or addition of a medical item to the storage location on the hook register. Each hook register has a microprocessor (66) connected to the sensor which stores a count of the items added or removed from the location. The microprocessor also includes location identifying information specifically associated with the particular hook register. The microprocessor is periodically polled by a controller (72) which reads and stores the count and location identifying information from each of the hook registers. The controller information is periodically read by a data terminal (76) which is connected through a local area network (82) to a remote computer (84) having a processor and data store. A user of the data terminal is enabled to specify a patient for whom medical items will be used when the items are removed from the hook registers or other storage locations. In addition, the system also monitors inventories of items and levels of usage by users. The system also monitors and controls the dispense of other medical items from box registers (110) as well as controls the dispense of items from secure storage locations such as electronic lock drawers (96) and medicine dispensers (100).