A mobile device is provided that includes biometric sensor(s), and a processor that causes the biometric sensor(s) to acquire a physiological marker of a user, and identify and authenticate the user. The processor sends a message to an authentication server that indicates the user is authenticated, and receives a response from the authentication server that includes a unique authentication code. The processor receives selection of a thereby selected over-the-counter (OTC) drug, and communicates with a point-of-sale (POS) system with contactless payment capability. The processor sends a purchase message to the POS system that includes the unique authentication code, an identifier of the selected OTC drug, and payment information. And the POS system communicates with the authentication server to validate the unique authentication code, and with an authorization server to authorize payment for the selected OTC drug based on the payment information.

A self-contained medical and protective mask manufacturing system, which can be located anywhere there is floor space for a device the approximate size of a soft drink vending system, and where masks are produced on-demand, in any quantity up to the limit of the raw materials contained within the system or the capacity of the dispensing chute, is disclosed.

A system, including a memory storing instructions and a processor configured to execute the instructions is provided. The instructions executed by the processor cause the system to retrieve a diagnostic information for a patient, to retrieve a physician information for a physician in charge of the patient, and to determine an anticipated medication prescription for the patient based on the diagnostic information, the physician information, and a medication prescribing pattern stored in the memory. A method for using the system and a non-transitory, computer readable medium including the instructions are also provided.

A multi-serving cartridge assembly is provided with a frame defining serving chambers to receive a supplement. A plurality of trap doors is connected to the frame with each trap door associated with a respective one of the plurality of serving chambers and moveable between a first closed position to enclose the associated serving chamber and a second open position to dispense the supplement therefrom. A dispensing system is provided with a housing including a cartridge bay shaped to receive a cartridge with a plurality of unique identifiers, and a computer control system to read the unique identifier, open the serving chamber, and send a signal to a remote system. A method of dispensing supplement from a cartridge is also provided.

A method for filling a pod is provided. A pod is provided and has a housing defining a plurality of serving chambers arranged in an annular array and surrounding a drive hub. Data is received that is indicative of a customized nutritional supplement for the pod to a controller of an automated filling station. The customized nutritional supplement is filled into at least one of the plurality of serving chambers of the pod via the automated filling station by controlling a plurality of hoppers of the filling station to dispense the customized supplement into the plurality of serving chambers of the pod. Each hopper contains a corresponding ingredient available for the customized supplement.

A storage container for a storage and dispensing station for drugs is provided. The storage container includes a housing surrounding a holding space which housing has a guide section and a bottom surface, the guide section defining a guide space and having a vertical guide recess, which does not penetrate the housing, and the bottom surface having a dispensing opening. The storage container includes a separating device having at least one channel for holding at least one drug portion and comprises a retaining element having a retaining section and having a guide element, which is arranged in the guide recess, the vertical guide recess and the guide element interacting in such a way that the retaining element is arranged for height adjustment in the guide recess by means of the guide element and rotational motion of the retaining means is prevented.

An automated storage system for receiving, storing, and dispensing items is herein proposed. The system has an enclosure, which defines a storage volume, and a port which selectively connects the storage volume to the ambient space for deposit and retrieval of items. The system also includes a plurality of containers for containing at least one item being stored as well as a support structure for supporting the plurality of containers in the storage volume. The containers feature a base, an envelope extending from the base, and an opening opposing the base and providing access to an inner volume defined by the base and envelope for containing at least one item. The system includes a manipulator for transporting the containers between an access position at the port and a storage position at the support structure. Finally, the system includes a one-sided attachment interface between the container and the support structure for removably attach the container to the support structure in the storage position, in which the opening of the container is above the base.

An automated pharmaceutical dispensing system includes: a tablet dispensing station comprising a plurality of cells for dispensing pills, each of the cells mounted in a dispensing location, each of the cells including a channel for dispensing pills into a container and an inlet configured to be adjustable so that pills in the cell are conveyed through the inlet and into the channel in single file; and an autocalibration station, the autocalibration station comprising a mechanism for automatically adjusting the inlet of a cell based on the dimensions of the pills to be contained in the cell. The autocalibration station is configured and located to also provide a dispensing location, such that a cell docked therein may function to dispense pills.

A tablet cassette includes a tablet container for containing tablets in a random manner and a rotor provided therein and having a plurality of tablet receiving portions, and allows tablets, which have fallen into the tablet receiving portions through axial rotation of the rotor, to successively fall down through a discharge port at the bottom portion of the tablet container. The rotor includes a circumferential expansion-contraction mechanism, a radial expansion-contraction mechanism, and a pressing member externally mounted on a rotary shaft that penetrates a bottom wall portion of the tablet container. The circumferential expansion-contraction mechanism allows the plurality of tablet receiving portions to be expanded and contracted in the circumferential direction in conjunction with each other. The radial expansion-contraction mechanism allows the tablet receiving portions to be individually expanded and contracted by individually moving a plurality of sliding members in the radial direction.

A container is disclosed that has a housing and a lid. The lid has a planar portion and a latch that is freely movable parallel to the planar portion of the lid. The latch has a retention feature and a first reference surface that is perpendicular to the planar portion of the lid. There is a latch mechanism coupled to the housing that has an engagement element configured to engage the retention feature of the latch and a first alignment feature having a first alignment surface. The first alignment feature is configured to laterally displace the latch in a first direction such that the first reference surface aligns with the first alignment surface when the lid is brought together with the housing with the fastener laterally displaced away from the engagement element in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction.