There is provided a medicine dispensing system configured such that a medicine dispensing device includes a sub unit having a function to dispense medicine that is connected to a medicine dispensing device that includes a main unit having a function of packing medicines. There is also provided a medicine dispensing device that can be appropriately integrated with such a medicine dispensing system. The medicine dispensing system includes, in some embodiments a main unit, a sub unit and a transfer device connecting the main unit and the sub unit. The medicine dispensing system transfers the medicine dispensed in the sub unit to the main unit by means of a transfer device and dispenses the medicine at a medicine packing part together with the medicine dispensed from a main storage part in the main unit.

An automated dispensing apparatus for the controlled dispensing of articles provided with associated RFID tags, comprises hatches (14) for opening article entry/exit zones and an internal motor-driven store (13) with shelves (15) divided up into a plurality of compartments (16) and intended to receive articles to be dispensed, upon command, through the hatches (14). The control unit (18) provided with a memory (30) intended to memorize the contents of the store and is connected to the store (13) in order to be able to operate the store so as to bring a selected compartment (16) into loading and unloading positions and allow the loading/unloading of an article inside the compartment. Inside the apparatus there is at least one RFID tag reader element (31, 131) which is connected to the control unit (18) and the control unit (18) is adapted to receive from the reader element (31, 131) data read by the reader element from an RFID tag and associate said data in the memory (30) with the compartment (16) which at that moment is close to the reader element (31, 131). A method for controlling the apparatus is also described.

A system and method for dispensing an article from an article dispensing machine by reducing the amount of time for completing a transaction involving the article is provided. A request related to a selected article and payment information for a balance related to the selected article may be received at the article dispensing machine through a user interface. The payment information may be validated, and simultaneously and in parallel, the selected article may be retrieved from a storage unit in the article dispensing machine. The selected article may be dispensed from the article dispensing machine if the payment information is valid. If the payment information is not valid, the selected article may be returned to the storage unit. Quicker dispensing of articles during consumer transactions with the article dispensing machine may result. The articles may include media articles, such as DVDs, Blu-Ray discs, and video game discs.

A system and method for dispensing an article from an article dispensing machine by reducing the amount of time for completing a transaction involving the article is provided. A request related to a selected article and payment information for a balance related to the selected article may be received at the article dispensing machine through a user interface. The payment information may be validated, and simultaneously and in parallel, the selected article may be retrieved from a storage unit in the article dispensing machine. The selected article may be dispensed from the article dispensing machine if the payment information is valid. If the payment information is not valid, the selected article may be returned to the storage unit. Quicker dispensing of articles during consumer transactions with the article dispensing machine may result. The articles may include media articles, such as DVDs, Blu-Ray discs, and video game discs.

A distribution station includes a base, a housing, a rotating shelf, a distribution vehicle, a sorting device, and a control system. The housing is provided on the base, and is provided with a goods access port and an access door. The rotating shelf is provided on the base and located in the housing. The rotating shelf includes a rotating shaft, a transmission belt, a plurality of shelf units, and a driving mechanism. The distribution vehicle enters and exits the housing via the access door and is used to transport goods. The sorting device is provided on the base and located in the housing. The sorting device is used to pick up goods and place the same between the distribution vehicle and the shelf units. The control system is used to control the driving mechanism and the sorting device.

Automated cold storage unit and systems for storing, monitoring, and maintaining a supply of temperature sensitive pharmaceutical and/or other products in compliance with regulatory requirements are provided. Such units contain an array of independently addressable holding locations for containers with product in one or more controlled temperature zones fitted with temperature sensors. The units include a reader to track product information and status. Product movement within the unit is performed by a computer-controlled robot. A user interface device, preferably in communication with an application service provider to provide remotely managed inventory management and other services, provides users with secure access to the contents of the unit and associated product data and information.

An automated medication adherence system. The automated medication adherence system may comprise: a housing, an electronic interface, a plurality of reservoirs, one or more sensors, and at least one pill delivery and lock-out module. The electronic interface is programmable to accept data relating to a medication, including at least one of a pill identify, a user identity, a dosage schedule, and a side effect. The electronic interface actuates rotation of a reservoir, which is configured to receive, store, and dispense pills, tablets, and capsules of various sizes accurately and precisely. The sensors monitor medication input and output, and alerts a user when medication has been dispensed and needs to be taken.

An automated medication adherence system. The automated medication adherence system may comprise: a housing, an electronic interface, a plurality of reservoirs, one or more sensors, and at least one pill delivery and lock-out module. The electronic interface is programmable to accept data relating to a medication, including at least one of a pill identify, a user identity, a dosage schedule, and a side effect. The electronic interface actuates rotation of a reservoir, which is configured to receive, store, and dispense pills, tablets, and capsules of various sizes accurately and precisely. The sensors monitor medication input and output, and alerts a user when medication has been dispensed and needs to be taken.

An article dispensing apparatus includes: one article discharging apparatus; and another article discharging apparatus, the one article discharging apparatus and the other article discharging apparatus being capable of being combined in a back-to-back manner. The one article discharging apparatus includes: a driving source; an output gear configured to rotate by a driving force from the driving source when a discharging instruction has been given to the one article discharging apparatus; link levers where each link lever is provided rotatably about an axis of the link lever; and a controller configured to, when the output gear is rotated from the standby position by the discharging instruction, prohibit stopping of drive of the driving source to allow the rotation of the output gear until a preset prohibited time elapses from starting of the rotation of the output gear even when supply of electric power to the driving source is interrupted.

[Problem] To provide an article supply device capable of substantially eliminating inconveniences caused by a sold-out state. [Solution] An article supply device 100 comprises: an article supply means (an article supply unit 108, etc.) capable of supplying articles AR in an article storage unit 102 by applying a supply operation to a supply operation unit 103; and a sold-out state signal transmission means (a sold-out state detection unit 152, etc.) capable of transmitting a sold-out state signal once the article storage unit 102 has run out of the articles AR.