초록 ▼

The invention provides improved methods and apparatus for providing access to items to be dispensed and for maintaining an inventory of the items. According to one aspect of the invention, a dispensing unit is provided having an enclosure with an interior. A plurality of storage locations are distri

The invention provides improved methods and apparatus for providing access to items to be dispensed and for maintaining an inventory of the items. According to one aspect of the invention, a dispensing unit is provided having an enclosure with an interior. A plurality of storage locations are distributed over a surface of the enclosure. Sensors associated with at least some of the individual storage locations are provided. The unit further includes a multiplicity of receptacles disposed within at least some of the storage locations. Sensors associated with at least some of the individual receptacles are provided. A processor is disposed on the enclosure and connected to receive signals from the storage location-associated sensors and the receptacle-associated sensors.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A dispensing unit comprising:an enclosure having an interior;a plurality of storage locations distributed over a surface of the enclosure;actuators associated with at least some of the individual storage locations;a multiplicity of receptacles disposed within at least som

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A dispensing unit comprising:an enclosure having an interior;a plurality of storage locations distributed over a surface of the enclosure;actuators associated with at least some of the individual storage locations;a multiplicity of receptacles disposed within at least some of the storage locations;actuators associated with at least some of the individual receptacles; anda processor disposed on the enclosure and connected to receive signals from the storage location-associated actuators and the receptacle-associated actuators, wherein the processor includes a record of the number and type of items held in the receptacles;wherein access to one of the storage locations sends a signal from the storage-associated actuator to the processor, the processor using the signal to set the receptacle-associated actuators to correspond to the receptacles in the accessed storage location, and wherein removal of an item from one of the receptacles and actuation of the corresponding receptacle-associated actuator updates the record of items held in the receptacle.