A method of packing an object, the object having an interface surface having coded data disposed thereon or therein, wherein the coded data includes a plurality of coded data portions, each coded data portion being indicative of an identity of the object, wherein the method includes, in a sensing device: (a) sensing at least one coded data portion; (b) generating, using the sensed coded data portion, indicating data indicative of the identity of the object; and, (c) transferring the indicating d...

The present invention includes methods and devices for providing safeguards to the access of certain substances. Some implementations provide alerts and/or other appropriate actions when substances are subject to spoilage or expiration. Some implementations provide responses to potentially dangerous combinations of substances. Other aspects of the invention involve determining the allergies of a user and providing a warning when allergens are, or recently have been, present. One preferred embodi...

A waste disposal system comprises a waste disposal unit, including a processor, a scanner, a network interface coupled to a network, and a remote processing system coupled to the waste disposal unit via the network. The remote processing system includes a database storing user sample preferences, wherein the sample preferences are used to select samples to be provided to the user, and instructions configured to receive scanned information from the waste disposal unit for a first item, determine ...

Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, to support real-time inventory management. Changes to the inventory including the addition or removal of an item from the inventory are reported to the item tracking system in real-time. An inventory planner normally operates on a periodic schedule to perform inventory management functions. The inventory planner can receive alerts from an early warning agent that can cause the inventory planner to perform at least some inventory managem...

An electronic trash disposal unit comprises a control unit which scans and identifies disposed items to store them in an appropriate recycling bin. The unit is connectable to a communication network which updates a central database with the contents of each unit. The unit initiates a reorder instruction to suppliers.

A method of vending a containerized product using multiple fillings of the same container. The method includes the steps of placing machine-readable indicia on the container indicative of the price charged for both the container and the product contained therein, and at the time of placement of said indicia, or subsequently to such placement, including at a location adjacent said indicia, a stimulus-responsive machine-readable indicator capable of responding to a stimulus to undergo a change of ...

An electronic module detachably mounted on a shopping cart includes a scanner for scanning bar coded information on items selected for purchase, a data processing device for data storage and control purposes and video recording apparatus capable of recording a view of the selected item as it is scanned and again as it is placed in a receptacle in the shopping cart to enable a customer to generate a record of items selected, which record can be used to facilitate checkout operations, and to provi...

An image reading device includes a reading window which an article is set to face, a main light source for emitting first light beam which is emitted via the reading window to a limited external space to scan the article, and an image detection circuit for reading a bar code formed on an article from the first light beam reflected on the article placed within the limited external space and has traveled via the reading window. The image reading device further includes a light source control circu...

A patient treatment method and system facilitates automated administration of the treatment of a patient, including establishing a direct linkage, at all stages of treatment, between the patient, on the one hand, and tests performed on the patient, specimens taken from the patient, and medication and services administered to the patient, on the other hand. The patient treatment method and system includes a patient identification method which provides the patient with a wrist bracelet which not o...

A supermarket or like vending establishment equipped with a computer having a bar code reader at a checkout counter or terminal. The various shelves for the various items are provided with respective bar codes equipped with individual electronic displays linked to the computer so that these displays can display data at least in part coordinated with the bar code of the respective items stored there above so that the individual items need not be provided with price labels or the like.