SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COLLECTION AND MANAGEMENT OF ITEMS
First Claim
1. A method for collecting returnable items and determining return policy compliance comprising the steps of:
- providing a station having a first receptacle adapted to receive a returnable item,providing said station with a computer and a user interface adapted to enable a user to enter information related to a returnable item,receiving said information related to the returnable item at said station,evaluating at least a portion of said information with respect to a return policy associated with the returnable item, anddetermining whether or to what extend the item complies with the return policy.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method for collecting returned items and evaluating return policy criteria with respect to collected items, and a system for the same, are disclosed. The method includes providing a station, such as a kiosk terminal, preferably at a pharmacy location. The station includes a computer and a user interface including a touch screen interface. Items, for example, pharmaceutical items to be returned are brought to the station. The user enters information at the station, such as by scanning a bar code on a container of the item, weighing the item or its contents, and entering lot number and expiration date associated with the item. In the event of pharmaceutical items, the station determines whether the item is a controlled or non-controlled substance and opens a chute for the user to deposit the item into a receptacle selected based on the determination.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for collecting returnable items and determining return policy compliance comprising the steps of:
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providing a station having a first receptacle adapted to receive a returnable item, providing said station with a computer and a user interface adapted to enable a user to enter information related to a returnable item, receiving said information related to the returnable item at said station, evaluating at least a portion of said information with respect to a return policy associated with the returnable item, and determining whether or to what extend the item complies with the return policy. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A collection station comprising:
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a station device having a computer and a user interface, a first receptacle disposed in the interior of said station device adapted to receive a deposited pharmaceutical item, a second receptacle disposed in the interior of said station device adapted to receive a deposited pharmaceutical item, a first chute having a first selectively controlled openable and closable access door adapted to selectively provide access to said first receptacle, a second chute having a second selectively controlled openable and closable access door adapted to selectively provide access to said second receptacle, software and hardware functionality adapted to receive information from a user and determine from at least a portion of said information whether a pharmaceutical item being deposited is a controlled or non-controlled pharmaceutical item, and based on a determination of whether such item is a controlled or non-controlled pharmaceutical item, adapted to open a selective one of first access door or said second access door. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A system for collecting items comprising:
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a station having at least a first receptacle adapted to receive an item, said station further comprises a computing device having a user interface adapted to enable a user to enter at least a first piece of information associated with such an item, a database containing return policy information related to such an item, and software adapted to function to assist in determining whether such item meets requirements of a return policy related to such an item based on at least the first piece of information. - View Dependent Claims (20)
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Specification