SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGEMENT OF RETURN 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.
5 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method for collecting returned items or information about 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. A system and method for facilitating recalls is also provided.
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Citations
41 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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21. A system for collecting return item data comprising:
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a station having an identification system and computing device having software and a user interface adapted to enable a user to enter at least a first piece of information associated with an item to be returned, said station having access to 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 (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35)
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36. A method for determining return policy compliance comprising the steps of:
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providing a networked station having a computing device 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, enabling said information to be transmitted from said station to a server, 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 (37, 38, 39)
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40. A method for facilitating a recall comprising the steps of:
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providing a networked station having a computing device and a user interface adapted to enable a user to enter information related to a recalled item, sending an electronic recall notification to said station, enabling a user to send an electronic response card from said station to another networked system. - View Dependent Claims (41)
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Specification