Manual Sorting Patents (Class 209/702)
  • Patent number: 10771335
    Abstract: A network device stores capability designations associated with Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices and receives, from a customer device, one or more of the capability designations associated with a first type of IoT device. The network device receives event data generated by the first type of IoT device and maps the event data to the one or more of the capability designations. The mapping produces normalized IoT data for the first type of IoT device. The network device generates semantic information for the normalized IoT data and assembles a device model for the first type of IoT device. The device model includes the one or more of the capability designations and the semantic information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Verizon Patent And Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Ming Chen, Ira C. Stevens, III, Zhong Chen, Matthew J. Threefoot
  • Patent number: 10568711
    Abstract: A waste container includes a neck defining an opening through which waste can be inserted into the waste container, and an insert snap-fit into the opening. The insert has an engagement portion engaged with the neck to secure the insert into the opening, and a body portion having a plurality of differently-sized apertures for allowing passage of waste through the insert and into the waste container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: STERICYCLE, INC.
    Inventors: Brian S. Foos, Gerry VanDomelen
  • Patent number: 10377567
    Abstract: A recycling container with holes and slots that allow materials to be inserted one at a time into the container in an attempt to prevent non-recyclable material from being inserted into the recycling container. The recycling container further comprises a locking mechanism to restrict opening, and possibly wheels, a method of preventing materials from being withdrawn from the recycling container, a shelf to separate types of materials, and a drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Inventor: Darius Jones
  • Patent number: 10235710
    Abstract: A method for scan, try and/or buy may include receiving, from a mobile device, information that is representative of a clothing outfit. The clothing outfit may include a plurality of merchandise items available for purchase through a store. The information may be obtained by the mobile device by scanning a single code associated with the clothing outfit. The obtained information may be used to cause at least one user interface element associated with the clothing outfit to be displayed on the mobile device. In response to receiving a selection from the mobile device of the at least one user interface element, the plurality of merchandise items associated with the clothing outfit may be delivered to a merchandise check-out location within the store. The merchandise check-out location may be operable to receive payment from the user for the clothing outfit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: SEARS BRANDS, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Varun Reddy Agasti, Leena Munjal, Tara Stewart, Scott Multer, Catherine Michalski, Mark Mahurin
  • Patent number: 9901958
    Abstract: A system and method for optimizing mail sorting equipment based upon various commingled data files and user selected options includes a sorter, an optimizing system, and a computer for optimizing the sort plan based upon the data files and user settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: National Presort, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas F. Grauberger, Jeremy S. McWilliam, Thomas Glassman, James Anton Curgus, Vladimir A. Popov, Yi C. Kim, Michelle Elizabeth Cantrell, John E. Horn, David F. Gibbs, Lance Glover Snead, Brent A. Daboub, Hoang M. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 9604326
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (D2) employed in a system for facilitating the assembly of a product, said assembly being carried out by following one or more assembly sequences, an assembly sequence comprising several successive assembly steps graded by execution ranks, said device comprising: a presence sensor (C2), at least one signalling member (V2), a sequencer (SQ2) connected to the presence sensor (C2) and to the signalling member (V2), said sequencer comprising a microcontroller designed to manage said assembly sequence. The invention also relates to a system for facilitating the assembly of a product comprising several devices (D2) connected together via a communication line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES SAS
    Inventor: Lino De Martin
  • Patent number: 9408402
    Abstract: Processing line and method for inspecting a poultry carcass and/or a viscera package taken out from the poultry carcass, wherein the poultry carcass and/or viscera package moves in the processing line and wherein the inspection is carried out by an inspector selecting a particular poultry carcass and/or viscera package as to be rejected, wherein the selection of the particular poultry carcass and/or viscera package to be rejected is executed by the inspector without touching said poultry carcass and/or viscera package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Meyn Food Processing Technology B.V.
    Inventors: Aloysius Christianus Maria Van Steijn, Rick Sebastiaan Van Stralen, Nils Ten Hoeve
  • Patent number: 9156628
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for assisting sort operators in identifying the appropriate location to sort an item. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a system for identifying a particular bin from a plurality of bins for sorting a package is provided. The system includes a plurality of bins configured to receive sorted packages; an optical reader positioned to capture destination indicia associated with the package; a keypad comprising a plurality of keys, where in at least some of the keys are associated with individual bins of the plurality of bins and at least some of the keys include lights; and a control system. The control system is configured to: receive data from the optical reader relating to the destination indicia; identify a particular bin within the plurality of bins associated with the received data; and trigger illumination of one or more lights on the keypad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Inventors: Louis Ragusa, James Cossey
  • Patent number: 8631944
    Abstract: A method and apparatus (1) for processing soil infested with plant root material. The method comprises depositing the soil on a vibrating conveyor support (105) at a substantially constant depth, wherein the vibrating conveyor support (105) is arranged to enable the plant root material to be hand-picked. In this way, soil throughput may be maximised without compromising removal of the plant root material. Further, fragmentation of the plant root material may be minimised. The soil may be screened using a vibrating screening mesh (107) to remove smaller particles prior to it being deposited on the conveyor. The soil may be heated, and the processed soil passed under an infrared detector (119) for detecting the presence of plant root material, to thereby objectively control quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Environet UK Limited
    Inventors: Nicolas Seal, Daniel Rudland
  • Patent number: 8616377
    Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for facilitating the single stream recycling of toxic substance-containing products. A toxin impermeable container designed to enclose the product containing toxic substances incorporates graphic markings or radiofrequency tags to facilitate automated or manual sorting from single stream recycling processes, identification of the toxic component, identification of the person or entity recycling the toxic to allow verification and documentation of compliance with government regulations or reimbursement of a recycling deposit that may be associated with the particular product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: EcoPaq LLC
    Inventor: Edward T. Maggio
  • Publication number: 20130319914
    Abstract: A technique for organizing pathology samples includes sorting the samples into bins defined at different physical locations of a sorting apparatus, based on a set of designations applied to the samples. With such an arrangement, unorganized pathology samples may be grouped so that all the same accession numbers are grouped together for efficient filing or re-filing with reduced error. An apparatus suitable for use according to this technique includes a support structure and multiple dividers defining multiple sets of bins on the apparatus. A different set of bins is provided on the apparatus for each of the set of designations applied to the samples.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventor: Erik Billings
  • Patent number: 8596461
    Abstract: A method of facilitating a sorting of a plurality of components nested in a workpiece, including at least two sets of components, each adapted to be assembled to form a structure, comprising producing a plan replicating the cut pattern of the workpiece, depicting the profiles of the components, each provided with an identifier denoting the location of the component on the workpiece; producing at least one of a plurality of labels, each bearing a distinguishable one of the location indicators and a distinctive, readily visible identifier denoting a different one of the sets of components; applying each of the labels on a nested component of the workpiece corresponding to the profile of the component on the plan, guided by the plan and the applicable location identifiers; removing each of the nested components provided with labels bearing the same readily, visible identifier and grouping all components provided with labels bearing the same identifier, together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Thermwood Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Susnjara
  • Patent number: 8522979
    Abstract: Reprocessable medical devices that have been disposed of in a sharps container are recovered, disinfected or sterilized, sorted, and packed for reprocessing in a generally continuous process. In one embodiment, either a sharps container or at least a portion of its contents is successively and controllably conveyed, either manually or automatically, through a plurality of processing stations that are configured to perform different operations. The operations performed by the processing stations can include, for example, detecting and identifying contents, cleaning and disinfecting, opening the sharps containers, separating and sorting their contents, and disposal of contents that are non-reprocessable. Reprocessable medical devices can be sorted by type as they move along on a conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Stericycle, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregg D. Bennett, Michael S. Kovacs
  • Publication number: 20130126401
    Abstract: A waste sorting apparatus including: an input conveyor for conveying an input stream of mixed waste materials including items of a plurality of different types; a plurality of output conveyors for conveying respective output streams of said waste materials; and a plurality of operator stations for respective human operators, wherein the input conveyor and the plurality of output conveyors are configured to be accessible from each operator station to allow each operator to sort items of said different types from the input stream to respective ones of the output streams, each of the output streams including sorted items of a corresponding one of said types, and wherein at least one of the output conveyors is a far-side output conveyor on the far side of the input conveyor from the operator stations to allow each operator to throw items to the far-side output conveyor over the input conveyor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventor: Manuel Samarkos
  • Patent number: 8396722
    Abstract: A medicine inspection support system, which provides a reliable inspection of medicine preparation, includes a person authentication unit, a preliminary inspection unit, an inspection unit, and an inspector check unit. The person authentication unit identifies a preliminary inspector who performs a preliminary inspection of medicine preparation, and an inspector who performs an inspection of the medicine preparation. The preliminary inspection unit certifies that the preliminary inspector has performed the preliminary inspection of the medicine preparation. The inspection unit certifies that the inspector has performed the inspection of the medicine preparation. The inspector check unit permits the inspection unit to certify completion of the inspection when determined that the inspector is a different person from the preliminary inspector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Takanobu Tanimoto, Makoto Gotou, Yoshihiko Matsukawa, Tohru Nakamura, Rie Takahashi
  • Patent number: 8360241
    Abstract: A method for managing drip infusion stands aims to set different colors for drip infusion stands according to requirements of varying departments in a hospital. The drip infusion stand is made of aluminum alloy and includes a telescopic upright post with the surface treated by an anodizing process to form a selected color to match the department. Thus the mixed drip infusion stands can be easily distinguished and sorted out by management staffs according to the colors to return to the departments they belong. Time for returning the drip infusion stands to the varying departments is shortened and management of the drip infusion stands is more efficient. The problem of shortage of drip infusion stands in certain departments or floors in the hospital also can be averted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Inventor: Kun-Chung Lu
  • Patent number: 8109391
    Abstract: A method of facilitating a sorting of a plurality of components nested in a workpeice, including at least two sets of components, each adapted to be assembled to form a structure, comprising producing a plan replicating the cut pattern of the workpiece, depicting the profiles of the components, each provided with an identifier denoting the location of the component on the workpiece; producing at least one of a plurality of labels, each bearing a distinguishable one of the location indicators and a distinctive, readily visable identifier denoting a different one of the sets of components; applying each of the labels on a nested component of the workpiece corresponding to the profile of the component on the plan, guided by the plan and the applicable location identifiers; removing each of the nested components provided with labels bearing the same readily, visable identifier and grouping all components provided with labels bearing the same identifier, together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Thermwood Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Susnjara
  • Patent number: 8061528
    Abstract: Reprocessable medical devices that have been disposed of in a sharps container are recovered, disinfected or sterilized, sorted, and packed for reprocessing in a generally continuous process. In one embodiment, either a sharps container or at least a portion of its contents is successively and controllably conveyed, either manually or automatically, through a plurality of processing stations that are configured to perform different operations. The operations performed by the processing stations can include, for example, detecting and identifying contents, cleaning and disinfecting, opening the sharps containers, separating and sorting their contents, and disposal of contents that are non-reprocessable. Reprocessable medical devices can be sorted by type as they move along on a conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: ClearMedical, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregg D. Bennett, Michael S. Kovacs
  • Patent number: 7984809
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a system and method for directing indicator-based sortation of shipments are described. In various embodiments, a control system may be configured to utilize indicators to direct the sortation of items in a materials handling facility, such as an order fulfillment center tasked with fulfilling customer orders for one or more items. For a given unsorted item, the control system may cause an indicator to indicate to which of multiple sorting slots the given item is to be placed, thereby sorting the item to its respective shipment assigned to the sorting slot. In various embodiments, the shipment sorting units may be serviced from a rebin side as well as a pack side. The control system may be configured to prioritize the processing of such shipments by utilizing indicators associated with respective shipment sorting slots on the pack side to indicate a priority for processing a given shipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick W. Ramey, Eugene M. Gard, Eric Young
  • Patent number: 7984810
    Abstract: A recovery device and method of use to ensure that any reusable medical device that has been disposed of in a sharps container is recovered, cleaned, sterilized, and repackaged for reuse. In one embodiment, a sharps container and sorting surface are manipulated to rotate together and independently, so that the contents of the sharps container are emptied onto the sorting surface, enabling an operator to manually, safely, efficiently, and timely retrieve reusable medical devices from the sorting surface and place these medical devices into a receptacle bin. The non-reusable contents are subsequently dumped into a waste bin, whose contents will subsequently be incinerated or otherwise destroyed. The operator of the recovery device is protected by a shield and an exhaust system that minimize the operator's exposure to airborne biohazardous toxins and enable the sorting to be done without injury to the operator from sharp medical devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: ClearMedical, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregg D. Bennett
  • Patent number: 7934602
    Abstract: A recovery device and method of use ensure that any reusable medical device that has been disposed of in a sharps container is recovered, cleaned, sterilized, and repackaged for reuse. In one embodiment, a sharps container and sorting surface are manipulated to rotate together and independently, so that the content of the sharps container are emptied onto the sorting surface, enabling an operator to manually, safely, efficiently, and timely retrieve reusable medical devices from the sorting surface and place these medical devices into a receptacle bin. The non-reusable contents are subsequently dumped into a waste bin, whose contents will subsequently be incinerated or otherwise destroyed. The operator of the recovery device is protected by a shield and an exhaust system that minimize the operator's exposure to airborne biohazardous toxins and enable the sorting to be done without injury to the operator from sharp medical devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: ClearMedical, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregg D. Bennett
  • Patent number: 7664656
    Abstract: Methods for using a liner in a waste sorting and disposal system are provided. The liner includes an internal space and an opening that provides access to that internal space. In some embodiments, the liner may also include a machine-readable identification key that is configured to identify a type of waste that the liner may receive. In some embodiments, the machine-readable key is optical, color-coded, alphanumeric or graphical. The liner can include one or more closure members to allow a user to securely seal the liner when it is removed from the container. In some embodiments, the liner can include a flange, lip, hook or other protrusion to secure its position relative to a container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Inventors: Scott R. Mallett, Randall C. Danta, James R. Benson, Alan D. Corey, Alan A. Davidner, Peter Regla, Alec Huang
  • Patent number: 7660724
    Abstract: A liner for use in a waste sorting and disposal system is configured for placement in a container is provided. The liner includes an internal space and an opening that provides access to that internal space. In some embodiments, the liner may also include a machine-readable identification key that is configured to identify a type of waste that the liner may receive. In some embodiments, the machine-readable key is optical, color-coded, alphanumeric or graphical. The liner can include one or more closure members to allow a user to securely seal the liner when it is removed from the container. In some embodiments, the liner can include a flange, lip, hook or other protrusion to secure its position relative to a container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Vesta Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Scott R. Mallett, Randall C. Danta, James R. Benson, Alan D. Corey, Alan A. Davidner, Peter Regla, Alec Huang
  • Publication number: 20100000915
    Abstract: A recovery device and method of use ensure that any reusable medical device that has been disposed of in a sharps container is recovered, cleaned, sterilized, and repackaged for reuse. In one embodiment, a sharps container and sorting surface are manipulated to rotate together and independently, so that the content of the sharps container are emptied onto the sorting surface, enabling an operator to manually, safely, efficiently, and timely retrieve reusable medical devices from the sorting surface and place these medical devices into a receptacle bin. The non-reusable contents are subsequently dumped into a waste bin, whose contents will subsequently be incinerated or otherwise destroyed. The operator of the recovery device is protected by a shield and an exhaust system that minimize the operator's exposure to airborne biohazardous toxins and enable the sorting to be done without injury to the operator from sharp medical devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: ClearMedical, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregg D. Bennett
  • Publication number: 20090314694
    Abstract: A recovery device and method of use to ensure that any reusable medical device that has been disposed of in a sharps container is recovered, cleaned, sterilized, and repackaged for reuse. In one embodiment, a sharps container and sorting surface are manipulated to rotate together and independently, so that the contents of the sharps container are emptied onto the sorting surface, enabling an operator to manually, safely, efficiently, and timely retrieve reusable medical devices from the sorting surface and place these medical devices into a receptacle bin. The non-reusable contents are subsequently dumped into a waste bin, whose contents will subsequently be incinerated or otherwise destroyed. The operator of the recovery device is protected by a shield and an exhaust system that minimize the operator's exposure to airborne biohazardous toxins and enable the sorting to be done without injury to the operator from sharp medical devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: ClearMedical, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregg D. Bennett
  • Patent number: 7620559
    Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of disposable containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations, each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Vesta Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Scott R. Mallett, Randall C. Danta, Peter Regla, Alan D. Corey, Alan A. Davidner
  • Patent number: 7617113
    Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of disposable containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations, each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Vesta Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Scott R. Mallett, Randall C. Danta, Peter Regla, Alan D. Corey, Alan A. Davidner
  • Publication number: 20090272677
    Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container. In some embodiments, a detection system for determining a presence and/or a quantity of waste items within a container is also provided. In some embodiments, access to discarded waste items is restricted once the waste items have been placed in a container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Applicant: VESTA MEDICAL, LLC
    Inventors: Scott R. Mallett, Randall C. Danta, James R. Benson, Alan D. Corey, Alan A. Davidner, Peter Regla
  • Patent number: 7594580
    Abstract: A device and method to sort high security lock pins to characterize their length, wedge direction, and slot position comprises a lock pin decoding body containing lock pin cavities that receive high security lock pins and orient them in a uniform way by fitting a tab on the upper end of the lock pins in a notch, thereby revealing whether the lock pins have a slot positioned in the “left”, “center” or “right” positions, which can be read from indicia on the lock pin decoding body, and further revealing if the lock pins have a “fore” or “aft” facing wedge, which can also be read from indicia on the lock pin decoding body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Lab Security Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Gerald G. Roraback, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7591380
    Abstract: A recovery device and method of use ensure that any reprocessable medical device that has been disposed of in a sharps container is recovered, cleaned, sterilized, and repackaged for reuse. In one embodiment, a sharps container and sorting surface are manipulated to rotate together and independently, so that the content of the sharps container are emptied onto the sorting surface, enabling an operator to manually, safely, efficiently, and timely retrieve reprocessable medical devices from the sorting surface and place these medical devices into a receptacle bin. The non-reprocessable contents are subsequently dumped into a waste bin, whose contents will subsequently be incinerated or otherwise destroyed. The operator of the recovery device is protected by a shield and an exhaust system that minimize the operator's exposure to airborne biohazardous toxins and enable the sorting to be done without injury to the operator from sharp medical devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: ClearMedical, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregg D. Bennett
  • Patent number: 7565299
    Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of disposable containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations, each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Vesta Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Scott R. Mallett, Randall C. Danta, Peter Regla, Alan D. Corey, Alan A. Davidner
  • Patent number: 7562025
    Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container. In some embodiments, a detection system for determining a presence and/or a quantity of waste items within a container is also provided. In some embodiments, access to discarded waste items is restricted once the waste items have been placed in a container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Vesta Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Mallett, Randall Danta, James Benson, Alan Corey, Alan Davidner, Peter Regla
  • Patent number: 7533028
    Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of disposable containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations, each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Vesta Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Scott R. Mallett, Randall C. Danta, Peter Regla, Alan D. Corey, Alan A. Davidner
  • Patent number: 7533029
    Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of disposable containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations, each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Vesta Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Scott R. Mallett, Randall C. Danta, Peter Regla, Alan D. Corey, Alan A. Davidner
  • Patent number: 7487100
    Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In one embodiment, at least one of the medical waste items is a regulated drug that is regulated by, for example, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The regulated drug is inaccessible once disposed in the container. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container. In some embodiments, a detection system for determining a presence and/or a quantity of waste items within a container is also provided. In some embodiments, access to discarded waste items is restricted once the waste items have been placed in a container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Vesta Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Mallett, Randall Danta, James Benson, Alan Corey, Alan Davidner, Peter Regla
  • Patent number: 7483837
    Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of disposable containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations, each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Vesta Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Scott R. Mallett, Randall C. Danta, Peter Regla, Alan D. Corey, Alan A. Davidner
  • Patent number: 7454358
    Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container. In some embodiments, a detection system for determining a presence and/or a quantity of waste items within a container is also provided. In some embodiments, access to discarded waste items is restricted once the waste items have been placed in a container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Vesta Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Mallett, Randall Danta, James Benson, Alan Corey, Alan Davidner, Peter Regla
  • Patent number: 7426996
    Abstract: A system for manual delivery of mail to a series of recipients includes a stack of mail holders each comprising a front flap, a back flap and a central fold. One or more mail pieces are disposed in each holder, such that all of the mail pieces in each holder are to be delivered to the same recipient. The holders are stacked in a predetermined order for a carrier delivery route, and may be banded or otherwise secured together until the time of delivery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Pippin, Homer L. Dickerson, Manfred Vogt
  • Publication number: 20080197059
    Abstract: A liner for use in a waste sorting and disposal system is configured for placement in a container is provided. The liner includes an internal space and an opening that provides access to that internal space. In some embodiments, the liner may also include a machine-readable identification key that is configured to identify a type of waste that the liner may receive. In some embodiments, the machine-readable key is optical, color-coded, alphanumeric or graphical. The liner can include one or more closure members to allow a user to securely seal the liner when it is removed from the container. In some embodiments, the liner can include a flange, lip, hook or other protrusion to secure its position relative to a container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: VESTA MEDICAL, LLC
    Inventors: Scott R. Mallett, Randall C. Danta, James R. Benson, Alan D. Corey, Alan A. Davidner, Peter Regla, Alec Huang
  • Patent number: 7383195
    Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of disposable containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations, each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Vesta Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Scott R. Mallett, Randall C. Danta, Peter Regla, Alan D. Corey, Alan A. Davidner
  • Patent number: 7318529
    Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container. In some embodiments, a detection system for determining a presence and/or a quantity of waste items within a container is also provided. In some embodiments, access to discarded waste items is restricted once the waste items have been placed in a container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: Vest Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Scott R. Mallett, Randall C. Danta, James R. Benson, Alan D. Corey, Alan A. Davidner, Peter Regla
  • Patent number: 7311207
    Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container. In some embodiments, a detection system for determining a presence and/or a quantity of waste items within a container is also provided. In some embodiments, access to discarded waste items is restricted once the waste items have been placed in a container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Vesta Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Scott R. Mallett, Randall C. Danta, James R. Benson, Alan D. Corey, Alan A. Davidner, Peter Regla
  • Patent number: 7303082
    Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of disposable containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations, each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Vesta Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Scott R. Mallett, Randall C. Danta, Peter Regla, Alan D. Corey, Alan A. Davidner
  • Patent number: 7303081
    Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container. In some embodiments, a detection system for determining a presence and/or a quantity of waste items within a container is also provided. In some embodiments, access to discarded waste items is restricted once the waste items have been placed in a container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Vesta Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Scott R. Mallett, Randall C. Danta, James R. Benson, Alan D. Corey, Alan A. Davidner, Peter Regla
  • Patent number: 7303080
    Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of disposable containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations, each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Vesta Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Scott R. Mallett, Randall C. Danta, Peter Regla, Alan D. Corey, Alan A. Davidner
  • Patent number: 7296688
    Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of disposable containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations, each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Vesta Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Scott R. Mallett, Randall C. Danta, Peter Regla, Alan D. Corey, Alan A. Davidner
  • Patent number: 7275645
    Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container. In some embodiments, a detection system for determining a presence and/or a quantity of waste items within a container is also provided. In some embodiments, access to discarded waste items is restricted once the waste items have been placed in a container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Vesta Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Scott R. Mallett, Randall C. Danta, James R. Benson, Alan D. Corey, Alan A. Davidner, Peter Regla
  • Patent number: 7004329
    Abstract: A classifying station for classifying a piece of wood in a wood processing plant, the classifying station including an area for an operator, a conveyor for transversely conveying pieces of wood before the area, and a console for entering classification related to a piece of wood to be classified, where the classifying station includes a dynamic classification zone located in front of the area having a predetermined length. The station also includes illumination elements adapted to selectively illuminate a piece of wood to be classified when the piece of wood is in the dynamic classification zone, the illumination elements being adapted to illuminate another piece of wood when the piece of wood has been classified; and control means for controlling the illumination means and operatively associated with the console in order to associate the illuminated piece of wood with information related to classification of the piece of wood entered by the user while the piece of wood is lit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Autolog Inc.
    Inventor: Sylvain Magnan
  • Patent number: 6917009
    Abstract: A method and system for reading an address of a mail piece is set out wherein the address face of the mail piece is scanned and decoded to generate an electronically recognizable or readable destination address. If the destination address is not completely decoded, the image of the address face is temporarily stored in a grouping in a database. The grouping is then forwarded to an encoding clerk who has the highest priority and is available for the grouping. The priority of the deck is based on data such as the clerk's measured professional competence. Herein, factors include experience with a particular destination region, success rate, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Walter Rosenbaum, Hans-Jörg Grundmann
  • Patent number: 6715267
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system for packing an order of parts. An operator is prompted to select an indicated part. The part is read by the system to verify the selection of the part. An array of indicators directs the operator to where the part should be placed in a shipping tote. An array of sensors confirms the packing of the part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Schneider Automation Inc.
    Inventors: James V. Schaefer, Robert J. Bell