Customized Dispensed Article (e.g., Operator Design) Patents (Class 700/233)
  • Patent number: 8989895
    Abstract: A computationally implemented system and method that is designed to, but is not limited to: electronically receiving status information regarding a particular ingestible material portion as related to a first engagement of an automated dispensing system with at least one manufacture, the first engagement occurring during a first condition including the at least one manufacture being united with the particular ingestible material portion, the first engagement to facilitate access by the automated dispensing system to the particular ingestible material portion for dispensing of the particular ingestible material portion, the electronically receiving status information to receive status information influenced by whether any disengagements of the automated dispensing system from the at least one manufacture occur during the first condition prior to the first engagement, the at least one manufacture arranged to inhibit access to the particular ingestible material portion prior to any engagements of the automated d
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Elwha, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Holman, Royce A. Levien, Mark A. Malamud, Neal Stephenson, Christopher Charles Young
  • Patent number: 8979446
    Abstract: A self-service, fully-automatic kiosk for duplicating keys includes a kiosk housing having a customer interface for receiving payment from a customer for the purchase of at least one duplicate of the customer's key. A key-receiving entry in the housing receives at least a portion of the customer's key to be duplicated, and a key analysis system within the housing analyzes the blade of a key inserted in the key-receiving entry to determine whether the inserted key matches one of a group of preselected key types and, if so, which preselected key type is matched. A key blank magazine within the housing stores key blanks for each of the preselected key types. A key blank extraction system extracts from the magazine a key blank for the preselected key type matched by the blade of the key inserted in the key-receiving entry. Then a key duplicating system within the kiosk replicates the tooth pattern of the blade of the key inserted in the key-receiving entry, on the blade of the extracted key blank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Minute Key Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Freeman
  • Patent number: 8977389
    Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for delivery of custom blended dispensing custom blended personal care beauty products for a beauty service, wherein one or more components of a beauty product are stored where they may be supplied as needed to a dispenser, and where a control mechanism regulates the dosage of beauty components to provide a desired selected personal care beauty product with the characteristics selected. A selection screen display provides an image of a person and the person's hair that may be manipulated to simulate modifications that may include cut or styling and color or other effects. The selections are processed and stored and a formula is generated and communicating to a dispensing device to deliver the product components to produce the formula.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: ColorCulture Network, LLC
    Inventors: David J. Witchell, Carl Wickstrom, Alana Barakat, Scott Bush, Dilan DeSilva, William Arnold, Eric Thompson
  • Patent number: 8965569
    Abstract: Methods and systems for preventing fraud by a customer at a fuel dispenser within a retail fueling environment are disclosed. According to one method, an authorization to access programming mode (AAPM) signal is received at the fuel dispenser from an authorization terminal coupled to the fuel dispenser. A request is received at the fuel dispenser to enter a programming mode of operation (PMO). The PMO is entered at the fuel dispenser to allow fuel dispenser settings of the fuel dispenser to be changed after receiving the AAPM signal and the request to enter the PMO.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Gilbarco Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin Tasso Siler
  • Patent number: 8948912
    Abstract: A service providing system according to an embodiment includes a robot unit, an interface that receives input of order input information, and a control unit that is connected to the robot unit and the interface, and causes the robot unit to execute an operation based on the order input information input with the interface. Furthermore, the service providing system receives input of the order input information with the interface, causes the robot unit to execute the processing operation based on the order input information input with the interface, and provides a product on which the processing operation has been performed by the robot unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Yaskawa Denki
    Inventors: Zenta Nakamoto, Makoto Umeno, Kenji Matsukuma
  • Patent number: 8914147
    Abstract: A service providing system according to an embodiment includes a robot unit, an interface that receives input of order input information, and a control unit that is connected to the robot unit and the interface, and causes the robot unit to execute an operation based on the order input information input with the interface. Furthermore, the service providing system receives input of the order input information with the interface, causes the robot unit to execute the processing operation based on the order input information input with the interface, and provides a product on which the processing operation has been performed by the robot unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Yaskawa Denki
    Inventors: Zenta Nakamoto, Makoto Umeno, Kenji Matsukuma
  • Patent number: 8897915
    Abstract: In one embodiment there is provided a method for storing hair dye components. The method includes providing a computer control system having at least a memory, input controls, and a display. The method provides a plurality of receptacles. Each receptacle being sized to store at least one hair dye component tube to define a storage of a colorant or dye blending material. The method further provides a locking mechanism positioned about each receptacle configured to lock and unlock the receptacle. Each locking mechanism is in communication with the control system and configured to lock or unlock upon the receipt of an unlocking or locking signal from the control system. The method further links one or more colorant(s) or dye blending material(s) to a receptacle and sends an unlocking or locking signal to one or more of the locking mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: SureTint Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Mitchell H. Saranow
  • Patent number: 8892249
    Abstract: A substance control dispensing system which receives containers of ingestible material for use in dispensing ingestible products individually or in combination with other ingestibles available to the system. A container is sealed at a point of origin and maintains information regarding the origin, integrity of the container since packing, or substance contained by the containers among other types of information. The system is configured to acquire the information from the container upon the container being inserted into the system, and the information may be used to prepare a display of available selections which includes a status related to the information from the container or its insertion into the system, increasing confidence toward the integrity in labeling of ingestible products to be dispensed. Other sorts of ingestible products can include but are not limited to food bars, meal replacements, snacks, full meals, plant and/or animal based products, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, smoothies, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Elwha LLC
    Inventors: Paul Holman, Royce A. Levien, Mark A. Malamud, Neal Stephenson, Christopher Charles Young
  • Publication number: 20140336817
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and process for a nutraceutical beverage mixing system. Provided is a customizable supplement beverage system and method for personalizing and operating the same to a particular user and optionally for operative tracking Proposed additionally is an operative system for receiving and individually identifying a concentrate or supplement combinations, for mixing the same prior to a use, and for dispensing the same for use, and for tracking control factors relating to the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventors: Gian-Carlo Ochoa, Brendan Duffy, Gary Van Deursen
  • Patent number: 8880218
    Abstract: A user interactive custom nail polish color and effects dispensing system and method of doing business, including for both point of sale and remote (e.g., via internet) transactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Cosmetic Technologies, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Julie R. Bartholomew, Charles P. Hines
  • Publication number: 20140303774
    Abstract: An apparatus for vending product comprises a vending machine having a secure housing containing a plurality of vender modules for dispensing a predetermined amount of merchandise into a container. A control panel receives a user selection of product from at least one selected vender module, loads a container onto a shuttle, drives the shuttle into dispensing communication with each selected vender module, and drives each selected vender module through at least one dispensing cycle to dispense the user selection of product. A sealing mechanism seals the container, and a dispensing mechanism dispenses the container to a user-accessible portion of the vending machine. A printer may be provided to print information or indicia, or both, onto the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: BEAVER MACHINE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Bernie Schwarzli, Mark Rendell
  • Publication number: 20140297026
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention can include systems and methods for facilitating consumer-dispenser interactions. In one embodiment, a product dispenser is provided. The product dispenser can include a reader configured to read machine readable item. In addition, the product dispenser can include a controller in communication with the reader, and operable to execute a set of instructions to receive information from the machine readable item associated with a consumer via the reader. Moreover, the controller can be further operable to execute a set of instructions to configure at least one characteristic based at least part on the information from the machine readable item, and dispense a product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: Dan Peters, JR., Son V. Tran, David R. Newman, Leonard F. Antao, David O. Slagley, H. Brock Kolls
  • Publication number: 20140288699
    Abstract: A vending machine for creating a three-dimensional object having an enclosure having an exterior and interior. The interior receives and houses at least one three-dimensional printer. An interface for accepting an instruction associated with an object to be printed and transmitting the instruction to the printer. A storage section for storing a printed object that provides access to the printed part but limits or prohibits access to the interior.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventors: Christopher B. Williams, Amelia M. Elliott, David Lee McCarthy, Nicholas Alexander Meisel
  • Publication number: 20140277704
    Abstract: A product vending machine apparatus includes an ingredients cartridge storage area, a product container storage area, and a preparation mechanism. The preparation mechanism selects one or more individual, prepackaged cartridges of active and/or inactive ingredients and dispenses the ingredients into a product container selected based on the product selected by the customer. The preparation mechanism does not come into contact with the ingredients as they are dispensed into the product container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Omeed Memar
  • Publication number: 20140249668
    Abstract: An automatic mobile communicator depot system including a mobile communicator acceptor for accepting mobile communicators and providing mobile communicator acceptance inputs, a mobile communicator dispenser for dispensing substitute mobile communicators in response to substitute mobile communicator dispensing instructions, a customer interface receiving customer inputs identifying a specific mobile communicator with a specific customer, and a depot controller responsive at least to the customer inputs and the acceptance inputs and including dispenser control functionality for providing dispensing instructions to the mobile communicator dispenser to dispense a specific substitute mobile communicator to a specific customer and automatic telephone number transfer functionality for transferring a telephone number from a mobile communicator received by the mobile communicator acceptor from a given customer to the substitute mobile communicator dispensed by the mobile communicator dispenser to the customer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: CELLOMAT ISRAEL LTD.
    Inventors: Rafi BRAHAMI, Hanan SAMET, Rafael PORAN, Meir RABINOVITCH, Itzik CHAYON, Roshel BOROCHOV, Ron NABARRO
  • Publication number: 20140244032
    Abstract: A soft good dispensing device includes a loading zone configured to receive a soft good supply in multiple different orientations, a scale configured to measure a weight of the soft good supply in the loading zone, a controller configured to estimate an amount of a soft good remaining on the soft good supply using the measured weight, a user interface configured to display the estimated amount of the soft good remaining and to receive a user selection of a desired quantity of the soft good, and a dispensing mechanism configured to automatically dispense the desired quantity of the soft good from the soft good supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Inventors: Jilene A. Repp, Francis A. Yogerst
  • Patent number: 8818552
    Abstract: A medication dispenser is provided, comprising a securable container configured to store one or more doses of one or more medications and an access device configured to selectably permit access to the one or more doses. The medication dispenser further comprises an electronic interface configured to acquire user input from a user, and a processor configured to compare the user input to a database, to select, responsive to the comparing, an appropriate dose from the one or more doses, and to permit access through the access device to the appropriate dose. A method for dispensing medication is provided, comprising the steps of locating a medication dispenser at a point-of-care, acquiring user input from a user at the point-of-care, comparing the user input to a database, selecting, responsive to the comparing, an appropriate dose from the one or more doses, and permitting access through the access device to the appropriate dose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: CareFusion 303, Inc.
    Inventor: David Heffron
  • Patent number: 8798799
    Abstract: Systems and methods for dispensing compositions, such as beverages, are provided. Beverage dispensers may be configured to receive one or more physiological parameters regarding a user, and in response, formulate at least one beverage recipe for dispensing. A beverage dispenser may wirelessly receive data from a biosensor. Environmental or biological data from the biosensor may be used to alter the recipe to another existing beverage or a custom beverage. Non-physiological data may also be considered. Exertion data may be calculated. The calculation of exertion data may receive inputs regarding at least one physiological parameter and/or non-physiological parameters to derive a second physiological parameter not being measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: PepsiCo, Inc.
    Inventors: Indrani Deo, Steven Jersey
  • Patent number: 8798788
    Abstract: An automated method for dispensing pharmaceuticals particularly tablets and capsules, and other small discrete objects, includes: receiving prescription information, selecting a container, labeling the container, dispensing the tablets or capsules into the labeled container, applying a closure to the filled, labeled container, and offloading the container to a designated location. Preferably, the tablets are dispensed with high speed dispensing bins that employ forced air to agitate and singulate the tablets. The other functions within the system are typically carried out at stations designed to offer speed, flexibility and precision to the dispensing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Parata Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Williams, Richard Michelli, Jasper Pollard, Simon Kelly, David Newcomb, Jess Eberdt, Pete Klein
  • Patent number: 8788090
    Abstract: A system and method for creating a personalized consumer product are provided. The system and method of the present disclosure enables a user, e.g., a consumer, to customize products containing solids and/or fluids by allowing a server communicating over the global computer network, e.g., the Internet, to provide product preferences of a user to a product or a mixing device, e.g., a product or beverage dispenser. The method for creating a product according to a user's preferences over a network includes the steps identifying a product to a server over the network; identifying a user to the server over the network; retrieving the user's product preferences from a database at the server based on the product's identity and user's identity; transmitting the user's product preferences to the product over the network; and mixing at least one element contained within the product based on the user's product preferences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Inventor: Leigh M. Rothschild
  • Patent number: 8777103
    Abstract: A dispensing machine, and related operating method, includes a device for dispensing packaged and/or unpackaged edible goods or beverages, a control unit connected to one or more electrically-activated parts of the machine, a user interface to show information to the user and retrieve input commands from the user to be sent to the control unit. The user interface is a graphic user interface GUI comprising a touch-panel integrated in a graphic screen to display multimedia content. The content or form of the information shown on the screen is changed by the control unit based on at least one parameter related to any of the operative status of the machine, the location wherein the machine is running, the calendar date and/or the daily time, statistics indicative of previous selections made by user(s), or the signal provided by at least one sensor of the machine detecting proximity of the user(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Tuttoespresso S.R.L.
    Inventor: Luca Doglioni Majer
  • Publication number: 20140195042
    Abstract: A method for packaging a medication including receiving a prescription for a patient including a name of the medication for the patient and a name of the patient, wherein the patient is one of a plurality of family members. The method further comprises receiving a family member listing from the patient identifying one or more other ones of the plurality of family members, assigning a color to the patient that differs from any of one or more colors assigned to any of the other ones of the plurality of family members identified in the family member listing, and packaging the medication for delivery to the patient including securing a color-coded member to the container for the medication. The color-coded member is the color assigned to the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: TARGET BRANDS, INC.
    Inventor: Deborah ADLER
  • Patent number: 8774962
    Abstract: An automated method for dispensing pharmaceuticals particularly tablets and capsules, and other small discrete objects, includes: receiving prescription information, selecting a container, labeling the container, dispensing the tablets or capsules into the labeled container, applying a closure to the filled, labeled container, and offloading the container to a designated location. Preferably, the tablets are dispensed with high speed dispensing bins that employ forced air to agitate and singulate the tablets. The other functions within the system are typically carried out at stations designed to offer speed, flexibility and precision to the dispensing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Parata Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Williams, Richard Michelli, Jasper Pollard, Simon Kelly, David Newcomb, Jess Eberdt, Pete Klein
  • Publication number: 20140172160
    Abstract: A patient customizes or modifies the doses of medicine(s) that is then reflected in the configuration of medicine packs created for the patient. The patient sends a request to the doctor or pharmacy to customize or modify the dosage schedule so that the patient takes the medicine when convenient or appropriate for him or her. The doctor or pharmacy approves the changes. These processes can occur over a network using devices to access the programs and records needed. The medicine is dispensed according to the configured packaging customization. A robot packing system receives the configuration instructions and creates the medicine packs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventors: Miteshkumar Ishwarbhai Patel, Hemang Vipinchandra Trivedi
  • Patent number: 8755932
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention can include systems and methods for facilitating consumer-dispenser interactions. In one embodiment, a product dispenser is provided. The product dispenser can include a reader configured to read a machine readable item. In addition, the product dispenser can include a controller in communication with the reader, and operable to execute a set of instructions to receive information from the machine readable item associated with a consumer via the reader. Moreover, the controller can be further operable to execute a set of instructions to configure at least one characteristic based at least in part on the information from the machine readable item, and dispense a product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Dan Peters, Son V. Tran, David R. Newman, Leonard F. Antao, David O. Slagley, H. Brock Kolls
  • Publication number: 20140094964
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for the creation and dispensing of a custom formulation within a package at a retail point of sale. In one aspect, the invention includes an automated dispensing apparatus including at least a two-axis robot arm. In another aspect, the invention includes an automated mixer adapted to mix the dispensed custom formulation within the package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventors: Julie R. Bartholomew, Kristopher Killen, William M. Hunter, Michael E. Istok
  • Patent number: 8688268
    Abstract: A cosmetic or dermatological system includes a packaging and dispenser device containing one or more compositions from which the dispensed preparation is prepared, a surroundings sensor that is suitable for delivering at least information associated with a physical magnitude of the surrounding environment of the device, an adjustment system that is coupled to or suitable for coupling to the packaging and dispenser device, and that enables at least one characteristic of the dispensed preparation to be varied, and a processor for automatically controlling the adjustment system as a function of data delivered by the surroundings sensor or for informing the user, as a function of the data, about an action to be exerted on the adjustment system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventors: Henri Samain, Jean-Francois Grollier, Didier Candau
  • Publication number: 20140081451
    Abstract: Systems and methods for dispensing soft goods are provided. A described method includes receiving a soft good supply at a loading zone of a soft good dispensing device, receiving an indication of a desired quantity of the soft good at a processing circuit of the soft good dispensing device, using a dispensing mechanism of the soft good dispensing device to automatically dispense the desired quantity of the soft good from the soft good supply based on a control signal received from the processing circuit, and providing a dispensed quantity of the soft good to a dispensing zone of the soft good dispensing device for user access.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: June Tailor, Inc.
    Inventors: Jilene A. Repp, Francis A. Yogerst
  • Patent number: 8666540
    Abstract: A paint creation and dispensing system includes a variety of components for creating paint of a selected color and paint type and for processing payment for the paint. The system may be configured to receive a color selection in a variety of ways including through customer selection and via an electronic color reader (portable or stationary). The paint system may allow a customer to obtain an amount (e.g., a sample or a full gallon) of paint without help from a store employee or other personnel. In one or more arrangements, the paint system may be networked so that a customer may pre-order paint, upload color selections, make a payment, and or order additional supplies of paint or other products based on the color chosen for final painting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Kirsten Elizabeth Milhorn
  • Patent number: 8660687
    Abstract: A medication bin is provided that includes a bin housing configured to carry medication and other medical supplies, an electronic display, such as a liquid crystal display or electronic paper, carried by the bin housing and a processor carried by the bin housing and configured to control the electronic display. The processor is configured to receive information relating to a destination of the medication or other medical supplies to be carried by the medication bin. The processor is also configured to direct the electronic display to present a representation of the destination. Corresponding methods and computer program products are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: McKesson Automation Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Leng
  • Publication number: 20140012411
    Abstract: An apparatus configured to dispense a plurality of connected inflatable structures is provided. The apparatus may include a motor which is configured to advance a dispensing device to thereby advance the connected inflatable structures. A sensor is configured to detect a pulling force applied to the dispensing device and configured to output a signal corresponding to the pulling force. A controller is configured to receive the signal and output a control signal to direct the motor to advance the dispensing device in response to the signal to thereby dispense the connected inflatable structures. A related system includes the apparatus in addition to an inflation device configured to inflate the connected inflatable structures and an accumulation bin configured to store the connected inflatable structures. A related method is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: Sealed Air Corporation
    Inventors: Laurence Sperry, Christopher DiTonno, Jason LePine
  • Publication number: 20130338821
    Abstract: A spectrophotometer 300, webcam 302 or other instrument measures the color composition and texture of a person's face 400 or other body part. A computer system 301 includes a processor 501 and a non-transitory, non-signal computer readable medium 500 containing machine readable instructions that accept data from a spectrophotometer 300 or like instrument and uses a main executable program 502 and a subroutine 504 for color analysis to derive a mix of color to create a cosmetic product matching or enhancing the color composition and/or texture of the person's face or other body part. The computer system 301 and subroutine for color analysis create machine readable instructions 505 for the firmware of a cosmetic blending and dispensing machine 508. In order to properly mix and dispense high viscosity and air bubble riddled cosmetic material, a medical grade peristaltic pump 354 is used with triangle needle nozzles 374.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventor: Larry Y. Igarashi
  • Patent number: 8612513
    Abstract: A method, system and apparatus enables on-line selection and personalization of greeting cards over a computer network. The printed personalized greeting card can be shipped alone, or in conjunction other items as a single entity, and serves as any of: 1) a direct source of information for generating a shipping label or an intermediate document used for matching/picking multiple items, 2) as a reference to a file containing data defining the shipping label or packing list used for matching/picking multiple items, 3) as the source of information for generating any of a gift card, gift certificate or addressed envelope that is matched/packaged with the card, 4) as a reference to a data file containing information for enabling generation of a gift card or gift certificate that is matched/packaged with the card, and/or 5) as the actual medium on which the recipient/shipping address is printed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Arroweye Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Doron Friedman, Ajay Singhvi, Brian J. Huse
  • Publication number: 20130331981
    Abstract: A computationally implemented system and method that is designed to, but is not limited to electronically directing control of at least partial treatment of the one or more portions of the one or more ingestible substrate structures according to the treatment instructional information regarding the one or more subsequent depositional operations including at least one or more depositions of one or more materials onto the one or more portions of the one or more ingestible substrate structures to form at least in part the one or more selected ingestible products subsequent to and based at least in part upon the electronically receiving the user status information and the electronically receiving the selection information at least in part identifying the one or more selected ingestible products. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventors: Paul Holman, Royce A. Levien, Mark A. Malamud, Neal Stephenson, Christopher Charles Young
  • Publication number: 20130331982
    Abstract: A computationally implemented system and method that is designed to, but is not limited to: electronically directing control of at least partial treatment of the one or more portions of second material embedded in one or more ingestible substrate structures according to the treatment instructional information regarding the one or more subsequent ingestible substrate structure embedded secondary material treatment operations including directing energy to treat at least in part the one or more portions of the secondary material embedded in the one or more ingestible substrate structures to form at least in part the one or more selected ingestible products subsequent to and based at least in part upon the electronically receiving the user status information and the electronically receiving the selection information. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventors: Paul Holman, Royce A. Levien, Mark A. Malamud, Neal Stephenson, Christopher Charles Young
  • Patent number: 8588963
    Abstract: A cosmetic or dermatological system including a handheld packaging and dispenser device including one or more compositions from which a preparation to be delivered in a fluid form suitable for an application onto skin, mucous membranes or keratinous fibers, an internal clock and/or a clock data receiver, an adjustment system coupled to or suitable for being coupled to the packaging and dispenser device, enabling at least one property of the preparation dispensed by the packaging and dispenser device to be modified, and a processor for controlling the adjustment system, the controlling based on at least of clock data delivered by the internal clock and/or the clock data receiver, or for informing the user, at least as a function of the clock data, of an action to be taken on the adjustment system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Henri Samain
  • Patent number: 8564405
    Abstract: Disclosed methods, systems, and apparatuses remotely monitor a plurality of field assets. Device discovery may be conducted to find a communication path through a personal area network (PAN) coordinator to an operations center. A plurality of states are monitored for individual field assets of the plurality of field assets. In response to trigger events, monitored states are selectively included in data sets that may be parsed, tokenized, encoded, encrypted, and forwarded through networks to an operations center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Vendwatch Telematics, LLC
    Inventors: Alfonso Javier Barragan Trevino, Herbert Rose
  • Patent number: 8558659
    Abstract: A medical supply station is disclosed. The medical supply station includes a securable compartment configured to hold medical supplies, and a controller. The controller is responsive to access information and is configured to selectively permit access to the securable compartment when the access information indicates the securable compartment is authorized for access, and restrict access to the securable compartment when the access information indicates the securable compartment is not authorized for access. The medical supply station also includes a critical access module configured to, upon actuation, bypass the access information required by the controller and permit substantially immediate access to the securable compartment. The medical supply station further includes an image capturing device, coupled to the critical access module, configured to capture at least one image of an area proximal to the medical supply station in response to actuation of the critical access module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: CareFusion 303, Inc.
    Inventor: Graham Ross
  • Patent number: 8532809
    Abstract: A self-service, fully-automatic kiosk for duplicating keys includes a kiosk housing having a customer interface for receiving payment from a customer for the purchase of at least one duplicate of the customer's key. A key analysis system within the housing analyzes the blade of a key inserted in the key-receiving entry to determine whether the inserted key matches one of a group of preselected key types and, if so, which preselected key type is matched. A key blank extraction system extracts from a magazine within the kiosk a key blank for the preselected key type matched by the blade of the key inserted in the key-receiving entry. Then a key duplicating system within the kiosk replicates the tooth pattern of the blade of the key inserted in the key-receiving entry, on the blade of the extracted key blank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Minute Key Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Freeman
  • Publication number: 20130231774
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus describing a convenience beverage vending machine and its operation are described. An embedded computer interface allows consumers to create their own drinks or choose from a menu of drinks. Drinks are dispensed in a re-usable container. The beverages may be made from hot water, cold water or carbonated water that is mixed with various flavors of syrup, sweeteners and nutritional supplements. Identification may be presented and the computer recognizes the consumer and pulls up that consumer's account to determine funds available and previous drink selections and mixtures. The machine may incorporate an automatic cleaning cycle for both the valves and the dispense area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: Ecowell, LLC
    Inventors: Donald E. Tilton, Cameron T. Wheeler, Brian L. Boler, Andrew C. Whitaker, Reid A. Schilperoort, Preston F. David
  • Publication number: 20130218328
    Abstract: A system and method for creating a personalized consumer product are provided. The system and method of the present disclosure enables a user, e.g., a consumer, to customize products containing solids and/or fluids by allowing a server communicating over the global computer network, e.g., the Internet, to provide product preferences of a user to a product or a mixing device, e.g., a product or beverage dispenser. The method for creating a product according to a user's preferences over a network includes the steps identifying a product to a server over the network; identifying a user to the server over the network; retrieving the user's product preferences from a database at the server based on the product's identity and user's identity; transmitting the user's product preferences to the product over the network; and mixing at least one element contained within the product based on the user's product preferences.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: Reagan Inventions, LLC
    Inventor: Reagan Inventions, LLC
  • Patent number: 8509947
    Abstract: The invention proposes an autonomous mobile robotic device in the form of an integrated machine for producing beverages or liquid comestibles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Christian Jarisch, Nicola Tomatis, Lucio Scorrano
  • Patent number: 8504197
    Abstract: It is provided a vending machine (1) for dispensing foods and the like, comprising at least one food dispenser (2) adapted to hold and dispense foods to a user, and an evaluation system (3) suitable to evaluate the user's body condition and select one of the foods, based on said evaluation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Elmer Sebastian Torres Farr
  • Patent number: 8504196
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for dispensing a customized serving. The system includes an ingredient storage module 12, an ingredient processing module 18, a serving dispenser 20, a user interface 24, and a formulation database containing an inventory of ingredients stored in the storage module 12 from which potential servings will be formulated. The system also includes a controller 22 that is operatively linked to the storage module 12, the processing module 18, the dispenser 20, the interface 24 and the database. The controller 22 is programmed: (a) to receive a serving selection from the user; (b) to determine, using the database, a serving recipe that best approximates the user's serving selection; (c) to present the serving recipe to the user via the interface 24, and (d) upon a command from the user, to actuate the processing module 18 to prepare, and the serving dispenser 20 to dispense, a serving prepared from the serving recipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Fonterra Co-Operative Group Limited
    Inventor: Peter Gilbert Wiles
  • Patent number: 8487744
    Abstract: Disclosed methods, systems, and apparatuses remotely monitor a plurality of field assets. Device discovery is conducted to find a communication path through a master controller to an operations center. A plurality of states are monitored for individual field assets of the plurality of field assets. In response to trigger events, monitored states are selectively included in data sets that may be parsed, compressed, encrypted, and forwarded through a mesh network to an operations center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Vendwatch Telematics, LLC
    Inventors: Alfonso Javier Barragan Trevino, Herbert Rose
  • Publication number: 20130138243
    Abstract: A self-service, fully-automatic kiosk for duplicating keys includes a kiosk housing having a customer interface for receiving payment from a customer for the purchase of at least one duplicate of the customer's key. A key analysis system within the housing analyzes the blade of a key inserted in the key-receiving entry to determine whether the inserted key matches one of a group of preselected key types and, if so, which preselected key type is matched. A key blank extraction system extracts from a magazine within the kiosk a key blank for the preselected key type matched by the blade of the key inserted in the key-receiving entry. Then a key duplicating system within the kiosk replicates the tooth pattern of the blade of the key inserted in the key-receiving entry, on the blade of the extracted key blank. The kiosk includes a processor coupled to sensors and controllable devices within the kiosk and to a communications port for communicating with a remote central server.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: MINUTE KEY INC.
    Inventor: MINUTE KEY INC.
  • Patent number: 8448095
    Abstract: A graphical user interface on an electronic device presents one or more selectable graphical objects, enables a selection of one or more of the graphical objects, generates a menu list on the graphical user interface upon selection of one of the graphical objects. The menu list includes one or more selectable options, detects a selection of one of the selectable options from the menu list, detects a substantially continuous selection of areas along a path on the graphical user interface, and executes an action corresponding to the selected option in each area along the path on the graphical user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Supercell Oy
    Inventors: Timur Haussila, Touko Tahkokallio, Mikko Hokkanen
  • Publication number: 20130123973
    Abstract: In one embodiment there is provided a method for preparing a hair dye mixture. The method includes a scale and control system in communication with each other. The control system provides for a memory and a display, wherein the memory contains a formula that defines instructions for blending a hair dye mixture. The method displays the instructions on the display. The stylist may then view the display of instructions and add colorant(s) and dye blending material(s) to a receptacle on the scale, in accordance with the instructions, using current product packaging, such that specialized packaging requirements are not required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: The Saranow Group LLC
    Inventor: The Saranow Group LLC
  • Patent number: 8442674
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus describing a convenience beverage vending machine and its operation are described. An embedded computer interface allows consumers to create their own drinks or choose from a menu of drinks. Drinks are dispensed in a re-usable container. The beverages may be made from hot water, cold water or carbonated water that is mixed with various flavors of syrup, sweeteners and nutritional supplements. Identification may be presented and the computer recognizes the consumer and pulls up that consumer's account to determine funds available and previous drink selections and mixtures. The machine may incorporate an automatic cleaning cycle for both the valves and the dispense area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Ecowell
    Inventors: Donald Edward Tilton, Cameron Todd Wheeler, Brian Lee Boler, Andrew Craig Whitaker, Reid Andrew Schilperoort, Preston Fitzjarrell David
  • Publication number: 20130110282
    Abstract: An information display integrating a display portion, a built-in electronic circuit, and a wireless receiver is attached to a container. Medicine dispensers are provided face a conveying path of a container conveying mechanism. The medicine dispensers put a medicine into the container when the medicine is in stock, and issues information on stockout medicine rather than dispensing a medicine when the medicine is out of stock. A write command is wirelessly transmitted to the information display so as to cause the stockout information to be displayed on the display portion in a visibly recognizable manner. In addition, partition information on the planar arrangement of sub containers that allows partitioning the internal space of the container is displayed on the display portion in a visually recognizable manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: TOSHO INC.
    Inventor: Yoshihito Omura