Patents Assigned to Real Time, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20170053071
    Abstract: A system and method for bulk encoding medical items in a tracking system in a healthcare facility comprises attaching to each of a plurality of identical medical items a blank RFID tag. When activated simultaneously, the serial numbers of all RFID tags on all the identical medical items are read and their serial numbers are associated with the pre-stored characteristics of the medical item in a data base. The RFID tags are blank in that they include no human-readable data concerning the medical article to which the RFID tag is attached. A data mining system and method are provided for mining the database.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2016
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Applicant: MEPS Real-Time, Inc.
    Inventor: Jimmy C. Caputo
  • Patent number: 9552568
    Abstract: A mobile dispensing cart having a plurality of locked drawers has medical articles stored therein for particular patients. The storage drawers have sizes wherein the resonant frequency of the sizes does not match the frequency of operation of the RFID system of the cart. Enclosures are used in the storage areas that provide robust RFID fields for exciting and reading RFID tags. A health care practitioner for a particular patient obtains access and opens a drawer. An RFID tracking system takes an inventory of the cart after the drawer is later closed to determine if any medical article was taken, and if so which one. The identified taken article is compared to a data base of medical articles stored in the cart for the patient and if the taken article does not match the patient data base, an alarm is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: MEPS Real-Time, Inc.
    Inventors: Jimmy C. Caputo, Shariq Hussain, Jeffrey Shamblin
  • Publication number: 20160379022
    Abstract: A system and method for tracking medical articles located in a container includes a hybrid isolated magnetic dipole (“IMD”) probe that provides an activating EM energy RF field having a magnetic near field at least as great as the electric near field, both of which cover the entire interior of the container. The probe comprises a main element having capacitive coupling across at least one slot and spacing above a ground plane to thereby form an isolated electric field and an equally strong or stronger magnetic field that fills the interior of the container to activate RFID tags therein. A dual system is provided for larger containers. A dynamic impedance tuning system controls the probe impedance for increased efficiency in transferring power to the interior of the container. Beam steering is provided with the IMD probe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2015
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Applicant: MEPS REAL-TIME, INC.
    Inventor: Paul M. Elizondo, II
  • Patent number: 9492349
    Abstract: An automated system and associated method for storing items comprises a cabinet having at least one refrigerated drawer using a temperature control device and a non-temperature controlled drawer. The drawer design is such that temperature gradients throughout the drawer are minimized. Faraday cages are provided about each drawer to support separate RFID readers to monitor the items in each drawer. The temperature-controlled drawer is insulated so that adjacent non-temperature controlled drawers are not significantly affected by the temperature of the temperature-controlled drawer and they may exist at room temperature. An automatic RFID data detection system determines the temperature requirements of medical items in the temperature-controlled drawer and controls the temperature control device to maintain the required temperature. A temperature logging system for the temperature controlled drawer is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: MEPS Real-Time, Inc.
    Inventors: Shariq Hussain, Jimmy C. Caputo
  • Publication number: 20160267301
    Abstract: A system and method comprises a plurality of RF antennas having beams directed to a storage space in which medical items having RFID tags are stored. Each antenna is controlled to inject energy at a different frequency in a frequency-hopping set of frequencies to activate the tags. The return signal strength is monitored and for each tag that responds, the antenna location, frequency of the injected energy, identification response, and signal strength are stored as identification data. If a tag fails to respond in new scans, the antenna at which the tag last responded receives all the frequency-hopping frequencies in an attempt to locate the tag. If new tags are found, they are compared to a list of expected new medical items.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Applicant: MEPS Real-Time, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul M. Elizondo, II
  • Publication number: 20160259912
    Abstract: An automatic data collection system tracks medical articles by providing a robust electromagnetic (EM) field within an enclosure in which the articles are stored. Respective data carriers, such as RFID tags, attached to each article respond to the electromagnetic field by transmitting data identified with each article. An RFID scanner receives the transmitted RFID tag identification data and a processor compares the received identification data to a data base. The data base associates the identification data with data concerning the medical article to which the RFID tag is affixed, such as the name of the medicine, the size of the dose, and the expiration date. The processor is also programmed to keep track of the number of articles of a particular type remaining in the enclosure, to note receipt of an article in the enclosure, and to note removal of the article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2015
    Publication date: September 8, 2016
    Applicant: MEPS Real-Time, Inc.
    Inventors: Shariq Hussain, Jeffrey Shamblin, James P. Williams, JR.
  • Publication number: 20160210481
    Abstract: An RFID-enabling system and method include a probe antenna to introduce a robust EM field into a container to activate RFID tags within the container, regardless of the container's resonant frequency. The probe reads the data of the activated RFID tags, and a processor and communications module transmit the RFID tag data to a remote processor. The RFID-enabling module may be used to retrofit existing medication drawers of a medication cabinet or may be used during the construction of a new cabinet. The RFID-enabling system includes auto tuning of the antenna to dynamically compensate for loading changes on the EM field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Applicant: MEPS Real-Time, Inc.
    Inventors: Shariq Hussain, Paul M. Elizondo
  • Patent number: 9349030
    Abstract: A system and method comprises a plurality of RF antennas having beams directed to a storage space in which medical items having RFID tags are stored. Each antenna is controlled to inject energy at a different frequency in a frequency-hopping set of frequencies to activate the tags. The return signal strength is monitored and for each tag that responds, the antenna location, frequency of the injected energy, identification response, and signal strength are stored as identification data. If a tag fails to respond in new scans, the antenna at which the tag last responded receives all the frequency-hopping frequencies in an attempt to locate the tag. If new tags are found, they are compared to a list of expected new medical items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: MEPS Real-Time, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul M. Elizondo, II
  • Publication number: 20160092640
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the inventory of a medical storage container that has a required inventory of medical articles. An enclosure is used to isolate, scan, and take an inventory of a tray or other container of medical articles each of which has an RFID tag. The enclosure having a size smaller than the size needed for a resonant frequency at the RFID frequency of operation of the tags. An injection device is used to create a robust electromagnetic field standing wave of constructive interference in the enclosure and a program compares the scanned present inventory of the tray to the required inventory database and indicates any differences. Expired and recalled articles are identified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Applicant: MEPS Real-Time, Inc.
    Inventors: Jimmy C. Caputo, Shariq Hussain, Jeffrey Shamblin, James P. Williams, JR.
  • Patent number: 9268978
    Abstract: A self-contained RFID-enabling drawer module includes a probe antenna to introduce a robust EM field into a container within a Faraday cage to activate RFID tags within the container, regardless of the container's resonant frequency. A receiving antenna and reader read the data of the activated RFID tags, and a processor and communications module transmit the RFID tag data to a remote processor. The RFID-enabling module is self-contained in that it needs only power and a data connection with which to operate. Where an Ethernet is used, power is obtained by PoE. The RFID-enabling module may be used to retrofit existing medication drawers of a medication cabinet or may be used during the construction of a new cabinet. The RFID-enabling system includes auto tuning of the antenna to dynamically compensate for loading changes on the EM field. Assembly and testing costs are reduced and serviceability of the system is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: MEPS Real-Time, Inc.
    Inventors: Shariq Hussain, Paul M. Elizondo
  • Publication number: 20160042313
    Abstract: A mobile dispensing cart having a plurality of locked drawers has medical articles stored therein for particular patients. The storage drawers have sizes wherein the resonant frequency of the sizes does not match the frequency of operation of the RFID system of the cart. Enclosures are used in the storage areas that provide robust RFID fields for exciting and reading RFID tags. A health care practitioner for a particular patient obtains access and opens a drawer. An RFID tracking system takes an inventory of the cart after the drawer is later closed to determine if any medical article was taken, and if so which one. The identified taken article is compared to a data base of medical articles stored in the cart for the patient and if the taken article does not match the patient data base, an alarm is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: MEPS Real-Time, Inc.
    Inventors: Jimmy C. Caputo, Shariq Hussain, Jeffrey Shamblin
  • Patent number: 9223934
    Abstract: An automatic data collection system tracks medical articles by providing a robust electromagnetic (EM) field within an enclosure in which the articles are stored. Respective data carriers, such as RFID tags, attached to each article respond to the electromagnetic field by transmitting data identified with each article. An RFID scanner receives the transmitted RFID tag identification data and a processor compares the received identification data to a data base. The data base associates the identification data with data concerning the medical article to which the RFID tag is affixed, such as the name of the medicine, the size of the dose, and the expiration date. The processor is also programmed to keep track of the number of articles of a particular type remaining in the enclosure, to note receipt of an article in the enclosure, and to note removal of the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: MEPS Real-Time, Inc.
    Inventors: Shariq Hussain, Jeffrey Shamblin, James P. Williams, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9189769
    Abstract: A system and method for managing the contents of a medical storage container that has a required inventory of medical articles. A Faraday cage enclosure is used to isolate, scan, and inventory a tray or other container of medical articles each of which has an RFID tag. The enclosure having a size smaller than the size needed for a resonant frequency at the RFID frequency of operation. A robust electromagnetic field is nevertheless developed in the enclosure and a program compares the scanned present inventory of the tray to the required inventory database and indicates any differences. Expired and recalled articles are identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: MEPS Real-Time, Inc.
    Inventors: Jimmy C. Caputo, Shariq Hussain, Jeffrey Shamblin, James P. Williams, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9135482
    Abstract: A mobile dispensing cart having a plurality of locked drawers has medical articles stored therein for particular patients. The storage drawers have sizes wherein the resonant frequency of the sizes does not match the frequency of operation of the RFID system of the cart. Faraday cages and enclosures are used in the storage areas that provide robust RFID fields for exciting and reading RFID tags. An HCP for a particular patient obtains access to the drawers and opens a drawer. An RFID scanning system takes an inventory of the cart after the drawer is closed to determine if any medical article was taken, and if so which one. The identified taken article is compared to the data base of medical articles stored in the cart for the patient and if the taken article does not match the patient data base, an alarm is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: MEPS Real-Time, Inc.
    Inventors: Jimmy C. Caputo, Shariq Hussain, Jeffrey Shamblin
  • Publication number: 20150227764
    Abstract: A self-contained RFID-enabling drawer module includes a probe antenna to introduce a robust EM field into a container within a Faraday cage to activate RFID tags within the container, regardless of the container's resonant frequency. A receiving antenna and reader read the data of the activated RFID tags, and a processor and communications module transmit the RFID tag data to a remote processor. The RFID-enabling module is self-contained in that it needs only power and a data connection with which to operate. Where an Ethernet is used, power is obtained by PoE. The RFID-enabling module may be used to retrofit existing medication drawers of a medication cabinet or may be used during the construction of a new cabinet. The RFID-enabling system includes auto tuning of the antenna to dynamically compensate for loading changes on the EM field. Assembly and testing costs are reduced and serviceability of the system is increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2015
    Publication date: August 13, 2015
    Applicant: MEPS Real-Time, Inc.
    Inventors: Shariq Hussain, Paul M. Elizondo
  • Publication number: 20150227699
    Abstract: An automatic data collection system tracks medical articles by providing a robust electromagnetic (EM) field within an enclosure in which the articles are stored. Respective data carriers, such as RFID tags, attached to each article respond to the electromagnetic field by transmitting data identified with each article. An RFID scanner receives the transmitted RFID tag identification data and a processor compares the received identification data to a data base. The data base associates the identification data with data concerning the medical article to which the RFID tag is affixed, such as the name of the medicine, the size of the dose, and the expiration date. The processor is also programmed to keep track of the number of articles of a particular type remaining in the enclosure, to note receipt of an article in the enclosure, and to note removal of the article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2015
    Publication date: August 13, 2015
    Applicant: MEPS Real-Time, Inc.
    Inventors: Shariq Hussain, Jeffrey Shamblin, James P. Williams, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9013309
    Abstract: A system and method tracks medical articles and containers by providing a robust electromagnetic (EM) field within an enclosure in which the articles and containers are stored. Respective data carriers, such as RFID tags, attached to each article or container respond to the electromagnetic field by transmitting unique identification data. A data base associates the data carrier identification data with data about the medical articles or containers including type of medicine, size of the dose, and expiration date. A processor notifies a pharmacy when a medical article is received and when removed. The processor also notifies the finance department regarding patient medical articles and administration to update the patient's Medication Administration Record. The processor also provides inventory level counts and expiration dates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: MEPS Real-Time, Inc.
    Inventors: Shariq Hussain, Jeffrey Shamblin, James P. Williams, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9013307
    Abstract: A self-contained RFID-enabling drawer module includes a probe antenna to introduce a robust EM field into a container within a Faraday cage to activate RFID tags within the container, regardless of the container's resonant frequency. A receiving antenna and reader read the data of the activated RFID tags, and a processor and communications module transmit the RFID tag data to a remote processor. The RFID-enabling module is self-contained in that it needs only power and a data connection with which to operate. Where an Ethernet is used, power is obtained by PoE. The RFID-enabling module may be used to retrofit existing medication drawers of a medication cabinet or may be used during the construction of a new cabinet. The RFID-enabling system includes auto tuning of the antenna to dynamically compensate for loading changes on the EM field. Assembly and testing costs are reduced and serviceability of the system is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: MEPS Real-Time, Inc.
    Inventors: Shariq Hussain, Paul M. Elizondo
  • Publication number: 20140367080
    Abstract: An automated system and associated method for storing items comprises a cabinet having at least one refrigerated drawer using a temperature control device and a non-temperature controlled drawer. The drawer design is such that temperature gradients throughout the drawer are minimized. Faraday cages are provided about each drawer to support separate RFID readers to monitor the items in each drawer. The temperature-controlled drawer is insulated so that adjacent non-temperature controlled drawers are not significantly affected by the temperature of the temperature-controlled drawer and they may exist at room temperature. An automatic RFID data detection system determines the temperature requirements of medical items in the temperature-controlled drawer and controls the temperature control device to maintain the required temperature. A temperature logging system for the temperature controlled drawer is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: MEPS REAL-TIME, INC.
    Inventors: Shariq Hussain, Jimmy C. Caputo
  • Publication number: 20140291397
    Abstract: A system and method for managing the contents of a medical storage container that has a required inventory of medical articles. A Faraday cage enclosure is used to isolate, scan, and inventory a tray or other container of medical articles each of which has an RFID tag. The enclosure having a size smaller than the size needed for a resonant frequency at the RFID frequency of operation. A robust electromagnetic field is nevertheless developed in the enclosure and a program compares the scanned present inventory of the tray to the required inventory database and indicates any differences. Expired and recalled articles are identified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: MEPS REAL-TIME, INC.
    Inventors: Jimmy C. Caputo, Shariq Hussain, Jeffrey Shamblin