Patents Assigned to ScriptPro LLC
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Patent number: 7121427Abstract: A medicament storage and dispensing system (10) operable for storing and dispensing products (12) such as pre-packaged pharmaceutical boxes and/or bottles and broadly includes a cabinet (14); a plurality of product shelves (16) mounted within the cabinet; an infeed conveyor (18) for transporting products into the cabinet; an outfeed conveyor (20) for transporting products out of the cabinet; a transporter (22) moveable within the cabinet for transporting products between the shelves and the infeed and outfeed conveyors; and a control system (24) for controlling operation of the conveyors and the transporter in response to prescriptions received from a host computer (26). The shelves having a plurality of vertical walls (56) upon which the products rest and between which tines (130) of the transporter slide in order to retrieve products from and place products upon the shelves.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2004Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Assignee: ScriptPro LLCInventor: Lawrence E. Guerra
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Patent number: 7100796Abstract: An apparatus (100) for guiding the movement of a flanged vial (10) during an automated process to prevent the flange (50) from disrupting the movement of the vial (10) during the process. The apparatus (100) includes a receptacle (120) with a narrowing peripheral wall (130) adapted to receive the vial (10) during a vertical drop and direct the movement of the vial (10) toward a slide (160). A weighted flap (170) contacts the vial (10) as the vial (10) moves along the slide (160), slowing the descent of the vial (10), holding the vial (10) against the slide (160), and pivoting to accommodate the flange (50). A platform (190) catches the vial (10).Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2004Date of Patent: September 5, 2006Assignee: ScriptPro LLCInventors: Stacy D. Orr, Timothy A. Giebler
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Publication number: 20060180601Abstract: A medicament storage and dispensing system (10) operable for storing and dispensing products (12) such as pre-packaged pharmaceutical boxes and/or bottles and broadly includes a cabinet (14); a plurality of product shelves (16) mounted within the cabinet; an infeed conveyor (18) for transporting products into the cabinet; an outfeed conveyor (20) for transporting products out of the cabinet; a transporter (22) moveable within the cabinet for transporting products between the shelves and the infeed and outfeed conveyors; and a control system (24) for controlling operation of the conveyors and the transporter in response to prescriptions received from a host computer (26). The shelves having a plurality of vertical walls (56) upon which the products rest and between which tines (130) of the transporter slide in order to retrieve products from and place products upon the shelves.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2006Publication date: August 17, 2006Applicant: ScriptPro LLCInventor: Lawrence Guerra
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Patent number: 7048183Abstract: An identification tag (100) facilitates use of a secure computer system (300). The tag (100) is adapted to be worn on a user's wrist and includes an identification and registration circuit (102) that includes an identification component (106), an affiliation component (110), and a light-emitting diode (112). The computer system includes an RF identification tag registration device (302) operable to acquire user physical information and communicate the physical information to a computer (202), wherein the computer verifies that a valid user is wearing the tag (100). The identification and registration device (302) ensures that the physical information communicated to the computer pertains to the user wearing the tag by comparing pulse signals acquired from the user's hand and wrist as the device (302) is acquiring physical information.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2004Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Assignee: ScriptPro LLCInventors: Michael E. Coughlin, Bernhard P. Knutsen, David E. Schloemer
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Patent number: 6910601Abstract: A collating unit (10) for use with a control center (12) cooperating with an automatic dispensing system (“ADS”) (14) for automatic storage of prescription containers dispensed from the ADS (14).Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2003Date of Patent: June 28, 2005Assignee: ScriptPro LLCInventors: Tracy I. Thomas, Michael E. Coughlin
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Patent number: 6905046Abstract: A vial gripping mechanism (10) includes a pivotally mounted swing arm (26). A sensor receiving array (44) is mounted to a sensor end (34) on an inward edge (46) of the arm (26). A channel (38) protecting a cable (64) follows an outside edge (42) from the receiving array (44) to a cam end (36). A torsion spring (28) forces the cam end (36) against a cam (30) which is fixedly mounted to the mechanism (10) adjacent the arm (26). By action of the mechanism (10), the arm (26) is moved relative to the cam (30) such that in a sensing position, the receiving array (44) is directly opposite a sensor transmitting array (74), and in a shielded position, the receiving array (44) is housed within a shield (32). The shield (32) is fixedly mounted to the mechanism (10) and protects the receiving array (44) while in transit.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2003Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: ScriptPro LLCInventors: Shane P. Coughlin, Michael E. Coughlin, Stacy Orr, Timothy Surgeon
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Patent number: 6883681Abstract: A storage and dispensing system (10) for storing and dispensing pre-packaged pharmaceutical products (12) and other products. The system includes a cabinet (14); a plurality of product conveyors (16) mounted within the cabinet and each configured for holding at least one product; an infeed conveyor (18) for receiving products that are to be stored in the cabinet; an outfeed conveyor (20) for receiving products that are to be dispensed from the cabinet; and a transporter (22) moveable within the cabinet for transporting products between the product conveyors and the infeed and outfeed conveyors for storing products in or dispensing products from the cabinet.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 1999Date of Patent: April 26, 2005Assignee: ScriptPro LLCInventors: Michael E. Coughlin, Arpita Banerjee, Lawrence E. Guerra, Keith W. Kudera, Ronald A. Leonard, Hamid Massali, David M. McDonald, Fred T. Steinbach, Tim Surgeon
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Patent number: 6738723Abstract: A semi-automated pill counting system (10) using digital imaging technology and image recognition software including a modified Hough Transform. The system (10) comprises a light source (12); a modified pharmacist's tray (14); a digital camera (16); and a personal computer (PC) (18), with the PC (18) storing and executing the image recognition software. A roughly estimated number of pills are placed upon the tray (16) and illuminated by the light source (12), whereafter a digital image of the pills is produced by the camera (16) and sent via an interface to the PC (18). The image recognition software counts the pills present in the image and displays a count result. Based upon the count result, the pharmacist adds or removes pills to the tray (14), as appropriate, to complete the process.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2003Date of Patent: May 18, 2004Assignee: Scriptpro LLCInventor: Rodney N. Hamilton
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Publication number: 20040059463Abstract: An active control center (10) for automatic retrieval and storage of filled medicament vials dispensed from an automatic dispensing system (12).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2003Publication date: March 25, 2004Applicant: SCRIPTPRO LLCInventor: Michael E. Coughlin
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Publication number: 20040039482Abstract: A collating unit (10) for use with a control center (12) cooperating with an automatic dispensing system (“ADS”) (14) for automatic storage of prescription containers dispensed from the ADS (14).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2003Publication date: February 26, 2004Applicant: SCRIPTPRO LLCInventors: Tracy I. Thomas, Michael E. Coughlin
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Patent number: 6592005Abstract: A pill count sensor (10) comprises an electromagnetic energy emitting array (40) and an electromagnetic energy receiving array (42), with a pill detection zone (44) defined therebetween; a sensor amplifier (28); a control board (30) interfaced with a computing device (24); and interconnecting cabling (34, 36, 38). The electromagnetic energy emitting and receiving arrays (40,42) emit and receive, respectively, beams of electromagnetic energy (46) across the zone (44) such that any pill (50) entering the zone (44) is detected by a resulting disruption in received electromagnetic energy at the receiving array (42). The sensor amplifier (28) is operable to automatically self-calibrate in order to compensate for detected electromagnetic energy levels, and to generate a pill sense signal in response to a detected pill (50). The control board (30) is operable to increment a pill count.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2002Date of Patent: July 15, 2003Assignee: Scriptpro LLCInventors: Shane P. Coughlin, Michael E. Coughlin, Stacy Orr, Timothy Surgeon
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Patent number: 6578734Abstract: A vial gripping mechanism (10) includes a pivotally mounted swing arm (26). A sensor receiving array (44) is mounted to a sensor end (34) on an inward edge (46) of the arm (26). A channel (38) protecting a cable (64) follows an outside edge (42) from the receiving array (44) to a cam end (36). A torsion spring (28) forces the cam end (36) against a cam (30) which is fixedly mounted to the mechanism (10) adjacent the arm (26). By action of the mechanism (10), the arm (26) is moved relative to the cam (30) such that in a sensing position, the receiving array (44) is directly opposite a sensor transmitting array (74), and in a shielded position, the receiving array (44) is housed within a shield (32). The shield (32) is fixedly mounted to the mechanism (10) and protects the receiving array (44) while in transit.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2002Date of Patent: June 17, 2003Assignee: Scriptpro LLCInventors: Shane P. Coughlin, Michael E. Coughlin, Stacy Orr, Timothy Surgeon
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Patent number: 6574580Abstract: A semi-automated pill counting system (10) using digital imaging technology and image recognition software including a modified Hough Transform. The system (10) comprises a light source (12); a modified pharmacist's tray (14); a digital camera (16); and a personal computer (PC) (18), with the PC (18) storing and executing the image recognition software. A roughly estimated number of pills are placed upon the tray (16) and illuminated by the light source (12), whereafter a digital image of the pills is produced by the camera (16) and sent via an interface to the PC (18). The image recognition software counts the pills present in the image and displays a count result. Based upon the count result, the pharmacist adds or removes pills to the tray (14), as appropriate, to complete the process.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2001Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: Scriptpro LLCInventor: Rodney N. Hamilton
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Patent number: 6421584Abstract: An automatic medicament dispensing machine (10) that does not remain idle while medicaments are transferred to a vial and counted and that therefore dispenses medicaments at a much faster rate. The machine includes a cabinet (12); a plurality of medicament dispensing cells (14) arranged in the cabinet for holding and dispensing medicaments; a plurality of medicament counting units (18) each including a vial gripper for holding a vial and a transfer mechanism for transferring medicaments from one of the medicament dispensing cells to the vial; and a transporter (20) for transporting the counting units to the cells for filling the vials held by the counting units.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2000Date of Patent: July 16, 2002Assignee: Scriptpro LLCInventors: John Eric Norberg, Ronald A. Leonard, Lawrence E. Guerra, Timothy Surgeon
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Patent number: 6343711Abstract: A medicament dispensing cell (12) is provided which is used in large, automated dispensing machines (10) to provide rapid and accurate dispensing of medicament dosage forms such as tablets (124), capsules, or pills. The cell (12) includes a housing (20) for storage of tablets (124) and includes a rotatable platen conveyor assembly (68) which moves the tablets (124) along a passageway (96) and through an outlet opening (36). The passageway (96) includes a restricted throat section (98) defined by a bushing (78) and an inclined roller (100). The roller (100) is oriented so as to prevent simultaneous passage of two tablets (124) through the throat section (98).Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2000Date of Patent: February 5, 2002Assignee: Scriptpro, LLCInventor: Shane P. Coughlin
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Patent number: 6318630Abstract: A preferred medicament dispensing station (10) includes a computer (16) with a bar code reader (18) and a printer (20) coupled therewith. When filling a prescription from a supply container (12) of a medicament, the bar code reader (18) scans the bar code (28) on the container (12) and a computer (16) compares the bar code data with prescription data to determine a match before activating a printer (20) to print a prescription label (30) for the prescription. The preferred station (10) also includes databases (26) including an attribute database and a language database. The computer (16) activates the printer (20) to print medicament indicia on the prescription label (30) representative of physical attributes of the medicament including a word description (32) such as the shape, color pattern, color, scoring and form and an image (34). The computer (16) is operable also to prompt the printer (20) to print prescription data on the same label or on a second label in a second language.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2000Date of Patent: November 20, 2001Assignee: ScriptPro LLCInventors: Michael E. Coughlin, Christopher J. Thomsen, Claire P. Coughlin
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Patent number: 6161721Abstract: The preferred medicament dispensing cell (10) for use in an automatic dispensing machine (12) includes dual rotary platens (20,22). A storage platen (20) delivers medicament units (14) such as tablets and capsules from a storage section (86) to a discharge platen (22) in the discharge section (88) to deliver the units (14) to an outlet (50). In preferred forms, the platens (20,22) are sloped toward the respective peripheries in order to induce spreading of the units (14) into a single file for accurate counting during dispensing. The preferred embodiment also includes a discharge gate assembly (24) for receiving a medicament unit (14) in a gage chamber (108) to define the width of the discharge channel (110) leading to the outlet (50), and further includes an arcuate metering wall (26) shiftable into and out of the passage (84) between the storage and discharge sections (86,88) for metering medicament units (14) into the discharge section (88).Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 1999Date of Patent: December 19, 2000Assignee: Scriptpro LLCInventors: Keith W. Kudera, Lawrence E. Guerra, Ronald A. Leonard
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Patent number: 6155485Abstract: A preferred medicament dispensing station (10) includes a computer (16) with a bar code reader (18) and a printer (20) coupled therewith. When filling a prescription from a supply container (12) of a medicament, the bar code reader (18) scans the bar code (28) on the container (12) and a computer (16) compares the bar code data with prescription data to determine a match before activating a printer (20) to print a prescription label (30) for the prescription. The preferred station (10) also includes databases (26) including an attribute database and a language database. The computer (16) activates the printer (20) to print medicament indicia on the prescription label (30) representative of physical attributes of the medicament including a word description (32) such as the shape, color pattern, color, scoring and form and an image (34). The computer (16) is operable also to prompt the printer (20) to print prescription data on the same label or on a second label in a second language.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 1998Date of Patent: December 5, 2000Assignee: Scriptpro LLCInventors: Michael E. Coughlin, Christopher J. Thomsen, Claire P. Coughlin
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Patent number: 6085938Abstract: A medicament dispensing cell for use in an automatic dispensing machine includes a housing defining a medicament storage section, a discharge section leading to an outlet, a passage between the sections, a rotatable platen and a dispensing assembly for dispensing medicament in single file from the storage section to the discharge section. A pair of resilient, spacing fingers extend from the outboard wall of the discharge section and are positioned to guide medicament units around the distal end thereof in order to space medicament units during rotation of the platen.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 1999Date of Patent: July 11, 2000Assignee: Scriptpro LLCInventor: Shane P. Coughlin
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Patent number: 5897024Abstract: A medicament dispensing cell for use in an automatic dispensing machine includes a housing defining a medicament storage section, a discharge section leading to an outlet, a passage between the sections, a rotatable platen and a dispensing assembly for dispensing medicament in single file from the storage section to the discharge section. A resilient, flexible bushing having outwardly extending fingers encloses the hub of the platen for conveying medicament through the passage. The platen includes a plurality of spirally configured conveying members defined on the surface thereof and the dispensing assembly includes a selectively adjustable passage wall for adjusting the breadth of the passage.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 1997Date of Patent: April 27, 1999Assignee: Scriptpro LLCInventors: Michael E. Coughlin, Claire P. Coughlin, Lawrence E. Guerra, Keith W. Kudera