Patents Examined by Michael K. Collins
  • Patent number: 9489691
    Abstract: An article vending machine in a network of article vending machines capable of exchanging an inoperable rental article received from a user for an operable replacement article. The article dispensing machine checks customer identification information against one or more customer rental criteria to determine if the customer is eligible to exchange an inoperable article for an operable one. The article vending machine searches for an identical replacement article within an inventory of the machine itself and within inventories of the networked article vending machines. Alternatively, the article vending machine may provide a refund for the inoperable article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Redbox Automated Retail, LLC
    Inventors: J. Mitchell Lowe, Eric Hoersten, Christopher A. Kapcar
  • Patent number: 9483621
    Abstract: A medication dispenser. The dispenser comprises a sensor for receiving biometric information from a user, a memory for storing a minimum dosing interval, a controller for determining whether the user is an authorized user, a belt having medication-carrying slots, a dose opening defined in an exterior surface of the dispenser, and a signaling device. The controller activates the signaling device and the sensor only when the minimum dosing interval has elapsed as measured from a last successful user authentication. The sensor is responsive to user biometric information provided any time after activation of the signaling device and the sensor, but not before activation of the signaling device and the sensor. After determining the use is an authorized user, a medication-carrying slot is aligned with the dose opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Advancen MOD Corporation
    Inventors: N. Sharon Conley, Tim Reynolds
  • Patent number: 9478091
    Abstract: A digital media rental and return kiosk includes a store arranged to store physical digital media items. The kiosk further includes a user interface (i) having a dispense and return slot, and (ii) arranged to enable a customer to interact with the kiosk to either rent a digital media item or return a digital media item through the slot. The kiosk also includes a delivery system arranged to (i) transport a digital media item to be rented from the store to the slot, and (ii) transport a digital media item to be returned from the slot to the store. The kiosk further includes a gate mechanism including a gate which is (i) movable from a closed position to a first opened position to allow a digital media item to be rented to be dispensed through the slot to a customer, and (ii) movable from the closed position to a second opened position which is different from the first opened position to allow a digital media item to be returned to be inserted through the slot by the customer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: NCR CORPORATION
    Inventor: David Gregerson
  • Patent number: 9478093
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a dispenser configured for storing one or more items and dispensing the stored items to authorized users. According to various embodiments, the dispenser generally includes a housing defining an interior portion dimensioned to receive one or more items and a laterally sliding access door comprised of a flexible barrier configured to provide restricted access to items stored within the dispenser. In various embodiments, the dispenser also includes a biasing system configured bias the access door to a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Innovative Product Achievements, LLC
    Inventors: Ward Broom, Kyle Joiner, Keith Stallings, Robert Fitzgerald, Joel Eisler
  • Patent number: 9471750
    Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and computer program products are provided for facilitating the expedited dispensing of medications from an automated medication storage device. In this regard, a method may cooperate with the first device to facilitate the presentation of various displays that include features to reduce number of user interactions to dispense medications safely and effectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Aesynt Incorporated
    Inventors: Laurie Garda, Wendy Armstrong, Jyotsna Rao, Amy Blew, Ryan Thomas, James Kolodziej, Patrick J. Braun, Benjamin H. Tylenda, Shawn T. Greyshock
  • Patent number: 9446924
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for ensuring a controlled supply source of web material 34 to be dispensed through at least one dispenser 2, 4, 6 or 24.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: San Jamar, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul A. Omdoll
  • Patent number: 9446904
    Abstract: An interchangeable flighting insert is disclosed to maximize the efficiency of singularly delivering objects, such as products, to a user through a product dispensation device. The flighting insert can be removably coupled to an auger of the product dispensation device, thereby allowing variation of the flighting characteristics based on the object to be dispensed. The same auger can therefore use a first flighting for certain products, and a second flighting for different products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: FREEOSK, INC.
    Inventors: Tony Lee Koenigsknecht, Albert John Kohn, Scott Alan Albright, Robert Kevin Blake, Jonathan Charles Shoemaker
  • Patent number: 9443369
    Abstract: The invention provides a system to physically dispense an item, including tangible items and/or services or features, on-site from a dispenser whereby the item to be dispensed is selected by the system based on user-specific or item-specific information. In an embodiment, the system selects the dispensed item based on both user-specific and item-specific information. In another embodiment the invention comprises a system that activates gaming features in a gaming device based on user-specific information. In another embodiment, the invention comprises a system incorporated into an interactive amusement system to activate features of a playfield based on user-specific information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Inventor: Arthur J. Zito, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9443062
    Abstract: A system and method for disabling or enabling automated dispensers based upon data received by a server or a control unit. In one embodiment, the system disables automated dispensers in a room of a medical facility based upon health condition data of a patient resident in the room. In another embodiment, the system enables automated dispensers upon receipt of data identifying user types authorized to use the dispenser that are associated with wearable tags in proximity to the dispensers. In still another embodiment, the system controls the order in which automated dispensers are enabled in order to facilitate compliance with workflow procedures for a facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Proventix Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Avery Dallas Long, Harvey Allen Nix, Erin Melisa Snow, Sean Michael Kelly
  • Patent number: 9406187
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention described herein provide an apparatus and method for networked vending. According to embodiments described herein, a vending machine is provided that may be installed and managed by the venue in which it is installed. Consumers may purchase vending products from the vending machine using cashless accounts managed by an external device in communication with the vendor. The venue may manage the inventory for the vending machine by placing orders for single product inserts to be loaded in the vending machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: PepsiCo, Inc.
    Inventors: Marcus Hammonds, Marco Perry
  • Patent number: 9398833
    Abstract: A system for dispensing paper product at a food-selling establishment. The system includes a point-of-sale device for entering details of a particular sale transaction, with the point-of-sale device being configured to output a slip containing specific indicia associated with the particular sale transaction. A dispenser of paper product is configured to obtain information from the specific indicia on the slip and to dispense a predetermined quantity of paper product in response to the obtained information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: SCA HYGIENE PRODUCTS AB
    Inventor: Kenneth Ernest Saffran
  • Patent number: 9399204
    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 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Inventor: Kirsten E. Milhorn
  • Patent number: 9399540
    Abstract: A dispensing container includes a plurality of sheets of products stored within a housing. The container includes a dispensing orifice having a length that extends along a longitudinal axis from a first end to a second end. In particular embodiments, the dispensing orifice has a maximum width disposed not less than 20% and not more than 49% of the distance from the first end to the second end, a midpoint width disposed halfway between the first end and the second end, the midpoint width being less than the maximum width, and a third width disposed 80% of the distance from the first end to the second end, the third width being no greater than 80% of the maximum width. In particular embodiments, the dispensing orifice is symmetrical about a longitudinal axis but asymmetrical about a transverse axis. In particular embodiments, the dispensing orifice has an ovoid shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Lisa L. Bushman, Paul W. Christoffel, Lawrence J. Romano, III, Zachary J. Lee
  • Patent number: 9367984
    Abstract: A modular drawer structure comprises a housing having an interior volume defined therein, and a drawer comprising one or more compartments, wherein the drawer is slidably movable with respect to the interior volume of the housing between a first closed position, wherein the compartments are enclosed within the interior volume, and a second open position, wherein the compartments are at least partially accessible. The drawer structure further comprises a mechanism for controllably locking the drawer in the first closed position, an access pad, e.g. such as but not limited to a keypad and/or a card swipe pad, for entry of a passcode, and a processor for unlocking the drawer when an entered passcode matches a stored passcode value. Some embodiments of the drawer structure include a stored time threshold, wherein if the drawer is unlocked for a time that meets or exceeds the stored time threshold, the drawer is relocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: GCX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Cristian J. Daugbjerg, Robert Peter Glaser, Carl Hermann Poppe
  • Patent number: 9355220
    Abstract: A medication dispensing cabinet provides controlled access to medications and supplies stored in it. The cabinet may include at least one lockable storage compartment, and a controller that controls access to the at least one lockable storage compartment. The cabinet may include multiple printers integrated into the cabinet. The cabinet may include a camera operably coupled to the controller. The cabinet may include a set of cabinet electronics, and a power distribution and communications circuit board. The cabinet may include a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader, wherein the controller conditions access to the at least one lockable storage compartment on receipt of information from the RFID reader. Data may be stored in the controller according to an implementation of RAID technology. The controller may include multiple electronic communications network interfaces, and may include an out of band network communication channel. A dispensing cabinet may facilitate printing of labels for medications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Omnicell, Inc.
    Inventors: Akbar Paydar, Stanley Kim, Chris Richardson, John Foot, Mahmoud Amini, Stuart Morita, Jennifer Cartright, Kyung-Hee Kang, Jeff Blank, Scott Gregg, Andrew Chai
  • Patent number: 9355222
    Abstract: Item-management systems, apparatus, and methods are described, preferably for management of items such as medicaments. In embodiments, an item-management system comprises a holder defining plural cells, a docking station configured to receive the holder, at least one indicator selectively-operable to indicate the holder cell into which an item is to be loaded, and at least one controller operable to selectively operate each at least one indicator to indicate the cell into which the item is to be received. In embodiments, indicators are provided on the holder. In other embodiments, the indicators may by on a guide associated with the docking station to assist the user in loading the holder. The contents of the loaded holder may be easily loaded, for example, into an automated dispensing machine for packaging and subsequent administration to a patient or for another use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Chudy Group, LLC
    Inventors: Duane S. Chudy, Larry Montgomery, James T. Spernow
  • Patent number: 9355218
    Abstract: A portable medication dispensing system is described. In some embodiments, the system includes a portable medication tote comprising a securable compartment configured to hold medication, and a controller, responsive to access information, configured to assign a patient to the securable compartment such that medications for the patient are authorized for placement into the securable compartment. The controller is also configured to selectively permit a user access to the medications for the patient in the securable compartment when the access information indicates the user has access to the securable compartment, and restrict access to retrieval of the medications for the patient in the securable compartment when the access information indicates the user does not have access to the securable compartment. The system also includes an information output module configured to output usage information regarding access to the securable compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: CareFusion 303, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry Arthur Brown, Duane E. Veach, James David DeFreece
  • Patent number: 9355221
    Abstract: Item-management systems, apparatus, and methods are described, preferably for management of items such as medicaments. In a method embodiment, a method of hand-loading a container with at least one type of medicament is provided. A portable container having plural cells for holding medicament-type items is gotten and is docked at a docking station. Visible information, preferably viewable on the docked container, indicates the cell into which each medicament is to be hand-loaded. The visible information assists a user to hand-load a medicament into the correct cell. The docked container is removed from the docking station after the cells have been loaded with the medicaments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Chudy Group, LLC
    Inventors: Duane S. Chudy, Larry Montgomery, James T. Spernow
  • Patent number: 9349239
    Abstract: An automated medicament dispensing machine for dispensing and counting individual medicaments. A medicament supply bin holds a plurality of medicaments. A singulator extends into the medicament supply bin and functions to singulate the plurality of medicaments. The singulator includes a trough that extends into the medicament supply bin. A helix is positioned over the top of the trough. The helix is uncovered at its top. A motor is connected to the helix and rotates the helix so that excess medicaments fall backwards along the trough or into the medicament supply bin as individual medicaments are singulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Inventors: Waldemar Willemse, Werner Waidamar Willemse, Clasina Aletta Willemae
  • Patent number: 9345340
    Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing cutlery may include a housing configured to contain a plurality of utensils for dispensing, a dispensing mechanism comprising at least one pair of indexing members configured to separate a utensil from a stack of utensils, and a receptacle configured to receive the utensil separated from the stack of utensils. A dispensing mechanism may alternatively include a plurality of linked members configured to separate a utensil from a stack of utensils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: DIXIE CONSUMER PRODUCTS LLC
    Inventors: Richard S. Walters, Morgan J. Lowery