Patents Examined by Michael K. Collins
  • Method and system for controlling the dispensation of medications from a medication dispenser
    Patent number: 9342659
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and a system for controlling the dispensation of medications from a medication dispenser, which includes medication packages containing medications to be taken at predetermined taking times. The method comprises several steps, including providing the medication dispenser with a medication profile of a patient and notifying the medication dispenser of a period of absence of the patient. Thereafter, the medications that should be taken by the patient during the period of absence are determined and the appropriate medications delivered to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: EVONDOS OY
    Inventors: Jyrki Niinistö, Mika Apell
  • Cutlery dispenser and methods of use
    Patent number: 9332861
    Abstract: A stack of disposable cutlery. The stack can include a plurality of disposable cutlery utensils disposed adjacent one another to provide a stack of the cutlery utensils. At least one elongated retaining mechanism can be adhered to the stack. The at least one elongated retaining mechanism can include at least one tail freely protruding beyond the stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: DIXIE CONSUMER PRODUCTS LLC
    Inventor: Brian Scott Borke
  • Automatic dispensing machine
    Patent number: 9330519
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic dispensing machine having an elevator for transporting the products from the tray area to the collection box, which increases the capacity of the products that can be dispensed, in addition to increasing the machine's capacity due to the fact that it can store a larger number of products for being subsequently dispensed, due to the fact that the elevator comprises a rotatable upper lid which allows the rotating shaft of the product collection door to be disposed at a greater height than the upper lid of the elevator, thereby increasing the capacity of the elevator and that of the products that can be dispensed, as well as the number of tray rows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: JOFEMAR, S.A.
    Inventor: Felix Guindulain Busto
  • Helmet dispensing system
    Patent number: 9320364
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for the dispensing and collection of objects in urban environments. More particularly, the disclosure provides systems and methods for dispensing and collecting helmets. The disclosure provides a self-sufficient, high-capacity, helmet dispensing system. In some embodiments, the system includes solar panels that provide the system with the requisite power needed to power the system. In some implementations, the system includes a vandal resistant return mechanism for the helmets. The system may also include communication modules, which may transmit system information to a backend server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: HelmutHub Corporation
    Inventors: Charles Mills, Jessica Artilles, Jose Avedillo, Kathryn Barnes, Ignatius Chen, Danielle Hicks, Shen Huang, Ron Perez, Laura Ware, Stephanie Whalen, Breanna Berry, Arni Lehto, Angela Chu, Manas Menon
  • Automated pill dispensing systems configured for detecting bottles in output chutes and related methods of operation
    Patent number: 9299213
    Abstract: An automated pill dispensing system includes an output chute configured to hold pill-containing vials and an optical sensor located at a predetermined location in the output chute. The optical sensor includes an optical emitter and an optical detector configured to be operated cooperatively to output a detection signal indicating a presence or absence of a vial at the predetermined location of the output chute. A controller is coupled to the optical sensor and is configured to receive the detection signal therefrom, detect the presence or absence of the vial at the predetermined location of the output chute in response to the detection signal, and control a next depositing event whereby a next vial is deposited in the output chute responsive to the detection. Related methods of operation are also discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Parata Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Schedel, James Robert Rivenbark, Jr., Mark Alan Uebel, Thomas H. S. Gordon
  • Cutlery utensil dispenser
    Patent number: 9295344
    Abstract: A cutlery utensil dispenser has a housing that includes a first zone for holding a utensil to be dispensed, a second zone for receiving the utensil during dispensing, and a third zone for delivering the dispensed utensil to a user. The first, second and third zones are cooperatively configured and adapted to maintain, and present to the user, one end of the utensil ahead of an opposing end of the utensil during a dispensing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: DIXIE CONSUMER PRODUCTS LLC
    Inventors: Christopher M. Reinsel, Brian M. Durant, Michael R. Kilgore, Matthew K. F. Williquette
  • System and method for dispensing prescriptions
    Patent number: 9299210
    Abstract: A pharmaceutical dispensing system includes: a frame having first and second opposed sides; a plurality of bins configured to house pharmaceutical tablets, each of the bins being accessible from the first side of the frame for replenishment of pharmaceutical tablets; and a plurality of chutes, each of the chutes connected to and associated with a respective one of the plurality of bins, each of the chutes being accessible from the second side of the frame for dispensing of pharmaceutical tablets. A system of this configuration can facilitate operation by physically separating replenishment tasks from dispensing tasks, thereby enabling these tasks to be performed simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Parata Systems, LLC
    Inventors: David J. Parrish, Thomas P. Rhoads, Jr., David Alan Calderwood, Jesse Samuel Eberdt, III
  • System for singly dispensing fibrous filters from bulk
    Patent number: 9290343
    Abstract: A system for singly dispensing fibrous coffee filters from bulk includes a grasping tool having a handle with a working end and a container with an edge trim member for preventing bulk fibrous filters from passing freely through the opening in the container. The edge trim member comprises interlocking parts and has a planer platform for rotating the trim member relative to the container. The planer platform has a cutout extending therethrough. The handle of the grasping tool is configured to be releasably secured to the platform. The system accommodates large and small cup- and cone-style filters and may be built-in to a coffee brewing machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Coffco, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey G. Roberts
  • System for singly dispensing fibrous filters from bulk
    Patent number: 9290342
    Abstract: A system for singly dispensing fibrous filters from bulk includes a grasping tool having a handle with a working end and a container with an edge trim member for preventing bulk fibrous filters from passing freely through the opening in the container. The edge trim member comprises interlocking parts and has a planer platform for rotating the trim member relative to the container. The planer platform has a cutout extending therethrough. The handle of the grasping tool is configured to be releasably secured to the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Coffco, LLC
    Inventor: Jeff Roberts
  • Wet wipes container
    Patent number: 9277843
    Abstract: A wipes container designed for one-handed use. The wipes container may have a three-dimensional orifice to facilitate access to wipes stored therein. The wipes container may have additional convenience features, including an ergonomic opening button, gripping feet, and a size ratio consistent with moisture retention and one-handed operation. Methods and structures for communicating the proper use of the ergonomic features of the container are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Richard Shane Mays, Lucio Frias, Samir M. Aziz, James Matthew Owen, Richard Lawrence Horstman
  • Methods and a system for dispensing
    Patent number: 9262870
    Abstract: In one example, the invention includes steps of: activating feeding and exiting motors of a dispensing device that cause corresponding rollers to rotate in forward direction, wherein the feeding motor is operatively connected to a displacement optical sensor, wherein the feeding and exiting rollers move a dispensing object; wherein an exit sensor generates a first signal, indicating that a leading edge of the dispensing object has activated the exit sensor, generating, by the stationary displacement optical sensor, a second signal, when, by passing at least one light beam over a surface of the portion of the dispensing object, the stationary displacement optical sensor determines that the portion of the dispensing object has traveled a pre-determined distance along the dispensing passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Intralot S.A.—Integrated Lottery Systems and Services
    Inventors: Apostolos Dalas, Ilias Alexopoulos, Georgios Dimitrakopoulos
  • Method and apparatus for use in a vending machine
    Patent number: 9262377
    Abstract: During operation of a vending machine, visual images of the next product to be dispensed from product dispensing locations are obtained. Features of the visual images are compared to a data base of features to determine the identity of the next product to be dispensed from each of the dispensing locations. After a product has been dispensed from a dispensing location, a visual image is obtained of the next product at the dispensing location. Features of the visual image of the next product at the dispensing location are compared to a data base of features to determine the identity of the next product to be dispensed. A displayed price of a product is compared with product prices in the data base. If necessary, the displayed price is adjusted to agree with the data base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Inventors: Brent D. Garson, Aviel Dafna, Alessandro Ratti, Ezio Cesare Ratti
  • Methods and a system for dispensing
    Patent number: 9262871
    Abstract: In one example, the invention includes steps of: activating feeding and exiting motors of a dispensing device that cause corresponding rollers to rotate in forward direction, wherein the feeding motor is operatively connected to a displacement optical sensor, wherein the feeding and exiting rollers move a dispensing object; wherein an exit sensor generates a first signal, indicating that a leading edge of the dispensing object has activated the exit sensor, generating, by the stationary displacement optical sensor, a second signal, when, by passing at least one light beam over a surface of the portion of the dispensing object, the stationary displacement optical sensor determines that the portion of the dispensing object has traveled a pre-determined distance along the dispensing passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Intralot S.A.—Integrated Lottery Systems and Services
    Inventors: Apostolos Dalas, Ilias Alexopoulos, Georgios Dimitrakopoulos
  • Medication dispenser with integrated monitoring system
    Patent number: 9235690
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are provided for remote visualization of the storage compartments in a medication dispenser device, to monitor a patient's compliance with a medication dosage schedule and for verifying the proper loading of medication into the patient's medication dispenser device. The device may include a plurality of storage compartments, each having an interior space for storing at least one medication or medication reminder marker; an image capturing device (e.g., a camera) positionable to capture an image of the interior space of each storage compartment; and a communications module for electronically transmitting the captured image to a central monitoring station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: SentiCare, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Bear, Yogendra Jain
  • Pickup location monitoring
    Patent number: 9230230
    Abstract: A pickup location that includes a control station and one or more storage compartment modules provides the ability for items to be ordered and delivered for pickup by a user without having to pack those items in a shipping package prior to shipping from a materials handling facility. Delivering items for pickup by a user without having to package the items prior to shipping, may provide a better experience for the customer, reduce waste in packaging material and a lower cost of delivering the ordered items to the customer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Piyush Gupta, Girish Lakshman, Lin Wan, Michael Mahesh Bhaskaran
  • Interactive and 3-D multi-sensor touch selection interface for an automated retail store, vending machine, digital sign, or retail display
    Patent number: 9229557
    Abstract: Vending machines, automated retail stores, and retail displays with a computer controlled, activation system that senses either the gesture of a customer proximate product display tubes or a touch-screen selection on a computer screen. Item-based lighting produces variable visual effects in conjunction with actual or potential vends to provide an enhanced vending experience. Offered products are stored within display tubes that are arranged in orderly geometric arrays. RGB lighting through a plurality of LED banks associated with each display tube are controlled by the activation system Combinations of differently colored LED's are computer controlled on a per product basis to artistically illuminate available products and assist customers. Pre-programmed lighting sequences can switch LEDs off and on, vary their intensity, and alter resultant colors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: UTIQUE, INC.
    Inventors: Mara Clair Segal, Darrell S. Mockus, Russell Greenberg
  • Twist tie and method of dispensing same
    Patent number: 9216848
    Abstract: A twist tie and dispensing system provides for the dispensing of single twist ties attached together end-to-end in a semi continuous ribbon having spaced separation points that permit separation of individual twist ties at a predetermined tension. Twist ties may be dispensed through an aperture that engages with obstructions placed periodically on the ribbon to cause pulling of the twist tie through the aperture to impart the necessary separating tension when the obstruction is reached so that one twist tie at a time may be dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: The Trinko Group, LLC
    Inventors: Dominic Trinko, Thomas Trinko
  • Virtual vending machine in communication with a remote data processing device
    Patent number: 9218703
    Abstract: A vending machine system for dispensing goods or services. The vending machine system may include a vending machine with a vending mechanism, a data processing device remote from the vending machine, and a vending bridge. The vending bridge is in communication with the data processing device and the vending mechanism of the vending machine so as to instruct the vending mechanism to dispense the goods or the services.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Gerard E. Insolia, Leonard F. Antao, David O. Slagley, H. Brock Kolls
  • Web enabled audiovisual medication dispensing
    Patent number: 9202011
    Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to methods and devices for taking care of elderly, disabled, or other dependents. The devices and methods may be useful for dependents that are not willing or able to live in an environment which has a caretaker physically present. Example devices and methods can facilitate communication between a caretaker and a dependent. Devices and methods can optionally facilitate disbursing medications remotely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Inventor: Lisa M. Lavin
  • Portable containers for zip ties
    Patent number: 9193518
    Abstract: A container for carrying and dispensing at least one zip tie includes a housing having a substantially cylindrical outer wall and opposing upper and lower walls defining a substantially hollow interior. A dispensing slot is formed in the outer wall, and a friction fit passage is formed on the outer wall adjacent to the dispensing slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Inventor: Daniel A. Cahill