Patents Examined by Michael K. Collins
  • Product dispensing system
    Patent number: 9090390
    Abstract: A product dispensing system including a container having a plurality of walls that define an internal volume and an opening into the internal volume, and a dispenser including a frame configured to support the container and a catch element connected to the frame, the catch element being positioned to engage the opening when the container is loaded onto the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: MeadWestvaco Corporation
    Inventors: Bradford J. Walling, John Gelardi, Aaron L. Bates
  • Medication dispensing apparatus
    Patent number: 9081886
    Abstract: A medication dispenser provides automation to the steps of locating and acquiring medications or supplies to be administered to a patient. The medication dispenser includes one or more modules housing one or more compartmentalized drawers. Access to each drawer is controlled by a lockable door, and each the drawer may only be slid from the module housing the drawer in response to a signal. A series of lights direct the user to the appropriate drawer and the appropriate compartment of the relevant drawer to remove the appropriate medication or supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: CERNER INNOVATION, INC.
    Inventors: Edward J. Schifman, Matthew J. Beck
  • Insert for use with a roll of web material, and providing a unique identifier for the roll of web material
    Patent number: 9066638
    Abstract: An automatic product dispenser determines if the roll loaded into the dispenser is approved for use with the dispenser. The core of a roll receives a plug that engages a hub within the dispenser. The plug has a feature that alters an electromagnetic field created proximate the hub. The alteration of the electromagnetic field may then be used to determine if the plug, and thus the roll, is usable with the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: San Jamar, Inc.
    Inventors: Morgan J. Lowery, Gregory J. Hallingstad, Michael J. Pelland, Steven R. Reckamp
  • Digital media kiosk
    Patent number: 9053600
    Abstract: A kiosk for sale or rental of secure USB flash drives employing digital rights management to implement secure digital media storage such as that provided by encrypted storage utilizing content protection for recordable media (CPRM) or the like. Preferably, the form factor of the secure USB flash drives is that of a standard USB flash drive, and a standard USB connector is employed therein making the devices and their use familiar and comfortable to the average consumer. Further, the kiosk may employ an array of USB ports and support writing of content from one drive to another to advantageously adjust inventory to respond to demand. Light, simple kiosks may be designed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Phil Day, Andrew Colley, Jim Henderson
  • Automated precision small object counting and dispensing system and method
    Patent number: 9037291
    Abstract: An automated dispenser receives a canister of small objects secured atop the dispenser using a bar-code matched gate operated by a central controller. A hopper below the gate directs small quantities of objects into a charge block which urges them into a circular counter and atop a movable plate forming the bottom of the counter. The plate bears slots around its perimeter adjacent the cylindrical walls of the counter. The central controller operates a servo motor to rotate the plate in measured increments, urging a precise count of objects into a port through which they fall one at a time into a receptacle. Means on the cylinder walls orients objects so that only a single one at a time may fall into each slot, thereby preventing overfilling. An exit sensor counts the objects as they fall to verify quantity and guard against under-filling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: TENSION INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Robert Terzini
  • Automated retrieval and delivery of medications
    Patent number: 9031690
    Abstract: This invention relates to a process and a device for automatically delivering and retrieving singular medication from a plurality of containers or product blister packages, storing and recording medication transactions for each patient, and the crushing of designated medications. This invention also relates to medication control, delivery, consumption verification and monitoring within institutional entities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Inventor: Dennis Cotner
  • Container-less custom beverage vending invention
    Patent number: 9026245
    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: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Ecowell, LLC
    Inventors: Donald E. Tilton, Cameron T. Wheeler, Brian L. Boler, Andrew C. Whitaker, Reid A. Schilperoort, Preston F. David
  • Medium processing device and medium processing method
    Patent number: 9026246
    Abstract: A media processing device, controls such that when a medium is transported in the inserting direction by means of transporting means, the media information recorded on the medium is read by a media information read means and stored by recording to memory. Whether or not the medium is ejectable is determined by transporting the medium in the ejecting direction by means of the transporting means. The media information stored in memory is controlled so as to be deleted when it is determined that the medium is not ejectable. In this way, as long as it is not confirmed that the medium is ejectable, the media information recorded in the medium is not output to the host device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Nidec Sankyo Corporation
    Inventors: Toshirou Shiomi, Tsutomu Baba, Keiji Hoson
  • Systems for point-of-use medication control
    Patent number: 9014847
    Abstract: Systems for controlling the dispensing of medication are provided. The system can include a dispenser device capable of holding and delivering at least one medication. A controller can be operatively connected to the dispenser. The controller can automatically operate the dispenser for movement to a dispensing position at a predetermined time. An electronic communication device for connecting the system to a remote facility can be provided. An identification verification device for restricting access to the system can be in communication with the controller of the system. A location determination device for determining the location of the system can also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: Lawrence A. Dunn
  • Stack of interfolded first and second sheets
    Patent number: 9004313
    Abstract: A stack of hygiene sheet products including first and second webs that are interfolded with each other. The stack includes a top panel of the first web and a top panel of the second web, wherein the top panel of the first web overlays the top panel of the second web but has been cut away so that the top panel of the second web is revealed by the top panel of the first web. An adherence layer is placed on the top panel of the first web and the top panel of the second web and is exposed at the top of the stack so that it can adhere to an adjacent stack so that when the last sheets of the adjacent stack are pulled through a dispenser opening of a dispenser, the first and second sheets are pulled securely through with it as a result of the direct adherence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventors: Anders Andersson, Björn Larsson
  • System and apparatus for item management
    Patent number: 9002510
    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: February 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Chudy Group, LLC
    Inventors: Duane S. Chudy, Larry Montgomery, James T. Spernow
  • Cartridge with a wheel for sealing the opening
    Patent number: 8998032
    Abstract: A dispensing mechanism is adapted to eject a test sensor from a cartridge opening formed in a cartridge containing test sensors. The dispensing mechanism comprises a gear rack, a gear, and a wheel. The gear rack includes a first portion and a second portion located generally parallel to one another. The second portion of the gear rack includes a first plurality of teeth. The gear includes a second plurality of teeth that are adapted to be engaged by the first plurality of teeth upon movement of the gear rack. The wheel is operatively engaged by the gear and is adapted to dispense the test sensor from the cartridge opening and to seal the cartridge opening. The movement of the gear rack in a first direction causes the gear to rotate causing the wheel to rotate. The rotation of the wheel dispenses the test sensor through the cartridge opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Bayer Healthcare LLC
    Inventors: Rex J. Kuriger, Tieming Ruan
  • Article vending machine and method for exchanging an inoperable article for an operable article
    Patent number: 8996162
    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: September 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Redbox Automated Retail, LLC
    Inventors: J. Mitchell Lowe, Eric Hoersten, Christopher A. Kapcar
  • High efficiency automated pharmaceutical dispenser
    Patent number: 8989896
    Abstract: A system, method and corresponding apparatus are provided for packaging, storing, tracking, and dispensing pharmaceuticals in unit doses in a highly efficient manner. In particular, a method of packaging pharmaceuticals within a ribbon having a plurality of adjacent segments each containing a unit dose of a pharmaceutical and having associated data indicia for efficient and uniform transport, tracking, storage and dispensing is provided. Pharmaceuticals are loaded into an automated dispenser that is networked with computers for accepting prescriptions and dispensing pharmaceutical accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Inventor: Arthur E. Brown
  • Electromechanical latch and ejector
    Patent number: 8983653
    Abstract: An electromechanical latch and ejector to selectively unlatch and eject an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Advantage Pharmacy Services LLC
    Inventors: John Todd Barrett, Fred P. Schoville
  • Automated dispensing system and method
    Patent number: 8983655
    Abstract: Automated dispensing systems and mechanisms for queuing output from an automated dispensing system are provided for the dispensing of articles. The automated dispensing system may increase efficiency of the automated dispensing system by reducing cycle time, increasing throughput, and reducing the time required for the unloading process. A system for dispensing articles may include a carousel including a plurality of stations, a plurality of carrier holders, each configured to be received at a respective station, and a robot configured to retrieve a carrier holder from the carousel. The robot may further be configured to move the carrier holder proximate the location of a first article, load the first article onto the carrier holder, and return the carrier holder to a station of the carousel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Aesynt Incorporated
    Inventors: Patrick J. Braun, Robert S. Snyder
  • Method, system and apparatus for dispensing products for a personal care service, instructing on providing a personal care treatment service, and selecting a personal care service
    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
  • Pharmaceutical dispensing systems and graphical user interfaces associated with same
    Patent number: 8972047
    Abstract: A pharmaceutical dispensing system includes a frame having first and second opposed sides, a plurality of cells configured to house pharmaceutical pills, a first touch screen display on the frame first side, and a second touch screen display on the frame second side. A plurality of dispensing shelves configured to receive filled pill containers are accessible from the second side of the frame for removal of pill containers therein. The pharmaceutical dispensing system includes a processor and memory coupled thereto. A computer program resides in the memory and is executable by the processor for displaying a cell inventory graphical user interface (GUI) within the first touch screen display, and a series of GUIs within the second touch screen display that include status information about a prescription order at a respective stage of completion by the pharmaceutical dispensing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Parata Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Johnson, Harold Lindsey, Megan Dunigan, Justin Lallinger, John Kirk Hammond, Jr.
  • Multi-compartment step-drawer
    Patent number: 8972051
    Abstract: A multi-pocket step-drawer is disclosed that includes a dispensing drawer and a control module. The dispensing drawer has a body comprising at least one fixed wall forming at least two open-top compartments that are arranged along an axis parallel to the front-to-back axis and a ladder fixedly coupled to the body. The ladder has a plurality of cross arms arranged along an axis parallel to the front-to-back axis. The control module includes a housing and a latching element coupled to the housing and disposed proximate to the ladder. The latching element has a first position wherein the latching element engages one of the plurality of cross-arms so as to prevent the dispensing drawer from moving toward the front and a second position wherein the latching element allows the dispensing element to move toward the front.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: CareFusion 303, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Rahilly, Hao Ton-That
  • Pharmaceutical dispensing systems and graphical user interfaces associated with same
    Patent number: 8972050
    Abstract: A pharmaceutical dispensing system includes a frame having first and second opposed sides, a plurality of cells configured to house pharmaceutical pills, a first touch screen display on the frame first side, and a second touch screen display on the frame second side. The pharmaceutical dispensing system includes a processor and memory coupled thereto. A computer program resides in the memory and is executable by the processor for displaying a cell inventory graphical user interface (GUI) within the first touch screen display, and a prescription order processing GUI within the second touch screen display that include status information about a prescription order at a respective stage of completion by the pharmaceutical dispensing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Parata Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Johnson, Harold Lindsey, Megan Dunigan, Justin Lallinger, John Kirk Hammond, Jr.