Patents Examined by Michael K. Collins
  • Patent number: 8744623
    Abstract: A chemical product dispenser includes one or more timing features. The chemical product may include cleaning, sanitizing, disinfecting, or other chemical products typically dispensed using a conventional spray bottle or other chemical product applicator used in the cleaning industry. The timed dispenser includes a timer and one or more indicators that are activated when one or more predetermined periods of time (such as a contact time or cure time) have elapsed. A timed dispenser audit system further monitors and analyzes use of the timed dispensers throughout one or more facilities, and may generate reports based on the analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Deborah L. Drake, Sherri L. Tischler, Paul R. Kraus
  • Patent number: 8738177
    Abstract: A vending machine, in communication with a remote station, delivers a labeled container to a user from storage holding containers of different sizes and shapes and containing different products such as medicaments. A control system is operable to select a specific unlabeled container from among the other containers in storage, and to move the selected unlabeled container to a labeling module where a label is applied after the position of the label and/or the selected unlabeled container are/is adjusted so as to result in the label being applied at a desired position and angular orientation with respect to the selected unlabeled container. The control system is further operable to move the labeled container to a delivery zone accessible to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: MedAvil, Inc.
    Inventors: Wes van Ooyen, Derek Bessette, Duane Lindner
  • Patent number: 8727180
    Abstract: A medicine container cap for use with a bottle containing a plurality of pills includes a casing having a pill dispensing opening. A pill dispensing track assembly is removably coupled to the casing and includes a pill ramp for delivering pills to the pill dispensing opening and an insert that includes a pill dispenser slot that receives pills from the pill ramp and is open to the pill dispensing opening. The insert is detachably from the pill ramp and is insertable through an opening in the casing for being attached to the pill ramp. The pill ramp includes an adjustable member that modifies a characteristic of the pill ramp based on at least one characteristic of the insert that is selected, inserted through the opening in the casing and coupled to the pill ramp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Compliance Meds Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Moses Zonana, Ben Way, Daniel Garcia, Rodrigo Ferreira, Werner Blumenthal
  • Patent number: 8720743
    Abstract: A paperboard carton for receiving articles in two or more layers separated by a divider pad is provided. The divider pad is secured relative to an end panel arrangement at one end of the carton. The carton has a top panel, a base panel and a pair of opposite sides. One of the side panels has a removable portion adjacent one end, which, when removed, defines a roll out aperture for article removal when the carton is lying on the end panel arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Leslie Smalley, Zoe Wilkins
  • Patent number: 8718819
    Abstract: Methods and systems for administering consumable compositions according to a programmed dosing schedule are provided. A method for administering a consumable composition may comprise one or more of the following steps: (a) dispensing a first dose of a consumable composition according to a programmed dosing schedule; and (b) detecting at least one ingestion of the consumable composition. A method for administering a consumable composition may comprise one or more of the following steps: (a) dispensing a first dose of a consumable composition according to a programmed dosing schedule; (b) detecting at least one aspect of the consumable composition; and (c) providing a user notification according to the aspect of the consumable composition. A system for administering a consumable composition may comprise: (a) means for dispensing a first dose of a consumable composition according to a programmed dosing schedule; and (b) means for detecting at least one ingestion of the consumable composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLC
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Eric C. Leuthardt, Robert W. Lord, Clarence T. Tegreene, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8714406
    Abstract: A container denester apparatus which overcomes, among other problems, the problems identified above. The denester apparatus positively controls the flanges of the container so as to individually denest a lowermost container from a stack of containers. The apparatus protects the container by spreading the force required to denest the container along much of the flange structure. In addition, the stack of containers above the lowermost container are retained, again along much of the flange structure of the immediately adjacent container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Lakewood Process Machinery
    Inventors: Dale Miedema, Randy Miedema
  • Patent number: 8718818
    Abstract: An apparatus, method, system and use of a least one sensor in a reverse vending machine for empty beverage containers for, on the sensor's detection at least one biometric feature of a person, allowing such a feature to serve as an identifying token for return value due for empty beverage containers delivered by the person to the reverse vending machine. The biometric feature is, at a return value payout point and by using at least one other sensor, redetected and re-recognized as a previously registered feature for payment of the return value in the form of a payout of the return value, credit for the return value or issuance of a lottery ticket with a stake equivalent to the return value. Said biometric feature is selected from at least one of the group consisting of: fingerprints, facial features, eye characteristics, iris features, handprints, palm line patterns, blood vessel patterns, body shape, height, weight, DNA-characteristics and voice spectrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Tomra Systems ASA
    Inventor: Andreas Nordbryhn
  • Patent number: 8712583
    Abstract: A pill dispensing device includes a base with a top surface and a bottom surface, a transfer tray assembly coupled to the top surface of the base, a controller, and a plurality of vibrating tray assemblies. Each vibrating tray assembly couples to the top surface of the base and includes a pill tray, at least one spring support, a pill tray electric motor, and at least one optical sensor. The pill tray has an open end which is positioned above the transfer tray assembly. The at least one spring support is coupled between the top surface of the base and the pill tray. The pill tray electric motor couples to the pill tray and an offset weight. Each pill tray electric motor electrically couples to the controller. An optical sensor couples to the pill tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Innovative Dispensing, LLC
    Inventors: Russell Madris, Travis Cochran, Bert Centala
  • Patent number: 8708192
    Abstract: A container for dispensing dosages of multiple medications over time. The present invention includes a container which has a plurality of compartments each configured to contain a plurality of dosages of a different medication. A rotatable lid is attached on top of the container such that an opening in the lid may be selectively positioned in fluid communication with each of the plurality of compartments. A lid position detection device is provided for identifying which of the compartments the opening is presently addressing. A programmable computing device is provided to track dosages administered from each of the plurality of compartments. A display, controlled by the programmable computing device, conveys information regarding the medication contained within a selected compartment. The ability to transmit and receive information from an external device or the Internet, either by a data port or wirelessly, is provided for increased functionality of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventors: Mary E. Flowers, Arnett G. Flowers
  • Patent number: 8706292
    Abstract: An apparatus for receiving and dispensing cards automatically includes a card receiving and dispensing main body (1000) and a card dispensing box (1001) removably installed on said main body (1000). Said card dispensing box (1001) includes a card dispensing box body, a card outlet (141) and a card gate (90) configured on said card dispensing box body. Said card dispensing box (1001) also includes a card gate locking device for controlling the opening and closing of said card gate (90). Said apparatus also includes an identification and unclocking device, which controls the activity of the card gate locking device on the card dispensing box (1001) associated with the card receiving and dispensing main body (1000) to open the card gate (90) of the card dispensing box (1001).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: IME Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Qing Xiao
  • Patent number: 8695848
    Abstract: A product including a shipping box containing a plurality of sheet-material dispensers. The sheet-material dispensers enclose a stack of sheets formed from a sheet-material. The dispenser includes a top, a bottom, a first side wall, and a second sidewall. The first and second sidewall comprising either a triangle, truncated triangle, or a trapezoid. Two or more sheet material dispensers are interrelated within the shipping box to form a substantially parallelepiped shape for efficient shipping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc
    Inventors: Stephen Bradford Cook, Cornelius Jacobus Bosselaar, Brian James Ludka, Duane R. Pingel
  • Patent number: 8694156
    Abstract: An apparatus and computer program product for managing paper consumption. Responsive to dispensing a first amount of paper from a set of paper dispensers in which the first amount of paper is dispensed for an account, the set of paper dispensers updates the account based on the first amount of paper dispensed. Responsive to receiving a second amount of paper at a set of paper disposers in which the second amount of paper is received for the account, the set of disposers updates the account based on the second amount of paper received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Ravi Nallappan, Thierry P. R. Supplisson, Wee Siang Yeap
  • Patent number: 8684228
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a mobile and self-contained sanitizing wipe dispensing system that dispenses discreet sheets of sanitizing wipes for hand or surface sanitization. The system is configured to facilitate the consistent dispensing of individual wipes, preferably from a roll of perforated but attached wipes, such that each wipe is separated at the point of perforation and the leading edge of the following sheet for easy access of each successive wipe. Means are provided to dispense wipes from a wall that is incorporated into the system, a plurality of walls forming an enclosure. The enclosure functions as a storage device for its own wipe refills and provides an integrated receptacle for used wipes. One embodiment comprises walls that are like-configured for ease in production and assembly and for reducing the cost of production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Handago, LLC
    Inventor: Kimberly A Parker
  • Patent number: 8678231
    Abstract: A medicine dispensing device capable of appropriately dispensing medicines independent of their form and having a compact structure. The medicine dispensing device has a device body (1) and a medicine conveyance member (3) for conveying, on one by one basis, medicines (D) arranged in rows in the device body (1). The medicine conveyance member (3) has a medicine holding member (40) reciprocatingly moving in the horizontal and vertical directions. The medicine holding member (40) has a support member (42), a forwardly/backwardly moving member (43) reciprocatingly moving in the forward and backward direction of the device body (1) while being supported by the support member (42), and a holding member (44) supported by the forwardly/backwardly moving member (43) so as to swing between a vertical position and a horizontal position and having a pair of holding sections (54) capable of holding a medicine (D).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Yuyama Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shoji Yuyama, Yasuhiro Shigeyama, Takayuki Fujikawa, Hiroyuki Kanda, Shigeyuki Sakai
  • Patent number: 8676377
    Abstract: An inventory shelf monitoring system includes a plurality of track systems located on at least one shelf of a retail or warehouse establishment. Each track system includes a sensor and actuator that determines the position of a product pusher. The identity and location of the product pusher, for each track system on the shelf, is sent to a data acquisition and transmitter circuit that assembles, formats, and transmits pusher position data to a central receiver. The data is then transmitted to a central processing unit in a user device that maintains data corresponding to product count, availability, and activity associated with each track unit of each shelf employing the system. Inventory control, the prevention of out-of-stock situations, and the assessment of activity indicative of theft or accident is thus monitored in real time for prompt remedial action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Fasteners For Retail, Inc.
    Inventors: Norman L. Siegel, Gregory M. Bird, Kenneth G. Rhineberger, James Bacnik, Paul Mueller, Daniel Kump, William H. Walker
  • Patent number: 8670865
    Abstract: Interactive medicine organizers and methods comprising integrated software and hardware elements and multifunctional interactive wireless devices to provide assistance to individuals who need to organize or monitor the administration of one or more medications are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: One World DMG, Ltd.
    Inventor: Matthew Coe
  • Patent number: 8666540
    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 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Kirsten Elizabeth Milhorn
  • Patent number: 8662346
    Abstract: A removing mechanism is disclosed for removing the bottom or top sheet from a stack of sheets; a delaying member for a delay of a predetermined time between the dispensing of two successive sheets; and an actuating mechanism for driving the removing mechanism, wherein the actuating mechanism is driven via a physically supplied mechanical drive force of an operator of the dispensing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Infostop, B.V.
    Inventors: Johannes Christina Langen, Herman Josef Langen
  • Patent number: 8666541
    Abstract: A method of checking the accuracy of a prescription fill including activating an electronic scale operatively coupled to a network, accessing a prescription to fill; selecting an appropriate stock container corresponding to the prescription from a plurality of available stock containers, entering data that is associated with a stock container selected by the user; determining if the stock container selected by the user is the correct stock container to fill the prescription by determining if the drug corresponding to the selected stock container is the appropriate drug for the accessed prescription; retrieving a piece weight of the drug from the selected stock container; measuring a weight of a plurality of pills to be dispensed; comparing the measured weight of the pills to be dispensed to a standard weight; determining if the comparison is within an acceptable range; and generating an automated authorization for the prescription fill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Walgreen Co.
    Inventors: Mohsin Ovais Ansari, Michael J. Simko, Laura Jean Tebbe, Russell Alan Wielgos
  • Patent number: 8646649
    Abstract: In order to provide a card case in which cards can be securely discharged one by one to the last one, it comprises a storage case which has a card insertion inlet and a card discharging opening, can accommodate several cards inside and comprises a lower case and an upper case; a card push-up piece for pushing up the stored cards as a whole toward the upper case; a card discharging unit with a component with a locking part for locking the uppermost one of the several cards and provided on the upper case so as to be slidable toward the card discharging opening; a guide part provided close to the card discharging opening so as to incline the tip of the card obliquely downward; and a stopper provided close to the card discharging opening so as to prevent the second and lower cards (from the uppermost one) of the several cards from being pushed out of the card discharging opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Katoh Electrical Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinichi Kobayashi