Patents by Inventor Anthony Self
Anthony Self has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 9037285Abstract: An apparatus for filling vials comprises a shelving unit defining an array of storage locations. The shelving unit may be an array in an XY plane or one or more carousels. A plurality of storage containers are provided, each removably carried by one of the storage locations. A counting and dispensing unit, a source of vials, a label printer and application unit or units, and an output device are also provided. The output device may take a variety of forms such as an output chute, which is preferably used when a capping unit is provided, an output conveyor, a plurality of output lanes, and an output carousel, which may be a dedicated carousel or a portion of the carousel providing the plurality of storage locations. A computer controlled engagement device provides motion in a Z direction. The engagement device may be comprised of a first stage for engaging the storage containers and a second stage for engaging the vials.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2007Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignee: McKesson Automation Systems, Inc.Inventors: Jamie Vollm, Manoj Wangu, Robert Eckert, Shawn Greyshock, Anthony Self
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Patent number: 7831334Abstract: An apparatus and method for filling vials comprises a shelving unit defining an array of storage locations. The shelving unit may be an array in an XY plane or one or more carousels. A plurality of storage containers are provided, each removably carried by one of the storage locations. A counting and dispensing unit, a source of vials, a label printer and application unit or units, and an output device are also provided. A computer controlled engagement device provides motion in a Z direction. The engagement device may be comprised of a first stage for engaging the storage containers and a second stage for engaging the vials. A computer controlled system carries the engagement device and moves the engagement device in XY directions among the plurality of storage locations, counting and dispensing unit, source of vials, label printer and application unit, and output device.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2007Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: McKesson Automation Systems Inc.Inventors: Jamie Vollm, Manoj Wangu, Robert Eckert, Shawn Greyshock, Anthony Self
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Patent number: 7789267Abstract: Methods are disclosed for storing and dispensing medications. A medication storing and dispensing cassette is comprised of a housing defining at least a portion of a bulk storage chamber for storing a medication, defining at least a portion of a pick-up area, and defining at least a portion of a discharge chute sized to temporarily store a quantity of the medication. A divider wall is positioned between the bulk storage chamber and the pick-up area. A gate is positioned to control an exit end of the discharge chute. A rotatable conveying wheel having openings proximate to the periphery thereof is positioned such that a portion of the wheel is in communication with the pick-up area while another portion of the wheel is adjacent to an entrance end of the discharge chute. A calibration arm is positioned adjacent the openings of the rotatable wheel. A baffle is positioned to block those openings in that portion of the rotatable wheel adjacent to the discharge chute.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2007Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: McKesson Automation Systems, Inc.Inventors: Kevin Hutchinson, Anthony Self, Joseph Inabnet, Monroe Milton, Mike Bergeron
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Patent number: 7753229Abstract: A counter is disclosed for use with a medication storing and dispensing cassette. The counter is comprised of a loader for receiving a cassette, a sensor for sensing whether a cassette is in the loader, means for moving the loader into an operative position, a vacuum unit for applying a vacuum to the cassette, a drive unit for driving a driven portion of the cassette and a counter for counting medication within a portion of the cassette. Methods of operating the counter are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2007Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: McKesson Automation Systems Inc.Inventors: Kevin Hutchinson, Anthony Self, Joseph Inabnet, Monroe Milton, Mike Bergeron
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Patent number: 7532948Abstract: An apparatus for filling vials comprises a shelving unit defining an array of storage locations. The shelving unit may be an array in an XY plane or one or more carousels. A plurality of storage containers are provided, each removably carried by one of the storage locations. A counting and dispensing unit, a source of vials, a label printer and application unit or units, and an output device are also provided. The output device may take a variety of forms such as an output chute, which is preferably used when a capping unit is provided, an output conveyor, a plurality of output lanes, and an output carousel, which may be a dedicated carousel or a portion of the carousel providing the plurality of storage locations. A computer controlled engagement device provides motion in a Z direction. The engagement device may be comprised of a first stage for engaging the storage containers and a second stage for engaging the vials.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2007Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Assignee: McKesson Automated Systems Inc.Inventors: Jamie Vollm, Manoj Wangu, Robert Eckert, Shawn Greyshock, Anthony Self
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Patent number: 7506780Abstract: A medication storing and dispensing cassette is comprised of a housing defining at least a portion of a bulk storage chamber for storing a medication, defining at least a portion of a pick-up area, and defining at least a portion of a discharge chute sized to temporarily store a quantity of the medication. A divider wall is positioned between the bulk storage chamber and the pick-up area. A gate is positioned to control an exit end of the discharge chute. A rotatable conveying wheel having openings proximate to the periphery thereof is positioned such that a portion of the wheel is in communication with the pick-up area while another portion of the wheel is adjacent to an entrance end of the discharge chute. A calibration arm is positioned adjacent the openings of the rotatable wheel. A baffle is positioned to block those openings in that portion of the rotatable wheel adjacent to the discharge chute.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2007Date of Patent: March 24, 2009Assignee: McKesson Automation Systems Inc.Inventors: Kevin Hutchinson, Anthony Self, Joseph Inabnet, Monroe Milton, Mike Bergeron
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Publication number: 20080017656Abstract: A counter is disclosed for use with a medication storing and dispensing cassette. The counter is comprised of a loader for receiving a cassette, a sensor for sensing whether a cassette is in the loader, means for moving the loader into an operative position, a vacuum unit for applying a vacuum to the cassette, a drive unit for driving a driven portion of the cassette and a counter for counting medication within a portion of the cassette. Methods of operating the counter are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2007Publication date: January 24, 2008Inventors: KEVIN HUTCHINSON, Anthony Self, Joseph Inabnet, Monroe Milton, Mike Bergeron
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Publication number: 20080017661Abstract: Methods are disclosed for storing and dispensing medications. A medication storing and dispensing cassette is comprised of a housing defining at least a portion of a bulk storage chamber for storing a medication, defining at least a portion of a pick-up area, and defining at least a portion of a discharge chute sized to temporarily store a quantity of the medication. A divider wall is positioned between the bulk storage chamber and the pick-up area. A gate is positioned to control an exit end of the discharge chute. A rotatable conveying wheel having openings proximate to the periphery thereof is positioned such that a portion of the wheel is in communication with the pick-up area while another portion of the wheel is adjacent to an entrance end of the discharge chute. A calibration arm is positioned adjacent the openings of the rotatable wheel. A baffle is positioned to block those openings in that portion of the rotatable wheel adjacent to the discharge chute.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2007Publication date: January 24, 2008Inventors: KEVIN HUTCHINSON, Anthony Self, Joseph Inabnet, Monroe Milton, Mike Bergeron
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Publication number: 20080017657Abstract: A medication storing and dispensing cassette is comprised of a housing defining at least a portion of a bulk storage chamber for storing a medication, defining at least a portion of a pick-up area, and defining at least a portion of a discharge chute sized to temporarily store a quantity of the medication. A divider wall is positioned between the bulk storage chamber and the pick-up area. A gate is positioned to control an exit end of the discharge chute. A rotatable conveying wheel having openings proximate to the periphery thereof is positioned such that a portion of the wheel is in communication with the pick-up area while another portion of the wheel is adjacent to an entrance end of the discharge chute. A calibration arm is positioned adjacent the openings of the rotatable wheel. A baffle is positioned to block those openings in that portion of the rotatable wheel adjacent to the discharge chute.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2007Publication date: January 24, 2008Inventors: KEVIN HUTCHINSON, Anthony Self, Joseph Inabnet, Monroe Milton, Mike Bergeron
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Patent number: 7303094Abstract: A medication storing and dispensing cassette is comprised of a housing defining at least a portion of a bulk storage chamber for storing a medication, defining at least a portion of a pick-up area, and defining at least a portion of a discharge chute sized to temporarily store a quantity of the medication. A divider wall is positioned between the bulk storage chamber and the pick-up area. A gate is positioned to control an exit end of the discharge chute. A rotatable conveying wheel having openings proximate to the periphery thereof is positioned such that a portion of the wheel is in communication with the pick-up area while another portion of the wheel is adjacent to an entrance end of the discharge chute. A calibration arm is positioned adjacent the openings of the rotatable wheel. A baffle is positioned to block those openings in that portion of the rotatable wheel adjacent to the discharge chute.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2003Date of Patent: December 4, 2007Inventors: Kevin Hutchinson, Anthony Self, Joseph Inabnet, Monroe Milton, Mike Bergeron
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Publication number: 20070205211Abstract: An apparatus for filling vials comprises a shelving unit defining an array of storage locations. The shelving unit may be an array in an XY plane or one or more carousels. A plurality of storage containers are provided, each removably carried by one of the storage locations. A counting and dispensing unit, a source of vials, a label printer and application unit or units, and an output device are also provided. The output device may take a variety of forms such as an output chute, which is preferably used when a capping unit is provided, an output conveyor, a plurality of output lanes, and an output carousel, which may be a dedicated carousel or a portion of the carousel providing the plurality of storage locations. A computer controlled engagement device provides motion in a Z direction. The engagement device may be comprised of a first stage for engaging the storage containers and a second stage for engaging the vials.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2007Publication date: September 6, 2007Inventors: Jamie Vollm, Manoj Wangu, Robert Eckert, Shawn Greyshock, Anthony Self
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Publication number: 20070208457Abstract: An apparatus for filling vials comprises a shelving unit defining an array of storage locations. The shelving unit may be an array in an XY plane or one or more carousels. A plurality of storage containers are provided, each removably carried by one of the storage locations. A counting and dispensing unit, a source of vials, a label printer and application unit or units, and an output device are also provided. The output device may take a variety of forms such as an output chute, which is preferably used when a capping unit is provided, an output conveyor, a plurality of output lanes, and an output carousel, which may be a dedicated carousel or a portion of the carousel providing the plurality of storage locations. A computer controlled engagement device provides motion in a Z direction. The engagement device may be comprised of a first stage for engaging the storage containers and a second stage for engaging the vials.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2007Publication date: September 6, 2007Inventors: Jamie Vollm, Manoj Wangu, Robert Eckert, Shawn Greyshock, Anthony Self
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Publication number: 20070186514Abstract: An apparatus for filling vials comprises a shelving unit defining an array of storage locations. The shelving unit may be an array in an XY plane or one or more carousels. A plurality of storage containers are provided, each removably carried by one of the storage locations. A counting and dispensing unit, a source of vials, a label printer and application unit or units, and an output device are also provided. The output device may take a variety of forms such as an output chute, which is preferably used when a capping unit is provided, an output conveyor, a plurality of output lanes, and an output carousel, which may be a dedicated carousel or a portion of the carousel providing the plurality of storage locations. A computer controlled engagement device provides motion in a Z direction. The engagement device may be comprised of a first stage for engaging the storage containers and a second stage for engaging the vials.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2007Publication date: August 16, 2007Inventors: JAMIE VOLLM, Manoj Wangu, Robert Eckert, Shawn Greyshock, Anthony Self
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Patent number: 7228198Abstract: An apparatus for filling vials comprises a shelving unit defining an array of storage locations. The shelving unit may be an array in an XY plane or one or more carousels. A plurality of storage containers are provided, each removably carried by one of the storage locations. A counting and dispensing unit, a source of vials, a label printer and application unit or units, and an output device are also provided. The output device may take a variety of forms such as an output chute, which is preferably used when a capping unit is provided, an output conveyor, a plurality of output lanes, and an output carousel, which may be a dedicated carousel or a portion of the carousel providing the plurality of storage locations. A computer controlled engagement device provides motion in a Z direction. The engagement device may be comprised of a first stage for engaging the storage containers and a second stage for engaging the vials.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2003Date of Patent: June 5, 2007Assignee: McKesson Automation Systems, Inc.Inventors: Jamie Vollm, Manoj Wangu, Robert Eckert, Shawn Greyshock, Anthony Self