Patents by Inventor Atin Kapadia

Atin Kapadia 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).

  • Patent number: 10562717
    Abstract: An automated method and system for transporting vials from multiple upstream locations to a downstream location and for combining N number of conveyor lanes from N number of upstream location (e.g., capping stations) down to one conveyor lane. The system is adapted to transport vials from a more-distant upstream location faster than vials from a closer upstream location so that they reach the downstream location at approximately the same time. Guide members placed at an angle to the traveling axis of the conveyor lanes divert the vials onto a single conveyor lane for transporting the vials to a downstream location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Humana Inc.
    Inventor: Atin Kapadia
  • Publication number: 20190144214
    Abstract: An automated method and system for transporting vials from multiple upstream locations to a downstream location and for combining N number of conveyor lanes from N number of upstream location (e.g., capping stations) down to one conveyor lane. The system is adapted to transport vials from a more-distant upstream location faster than vials from a closer upstream location so that they reach the downstream location at approximately the same time. Guide members placed at an angle to the traveling axis of the conveyor lanes divert the vials onto a single conveyor lane for transporting the vials to a downstream location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2019
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventor: Atin Kapadia
  • Patent number: 10223070
    Abstract: An automated method and system for a conveyor holding system for holding vials of a multi-vial order in a holding pattern until all vials of the order have been filled by an automatic pill counter. The system uses RFID information to divert vials off the conveyor into the conveyor holding loop if all vials of the multi-vial order have not been filled. The system is adapted to divert the vials of the multi-vial order out of the holding loop when all vials of the multi-vial order have been filled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Humana Inc.
    Inventors: Atin Kapadia, Michael Mahar, Anu Payyapilly, Andrew Bihnam
  • Patent number: 10179706
    Abstract: An automated method and system for transporting vials from multiple upstream locations to a downstream location and for combining N number of conveyor lanes from N number of upstream location (e.g., capping stations) down to one conveyor lane. The system is adapted to transport vials from a more-distant upstream location faster than vials from a closer upstream location so that they reach the downstream location at approximately the same time. Guide members placed at an angle to the traveling axis of the conveyor lanes divert the vials onto a single conveyor lane for transporting the vials to a downstream location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: Humana Inc.
    Inventor: Atin Kapadia
  • Publication number: 20180285075
    Abstract: An automated method and system for a conveyor holding system for holding vials of a multi-vial order in a holding pattern until all vials of the order have been filled by an automatic pill counter. The system uses RFID information to divert vials off the conveyor into the conveyor holding loop if all vials of the multi-vial order have not been filled. The system is adapted to divert the vials of the multi-vial order out of the holding loop when all vials of the multi-vial order have been filled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Publication date: October 4, 2018
    Inventors: Atin Kapadia, Michael Mahar, Anu Payyapilly, Andrew Bihnam
  • Publication number: 20180257876
    Abstract: An automated method and system for transporting vials from multiple upstream locations to a downstream location and for combining N number of conveyor lanes from N number of upstream location (e.g., capping stations) down to one conveyor lane. The system is adapted to transport vials from a more-distant upstream location faster than vials from a closer upstream location so that they reach the downstream location at approximately the same time. Guide members placed at an angle to the traveling axis of the conveyor lanes divert the vials onto a single conveyor lane for transporting the vials to a downstream location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2017
    Publication date: September 13, 2018
    Inventor: Atin Kapadia
  • Patent number: 10062455
    Abstract: A pharmaceutical order verification system and method for an automated pharmacy system is disclosed. A computerized line control application controls a dispensing line, facilitates automated dispensing of drugs into vials, and collects and records data for dispensed drug as well as each verification step performed by a pharmacist. In an example embodiment, pharmacist verification occurs in connection with replenishing the drugs in automated tablet counters and in connection with verifying a specified percentage of orders for each automated tablet counter. During the replenishment process, the pharmacist verifies that a replenishment canister has been loaded with the correct drug in the appropriate dosage and strength. During the order verification step, a pharmacist verifies the contents of vial matches the prescription order data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: HUMANA INC.
    Inventors: Michael Mahar, Atin Kapadia
  • Publication number: 20180211721
    Abstract: A pharmaceutical order verification system and method for an automated pharmacy system is disclosed. A computerized line control application controls a dispensing line, facilitates automated dispensing of drugs into vials, and collects and records data for dispensed drug as well as each verification step performed by a pharmacist. In an example embodiment, pharmacist verification occurs in connection with replenishing the drugs in automated tablet counters and in connection with verifying a specified percentage of orders for each automated tablet counter. During the replenishment process, the pharmacist verifies that a replenishment canister has been loaded with the correct drug in the appropriate dosage and strength. During the order verification step, a pharmacist verifies the contents of vial matches the prescription order data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2018
    Publication date: July 26, 2018
    Inventors: Michael Mahar, Atin Kapadia
  • Patent number: 9922171
    Abstract: A pharmaceutical order verification system and method for an automated pharmacy system is disclosed. A computerized line control application controls a dispensing line, facilitates automated dispensing of drugs into vials, and collects and records data for dispensed drug as well as each verification step performed by a pharmacist. In an example embodiment, pharmacist verification occurs in connection with replenishing the drugs in automated tablet counters and in connection with verifying a specified percentage of orders for each automated tablet counter. During the replenishment process, the pharmacist verifies that a replenishment canister has been loaded with the correct drug in the appropriate dosage and strength. During the order verification step, a pharmacist verifies the contents of vial matches the prescription order data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Humana Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Mahar, Atin Kapadia
  • Patent number: 9846566
    Abstract: An automated method and system for a conveyor holding system for holding vials of a multi-vial order in a holding pattern until all vials of the order have been filled by an automatic pill counter. The system uses RFID information to divert vials off the conveyor into the conveyor holding loop if all vials of the multi-vial order have not been filled. The system is adapted to divert the vials of the multi-vial order out of the holding loop when all vials of the multi-vial order have been filled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: HUMANA INC.
    Inventors: Atin Kapadia, Michael Mahar, Anu Payyapilly, Andrew Bihnam
  • Publication number: 20170327364
    Abstract: An integrated conveyor line system for placing safety and non-safety caps onto bottles traveling on the same conveyor line. A network of sensors and RFID readers determine the location of bottles and ensure that the right cap is placed on each bottle. The processing system controlling the hardware components instructs the appropriate components to divert bottles to a reject holding queue when the system detects a bottle having the wrong type of cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2017
    Publication date: November 16, 2017
    Inventors: Michael Mahar, Atin Kapadia
  • Patent number: 9776754
    Abstract: An integrated conveyor line system for placing safety and non-safety caps onto bottles traveling on the same conveyor line. A network of sensors and RFID readers determine the location of bottles and ensure that the right cap is placed on each bottle. The processing system controlling the hardware components instructs the appropriate components to divert bottles to a reject holding queue when the system detects a bottle having the wrong type of cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: HUMANA INC.
    Inventors: Michael Mahar, Atin Kapadia
  • Patent number: 9679271
    Abstract: A system and method for delivering a product such as a pharmacy bottle from a conveyor system to a delivery container via a delivery chute. A sensor is placed at a top opening of the chute to sense for product in the chute area and to provide instructions to complete the delivery order if the chute area is clear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Humana Inc.
    Inventors: Prateek Sharma, Sean Guthrie, Toan Trinh, Atin Kapadia, Michael Mahar
  • Publication number: 20170109691
    Abstract: A system and method for delivering a product such as a pharmacy bottle from a conveyor system to a delivery container via a delivery chute. A sensor is placed at a top opening of the chute to sense for product in the chute area and to provide instructions to complete the delivery order if the chute area is clear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventors: Prateek Sharma, Sean Guthrie, Toan Trinh, Atin Kapadia, Michael Mahar
  • Publication number: 20170008707
    Abstract: An improved pharmaceutical vial processing system and method groups vials on an automated dispensing line according to diverting needs. The improved pharmaceutical vial processing system and method allows vials to travel in close groups. A diversion algorithm determines when gaps between vials are needed to reduce the likelihood that a mechanical diverting device engages the wrong vial to a new location on the dispensing line. The diversion algorithm identifies each vial that needs to be diverted to a target location and employs a “neighbor analysis” to determine whether a gap between neighboring vials is needed before a vial destined for the target station encounters a diverter. Vials that are destined for locations beyond the target station remain grouped. Vials that are behind a vial destined for the target station are held to introduce a gap between the vial destined for the target station and the remaining vials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Michael Mahar, Atin Kapadia
  • Patent number: 9540188
    Abstract: An improved pharmaceutical vial processing system and method groups vials on an automated dispensing line according to diverting needs. The improved pharmaceutical vial processing system and method allows vials to travel in close groups. A diversion algorithm determines when gaps between vials are needed to reduce the likelihood that a mechanical diverting device engages the wrong vial to a new location on the dispensing line. The diversion algorithm identifies each vial that needs to be diverted to a target location and employs a “neighbor analysis” to determine whether a gap between neighboring vials is needed before a vial destined for the target station encounters a diverter. Vials that are destined for locations beyond the target station remain grouped. Vials that are behind a vial destined for the target station are held to introduce a gap between the vial destined for the target station and the remaining vials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Humana Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Mahar, Atin Kapadia
  • Publication number: 20160376114
    Abstract: A pneumatic bottle delivery system for transporting pharmaceutical bottles from a main shared storage “hopper” or storage bins to several individual locations as needed. A network of sensors and control gates detect and distribute the flow of bottles to individual locations dependent upon the bottle queue at each location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Applicant: HUMANA INC.
    Inventors: Michael Mahar, Atin Kapadia
  • Publication number: 20160355291
    Abstract: An integrated conveyor line system for placing safety and non-safety caps onto bottles traveling on the same conveyor line. A network of sensors and RFID readers determine the location of bottles and ensure that the right cap is placed on each bottle. The processing system controlling the hardware components instructs the appropriate components to divert bottles to a reject holding queue when the system detects a bottle having the wrong type of cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventors: Michael Mahar, Atin Kapadia
  • Publication number: 20160357939
    Abstract: A pharmaceutical order verification system and method for an automated pharmacy system is disclosed. A computerized line control application controls a dispensing line, facilitates automated dispensing of drugs into vials, and collects and records data for dispensed drug as well as each verification step performed by a pharmacist. In an example embodiment, pharmacist verification occurs in connection with replenishing the drugs in automated tablet counters and in connection with verifying a specified percentage of orders for each automated tablet counter. During the replenishment process, the pharmacist verifies that a replenishment canister has been loaded with the correct drug in the appropriate dosage and strength. During the order verification step, a pharmacist verifies the contents of vial matches the prescription order data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventors: Michael Mahar, Atin Kapadia
  • Publication number: 20160358119
    Abstract: A system and method for delivering a product such as a pharmacy bottle from a conveyor system to a delivery container via a delivery chute. A sensor is placed at a top opening of the chute to sense for product in the chute area and to provide instructions to complete the delivery order if the chute area is clear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2016
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventors: Prateek Sharma, Sean Guthrie, Toan Trinh, Atin Kapadia, Michael Mahar