Patents by Inventor Bryan Patrick Farnsworth
Bryan Patrick Farnsworth 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: 8833604Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing solid articles includes a housing and a gate system. The housing defines a dispensing channel and a portal through which articles can flow along a dispensing pathway. The gate system includes a gate member positioned in the dispensing pathway. The gate member is selectively positionable between an open position and a closed position. When the gate member is in the open position, the gate member permits the articles to pass through the portal and, when the gate member is in the closed position, the gate member blocks the articles from passing through the portal. The gate system is configured such that the gate member is passively transitionable between the open and closed positions.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2013Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: Parata Systems, LLCInventors: Edward Joseph Karwacki, Jr., Bryan Patrick Farnsworth, Dennis Vaders, John Richard Sink, Jody DuMond, Daniel Gardiner, Jennifer Ann Mauger
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Patent number: 8777055Abstract: A passive chute assembly includes: a chute configured to receive objects to be dispensed, the chute having an outlet; and a passive dispensing unit attached to the chute outlet. The passive dispensing unit has a staging portion, wherein objects are captured prior to dispensing. The staging portion is movable between a staging position, in which objects may be captured within the staging portion, and a dispensing position, in which the objects may be fed gravimetrically into a receptacle positioned below the dispensing unit. The staging portion includes an adaptive opening that, when the staging portion moves to the dispensing position, opens adaptively corresponding to a diameter of the receptacle.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2012Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Parata Systems, LLCInventors: Bryan Patrick Farnsworth, Christopher Todd Hilliard, Jason Cora, Andrew Kirk Dummer, David J. Parrish, Dennis Vaders, Jennifer Ann Mauger
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Patent number: 8714405Abstract: A chute assembly for an object dispensing apparatus includes: a chute configured at a first end to attach to and convey objects from an object dispenser; a funnel having an inlet that merges with a second end of the chute and an outlet; a door attached to the funnel, the door being movable between a closed position, in which the door covers the funnel outlet and prevents access to objects within the funnel, and an open position, in which the door does not cover the funnel outlet and allows access to objects within the funnel; an object agitation unit configured to agitate objects in the funnel to prevent such objects from jamming in the funnel; and a locking unit associated with the door that prevents the door from moving to the open position without authorization.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2008Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Parata Systems, LLCInventors: Bryan Patrick Farnsworth, Edward J. Karwacki, Jr., Jennifer Ann Mauger, David Alan Calderwood
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Publication number: 20130248549Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing solid articles includes a housing and a gate system. The housing defines a dispensing channel and a portal through which articles can flow along a dispensing pathway. The gate system includes a gate member positioned in the dispensing pathway. The gate member is selectively positionable between an open position and a closed position. When the gate member is in the open position, the gate member permits the articles to pass through the portal and, when the gate member is in the closed position, the gate member blocks the articles from passing through the portal. The gate system is configured such that the gate member is passively transitionable between the open and closed positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2013Publication date: September 26, 2013Applicant: PARATA Systems, LLCInventors: Edward Joseph Karwacki, JR., Bryan Patrick Farnsworth, Dennis Vaders, John Richard Sink, Jody DuMond, Jennifer Ann Mauger
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Patent number: 8464901Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing solid articles includes a housing and a gate system. The housing defines a dispensing channel and a portal through which articles can flow along a dispensing pathway. The gate system includes a gate member positioned in the dispensing pathway. The gate member is selectively positionable between an open position and a closed position. When the gate member is in the open position, the gate member permits the articles to pass through the portal and, when the gate member is in the closed position, the gate member blocks the articles from passing through the portal. The gate system is configured such that the gate member is passively transitionable between the open and closed positions.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2009Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignee: PARATA Systems, LLCInventors: Edward Joseph Karwacki, Jr., Bryan Patrick Farnsworth, Dennis Vaders, John Richard Sink, Jody DuMond, Daniel Gardiner
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Patent number: 8281955Abstract: A passive chute assembly includes: a chute configured to receive objects to be dispensed, the chute having an outlet; and a passive dispensing unit attached to the chute outlet. The passive dispensing unit has a staging portion, wherein objects are captured prior to dispensing. The staging portion is movable between a staging position, in which objects may be captured within the staging portion, and a dispensing position, in which the objects may be fed gravimetrically into a receptacle positioned below the dispensing unit. The staging portion includes an adaptive opening that, when the staging portion moves to the dispensing position, opens adaptively corresponding to a diameter of the receptacle.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2011Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: Parata Systems, LLCInventors: Bryan Patrick Farnsworth, Christopher Todd Hilliard, Jason Cora, Andrew Kirk Dummer, David J. Parrish, Dennis Vaders, Jennifer Ann Mauger
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Patent number: 8240506Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing pharmaceutical articles includes a housing assembly and an adjustment system. The housing assembly includes a first inlet wall and a second inlet wall that is moveable relative to the first inlet wall. The housing assembly defines a hopper chamber that houses pharmaceutical articles, and a dispensing channel fluidly connected to the hopper chamber. The dispensing channel has an inlet and an outlet and defines a flow path. The inlet is defined at least in part by the first and second inlet walls. The adjustment system is operable to adjust the position of the second inlet wall relative to the first inlet wall to adjust the size of the inlet to singulate the pharmaceutical articles passing through the inlet. The adjustment system includes an input mechanism and an operator feedback mechanism. The input mechanism is selectively operable by an operator to selectively move the second inlet wall relative to the first inlet wall.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2011Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Parata Systems, LLCInventors: Kurt Kulberg, Bryan Patrick Farnsworth, Richard D. Michelli, Stanley R. Buisman
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Publication number: 20120061417Abstract: A passive chute assembly includes: a chute configured to receive objects to be dispensed, the chute having an outlet; and a passive dispensing unit attached to the chute outlet. The passive dispensing unit has a staging portion, wherein objects are captured prior to dispensing. The staging portion is movable between a staging position, in which objects may be captured within the staging portion, and a dispensing position, in which the objects may be fed gravimetrically into a receptacle positioned below the dispensing unit. The staging portion includes an adaptive opening that, when the staging portion moves to the dispensing position, opens adaptively corresponding to a diameter of the receptacle.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2011Publication date: March 15, 2012Inventors: Bryan Patrick Farnsworth, Christopher Todd Hilliard, Jason Cora, Andrew Kirk Dummer, David J. Parrish, Dennis Vaders, Jennifer Ann Mauger
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Patent number: 8061560Abstract: A passive chute assembly includes: a chute configured to receive objects to be dispensed, the chute having an outlet; and a passive dispensing unit attached to the chute outlet. The passive dispensing unit has a staging portion, wherein objects are captured prior to dispensing. The staging portion is movable between a staging position, in which objects may be captured within the staging portion, and a dispensing position, in which the objects may be fed gravimetrically into a receptacle positioned below the dispensing unit. The staging portion includes an adaptive opening that, when the staging portion moves to the dispensing position, opens adaptively corresponding to a diameter of the receptacle.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2008Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: Parata Systems, LLCInventors: Bryan Patrick Farnsworth, Christopher Todd Hilliard, Jason Cora, Andrew Kirk Dummer, David J. Parrish, Dennis Vaders, Jennifer Ann Mauger
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Publication number: 20110248042Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing pharmaceutical articles includes a housing assembly and an adjustment system. The housing assembly includes a first inlet wall and a second inlet wall that is moveable relative to the first inlet wall. The housing assembly defines a hopper chamber that houses pharmaceutical articles, and a dispensing channel fluidly connected to the hopper chamber. The dispensing channel has an inlet and an outlet and defines a flow path. The inlet is defined at least in part by the first and second inlet walls. The adjustment system is operable to adjust the position of the second inlet wall relative to the first inlet wall to adjust the size of the inlet to singulate the pharmaceutical articles passing through the inlet. The adjustment system includes an input mechanism and an operator feedback mechanism. The input mechanism is selectively operable by an operator to selectively move the second inlet wall relative to the first inlet wall.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2011Publication date: October 13, 2011Inventors: KURT KULBERG, BRYAN PATRICK FARNSWORTH, RICHARD D. MICHELLI, STANLEY R. BUISMAN
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Patent number: 7988017Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing pharmaceutical articles includes a housing assembly and an adjustment system. The housing assembly includes a first inlet wall and a second inlet wall that is moveable relative to the first inlet wall. The housing assembly defines a hopper chamber that houses pharmaceutical articles, and a dispensing channel fluidly connected to the hopper chamber. The dispensing channel has an inlet and an outlet and defines a flow path. The inlet is defined at least in part by the first and second inlet walls. The adjustment system is operable to adjust the position of the second inlet wall relative to the first inlet wall to adjust the size of the inlet to singulate the pharmaceutical articles passing through the inlet. The adjustment system includes an input mechanism and an operator feedback mechanism. The input mechanism is selectively operable by an operator to selectively move the second inlet wall relative to the first inlet wall.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2008Date of Patent: August 2, 2011Assignee: Parata Systems, LLCInventors: Kurt Kulberg, Bryan Patrick Farnsworth, Richard D. Michelli, Stanley R. Buisman
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Publication number: 20110068117Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing solid articles includes a dispensing channel, a housing and an article supply regulation system. The dispensing channel has an inlet and an outlet and defines a dispensing path therebetween. The housing defines a hopper chamber to hold the articles. The hopper chamber is in fluid communication with the inlet of the dispensing channel. The housing includes a floor. The article supply regulation system includes a first divider wall, a second divider wall and a third divider wall configured and positioned in the hopper chamber to define, in combination with the housing: a front region between the inlet and the first divider wall; a first rear region between the first divider wall and the second divider wall; a second rear region between the second divider wall and the third divider wall; and a third rear region on a side of the third divider wall opposite the second rear region.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2010Publication date: March 24, 2011Inventors: Richard D. Michelli, Andrew Kirk Dummer, Bryan Patrick Farnsworth, Christopher Todd Hilliard
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Publication number: 20110031262Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing pharmaceutical articles includes a housing and a gas source to provide a positive pressure supply gas flow. The housing defines a hopper chamber to hold the articles, a dispensing channel fluidly connected to the hopper chamber, a drive jet outlet, and an agitation outlet. The dispensing channel has an inlet and an outlet and defines a flow path therebetween. The gas source is fluidly connected to each of the drive jet outlet and the agitation outlet to provide: a pressurized drive jet gas flow through the drive jet outlet to convey articles through the dispensing channel along the flow path; and a pressurized agitation gas flow through the agitation outlet to agitate articles in the hopper chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2010Publication date: February 10, 2011Inventors: Andrew Kirk Dummer, Bryan Patrick Farnsworth, Richard D. Michelli, Jeffrey P. Williams, David Alan Calderwood
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Patent number: 7870973Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing solid articles includes a dispensing channel, a housing and an article supply regulation system. The dispensing channel has an inlet and an outlet and defines a dispensing path therebetween. The housing defines a hopper chamber to hold the articles. The hopper chamber is in fluid communication with the inlet of the dispensing channel. The housing includes a floor. The article supply regulation system includes a first divider wall, a second divider wall and a third divider wall configured and positioned in the hopper chamber to define, in combination with the housing: a front region between the inlet and the first divider wall; a first rear region between the first divider wall and the second divider wall; a second rear region between the second divider wall and the third divider wall; and a third rear region on a side of the third divider wall opposite the second rear region.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2008Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignee: PARATA Systems, LLCInventors: Richard D. Michelli, Andrew Kirk Dummer, Bryan Patrick Farnsworth, Christopher Todd Hilliard
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Patent number: 7837061Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing pharmaceutical articles includes a housing and a gas source to provide a positive pressure supply gas flow. The housing defines a hopper chamber to hold the articles, a dispensing channel fluidly connected to the hopper chamber, a drive jet outlet, and an agitation outlet. The dispensing channel has an inlet and an outlet and defines a flow path therebetween. The gas source is fluidly connected to each of the drive jet outlet and the agitation outlet to provide: a pressurized drive jet gas flow through the drive jet outlet to convey articles through the dispensing channel along the flow path; and a pressurized agitation gas flow through the agitation outlet to agitate articles in the hopper chamber.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2007Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Assignee: PARATA Systems, LLCInventors: Andrew Kirk Dummer, Bryan Patrick Farnsworth, Richard D. Michelli, Jeffrey P. Williams, David Alan Calderwood
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Publication number: 20090272758Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing solid articles includes a housing and a gate system. The housing defines a dispensing channel and a portal through which articles can flow along a dispensing pathway. The gate system includes a gate member positioned in the dispensing pathway. The gate member is selectively positionable between an open position and a closed position. When the gate member is in the open position, the gate member permits the articles to pass through the portal and, when the gate member is in the closed position, the gate member blocks the articles from passing through the portal. The gate system is configured such that the gate member is passively transitionable between the open and closed positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2009Publication date: November 5, 2009Inventors: Edward Joseph Karwacki, JR., Bryan Patrick Farnsworth, Dennis Vaders, John Richard Sink, Jody DuMond
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Publication number: 20090173748Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing solid articles includes a dispensing channel, a housing and an article supply regulation system. The dispensing channel has an inlet and an outlet and defines a dispensing path therebetween. The housing defines a hopper chamber to hold the articles. The hopper chamber is in fluid communication with the inlet of the dispensing channel. The housing includes a floor. The article supply regulation system includes a first divider wall, a second divider wall and a third divider wall configured and positioned in the hopper chamber to define, in combination with the housing: a front region between the inlet and the first divider wall; a first rear region between the first divider wall and the second divider wall; a second rear region between the second divider wall and the third divider wall; and a third rear region on a side of the third divider wall opposite the second rear region.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2008Publication date: July 9, 2009Inventors: Richard D. Michelli, Andrew Kirk Dummer, Bryan Patrick Farnsworth
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Publication number: 20090140002Abstract: A passive chute assembly includes: a chute configured to receive objects to be dispensed, the chute having an outlet; and a passive dispensing unit attached to the chute outlet. The passive dispensing unit has a staging portion, wherein objects are captured prior to dispensing. The staging portion is movable between a staging position, in which objects may be captured within the staging portion, and a dispensing position, in which the objects may be fed gravimetrically into a receptacle positioned below the dispensing unit. The staging portion includes an adaptive opening that, when the staging portion moves to the dispensing position, opens adaptively corresponding to a diameter of the receptacle.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2008Publication date: June 4, 2009Inventors: Bryan Patrick Farnsworth, Christopher Todd Hilliard, Jason Cora, Andrew Kirk Dummer, David J. Parrish, Dennis Vaders, Jennifer Ann Mauger
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Publication number: 20090039097Abstract: A chute assembly for an object dispensing apparatus includes: a chute configured at a first end to attach to and convey objects from an object dispenser; a funnel having an inlet that merges with a second end of the chute and an outlet; a door attached to the funnel, the door being movable between a closed position, in which the door covers the funnel outlet and prevents access to objects within the funnel, and an open position, in which the door does not cover the funnel outlet and allows access to objects within the funnel; an object agitation unit configured to agitate objects in the funnel to prevent such objects from jamming in the funnel; and a locking unit associated with the door that prevents the door from moving to the open position without authorization.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2008Publication date: February 12, 2009Inventors: Bryan Patrick Farnsworth, Edward J. Karwacki, JR., Jennifer Ann Mauger, David Alan Calderwood
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Publication number: 20080283549Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing pharmaceutical articles includes a housing and a gas source to provide a positive pressure supply gas flow. The housing defines a hopper chamber to hold the articles, a dispensing channel fluidly connected to the hopper chamber, a drive jet outlet, and an agitation outlet. The dispensing channel has an inlet and an outlet and defines a flow path therebetween. The gas source is fluidly connected to each of the drive jet outlet and the agitation outlet to provide: a pressurized drive jet gas flow through the drive jet outlet to convey articles through the dispensing channel along the flow path; and a pressurized agitation gas flow through the agitation outlet to agitate articles in the hopper chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2007Publication date: November 20, 2008Inventors: Andrew Kirk Dummer, Bryan Patrick Farnsworth, Richard D. Michelli, Jeffrey P. Williams, David Alan Calderwood