Patents by Inventor Charles E. Eller

Charles E. Eller 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).

  • Publication number: 20240135320
    Abstract: Method and systems for product inventory are described. In one embodiment, an inventory surface unit retains a plurality of products in an unordered state. An inventory identification unit acquires information for an orientation, and location of the plurality of products on the inventory surface unit. The inventory identification unit is disposed above the inventory surface unit. An inventory pick unit is adapted to pick a product among the plurality of products from the inventory surface unit based on the orientation and location acquired by the inventory identification unit. The inventory pick unit is disposed proximal the inventory surface unit, and the inventory pick unit is communicatively connected to the inventory identification unit. Additional methods and systems are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2023
    Publication date: April 25, 2024
    Inventor: Charles E. Eller
  • Patent number: 11861554
    Abstract: Method and systems for product inventory are described. In one embodiment, an inventory surface unit retains a plurality of products in an unordered state. An inventory identification unit acquires information for an orientation, and location of the plurality of products on the inventory surface unit. The inventory identification unit is disposed above the inventory surface unit. An inventory pick unit is adapted to pick a product among the plurality of products from the inventory surface unit based on the orientation and location acquired by the inventory identification unit. The inventory pick unit is disposed proximal the inventory surface unit, and the inventory pick unit is communicatively connected to the inventory identification unit. Additional methods and systems are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Express Scripts Strategic Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles E. Eller
  • Patent number: 11379794
    Abstract: A drug dispensing system includes fulfillment stations that are each characterized by a set of dispensary attributes. The fulfillment stations each, in response to receiving a first order message including a first unique drug identifier, fill a container with pills matching the first unique drug identifier. A routing determination module, for each order message corresponding to a prescription order, selects one of the fulfillment stations based on compatibility between dispensary attributes for the selected fulfillment station and dispensation preferences related to the order message and transmits the order message to the selected fulfillment station. An order status subsystem conditionally sends a cancellation instruction relating to one of the order messages to the respective fulfillment station to cancel dispensing of pills.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Express Scripts Strategic Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Eller, Jonathan W. Joplin
  • Patent number: 10661993
    Abstract: Method and systems for accumulation are described. In one embodiment, a dispensing station includes a receiving opening, a dispensing opening and a storage area. The dispensing station receives and dispenses a container. A transportable storage system includes multiple partitions disposed on a carrier portion to define multiple carriage sections. The carriage sections are electronically identifiable and selectively hold or eject the container. A bin apparatus for receiving the container includes a movable portion to selectively hold and release the container. A control unit for commanding the bin apparatus to dispense the container to a desired carriage section of the transportable storage system is provided. Additional methods and systems are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: Express Scripts Strategic Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan W. Joplin, Jerry W. Christopher, Charles E. Eller
  • Patent number: 10470977
    Abstract: Methods and systems for a drug supply with an associated dosage regimen are described. A plurality of dosage containers are sequentially stored in drug boxes. The dosage containers are associated with a first time of treatment. The drug boxes are associated with a certain recurring time, e.g., morning, afternoon and evening or four boxes associated with four times a day. The entire day is covered by a plurality of drug boxes for treatment. This organizes the drugs such that compliance with complex treatment regimens may be increased. The drugs in each of the dosage containers need not be the same dosage or even the same drugs each time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Accredo Health Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Christina J. Thach, Charles E. Eller, Mark G. Bini, Terry Griffith, Jacob J. Reinhardt, Kristin Trower, Stefanie Pitts
  • Publication number: 20190272609
    Abstract: Methods and systems for fulfillment gateway are described. In one embodiment, a prescription order for a prescription drug is received from an order processing station. An order message associated with the prescription order is generated. The order message has a prescription parameter and a dispensation preference for fulfilling the prescription order. The order message is assigned to an order fulfillment station based on the prescription parameter, the dispensation preference and a dispensary attribute of the order fulfillment station. In other embodiments, the order message is selected for delivery based on based on the prescription parameter, the dispensation preference and a dispensary attribute of the order fulfillment station. Additional methods and systems are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2019
    Publication date: September 5, 2019
    Inventors: Charles E. ELLER, Jonathan W. JOPLIN
  • Publication number: 20190254931
    Abstract: Methods and systems for a drug supply with an associated dosage regimen are described. A plurality of dosage containers are sequentially stored in drug boxes. The dosage containers are associated with a first time of treatment. The drug boxes are associated with a certain recurring time, e.g., morning, afternoon and evening or four boxes associated with four times a day. The entire day is covered by a plurality of drug boxes for treatment. This organizes the drugs such that compliance with complex treatment regimens may be increased. The drugs in each of the dosage containers need not be the same dosage or even the same drugs each time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2019
    Publication date: August 22, 2019
    Inventors: Christina J. Thach, Charles E. Eller, Mark G. Bini, Terry Griffith, Jacob J. Reinhardt, Kristin Trower, Stefanie Pitts
  • Patent number: 10370190
    Abstract: Method and systems for capping are described. In one embodiment, an order processing device, a cap device, a plurality of feeders and a capping implement are provided. The order processing device processes orders with containers. The cap device is adapted to cap the container and is communicatively connected to the order processing device. The cap device is adapted to receive dispensation preferences from the order processing device. The cap device includes a plurality of feeders and a capping implement. Each feeder has a unique type of crown portion of a cap for capping. The capping implement is adapted to grasp the crown portion from the feeder. The cap device is adapted to select a feeder from which to grasp the crown portion based on the dispensation preferences. Additional methods and systems are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Express Scripts Strategic Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Eller, Jacob J. Reinhardt, Thomas C. Pegg
  • Patent number: 10366784
    Abstract: Methods and systems for transferring a prescription to a mail order prescription service are described. In one embodiment, an electronic image of a retail pharmacy prescription label is received, in which the image of the retail pharmacy prescription label includes a representation of a retail pharmacy prescription number associated with a prescription drug prescribed to a member. A retail pharmacy associated with the retail pharmacy prescription number is identified. A prescription associated with the retail pharmacy prescription number is identified based on identification of the retail pharmacy. A mail order delivery request to refill the prescription drug for the member at mail order is generated. Other methods and systems are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Express Scripts Strategic Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles E. Eller
  • Patent number: 10322066
    Abstract: Methods and systems for a drug supply with an associated dosage regimen are described. A plurality of dosage containers are sequentially stored in drug boxes. The dosage containers are associated with a first time of treatment. The drug boxes are associated with a certain recurring time, e.g., morning, afternoon and evening or four boxes associated with four times a day. The entire day is covered by a plurality of drug boxes for treatment. This organizes the drugs such that compliance with complex treatment regimens may be increased. The drugs in each of the dosage containers need not be the same dosage or even the same drugs each time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Accredo Health Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Christina J. Thach, Charles E. Eller, Mark G. Bini, Terry Griffith, Jacob J. Reinhardt, Kristin Trower, Stefanie Pitts
  • Patent number: 10325333
    Abstract: Methods and systems for fulfillment gateway are described. In one embodiment, a prescription order for a prescription drug is received from an order processing station. An order message associated with the prescription order is generated. The order message has a prescription parameter and a dispensation preference for fulfilling the prescription order. The order message is assigned to an order fulfillment station based on the prescription parameter, the dispensation preference and a dispensary attribute of the order fulfillment station. In other embodiments, the order message is selected for delivery based on based on the prescription parameter, the dispensation preference and a dispensary attribute of the order fulfillment station. Additional methods and systems are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Express Scripts Strategic Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Eller, Jonathan W. Joplin
  • Publication number: 20190161276
    Abstract: Method and systems for accumulation are described. In one embodiment, a dispensing station includes a receiving opening, a dispensing opening and a storage area. The dispensing station receives and dispenses a container. A transportable storage system includes multiple partitions disposed on a carrier portion to define multiple carriage sections. The carriage sections are electronically identifiable and selectively hold or eject the container. A bin apparatus for receiving the container includes a movable portion to selectively hold and release the container. A control unit for commanding the bin apparatus to dispense the container to a desired carriage section of the transportable storage system is provided. Additional methods and systems are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2019
    Publication date: May 30, 2019
    Inventors: Jonathan W. Joplin, Jerry W. Christopher, Charles E. Eller
  • Patent number: 10294029
    Abstract: Method and systems for accumulation are described. In one embodiment, a dispensing station includes a receiving opening, a dispensing opening and a storage area. The dispensing station receives and dispenses a container. A transportable storage system includes multiple partitions disposed on a carrier portion to define multiple carriage sections. The carriage sections are electronically identifiable and selectively hold or eject the container. A bin apparatus for receiving the container includes a movable portion to selectively hold and release the container. A control unit for commanding the bin apparatus to dispense the container to a desired carriage section of the transportable storage system is provided. Additional methods and systems are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Express Scripts Strategic Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan W. Joplin, Jerry W. Christopher, Charles E. Eller
  • Patent number: 10170204
    Abstract: The inventions disclosed herein include methods, systems, and tools for use in processing prescriptions. Among the benefits of these methods, systems, and tools are promotion of efficiency in filling prescriptions and reduction of errors. A heightened analysis element may be established that alerts a pharmaceutical professional to a particular component of a prescription (a prescription element) for special attention. An insignificant differences notice may de-emphasize certain prescription elements to inform a pharmaceutical professional that the information of such prescription elements is less critical. Methods of the present invention may be used to designate a prescription as a renewal, partial renewal, or partially equivalent renewal. The disclosed inventions include methods of creating and/or using such heightened analysis elements, insignificant differences notices, and/or designation of a prescription as a renewal, partial renewal, or partially equivalent renewal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: EXPRESS SCRIPTS STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT, INC.
    Inventors: Charles E. Eller, Andrew Cox, Brian David Fruchter
  • Patent number: 10035653
    Abstract: Method and systems for manual handling are described. In one embodiment, a holding section, a distribution section and a manual section are provided. The holding section is adapted to hold the container during manual handling. The distribution section is adjacent the holding section and includes a robot adapted to select and pick containers from the holding section. The robot is disposed to distribute the container. The manual section is disposed adjacent the conveyor. The manual section is adapted for inspection or filling of the container. Additional methods and systems are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Express Scripts Strategic Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Eller, Jonathan W. Joplin
  • Publication number: 20180204176
    Abstract: Method and systems for product inventory are described. In one embodiment, an inventory surface unit retains a plurality of products in an unordered state. An inventory identification unit acquires information for an orientation, and location of the plurality of products on the inventory surface unit. The inventory identification unit is disposed above the inventory surface unit. An inventory pick unit is adapted to pick a product among the plurality of products from the inventory surface unit based on the orientation and location acquired by the inventory identification unit. The inventory pick unit is disposed proximal the inventory surface unit, and the inventory pick unit is communicatively connected to the inventory identification unit. Additional methods and systems are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2018
    Publication date: July 19, 2018
    Inventor: Charles E. Eller
  • Patent number: 9978036
    Abstract: Method and systems for product inventory are described. In one embodiment, an inventory surface unit retains a plurality of products in an unordered state. An inventory identification unit acquires information for an orientation, and location of the plurality of products on the inventory surface unit. The inventory identification unit is disposed above the inventory surface unit. An inventory pick unit is adapted to pick a product among the plurality of products from the inventory surface unit based on the orientation and location acquired by the inventory identification unit. The inventory pick unit is disposed proximal the inventory surface unit, and the inventory pick unit is communicatively connected to the inventory identification unit. Additional methods and systems are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Express Scripts Strategic Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles E. Eller
  • Patent number: 9636927
    Abstract: Systems and methods for pharmacy messaging are described. A system includes a laser module and a control module. The laser module includes a marking chamber with a plurality of laser heads therein. A first and second entry gate are adjacent the marking chamber. The first entry gate is configured to open when the second entry gate is closed. A first and second exit gate are adjacent the marking chamber at a side different from the first entry and second entry gate. The first exit gate is configured to open when the second exit gate is closed. A transporter moves the objects being marked into and out of the marking chamber through the various gates. The control module is communicatively coupled to the laser module and adapted to control the laser module. Additional methods and systems are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Express Scripts, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Eller, Jacob J. Reinhardt, Katherine H. Sundararaman
  • Publication number: 20170065488
    Abstract: Methods and systems for a drug supply with an associated dosage regimen are described. A plurality of dosage containers are sequentially stored in drug boxes. The dosage containers are associated with a first time of treatment. The drug boxes are associated with a certain recurring time, e.g., morning, afternoon and evening or four boxes associated with four times a day. The entire day is covered by a plurality of drug boxes for treatment. This organizes the drugs such that compliance with complex treatment regimens may be increased. The drugs in each of the dosage containers need not be the same dosage or even the same drugs each time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2016
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Inventors: Christina J. Thach, Charles E. Eller, Mark G. Bini, Terry Griffith, Jacob J. Reinhardt, Kristin Trower, Stefanie Pitts
  • Publication number: 20160311618
    Abstract: Method and systems for manual handling are described. In one embodiment, a holding section, a distribution section and a manual section are provided. The holding section is adapted to hold the container during manual handling. The distribution section is adjacent the holding section and includes a robot adapted to select and pick containers from the holding section. The robot is disposed to distribute the container. The manual section is disposed adjacent the conveyor. The manual section is adapted for inspection or filling of the container. Additional methods and systems are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2016
    Publication date: October 27, 2016
    Inventors: Charles E. Eller, Jonathan W. Joplin