Patents by Inventor E. Coughlin
E. Coughlin 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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Publication number: 20040256456Abstract: An identification tag (100) facilitates use of a secure computer system (300). The tag (100) is adapted to be worn on a user's wrist and includes an identification and registration circuit (102) that includes an identification component (106), an affiliation component (110), and a light-emitting diode (112). The computer system includes an RF identification tag registration device (302) operable to acquire user physical information and communicate the physical information to a computer (202), wherein the computer verifies that a valid user is wearing the tag (100). The identification and registration device (302) ensures that the physical information communicated to the computer pertains to the user wearing the tag by comparing pulse signals acquired from the user's hand and wrist as the device (302) is acquiring physical information.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2004Publication date: December 23, 2004Inventors: Michael E. Coughlin, Bernhard P. Knutsen, David E. Schloemer
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Publication number: 20040256452Abstract: An identification tag (100) facilitates use of a secure computer system (300). The tag (100) is adapted to be worn on a user's wrist and includes an identification and registration circuit (102) that includes an identification component (106), an affiliation component (110), and a light-emitting diode (112). The computer system includes an RF identification tag registration device (302) operable to acquire user physical information and communicate the physical information to a computer (202), wherein the computer verifies that a valid user is wearing the tag (100). The identification and registration device (302) ensures that the physical information communicated to the computer pertains to the user wearing the tag by comparing pulse signals acquired from the user's hand and wrist as the device (302) is acquiring physical information.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2004Publication date: December 23, 2004Inventors: Michael E. Coughlin, Bernhard P. Knutsen, David E. Schloemer
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Publication number: 20040257202Abstract: An identification tag (100) facilitates use of a secure computer system (300). The tag (100) is adapted to be worn on a user's wrist and includes an identification and registration circuit (102) that includes an identification component (106), an affiliation component (110), and a light-emitting diode (112). The computer system includes an RF identification tag registration device (302) operable to acquire user physical information and communicate the physical information to a computer (202), wherein the computer verifies that a valid user is wearing the tag (100). The identification and registration device (302) ensures that the physical information communicated to the computer pertains to the user wearing the tag by comparing pulse signals acquired from the user's hand and wrist as the device (302) is acquiring physical information.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2004Publication date: December 23, 2004Inventors: Michael E. Coughlin, Bernhard P. Knutsen, David E. Schloemer
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Publication number: 20040059463Abstract: An active control center (10) for automatic retrieval and storage of filled medicament vials dispensed from an automatic dispensing system (12).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2003Publication date: March 25, 2004Applicant: SCRIPTPRO LLCInventor: Michael E. Coughlin
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Publication number: 20040039482Abstract: A collating unit (10) for use with a control center (12) cooperating with an automatic dispensing system (“ADS”) (14) for automatic storage of prescription containers dispensed from the ADS (14).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2003Publication date: February 26, 2004Applicant: SCRIPTPRO LLCInventors: Tracy I. Thomas, Michael E. Coughlin
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Publication number: 20030194306Abstract: A vial gripping mechanism (10) includes a pivotally mounted swing arm (26). A sensor receiving array (44) is mounted to a sensor end (34) on an inward edge (46) of the arm (26). A channel (38) protecting a cable (64) follows an outside edge (42) from the receiving array (44) to a cam end (36). A torsion spring (28) forces the cam end (36) against a cam (30) which is fixedly mounted to the mechanism (10) adjacent the arm (26). By action of the mechanism (10), the arm (26) is moved relative to the cam (30) such that in a sensing position, the receiving array (44) is directly opposite a sensor transmitting array (74), and in a shielded position, the receiving array (44) is housed within a shield (32). The shield (32) is fixedly mounted to the mechanism (10) and protects the receiving array (44) while in transit.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2003Publication date: October 16, 2003Inventors: Shane P. Coughlin, Michael E. Coughlin, Stacy Orr, Timothy Surgeon
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Patent number: 6592005Abstract: A pill count sensor (10) comprises an electromagnetic energy emitting array (40) and an electromagnetic energy receiving array (42), with a pill detection zone (44) defined therebetween; a sensor amplifier (28); a control board (30) interfaced with a computing device (24); and interconnecting cabling (34, 36, 38). The electromagnetic energy emitting and receiving arrays (40,42) emit and receive, respectively, beams of electromagnetic energy (46) across the zone (44) such that any pill (50) entering the zone (44) is detected by a resulting disruption in received electromagnetic energy at the receiving array (42). The sensor amplifier (28) is operable to automatically self-calibrate in order to compensate for detected electromagnetic energy levels, and to generate a pill sense signal in response to a detected pill (50). The control board (30) is operable to increment a pill count.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2002Date of Patent: July 15, 2003Assignee: Scriptpro LLCInventors: Shane P. Coughlin, Michael E. Coughlin, Stacy Orr, Timothy Surgeon
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Patent number: 6578734Abstract: A vial gripping mechanism (10) includes a pivotally mounted swing arm (26). A sensor receiving array (44) is mounted to a sensor end (34) on an inward edge (46) of the arm (26). A channel (38) protecting a cable (64) follows an outside edge (42) from the receiving array (44) to a cam end (36). A torsion spring (28) forces the cam end (36) against a cam (30) which is fixedly mounted to the mechanism (10) adjacent the arm (26). By action of the mechanism (10), the arm (26) is moved relative to the cam (30) such that in a sensing position, the receiving array (44) is directly opposite a sensor transmitting array (74), and in a shielded position, the receiving array (44) is housed within a shield (32). The shield (32) is fixedly mounted to the mechanism (10) and protects the receiving array (44) while in transit.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2002Date of Patent: June 17, 2003Assignee: Scriptpro LLCInventors: Shane P. Coughlin, Michael E. Coughlin, Stacy Orr, Timothy Surgeon
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Patent number: 6318630Abstract: A preferred medicament dispensing station (10) includes a computer (16) with a bar code reader (18) and a printer (20) coupled therewith. When filling a prescription from a supply container (12) of a medicament, the bar code reader (18) scans the bar code (28) on the container (12) and a computer (16) compares the bar code data with prescription data to determine a match before activating a printer (20) to print a prescription label (30) for the prescription. The preferred station (10) also includes databases (26) including an attribute database and a language database. The computer (16) activates the printer (20) to print medicament indicia on the prescription label (30) representative of physical attributes of the medicament including a word description (32) such as the shape, color pattern, color, scoring and form and an image (34). The computer (16) is operable also to prompt the printer (20) to print prescription data on the same label or on a second label in a second language.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2000Date of Patent: November 20, 2001Assignee: ScriptPro LLCInventors: Michael E. Coughlin, Christopher J. Thomsen, Claire P. Coughlin
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Patent number: 6155485Abstract: A preferred medicament dispensing station (10) includes a computer (16) with a bar code reader (18) and a printer (20) coupled therewith. When filling a prescription from a supply container (12) of a medicament, the bar code reader (18) scans the bar code (28) on the container (12) and a computer (16) compares the bar code data with prescription data to determine a match before activating a printer (20) to print a prescription label (30) for the prescription. The preferred station (10) also includes databases (26) including an attribute database and a language database. The computer (16) activates the printer (20) to print medicament indicia on the prescription label (30) representative of physical attributes of the medicament including a word description (32) such as the shape, color pattern, color, scoring and form and an image (34). The computer (16) is operable also to prompt the printer (20) to print prescription data on the same label or on a second label in a second language.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 1998Date of Patent: December 5, 2000Assignee: Scriptpro LLCInventors: Michael E. Coughlin, Christopher J. Thomsen, Claire P. Coughlin
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Patent number: 5897024Abstract: A medicament dispensing cell for use in an automatic dispensing machine includes a housing defining a medicament storage section, a discharge section leading to an outlet, a passage between the sections, a rotatable platen and a dispensing assembly for dispensing medicament in single file from the storage section to the discharge section. A resilient, flexible bushing having outwardly extending fingers encloses the hub of the platen for conveying medicament through the passage. The platen includes a plurality of spirally configured conveying members defined on the surface thereof and the dispensing assembly includes a selectively adjustable passage wall for adjusting the breadth of the passage.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 1997Date of Patent: April 27, 1999Assignee: Scriptpro LLCInventors: Michael E. Coughlin, Claire P. Coughlin, Lawrence E. Guerra, Keith W. Kudera
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Patent number: 5798020Abstract: A medicine vial labeler includes a dispenser for printing and dispensing pressure sensitive labels and a label applicator assembly including a rotary drum and a pair of positioning arms. The positioning arms are shiftable from a release position to a holding position for positioning a vial in rotary contact with the drum in order to receive a label in the nip therebetween applying the label to the vial upon rotation of the drum. The positioning arms include a plurality of rollers of different diameters configured and spaced for holding and positioning vials of different diameters in rotary contact with the drum.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 1997Date of Patent: August 25, 1998Assignee: Scriptpro, LLCInventors: Michael E. Coughlin, Ronald A. Leonard, Lawrence E. Guerra, Keith W. Kudera
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Patent number: 5762235Abstract: A system for dispensing medicaments such as pills and capsules includes a plurality of medicament dispensing cells, a manipulator arm for moving to a cell and receiving medicament dispensed therefrom into a vial, and a controller for controlling the operation of the manipulator arm. In one embodiment of the invention, each cell includes indicia thereon such as a bar code indicating the medicament contained therein and the system includes an indicia reader such as a bar code reader attached to the manipulator arm. When the system receives dispensing instructions such as a prescription to be filled, the controller moves the manipulator arm to a selected cell location of a cell having the medicament to be dispensed, as indicated by cell data included in the controller memory. The indicia reader reads the indicia on the cell at the selected location and the controller determines whether the medicament indicated by the indicia matches the medicament of the prescription.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 1997Date of Patent: June 9, 1998Assignee: ScriptPro, L.L.C.Inventor: Michael E. Coughlin
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Patent number: 5713487Abstract: A system for dispensing medicaments such as pills and capsules includes a plurality of medicament dispensing cells, a manipulator arm for moving to a cell and receiving medicament dispensed therefrom into a vial, and a controller for controlling the operation of the manipulator arm. In one embodiment of the invention, each cell includes indicia thereon such as a bar code indicating the medicament contained therein and the system includes an indicia reader such as a bar code reader attached to the manipulator arm. When the system receives dispensing instructions such as a prescription to be filled, the controller moves the manipulator arm to a selected cell location of a cell having the medicament to be dispensed, as indicated by cell data included in the controller memory. The indicia reader reads the indicia on the cell at the selected location and the controller determines whether the medicament indicated by the indicia matches the medicament of the prescription.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 1996Date of Patent: February 3, 1998Assignee: ScriptPro L.L.C.Inventor: Michael E. Coughlin
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Patent number: 5580058Abstract: A golf putter composed of transparent or translucent material with a raised opaque central portion and a clear heel and toe. The width of the central portion approximates the diameter of a golf ball. The distance from the ball striking surface to the heel and toe weights is considerable, it is greater than the radius of a golf ball. The weights are placed far enough behind the ball striking surface to be outside the focused area. When the golfer aligns the putter with the ball, the putter head appears to be a single line with a width approximately equal to the diameter of a golf ball and a depth greater than the radius of a golf ball. The clear heel and toe provide maximum contrast to the central portion, enabling the golfer to maintain focus on the center of the head throughout the stroke. This improves the golfer's ability to visualize the movement of the putter relative to the "target line".Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: December 3, 1996Assignee: Brian Edward CoughlinInventor: Brian E. Coughlin
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Patent number: 5298316Abstract: A textile coated with a clear fused resin characterized in that when the textile is stressed the resin fractures and the textile exhibits a worn look.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 1993Date of Patent: March 29, 1994Assignee: Worthen Industries, Inc.Inventor: Thomas E. Coughlin
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Patent number: 5284677Abstract: A method for manufacturing a coated textile which exhibits a worn look when stressed. The method includes depositing a water-base resinous coating on the textile wherein the amount of coating placed on the textile is controlled such that the threads are coated but a thin film is not formed thereon. After depositing the coating on the material, the coating is passed through a first heat exchange zone to remove the water and dry the coating. Then the dried coated textile is passed through a second heat exchange zone wherein the temperature is sufficient to fuse the coating to the threads to obtain a clear coating such that when the textile is stressed the coating fractures importing a worn appearance to the stressed area of the textile.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 1992Date of Patent: February 8, 1994Assignee: Worthen Industries, Inc.Inventor: Thomas E. Coughlin
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Patent number: 5277935Abstract: Method of coating woven fabric with a first latex compound having a viscosity of 18,000 to 20,000 cps, and containing a fire resistant additive. Then coating with a second latex compound to produce a hose ducting fabric which is fire resistant. The second latex compound preferably contains a fire resistant additive also, and may be of a viscosity between 20,000-30,000 cps.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 1992Date of Patent: January 11, 1994Assignee: Worthen Industries, Inc.Inventor: Thomas E. Coughlin
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Patent number: 5195255Abstract: An insole rib wherein the fabric encapsulating the rib is formed of a twill weave such that the rib will lie flat when adhered to the contour of an insole without puckering or crimping.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 1990Date of Patent: March 23, 1993Assignee: Worthen Industries, Inc.Inventor: Thomas E. Coughlin
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Patent number: 4924208Abstract: An audio indicator is provided for a motor vehicle direction signal circuit of the type including a battery and a turn signal switch connecting the battery to at least one indicator lamp through a set of switchable contacts in a plug-in timer can, and with structure for intermittently opening and closing the contacts to flash the indicator lamps. The audio indicator has an electrically operated sound generating device with a substantially greater series resistance than the indicator lamps, and that is connected in parallel with the contacts of the timer can. When the timer can contacts are closed, the indicator lamps are "on", and current is shorted through the contacts such that the sound generating device is "off". When the timer can contacts are open, the indicator lamps are "off", and substantially all of the voltage from the battery appears across the sound generating device and the sound generating device is "on".Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 1989Date of Patent: May 8, 1990Inventor: Joseph E. Coughlin