Patents by Inventor Eric J. Switalski

Eric J. Switalski 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: 8170714
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a tool that can be used to order, dispense, locate, request and administer medications as well as locate, issue and administer medical items and supplies for patients from a plurality of entry points into the system, e.g. handheld devices, mobile cart, etc. New workflows and functionality for various devices such as dispensing devices (automated dispensing cabinets) and issuing devices (e.g. open shelving) are also disclosed. Because of the rules governing abstracts, this abstract should not be used to construe the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: McKesson Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip H. Spano, Jr., Eric J. Switalski
  • Patent number: 8019470
    Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to an assembly comprising a plurality of bins with a plurality of lids associated therewith. Each of the bins has a lock assembly that includes a catch operable to lock the lid in its closed position and a mechanical indicator responsive to the catch. Another aspect of the invention relates to an automated dispensing cabinet that includes a control computer and a plurality of drawers having a plurality of row assemblies therein. Each row assembly has bins that include a tabbed lid, a lock assembly with a catch operable to engage and disengage the tab, and an indicator responsive to the lock assembly. Methods for dispensing from and restocking the remote dispensing systems are also given, as well as a method for indicating which item is to be dispensed from one of a plurality of bins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: McKesson Automation Inc.
    Inventors: Robert B. Meek, Jr., Kirk A. Young, Louis S. Conley, Eric J. Switalski, Allen D. Bowers
  • Publication number: 20110071667
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a tool that can be used to order, dispense, locate, request and administer medications as well as locate, issue and administer medical items and supplies for patients from a plurality of entry points into the system, e.g. handheld devices, mobile cart, etc. New workflows and functionality for various devices such as dispensing devices (automated dispensing cabinets) and issuing devices (e.g. open shelving) are also disclosed. Because of the rules governing abstracts, this abstract should not be used to construe the claims.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Inventors: Philip H. Spano, JR., Eric J. Switalski
  • Patent number: 7865263
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a tool that can be used to order, dispense, locate, request and administer medications as well as locate, issue and administer medical items and supplies for patients from a plurality of entry points into the system, e.g. handheld devices, mobile cart, etc. New workflows and functionality for various devices such as dispensing devices (automated dispensing cabinets) and issuing devices (e.g. open shelving) are also disclosed. Because of the rules governing abstracts, this abstract should not be used to construe the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: McKesson Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip H. Spano, Jr., Eric J. Switalski
  • Publication number: 20090055018
    Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to an assembly comprising a plurality of bins with a plurality of lids associated therewith. Each of the bins has a lock assembly that includes a catch operable to lock the lid in its closed position and a mechanical indicator responsive to the catch. Another aspect of the invention relates to an automated dispensing cabinet that includes a control computer and a plurality of drawers having a plurality of row assemblies therein. Each row assembly has bins that include a tabbed lid, a lock assembly with a catch operable to engage and disengage the tab, and an indicator responsive to the lock assembly. Methods for dispensing from and restocking the remote dispensing systems are also given, as well as a method for indicating which item is to be dispensed from one of a plurality of bins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventors: ROBERT B. MEEK, JR., KIRK A. YOUNG, LOUIS S. CONLEY, ERIC J. SWITALSKI, ALLENS D. BOWERS
  • Patent number: 7426425
    Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to an assembly comprising a plurality of bins with a plurality of lids associated therewith. Each of the bins has a lock assembly that includes a catch operable to lock the lid in its closed position and a mechanical indicator responsive to the catch. Another aspect of the invention relates to an automated dispensing cabinet that includes a control computer and a plurality of drawers having a plurality of row assemblies therein. Each row assembly has bins that include a tabbed lid, a lock assembly with a catch operable to engage and disengage the tab, and an indicator responsive to the lock assembly. Methods for dispensing from and restocking the remote dispensing systems are also given, as well as a method for indicating which item is to be dispensed from one of a plurality of bins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: McKesson Automation Inc.
    Inventors: Robert B. Meek, Jr., Kirk A. Young, Louis S. Conley, Eric J. Switalski, Allen D. Bowers
  • Patent number: 7052097
    Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to an assembly comprising a plurality of bins with a plurality of lids associated therewith. Each of the bins has a lock assembly that includes a catch operable to lock the lid in its closed position and a mechanical indicator responsive to the catch. Another aspect of the invention relates to an automated dispensing cabinet that includes a control computer and a plurality of drawers having a plurality of row assemblies therein. Each row assembly has bins that include a tabbed lid, a lock assembly with a catch operable to engage and disengage the tab, and an indicator responsive to the lock assembly. Methods for dispensing from and restocking the remote dispensing systems are also given, as well as a method for indicating which item is to be dispensed from one of a plurality of bins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: McKesson Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert B. Meek, Jr., Kirk A. Young, Louis S. Conley, Eric J. Switalski, Allen D. Bowers
  • Publication number: 20040108795
    Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to an assembly comprising a plurality of bins with a plurality of lids associated therewith. Each of the bins has a lock assembly that includes a catch operable to lock the lid in its closed position and a mechanical indicator responsive to the catch. Another aspect of the invention relates to an automated dispensing cabinet that includes a control computer and a plurality of drawers having a plurality of row assemblies therein. Each row assembly has bins that include a tabbed lid, a lock assembly with a catch operable to engage and disengage the tab, and an indicator responsive to the lock assembly. Methods for dispensing from and restocking the remote dispensing systems are also given, as well as a method for indicating which item is to be dispensed from one of a plurality of bins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventors: Robert B. Meek, Kirk A. Young, Louis S. Conley, Eric J. Switalski, Allen D. Bowers