Patents by Inventor James A. Michael

James A. Michael 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: 9121197
    Abstract: A cabinet for securely storing items includes a drawer enclosure, a drawer, a cover, an electric actuator, and a switch. The drawer is slidable at least partially into and out of the enclosure, and includes a compartment. The cover is designed to block access to the compartment of the drawer when the cover is in a first configuration, and to allow access to the compartment when the cover is in a second configuration. The electric actuator is designed to move the cover from the first configuration to the second configuration. The switch is connected to the electric actuator, and when activated the switch selectively shorts the electric actuator. Sliding the drawer relative to the enclosure activates the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: AutoMed Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Michael
  • Patent number: 9111408
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment includes a cabinet having at least one drawer with selectable access for storing items, such as medications. A slidable cover with a first opening allows for closure and/or access to items in an interior of the drawer. The cabinet further includes an actuator coupled to the cover and a controller coupled to the actuator to control movement of the first opening relative to the drawer interior in response to signals generated from a user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: AutoMed Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott I. Biba, Randall S. Koplin, Daniel J. Lee, Kathy L. Soukup, James A. Michael
  • Publication number: 20140266761
    Abstract: A medical supply cabinet having improved features for user access, user control, and illumination is provided. The supply cabinet is provided with a selectively controllable illumination source, such as light-emitting diodes, that provide the operator with visual information regarding access to individual compartments of the supply cabinet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: James A. Michael
  • Publication number: 20140222196
    Abstract: A cabinet for securely storing items includes a drawer enclosure, a drawer, a cover, an electric actuator, and a switch. The drawer is slidable at least partially into and out of the enclosure, and includes a compartment. A cover which is configured as a metal belt is designed to selectively block access to the compartments of the drawer when the cover is in a first configuration, and to allow access to the compartment when the cover is in a second configuration. The electric actuator is designed to move the cover from the first configuration to the second configuration in one of two directions. The actuator selects the direction to reduce the time required to make such movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: AutoMed Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Michael
  • Patent number: 8746908
    Abstract: A medical supply cabinet having improved features for user access, user control, and illumination is provided. The supply cabinet is provided with a selectively controllable illumination source, such as light-emitting diodes, that provide the operator with visual information regarding access to individual compartments of the supply cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: AutoMed Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Michael
  • Patent number: 8744621
    Abstract: A cabinet for securely storing items includes a drawer enclosure, a drawer, a cover, an electric actuator, and a switch. The drawer is slidable at least partially into and out of the enclosure, and includes a compartment. A cover which is configured as a metal belt is designed to selectively block access to the compartments of the drawer when the cover is in a first configuration, and to allow access to the compartment when the cover is in a second configuration. The electric actuator is designed to move the cover from the first configuration to the second configuration in one of two directions. The actuator selects the direction to reduce the time required to make such movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: AutoMed Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Michael
  • Publication number: 20140046482
    Abstract: A cabinet system for securely storing items includes a cabinet housing, a controller, and at least one drawer unit. The cabinet housing has a locking mechanism, and the controller is in communication with the cabinet housing and configured to operate the locking mechanism. The drawer unit is designed to be releasably locked at least partially within the cabinet housing by the locking mechanism, and slidable within a portion of the cabinet housing when released by the locking mechanism. The drawer unit includes at least one storage compartment, a cover, memory, and a power source. The storage compartment is configured to store at least one item therein. The cover is movable to an open configuration and a closed configuration. When the cover is in the closed configuration, the cover limits access to the item of the storage compartment. The memory is powered by the power source and is configured to store data associated with a movement of the cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: AutoMed Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Michael
  • Patent number: 8588966
    Abstract: A cabinet system for securely storing items includes a cabinet housing, a controller, and at least one drawer unit. The cabinet housing has a locking mechanism, and the controller is in communication with the cabinet housing and configured to operate the locking mechanism. The drawer unit is designed to be releasably locked at least partially within the cabinet housing by the locking mechanism, and slidable within a portion of the cabinet housing when released by the locking mechanism. The drawer unit includes at least one storage compartment, a cover, memory, and a power source. The storage compartment is configured to store at least one item therein. The cover is movable to an open configuration and a closed configuration. When the cover is in the closed configuration, the cover limits access to the item of the storage compartment. The memory is powered by the power source and is configured to store data associated with a movement of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: AutoMed Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Michael
  • Publication number: 20120089248
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment includes a cabinet having at least one drawer with selectable access for storing items, such as medications. A slidable cover with a first opening allows for closure and/or access to items in an interior of the drawer. The cabinet further includes an actuator coupled to the cover and a controller coupled to the actuator to control movement of the first opening relative to the drawer interior in response to signals generated from a user interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventors: Scott I. Biba, Randall S. Koplin, Daniel J. Lee, Kathy L. Soukup, James A. Michael
  • Patent number: 8103379
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment includes a cabinet having at least one drawer with selectable access for storing items, such as medications. A slidable cover with a first opening allows for closure and/or access to items in an interior of the drawer. The cabinet further includes an actuator coupled to the cover and a controller coupled to the actuator to control movement of the first opening relative to the drawer interior in response to signals generated from a user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: AutoMed Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott I. Biba, Randall S. Koplin, Daniel J. Lee, Kathy L. Soukup, James A. Michael
  • Publication number: 20110266929
    Abstract: A medical supply cabinet having improved features for user access, user control, and illumination is provided. The supply cabinet is provided with a selectively controllable illumination source, such as light-emitting diodes, that provide the operator with visual information regarding access to individual compartments of the supply cabinet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventor: James A. Michael
  • Publication number: 20110196538
    Abstract: A cabinet for securely storing items includes a drawer enclosure, a drawer, a cover, an electric actuator, and a switch. The drawer is slidable at least partially into and out of the enclosure, and includes a compartment. A cover which is configured as a metal belt is designed to selectively block access to the compartments of the drawer when the cover is in a first configuration, and to allow access to the compartment when the cover is in a second configuration. The electric actuator is designed to move the cover from the first configuration to the second configuration in one of two directions. The actuator selects the direction to reduce the time required to make such movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventor: James A. Michael
  • Publication number: 20110156560
    Abstract: A cabinet for securely storing items includes a drawer enclosure, a drawer, a cover, an electric actuator, and a switch. The drawer is slidable at least partially into and out of the enclosure, and includes a compartment. The cover is designed to block access to the compartment of the drawer when the cover is in a first configuration, and to allow access to the compartment when the cover is in a second configuration. The electric actuator is designed to move the cover from the first configuration to the second configuration. The switch is connected to the electric actuator, and when activated the switch selectively shorts the electric actuator. Sliding the drawer relative to the enclosure activates the switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventor: James A. Michael
  • Publication number: 20110140831
    Abstract: A cabinet system for securely storing items includes a cabinet housing, a controller, and at least one drawer unit. The cabinet housing has a locking mechanism, and the controller is in communication with the cabinet housing and configured to operate the locking mechanism. The drawer unit is designed to be releasably locked at least partially within the cabinet housing by the locking mechanism, and slidable within a portion of the cabinet housing when released by the locking mechanism. The drawer unit includes at least one storage compartment, a cover, memory, and a power source. The storage compartment is configured to store at least one item therein. The cover is movable to an open configuration and a closed configuration. When the cover is in the closed configuration, the cover limits access to the item of the storage compartment. The memory is powered by the power source and is configured to store data associated with a movement of the cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventor: James A. Michael
  • Publication number: 20100176699
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment includes a cabinet having at least one drawer with selectable access for storing items, such as medications. A slidable cover with a first opening allows for closure and/or access to items in an interior of the drawer. The cabinet further includes an actuator coupled to the cover and a controller coupled to the actuator to control movement of the first opening relative to the drawer interior in response to signals generated from a user interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventors: Scott I. Biba, Randall S. Koplin, Daniel J. Lee, Kathy L. Soukup, James A. Michael
  • Patent number: 7689316
    Abstract: The system for controlling and tracking medical items (830) includes a plurality of medical item storage cabinets (878). Each cabinet includes a plurality of doors (888-894). The doors control access to shelves (902, 904) and support modules (1210). Shelves and support modules include user interfaces (938, 1214). Authorized users desiring to take medical items from storage locations in cabinets for use in treating patients are enabled to provide inputs through a display terminal (880) adjacent to cabinets and/or interfaces to indicate the taking of medical items. Storage cabinets include visual indicators so that users may be guided to find a selected medical item for which information is input at an associated display terminal. Alternatively, authorized users gain access to the interior of the cabinet and indicate through appropriate inputs through interfaces on the shelves the types and quantities of items being taken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: AutoMed Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David T. Frederick, James A. Michael, R. Michael McGrady
  • Patent number: 7596427
    Abstract: The system for controlling and tracking medical items (830) includes a plurality of medical item storage cabinets (878). Each cabinet includes a plurality of doors (888-894). The doors control access to shelves (902, 904) and support modules (1210). Shelves and support modules include user interfaces (938, 1214). Authorized users desiring to take medical items from storage locations in cabinets for use in treating patients are enabled to provide inputs through a display terminal (880) adjacent to cabinets and/or interfaces to indicate the taking of medical items. Storage cabinets include visual indicators so that users may be guided to find a selected medical item for which information is input at an associated display terminal. Alternatively, authorized users gain access to the interior of the cabinet and indicate through appropriate inputs through interfaces on the shelves the types and quantities of items being taken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: AutoMed Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David T. Frederick, James A. Michael, R. Michael McGrady
  • Patent number: 7515988
    Abstract: The system for controlling and tracking medical items (830) includes one or more computers and associated data stores including information concerning authorized users, patients, medical items that have been prescribed for patients, medical items available, storage locations for medical items and events associated with receiving, dispensing, taking and returning medical items for patients. Authorized users taking medical items from storage locations are enabled to provide inputs through a display terminal (880) to indicate the taking of medical items for patients. Medical items are enabled to be taken from a plurality of storage cabinets (878). Storage cabinets are operative so that users may be guided to find a selected medical item for which corresponding information is input at an associated display terminal. Alternatively, users are enabled to gain access to the interior of the cabinet and indicate through appropriate inputs, the types and quantities of items that are being taken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: AutoMed Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David T. Frederick, James A. Michael, R. Michael McGrady
  • Patent number: 7463947
    Abstract: The system for controlling and tracking medical items (830) includes a plurality of medical item storage cabinets (878). Each cabinet includes a plurality of doors (888-894). The doors control access to shelves (902, 904) and support modules (1210). Shelves and support modules include user interfaces (938, 1214). Authorized users desiring to take medical items from storage locations in cabinets for use in treating patients are enabled to provide inputs through a display terminal (880) adjacent to cabinets and/or interfaces to indicate the taking of medical items. Storage cabinets include visual indicators so that users may be guided to find a selected medical item for which information is input at an associated display terminal. Alternatively, authorized users gain access to the interior of the cabinet and indicate through appropriate inputs through interfaces on the shelves the types and quantities of items being taken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: AutoMed Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David T. Frederick, James A. Michael, R. Michael McGrady
  • Patent number: 7286900
    Abstract: The system for controlling and tracking medical items (830) includes a plurality of medical item storage cabinets (878). Each cabinet includes a plurality of doors (888-894). The doors control access to shelves (902, 904) and support modules (1210). Shelves and support modules include user interfaces (938, 1214). Authorized users desiring to take medical items from storage locations in cabinets for use in treating patients are enabled to provide inputs through a display terminal (880) adjacent to cabinets and/or interfaces to indicate the taking of medical items. Storage cabinets include visual indicators so that users may be guided to find a selected medical item for which information is input at an associated display terminal. Alternatively, authorized users gain access to the interior of the cabinet and indicate through appropriate inputs through interfaces on the shelves the types and quantities of items being taken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: AutoMed Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David T. Frederick, James A. Michael, R. Michael McGrady