Patents by Inventor Merle Hertzler

Merle Hertzler 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: 11345544
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing and retrieving products is provided. An apparatus may include: a plurality of shelf units. Each shelf unit extends longitudinally between a first end and a second end. The first end may be configured to receive articles, and the second end may be configured to present articles for retrieval in a retrieval position. Each of the plurality of shelf units is arranged with a respective second end facing a retrieval area. Each of the plurality of shelf units is inclined with the first end being lower than the second end. The apparatus may also include a retrieval device comprising an end-of-arm tool. The retrieval device is disposed within the retrieval area and configured to attach the end-of-arm tool to an article in a retrieval position of each of the plurality of shelf units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: MCKESSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Rich Herrschaft, Jerome Albert, Merle Hertzler, Sofia Tanvir
  • Publication number: 20200307913
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing and retrieving products is provided. An apparatus may include: a plurality of shelf units. Each shelf unit extends longitudinally between a first end and a second end. The first end may be configured to receive articles, and the second end may be configured to present articles for retrieval in a retrieval position. Each of the plurality of shelf units is arranged with a respective second end facing a retrieval area. Each of the plurality of shelf units is inclined with the first end being lower than the second end. The apparatus may also include a retrieval device comprising an end-of-arm tool. The retrieval device is disposed within the retrieval area and configured to attach the end-of-arm tool to an article in a retrieval position of each of the plurality of shelf units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Rich HERRSCHAFT, Jerome ALBERT, Merle HERTZLER, Sofia TANVIR
  • Patent number: 10242337
    Abstract: Example embodiments of the present invention may provide a method of dispensing a product having a verified identity to be labeled and packaged without requiring additional validation and verification. According to an example embodiment, a dispensing system may include a display, a workstation, a user interface, and a controller. The controller may be configured to receive an indication that the workstation is clear of any products, such as products associated with a previous dispensing operation. The controller may: receive provide for presentation on the display of an identification of a batch of a first product type to be retrieved in response to the indication that the workstation is clear; receive an identification of a batch of products of a first product type that is received at the workstation; and identify a queue of orders for the first product type as maintained in a memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: McKesson Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Jordan, Brian Williams, Merle Hertzler
  • Patent number: 10120982
    Abstract: Example embodiments of the present invention may provide an efficient method of replenishing canisters of an automated dispensing device off-line. In particular, methods may include automatically causing an image to be captured at each of two or more stages of a replenishment process, where respective images are of a loading receptacle of a replenishment station, the loading receptacle configured to hold medication. The method may also include providing for display of respective images on a device located remote from the replenishment station, and receiving an approval or rejection of at least one stage of the replenishment process in response to providing for the display of respective images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: McKesson Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Lee Jordan, Mike Barniskis, Merle Hertzler, Jason Warner
  • Publication number: 20170372036
    Abstract: Example embodiments of the present invention may provide an efficient method of replenishing canisters of an automated dispensing device off-line. In particular, methods may include automatically causing an image to be captured at each of two or more stages of a replenishment process, where respective images are of a loading receptacle of a replenishment station, the loading receptacle configured to hold medication. The method may also include providing for display of respective images on a device located remote from the replenishment station, and receiving an approval or rejection of at least one stage of the replenishment process in response to providing for the display of respective images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Michael Lee JORDAN, Mike BARNISKIS, Merle HERTZLER, Jason WARNER
  • Patent number: 9779217
    Abstract: Example embodiments of the present invention may provide an efficient method of replenishing canisters of an automated dispensing device off-line. In particular, methods may include automatically causing an image to be captured at each of two or more stages of a replenishment process, where respective images are of a loading receptacle of a replenishment station, the loading receptacle configured to hold medication. The method may also include providing for display of respective images on a device located remote from the replenishment station, and receiving an approval or rejection of at least one stage of the replenishment process in response to providing for the display of respective images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: McKesson Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Lee Jordan, Mike Barniskis, Merle Hertzler, Jason Warner
  • Publication number: 20170278049
    Abstract: Example embodiments of the present invention may provide a method of dispensing a product having a verified identity to be labeled and packaged without requiring additional validation and verification. According to an example embodiment, a dispensing system may include a display, a workstation, a user interface, and a controller. The controller may be configured to receive an indication that the workstation is clear of any products, such as products associated with a previous dispensing operation. The controller may: receive provide for presentation on the display of an identification of a batch of a first product type to be retrieved in response to the indication that the workstation is clear; receive an identification of a batch of products of a first product type that is received at the workstation; and identify a queue of orders for the first product type as maintained in a memory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2016
    Publication date: September 28, 2017
    Inventors: Michael Jordan, Brian Williams, Merle Hertzler
  • Publication number: 20130335563
    Abstract: Example embodiments of the present invention may provide an efficient method of replenishing canisters of an automated dispensing device off-line. In particular, methods may include automatically causing an image to be captured at each of two or more stages of a replenishment process, where respective images are of a loading receptacle of a replenishment station, the loading receptacle configured to hold medication. The method may also include providing for display of respective images on a device located remote from the replenishment station, and receiving an approval or rejection of at least one stage of the replenishment process in response to providing for the display of respective images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: MCKESSON FINANCIAL HOLDINGS
    Inventors: Michael Lee Jordan, Mike Barniskis, Merle Hertzler, Jason Warner