Automatic Control Patents (Class 221/9)
  • Patent number: 11651467
    Abstract: Improved systems and methods for enhancing the performance of network based computerized content rendering and hosting and providing of devices, systems and/or platforms by modifying the capabilities and providing non-native functionality to such devices, systems and/or platforms through a novel and improved data processing and networking framework.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: YAHOO ASSETS LLC
    Inventors: Venkatesh Dharmar, Edward Joseph Campbell, Daniel Haight
  • Patent number: 11573880
    Abstract: In accordance with embodiments, there are provided mechanisms and methods for facilitating performance simulation for selected platforms for web products in database systems according to one embodiment. In one embodiment and by way of example, a method includes evaluating metadata associated with contents relating to a web product to be delivered through one or more platforms, where the metadata identifies the one or more platforms, and analyzing the one or more platforms to host the web product to deliver the contents. The method may further include identifying one or more performance factors associated with the web product and the one or more platforms, where the one or more performance factors are identified based one or more parameters associated with the one or more platforms to enhance performance associated with the web product when delivering the contents, and facilitating adjustments to one or more virtual dials to facilitate one or more modifications to the one or more parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: salesforce.com, inc.
    Inventors: Billy Ma, Jiten Oswal
  • Patent number: 11566362
    Abstract: A washing machine and a method for controlling the same are disclosed. The washing machine includes a plurality of washing devices, each of which includes a heater. Based on a target temperature of wash water heated by one heater of any one of the washing devices, the washing machine changes a target temperature setting environment of wash water heated by the remaining heater. The washing machine includes a first heater to heat wash water stored in a first tub, a second heater to heat wash water stored in a second tub, a control panel to provide a target temperature setting menu for setting a target temperature of the wash water stored in the first tub, and a controller to drive the first heater and the second heater. The controller changes the target temperature setting menu supplied from the control panel in response to the second target temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Min-Ji Kang, Kyoung Tae Park, Hyun Sook Kim, Hyeon Cheol Kim, Jung Ran Jung, Eun-Young Park, Dong-Il Back, Jun-Young Choi
  • Patent number: 11547515
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mobile selection system for selecting medical accessories comprising a control system, a user interface and a treatment cart. The treatment cart comprises a plurality of storage devices each having at least two storage areas for a respective accessory type. The control system thereby implements a selection method having the following method steps. The treatment identifier of the treatment to be performed is determined in one method step via the user interface. In a further method step, a plurality of accessory set parameters which characterize a medical accessory set are determined on the basis of an accessory database and on the basis of the treatment identifier of the treatment to be performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Olaf Schermeier, Kirill Koulechov
  • Patent number: 11538009
    Abstract: In an example embodiment, a beverage vending device is provided that includes a network interface and one or more processors. The beverage vending device also includes a computer-readable tangible medium with instructions stored thereon that direct the one or more processors to establish contact with an available network and locate a second beverage vending device on the network. The computer-readable tangible medium also has instructions stored thereon that direct the one or more processors to establish contact with the second beverage vending device on the network, and communicate with the second beverage vending device via the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Dick P. Welch, Ed Teller, Michael Edward Hopkins, Cindy Pang, Mark Adams, Kyusang Kim
  • Patent number: 11498782
    Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is a palletization device (1) comprising a freely accessible multiaxial robot (3) for gripping and moving the products (2) to be palletized and, at least one station (5) arranged on the ground, for receiving the pallets (4) on which the products (2) are deposited, which device is characterized in that the at least one station (5) is designed to receive and to position-reference a stack (6) of pallets (4) one above the other. A further subject matter of the invention is a corresponding method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: SIDEL CANADA INC
    Inventor: Franck Klotz
  • Patent number: 11436884
    Abstract: A system (1) for handling containers (7) having electronic product ID tags (15), the system comprises a storage cabinet (5) with lockable compartments (51) for storing tool kits (53) for handling the containers; each tool kit has an electronic ID tag associated with a predetermined compartment (51) in the storage cabinet and with a predetermined product ID tag of a container; access to each compartment is allowed or blocked by a respective electronically controlled lock; an electronic control unit (21); an electronic ID reader device (25) in communication with the electronic control unit, operable to read electronic ID tags of the components of the system and communicate same to the electronic control unit; the electronic control unit is operable to actuate the electronic lock of a predetermined compartment in the storage cabinet to allow access to said compartment upon matching the electronic product ID tag of a container with the associated electronic ID tag of the tool kit stored in the predetermined compa
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: Chemco Ireland Limited
    Inventors: Edward Ruane, Desmond McDonald
  • Patent number: 11409969
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for automatically dispensing labels for information handling systems being assembled, in an assembly line that is configured to produce many different types of information handling systems with differing internal components. In some embodiments, a service tag identifier and parts listing are associated with each information handling system-under-assembly. The service tag identifier is written to an RFID tag that can be read at various stages of assembly. In some embodiments, when an assembly bin arrives at a label station of the assembly line, the RFID tag is read and a database is searched for the matching service tag and the associated parts listing. One or more appropriate labels are then automatically dispensed in response to the components in the listing. In this manner, correct association of labels with the components is maintained, and the search and dispensing process is performed in an efficient manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Mohd Noor Affendy Bin Ahmad, Muizzuddin Bin Mohd Fauzi, Mohamad Haziq Bin Zabbah, Hamidi Bin Daud
  • Patent number: 11403906
    Abstract: A product-dispensing device comprises a rod, a product-dispensing coil, an actuator, a locking gear, and a button. The rod is configured to support a product. The product-dispensing coil is disposed about the rod. The actuator is operably coupled to the product-dispensing coil for rotation about a first axis. The locking gear is rotatable between a first position and a second position and includes a locking arm configured to inhibit rotation of the actuator in the second position. The button is operably coupled to the locking gear and configured to rotate the locking gear between the first position and the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Fasteners for Retail, Inc.
    Inventors: Yun Hua, Michael Eric Liedtke
  • Patent number: 11404153
    Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, a listing table is created for each kind of drug, and a single kind of drug among the drugs listed in the prescription is displayed on the display screen of the monitor. Therefore, mistakenly collated drugs can be found easily, and the pharmacist (user) can perform the drug inspection efficiently. In the present invention, the listing table for the drug similar to the single kind of drug may also be displayed on the display screen. The drug whose similarity to the single kind of drug is equal to or more than a threshold value may be determined as a similar drug, and the similar drug may be included in the listing table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Toyama Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Koji Yokouchi
  • Patent number: 11359320
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention may involve systems, methods, and computer readable medium. In an embodiment of the invention, a computer-implemented method for paying for usage of a pay per use device may be provided. The method may transmit device identification information from the device to a server. Device setup information and vend price may be received and the vend price may be displayed. User identification may be received and transmitted to the server. An account balance value may be received and displayed on the display. A start request may be received and transmitted to the server. The device may start and an updated account balance may be displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Inventor: Albert Bruce Urquhart
  • Patent number: 11357703
    Abstract: A device for counting and dispensing objects, including two elements. A first element includes a conduit for dispensing the objects to be counted and dispensed, and a second element cooperates with the first element to form two obturators which define, in the dispensing conduit a chamber suitable for containing a predetermined number of said objects. The device includes a lock moveable between a lock state wherein said lock partially obturators the dispensing conduit, and an unlock state wherein the lock is retracted outside the dispensing conduit, the lock being configured so that the position of an object present in the chamber is not affected by a change in the state of the lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: STIPLASTICS
    Inventors: Guillaume Zoczek, Ludovic Soual, Hugues Brouard
  • Patent number: 11348414
    Abstract: Provided is an automated teller machine which effectively prevents a banknote from being blown away by wind when a banknote is input or withdrawn through an input-output unit of the automated teller machine. The automated teller machine includes an input-output unit which includes an inlet in which a banknote accommodation space is formed so that a banknote to be input or withdrawn is loaded therein and through which external wind is introduced, a movement path through which the external wind introduced through the inlet passes, and an outlet through which the wind that passes through the movement path is discharged to an upper surface of the loaded banknote.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: HYOSUNG TNS INC.
    Inventors: Jin Young Hwang, Seok Won Kim, Kyoung Soo Kim, Seung Soo Lee, Young Dae Seo
  • Patent number: 11200972
    Abstract: A computerized dispensary management system and method enhances dispensary product management and are supported by a blister pack separation apparatus. The system and method operate according to a computer-implementable application and at least one computer. A scanner system further cooperates with the application and computer for scan-inputting product- and person-identifying machine-readable code information to the application for processing. The person-identifying code is scannable to identify a person and a product regimen for the person. The application provides a series of sequential screenshots based upon basic filler and dispenser screenshots for filler and dispenser side product management, guiding the user through a regimen-filling and administration. The processes are characterized by screenshot re-arrangements occurring thereto as each successive code is scanned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Accu-Chart Plus Healthcare Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy N. Cloninger
  • Patent number: 11043060
    Abstract: The present invention provides a dispenser interface, associated methods and systems, and dispensers employing the dispenser interface and associated systems and methods. An example embodiment provides a product dispenser assembly for dispensing a product. The dispenser comprises a dispenser controller having a first communication interface; and a communication controller having a second communication interface. The second communication interface is operatively connected to the first communication interface. The communication controller is configured to be in communication with one or more devices. The communication controller is configured to receive a command from one of the one or more devices; and provide the command to the dispenser controller. The dispenser controller and communication controller are configured to cause (a) product to be dispensed, (b) dispenser data to be stored, or (c) dispenser data to be communicated in accordance with the command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: GPCP IP Holdings LLC
    Inventor: David Warren Murphy
  • Patent number: 11024407
    Abstract: An offloading unit for an automated pharmaceutical machine that dispenses filled, capped pharmaceutical vials includes at least one offload location; at least one tote to receive the vials at each offload location, the tote assigned for distribution to a remote pharmacy location; at least one sensor to detect the presence or absence of the tote; and at least one sensor to detect a fill level of the vials in the tote.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Parata Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas P. Rhoads, Jr., Mark Longley, Steve Bouchelle, Bradley Kenneth Smith, Eric X. Bonpain, Robert Cenk Hernandez, Matthew P. Daniels, Gary M. Owen
  • Patent number: 10957447
    Abstract: A system and method for providing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation risk notifications in real time or near-real time is described. Rescue and controller medication events are detected by sensors associated with the patient's medicament device/s, and provide a basis to determine to rescue and controller medication use trends for the patient. This data is analyzed to determine the patient's risk for COPD exacerbation after each event, and is used to send notifications to one or both of the patient and their health care provider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Reciprocal Labs Corporation
    Inventors: Chris Hogg, Gregory F. Tracy, John David Van Sickle, Jason Grosz, Jeffrey J. Alexander, Chase Acton, Mike Lohmeier, John Kalmi, Dmitry Stupakov
  • Patent number: 10878373
    Abstract: Systems and methods of the invention relate to managing an inventory of items within a storage container. A storage container can house one or more items for distribution among one or more users such as, for instance, employees. The storage container discussed herein provides authentication of a user, tracking of the inventory each user removes or returns, video/image capture of user during access of the storage container, wireless tracking of items housed within the storage container, among others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: 3 STRIKE, LLC
    Inventor: Leonard M. Bashkin
  • Patent number: 10839047
    Abstract: An automatic picking machine for pharmaceutical drug packages includes at least one storage rack, at least one storage and retrieval machine, a control apparatus for controlling the storage and retrieval machine, and a filling apparatus for successively filling each of a plurality of transport containers with a group of pharmaceutical drug packages corresponding to one order, wherein the filling apparatus includes a plurality of collection containers, first transport apparatuses, each having a transport channel for conveying the pharmaceutical drug packages towards the respective collection container, and a receiving apparatus for receiving a transport container to be filled at a filling location of the filing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: BECTON DICKINSON ROWA GERMANY GMBH
    Inventor: Christoph Hellenbrand
  • Patent number: 10813841
    Abstract: Modular automated dispensing systems for dispensing secured medications in a medical environment are provided. The system includes a compact enclosure configured to be disposed in a medical treatment area without taking up valuable floor space. The system includes lockable drawers having one or more compartments for storing and dispensing medications or medical supplies. The system is unlocked by use of an access control interface internally or externally connected directly to the system, or networked to the system through a medical center network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: CAREFUSION 303, INC.
    Inventors: Gary Latorraca, Kelly Larrabee, Thomas Utech, Jitendra Urankar, Guy Eldredge, Brendan Burgess, Maria Jaskela, David Heffron
  • Patent number: 10792224
    Abstract: A portable pill dispenser is disclosed herein. The portable pill dispenser includes a container configured to house at least one pill therein. The container is attachable to a housing, which comprises a dispensing opening. A dispensing mechanism, a ramp, and a control panel are disposed within the housing. The dispensing mechanism is configured to dispense the at least one pill from the container to the dispensing opening. The ramp is configured to direct the at least one pill to the dispensing mechanism. A verification mechanism is disposed about the housing. The verification mechanism is configured to activate the dispensing mechanism. The control panel is in electrical communication with the dispensing mechanism and the verification mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Intent Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Ashley B. Hancock, Louis F. Malice, Jr., Michael A. Fisher, Patrick W. Strane, Michael J. Glatzer, Michael George Ingoldby, Andrew Scott Meadows, Christopher Thomas Crowley
  • Patent number: 10776775
    Abstract: A contactless card useful for adjusting the operation, configuration, and/or performance of a secondary device is described. The contactless card is equipped with a communication interface which allows the contactless card to transmit information to the secondary device using NFC signals. The contactless card stores accommodation information related to a physical accommodation desired by the user and transmits that information in the form of an accommodation message to the secondary device after being placed in a NFC field generated by the secondary device. In some embodiments, the contactless card requests an authentication certificate in order to determine a degree of trust prior to sending an accommodation message. In some embodiments, the contactless card may adjust what accommodation information is included in the accommodation message based on the authentication certificate received from the secondary device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: CAPITAL ONE SERVICES, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Rule, Kevin Osborn
  • Patent number: 10762451
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for improving product usage prior to refill of product dispensers in service areas that include a plurality of such dispensers. Via a sensor configured with each of the product dispensers and a control system in communication with the sensors, a product level or amount condition of product in each dispenser is detected. Based on the information from the sensors, a visual or audio message is generated and transmitted to the patron that encourages the patron to use a first product dispenser that has a greater product fill amount as compared to a second product dispenser in the same or a different service area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Babak R. Ghazi, Frederick J. Williams, Stephen Becker
  • Patent number: 10692322
    Abstract: Various systems and methods for providing a vending machine interface system are provided herein. A vending machine interface system installed in a vending machine includes a peripheral interface to receive data from a peripheral payment device connected to the vending machine, the data indicating an amount received; an inventory interface to determine a current price of a product; and a vending machine controller interface to transmit a signal to a legacy vending machine controller, the signal causing the vending machine to dispense the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Paul Hough, Gabriel Lawrence Silva, Eric R. Auzas, Kevin Lowell Hudson
  • Patent number: 10685528
    Abstract: The present invention provides a dispenser interface, associated methods and systems, and dispensers employing the dispenser interface and associated systems and methods. An example embodiment provides a product dispenser assembly for dispensing a product. The dispenser comprises a dispenser controller having a first communication interface; and a communication controller having a second communication interface. The second communication interface is operatively connected to the first communication interface. The communication controller is configured to be in communication with one or more devices. The communication controller is configured to receive a command from one of the one or more devices; and provide the command to the dispenser controller. The dispenser controller and communication controller are configured to cause (a) product to be dispensed, (b) dispenser data to be stored, or (c) dispenser data to be communicated in accordance with the command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: GPCP IP HOLDINGS LLC
    Inventor: David Warren Murphy
  • Patent number: 10552776
    Abstract: An embodiment includes a method executed by at least one processor comprising: determining inventories for first and second times for a first vending machine (VM); determining inventories for first and second times for a second VM; determining inventories for first and second times for a third VM; and determining a service route to visit the first and second VMs on a specific date, and to specifically avoid visiting the third VM on the specific date, in response to determining the inventories for the second times for the first, second, and third VMs. Other embodiments are described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Vendwatch Telematics, LLC
    Inventors: James J. Crow, Alfonso Javier Barragán Treviño
  • Patent number: 10540858
    Abstract: A method of method of managing media replenishment at a media terminal, the method comprising: receiving a media event from a media terminal; retrieving a next scheduled media replenishment event for that media terminal; evaluating if the next scheduled media replenishment event is scheduled to occur within an acceptable delay period; and initiating an unscheduled replenishment event only if the next scheduled media replenishment event is scheduled to occur after the acceptable delay period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Robin Angus, Michael James Neilan, Edgar Rojas, Timothy Brown
  • Patent number: 10506901
    Abstract: A sheet product dispenser is provided including a housing including a roll holder configured to receive a product roll, a dispensing mechanism configured to dispense a portion of the sheet product from the product roll, a sensor configured to emit a signal toward the product roll and receive a reflection of the signal from a surface of the product roll, and a controller. The controller is configured to receive an indication of replacement of the product roll, determine a time-of-flight of the signal, and determine an expected time-of-flight (or corresponding distance of travel) of a theoretical signal to a theoretical full product roll. The controller is further configured to compare the time-of-flight (or a corresponding distance of travel) of the signal to the product roll to the expected time-of-flight or distance, and adjust a product depletion curve based on the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: GPCP IP HOLDINGS LLC
    Inventors: Ryan Joseph Schuh, David Warren Murphy
  • Patent number: 10500131
    Abstract: A speed sensor determines the velocity of an object. A first detector detects light emitted by a first emitter. The first detector includes multiple photodetectors connected in series. The photodetectors produce a current that is proportional to the amount of light incident to the photodetector. The first detector additionally includes a current-to-voltage converter and a threshold detector. The current-to-voltage converter converts the current produced by the photodetectors into a voltage and the threshold detector compares the voltage generated by the current-to-voltage converter with a threshold voltage. When an object passes in between the emitter and any of the photodetectors, the light incident to the photodetector is at least partially blocked, reducing the current produced by the photodetector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: PerceptiMed, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan Jacobs
  • Patent number: 10475295
    Abstract: A method of method of managing media replenishment at a media terminal, the method comprising: receiving a media event from a media terminal; retrieving a next scheduled media replenishment event for that media terminal; evaluating if the next scheduled media replenishment event is scheduled to occur within an acceptable delay period; and initiating an unscheduled replenishment event only if the next scheduled media replenishment event is scheduled to occur after the acceptable delay period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Robin Angus, Michael James Neilan, Edgar Rojas, Timothy Brown
  • Patent number: 10373112
    Abstract: Systems and methods for a color chip dispenser are provided and include a card shuffler device that receives color chips, each having a sample area displaying a color and an optical code area displaying a machine-readable optical code associated with the color. An optical code reader is configured to read optical codes and a robotic arm is configured to receive and grip color chips. A controller is configured to receive and decode the machine-readable optical code displayed in the optical code area of each of the color chips, determine whether a particular color chip corresponds to a selected coating color based on the decoded machine-readable optical code of the particular color chip, and control the robotic arm to display the particular color chip in a display area and/or dispense the particular color chip to a dispensing receptacle in response to the particular color chip corresponding to the selected coating color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Behr Process Corporation
    Inventor: Sarah Joanna Furnari
  • Patent number: 10327988
    Abstract: An automated medication preparation system for preparing a prescribed dosage of medication in a drug delivery device includes a plurality of stations for receiving, handling and processing the drug delivery device so that the prescribed dosage of medication is delivered to the drug delivery device and a transporting device that receives and holds more than one drug delivery device and moves the drug delivery devices in a controlled manner from one station to another station. The system is configured so that two or more separate drug delivery devices can be acted upon at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Baxter Corporation Englewood
    Inventors: Dennis Tribble, Joel A. Osborne, Abdul Wahid Khan, Edward J. Lefebre
  • Patent number: 10331988
    Abstract: A method of determining an action associated with an apparatus, the apparatus having a disposable component, the method comprising: obtaining (100), by means of a camera (416), data representing a visual code (301, 303) and a visual symbol (302, 304); comparing (120), by means of a processor (414), the visual code represented by said data with a reference code, the reference code indicating an identity of a disposable component of the apparatus, and comparing (130), by means of said processor, the visual symbol represented by said data with a reference symbol, to obtain comparison results; and determining (140) the action in response to the comparison results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventor: Declan Patrick Kelly
  • Patent number: 10309579
    Abstract: A support device includes a transmission device attached to a housing and having a carrier slidably attached to the housing, a driving device connected to the carrier for driving and moving the carrier up and down relative to the housing, an object attached to the carrier, a sensor element attached to the object for detecting an approaching of a user toward the object, a sensor member disposed close to the housing for detecting the approaching of the user toward the object, and a control device connected to the sensor element and to the sensor member for receiving signals from the sensor element and the sensor member, and the control device is connected to the driving device for driving and moving the carrier and the object relative to the housing to a selected position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Oxti Corporation
    Inventor: Chih Feng Ho
  • Patent number: 10297019
    Abstract: A pill verification system obtains a prescription filled at a pharmacy and gathers information of the pills being dispensed for a remote pharmacist to verify the prescription. As pills are dispensed to a pill vial to fill the prescription, a pill imaging system captures images of the pills, and a pill vial imaging system captures an image of the pill vial. The prescription, pill images, and pill vial image are transmitted to a remote verification system. A pharmacist is presented with the prescription, images of substantially all pills filling the prescription, and the pill vial of the prescription to verify the prescription is correct. The remote verification system may present prescriptions filled from many different pharmacies, permitting increased rate of verification and one pharmacist to support many pharmacies. The pharmacist's verification is transmitted to the pill verification system and displayed for a technician to complete verification of the pills.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: PERCEPTIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Alan Jacobs, Jennifer Jacobs, Yana Nikitina
  • Patent number: 10255125
    Abstract: A report creation system according to one embodiment creates a report indicative of a condition of a cooperative service in which a plurality of services are made to cooperate, the plurality of services being provided by a plurality of service providing apparatuses including at least one service providing apparatus in another company. The report creation creates the report, based on the first log information and the error occurrence information collected by each of the information collection apparatuses, and second log information of each of the services collected from each of the service providing apparatuses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Digital Solutions Corporation
    Inventors: Yosuke Terashita, Kaori Morishita, Chika Nakazato
  • Patent number: 10223866
    Abstract: Systems, and methods are provided for the electronic purchase of gaming or amusement credits using a transaction device at a patron's location to apply funds from a financial account to the purchase of credits for use with an amusement or gaming device, system, or point of other wagering activity. Such credits are provided at the patron's location in the form of a printed ticket or other physical indicia of equivalent value, credits appearing in the credit meter and on the display of a gaming device, credit issued to a player card confirmed at the patron's location, credit issued to a debit card confirmed at the patron's location, and/or cash or other monetary-equivalents. In addition, physical confirmation of the completed electronic transaction from the patron's financial account may be concurrently provided to the patron in the form of a receipt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Automated Cashless Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Warner, Michael Sackrison, Michael Daly
  • Patent number: 10181154
    Abstract: A number of enhancements for financial services devices are provided. Financial services devices, as used herein, may include drive-up type financial services devices. These enhancements include user interface improvements as well as increasing functionality of the financial services device. Specific application of the enhancements include drive up financial services devices. The enhancements may include improved ergonomics for customer interaction and multiple display screens, as well as sensors for detection of a customer's vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.
    Inventors: William Budde, Giancarlo Miranda, Joseph Bradley Nolan
  • Patent number: 10019865
    Abstract: A system may include a client device. The client device may receive, from a set of vending devices and via a network connecting the set of vending devices with the client device, sensor data relating to a status of the set of vending devices. The client device may generate a user interface associated with providing information identifying the status of the set of vending devices. The client device may provide, for display, the user interface based on generating the user interface. The client device may detect, based on providing the user interface, a selection of an adjustment that is to be performed for a particular vending device of the set of vending devices. The client device may transmit, via the network, an instruction to the particular vending device to cause the adjustment to be performed for the particular vending device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Accenture Global Solutions Limited
    Inventors: Giorgio Torresani, Jeffrey Scott Sawyer, Puneet Sawhney, Austin S. Groves, Drashti Sunit Patel
  • Patent number: 9996972
    Abstract: An augmented reality environment allows interaction between virtual and real objects. By monitoring user actions with the augmented reality environment various functions are provided to users. Users may buy or sell items with a gesture, check inventory of objects in the augmented reality environment, view advertisements, and so forth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William Spencer Worley, III, Edward Dietz Crump, Colter E. Cederlof, Christopher Coley, Robert A. Yuan
  • Patent number: 9889069
    Abstract: Interactive medicine management systems and methods comprising integrated elements using a network processor to provide assistance to individuals in order to organize and monitor patient compliance in the administration of one or more medications are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: One World DMG, Ltd.
    Inventors: Matthew Coe, Fred Pether, Sean Ely
  • Patent number: 9740186
    Abstract: A monitoring control system includes a control device that performs a device control process, and a high-order system that monitors the device control process. The control device includes a control CPU that performs the device control process, and an information CPU that is connected to the control CPU via an internal bus. The control CPU includes a device memory that stores therein device data to be used for the device control process, the device data being related to the device. The information CPU includes a built-in database and a data collection unit. The data collection unit performs a data collection process of reading the device data from the device memory via the internal bus, and storing the read device data in the built-in database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Koichi Nakagawa, Kunio Matsumoto, Noriyasu Fukatsu, Hiroshi Ashiya
  • Patent number: 9665688
    Abstract: A system for dispensing product-filled containers in which the containers are filled prior to labeling, so that any container may filled at any dispensing station. The system includes multiple dispensing stations, both manual and automated, disposed adjacent a conveyor. Automated dispensing stations include quantities of products, fillable product containers, and a labeling assembly. Each dispensing station dispenses a predetermined quantity of products into a container and labels the container for transport via an exit conveyor to the main conveyor. Carriers are delivered via the main conveyor into a container carrier queue lane, where a sensor reads the RFID before a filled, labeled container is deposited into the carrier. A sensor reads the label bar code and transmits the bar code and RFID information to the computer database, mating the carrier with the filled container. System software load balances the components of an order by routing them to different dispensing stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Tension International Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Terzini, Brian Sullivan
  • Patent number: 9613346
    Abstract: An embodiment includes a method executed by at least one processor comprising: determining inventories for first and second times for a first vending machine (VM); determining inventories for first and second times for a second VM; determining inventories for first and second times for a third VM; and determining a service route to visit the first and second VMs on a specific date, and to specifically avoid visiting the third VM on the specific date, in response to determining the inventories for the second times for the first, second, and third VMs. Other embodiments are described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: Vendwatch Telematics, LLC
    Inventors: James J. Crow, Alfonso Javier Barragán Treviño
  • Patent number: 9597575
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing storage at indoor golf driving ranges. In various embodiments, the disclosed systems and methods permit golfers to store their baggage in close proximity to the golfers while the golfers practice their swing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Inventors: Brendan O'Grady, Sam S. Han
  • Patent number: 9598238
    Abstract: Computer program products, methods, systems, apparatus, and computing entities are provided for automated loading and retrieval of items. In various embodiments, items are received at a loading station where identification data may be captured for each item and handling instructions may be generated. In some embodiments, a label having indicia associated with the item may be generated and affixed to the item. The items may then be deposited through an access door into the vehicle identified in the handling instructions. Once the items are loaded into the access door, an automated load/unload device may deposit the item in the appropriate storage location. The automated load/unload device may also retrieve and rearrange items as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Nagesh Kadaba, Erik Peterson, Thomas Ramsager
  • Patent number: 9441396
    Abstract: A key safe (10) includes a main container (14) defining an access port (20), an antechamber (16) and a primary hook (22) located within the antechamber (16). The antechamber (16) is movable between a first position in which a user is permitted access thereto and to the primary hook (22) from outside the main container (14) via the access port (20), and a second position in which the user is not permitted access to either the antechamber (16) or the primary hook (22) from outside the main container (14). The key safe (10) further includes a plurality of secondary hooks (26) located within the main container (14), which secondary hooks (26) are not directly accessible to a user. In use, transport means (18) transport keys between the primary hook (22) and a secondary hook (26) when the antechamber (16) is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Inventors: Gideon Gerhardus Buchner, Louis Botha
  • Patent number: 9332076
    Abstract: A method, non-transitory computer readable medium, and apparatus for setting a language of a remote device are disclosed. For example, the method determines connectivity information for interacting with the remote device, assesses a language setting of the mobile endpoint device, and sets the language of the remote device by sending the language setting of the mobile endpoint device to the remote device using the connectivity information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Yelena Migdalovich, Giuseppe Pandolfo, Jason McGoff, Paul Roberts Conlon, Timothy Luke Dioguardi
  • Patent number: 9155681
    Abstract: A medicine feeding device is configured by providing a first rotor 23 that rotates around a first shaft 24, a second rotor 35 that rotates around a second shaft, a partition wall 18 extending from the second rotor 35 towards the first rotor 23, a medicine discharge port 73 provided on the outside of the second rotor 35, a medicine guide section 65 located in the downstream of a movement section 37 in the medicine transport direction, and a height regulator 41 disposed between the movement section 37 and medicine guide section 65. In addition, the width regulator 52 that is disposed between the medicine guide section 65 and the height regulator 41 is further provided. Also, the medicine counting device is further provided with a medicine detection means 70 for detecting a medicine that is supplied from the medicine discharge port 73, and a counting means (central control unit 83) for counting the medicines based on the detection by the medicine detection means 70.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: YUYAMA MFG. CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Yuyama, Naoki Koike, Mitsuhiro Mitani, Masao Fukada
  • Patent number: 9043019
    Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, an Automated Pharmacy Admixture System (APAS) may include a manipulator system to transport medical containers such as bags, vials, or syringes in a compounding chamber regulated to a pressure below atmospheric pressure. In a preferred implementation, the manipulator system is configured to grasp and convey syringes, IV bags, and vials of varying shapes and sizes from a storage system in an adjacent chamber regulated at a pressure above atmospheric pressure. Various embodiments may include a controller adapted to actuate the manipulator system to bring a fill port of an IV bag, vial, or syringe into register with a filling port at a fluid transfer station in the chamber. A preferred implementation includes a sanitization system that can substantially sanitize a bung on a fill port of a vial or IV bag in preparation for transport to the fluid transfer station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Intelligent Hospital Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Walter W. Eliuk, Ronald H. Rob, Lance R. Mlodzinski, Alex H. Reinhardt, Thom Doherty