Printing On Or Of Dispensed Or Vended Article Patents (Class 700/235)
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Patent number: 8892249Abstract: A substance control dispensing system which receives containers of ingestible material for use in dispensing ingestible products individually or in combination with other ingestibles available to the system. A container is sealed at a point of origin and maintains information regarding the origin, integrity of the container since packing, or substance contained by the containers among other types of information. The system is configured to acquire the information from the container upon the container being inserted into the system, and the information may be used to prepare a display of available selections which includes a status related to the information from the container or its insertion into the system, increasing confidence toward the integrity in labeling of ingestible products to be dispensed. Other sorts of ingestible products can include but are not limited to food bars, meal replacements, snacks, full meals, plant and/or animal based products, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, smoothies, etc.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2011Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Elwha LLCInventors: Paul Holman, Royce A. Levien, Mark A. Malamud, Neal Stephenson, Christopher Charles Young
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Publication number: 20140337211Abstract: Apparatus and methods for an automated teller machine (“ATM”) currency stamper are provided. The currency stamper may be configured to mark currency retracted by the ATM. The mark may include one or more attributes of the currency. The mark may include transaction information associated with a dispensing and/or retraction of the currency. Marked currency may be stored in the ATM. Marked currency may be scanned. A scanning of marked currency may read the attributes of the currency and the transaction information included in the mark. The scanning of the marked currency may erase the mark. A value of the marked currency may be calculated. The value may be determined based on the currency attributes and transaction information included in the mark applied to the currency.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2013Publication date: November 13, 2014Applicant: Bank of America CorporationInventors: Kristy M. Crist, Terrelle Carswell, JR., Eric McConnell, Rahul Puri, Devin D. Rhodes, James D. Goodwin
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Patent number: 8849449Abstract: A method, system and apparatus is provided for dispensing drugs quickly, conveniently, securely, and accurately and at relatively less cost than traditional pharmacy-based dispensing systems. A script for a drug prescribed to a user is generated comprising a human readable description of the drug and the user or a machine readable description of the drug and the user. The script is provided to a robotic prescription dispensary operable to recognize either the human readable description or the machine readable description, and validate and dispense the drug accordingly. The robotic prescription dispensary includes a user interface, a tele conferencing or video conferencing means enabling communication between the user and a human validation agent, and a scanning means for capturing an image of the script. A method for managing inventory and distribution of drugs is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2007Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: MedAvail, Inc.Inventors: Donald Craig Waugh, James Brandon Parrott, Peter Gaspard Suma, Michael Graves Mansell
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Patent number: 8838482Abstract: A method of making a printed article of clothing of fabric, characterized by the following steps: (a) a computer (4) of a customer (2) is connected for data exchange with a computer (12) of a producer; (b) the customer (2) sets the design of a desired article of clothing via the customer computer (4)/producer computer (12) connection by setting for a plurality of design parameters (e.g. basic design, color, size) a respective selection target from several selection targets possible; (c) based on data from said design setting, several print parts are printed on a printing medium by means of a printer (12), said printing medium being either directly a fabric panel or an intermediate medium the print of which is transferred to fabric later on; (d) fabric pieces (24a; 24b) (e.g.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2003Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: Owayo GmbHInventors: Bastian Schindler, Francisco Jose Gennes Sanchez, Paul Marek
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Patent number: 8798788Abstract: An automated method for dispensing pharmaceuticals particularly tablets and capsules, and other small discrete objects, includes: receiving prescription information, selecting a container, labeling the container, dispensing the tablets or capsules into the labeled container, applying a closure to the filled, labeled container, and offloading the container to a designated location. Preferably, the tablets are dispensed with high speed dispensing bins that employ forced air to agitate and singulate the tablets. The other functions within the system are typically carried out at stations designed to offer speed, flexibility and precision to the dispensing operation.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2012Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: Parata Systems, LLCInventors: Jeffrey P. Williams, Richard Michelli, Jasper Pollard, Simon Kelly, David Newcomb, Jess Eberdt, Pete Klein
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Patent number: 8781623Abstract: A system for dispensing a bulk product includes an interactive display. The system may be linked to another system which selects a variety of the bulk product and automatically causes the dispenser to dispense the selected variety. The dispensing system may also include a container associated with a remote carrier, so that the bulk product may be dispensed into the container in which the user wishes to store the bulk product long term.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2012Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Nike, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas A. Leech, Derek A. Fitchett, Jung Gyu Moon
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Patent number: 8774962Abstract: An automated method for dispensing pharmaceuticals particularly tablets and capsules, and other small discrete objects, includes: receiving prescription information, selecting a container, labeling the container, dispensing the tablets or capsules into the labeled container, applying a closure to the filled, labeled container, and offloading the container to a designated location. Preferably, the tablets are dispensed with high speed dispensing bins that employ forced air to agitate and singulate the tablets. The other functions within the system are typically carried out at stations designed to offer speed, flexibility and precision to the dispensing operation.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2004Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Parata Systems, LLCInventors: Jeffrey P. Williams, Richard Michelli, Jasper Pollard, Simon Kelly, David Newcomb, Jess Eberdt, Pete Klein
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Patent number: 8749359Abstract: A tablet holder with an alert system for reminding individuals to take their medications featuring a base with seven compartments. Each compartment has a separate lid, and a base lid covers all the compartment lids. Compartment LEDs are disposed in each compartment lid. A touch screen display, a speaker, a vibrating component, and a microprocessor are each disposed in the base. The microprocessor is connected to a time keeping system that keeps the date and time. The microprocessor can be programmed to be activated at various dates and times. When the microprocessor is activated, the microprocessor activates the LEDs, the speaker, and the vibrating component to alert the user to take his/her medicine.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2010Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Inventor: Ruta Wilson
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Patent number: 8749356Abstract: An automated system and associated method for storing medical items comprises a medication cabinet having at least one refrigerated drawer having a thermo-electric cooling (TEC) device and a non-refrigerated drawer. The refrigerated drawer design is such that cooling gradients throughout the drawer are minimized. Faraday cages are provided about each drawer to support separate RFID readers to monitor the medical items in each drawer. An automatic RFID data detection system determines the temperature requirements of medical items in the refrigerated drawer and controls the TEC device to maintain the required temperature. A temperature logging system for the refrigerated drawer is provided. A separate RFID reader determines if a temperature-controlled item has been placed in a non-refrigerated drawer and if so, an alert is provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2011Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: MEPS Real-Time, Inc.Inventors: Shariq Hussain, Paul M. Elizondo, Timothy Golde, Jimmy Caputo
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Patent number: 8739840Abstract: A method for managing orders and dispensing products into a container. The method may include the steps of prompting a user selection of a product type at an order entry station, printing indicia on the container indicating at least the product type selected, reading the indicia at a product dispensing station, and dispensing the product type selected into the container.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2010Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: The Coca-Cola CompanyInventors: Louis Mattos, Jr., Qiuchen Peter Zhang, Nilton Antonio Moreira Mattos, Arthur G. Rudick, H. Brock Kolls
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Patent number: 8738177Abstract: A vending machine, in communication with a remote station, delivers a labeled container to a user from storage holding containers of different sizes and shapes and containing different products such as medicaments. A control system is operable to select a specific unlabeled container from among the other containers in storage, and to move the selected unlabeled container to a labeling module where a label is applied after the position of the label and/or the selected unlabeled container are/is adjusted so as to result in the label being applied at a desired position and angular orientation with respect to the selected unlabeled container. The control system is further operable to move the labeled container to a delivery zone accessible to the user.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2011Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: MedAvil, Inc.Inventors: Wes van Ooyen, Derek Bessette, Duane Lindner
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Publication number: 20140114470Abstract: The inventions disclosed herein generally relate to methods and systems for dispensing ordered medication as well as methods and systems for conveniently and rapidly providing patients with information regarding their prescribed medications. The present inventions improve the productivity and efficiency of pharmacy department personnel and reduce the incidence of medication errors.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2013Publication date: April 24, 2014Applicant: Rashid Pharmacy, P.L.C.Inventor: Joseph G. Rashid
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Publication number: 20140067112Abstract: A coded sealing device for a medicine bottle includes a substantially solid structure comprising a first sidewall, a first top surface, and a first concavity. A label is located on at least one of the first sidewall and first top surface, and the first concavity is for receiving a medicine bottle. In at least one embodiment, at least one of the first sidewall, first top surface, and label may include a color coding and/or other indicia. The label containing information relevant to the patient may be located on at least one of the first sidewall and first top surface. The coded sealing device also includes various alternative embodiments.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2007Publication date: March 6, 2014Applicant: Medco Health Solutions, Inc.Inventor: Dennis Wayne Rice
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Patent number: 8661100Abstract: A method for configuring a network device includes activating a sensor of the network device to receive data. The data from the sensor is analyzed to determine physical location information indicated thereby. A network address is automatically assigned to the network device based on the physical location information indicated by the data from the sensor. Related methods, systems, and apparatus are also discussed.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2012Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Parata Systems, LLCInventor: Gary M. Owen
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Patent number: 8626338Abstract: Implementations of a public use tag marking kiosk. Aspects associated with particular implementations of a tag marking kiosk comprise, among others, automatically marking two sides of a tag within the kiosk, receiving the tag to be marked from the customer, providing a closeable door between the marking implement and the customer while the tag is being marked, ejecting the tag from a tag holder after the tag is marked, and aligning the tag so that a desired tag side is required to be initially facing up on the tag holder. Housing for the kiosk may surround all of the system parts or may be split into a housing shell and a marking unit that fits inside the shell. Marking implements may be laser, mechanical stylus, paint, or others. Tags may be suspended in a cantilevered manner during marking.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2010Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: The Hillman Group, Inc.Inventors: George Lynn Hagen, Beth Cooperrider, Ronald E. Mundt, Darren L. Kessner, Steven J. Gardner, Adrian Spucces, Kenneth C. Booth
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Patent number: 8600546Abstract: Implementations of a public use tag marking kiosk. Aspects associated with particular implementations of a tag marking kiosk comprise, among others, automatically marking two sides of a tag within the kiosk, receiving the tag to be marked from the customer, engaging and aligning the tag to be marked, providing a closeable door between the marking implement and the customer while the tag is being marked, ejecting the tag from a tag holder after the tag is marked, and aligning the tag so that a desired tag side is required to be initially facing up on the tag holder. Housing for the kiosk may surround all of the system parts or may be split into a housing shell and a marking unit that fits inside the shell. Marking implements may be laser, mechanical stylus, paint, or others. Tags may be suspended in a cantilevered manner during marking.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2011Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: The Hillman Group, Inc.Inventors: George Lynn Hagen, Ryan Hamblin, Carl Ito, Kenneth C. Booth
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Publication number: 20130310969Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2013Publication date: November 21, 2013Applicant: Tension International, Inc.Inventors: Robert Terzini, Brian Sullivan
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Patent number: 8588964Abstract: Storage devices, systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for dispensing medication. The storage devices include a container dispensing device for providing users with containers that can be used to securely transport (i.e., in a closed, identifiable container) medications dispensed from the storage device for a single selected patient. In this way, a single user may be able to dispense medications for multiple patients during a single user interaction with a storage device, while keeping medications for different patients separate and easily identifiable so as to provide secure transport between the storage device and the different patients' bedsides. Thus, a printing device may be provided for printing a summary of details, such as in the form of a label and/or a receipt. A sensor may also be provided for detecting the receipt of medications into the container as a check that the correct medications were dispensed by the user.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2011Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: McKesson Automation Inc.Inventors: Laurie K. Garda, Wendy Armstrong, Amy Blew, Jyotsna Rao
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Publication number: 20130282169Abstract: Embodiments of the invention can include systems and methods for providing a combined product for dispensing from a product dispenser. In one embodiment, a system can provide a combined product for dispensing from a product dispenser. The system can include a code generation module operable to receive data associated with a plurality of product recipes; and generate a machine readable item with a combined recipe including the plurality of product recipes, wherein the machine readable item configures a product dispenser to dispense the combined recipe.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2012Publication date: October 24, 2013Applicant: THE COCA-COLA COMPANYInventors: William J. Moore, Brad Green, David O. Slagley, David R. Newman, Gregg Carpenter, Gene Farrell
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Patent number: 8565916Abstract: A method of printing indicia on a container to control a product dispenser. The method may include the steps of printing indicia on the container, the indicia controlling access to dispense from the product dispenser, reading the indicia about the product dispenser, determining if the container is authorized to use the product dispenser, and allowing a user to dispense a selected product type into the container.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2010Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: The Coca-Cola CompanyInventors: Qiuchen Peter Zhang, Nilton Antonio Moreira Mattos, Louis Mattos, Jr., Arthur G. Rudick, H. Brock Kolls
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Publication number: 20130226338Abstract: The present application provides an automated beverage dispenser using a number of cups and a number of lids. The automated beverage dispenser may include a lid stack with the number of lids, a lidding mechanism, and a positioning device for maneuvering the lidding mechanism so as to remove one of the number of lids from the lid stack and to attach the lid to one of the number of cups.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2013Publication date: August 29, 2013Applicant: THE COCA-COLA COMPANYInventors: Sean Pickett, Kenneth Andrew Nicoll, Mark David Rob, Andrew Mark Angus, Mark Brian Dockrill, Ravisha Sellahewa, Stephen Houghton, Scott Alexander Anderson
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Publication number: 20130226337Abstract: A system for dispensing a bulk product includes an interactive display. The system may be linked to another system which selects a variety of the bulk product and automatically causes the dispenser to dispense the selected variety. The dispensing system may also include a container associated with a remote carrier, so that the bulk product may be dispensed into the container in which the user wishes to store the bulk product long term.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2012Publication date: August 29, 2013Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas A. Leech, Derek A. Fitchett, Jung Gyu Moon
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Publication number: 20130151005Abstract: Automated pill dispensing apparatus for filing prescriptions in a retail pharmacy. The pill dispensing apparatus can automatically dispense pill form medicines from dispenser units into vials to fill customer prescription orders and place the filled vials in a smart tote assigned to that customer order. The smart totes can include a display listing the automatically filled and manually prescriptions required to complete the customer order assigned to that smart tote. A plurality of smart totes can be positioned on a conveyor arranged to transport the smart totes to one side of the pill dispensing apparatus and a return conveyor. The pill dispensing apparatus can include a controller, a plurality of storage locations for dispenser units, one or more vial feed modules, one or more labeler modules, a vial transport module and an order database.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2012Publication date: June 13, 2013Inventors: William Olin Gerold, William Jason Gerold
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Publication number: 20130131862Abstract: A dispensing station comprises beneficial products for patients of a health care provider. An inventory database tracks inventory available in the dispensing station. A patient is associated with a prescription record, which specifies a prescribed beneficial product. The patient may provide patient identifying information to the dispensing station, such as credentialed payment information, which may be used to identify a prescription record, authenticate the patient, transfer a payment, and/or dispense the prescribed beneficial product to the patient. The prescription record may be valid for a limited time period, may be restricted to fulfillment within a particular location, and/or may be restricted to one or more specified dispensing stations. The dispensing station may validate the beneficial products before dispensing the products to the patient.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2012Publication date: May 23, 2013Applicant: VENDRX, INC.Inventor: VendRx, Inc.
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Patent number: 8438817Abstract: A system for packaging mass-customized items includes a computer system including a database containing item identification information unique to each item; (2) outer container identification apparatus that applies the item identification information received from the database to each outer container in a plurality of outer containers; (3) inner pack identification apparatus that applies the item identification information received from the database to each inner pack in a plurality of inner packs; and (4) inner pack filling apparatus that fills each inner pack with a specific item matched to that inner pack by the item identification information received from the database. Each item is associated with its unique item identification information and is inserted into an inner pack with matching item identification information, and each outer container is presented for loading with one or more inner packs matched to that outer container by the item identification information received from the database.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2010Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.Inventors: Stanley E. Sankaran, Eric Kuo, Kevin M. Conlon, Josh Van Riper
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Patent number: 8393075Abstract: A display change device is formed by connecting and thereby integrating an installation/removal device and a card display change device together. The card installation/removal device is configured to have at a back side thereof a pressure reception wall, at a further back side of which a position adjustment mechanism part is provided. The position adjustment mechanism part is configured to include a seat member, a moving part, and a drive part. The position adjustment mechanism part is configured to strike and move the card installation/removal device by an eccentric cam. The position adjustment mechanism part moves the eccentric cam far from the pressure reception wall under the condition that a reaction force Fr received by the eccentric cam becomes larger than a force Fa for pulling the moving part toward the pressure reception wall side.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2011Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: Yuyama MFG. Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroyuki Yuyama, Naoki Koike, Tatsuaki Kunimoto, Nobuyuki Fujishima
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Publication number: 20130054014Abstract: Provided is an automatic drug dispenser by which the time required for dispensing a drug can be minimized, errors in writing patient's data in an indicator such as an electronic card can be reduced and leakage of patient's data to outsiders can be prevented. An automatic drug dispenser (101) which comprises: a non-filled tray unit (102) for holding vacant trays; a drug feeding unit (103) for feeding a stored drug to a tray in accordance with a pharmacist's instruction; a printer unit (104) for making a print and feeding the print to the tray; a filled tray unit (105) for holding the tray containing the drug and print having been fed thereto; and a tray-carrying unit (106), wherein the tray is provided with an electronic card (301), in which patient's data is written, and the printer unit (104) is provided, in the lower part thereof, with an electronic card-writing unit (401) for writing the patient's data in the electronic card (301).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Inventors: Naoshi Kainoh, Takumi Nishimura, Takanao Tanaka
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Patent number: 8351190Abstract: The self-contained greeting card kiosk apparatus is fully self-contained and provides for a user to create fully customized greetings cards and to also input and retrieve personal card creations and information for same. The apparatus provides for the creation of both visual and audio visual greetings, whether in card form or in other printed formats.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2010Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Inventors: James Sneed, Sabrina Sneed, Tracey Sneed
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Publication number: 20130006415Abstract: A medication dispensing cabinet provides controlled access to medications and supplies stored in it. The cabinet may include at least one lockable storage compartment, and a controller that controls access to the at least one lockable storage compartment. The cabinet may include multiple printers integrated into the cabinet. The cabinet may include a camera operably coupled to the controller. The cabinet may include a set of cabinet electronics, and a power distribution and communications circuit board. The cabinet may include a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader, wherein the controller conditions access to the at least one lockable storage compartment on receipt of information from the RFID reader. Data may be stored in the controller according to an implementation of RAID technology. The controller may include multiple electronic communications network interfaces, and may include an out of band network communication channel. A dispensing cabinet may facilitate printing of labels for medications.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2012Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: Omnicell, Inc.Inventors: Akbar Paydar, Stanley Kim, Chris Richardson, John Foot, Mahmoud Amini, Stuart Morita, Jennifer Cartright, Kyung-Hee Kang, Jeff Blank, Scott Gregg, Andrew Chai
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Patent number: 8335995Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a display that displays a normal operational screen and information other than the normal operational screen; an event detecting unit that detects an event occurring; a memory that stores pairs of first events and second events which have been configured beforehand; and a display switching controller that switches what is displayed on the display to a normal operational screen, when the event detecting unit detects the occurrence of a first event stored in the memory during display of information other than the normal operational screen on the display, and switches what is displayed on the display to information other than the normal operational screen, when the event detecting unit detects a second event paired with the first event.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2008Date of Patent: December 18, 2012Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kota Ohara
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Publication number: 20120284184Abstract: A publicly-accessible self-service terminal is provided for enabling a self-service terminal user to purchase on-demand postage stamp labels in advance. The publicly-accessible self-service terminal comprises a user interface arranged to receive a request from a postage stamp buyer to purchase on-demand postage stamp labels in advance, and a payment acceptor arranged to receive payment from the postage stamp buyer for purchase of on-demand postage stamp labels in advance. The terminal also comprises a roll paper printer including (i) a print head, (ii) a roll of pre-printed self-adhesive media, (iii) a first transport mechanism arranged to feed a panel portion of the roll of pre-printed self-adhesive media from the roll to the print head, (iv) a second transport mechanism arranged to dispense a panel portion of the roll of pre-printed self-adhesive media from the print head to the postage stamp buyer.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2011Publication date: November 8, 2012Inventors: Charlie McGivney, Jerry Butler, Mary Ann Wehr
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Publication number: 20120253509Abstract: Storage devices, systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for dispensing medication. The storage devices include a container dispensing device for providing users with containers that can be used to securely transport (i.e., in a closed, identifiable container) medications dispensed from the storage device for a single selected patient. In this way, a single user may be able to dispense medications for multiple patients during a single user interaction with a storage device, while keeping medications for different patients separate and easily identifiable so as to provide secure transport between the storage device and the different patients' bedsides. Thus, a printing device may be provided for printing a summary of details, such as in the form of a label and/or a receipt. A sensor may also be provided for detecting the receipt of medications into the container as a check that the correct medications were dispensed by the user.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2011Publication date: October 4, 2012Inventors: Laurie K. Garda, Wendy Armstrong, Amy Blew, Jyotsna Rao
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Patent number: 8275481Abstract: Computer assisted systems, methods and mediums for filling one or more orders. One embodiment of the present invention is a system that includes an order consolidation station configured to receive at least one bottle containing pills individually counted and/or at least one package containing pharmaceutical products without having been designated for any of the orders when the package was created and/or at least one literature pack optionally including patient specific information. The order consolidation station is further configured to combine automatically the received bottle and/or package and/or literature pack into a container to be sent to a recipient including, for example, mail order pharmacies, wholesalers and/or central fill dealers for subsequent distribution or sale including retailer distribution or sale. The bottle is specifically designated for the order, and the order generally includes at least one prescription for the package.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2010Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: Medco Health Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Dennis Wayne Rice, James G. McErlean, E. Christian Hess, P. Thomas Shupert, Chih-Jen Leu, Robert G. Howell, Michael J. Szesko, Andrew P. Booler, Peter Monkhouse, Douglas W. Walton, Michael W. G. Bell, Christopher J. Lasher, Thomas P. Bonkenburg
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Publication number: 20120239188Abstract: Provided is a medicine packing apparatus which is capable of packing of medicines so that relations between the medicines and production-history information pieces can be clearly understood even when the medicines prepared as one dose include medicines having different production-history information pieces while being of the same type. Control means (100) is capable of specifying production-history information pieces based on production histories of medicines delivered from medicine feeders (46). Thus, when medicines having different production-history information pieces while being of the same type are delivered from the medicine feeders (46), medicines to be packed as one dose are separately packed based on the different production-history information pieces.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2010Publication date: September 20, 2012Inventor: Tomohiro Sugimoto
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Patent number: 8271624Abstract: A method for configuring a network device including an optical sensor includes activating the optical sensor of the network device to generate data representing an image in view thereof, and analyzing the data from the optical sensor to determine image information represented by the image. A network address is automatically assigned to the network device based on the image information represented by the image in view of the optical sensor. Related methods, systems, and apparatus are also discussed.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2010Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: Parata Systems, LLCInventor: Gary M. Owen
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Patent number: 8271138Abstract: Gripper devices for handling syringes and automated pharmacy admixture systems (APASs) that utilize such gripper devices. The gripper devices may include various gripper finger profiles, substantially tapered or angled gripping surfaces and/or gripper fingers interleaving to reduce radial distortion of the syringes to be grasped while opposing axial motion of the syringes.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2008Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: Intelligent Hospital Systems Ltd.Inventors: Walter W. Eliuk, Ronald H. Rob, Richard L. Jones, Dustin Deck
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Graphical user interface, system and method for managing contacts within an online stationery system
Patent number: 8239290Abstract: A graphical user interface, system and method are described for managing a contacts database within an online stationery service. For example, one embodiment of the invention comprises a graphical user interface comprising: a first region for displaying the listing of contacts received from the stationery service contacts manager, the contacts within the listing of contacts selectable via a user input device; a second region comprising a series of data field for entering a new contact via a user input device; a third region displaying a list of contacts to whom the online stationery service will mail stationery directly on behalf of the end user, the contacts within the third region selected from the first region or entered in the second region; and a print module to generate a print job to print the personalized stationery and envelopes containing the address information for the user-selected contacts.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2009Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Shutterfly, Inc.Inventors: Kelly Berger, Adnan Asar, Kevin Chang, Krys Taylor, Bryan Wu, Dimitre Piskyulev -
Patent number: 8229885Abstract: A pharmaceutical administrative system with a pharmacy and a service center network for preparing and dispensing medication. The pharmacy network prepares orders for medication from various customers for various patients. By retrieving information from a global database in the service center network, the pharmacy network conveys patient, customer and formulary information to users of the pharmacy network. Also, the pharmacy network prepares medication specific labels to identify and verify the contents of the medication. Furthermore, the pharmacy network provides additional safeguards and information, including balancing orders and displaying and/or generating hardcopies of solubility curves, to a health care provider using the pharmacy network with the additional ability to customize the medication.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2009Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: B. Braun Medical Inc.Inventors: Eric K. Steen, William John Brandon, Thomas J. Wilverding, Michael A. Koch, Jean Pfeiffer
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Patent number: 8209051Abstract: A robotic system that includes a remote controlled robot. The robot may include a camera, a monitor and a holonomic platform all attached to a robot housing. The robot may be controlled by a remote control station that also has a camera and a monitor. The remote control station may be linked to a base station that is wirelessly coupled to the robot. The cameras and monitors allow a care giver at the remote location to monitor and care for a patient through the robot. The holonomic platform allows the robot to move about a home or facility to locate and/or follow a patient.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2006Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: Intouch Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Yulun Wang, Keith Phillip Laby, Charles S. Jordan, Steven Edward Butner, Jonathan Southard
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Patent number: 8112858Abstract: An apparatus, a system and a method transform a container into an article. The apparatus, the system and the method operate as a vending machine that allows a user to deposit the container and/or money into the vending machine. After receiving the container and/or the money, a shape of the container, a barcode on the container, and/or a weight of the container are analyzed to determine whether to accept the container or to reject the container. If the container is rejected, the container and/or the money are returned to the user. If the container is accepted, the apparatus, the system and/or the method cuts, washes and/or dries the container. The apparatus, the system and/or the method further cuts, presses, flanges and/or wraps the container into an article. The article may be a toy car and/or other novelty item. A window allows the user to observe the container transformed into the article. A decal may be delivered to the user to decorate the article.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2007Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Inventor: Jorge Ledesma Robles
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Patent number: 8091213Abstract: A display change device is formed by connecting and thereby integrating an installation/removal device and a card display change device together. The card installation/removal device is configured to have at a back side thereof a pressure reception wall, at a further back side of which a position adjustment mechanism part is provided. The position adjustment mechanism part is configured to include a seat member, a moving part, and a drive part. The position adjustment mechanism part is configured to strike and move the card installation/removal device by an eccentric cam. The position adjustment mechanism part moves the eccentric cam far from the pressure reception wall under the condition that a reaction force Fr received by the eccentric cam becomes larger than a force Fa for pulling the moving part toward the pressure reception wall side.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2011Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Yuyama Mfg. Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroyuki Yuyama, Naoki Koike, Tatsuaki Kunimoto, Nobuyuki Fujishima
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Publication number: 20120004770Abstract: A vending machine, in communication with a remote station, delivers a labeled container to a user from storage holding containers of different sizes and shapes and containing different products such as medicaments. A control system is operable to select a specific unlabeled container from among the other containers in storage, and to move the selected unlabeled container to a labeling module where a label is applied after the position of the label and/or the selected unlabeled container are/is adjusted so as to result in the label being applied at a desired position and angular orientation with respect to the selected unlabeled container. The control system is further operable to move the labeled container to a delivery zone accessible to the user.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2011Publication date: January 5, 2012Inventors: Wes Van Ooyen, Derek Bessette, Duane Lindner
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Publication number: 20110295418Abstract: Disclosed embodiments are directed, generally, to a ticket printing and issuing (e.g., vending) system and associated operations for vending such a ticket in conjunction with promotional material in the form of printed, audio and/or video advertising content, and/or electronic data. This enables distribution of promotional material in conjunction with the generation and distribution of a ticket in a manner that also distributes “disruptive promotional material” to a ticket recipient so as to provide an improved advertising effect in association with the distributed promotional material. In accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention, the ticket is a parking ticket issued in conjunction with a recipient's parking of their automotive vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2011Publication date: December 1, 2011Inventors: Christopher F. Devine, Richard J. Bonick
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Publication number: 20110295417Abstract: One embodiment of the vending machine of the present disclosure provides a housing defining a product holding area, a frame positioned in the product holding area, a plurality first product holders removably attached to the frame and configured to hold a first type of product package, a plurality different second product holders configured to hold a second different product package, a plurality of RFID sensors, each RFID sensor attached to a different one of the product holders, a door attached to the housing, a first electronic combination display device and input device attached to the door, a second electronic display device attached to the door and configured in one mode to display advertising or other content, a physical product display area in the door, a signage display area in the door, a payment receiver in the door, a product retrieval area in the door, a lock configured to lock the door to the housing, and a computer control system including at least one processor configured to control various funcType: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2010Publication date: December 1, 2011Applicant: INTERACTIVE VENDING CORPORATIONInventors: George W. Smith, III, Mark W. Sprenger
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Patent number: 8060248Abstract: There is provided an automated prescription filling system using a robotic arm in combination with an automatic pharmaceutical dispenser having a plurality of individual pill-counting units, each under the control of its own microprocessor. The automatic pharmaceutical dispensers are modified for use with the robotic arm. Because tablet counting is completely independent of the robotic arm, system throughput is higher than in systems of the prior art. Unlike systems of the prior art, each individual pill-counting unit can be removed from behind the pharmaceutical dispenser so that the system need not be stopped for such service. The fact that counting operations are divorced from robotic arm movements allows the arm movements to be optimized and multiple prescriptions to be processed simultaneously. Controller software optimizes movement of the robotic arm based upon such factors as the fullness of the vial being transported.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2006Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: Innovation Associates, Inc.Inventors: Joseph H. Boyer, James G. McGonigal, Bruce Edward Holtje, Timothy William Limer, James Patrick Boyer, Mark Andrew Fisher, Todd Edward Bower, Michael J. Hostetler
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Patent number: 8050796Abstract: Implementations of a public use tag marking kiosk. Aspects associated with particular implementations of a tag marking kiosk comprise, among others, automatically marking two sides of a tag within the kiosk, receiving the tag to be marked from the customer, engaging and aligning the tag to be marked, providing a closeable door between the marking implement and the customer while the tag is being marked, ejecting the tag from a tag holder after the tag is marked, and aligning the tag so that a desired tag side is required to be initially facing up on the tag holder. Housing for the kiosk may surround all of the system parts or may be split into a housing shell and a marking unit that fits inside the shell. Marking implements may be laser, mechanical stylus, paint, or others. Tags may be suspended in a cantilevered manner during marking.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2011Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: TagWorks, LLCInventors: George Lynn Hagen, Ryan Hamblin, Carl Ito, Kenneth C. Booth
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Patent number: 7988049Abstract: A system and method for calibrating a vending apparatus is provided. A vertical base reference position of a selector arm is stored, wherein the vertical base reference position corresponds to one of a plurality of rows in a cylindrical storage device. A horizontal base reference position is stored, wherein the horizontal base reference position corresponds to a compartment identifier identifying a compartment within each of the plurality of rows. A position of the selector arm corresponding to a media storage compartment is also stored, wherein the position comprises a vertical position and a horizontal position. A motor is initiated to move the selector arm along a vertical axis, wherein a movement of the selector arm results in one of an increment and/or a decrement to the vertical position of the selector arm.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2008Date of Patent: August 2, 2011Assignee: Redbox Automated Retail, LLCInventor: Franz Kuehnrich
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Patent number: 7983792Abstract: A method and system for generating a customized, printed, three-dimensional object accesses a data record for a selected recipient and prints objects on a substrate based on the data record. The method and system then generates die lines based on the data record, and finishes the substrate by cutting, perforating, creasing, folding or otherwise finishing the substrate along the die lines to yield a customized, three-dimensional printed object.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2008Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: Barry Glynn Gombert, Philip Crane Rose, Sri Hemanth Prakhya
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Patent number: 7983412Abstract: A method and system for automating customer slamming and cramming complaints includes an automated reporting system having one or more receiving devices and a complaint module. Customers who want to report a slam or cram access the automated reporting system and report the complaint without having to speak with a customer service representative. The complaint module obtains the customer telephone number and retrieves customer account information using the customer telephone number. Using the customer account information, the complaint module extrapolates a type of complaint for the customer complaint and prompts the customer for information regarding the customer complaint and the type of the complaint. The customer provides customer responses to the prompts and the complaint module provides an indication to the customer regarding each customer response.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2007Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.Inventors: Kurt M. Joseph, Robert R. Bushey, Benjamin A. Knott, John M. Martin
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Patent number: RE43549Abstract: A writing device for display members is provided which can erasably writing patient information on a display member carried on the side of a drug carrier and automatically attach and detach it to and from the carrier. The writing device has an attach/detach/transfer unit for detaching, attaching and transferring a rewrite card to a carrier carrying the rewrite card, and a writing means connected to the attach/detach/transfer means for writing and displaying patient information on the rewrite card. The respective means are controlled based on prescription information to attach and detach the rewrite card to and from the side of the carrier.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2006Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Yuyama SeisakushoInventors: Noaki Koike, Takafumi Ikeda