Particular Supply Arrangement (e.g., Plural Sources Or Compartments) Patents (Class 700/242)
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Patent number: 8473098Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing and/or vending a bulk product. The apparatus comprises one or more bins for holding a bulk product, a dispensing mechanism operatively coupled to each of the bins, a controller operatively coupled to the dispensing mechanisms, and an interface for receiving a request for one of the bulk products. The controller is operatively coupled to the interface and configured to generate one or more control signals in response to a request for controlling the dispensing mechanism to dispense one of the bulk products.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2008Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: 646840 Alberta Ltd.Inventors: Christopher Roy Lock, Andras Gyorffy, Graham Russell Nelson
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Publication number: 20130158706Abstract: Item-management systems, apparatus, and methods are described , preferably for management of items such as medicaments. In embodiments, an item-management system comprises a holder defining plural cells, a docking station configured to receive the holder, at least one indicator selectively-operable to indicate the holder cell into which an item is to be loaded, and at least one controller operable to selectively operate each at least one indicator to indicate the cell into which the item is to be received. In embodiments, indicators are provided on the holder. In other embodiments, the indicators may by on a guide associated with the docking station to assist the user in loading the holder. The contents of the loaded holder may be easily loaded, for example, into an automated dispensing machine for packaging and subsequent administration to a patient or for another use.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2013Publication date: June 20, 2013Applicant: Chudy Group, LLCInventor: Chudy Group, LLC
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Patent number: 8463432Abstract: A self-service entertainment media rental terminal comprises a first customer interface for enabling a first customer to interact with the terminal to rent a media item on which entertainment data is stored from the terminal, a second customer interface for enabling a second customer to interact with the terminal to return a media item on which entertainment data is stored to the terminal, a media storage bin for (i) storing media items to be dispensed when a customer rents a media item, and (ii) storing media items which have been returned from a customer, a media transport mechanism arranged to (i) support movement of media items between the media storage bin and the first customer interface, and (ii) support movement of media items between the media storage bin and the second customer interface, and a controller arranged to (i) receive customer input data through the first customer interface, (ii) receive customer input data through the second customer interface while customer input data is being receivedType: GrantFiled: December 18, 2009Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: NCR CorporationInventor: Bradley E. Weinshenker
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Patent number: 8463430Abstract: Vending machines, automated retail stores, and retail displays with a computer controlled, activation system that senses either the gesture of a customer proximate product display tubes or a touch-screen selection on a computer screen. Item-based lighting produces variable visual effects in conjunction with actual or potential vends to provide an enhanced vending experience. Offered products are stored within display tubes that are arranged in orderly geometric arrays. RGB lighting through a plurality of LED banks associated with each display tube are controlled by the activation system Combinations of differently colored LED's are computer controlled on a per product basis to artistically illuminate available products and assist customers. Pre-programmed lighting sequences can switch LEDs off and on, vary their intensity, and alter resultant colors.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2009Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignees: Utique, IncInventors: Mara Clair Segal, Darrell Scott Mockus, Russell Jon Greenberg
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Patent number: 8457784Abstract: A container for use in a dispensing system is disclosed. The container comprises a body, a linkage element movably attached to the body, a control module, and an actuator comprising a memory wire having a length and a terminator that is attached to the memory wire. The linkage element has a first position and a second position, and the actuator is mechanically coupled to the linkage element. The control module is attached to the body and comprises a contact element. The terminator is attached to the body and electrically coupled to the contact element, wherein the electrical coupling between the memory wire and the contact element is mechanically compliant such that the position of the terminator relative to the body is invariant when the position of the control module relative to the body varies.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2011Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: CareFusion 303, Inc.Inventors: Michael Rahilly, Frank Dean Weber
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Patent number: 8453874Abstract: A dispenser (200) and method for dispensing pills to patients from cartridges (224) featuring downloadable remotely programmable timer (1B) and network communications links (504), alerting timer, databasing, printer, and battery (60).Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2005Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Inventors: Edwin C. Simpson, Mary Carson
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Patent number: 8452446Abstract: A pill dispensing device includes a base with a top surface and a bottom surface, a transfer tray assembly coupled to the top surface of the base, a controller, and a plurality of vibrating tray assemblies. Each vibrating tray assembly couples to the top surface of the base and includes a pill tray, at least one spring support, a pill tray electric motor, and at least one optical sensor. The pill tray has an open end which is positioned above the transfer tray assembly. The at least one spring support is coupled between the top surface of the base and the pill tray. The pill tray electric motor couples to the pill tray and an offset weight. Each pill tray electric motor electrically couples to the controller. An optical sensor couples to the pill tray.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2012Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Innovative Dispensing, LLCInventors: Russell Madris, Travis Cochran, Bert Centala
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Publication number: 20130123978Abstract: An automated retail system according to embodiments of the present invention includes a front and/or rear product rack, each rack having a plurality of bins, each of which has a product door, the system further including a basket moveable along an x-y plane on a rail system to selectively open a product door of a product bin to permit the product within the bin to fall into the basket, the basket movable to a product delivery position to release the product from the basket. Such a system may include sensors and/or scanners to determine contents of each bin, such that any product may be placed in any bin, and inventory of each bin or all bins may be determined at any time. The basket may be configured to move in x and y but not z directions, and may also serve as the sole actuation mechanism for opening the doors.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2012Publication date: May 16, 2013Inventors: Donald W. STARK, Richard L. MALONE, Jason Gary WEIHE, Roger H. GROW
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Publication number: 20130123977Abstract: Systems and methods for managing canisters used to automatically dispense medication are provided. Canisters are configurable via a design process and a build process to accurately dispense a variety of medications. Design profiles are created and stored by a canister management system, and are federated to workstations used to build and fill the canisters, and to workstations used to dispense the medication. Information related to the build process, the fill process, and the dispense process is also federated by the system. The system also enables the transmission of other types of messages between client applications on the workstations and the canister management system. The system is useful to federate data regardless of a structure of a supply chain used to design, build, distribute, and use the canisters.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2011Publication date: May 16, 2013Applicant: TALYST INC.Inventors: Ron Sanders, Harpreet Singh, Frank Mckeown, Paul Richardson, John M. Manning, Darcy O. Clarke
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Patent number: 8442675Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for coordinating automated package and bulk dispensing at a remote site. A hopper apparatus includes a series of storage compartments and access doors. The compartments and doors are linked to a PLC that is further linked to an inventory provider. The inventory provider takes product orders from an end-user. The end-user is provided an end-user access code. The inventory provider communicates with the PLC and reserves for the ordered product(s) a vacant storage compartment(s). The inventory provider delivers the product(s) ordered by the end-user to the hopper apparatus. Upon delivery, the inventory provider enters the appropriate end-user access code(s), causing the PLC to open the storage compartment(s) previously reserved by the inventory provider for the products ordered by the end-user. The inventory provider loads the appropriate storage compartment(s) with the end-user product(s).Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2009Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Syngenta Participations AGInventor: Gary W. Wietgrefe
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Patent number: 8442676Abstract: A medication storage for storing medications while cooling down them is constituted so as to allow a medication based on prescription data to be certainly taken out. The medication storage cools down inside a storeroom for storing the medications to a predetermined temperature by a cooling unit. The medication storage, includes: a plurality of shelves rotatably provided in the storeroom; a plurality of storage partitions which are respectively constituted on each shelf and store the medications; a motor for rotating the shelves; a plurality of openings provided respectively for being arranged to correspond to each of the shelves thereby allowing only medication in any one of the storage partitions to be taken out; a plurality of doors for openably closing each opening, respectively; a plurality of lock solenoids for locking each door, respectively; and a control unit for controlling the motor and the lock solenoid.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2008Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Panasonic Healthcare Co., Ltd.Inventors: Koichi Kobayashi, Manabu Haraguchi, Akinori Hatsuno
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Patent number: 8428775Abstract: Products are dispensed from a dispensing apparatus in which products marked with transaction information are received in a two-dimensional array of moveable bins. In response to control information synthesized from transaction information on the products in the bins and a dispense request, the array is operated to place a bin at a dispensing station on the dispensing apparatus. At the dispensing station, a mechanism is operated in response to the control information to provide access to the bin. A product in the bin may then be retrieved.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2012Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Parata Systems, LLCInventors: Stuart C. Baker, Daniel C. Finn, Thomas F. Gaasch, William K. Holmes
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Patent number: 8423180Abstract: The system for monitoring and dispensing medical items which are dispensed for administration to patients includes a data terminal (76, 338) which is connected through a network (82, 328) to at least one remote computer (84, 324) having a processor and a data store. The system also includes a reading device (348) which is connected to the network. A user of the data terminal or the reading device is enabled to select a patient for whom medical items will be used, and responsive to a request to dispense items the requested items are dispensed from dispensing devices (96, 100, 344, 346, 450, 527) connected to the data terminal. A report generating device (384) generates reports (388) which include machine readable indicia corresponding to patients and/or medical items. Users may select patients and dispense medications by reading the indicia from the reports using the reading device.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 1998Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: AutoMed Technologies, Inc.Inventors: David T. Frederick, W. Michael Wright, Richard T. Vangenewitt, William D. Yost, R. Michael McGrady, R. Barrie Slaymaker, Jr., Eser Sukan, Greg Kroah-Hartman
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Publication number: 20130090759Abstract: A vending machine includes a reservoir for holding bulk goods and multiple reconfigurable distribution path devices to release the goods to a purchaser in entertaining fashion.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2012Publication date: April 11, 2013Inventor: Brett Fleishman
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Patent number: 8417380Abstract: A system and method for communicating vending information for a digital video disc is provided. A plurality of vending transaction data is received, wherein each of the plurality of data comprises a transaction timestamp and corresponds to a rental transaction for a digital video disc. The plurality of vending transaction data is stored in a memory of a vending apparatus, and is encrypted. It is determined whether a predetermined period of time has elapsed since a first transmission of transaction data from the vending apparatus, and a communication request is transmitted upon such determination to a remote control center. A signal is received at the vending apparatus from a control center in response to the communications request, and a plurality of vending transaction data is transmitted to the remote control center in response to receiving the signal.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2010Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: Redbox Automated Retail, LLCInventors: Franz Kuehnrich, Eric Hoersten
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Patent number: 8417378Abstract: A portable, medication dispensing device which dispenses prepackaged pill strands of medication from a secure, storage compartment through a mechanism which physically limits the quantity dispensed per a pre-programmed protocol. The device has a detachable storage component which can be filled by trained clinical or pharmacy staff, which can be locked. The device has a dispensing mechanism, which employs a user-powered, hub to advance a pill strand of pre-packaged medications, when appropriate. This advancing hub is secured from advancing inappropriately by a locking mechanism where a sturdy piston is moved into and out of recesses in the rounded surface of the hub. The device also contains standard electronic components, including a power source, central processing unit (CPU), visual and auditory outputs, and communications ports.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2012Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Inventor: Matthew I. Joslyn
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Patent number: 8413843Abstract: A dispenser for packets comprises a plurality of horizontal rows comprising a plurality of side by said dispenser compartments. Each compartment defines a channel for receiving a horizontal stack of packets and comprises a front edge. A movement imparting assembly is mounted within each compartment and comprises a pusher member for engaging the horizontal stack of packets. The movement imparting assembly provides for the pusher member to selectively push forward the horizontal stack of packets so as to push at least one of the packets in the compartment off the edge thereof for retrieval. Sensor are mounted to the dispenser so as to detect dispensing of packets and to communicate this information to a controller.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2010Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Inventor: Antonio Vardaro
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Patent number: 8412375Abstract: A medication dispenser provides automation to the steps of locating and acquiring medications or supplies to be administered to a patient. The medication dispenser includes one or more modules housing one or more compartmentalized drawers. Access to each drawer is controlled by a lockable door, and each the drawer may only be slid from the module housing the drawer in response to a signal. A series of lights direct the user to the appropriate drawer and the appropriate compartment of the relevant drawer to remove the appropriate medication or supply.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2008Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Cerner Innovation, Inc.Inventors: Edward J. Schifman, Matthew J. Beck
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Publication number: 20130079924Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and computer program products are provided for facilitating the expedited dispensing of medications from an automated medication storage device. In this regard, a method may cooperate with the first device to facilitate the presentation of various displays that include features to reduce number of user interactions to dispense medications safely and effectively.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2011Publication date: March 28, 2013Applicant: MCKESSON AUTOMATION INC.Inventors: Laurie Garda, Wendy Armstrong, Jyotsna Rao, Amy Blew, Ryan Thomas, James Kolodziej, Patrick J. Braun, Benjamin H. Tylenda, Shawn T. Greyshock
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Publication number: 20130079927Abstract: A dispensing system has a cartridge with a body having a plurality of bins and a plurality of attached lids that cover the respective bins when the lids are closed. The body has an external connector and the lids are opened by receipt of a command signal through the connector. The system also includes a cabinet with a docking location configured to accept a cartridge. The cabinet has a docking connector that connects to the cartridge connector when the cartridge is placed on the docking location. The cabinet also has a controller that sends the command signal through the docking connector to the cartridge to open one or more of the lids.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2012Publication date: March 28, 2013Applicant: CareFusion 303, Inc.Inventor: CareFusion 303, Inc.
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Patent number: 8392020Abstract: A small object dispenser adapted to receive a canister of objects such as pills, the canister being coupled atop it through a secure, bar-code matched gate operated by a central controller. A hopper below the gate directs smaller quantities of objects into a charge block adapted to measure out a select number of objects into an angularly disposed, circular counter where they accumulate atop a movable plate forming the bottom of the counter. The plate bears slots around its perimeter adjacent the cylindrical walls of the counter. As the central controller operates a servo motor to rotate the plate in measured increments, it urges a precise count of objects from the bottom of the counter to a port through which they fall one at a time into a receptacle such as a prescription bottle. Orientation means on the interior of the walls orient objects so that only a single object may fall into each slot, thereby preventing overfilling.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2009Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Tension International, Inc.Inventor: Robert Terzini
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Patent number: 8392019Abstract: A vending arrangement for computerized vending machines, retail displays, automated retail stores, utilizes a centralized, robotic gantry associated with companion modules for vending a plurality of selectable products. The modularized design enables deployment of half-sized or larger, full sized machines. The robotic gantry is deployed in a centralized module disposed adjacent display and inventory modules. Inventory modules can be fitted to both gantry sides, and doors can be fitted to the gantry front or rear. The gantry comprises an internal, vertically displaceable elevator utilizing a central conveyor for laterally, horizontally moving selected items from associated display and inventory positions to a vending position. Computerized software enables the display and vending functions, and controls elevator movement to dispense products from twin sides of the gantry by appropriately controlling the conveyor.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2010Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Utique, Inc.Inventors: Mara Clair Segal, Darrell Scott Mockus, Russell Jon Greenberg
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Patent number: 8384545Abstract: An automatic data collection system tracks articles by providing a robust electromagnetic (EM) field within an enclosure in which the articles are stored. Respective data carriers, such as RFID tags, attached to each article respond to the electromagnetic field by transmitting unique data identified with each article. Where the frequency of the EM field coupled to the enclosure differs from the natural resonance frequency of the enclosure, the placement of a probe to couple energy to the enclosure is selected to have the reflected phase of the EM energy from walls equal at the probe location thereby producing a robust EM field to activate and/or detect data carriers.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2009Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: MEPS Real-Time, Inc.Inventors: Shariq Hussain, Jeffrey Shamblin
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Patent number: 8386073Abstract: Disclosed are a quantity regulating module of an automatic tablet dispenser, and a tablet dispensing method thereof, which are capable of automatically packing various-shaped tablets, and accurately, rapidly and cleanly controlling supplying of tablets without missing any.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2008Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Cretem Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ho-yeon Kim
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Publication number: 20130042943Abstract: A vibration tray assembly for use in a container filling machine, the vibration tray assembly comprising a tray for transporting discrete articles from a receiving end of the tray towards a drop-off end of the tray, the tray providing a slope along which the discrete articles travel from the receiving end of the tray to the drop-off end of the tray, wherein the tray is adjustable for changing the slope along which the discrete articles travel. The vibration tray assembly further comprises a vibration imparting device for imparting vibrational motion to the tray.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 18, 2011Publication date: February 21, 2013Applicant: COUNTLAB, INC.Inventor: Loris BASSANI
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Patent number: 8380346Abstract: Item-management systems, apparatus, and methods are described, preferably for management of items such as medicaments. In embodiments, an item-management system comprises a holder defining plural cells, a docking station configured to receive the holder, at least one indicator selectively-operable to indicate the holder cell into which an item is to be loaded, and at least one controller operable to selectively operate each at least one indicator to indicate the cell into which the item is to be received. In embodiments, indicators are provided on the holder. In other embodiments, the indicators may by on a guide associated with the docking station to assist the user in loading the holder. The contents of the loaded holder may be easily loaded, for example, into an automated dispensing machine for packaging and subsequent administration to a patient or for another use.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2008Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Chundy Group, LLCInventors: Duane S. Chudy, Larry Montgomery, James T. Spernow
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Patent number: 8378827Abstract: In one embodiment, an antenna configuration for locating RFID tags has two sets of (mutually orthogonal) elongated reader coils, where each elongated reader coil corresponds to two or more different possible locations of RFID tags, and each possible location is associated with one reader coil in each of the two sets. The identities and locations of RFID tags can be determined by (sequentially) energizing the different sets of reader coils and correlating the recorded responses from RFID tags. In one application, the antenna configuration is used at the box level of a cold storage system for biological samples having one or more freezers, each freezer having one or racks, each rack receiving one or more boxes, each box receiving one or more sample containers, where, in addition to the biological sample, each sample container has a unique passive RFID tag.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2010Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: BioTillion, LLCInventors: Hananel Davidowitz, Thomas Coradetti, Theodore Altman, Ilya Kovnatsky
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Patent number: 8380347Abstract: During operation of a vending machine, visual images of the next product to be dispensed from product dispensing locations are obtained. Features of the visual images are compared to a data base of features to determine the identity of the next product to be dispensed from each of the dispensing locations. After a product has been dispensed from a dispensing location, a visual image is obtained of the next product at the dispensing location. Features of the visual image of the next product at the dispensing location are compared to a data base of features to determine the identity of the next product to be dispensed. A displayed price of a product is compared with product prices in the data base. If necessary, the displayed price is adjusted to agree with the data base.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2008Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Inventors: Brent D. Garson, Aviel Dafna, Alessandro Ratti, Ezio Cesare Ratti
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Patent number: 8362914Abstract: A method and system for administering a consumable composition may comprise one or more of the following (a) dispensing a dose of a consumable composition according to a programmed dosing schedule; and (b) communicating an aspect of the consumable composition to a system associated with a monitoring entity. The method may comprise one or more of the following steps: (a) dispensing a dose of a consumable composition according to a programmed dosing schedule; and (b) controlling the functionality of a device according to an aspect of the consumable composition.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2007Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLCInventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Eric C. Leuthardt, Robert W. Lord, Clarence T. Tegreene, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
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Patent number: 8342400Abstract: A registering and counting system operated in response to information included on data bearing records is used for maintaining inventory records related to narcotics items. Data corresponding to users is read through record reading devices (448, 452). Authorized users are allowed access to a narcotics vault (402). Narcotics holding containers (422) are removable from storage locations in drawers (416). Wireless transmitters on the containers operate in conjunction with wireless readers in the storage locations to enable a computer (458) to track the use of the narcotics items and operating parameters of the system.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2008Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Diebold, IncorporatedInventor: Rodney J. Reese
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Patent number: 8335588Abstract: A cartridge for use in a dispensing system is disclosed. The cartridge includes a body having an exterior and a plurality of bins. A plurality of lids are movably attached to the body and are configured to cover a bin. A release mechanism is movable along an axis. A plurality of latches are movably attached to the body. Each latch is configured to secure the respective lid when in a first position and to release the respective lid when in a second position. The release mechanism will not cause a latch to move to the second position when the release mechanism is moving along the axis in a first direction. The release mechanism will cause a single latch to move to the second position while leaving the remaining latches in the first position when the release mechanism is moving along the axis in a second direction.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2010Date of Patent: December 18, 2012Assignee: CareFusion 303, Inc.Inventors: Michael Rahilly, Frank Dean Weber
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Patent number: 8332066Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling removal of one or more receptacles from a receptacle tray are described herein, in which a removal indicator indicates which of the one or more receptacles to remove. Thereafter, the indicated one or more receptacles may be manually removed from the receptacle tray using a gripping mechanism. The receptacles are secured in the tray with two or more tangs protruding from a front face of the receptacle closest to a connector interface. The two or more tangs fit into respective mating units in the receptacle tray, and one or more protrusions toward the rear of the receptacle, with respect to the two or more tangs, mate with respective mating units in the receptacle tray.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2011Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: CareFusion 303, Inc.Inventor: Frank Weber
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Patent number: 8321052Abstract: A self-service kiosk apparatus is presented that has a plurality of secure service areas. Access to the plurality of secure service areas and the components of the kiosk system contained within each area is controlled. Authorization to access each secure service area is based on a person's level of training and security level.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2009Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: NCR CorporationInventors: Rafael Yepez, Jason A. Mastry
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Patent number: 8315733Abstract: An apparatus for distributing at least one product to consumers includes a housing and a plurality of belt conveyors for storing a predetermined quantity of such product. A serving tray is positioned externally to the housing for incrementally receiving one of the predetermined quantity of such product. Another belt conveyor is provided for incrementally obtaining such one of such product and for delivering it to the serving tray. A controller for selectively operating storage and delivery conveyors. A manually operable switch activates the controller to operate the delivery conveyor in order to deliver such one of such product. The apparatus is capable of capturing consumer personal data. Various methods contemplate use of these devices for delivering targeted marketing information, distributing product samples and for cross-marketing products.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2009Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Inventors: Walter Hales, Jr., Michael Panson, Leonid Foshansky
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Publication number: 20120290128Abstract: A system for storing a plurality of solid objects and dispensing the solid objects into a plurality of containers. The system comprises non-automated dispensing cells, physically actuated to dispense solid objects one at a time into one of the containers, and automated dispensing cells, electrically actuated to dispense solid objects from a holding tank simultaneously in bulk into one of the containers. The automated dispensing cells may independently dispense objects into the holding tank one at a time while a manipulator arm of the system simultaneously brings a container to one of the non-automated or automated dispensing cells. Then, when the manipulator arm brings a container to one of the automated dispensing cells, the solid objects may be dispensed into the container in bulk by simply opening a gate mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2012Publication date: November 15, 2012Applicant: SCRIPTPRO LLCInventors: Michael E. Coughlin, Shane P. Coughlin, Timothy A. Giebler, Lawrence Guerra
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Patent number: 8311669Abstract: A system for managing liquid supply suitable for a process equipment with a liquid tank is disclosed. The system includes a host, a data-reading tool, a system controller and a tank-locking device. The host stores a built-in liquid database. The data-reading tool used for reading data related to the liquid tank is electrically connected to the host. The host receives the data related to the liquid tank from the data-reading tool, and the received data mapped with the liquid database. The system controller drives the tank-locking device according to the signal from the host to whether or not allow replacement of the liquid tank.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2012Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: Powerchip Technology CorporationInventors: Yen-Liang Chen, Yuh-Shyang Su, Sou-Yung Hsieh
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Patent number: 8308414Abstract: A medication dispenser provides automation to the steps of locating and acquiring medications to be administered to a patient. The medication dispenser includes an enclosure providing a secure environment for storing medications in multiple sized medication storage bins. The medication storage bins are hung in storage racks located within the enclosure. A robot system is also provided within the enclosure for moving bins between the storage racks and a medication dispensing area. The medication dispensing area includes doors configured to open to define an opening for passing a selected bin through the enclosure. The medication storage bin includes a bulk bin loading drawing for loading medication storage bins into the medication dispensing apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2008Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: Cerner Innovation, Inc.Inventors: Edward J. Schifman, William A. Bedore
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Patent number: 8301295Abstract: A system and method for processing mailpieces within a mail transportation and distribution system includes first and second distribution centers, and an electronic parcel compartment facility located near the second center. Data, about the mailpiece and recipient, is acquired from the mailpiece. Destination information for a compartment facility is associated with the mailpiece. The information is compared with a registered customer database. A re-routing instruction is ascertained from the customer data. The second center is ascertained. The mailpiece is sorted in the first center based on the destination. Data about the mailpiece and destination is transmitted to a second data processor of the second center. The mailpiece is transported to the second center. Information identifying the mailpiece is acquired with a reading device. The destination is determined based on information identifying the mailpiece, which is sorted based on the destination. The information is transmitted to a mobile device.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2007Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: Deutsche Post AGInventors: Steffen Frankenberg, Flavio Alario, Rebekka Alario
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Patent number: 8301301Abstract: Systems and techniques for distributed dispenser management are provided. A list of item selections is received, the list including at least one item with an item type. A collection of one or more dispenser groups may be identified, where each dispenser group in the collection includes a unique combination of one or more item dispensers with a combined unreserved inventory sufficient to dispense each item in the list. An item dispenser group may then be selected from the collection based on even depletion. The items in the list may be reserved from the selected dispenser group.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2010Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: NCR CorporationInventor: Thomas V. Edwards
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Patent number: 8295977Abstract: (Object) To enable, in an operation of supplying a medicine to a medicine cassette, in which it is typical that the medicine once put in a vial bottle is recovered to a medicine cassette (medicine receiving container), an operation of specifying the medicine cassette to which the medicine is to be supplied to be performed more accurately and more efficiently. (Solving Means) Information used for specifying the medicine is read by reading a prescription code (d31) recorded as a bar code on a vial bottle (S202) or is input as search information through an operation portion (S221). As a result, a cassette shelf (2) (cassette code (d21)) to which a medicine cassette (1) for receiving the medicine corresponding to the input information is mounted is specified (S203, S224), and a shelf lamp (3) provided to the specified cassette shelf (2) is brought into a predetermined notification display state (blinking state).Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2006Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: Yuyama Mfg. Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroyuki Yuyama, Yoshinori Kumano, Tasuku Minami
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Publication number: 20120245731Abstract: A medication dispensing cart having a computer and monitor, a work surface with pull out keyboard, and plural drawers arranged as a vertical series of cassettes that can be added as needed. The battery powered device uses software and pass codes for controlling access to each drawer, and requires a second pass code for any drawer designated to contain narcotics. Records can be kept of who dispenses what medication and when for each cart in a system of carts. The cart in the system is in wireless communication with a system administrator. Emails alerting the system administrator of low battery power, of a cart switching to off, of an attempted break-in, and of inventory and usage data are sent automatically by email.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2012Publication date: September 27, 2012Applicant: Omnicell, Inc.Inventor: Ray Reckelhoff
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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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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: 8271128Abstract: A pharmacy workflow management system including plural counters and a pharmacy workflow management method. In embodiments, the system includes a housing, a first automatic object counter and a cassette dispenser which feeds objects from a cassette mounted thereto to the first object counter. A second object counter counts objects fed from a cassette mounted to the cassette dispenser. A data processing platform within the housing is programmed with instructions that enable the system to compare the counts from the first and second object counters. The data processing platform also provides for management of pharmacy workflow by providing improved control of prescription fulfillment.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2009Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: Kirby Lester, LLCInventor: David A. Schultz
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Patent number: 8261981Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for ensuring that blood transfused into a patient is the correct blood for that patient, is transfused in the correct manner and that a complete audit trail is created that will allow later tracing of blood from donation through to ultimate transfusion.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2009Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: Haemonetics CorporationInventor: Geoffrey Fletcher Auchinleck
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Patent number: 8251629Abstract: A medication dispenser provides automation to the steps of locating and acquiring medications to be administered to a patient. The medication dispenser includes an enclosure providing a secure environment for storing medications in multiple sized medication-storage bins. The medication storage bins are hung in storage racks located within the enclosure. A robot system is also provided within the enclosure for moving bins between the storage racks and a medication dispensing area. The medication dispensing area includes doors configured to open to define an opening for passing a selected bin through the enclosure. In some embodiments, the doors provide a variable-sized opening and, in some instances, the opening matches the size of a bin containing medications selected for dispensing.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2008Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: Cerner Innovation, Inc.Inventors: Edward J. Schifman, William A Bedore
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Patent number: 8255080Abstract: This invention provides an improved method to deliver large amounts of digital content to portable electronic devices at low cost, without requiring the users of such devices to download such content from the Internet. Neither do the users have to purchase or manipulate data storage media such as CDs, DVDs, or memory cards. Moreover, the digital content delivery system of this invention can facilitate digital rights management, a major concern of content publishers.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2008Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: Hermes Promethean Ventures Inc.Inventors: Murray Hanavi Hirsh, Daniel Bernesi
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Patent number: 8249743Abstract: An apparatus for controlling secure access and storage of at least two different types of articles is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of compartments for articles, the compartments arranged in a rotatable cylindrical array with one opening for each compartment on the surface of the cylinder. A linearly driven belt having an access port thereon limits access to a single compartment. The compartments may be of equal or different size to accept different articles. A sliding door, positionable over an opening in the housing, provides additional security. A drawer with additional compartments may be included in the apparatus in addition to the cylindrical array. Certain compartments may have an assignment linking them to other compartments in the cylindrical array or drawer, allowing for the secure and separate storage of sets of related articles, such as the keys, registration and/or license plate of a car.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2007Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Inventor: Florent Pelletier
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Patent number: 8234006Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments involving assignment and use of sort bins in a materials handling facility. A manifest is generated in at least one computer system that directs a picking of items from inventory locations in a materials handling facility. Each of the items is associated with a corresponding one of a plurality of groups of items. Sort bin assignments are generated for each of the items. Each sort bin assignment specifies a corresponding one of a selected subset of a plurality of sort bins located in a sorting station of the materials handling facility. The selected subset of the sort bins is designated to coalesce together the group of items that includes the respective item for further processing. Each sort bin assignment is based at least in part on a dimension associated with the respective sort bin and at least one attribute associated with the respective item.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2009Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Divyakaran S. Sachar, Amy H. Hsueh, Patrick W. Ramey
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Patent number: 8234008Abstract: A medication cabinet that includes at least one drawer, a drive mechanism, and a drawer latching mechanism, is disclosed. The drawer includes a slider, and a container that includes a receptacle and a lid that moves between an open position and a closed position. The container also includes a fastener to fasten the lid to the receptacle. The slider maintains the lid in the closed position when at least a portion of the wall is coupled with the fastener, and actuates the lid from the closed position to the open position when the fastener passes through an opening in the wall. The drive mechanism controls longitudinal movement of the slider, and is mounted to the chassis, allowing the drawer to be free of electrical connections with the chassis. When the drive mechanism is not used to move the lid into the open position, longitudinal movement of the slider is inhibited.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2009Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Assignee: CareFusion 303, Inc.Inventor: Frank Dean Weber