Monitoring Or Inspection Patents (Class 700/244)
  • Patent number: 11526843
    Abstract: A method for identifying a product removed from a cabinet includes detecting visual characteristics of the product removed from the cabinet by a camera within the cabinet. The method may include detecting an identifier on the product removed from the cabinet by an identifier sensor, and comparing the visual characteristics and the identifier to a database of product information. The product removed from the cabinet may be identified based on the comparison of the visual characteristics and the identifier to the database of product information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: PepsiCo, Inc.
    Inventors: Xuejun Li, Yong Jin Serock, Cheuk Chi Lau
  • Patent number: 11527054
    Abstract: An apparatus of this invention is directed to an information processing apparatus that effectively counts, on a type basis, articles of a plurality of types displayed in a depth direction on a display shelf. The information processing apparatus includes a display count acquirer that acquires display count information of articles using article presence/absence sensors provided on the display shelf on which the articles are placed, an article identifier that acquires article identification information capable of identifying the types of articles based on an image acquired by capturing the display shelf, and a display recognizer that recognizes, based on the display count information and the article identification information, display count of each type of the articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: NEC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Nomura, Kota Iwamoto, Kyota Higa, Keishi Ohashi, Wataru Hattori
  • Patent number: 11435136
    Abstract: The invention belongs to the technical field of vending machines and provides a vending machine refrigeration module, including a compressor, an evaporator, a condenser controller and a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor feeds back a detected temperature value to the controller. The detected temperature value is compared with a set temperature value to automatically adjust the motor speed of the compressor, the fan speed of the evaporator, and the fan speed of the condenser. The refrigeration module provided by the invention can automatically adjust the rotation speed of the compressor motor, the evaporator fan and the condenser fan according to the temperature detected by the temperature sensor, thereby avoiding full speed operation and reducing energy consumption and avoiding energy waste, improving energy efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: Ice Qube, Inc.
    Inventor: Jamshaid Ullah
  • Patent number: 11323196
    Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include systems, methods, and media for receiving and transmitting digital data over a plurality of channels. Disclosed embodiments may include receiving data from a plurality of sources through one or more networks. Disclosed embodiments may also include assigning a geographic area to the data from the plurality of sources, the geographic area corresponding to one or more locations associated with the data. Additionally, disclosed embodiments may include determining health effects for a predetermined location based on the data and its associated geographic locations. Further, disclosed embodiments may include generating, by querying a predetermined response database, instructions that address the determined health affects for the predetermined location, the instructions including an action and an associated device. And, disclosed embodiments may include transmitting, to the associated device, the action associated with the instructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: TeleTracking Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Newton, Jason Spector
  • Patent number: 11244281
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for feeding products, comprising a compartment for storing a plurality of products, on which compartment one or more products can be removed at a removal region, and on the side opposite the removal region a slider pretensioned by a spring rests against one of the products and is moved in the feed direction when a product is removed, wherein a sensor is provided for recording the stock of products, and a method for recording a stock of products on a compartment having a plurality of products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: POS TUNING Udo Vosshenrich GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Andreas Bellgardt, Udo Vosshenrich, Oliver Vosshenrich
  • Patent number: 11188873
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and software for providing remote medical therapy to a subject comprising: an apparatus for dispensing one or more medical items from an inventory of medical items, the inventory of medical items risk profiled to a subject, a population, a venue, or a situation; and a connector device comprising: at least one means for communicating with the apparatus for dispensing one or more medical items from an inventory of medical items; at least one means for communicating with a technology device; and a software module enabling communications between the apparatus for dispensing one or more medical items from an inventory of medical items and the technology device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: WhenMed VC LLC
    Inventors: John A. Macoviak, Richard L. Macoviak, James J. Macoviak, Espir G. Kahatt
  • Patent number: 11182761
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to systems and methods for assessing site-wide IT and other electronic equipment replacement criticality. A system generally includes a plurality of point-of-sale (POS) systems located at a corresponding plurality of retail sites, a centralized transaction database configured to receive datasets from each of the plurality of POS systems, a processor configured to group the plurality of retail sites according a predefined site type, determine averages for each field within the received datasets, compare the received datasets to the computed averages, multiply the comparisons by a weighting value, and at the weighted comparisons together to form a criticality score.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis Karro, Rob Mahler
  • Patent number: 11152093
    Abstract: Ingestible product and medical device containers validate self-administration of the product and/or corresponding use of the device over a schedule. A machine-readable optical code label such as a QR Code is affixed to an interior surface of a container containing the product or device. The container must be open to electronically read the optical code label. The label contains data associated with the product or device is read by a software application installed on a smartphone. The software receives the label-embedded data and a timestamp to validate the patient is self-administering the medication or device consistent with a schedule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: Guardianmedtech, LLC
    Inventors: Anton J. Hopen, Sr., Anna Noel Hopen
  • Patent number: 11144877
    Abstract: A quantity sensing storage device enables automatic ordering of a product using an ordering engine that monitors quantity signals generated by a quantity sensor that is configured to provide the quantity signals based on a quantity of a first set of a product stored at the quantity sensing storage device. Base on the quantity of the first set, the ordering engine determines whether an order threshold has been satisfied. The quantity sensing storage device automatically provides instructions to a service provider device via a wireless communication subsystem to order a second set of the product in response to determining that the order threshold has been satisfied. The ordering engine continuously updates the order threshold such that when the second set of the product is received by a user of the quantity sensing storage device, an optimal portion of the first set of the product remains stored in the storage enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: PAYPAL, INC.
    Inventor: Brandon Alexander Tineo
  • Patent number: 11074789
    Abstract: Techniques related to an electronic device, comprising one or more processors, a user interface, a bill dispensing mechanism in a dispensing area, the bill dispensing area having a first sensor, and a non-transitory program storage device comprising instructions stored thereon to cause the one or more processors to receive, from the user interface, a request to dispense a bill, receive, from the first sensor, a first signal indicating a first touch on the first sensor in the bill dispensing area, and dispense the bill based on the received first signal indicating the first touch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Merril Ray Newman
  • Patent number: 11007121
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for substance dependence cessation management are described. The system involves an electronic mobile device, a communication network and a substance packet holder adapted with a substance packet dispenser, the substance packet holder connected to the electronic mobile device through the communication network. The system being capable of collecting user related information of a user for activating for an algorithm on the electronic mobile device based on the user related information, defining a plan for the cessation of substance dependence and capable of controlling a dispensing of a substance packet from the substance packet dispenser for the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Inventor: Robin Arora
  • Patent number: 11001489
    Abstract: The method includes indentifying the beer keg to a brewery which fills the keg and for identifying the date on which the beer keg is filled. A sensor system is attachable to or built into the beer keg for identifying the temperature of the beer and for locating the keg. A communication system directly transmits information between the brewery and the sensor system on the keg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Inventor: Gregory W Herlin
  • Patent number: 10857070
    Abstract: A system of tracking medication is disclosed such that the system includes a container with at least one compartment operable to contain at least one medication for administering at predetermined times, at least one sensor coupled to the container, the sensor operable to measure changes in an environment of the container, at least one microcontroller coupled to the sensor, the microcontroller operable to capture and store data recorded by the sensor, a cloud computing infrastructure, at least one wireless module coupled to the cloud computing infrastructure and the microcontroller, the wireless module operable to send and retrieve the data to and from the cloud computing infrastructure and the microcontroller, and a computing device coupled to the wireless module, the computing device operable to track the at least one medication by interacting with the data stored in at least one of the microcontroller or the cloud computing infrastructure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: The Trustees of Indiana University
    Inventors: Omar N. Nezamuddin, Euzeli C. dos Santos, Jr., Harry D. Tunnell, IV, Rebecca J. Ellis, James Haswell Hill, Ibrahim Aigbodesi Momoh
  • Patent number: 10846653
    Abstract: A system to determine operation and maintenance monitoring, equipment optimization and life cycle management, inventory and supply chain management, and shopper engagement includes a product display having a control system in communication with an inventory sensor and an equipment monitoring sensor, and a server in remote communication with the control system, the server containing a database and at least one application. The control system receives data from the inventory sensor and the equipment monitoring sensor, and communicates the data to the server for storage in the database, and the at least one application accesses and analyzes the data stored in the database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Hussmann Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Seals, Ramakrishna Krishnaswamy, Norman Street, Daniel Schnur
  • Patent number: 10709642
    Abstract: Disclosed is a blister pack smart dispensing package that has an overlay with conductors located over blister pack pockets that are broken when a user retrieves a solid medication, such as a pill, from the blister pack. The date and time that the user retrieved the solid medication from the smart pack is recorded by an electronics and communications package on the smart pack. A local communications device then receives this adherence data and transmits this data to a server, which generates a data structure containing adherence data. A blister pack overlay can be used which changes colors to indicate that the medication is about to expire, or has expired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: TOTUSRX INC.
    Inventors: Kevin M. Conlon, Craig N. Changstrom, John Michael Main
  • Patent number: 10699162
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved pharmaceutical management system and methods implemented by the system for sorting and identifying a medicine via its label and/or package. The method comprises steps of: (1) receiving a plurality of raw images of a package of a medication; (b) juxtaposing two of the plurality of raw images to produce a combined image, in which the two raw images are different from each other; (c) processing the combined image to produce a reference image; and (d) establishing the medication library with the aid of the reference image. The system comprises an image capturing device, an image processor, and a machine learning processor. The image processor is programmed with instructions to execute the method for producing a combined image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignees: MACKAY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL, NATIONAL TAIWAN UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Sheng-Luen Chung, Chih-Fang Chen, Jing-Syuan Wang
  • Patent number: 10566083
    Abstract: A system includes a database that stores information associated with a medication located in a base station. The information includes an indication of whether a container of the medication was returned to the base station subsequent to the medication being administered. A control module communicates with the base station, determines when the medication is retrieved from the base station, determines whether the container of the medication is returned to the base station, and updates the information stored in the database when the container of the medication is returned to the base station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: TOUCHPOINT MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Martin William Dake, Jun Yue, Dan Zhao, Tiansun Wu
  • Patent number: 10518981
    Abstract: Provided herein are various apparatuses, systems, and methods for improving the efficiency of medication distribution within a healthcare facility. In particular, embodiments may provide for dispensing medications needed and medications anticipated to be needed to an authorized medical person for administration to a patient in a healthcare facility. Methods may include receiving an indication of one or more unit dose medications anticipated to be needed by a patient; retrieving the one or more unit dose medications from a unit storage device; loading the one or more unit dose medications onto a transport device; transporting the one or more unit dose medications from the unit storage device to a location proximate the patient; and transferring the one or more unit dose medications from the transport device to a staging area at the location proximate the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Aesynt Incorporated
    Inventor: Shawn T. Greyshock
  • Patent number: 10475012
    Abstract: An embodiment provides a system of automated workflow management and active checkpoint validation that streamlines and standardizes the vending machine provisioning process. The embodiment not only normalizes the installation and deployment process across geographic and personnel differences, it also greatly optimizes the process allowing for increased installations per technician per day. The monitored assets are added to online applications in real time and remote monitoring commences immediately upon the end of technician visit. Other embodiments are addressed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Vendwatch Telematics, LLC
    Inventors: Alfonso Javier Barragán Treviño, James J. Crow
  • Patent number: 10467842
    Abstract: A portable item transfer container typically includes an item storage unit and an item transfer unit configured to (i) dispense items stored in the item storage unit and (ii) receive items and store the items in the item storage unit. The container also typically includes a memory, a processor, and an item transfer application stored in the memory. The item transfer application is typically configured to: receive an activity request from a user, wherein the activity request includes (i) a request to withdraw items or (ii) a request to store items; authenticate an identity of the user; determine that the location of the container is within an authorized region of the user; and in response to authenticating the identity of the user and determining that the location of the portable item transfer container is within the authorized region of the user, process the activity request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: Bank of America Corporation
    Inventors: Manu Jacob Kurian, Joseph Benjamin Castinado
  • Patent number: 10420707
    Abstract: Disclosed is a portable medication dispenser. The portable medication dispenser includes a housing comprising multiple compartments, wherein each compartment is configured to accommodate one or more medications, wherein the housing is constructed with a tamper-proof material. Further, the portable medication dispenser includes multiple latches corresponding to the multiple compartments. Yet further, the portable medication dispenser includes one or more actuators configured to engage with one or more latches of the multiple latches. Yet further, the portable medication dispenser includes a controller electrically coupled to the one or more actuators. Moreover, the portable medication dispenser includes a communication interface coupled to the controller, wherein the communication interface is configured to receive one or more commands associated with activating the one or more actuators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Inventor: Victor Lewis
  • Patent number: 10407294
    Abstract: A fuel island redundant monitoring system having sensors of varying purpose to transmit data signals to dual remote monitoring stations. One monitoring site is a live monitoring station manned by personnel. The other monitoring station is a data receiving station utilizing unmanned machines, e.g., computers. The unmanned data station is capable of transmitting information to the manned monitoring station, to local fuel island managers and/or to local emergency responders, and/or to control equipment at the fuel island. The manned monitoring station is capable of transmitting commands or inquiries to the unmanned data station and/or to control equipment at the fuel island, and/or to local fuel island managers and/or to local emergency responders. Sensors may be dedicated to either the unmanned data station or the manned live monitoring station, or may send data to both stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: HOLYSTONE USA, INC.
    Inventor: R. Keith Barker
  • Patent number: 10226399
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to automatically identify a direction, a posture and characteristics such as a shape, a size, a type and an expiration date of a medicine and store the medicine with ensuring a high degree of freedom. A medicine supplying apparatus 1 includes an identifying part and a storing part. A storing area is defined at the time of storing the medicine according to a size of a medicine contained in characteristics of the medicine identified by the identifying part. The medicine is stored in the storing part in a state that identification information of the medicine is associated with the storing area. Further, the medicine supplying apparatus has a determination processing part which can determine whether or not the medicine is a target to be treated based on the characteristics of the medicine identified by the identifying part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: YUYAMA MFG. CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hirokazu Amano, Akitomi Kohama, Masatoshi Warashina, Junichi Iwaya, Hiromichi Tsuda, Takashi Ueno, Hidenori Tsuji, Keigo Nakamura, Mei Zhang
  • Patent number: 10208280
    Abstract: A system and method for preservation, storage and transport of biological materials by the use of at least one deformable container configured with at least one inlet at one end, an outer surface greater than 80% of the total surface of the cavities of the support and a width and length sufficient for it to be placed in contact with all the heat transfer plates of the support. The support has at least two cavities delimited by the heat transfer plates, with temperature control device, side walls and at least one main front door. The system allows improvement of the heat transfer necessary for freezing and thawing large volumes of solutions containing biological materials. It also allows to considerably accelerate the heat transfer, as well as the reproducibility and scalability of the freezing and thawing process while keeping the system very compact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: INSTITUTO SUPERIOR TECNICO
    Inventors: Miguel Angelo Joaquim Rodrigues, Vitor Manuel Geraldes Fernandes
  • Patent number: 10002517
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are provided for adherence monitoring, and devices, systems, and methods are provided for monitoring use of consumable dispensers. In general, the devices, systems, and methods can facilitate an individual's adherence to a schedule for consuming consumables and can facilitate monitoring and tracking of the individual's adherence to the schedule. The devices, systems, and methods can allow data regarding the individual's historical adherence to the schedule to be accessible via a computer system. In one embodiment, an accessory is provided that can be configured to attach to consumable dispensers. The accessory can be configured to be removably and replaceably coupled to the dispenser. The accessory can be configured to provide a notification to a user indicating that a certain event occurred and/or that a certain action needs to be taken. The accessory can be configured to sense attachment thereof to and removal thereof from the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Gecko Health Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Yechiel Engelhard, Mark Maalouf
  • Patent number: 9830764
    Abstract: The present invention provides a dispenser interface, associated methods and systems, and dispensers employing the dispenser interface and associated systems and methods. An example embodiment provides a method of configuring a communication interface of a dispenser controller configured to control a dispenser for dispensing hygiene products or other products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: GPCP IP Holdings LLC
    Inventor: David Warren Murphy
  • Patent number: 9767272
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a processor comprises: a first register to store a first bound value for a stack to be stored in a memory; a second register to store a second bound value for the stack; a checker logic to determine, prior to an exit point at a conclusion of a function to be executed on the processor, whether a value of a stack pointer is within a range between the first bound value and the second bound value; and a logic to prevent a return to a caller of the function if the stack pointer value is not within the range. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Vedvyas Shanbhogue, Ravi L. Sahita, Yuriy Bulygin, Xiaoning Li, Jason W. Brandt
  • Patent number: 9715794
    Abstract: A POS system comprises a checkout means for carrying out a payment operation, a cash drawer which includes a storage compartment for storing money, wherein in an open condition of the cash drawer the storage compartment is open for an access and in a closed condition of the cash drawer the storage compartment is closed, a control means for controlling the cash drawer, wherein the control means is formed to generate a control signal for opening the cash drawer, and a sensor means for generating an opening signal which indicates whether the cash drawer is in its open condition. The control means is formed to evaluate whether or not an opening signal is preceded by a control signal with a predetermined time interval, in order to detect a manipulation process during opening and/or closing the cash drawer on the basis of the evaluation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: WINCOR NIXDORF INTERNATIONAL GMBH
    Inventor: Kai Jungclaus
  • Patent number: 9572748
    Abstract: A container includes a chamber to hold a medication, a lockable lid that covers an opening of the chamber, a biometric sensor, a scale, and one or more processors. The container may store prescription information indicating how often the medication should be provided. The container may measure a weight of the medication held by the chamber using the scale. The container may receive biometric information sensed by the biometric sensor. The biometric information may indicate a biometric feature of a person attempting to open the container. The container may selectively unlock the lockable lid based on at least one of the prescription information, the weight of the medication, or the biometric information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Celico Partnership
    Inventors: Kevin Lim, Alex Hoyos, Rahim A. Charania
  • Patent number: 9554969
    Abstract: A portable self medication management system and method of provided. For example, the system may include a removable tote and docking station. The removable tote including a plurality of receptacles, communicating section for transferring data to and from a docking station and a power reception station for receiving power from the docking station. The docking station including a scanner, a display screen, a controller, a storage device, communicating sections for transmitting data to the removable tote and other external devices and a power transmitting section for transferring power to the removable tote.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: The Research Foundation for The State University of New York
    Inventors: Craig Lehmann, John Brittelli, Chang Hong Chen, Tim Kehoe, Robert Barnikel
  • Patent number: 9547859
    Abstract: A device with one or more processors, memory, and two or more communication capabilities obtains, from a payment module, an authorization request via a first communication capability (e.g., Bluetooth). The device sends, to a server, the authorization request via a second communication capability distinct from the first communication capability (e.g., cellular or WiFi technology). In response to sending the authorization request, the device obtains, from the server, authorization information via the second communication capability. After obtaining the authorization information, the device detects a trigger condition to perform a transaction with a payment accepting unit associated with the payment module. In response to detecting the trigger condition, the device sends, to the payment module, at least a portion of the authorization information via the first communication capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: PAYRANGE INC.
    Inventors: Paresh K. Patel, Chau M. Doan
  • Patent number: 9547950
    Abstract: A vending machine audit system includes a vending machine including a vending machine controller configured to generate device data representative of the operations of the vending machine. At least one peripheral device is operatively coupled to the vending machine and is configured to generate device data representative of the operations of the peripheral device. An audit module includes a data storage component and is operatively coupled to the vending machine controller and the at least one peripheral device. The audit module is configured to receive device data from each of the vending machine controller and the at least one peripheral device and to perform a merging operation to generate a single merged audit data record representative of the operations of the vending machine and the at least one peripheral device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: CRANE PAYMENT INNOVATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: William M. Osborne, Carlos Jimenez, Garry M. Knudson
  • Patent number: 9536236
    Abstract: A computer-controlled, automated checkout store outlet comprises at least one bay. A normally locked door is associated with each bay, and provides access to items within the bay by customers approved by a computer of the automated store outlet. At least one tray is disposed within at least one bay, and adapted to hold items to be stocked by the bay. A sensor system is configured to detect the removal of an item from the bay and identify the removed item, such as when a customer is removing the item for purchase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Inventor: Ronny Hay
  • Patent number: 9520991
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) for handling bills and/or coins has a control unit (12) that detects a peripheral device connected to the control unit (12), generates a data encryption key (DEK), reads from the peripheral device identification information (W) that denotes the peripheral device, generates a key encryption key (KEK) based the read identification information (W), stores an encrypted data encryption key (VDEK) generated by encrypting the data encryption key (DEK) using the key encryption key (KEK) in a memory area of a hard disk (14), and ascertains the data encryption key (DEK) by decrypting the encrypted data encryption key (VDEK) using the key encryption key (KEK). The control unit (12) encrypts useful data to be stored on the hard disk (14) in encrypted form using the data encryption key (DEK) or decrypts useful data stored on the hard disk in encrypted form using the data encryption key (DEK).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: WINCOR NIXDORF INTERNATIONAL GMBH
    Inventors: Volker Krummel, Michael Nolte, Bernd Redecker
  • Patent number: 9449148
    Abstract: A method of filling prescription orders includes inputting the prescription orders into a pharmaceutical storage and retrieval device, processing the prescription orders with the pharmaceutical storage and retrieval device to fill a plurality of vials with desired pharmaceuticals, and transferring the plurality of filled vials from the pharmaceutical storage and retrieval device to a storage unit. The method also includes storing the plurality of filled vials in the storage unit until a customer claims one of the plurality of filled vials and directing the one of the plurality of filled vials from the storage unit to the customer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: RxSafe, LLC
    Inventor: William K. Holmes
  • Patent number: 9390229
    Abstract: A method and apparatus providing a health phone utilizing a pedometer or accelerometer incorporated into a cellular telephone. The system is designed to receive activity data from the pedometer or accelerometer, and communicate the activity data to a remote server, the cellular telephone further designed to receive suggestions from the server, the suggestions generated based on the activity data received from the cellular telephone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: DP TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Philippe Richard Kahn, Arthur Kinsolving
  • Patent number: 9286588
    Abstract: Techniques are provided for calculating vending machines' service priorities and scheduling the vending machines for service taking into account a number of factors and thresholds (520). In some embodiments, the machines (110) are subdivided into subroutes (320). Each subroute has one or more machines, and at least one subroute has a plurality of machines. The vending machine service schedule is generated by selecting the highest priority subroute (410) and selecting the machines in that subroute (420). Other subroutes can be selected (430, 440) if there is time left in the Service Period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Cantaloupe System, Inc.
    Inventors: Mandeep Singh Arora, Anant Agrawal, Fred Cheng, Eric Matthew Chu, Amedee Louis Beaudoin
  • Patent number: 9235690
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are provided for remote visualization of the storage compartments in a medication dispenser device, to monitor a patient's compliance with a medication dosage schedule and for verifying the proper loading of medication into the patient's medication dispenser device. The device may include a plurality of storage compartments, each having an interior space for storing at least one medication or medication reminder marker; an image capturing device (e.g., a camera) positionable to capture an image of the interior space of each storage compartment; and a communications module for electronically transmitting the captured image to a central monitoring station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: SentiCare, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Bear, Yogendra Jain
  • Patent number: 9224137
    Abstract: A system for an automated dispensing and retrieval kiosk for recorded media includes a kiosk having a plurality of vertical racks arranged in a circular formation, each vertical rack configured for storing a plurality of recorded media. A customer interface allows a customer to select or return a recorded media. A robotic element delivers the selected recorded media from the vertical racks to a media output, at the customer interface. The element also delivers a returned recorded media from a media input at the customer interface to the vertical racks. A computer controls operation of the kiosk, and an internet interface connects the kiosk to the Internet. The kiosk may communicate with a central server and/or other kiosks of a group, to locate a requested recorded media within a kiosk of the group. Once located within the group, the requested media may be reserved for customer pick-up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Redbox Automated Retail, LLC
    Inventors: Philip Tomasi, Alva D. Cravens, Jens Horstmann, William Barber, John Chen
  • Patent number: 9195803
    Abstract: A system, method, apparatus, and computer program product are provided for controlling access to intravenous bags. A system may include a cabinet including a vertically oriented drawer configured to be movable between an open position and a closed position relative to the cabinet, where the contents of the vertically oriented drawer are configured to be accessible from two opposing sides of the vertically oriented drawer when the drawer is in the open position. Systems of example embodiments may include a plurality of overpacks configured to be received within the vertically oriented drawer of the cabinet, where each of the plurality of overpacks is configured to receive therein a single intravenous bag, where each of the plurality of overpacks may include a retention feature, and where the retention feature of each overpack may be configured to be received by a complementary retention feature in the vertically oriented drawer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Aesynt Incorporated
    Inventors: Ben H. Tylenda, Paul J. Santmyer, D. Scott Souerwine
  • Patent number: 9147044
    Abstract: A medicament dispensing cabinet is comprised of a frame, at least one controller, and a plurality of drawers each movably carried by the frame and each defining a plurality of dispensing cells. A plurality of removable dispensing devices is provided with each one carried by one of the dispensing cells. Each of the dispensing cells further comprises a motor for providing rotary motion to one of the removable dispensing devices in response to the controller, a sensor operating in conjunction with the controller for counting medicament dispensed from one of the removable dispensing devices, a chute for receiving medicament dispensed from one of the removable dispensing devices and a chute gate for controlling access to the chute. The cabinet may additionally comprise a chute gate release responsive to the controller for controlling the chute gate and a chute gate sensor connected to the controller and responsive to the position of the chute gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: Parata Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Randall Shows, Robert Parks, Ryan Kaintz, Eric Lamont Holmes, Matthew Goodworth, Stuart Morgan, Matthew Stuart Beale, Michael A. Bergeron, Stan Jankowski
  • Patent number: 9129250
    Abstract: Some examples include using an inventory tracking device to track the addition of inventory items to an inventory holder of an inventory system or removal of inventory items from the inventory holder. The inventory holder may include one or more trays to store one or more inventory items, with each tray including one or more bins that may be defined by dividers on the tray. The inventory tracking device may use inventory holder configuration data that identifies locations of the bins to determine that the inventory item was added to or removed from a particular bin of the inventory holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jill Kathleen Sestini, Peter K. Mansfield, Peter R. Wurman, Jules Cook Graybill, Ned Lecky, James Christopher Curlander
  • Patent number: 9098825
    Abstract: Systems and methods of the invention relate to managing an inventory of items within a storage container. A storage container can house one or more items for distribution among one or more users such as, for instance, employees. The storage container discussed herein provides authentication of a user, tracking of the inventory each user removes or returns, video/image capture of user during access of the storage container, wireless tracking of items housed within the storage container, among others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Inventor: Leonard M. Bashkin
  • Publication number: 20150148947
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for determining when a medication is removed from a dispenser. The dispenser may include a plurality of compartments for receiving one or more medications. One or more circuits are associated with each compartment. In addition, each circuit may be unique. Each circuit is altered by the removal of one or more medications from a compartment and the resulting signal is used to indicate removal of the medication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: Jason Thomas McConville, Michael Bernauer
  • Patent number: 9043019
    Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, an Automated Pharmacy Admixture System (APAS) may include a manipulator system to transport medical containers such as bags, vials, or syringes in a compounding chamber regulated to a pressure below atmospheric pressure. In a preferred implementation, the manipulator system is configured to grasp and convey syringes, IV bags, and vials of varying shapes and sizes from a storage system in an adjacent chamber regulated at a pressure above atmospheric pressure. Various embodiments may include a controller adapted to actuate the manipulator system to bring a fill port of an IV bag, vial, or syringe into register with a filling port at a fluid transfer station in the chamber. A preferred implementation includes a sanitization system that can substantially sanitize a bung on a fill port of a vial or IV bag in preparation for transport to the fluid transfer station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Intelligent Hospital Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Walter W. Eliuk, Ronald H. Rob, Lance R. Mlodzinski, Alex H. Reinhardt, Thom Doherty
  • Patent number: 9043015
    Abstract: Present invention discloses a dispenser having means to dispense desired number of pills from a bulk supply of pills contained in the dispenser. The dispenser comprises of storage compartment having bulk supply of pills and having a discharge port emptying into counting compartment The counting compartment contains first and second conveyors moving at first and second speed; wherein the second speed is greater than the first speed thereby enabling pill separation; the second conveyor discharges pills into dispensing compartment. Sensors are strategically placed along the conveyors to count pills discharged into dispensing compartment. A pill recovery system and apparatus is disposed inside the dispenser having means to recover pills remaining on conveyors upon completion of a dispensation cycle and deposit recovered pills back into the storage compartment for use in future dispensation cycles. A docking station having receptacles to accommodate dispenser is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventor: Nitesh Ratnakar
  • Publication number: 20150112479
    Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to provide an automatic transaction device capable of suppressing wasteful operation of the automatic transaction device when a shutter failure has occurred. The present invention is an automatic transaction device that performs transactions related to cash, and is characterized by including: a deposit/withdrawal slot for depositing/withdrawing cash; an opening/closing member that is capable of opening and closing the deposit/withdrawal slot by way of movement; an opened/closed detection unit that detects the opened/closed state of the opening/closing member; and a control unit that opens and closes the opening/closing member at the time of a reset operation of the automatic transaction device to perform operation verification processing, causes detection of the opened/closed state of the opening/closing member after the operation verification processing, and if it is determined that the opened/closed state is abnormal, aborts the transaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaichi Koide
  • Patent number: 9010580
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a refrigerator cabinet and a refrigerating compartment within the refrigerator cabinet. A beverage dispensing system is operatively connected to the refrigerator cabinet, the beverage dispensing system configured to dispense a stream of a beverage. The beverage dispensing system includes a light source and a light sensor positioned on opposite sides of the stream of the beverage. The beverage dispensing system is configured for detecting if dispensement of the beverage is occurring and characterizing the volume or amount of the beverage being dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Robert J. Rolek
  • Publication number: 20150100153
    Abstract: A gas vending system for health application, comprising: a healthy gas generator module, a control module, and a charging/payment module. The healthy gas generator module is used to generate a healthy gas. The control module is connected to the healthy gas generator module for monitoring the usage state of the healthy gas and generating a volume consumption signal for the healthy gas. The charging/payment module is connected to the control module for receiving the volume consumption signal for the healthy gas and then generating a toll after computing. The charging/payment module is adapted to accept cash or charging a debit card or credit card according to the toll.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventor: Hsin-Yung Lin
  • Publication number: 20150100155
    Abstract: A method of creating a protocol is provided. An interface window is presented on a display. A first indicator that identifies a sample and a second indicator that indicates selection of an analysis are received from the interface window. The analysis defines processing to be performed on the identified sample by a liquid handler. A bed layout that defines locations of a plurality of labware components and a type of labware component at each location on a work bed of the liquid handler is determined based on the first indicator and the second indicator. The sample is associated with a location of the locations. The determined bed layout is presented on the display. A protocol for execution by a controller of the liquid handler is created. The protocol comprises a second plurality of instructions configured to cause the liquid handler to perform the analysis on the identified sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: Gilson, Inc.
    Inventors: Matjaz Hren, Luka Murn, Urska Cepin, Klemen Zupancic