Monitoring Or Inspection Patents (Class 700/244)
  • 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: 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
  • 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: 20150088305
    Abstract: Invented method comprises data detection by watching communication between vending machine and its payment system in unified manner, without intervention in this communication, and automated downloading this data; transmitting downloaded data via wireless network by invented device's modem/external peripheral device's resource; analyzing this data by determining events and one-time events and generating states by unifying the meaning of communication between vending machine and its payment systems performed according to multitude of standard communication protocols; extracting from analyzed data of information about technical condition of vending machine/payment systems, about operating regime of vending machine, about sales made by vending machine and revenues in its payment systems; remote control on basis of analyzed data and optional discontinuation/restoration of vending machine operation by invented device at request by external peripheral device connected to vending machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventor: Stefan Georgiev Tsenev
  • Patent number: 8983656
    Abstract: An electro-mechanical vend-sensing system includes at least one biased member mounted on a side of the vend space having a first potential voltage. A contact strip with a second potential voltage is positioned beneath the biased member. A controller circuit senses when the biased member contacts the contact strip, which indicates that a article has been appropriately vended to the customer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Softronics, Ltd.
    Inventor: Robert Sternowski
  • Patent number: 8972047
    Abstract: A pharmaceutical dispensing system includes a frame having first and second opposed sides, a plurality of cells configured to house pharmaceutical pills, a first touch screen display on the frame first side, and a second touch screen display on the frame second side. A plurality of dispensing shelves configured to receive filled pill containers are accessible from the second side of the frame for removal of pill containers therein. The pharmaceutical dispensing system includes a processor and memory coupled thereto. A computer program resides in the memory and is executable by the processor for displaying a cell inventory graphical user interface (GUI) within the first touch screen display, and a series of GUIs within the second touch screen display that include status information about a prescription order at a respective stage of completion by the pharmaceutical dispensing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Parata Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Johnson, Harold Lindsey, Megan Dunigan, Justin Lallinger, John Kirk Hammond, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8972050
    Abstract: A pharmaceutical dispensing system includes a frame having first and second opposed sides, a plurality of cells configured to house pharmaceutical pills, a first touch screen display on the frame first side, and a second touch screen display on the frame second side. The pharmaceutical dispensing system includes a processor and memory coupled thereto. A computer program resides in the memory and is executable by the processor for displaying a cell inventory graphical user interface (GUI) within the first touch screen display, and a prescription order processing GUI within the second touch screen display that include status information about a prescription order at a respective stage of completion by the pharmaceutical dispensing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Parata Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Johnson, Harold Lindsey, Megan Dunigan, Justin Lallinger, John Kirk Hammond, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20150051731
    Abstract: A method of managing media counts at a media terminal is described. The method comprises: receiving an expected media count from a remote management application; detecting a media replenisher at the media terminal; providing the expected media count to the media replenisher; and receiving confirmation from the media replenisher that the expected media count corresponds to the actual media present.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventor: Michael James Neilan
  • Patent number: 8957960
    Abstract: A machine vision system program editing environment includes near real time context generation. Rather than requiring execution of all preceding instructions of a part program in order to generate a realistic context for subsequent edits, surrogate data operations using previously saved data replace execution of certain sets of instructions. The surrogate data may be saved during the actual execution of operations that are recorded in a part program. An edit mode of execution substitutes that data as a surrogate for executing the operations that would otherwise generate that data. Significant time savings may be achieved for context generation, such that editing occurs within an operating context which may be repeatedly refreshed for accuracy in near real time. This supports convenient program modification by relatively unskilled users, using the native user interface of the machine vision system, rather than difficult to use text-based or graphical object-based editing environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventors: Barry Saylor, Dahai Yu, Ryan Northrup, Gyokubu Cho, Akira Takada
  • Patent number: 8944280
    Abstract: A tablet dispenser includes a device body and a plurality of tablet cassettes disposed on one face of the device body. Each tablet cassette is capable of accommodating a plurality of types of tablets and of dispensing the tablets contained therein in a lateral direction. A plurality of chutes are in communication with the plurality of tablet cassettes. Each chute is disposed on the one face of the device body, adjacent to a corresponding tablet cassette. Each chute retains tablets dispensed from the corresponding tablet cassette and dispenses the tablets in a downward direction into a container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Yuyama Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shoji Yuyama, Naoki Koike, Takafumi Imai, Yoshinori Kumano, Akira Maeda, Mitsuhiro Mitani
  • Publication number: 20150012131
    Abstract: A medication and dispensing system tracks the medication of multiple users over time and preferably combines this information with periodic test results provided to the system. The system is designed to allow remote access electronically to authorized users whereby doctors or other medical professionals can review the data of actual medication dispensed and preliminary test results accumulated over time. Preliminary analysis of the data is conducted by the system to identify a predetermined medical alert condition. Upon determination of the predetermined medical alert condition, the dispensing system dispenses or makes available for dispensing an alert response medication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventor: Leon SALTSOV
  • Patent number: 8924005
    Abstract: A method of sampling includes receiving, by a portable bio-fluid sampling apparatus, a bio-fluid sample on a sample collection receptacle. The bio-fluid sample is associated with a timestamp that is indicative of a time at which the bio-fluid sample is received. The bio-fluid sample is stored in a bio-fluid chamber of the portable bio-fluid sampling apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventor: Steven Edward Kern
  • Patent number: 8923557
    Abstract: A paper-sheet handling apparatus (10) includes: a recognition unit (14) configured to obtain recognition information of a paper sheet by recognizing the paper sheet, and to obtain an image of the paper sheet so as to obtain paper-sheet information from the acquired image of the paper sheet; a reject unit (18) to which a paper sheet, which is other than a paper sheet that has been recognized as a normal paper sheet by the recognition unit (14), is sent; and a control unit (30) configured to output display information about the paper-sheet information of each paper sheet sent to the reject unit (18). The display information output by the control unit (30) is displayed on a display unit (22) disposed on the paper-sheet handling apparatus (10), or transmitted to an external apparatus (40), which is other than the paper-sheet handling apparatus (10), through an interface unit (39) so as to be displayed on a display unit disposed on the external apparatus (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Glory Ltd.
    Inventor: Kaname Kotani
  • Patent number: 8903545
    Abstract: An agricultural seeding implement has a seed hopper that is weighed continuously during field operations as the seed volume in the hopper progressively diminishes. The weight information is used to perform ongoing control functions on the implement. One embodiment uses the weight information to reduce the down pressure on compaction wheels of a wing section of the machine as a function of the diminishing weight of the hopper on the main section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Jacob R. Riffel, Verne A. Hubalek
  • Publication number: 20140324217
    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: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventor: R. Keith Barker
  • Patent number: 8874475
    Abstract: Fueling transactions (and other types of transactions) may be verified for legitimacy and validity by recording audio, video and/or images of the transaction as it occurs. The recordings may then be indexed according to one or more transaction parameters such as a driver identifier, a vehicle or transportation unit identifier, an invoice number, a fueling station and the like. A carrier associated with a driver and/or vehicle or other transportation unit may specify which transactions are to be recorded. Accordingly, the fueling station may automatically determine whether to record a transaction upon receiving a transaction initiation request. Transaction recordings may be made based on transaction recordation parameters defined by a carrier and stored and indexed based on transaction storing parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Epona LLC
    Inventor: Ernest Blas Betancourt
  • Patent number: 8874260
    Abstract: A medication and dispensing system tracks the medication of multiple users over time and preferably combines this information with periodic test results provided to the system. The system is designed to allow remote access electronically to authorized users whereby doctors or other medical professionals can review the data of actual medication dispensed and preliminary test results accumulated over time. Preliminary analysis of the data is conducted by the system to determine alert conditions. Such alert conditions include incorrect medication dispensing (i.e. failure to take a prescribed medication) and test results that warrant investigation. Many different types of alerts may be programmed into the software of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Inventor: Leon Saltsov
  • Patent number: 8849448
    Abstract: An electronic storage device is coupled with a container capable of holding liquid for electronically storing information relating to the liquid stored in the container. The system can be configured with an antenna, for storing information to and reading information from the electronic storage device. A microprocessor-based controller, coupled with the antenna, may be employed for controlling processing of the liquid based on information read from the electronic storage device by the antenna. A connector of a secure reader system having a reader is provided to physically couple to a container having an information storing mechanism, for periodically reading information from an information storing mechanism. The connector may draw material from the container simultaneous with the reading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin T. O'Dougherty, Robert E. Andrews, Tripunithura V. Jayaraman, Joe Menning, Christopher A. Baye-Wallace
  • Publication number: 20140277705
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for remote monitoring of the daily dispensing of medication is disclosed. In one embodiment a dispensing unit equipped with weight sensing mechanism such as scale or balance communicates with a monitoring application residing in a wireless terminal. The monitoring application provides supervision over a medication dispensing process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: IPComm LLC
    Inventors: Stanislaw Czaja, Muhammad Afsar
  • Patent number: 8831775
    Abstract: A system and method for electronic assistance in dispensing pharmaceuticals, utilizing software, hardware and barcode technology to yield error free, clinically correct, adjudicated prescriptions. The system is adaptive to the preferences of an authorized user, by being configurable on the basis of when and what type of warnings are given in particular circumstances, based on entries in a field, and whether the order can proceed. Additionally, the invention allows for automated and electronically assisted refilling of orders. The invention allows for tracking and monitoring of prescription orders through barcode labeling and scanning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Omnicare, Inc.
    Inventor: John DiMaggio
  • Patent number: 8813997
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing solid pharmaceutical articles includes a housing, a drive mechanism and a sensor system. The housing defines a dispensing passage having a dispensing inlet and a dispensing outlet downstream of the dispensing inlet. The drive mechanism serves to force the articles along a path through the dispensing passage between the dispensing inlet and the dispensing outlet. The sensor system includes first and second sensors operative to detect articles passing through the dispensing passage and a controller to receive and use detection signals from the first and second sensors to monitor dispensing performance of the apparatus. The first and second sensors are spaced apart along the dispensing channel such that the second sensor is located downstream of the first sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Parata Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Edward Joseph Karwacki, Jr., Richard D. Michelli, David Newcomb
  • Publication number: 20140236351
    Abstract: Methods and systems for administering consumable compositions according to a programmed dosing schedule are provided. A method for administering a consumable composition 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) detecting an aspect of the consumable composition. A system for administering a consumable composition may comprise: (a) means for dispensing a dose of a consumable composition according to a programmed dosing schedule; and (b) means for detecting an aspect of the consumable composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: SEARETE LLC
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Eric C. Leuthardt, Robert W. Lord, Clarence T. Tegreene, Lowell L. Wood, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140236352
    Abstract: A medication management system (100) comprises a portable device (10) attachable to a user (30) and a medication dispenser (20). The portable device comprises a lighting means (50) for providing a visual stimulus (55) to indicate an approaching medication intake moment or period. The medication dispenser (20) comprises further lighting means (40, 41) for providing a further visual stimulus (45) to draw the attention of the user. The visual stimulus and the further visual stimulus have a same predetermined color and the visual stimulus (55) is provided a predetermined time before the medication dispenser provides the further visual stimulus (45).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventors: Mark Thomas Johnson, Raymond Van Ee, Joyca Petra Wilma Lacroix
  • Patent number: 8812152
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing different traffic speeds of carriages moving along a closed-loop track is disclosed. The closed-loop track has at least four different speed zones, which include a slow speed zone, a fast speed zone, an acceleration zone, and a deceleration zone. A computerized control system monitors and controls the movement of the carriages along the different speed zones of the closed loops track, so different traffic speeds are maintained along the closed loop track, simultaneously, with no collisions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Tamicare, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ehud Giloh, Adam I. Grinshpan, Reuven Melamed, Arie Yifrah, Thomas Colin Dawber
  • Patent number: 8805577
    Abstract: A method for dispensing at least two medications to a patient, the method comprising the steps of: automatically dispensing at least one first medication to a patient according to a predetermined dosage level; receiving (203) a request from the patient for a second medication; determining (207, 215) the total dispensed dosage of the at least one first medication and the second medication for the patient; providing (209, 211, 213, 217, 219, 223) an indication if the determined dispensed dosage is equal to or greater than a predetermined maximum dosage; and dispensing (225) the requested second medication if the determined dispensed dosage is less than or equal to the predetermined maximum dosage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Harm Jacob Buisman, Georgio Mosis
  • Patent number: 8805578
    Abstract: A system for filling a prescription order for a patient includes a plurality of trays each having an RFID tag for storing a unique identifier corresponding to the prescription order, and a plurality of workstations operatively linked to one another, each workstation having an antenna for detecting the unique identifier in one of the plurality of trays, where the detecting is operative to trigger displaying of a profile of at least one prescription item for the corresponding prescription order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: AutoMed Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Duane S. Chudy, David A. Schultz
  • Publication number: 20140188272
    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: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: SentiCare, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Bear, Yogendra Jain
  • Patent number: 8768505
    Abstract: A system and method for providing a pre-paid product using a unique container. The system comprises a computer system comprising a storage medium readable by a processing circuit and stored instructions for execution by the processing circuit. The computer system includes a sales module that acquires an identifier for the unique container and generates a credential ID for a customer. The sales module also activates the unique container, and stores the identifier for the unique container and the corresponding credential ID in the storage medium. Also included is a dispensing module that receives a request from a remote dispensing device for validation of the unique container to receive the prepaid product, compares a received identifier and a received credential ID with the identifier and the credential ID stored in the storage medium, and authorizes the dispensing of the prepaid product if they match.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Inventor: Bryan Thompson
  • Publication number: 20140180476
    Abstract: Example embodiments of the present invention may provide an efficient method of identifying unit doses of medication, and more specifically, to dispensing, identifying, packaging, and marking unit doses of medication for distribution. In particular, methods may include receiving a plurality of unit dose medications, dispensing one of the plurality of unit dose medications, and capturing an image of the one of a plurality of unit dose medications. The method may also compare the captured image to a database of known medications, where each known medication includes a medication type and a medication dose. In response to the captured image satisfying a confidence threshold match to one of the known medications, the one of the plurality of unit dose medications may be identified. Dispensing one of the plurality of unit dose medications may include dispensing one of the plurality of unit dose medications to a unit dose package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: McKesson Automation Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Jaynes, Dave Deutsch
  • Patent number: 8756998
    Abstract: Solid contents verification systems and methods are provided. The system includes a contents sensor unit, a container-carrying unit and a control unit. The contents sensor unit has at least one contents sensor configured to send and receive sonic pulses to determine a state of contents in a container. The contents sensor unit is configured to send a signal communicating a state of the contents in a container. The container-carrying unit is configured to hold a container in substantial alignment with the contents sensors to expose the contents to the sonic pulses. The control unit is operatively connected to the contents sensor unit. The control unit is configured to receive the signal communicating the state of the contents and to compare the state of the contents with a desired state of the contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Express Scripts, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan W. Joplin
  • Patent number: 8757010
    Abstract: A fuel flow meter assembly for detecting fraud caused by tampering. The fuel flow meter assembly includes a fuel flow meter comprising a shaft and a displacement sensor operatively connected to the fuel flow meter shaft for generating information representative of an amount of fuel delivered through the fuel flow meter. At least one transponder is coupled with one of the fuel flow meter shaft and the displacement sensor. At least one interrogator electronics is coupled with the other of the fuel flow meter shaft and the displacement sensor. The at least one interrogator electronics is configured for remote electronic communication with the at least one transponder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Gilbarco Inc.
    Inventors: Rodger K. Williams, Edward A. Payne, Christopher E. Scott
  • Patent number: 8757435
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method, system and dispensing device for assisting a patient in complying with a medical regimen. The system includes an electronic dispensing device to be used by the patient which comprises a device to obtain information about the regimen. A device registers operation of the dispensing device by the patient taking the medicines. A warning device reminds a patient of the regimen. A medicine packing station packs the medicine within a package in portions to be taken according to the regimen. A database stores information about the regimen. A service center is provided to assist when necessary. A communication network is provided for communication between the dispensing device and the service center and/or between the service center and the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Vitaphone Nederland B.V.
    Inventors: Andreas Bernardus Petrus Van Oort, Marlies Van Dullemen, Noor Doucet-Liem, Annemieke Westerink, Erwin Christiaan Alexander Van Der Star
  • Patent number: 8757009
    Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting fraud caused by tampering with a fuel flow meter. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a fuel flow meter for measuring the flow of liquid fuel. The flow meter has at least one shaft supporting a rotor. The method further comprises providing the flow meter with a rotary displacement sensor. Also, the method comprises measuring a first angular position of the shaft upon termination of a first fueling transaction and measuring a second angular position of the shaft upon initiation of a second fueling transaction. Finally, the method comprises comparing data indicative of the first and second shaft angular positions to determine whether fraud has occurred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Danaher UK Industries Limited
    Inventor: Michael Lawrence Jennings
  • Patent number: 8761924
    Abstract: The invention relates to an interactive fuel dispenser system having a plurality of fuel dispensers operating in conjunction with a local server. Each dispenser generally has two fueling positions, each with a graphical user interface through which a customer interacts. In contrast with efforts to turn fuel dispensers into super computers, applicants' provide a dispenser architecture that need only be sufficient to establish interactivity with a server to create multimedia applications and carry out POS functions with a browser interface. Each fueling position acts as a client of a local server at the fuel station store. In the preferred embodiment, each fueling position client also may access remote servers connected to the same network in which the fueling position clients and the local server are connected. Preferably, this network is connected to the Worldwide Web of the Internet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Gilbarco, Inc.
    Inventors: Russel D. Leatherman, William C. Royal, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140163728
    Abstract: A system for receiving and auditing objects according to an embodiment of the invention includes a housing having a front panel, a receiving area, an auditing area, and a drop chute, wherein the receiving area includes a shelf, the front panel includes an opening, a door assembly having a pushing wall and a second pushing wall and assembly moveable between an open position in which an object can be inserted through the opening and into the receiving area, and a closed position in which the door assembly prevents access to the receiving area, wherein the pushing wall moves the object from the shelf into the auditing area as the door assembly closed; and a control system coupled to a camera and switch, wherein the door assembly activates the switch when it is in the closed position, the control system images the object with the camera in response to switch activation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventors: Roger H. GROW, Richard L. MALONE, Charles NEWSOM
  • Patent number: 8751039
    Abstract: Described are systems for providing remote medical therapy to a subject by dispensing one or more medical items from a short-term inventory of medical items. The inventory of medical items is risk profiled based on probability calculation of health or economic risk to a subject, a population, a venue, or a situation in advance of need for the medical items. In some embodiments, the system comprises a digital processing device, an apparatus for dispensing the one or more medical items, and a connector device, with a memory, that facilitates communication between the digital processing device and the dispensing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Remedev, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Macoviak, Richard L. Macoviak, James J. Macoviak, Espir G. Kahatt
  • Patent number: 8751037
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention can include systems and methods for dispensing consumable products. One embodiment of the invention can provide a product dispenser. The product dispenser can include an ingredient matrix operable to receive a plurality of product ingredients. In addition, the product dispenser can include a controller in communication with the ingredient matrix, and operable to execute a set of instructions to receive product data associated with the plurality of product ingredients. Moreover, the controller can further comprise a set of instructions to track usage of the plurality of product ingredients when at least one product is dispensed. Furthermore, the controller can further comprise a set of instructions to update the product data during or after dispensing of a product or installation of one or more product ingredients in the ingredient matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Dan Peters, Son V. Tran, David R. Newman, Leonard F. Antao, David O. Slagley, H. Brock Kolls
  • Patent number: 8749359
    Abstract: A tablet holder with an alert system for reminding individuals to take their medications featuring a base with seven compartments. Each compartment has a separate lid, and a base lid covers all the compartment lids. Compartment LEDs are disposed in each compartment lid. A touch screen display, a speaker, a vibrating component, and a microprocessor are each disposed in the base. The microprocessor is connected to a time keeping system that keeps the date and time. The microprocessor can be programmed to be activated at various dates and times. When the microprocessor is activated, the microprocessor activates the LEDs, the speaker, and the vibrating component to alert the user to take his/her medicine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventor: Ruta Wilson
  • Patent number: 8744619
    Abstract: An automatic prescription drug dispenser including a remote dispenser, a prescription entry system, and a communications network. The remote dispenser transmits and receives information from the communications network and dispenses prescription drugs to the patient. The prescription entry system transmits and receives information from the communications network and provides an input system for the prescriber to electronically enter individual prescriptions for each patient. The communications network coordinates communications between the doctor, insurance carrier, and the remote dispenser. The remote dispenser stores, retrieves, and labels prescription drug and over-the-counter products directly to patients through a remote automated dispenser, a prescription entry system, and a communications network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: InstyMeds Corporation
    Inventor: Ken Rosenblum
  • Patent number: 8744622
    Abstract: A system for information management has a compilation device collecting information particular to a vending device located therein, a PDA useable for receipt, manipulation or inputting information into the compilation device. An activation device triggers the compilation device to prepare it to export or import information to or from the PDA. The compilation device has a power source and activation sensor for activation of thereof and in a dormant state prior to such activation, thereby conserving the energy stored within the power source, and allowing the data compilation device to remain as small as possible. The PDA has operating software which is able to synchronize multiple PDAs to a computer server and is also capable of having route management software for use by field engineers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Nova Resolution Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Elliott Porco
  • Patent number: 8744620
    Abstract: This invention provides a system and method for dispensing medication and a dispensing apparatus that comprises a plurality of compartments in an array within a housing, the compartments having respective lids, each of the lids being movable from a closed position to an open position, the respective lids each having a latch that secures the lid in a locked configuration in the closed position. The apparatus has an actuator mechanism that selectively unlocks the latch of each of the lids at a predetermined time so as to place the unlocked lid in an unlocked configuration that enables the lid to be moved to the open position. The compartments of the medication dispenser each receive a removable cup therein that is accessible when a respective of the lids associated therewith is in the open position. Other features, such as communication and messaging and/or audible/visual displays can also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: MedMinder Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Eran Shavelsky, Woodie C. Flowers, Justin F. Aiello
  • Patent number: 8744618
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention can include systems and methods for dispensing consumable products. In one embodiment, a system comprising a product dispenser and processor can be provided. The processor can be operable to execute a set of instructions operable to receive a consumer preference to receive a notification associated with a product. The set of instructions can be further operable to determine whether the product is being offered, and based at least in part on the consumer preference, notify the consumer regarding availability of the product from the product dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Dan Peters, Son V. Tran, David R. Newman, Leonard F. Antao, David O. Slagley, H. Brock Kolls
  • Patent number: 8744623
    Abstract: A chemical product dispenser includes one or more timing features. The chemical product may include cleaning, sanitizing, disinfecting, or other chemical products typically dispensed using a conventional spray bottle or other chemical product applicator used in the cleaning industry. The timed dispenser includes a timer and one or more indicators that are activated when one or more predetermined periods of time (such as a contact time or cure time) have elapsed. A timed dispenser audit system further monitors and analyzes use of the timed dispensers throughout one or more facilities, and may generate reports based on the analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Deborah L. Drake, Sherri L. Tischler, Paul R. Kraus