Entries |
Document | Title | Date |
20080208390 | SORTING PARCELS WITH IMPLICIT IDENTIFICATION - A method for sorting parcels may include reading, during a first sortation pass, machine readable indicia applied to the parcel prior to mailing and at least a portion of delivery address information on a parcel. The method may also include selecting a reference indicium from the machine readable indicia and creating an entry, corresponding to the reference indicia, in a first database, the entry including a portion of the delivery address information for the parcel and a value corresponding to the reference indicium. The method may include forwarding the entry to a second database different from the first database, the second database corresponding to the delivery address information. The method may include reading the machine readable indicia during a second sortation pass, subsequent to the first, identifying the reference indicium and retrieving the entry corresponding to the reference indicium from the second database, and sorting the parcel according to the portion of the delivery address information in the entry retrieved from the database. | 08-28-2008 |
20080300717 | Apparatus and methods for processing mailpiece information by an identification code server - Apparatus and methods consistent with the present invention provide for processing delivery item information in an identification code sorting system by an identification code server. In one embodiment, a primary identification code server receives an identification file containing identification information uniquely corresponding to a delivery item. In this embodiment, the primary identification code server processes the delivery item information and may send the identification file to a secondary identification code server. In another embodiment, a secondary identification code server receives an identification file from a primary identification code server and processes the delivery item information. | 12-04-2008 |
20080312768 | Devices and methods for detecting hazardous materials - A container screening system that uses multiple orthogonal sensors for detecting hazardous materials, such as liquid explosives and precursors of liquid explosives, in sealed containers. The container screening system comprises a first sensor that detects materials inside the container using a first detection technology, a second sensor that detects materials insider the container using a second detection technology, and a data processing unit that processes data from the first and second sensors and generates a screen result. The system reduces false positives and increases probability of detection by matching the relative strengths and weaknesses of each technology. | 12-18-2008 |
20090088894 | TRANSPORT SYSTEM CAPABLE OF OPTIMIZING TRANSPORT TIME - A transport system includes a plurality of automated guided vehicles that run on a first track to transport an article, a second track connected to the first track on which the plurality of automated guided vehicles wait, a transport controlling apparatus which calculates transport time by using transport completion information received from the automated guided vehicle, and a vehicle managing apparatus which controls the number of automated guided vehicles running on the first track according to a result of calculation by using transport implementation information containing the transport time and historical data containing a list of the transport implementation information. | 04-02-2009 |
20090204255 | System for Supporting Medicine Filling Operation - Provided is a system for supporting medicine filling operation determines whether or not a combination of a medicine container and a medicine is appropriate and performs filling operation reliably and quickly without making a mistake. A control means ( | 08-13-2009 |
20090222130 | Docking station for mounting and programming multifunction timer device and method - A multifunction timer device provides a time/date stamp on a dispensing container and includes a housing, a controller with a timer circuit contained in the housing, a display for displaying information from the timer circuit, and a multifunction input button. The input button is operable in predetermined sequences to select operating and display modes of the timer device. The input button can be operated to display an actual date or time, to display a current timer value, to select between count-up and count-down modes, and to increment a counter. An adhesive backing is provided for attaching the timer device to the container. A communications link is provided for interfacing the controller with an external programmer. A reset trigger is used to automatically reset the timer device when the object is moved in a particular way, such as when a lid is removed from a pill container. A docking station interconnected with a host data processing system encodes information read from a container label and writes scanned and stored data to the timer device while simultaneously mounting the timer device to the container. | 09-03-2009 |
20090281655 | CONTROL SYSTEM FOR A LOAD HANDLING CLAMP - A control system for a load-handling clamp includes first and second load-engaging surfaces for selectively gripping and releasing a load disposed between said surfaces. At least one of said surfaces is selectively movable toward the other by a hydraulic actuator. At least one fluid valve assembly variably regulates a maximum hydraulic clamping pressure capable of causing the actuator to move one of the surfaces toward the other in a load clamping movement. Preferably, a load geometry sensor produces an electrical effect that varies as a function of the geometric profile of the load. A data receiver preferably also obtains load identification information related to at least one characteristic of the load, other than the load's geometry. A controller, in response to the data receiver and load geometry sensor, operates to control the valve assembly's regulation of the maximum hydraulic clamping pressure. In order to prepare for the load clamping movement, the controller is preferably also capable of enabling the actuator to move one of said surfaces toward the other in an initial clamp closing movement at a maximum hydraulic closing pressure greater than the maximum hydraulic clamping pressure. Thereafter the controller enables the load clamping movement at a pressure level substantially no greater than the maximum hydraulic clamping pressure. | 11-12-2009 |
20100010664 | Apparatus For Monitoring A Package Handling System - A monitoring apparatus for sensing conditions associated with a package handling system. The monitoring apparatus includes a test package configured for being handled by the package handling system with non-test packages handled by the package handling system. The test package has a housing defining a test package interior and has at least one sensor positioned within the interior for sensing conditions associated with the package handling system. The sensor produces an output signal corresponding to the conditions that it senses. The test package further includes a support positioned within the test package interior and connecting the sensor to the housing so that the sensor is directed generally toward an outside of the test package for sensing conditions associated with the package handling system. | 01-14-2010 |
20100030374 | Medication dispenser - A medication dispensing system uses a series of medication rings grouped as a rotary drum and controlled for dispensing medication on a daily basis into a divided pill box. Each medication ring includes an associated medication collar that cooperates with the medication ring to reduce the possibility of abrasion of the medication dosages held in the medication rings. The pill box is moved and rotated within the dispensing system by a carriage to dispense medication into appropriate cells of the pill box. A computer control module controls the movement of the various components and is programmable for loading and dispensing different medication regimes. | 02-04-2010 |
20100070072 | AUTOMATED RESEARCH PLANTING SYSTEM, METHOD, AND APPARATUS - The present invention provides an automated research seed planting system, method, and apparatus. The system, method, and apparatus may include a planter configured for planting a research plot and comprising a seed package assembly handling device configured to receive a seed package assembly containing a research seed sample, and a controller configured to communicate with the seed package assembly handling device. The controller is configured to automatically control the seed package assembly handling device to release the research seed sample. In various embodiments, the research seed planter may include a positional data acquisition system configured to acquire position data associated with one or more research seed planting events. | 03-18-2010 |
20100100229 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, APPARATUSES AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCTS FOR COLLECTING RECYCLABLE GOODS - An apparatus and system are provided for facilitating a mechanism in which to collect and consolidate goods at a location for recycling. The apparatus includes a processor capable of defining a time period(s) and determining type(s) of recyclable goods and associating a defined time period(s) with one of the recyclable goods based on the type. A portion of the goods may be picked up from an entity upon expiration of the time period. The processor is also capable of receiving an indication that the portion of the goods are delivered to a location and consolidated with other goods of the same type. The other goods are delivered to the location from other entities and the processor is capable of determining whether the consolidated goods exceed a predetermined threshold and if so the processor is capable of generating an instruction to deliver the consolidated goods to a facility for recycling. | 04-22-2010 |
20100100230 | Item verification apparatus and method - A system for verifying whether an item retracted into a self-service terminal is the same item that was output from the self-service terminal, wherein the signature data sets generated prior to output and following retraction of the item are compared. A method of verifying whether an item retracted into a self-service terminal is the same item that was output from the self-service terminal is also disclosed. | 04-22-2010 |
20100100231 | MEDICINE SUPPLY APPARATUS - A medicine supply apparatus which comprises, in a case accommodating section | 04-22-2010 |
20100100232 | MEDICINE SUPPLY APPARATUS - A medicine supply apparatus which comprises, in a case accommodating section | 04-22-2010 |
20100161113 | AUTOMATED DRUG PREPARATION APPARATUS INCLUDING DRUG RECONSTITUTION - An automated medication preparation system for preparing a prescribed dosage of medication in a drug delivery device includes a plurality of stations for receiving, handling and processing the drug delivery device so that the prescribed dosage of medication is delivered to the drug delivery device and a transporting device that receives and holds more than one drug delivery device and moves the drug delivery devices in a controlled manner from one station to another station. The system is configured so that two or more separate drug delivery devices can be acted upon at the same time. | 06-24-2010 |
20110035047 | METHOD FOR NEED-BASED ORDER-PICKING OF MEDICINE PORTIONS IN DISPENSING PACKS - In a method for need-based order-picking of medicine portions, several medicine portions of a defined type are firstly identified in several blister packs of different dimensions having receiving chambers and are placed in an automated storage facility. Data identifying the blister packs are saved in association with designations of their storage locations. A dispensing pack is then made ready at an automatic filling station and is filled as needed. Finally, the filled dispensing pack is placed in the same or another automated storage facility, if the dispensing pack is not yet intended to be distributed. | 02-10-2011 |
20110046776 | SEED PLANTER DATA ACQUISITION AND MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - The present invention provides a system and method for generating a planting profile for seeds planted in a field using a seed planter that includes a seed transfer device. In various embodiments, the planting profile may be generated via a processor that communicates with a timing device and a seed sensor. The timing device is configured to provide timestamps associated with the presence of one or more seeds on a seed carrying feature of the seed transfer device as indicated by the seed sensor. Some embodiments further comprise a speed measuring device that is configured to measure and provide to the processor a speed of the seed planter as it travels through the field. Other embodiments further comprise a second seed sensor that senses seeds after exiting from the drop tube. | 02-24-2011 |
20110054672 | ARRANGEMENT FOR THE TIMED PROCESSING OF A PRINTED PRODUCT WITH THE AID OF A TRANSFER DEVICE - With an arrangement for the timed processing of a book block, consisting of at least one printed sheet or at least one signature, a transfer device ( | 03-03-2011 |
20110202174 | INTEGRATED, NON-SEQUENTIAL, REMOTE MEDICATION MANAGEMENT AND COMPLIANCE SYSTEM - An integrated medication management and compliance system for enabling a care provider to remotely manage and deliver individual doses of therapeutic products to a patient, in a non-sequential fashion. System includes delivery apparatus remotely located from the care provider, wherein the apparatus stores a plurality of sealed unit dose packages that are delivered to a patient at a scheduled dosing time. The delivery apparatus is coupled to a control facility and to a computer terminal of the care provider by way of a secure communications network. The system enables the patient's medication regimen to be remotely tailored in real-time to accommodate fluid medical conditions. | 08-18-2011 |
20120004764 | RECONFIGURABLE MULTI-POCKET DISPENSE DRAWER - A drawer assembly that includes a cartridge, a drawer configured to receive the cartridge, and a docking connector attached to the drawer. The cartridge includes a body having a plurality of bins, a plurality of lids that are moveably attached to the body and releasably secured over the bins, and a connector attached to the body. The cartridge is configured such that the lids cannot be opened unless a signal is received through the connector. The docking connector is configured to mate with the connector of the cartridge when the cartridge is received in the drawer. | 01-05-2012 |
20120004765 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TRACKING OF MAIL USING A UNIVERSAL CODING SYSTEM - A method of tracking trays through a delivery system. The method comprises: generating an enhanced label, the enhanced label comprising a routing code and a label unique identifier, the enhanced label being applied to the tray; associating a tray with a container, the container having a container unique identifier; and receiving a load container scan, the load container scan associating the container unique identifier with the enhanced label. | 01-05-2012 |
20120016517 | AUTO-CALIBRATION METHOD FOR REAL-TIME AGRICULTURAL SENSORS - A method for application of an agricultural product to a field is provided. The method includes acquiring real-time sampled data using real-time agricultural sensors, auto-calibrating the real-time agricultural sensors using statistical characteristics of the real-time sampled data to determine an application rate, and applying the agricultural product to the field based on the application rate. The step of auto-calibrating can be performed in various ways depending upon the type of agricultural product, the data available from the agricultural sensors or otherwise, or otherwise. | 01-19-2012 |
20120022684 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATICALLY DEPOSITING OBJECTS FOR THE PURPOSE OF THEIR TRANSPORTATION - A method for automatically depositing objects for transport, including a phase of user storing transport data in a storage element, the data relating to: the user associated with the object; the total number of objects declared by the user; the destination, the route and the time of the transport; a depositing phase, including: a user applying a first electromagnetic identification tag onto an object to be transported; placing, by the user, the object to be transported on a conveyance device; reading an identification data, by first reading device, from the first electromagnetic identification tag, storing identification data read in the storage element in association with previously stored transport data; a phase of conveying the object for transport; the depositing phase including a measurement of the weight and/or dimensions of the object and/or storing, in the storage element, of the weight and/or the dimensions in association with the transport data. | 01-26-2012 |
20120059509 | ARTICLE VENDING MACHINE AND METHOD FOR AUTHENTICATING RECEIVED ARTICLES - An article dispensing machine, system and method for authenticating an article returned to the article dispensing machine and an article for use in such a machine and system. The article dispensing machine comprises an infrared light for illuminating the surface of the returned article, an image capture device for capturing the image of an authentication code on the returned article, and a processor for comparing the captured image to a master authentication code. The returned article comprises the authentication code printed in a carbon-containing ink and a substantially carbon free ink portion printed overtop of and at least partially concealing the authentication code, such that the authentication code is not visible in white light, but becomes visible when exposed to infrared light. | 03-08-2012 |
20120089249 | AUTOMATIC PRESCRIPTION DRUG DISPENSER - 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. | 04-12-2012 |
20120173016 | BOTTLED WATER CENTER - A bottle return station preferably with a dispensing station provides for the receipt of empty bottles. Bottles are provided through an acceptor which accepts bottles having a particular configuration while not accepting others. The empty bottle returns are guided to a receiving station where they can be retrieved by an operator. Meanwhile a dispensing station can be accessed by users. | 07-05-2012 |
20120209421 | Pneumatic Tube Carrier Tracking System - A system and method provides for a pneumatic tube carrier tracking system having a system control module that captures and presents tracking information associated with sending and receiving carriers. The pneumatic tube carrier tracking system comprises sending and receiving stations connected by pneumatic tubing, and which are configured to securely send carriers, with receiving users optionally being restricted from unauthorized access of carriers. The sending and receiving stations have identifying tag readers configured to scan identifier tags to read carrier delivery, carrier receipt and receiving user information. Destination and intended recipient information are entered at the sending station when sending a carrier and are transmitted to a system control module, which routably delivers and secures the carriers in response the destination and intended recipient information. | 08-16-2012 |
20120310407 | VENDING MACHINE CONTROL - The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for controlling a vending machine. A product that is next to be dispensed in a vending machine is identified and the expiry date of the product is determined. One or more corrective actions are triggered if the current date is within a predefined time period of the expiry date of the product. | 12-06-2012 |
20120316671 | BATTERY CHARGING AND TRANSFER SYSTEM FOR ELECTRICALLY POWERED VEHICLES - A battery transfer and charging system for electric vehicles is described. A station removes one or more spent batteries of electric vehicles having multiple batteries. The receiving system includes an engagement device for engaging with engagement structures of the batteries, in order to assist the removal of spent batteries. Spent batteries removed from vehicles may be tested and charged as they progress through the system in an assembly-line fashion. Following recharge, batteries may be transferred to the displacement station for installation within later vehicles. Batteries which cannot adequately be recharged can be automatically removed from the system. | 12-13-2012 |
20130066462 | ADJUSTABLE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM, METHOD AND COMPUTER READABLE MEDIUM FOR USE WITH A CONVEYOR AND A READER - An adjustable speed control system includes a reader, databases, processors and a conveyor controller. The databases store data concerning conveyor stops and failed attempts by the reader to identify conveyed items. Based on the failed attempts and the conveyor stops, the processors calculate an optimal speed of the conveyor. The controller adjusts the conveyor speed towards the optimal speed to increase the conveyed items successfully identified by the reader. Also disclosed are a corresponding method and computer readable medium on which is stored instructions to, upon execution, adjustably control the conveyor speed. | 03-14-2013 |
20130144430 | MATERIAL-LOADING CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD - A material-loading control system and method are disclosed for controlling a track conveyor on a production line through a control unit. When materials are to be loaded, production information is first obtained from a production management system, and information of a tray to be loaded, information of a feeder in which the tray is loaded, and information of a corresponding station are identified. The various information are compared with the production information obtained to see whether they are matched or not. If they are not matched, the control unit is instructed to power off the track conveyor to stop the operation of the track conveyor. In addition, during subsequent production process, if a material-tossing action is detected in the production line, then the control unit is instructed to stop the operation of the track conveyor, thereby ensuring the correctness of tray changing and reducing the error rate in material loading. | 06-06-2013 |
20130204431 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CARRIER IDENTIFICATION IN A PNEUMATIC TUBE SYSTEM - A system and method provides for the identification and monitoring of carriers within a pneumatic carrier system. Each carrier which is to be employed within the system includes an identification device such as a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip which has stored thereon identification information for the carrier. Positioned throughout the system are communications devices such as antennas and readers which are employed to read and/or write identification information on the chip. When a carrier is put in the system, a destination location can be associated with the particular carrier ID. This associated information is then employed to, among many things, monitor and confirm identity of the carrier as it moves to its destination. | 08-08-2013 |
20130226334 | MULTIPLE-POINTS MEASUREMENT - A stacking apparatus that stacks chip assemblies each having a plurality of chips disposed continuously with circuit patterns and electrodes, includes: a plurality of stages each allowed to move arbitrarily, on which the chip assemblies are placed; a storage unit that stores an estimated extent of change in a position of an electrode at each chip, expected to occur as heat is applied to the chip assemblies placed on the plurality of stages during a stacking process; and a control unit that sets positions of the plurality of stages to be assumed relative to each other during the stacking process based upon the estimated extent of change in the position of the electrode at each chip provided from the storage unit and position information indicating positions of individual chips formed at the chip assemblies and controls at least one of the plurality of stages. | 08-29-2013 |
20130331979 | Interchangeable Insert for an Auger - An interchangeable flighting insert is disclosed to maximize the efficiency of singularly delivering objects, such as products, to a user through a product dispensation device. The flighting insert can be removably coupled to an auger of the product dispensation device, thereby allowing variation of the flighting characteristics based on the object to be dispensed. The same auger can therefore use a first flighting for certain products, and a second flighting for different products. | 12-12-2013 |
20140046480 | FOOD MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - In a food management system for managing a food carried by a food plate carrier put on the conveyor line, the food plate carrier comprises a mounting platform having a plate resting portion for resting thereon a plate, and a cover for covering the plate resting portion, the cover being attached to the mounting platform in such a manner as to open and close with respect to the plate resting portion, and the food management system comprises an IC tag attached to the food plate carrier, a reader for reading data on the food from the IC tag, an open-close detector for detecting opening and closing of the cover of the food plate carrier, and a controller for computing data on the food, based on the data read by the reader and the data on the opening and closing of the cover detected by the open-close detector. | 02-13-2014 |
20140180470 | BIN ALLOCATION METHOD OF POINT LIGHT SOURCES FOR CONSTRUCTING LIGHT SOURCE SETS - A bin allocation method of point light sources for constructing light source sets is provided. In this method, a matching matrix corresponding to each light source set product is provided for showing feasible combinations of bin codes of the point light sources which can be used for constructing the light source sets. Then, for reducing computation loading, the original matching matrix is reduced to a simplified matching matrix according to effective inventories of point light sources. Thereafter, the simplified matching matrix of each light source set product is applied to search for low exchangeable bin codes of the point tight sources among the light source set products. Then, the point light sources with the low exchangeable bin codes are precedently used for constructing the light source set products. | 06-26-2014 |
20140277695 | AUTOMATIC TRACKING OF A SPECIMEN HOLDER MOVED FROM ONE SPECIMEN RACK TO ANOTHER - A user may move a specimen holder from one specimen rack to another specimen rack. A database automatically tracks the movement of the specimen holder from a rack slot of one specimen rack to a rack slot of the other specimen rack. To track movement of the specimen holder, the user places a specimen rack on a specimen reader that determines the location of any specimen holders in slots of the specimen rack. The user removes a particular specimen holder from a particular rack slot of the specimen rack and the database is updated to reflect removal of the particular specimen holder from the specimen rack. The user places another specimen rack on the reader and inserts the newly removed specimen holder in a slot of the another specimen rack. The database is updated to reflect insertion of the specimen holder in a particular slot of the another rack. | 09-18-2014 |
20140343719 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING PACKAGING OF ITEMS ON A PRODUCTION/DISTRIBUTION LINE - The disclosed method, and corresponding system, for controlling items on a production/distribution line relies on secure identification of items transported arranged in a given disposition along a transport path at a site of collection and packaging of the items, and association of ID data of some of the packed items with corresponding packaging ID data so as to ensure reliable identification of package content delivered on the line. | 11-20-2014 |
20140343720 | CONVEYING SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF ASSOCIATING DATA WITH AN ITEM TRANSPORTED BY A CONVEYING SYSTEM - Systems and methods of associating data to an item being transported by a conveying system are disclosed. The item and data associated with the item are received at a first zone of the conveying system. The data is stored in a first computer-readable storage medium associated with the first zone. The item is transported to a second zone of the conveying system, and the data stored in the first computer-readable storage medium is transferred to a second computer-readable storage medium associated with the second zone. | 11-20-2014 |
20140350718 | CORRECTION OF CUSTOMER MAILING INFORMATION - Apparatus, methods, media and code for applying a mailing label are provided. The apparatus may include a mail receipt conveyor; a mail registration station that is configured to receive from the mail receipt conveyor a mail item that includes on an exterior surface of an envelope a printed message indicating that a customer name appearing on the mail item does not correspond to an address on the mail item; an imaging device that is configured to capture a delivery error segment of the surface; a processor device that is configured to identify an electronic mail address that corresponds to a customer name in the addressee segment of the surface; and a transmitter device that is configured to transmit to the email address an electronic form for electronically receiving a different address. | 11-27-2014 |