Michael John Bergeron

US Patent:

7139639, Nov 21, 2006

Filed:

Jul 29, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/629887

Inventors:

Brian Broussard - Lafayette LA, US
Monroe Milton - Lecompte LA, US
Michael Bergeron - Pineville LA, US
Steven J. Remis - Ford City PA, US
Joseph Popovich - McMurray PA, US

Assignee:

McKesson Automation Systems Inc. - Pittsburgh PA

International Classification:

G06F 17/00

US Classification:

700225, 700231, 700240, 700244, 377 6, 221 2, 221 9

Abstract:

One embodiment of the present invention includes a system comprising a housing having an upper end and a lower end. The housing carries a plurality of movable blades defining an entry aperture proximate to the upper end, an exit aperture proximate to the lower end, and a chamber there between. An adapter may be provided for connection to the housing and for receiving an article storage container. The upper end of the housing carries a sensor responsive to the presence and absence of the article storage container. A memory device carries information about the presence and absence of the article storage container. An article determining and actuating station has electronics for interrogating the memory device, for controlling the plurality of blades and for determining the number of items dispensed. A receptacle collects articles that have been dispensed. Methods of associating a flow control device with an article storage container and of dispensing items are also disclosed.

US Patent:

7555362, Jun 30, 2009

Filed:

May 25, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/442104

Inventors:

Brian Broussard - Lafayette LA, US
Monroe Milton - Lecompte LA, US
Michael Bergeron - Pineville LA, US
Joseph Popovich - McMurray PA, US
John Volkar - Amity PA, US

Assignee:

Parata Systems, LLC - Morrisville NC

International Classification:

G06F 17/00

US Classification:

700244, 700231, 700232, 700237, 700240, 221 2, 221 9, 221 10, 221 12, 377 6

Abstract:

One embodiment of the present invention includes a system comprising a housing having an upper end and a lower end. The housing carries a plurality of movable blades defining an entry aperture proximate to the upper end, an exit aperture proximate to the lower end, and a chamber there between. An adapter may be provided for connection to the housing and for receiving an article storage container. The upper end of the housing carries a sensor responsive to the presence and absence of the article storage container. A memory device carries information about the presence and absence of the article storage container. An article determining and actuating station has electronics for interrogating the memory device, for controlling the plurality of blades and for determining the number of items dispensed. A receptacle collects articles that have been dispensed. Methods of associating a flow control device with an article storage container and of dispensing items are also disclosed.