The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Sep. 16, 2008
Filed:
Mar. 07, 2006
Robert B. Meek, Jr., Pittsburgh, PA (US);
Kirk A. Young, Pittsburgh, PA (US);
Louis S. Conley, Sewickley, PA (US);
Eric J. Switalski, Pittsburgh, PA (US);
Allen D. Bowers, Pittsburgh, PA (US);
Robert B. Meek, Jr., Pittsburgh, PA (US);
Kirk A. Young, Pittsburgh, PA (US);
Louis S. Conley, Sewickley, PA (US);
Eric J. Switalski, Pittsburgh, PA (US);
Allen D. Bowers, Pittsburgh, PA (US);
McKesson Automation Inc., Richmond, VA (US);
Abstract
One aspect of the invention relates to an assembly comprising a plurality of bins with a plurality of lids associated therewith. Each of the bins has a lock assembly that includes a catch operable to lock the lid in its closed position and a mechanical indicator responsive to the catch. Another aspect of the invention relates to an automated dispensing cabinet that includes a control computer and a plurality of drawers having a plurality of row assemblies therein. Each row assembly has bins that include a tabbed lid, a lock assembly with a catch operable to engage and disengage the tab, and an indicator responsive to the lock assembly. Methods for dispensing from and restocking the remote dispensing systems are also given, as well as a method for indicating which item is to be dispensed from one of a plurality of bins.