Patent US4604847A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4604847A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Medicine package, method of opening the package, and machine for performing the method
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1983-09-14
•
Granted: 1986-08-12
•
Expires: 2003-09-14
Abstract
Abstract A medicine package including a reservoir containing the medicine, the package bearing a machine readable code indicative of the characteristics of the medicine contained therein. If from reading the code it is determined that the medicine contained in the package can be used to satisfy the needs of a particular patient, then the package is opened and the code is rendered unreadable by the machine. A machine for reading the code, opening the package, rendering the code unreadable, and maintaining a record of the dispensing of the medicine to a particular patient is also disclosed.
Inventors
- 👤 Thomas S. Moulding, Jr.
- 👤 Donald G. Ellis
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 12:59
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61J; A61J7/00; A61J7/0076; A61J7/0084; A61J1/00; A61J1/03; A61J1/035; A61J2205/00; A61J2205/10; A61J2205/60; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T83/00; Y10T83/081; Y10T83/091; Y10T83/525; Y10T83/536; Y10T83/541; Y10T83/543; Y10T83/727; Y10T83/73; Y10T83/748; Y10T83/7593; Y10T83/7633
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 147
Claim 1
Independent Claim
72 words
A machine for opening a package, the package having a reservoir and bearing a code indicating information concerning the characteristics of the contents thereof, comprising: means for guiding the code bearing portion of the package along a selected path; means for deciphering the code as the code bearing package portion travels forward along the path; and means for cutting the package when the code bearing package portion travels forward along the path.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
72 words
A machine for opening a package, the package having a reservoir and bearing a code indicating information concerning the characteristics of the contents thereof, comprising: means for guiding the code bearing portion of the package along a selected path; means for deciphering the code as the code bearing package portion travels forward along the path; and means for cutting the package when the code bearing package portion travels forward along the path.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
50 words
A machine according to claim 1 further including means for preventing the code bearing package portion from traveling backward along the path after the code has been deciphered by said deciphering means and wherein said cutting means cuts the package after the code has been deciphered by said deciphering means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
12 words
A machine according to claim 1 wherein the package contents comprise medicine.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
A machine according to claim 1 wherein said guide means includes a trough having a shape conforming to the shape of the reservoir.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
A machine according to claim 1 wherein said cutting means includes at least one knife.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
A machine according to claim 2 wherein said preventing means selectively prevents the code bearing package portion from traveling backward after said code has been deciphered.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
A machine according to claim 1 further comprising means for selectively preventing the package from being cut by said cutting means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
A machine according to claim 1 wherein said cutting means avoids contact with the package contents.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
A machine according to claim 1 further comprising means for rendering the code substantially unreadable.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
24 words
A machine according to claim 2 further comprising means to render the code substantially unreadable and wherein said rendering means includes said cutting means.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
21 words
A machine according to claim 2 further comprising means for applying ink to the code to render the code substantially unreadable.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
21 words
A machine according to claim 2 further comprising means for applying heat to the package to render the code substantially unreadable.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
17 words
A machine according to claim 1 further comprising means for recording the information indicated by the code.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
72 words
A machine for opening a package, the package having a reservoir and bearing a code indicating information concerning the characteristics of the contents thereof, comprising: means for guiding the code bearing package portion to a selected position; means for deciphering the code when the code bearing package portion is in the selected position; and means for cutting the code bearing package portion after the code has been deciphered by said deciphering means.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
72 words
A machine for opening a package, the package having a reservoir and bearing a code indicating information concerning the characteristics of the contents thereof, comprising: means for guiding the code bearing package portion to a selected position; means for deciphering the code when the code bearing package portion is in the selected position; and means for cutting the code bearing package portion after the code has been deciphered by said deciphering means.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
24 words
A machine according to claim 14 wherein said cutting means cuts the code bearing package portion when the package is in the selected position.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
12 words
A machine according to claim 14 wherein the package contents comprise medicine.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
24 words
A machine according to claim 14 wherein said cutting means cuts the code bearing package portion substantially along a circle substantially encompassing the code.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
19 words
A machine according to claim 14 wherein said cutting means includes a knife operably connected to a rotatable shaft.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
21 words
A machine according to claim 14 further comprising means for selectively preventing the package from being cut by said cutting means.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
17 words
A machine according to claim 14 further comprising means for recording the information indicated by the code.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
15 words
A machine according to claim 14 further comprising means to render the code substantially unreadable.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
46 words
A machine for opening a package, the package provided with a code indicating information concerning the characteristics of the contents thereof, comprising: means for deciphering the code to determine the characteristics of the contents; means for rendering the code undecipherable; and means for opening the package.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
46 words
A machine for opening a package, the package provided with a code indicating information concerning the characteristics of the contents thereof, comprising: means for deciphering the code to determine the characteristics of the contents; means for rendering the code undecipherable; and means for opening the package.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
29 words
A machine according to claim 22 wherein said deciphering means deciphers the code, said rendering means renders the code undecipherable, and said opening means opens the package substantially simultaneously.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
12 words
A machine according to claim 22 wherein the package contents comprise medicine.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
15 words
A machine according to claim 22 wherein said rendering means includes a supply of ink.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
16 words
A machine according to claim 22 wherein said rendering means includes a source of providing heat.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
16 words
A machine according to claim 22 wherein said rendering means includes means for cutting the package.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
17 words
A machine according to claim 22 further comprising means for recording the information indicated by the code.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
22 words
A machine according to claim 22 further comprising means for selectively permitting said cutting means to cut the code bearing package portion.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
16 words
A machine according to claim 22 wherein said cutting means avoids contact with the package contents.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
58 words
A machine for opening a package, the package provided with a code indicating information concerning the characteristics of the contents thereof, comprising: means for guiding the package along a selected path; means for deciphering the code as the package travels forward along the path; and means for opening the package as the package travels forward along the path.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
58 words
A machine for opening a package, the package provided with a code indicating information concerning the characteristics of the contents thereof, comprising: means for guiding the package along a selected path; means for deciphering the code as the package travels forward along the path; and means for opening the package as the package travels forward along the path.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
29 words
A machine according to claim 31 further comprising means for preventing the package from traveling backward along said path after the code has been deciphered by said deciphering means.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
24 words
A machine according to claim 31 further comprising means for rendering the code undecipherable after the code has been deciphered by said deciphering means.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
15 words
A machine according to claim 33 wherein said rendering means includes a supply of ink.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
15 words
A machine according to claim 33 wherein said rendering means includes means for providing heat.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
16 words
A machine according to claim 33 wherein said rendering means includes means for cutting the package.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
30 words
A machine according to claim 31 further comprising means for selectively permitting the package to travel forward along said path after the code has been deciphered by said deciphering means.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
17 words
A machine according to claim 31 further comprising means for recording the information indicated by the code.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
16 words
A machine according to claim 31 wherein said opening means avoids contact with the package contents.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
135 words
A machine for opening a package, the package having a reservoir and bearing a code indicating information concerning the characteristics of the contents thereof, comprising: means for guiding the code bearing portion of the package along a selected path; means for deciphering the code as the code bearing package portion travels forward along the path; means for preventing the code bearing package portion from traveling backward along said path after the code has been deciphered by said deciphering means; means for permitting the code bearing package to travel forward along the path in response to said deciphering means after the code has been deciphered by said deciphering means; and means for opening the package when the code bearing package portion travels forward along the path after the code has been deciphered by said deciphering means.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
135 words
A machine for opening a package, the package having a reservoir and bearing a code indicating information concerning the characteristics of the contents thereof, comprising: means for guiding the code bearing portion of the package along a selected path; means for deciphering the code as the code bearing package portion travels forward along the path; means for preventing the code bearing package portion from traveling backward along said path after the code has been deciphered by said deciphering means; means for permitting the code bearing package to travel forward along the path in response to said deciphering means after the code has been deciphered by said deciphering means; and means for opening the package when the code bearing package portion travels forward along the path after the code has been deciphered by said deciphering means.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
14 words
A machine according to claim 40 further comprising means for rendering the code undecipherable.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
17 words
A machine according to claim 40 further comprising means for recording the information indicated by the code.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
16 words
A machine according to claim 40 wherein said opening means avoids contact with the package contents.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
114 words
A machine for opening a package, the package provided with a code indicating information concerning the characteristic of the contents thereof, comprising: means for guiding the package along a selected path; means for deciphering the code as the package travels forward along the path; means for preventing the package from traveling backward along said path after the code has been deciphered by said deciphering means; means for permitting the package to travel forward along the path in response to said deciphering means after the code has been deciphered by said deciphering means; means for rendering the code undecipherable after the code has been deciphered by said deciphering means; and means for opening the package.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
114 words
A machine for opening a package, the package provided with a code indicating information concerning the characteristic of the contents thereof, comprising: means for guiding the package along a selected path; means for deciphering the code as the package travels forward along the path; means for preventing the package from traveling backward along said path after the code has been deciphered by said deciphering means; means for permitting the package to travel forward along the path in response to said deciphering means after the code has been deciphered by said deciphering means; means for rendering the code undecipherable after the code has been deciphered by said deciphering means; and means for opening the package.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
17 words
A machine according to claim 44 further comprising means for recording the information indicated by the code.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
16 words
A machine according to claim 44 wherein said opening means avoids contact with the package contents.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
101 words
A machine for opening a package, the package having a reservoir and bearing a code indicating information concerning the characteristics of the contents thereof, comprising: means for guiding the package along a selected path; means for deciphering the code as the package travels forward along the path; means for sensing the presence of the package reservoir at a selected point along the path; means responsive to said deciphering means and to said sensing means for permitting the package to travel forward along the path; means for preventing the package from traveling backward along the path; and means for opening the package.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
101 words
A machine for opening a package, the package having a reservoir and bearing a code indicating information concerning the characteristics of the contents thereof, comprising: means for guiding the package along a selected path; means for deciphering the code as the package travels forward along the path; means for sensing the presence of the package reservoir at a selected point along the path; means responsive to said deciphering means and to said sensing means for permitting the package to travel forward along the path; means for preventing the package from traveling backward along the path; and means for opening the package.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
17 words
A machine according to claim 47 further comprising means for recording the information indicated by the code.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
15 words
A machine according to claim 47 further comprising means for rendering the code substantially unreadable.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
16 words
A machine according to claim 47 wherein said opening means avoids contact with the package contents.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
114 words
A machine for opening a package, the package having a reservoir and bearing a code indicating information concerning the characteristics of the contents thereof, comprising: means for guiding the package along a selected path; means for deciphering the code as the package travels forward along the path; means for sensing the presence of the package reservoir at a selected point along the path; means responsive to said deciphering means and said sensing means for recording the information indicated by the code; means for preventing the package from traveling backward along the path; means responsive to said deciphering means for permitting the package to travel forward along the path; and means for opening the package.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
114 words
A machine for opening a package, the package having a reservoir and bearing a code indicating information concerning the characteristics of the contents thereof, comprising: means for guiding the package along a selected path; means for deciphering the code as the package travels forward along the path; means for sensing the presence of the package reservoir at a selected point along the path; means responsive to said deciphering means and said sensing means for recording the information indicated by the code; means for preventing the package from traveling backward along the path; means responsive to said deciphering means for permitting the package to travel forward along the path; and means for opening the package.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
15 words
A machine according to claim 51 further comprising means for rendering the code substantially unreadable.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
16 words
A machine according to claim 51 wherein said opening means avoids contact with the package contents.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
60 words
A machine for opening a package, the package provided with a code indicating information concerning the characteristics of the contents thereof, comprising: means for opening the package; means for deciphering the code substantially instantaneously before said opening means opens the package; and means for recording the information indicated by the code substantially instantaneously before said opening means opens the package.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
60 words
A machine for opening a package, the package provided with a code indicating information concerning the characteristics of the contents thereof, comprising: means for opening the package; means for deciphering the code substantially instantaneously before said opening means opens the package; and means for recording the information indicated by the code substantially instantaneously before said opening means opens the package.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
24 words
A machine according to claim 54 further comprising means for rendering the code undecipherable after the code has been deciphered by said deciphering means.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
26 words
A machine according to claim 54 further comprising means responsive to said deciphering means for selectively preventing the package from being opened by said opening means.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
16 words
A machine according to claim 54 wherein said opening means avoids contact with the package contents.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
94 words
A machine for initiating the separation of two sheets of material attached to an object and secured together in a generally overlapping relationship, one of the sheets being provided with a code indicating information concerning the characteristics about the object, said machine comprising: means for guiding the code bearing sheet portion to a selected position; means for deciphering the code when the code bearing sheet portion is substantially in the selected position; and means for initiating the separation of the two sheets of material after the code has been deciphered by said deciphering means.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
94 words
A machine for initiating the separation of two sheets of material attached to an object and secured together in a generally overlapping relationship, one of the sheets being provided with a code indicating information concerning the characteristics about the object, said machine comprising: means for guiding the code bearing sheet portion to a selected position; means for deciphering the code when the code bearing sheet portion is substantially in the selected position; and means for initiating the separation of the two sheets of material after the code has been deciphered by said deciphering means.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
53 words
A machine according to claim 58 wherein said guiding means guides the code bearing sheet portion along a selected path and wherein the selected position is along the selected path and wherein said initiating means separates the two sheets of material as the code bearing sheet portion travels forward along the selected path.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
24 words
A machine according to claim 58 further comprising means for rendering the code undecipherable after the code has been deciphered by said deciphering means.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
30 words
A machine according to claim 59 further comprising means for selectively preventing the code bearing sheet portion from traveling backward after the code has been deciphered by said deciphering means.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
30 words
A machine according to claim 58 further comprising means responsive to said deciphering means for selectively preventing said initiating means from initiating the separation of the two sheets of material.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
17 words
A machine according to claim 58 further comprising means for recording the information indicated by the code.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
61 words
A machine according to claim 60 further comprising means for selectively preventing the code bearing portion from traveling backward after the code has been deciphered by said deciphering means, means responsive to said deciphering means for selectively preventing said initiating means from initiating the separation of the two sheets of material, and means for recording the information indicated by the code.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
42 words
A machine for opening a package, the package having a reservoir and bearing a code indicating information concerning the characteristics of the contents of the package, comprising: means for deciphering the code and for opening the package in a substantially continuous operation.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
42 words
A machine for opening a package, the package having a reservoir and bearing a code indicating information concerning the characteristics of the contents of the package, comprising: means for deciphering the code and for opening the package in a substantially continuous operation.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
15 words
A machine according to claim 65 further comprising means for rendering the code substantially unreadable.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
17 words
A machine according to claim 65 further comprising means for recording the information indicated by the code.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
18 words
A machine according to claim 65 wherein said deciphering and opening means avoids contact with the package contents.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
18 words
A machine according to claim 65 wherein said deciphering and opening means avoids contact with the package contents.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
46 words
A machine for initiating the opening of a package, the package having a reservoir and bearing a code indicating information concerning the characteristics of the contents thereof, comprising: means for deciphering the code and for initiating the opening of the package in a substantially continuous operation.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
46 words
A machine for initiating the opening of a package, the package having a reservoir and bearing a code indicating information concerning the characteristics of the contents thereof, comprising: means for deciphering the code and for initiating the opening of the package in a substantially continuous operation.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
15 words
A machine according to claim 70 further comprising means for rendering the code substantially unreadable.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
17 words
A machine according to claim 70 further comprising means for recording the information indicated by the code.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
64 words
A machine for initiating the separation of two sheets of material attached to an object and secured together in a generally overlapping relationship, one of said sheets being provided with a code indicating information concerning the characteristics about the object, said machine comprising: means for deciphering the code and for initiating the separation of the two sheets of material in a substantially continuous operation.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
64 words
A machine for initiating the separation of two sheets of material attached to an object and secured together in a generally overlapping relationship, one of said sheets being provided with a code indicating information concerning the characteristics about the object, said machine comprising: means for deciphering the code and for initiating the separation of the two sheets of material in a substantially continuous operation.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
15 words
A machine according to claim 73 further comprising meas for rendering the code substantially unreadable.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
17 words
A machine according to claim 73 further comprising means for recording the information indicated by the code.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
17 words
A machine according to claim 73 wherein said deciphering and initiating means avoids contact with the object.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
25 words
A machine according to claim 73 further comprising means for selectively preventing said initiating means from initiating the separation of the two sheets of material.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
75 words
A machine for initiating the opening of a package, the package having a reservoir and bearing a code indicating information concerning the characteristics of the contents thereof, comprising: means for guiding the code bearing portion of the package along a selected path; means for deciphering the code as the code bearing package portion travels forward along the path; and means for cutting the package when the code bearing package portion travels forward along the path.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
75 words
A machine for initiating the opening of a package, the package having a reservoir and bearing a code indicating information concerning the characteristics of the contents thereof, comprising: means for guiding the code bearing portion of the package along a selected path; means for deciphering the code as the code bearing package portion travels forward along the path; and means for cutting the package when the code bearing package portion travels forward along the path.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
50 words
A machine according to claim 78 further including means for preventing the code bearing package portion from traveling backward along the path after the code has been deciphered by said deciphering means and wherein said cutting means cuts the package after the code has been deciphered by said deciphering means.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
12 words
A machine according to claim 78 wherein the package contents comprise medicine.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
23 words
A machine according to claim 78 wherein said guide means includes a trough having a shape conforming to the shape of the reservoir.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
15 words
A machine according to claim 78 wherein said cutting means includes at least one knife.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
26 words
A machine according to claim 79 wherein said preventing means selectively prevents the code bearing package portion from traveling backward after said code has been deciphered.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
21 words
A machine according to claim 78 further comprising means for selectively preventing the package from being cut by said cutting means.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
16 words
A machine according to claim 78 wherein said cutting means avoids contact with the package contents.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
15 words
A machine according to claim 78 further comprising means for rendering the code substantially unreadable.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
24 words
A machine according to claim 79 further comprising means to render the code substantially unreadable and wherein said rendering means includes said cutting means.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
21 words
A machine according to claim 79 further comprising means for applying ink to the code to render the code substantially unreadable.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
21 words
A machine according to claim 79 further comprising means for applying heat to the package to render the code substantially unreadable.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
17 words
A machine according to claim 78 further comprising means for recording the information indicated by the code.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
52 words
A machine for initiating the opening of a package, the package provided with a code indicating information concerning the characteristics of the contents thereof, comprising: means for deciphering the code to determine the characteristics of the contents; means for rendering the code undecipherable; and means for initiating the opening of the package.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
52 words
A machine for initiating the opening of a package, the package provided with a code indicating information concerning the characteristics of the contents thereof, comprising: means for deciphering the code to determine the characteristics of the contents; means for rendering the code undecipherable; and means for initiating the opening of the package.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
32 words
A machine according to claim 91 wherein said deciphering means deciphers the code, said rendering means renders the code undecipherable, and said opening means initiates the opening of the package substantially simultaneously.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
12 words
A machine according to claim 91 wherein the package contents comprise medicine.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
15 words
A machine according to claim 91 wherein said rendering means includes a supply of ink.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
16 words
A machine according to claim 91 wherein said rendering means includes a source of providing heat.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
16 words
A machine according to claim 91 wherein said rendering means includes means for cutting the package.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
17 words
A machine according to claim 91 further comprising means for recording the information indicated by the code.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
22 words
A machine according to claim 91 further comprising means for selectively permitting said cutting means to cut the code bearing package portion.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
16 words
A machine according to claim 91 wherein said cutting means avoids contact with the package contents.
Claim 115
Dependent Claim
64 words
A machine for initiating the opening of a package, the package provided with a code indicating information concerning the characteristics of the contents thereof, comprising: means for guiding the package along a selected path; means for deciphering the code as the package travels forward along the path; and means for initiating the opening of the package as the package travels forward along the path.
Claim 116
Dependent Claim
64 words
A machine for initiating the opening of a package, the package provided with a code indicating information concerning the characteristics of the contents thereof, comprising: means for guiding the package along a selected path; means for deciphering the code as the package travels forward along the path; and means for initiating the opening of the package as the package travels forward along the path.
Claim 117
Dependent Claim
29 words
A machine according to claim 100 further comprising means for preventing the package from traveling backward along said path after the code has been deciphered by said deciphering means.
Claim 118
Dependent Claim
24 words
A machine according to claim 100 further comprising means for rendering the code undecipherable after the code has been deciphered by said deciphering means.
Claim 119
Dependent Claim
15 words
A machine according to claim 102 wherein said rendering means includes a supply of ink.
Claim 120
Dependent Claim
15 words
A machine according to claim 102 wherein said rendering means includes means for providing heat.
Claim 121
Dependent Claim
16 words
A machine according to claim 102 wherein said rendering means includes means for cutting the package.
Claim 122
Dependent Claim
30 words
A machine according to claim 100 further comprising means for selectively permitting the package to travel forward along said path after the code has been deciphered by said deciphering means.
Claim 123
Dependent Claim
17 words
A machine according to claim 100 further comprising means for recording the information indicated by the code.
Claim 124
Dependent Claim
16 words
A machine according to claim 100 wherein said opening means avoids contact with the package contents.
Claim 125
Dependent Claim
141 words
A machine for initiating the opening of a package, the package having a reservoir and bearing a code indicating information concerning the characteristics of the contents thereof, comprising: means for guiding the code bearing portion of the package along a selected path; means for deciphering the code as the code bearing package portion travels forward along the path; means for preventing the code bearing package portion from traveling backward along said path after the code has been deciphered by said deciphering means; means for permitting the code bearing package to travel forward along the path in response to said deciphering means after the code has been deciphered by said deciphering means; and means for initiating the opening of the package when the code bearing package portion travels forward along the path after the code has been deciphered by said deciphering means.
Claim 126
Dependent Claim
141 words
A machine for initiating the opening of a package, the package having a reservoir and bearing a code indicating information concerning the characteristics of the contents thereof, comprising: means for guiding the code bearing portion of the package along a selected path; means for deciphering the code as the code bearing package portion travels forward along the path; means for preventing the code bearing package portion from traveling backward along said path after the code has been deciphered by said deciphering means; means for permitting the code bearing package to travel forward along the path in response to said deciphering means after the code has been deciphered by said deciphering means; and means for initiating the opening of the package when the code bearing package portion travels forward along the path after the code has been deciphered by said deciphering means.
Claim 127
Dependent Claim
14 words
A machine according to claim 109 further comprising means for rendering the code undecipherable.
Claim 128
Dependent Claim
17 words
A machine according to claim 109 further comprising means for recording the information indicated by the code.
Claim 129
Dependent Claim
16 words
A machine according to claim 109 wherein said opening means avoids contact with the package contents.
Claim 130
Dependent Claim
120 words
A machine for initiating the opening of a package, the package provided with a code indicating information concerning the characteristics of the contents thereof, comprising: means for guiding the package along a selected path; means for deciphering the code as the package travels forward along the path; means for preventing the package from traveling backward along said path after the code has been deciphered by said deciphering means; means for permitting the package to travel forward along the path in response to said deciphering means after the code has been deciphered by said deciphering means; means for rendering the code undecipherable after the code has been deciphered by said deciphering means; and means for initiating the opening of the package.
Claim 131
Dependent Claim
120 words
A machine for initiating the opening of a package, the package provided with a code indicating information concerning the characteristics of the contents thereof, comprising: means for guiding the package along a selected path; means for deciphering the code as the package travels forward along the path; means for preventing the package from traveling backward along said path after the code has been deciphered by said deciphering means; means for permitting the package to travel forward along the path in response to said deciphering means after the code has been deciphered by said deciphering means; means for rendering the code undecipherable after the code has been deciphered by said deciphering means; and means for initiating the opening of the package.
Claim 132
Dependent Claim
17 words
A machine according to claim 113 further comprising means for recording the information indicated by the code.
Claim 133
Dependent Claim
16 words
A machine according to claim 113 wherein said opening means avoids contact with the package contents.
Claim 134
Dependent Claim
107 words
A machine for initiating the opening of a package, the package having a reservoir and bearing a code indicating information concerning the characteristics of the contents thereof, comprising: means for guiding the package along a selected path; means for deciphering the code as the package travels forward along the path; means for sensing the presence of the package reservoir at a selected point along the path; means responsive to said deciphering means and to said sensing means for permitting the package to travel forward along the path; means for preventing the package from traveling backward along the path; and means for initiating the opening of the package.
Claim 135
Dependent Claim
107 words
A machine for initiating the opening of a package, the package having a reservoir and bearing a code indicating information concerning the characteristics of the contents thereof, comprising: means for guiding the package along a selected path; means for deciphering the code as the package travels forward along the path; means for sensing the presence of the package reservoir at a selected point along the path; means responsive to said deciphering means and to said sensing means for permitting the package to travel forward along the path; means for preventing the package from traveling backward along the path; and means for initiating the opening of the package.
Claim 136
Dependent Claim
17 words
A machine according to claim 116 further comprising means for recording the information indicated by the code.
Claim 137
Dependent Claim
15 words
A machine according to claim 116 further comprising means for rendering the code substantially unreadable.
Claim 138
Dependent Claim
16 words
A machine according to claim 116 wherein said opening means avoids contact with the package contents.
Claim 139
Dependent Claim
120 words
A machine for initiating the opening of a package, the package having a reservoir and bearing a code indicating information concerning the characteristics of the contents thereof, comprising: means for guiding the package along a selected path; means for deciphering the code as the package travels forward along the path; means for sensing the presence of the package reservoir at a selected point along the path; means responsive to said deciphering means and said sensing means for recording the information indicated by the code; means for preventing the package from traveling backward along the path; means responsive to said deciphering means for permitting the package to travel forward along the path; and means for initiating the opening of the package.
Claim 140
Dependent Claim
120 words
A machine for initiating the opening of a package, the package having a reservoir and bearing a code indicating information concerning the characteristics of the contents thereof, comprising: means for guiding the package along a selected path; means for deciphering the code as the package travels forward along the path; means for sensing the presence of the package reservoir at a selected point along the path; means responsive to said deciphering means and said sensing means for recording the information indicated by the code; means for preventing the package from traveling backward along the path; means responsive to said deciphering means for permitting the package to travel forward along the path; and means for initiating the opening of the package.
Claim 141
Dependent Claim
15 words
A machine according to claim 120 further comprising means for rendering the code substantially unreadable.
Claim 142
Dependent Claim
16 words
A machine according to claim 120 wherein said opening means avoids contact with the package contents.
Claim 143
Dependent Claim
72 words
A machine for initiating the opening of a package, the package provided with a code indicating information concerning the characteristics of the contents thereof, comprising: means for initiating the opening of the package; means for deciphering the code substantially instantaneously before said initiating means initiates the opening of the package; and means for recording the information indicated by the code susbstantially instantaneously before said initiating means initiates the opening of the package.
Claim 144
Dependent Claim
72 words
A machine for initiating the opening of a package, the package provided with a code indicating information concerning the characteristics of the contents thereof, comprising: means for initiating the opening of the package; means for deciphering the code substantially instantaneously before said initiating means initiates the opening of the package; and means for recording the information indicated by the code susbstantially instantaneously before said initiating means initiates the opening of the package.
Claim 145
Dependent Claim
24 words
A machine according to claim 123 further comprising means for rendering the code undecipherable after the code has been deciphered by said deciphering means.
Claim 146
Dependent Claim
26 words
A machine according to claim 123 further comprising means responsive to said deciphering means for selectively preventing the package from being opened by said opening means.
Claim 147
Dependent Claim
16 words
A machine according to claim 123 wherein said opening means avoids contact with the package contents.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1989-08-11 | 1990-02-10 | 1990-08-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-08-11 | 1994-02-10 | 1994-08-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-08-11 | 1998-02-10 | 1998-08-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |