ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 21 -- United States Patent no. 12,609,192, issued on April 21, was assigned to Direct Supply Inc. (Milwaukee).

"Systems, methods, and media for automated dietary management in healthcare facilities" was invented by William L. Avery (West Chicago, Ill.), Andrew J. Novotny (Whitefish Bay, Wis.), Meagan E. Harrison (Denver), Nathanial C. Ziarek (Muskego, Wis.), Ryan G. Colwell (West Bend, Wis.) and Anne F.B. Dorn (Fox Point, Wis.).

According to the abstract* released by the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office: "In accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, mechanisms (which can, for example, include systems, methods, and media) for automated dietary management in healthcare facilities are provided." ...