Entries |
Document | Title | Date |
20080203107 | Patient controlled timed medication dispenser - A medication on demand dispenser. The dispenser provides patient access to medications prescribed to be available on an as-needed basis but with a prescribed minimum time interval between doses. The dispenser permits access to a single medication dose after each minimum time interval has elapsed. After a drug dose is presented to the patient, the dispenser prevents access to the next dose until the minimum time interval has elapsed. | 08-28-2008 |
20080230551 | Dispenser Having a Dual Lever Mechanism - A tablet dispenser having a lower housing ( | 09-25-2008 |
20080245808 | NUT FEEDING METHOD AND NUT FEEDER - A small-diameter front-end portion of a feed rod is allowed to enter into the screw hole of a nut delivered by a nut chute, and the nut is fed to an intended position by the forward movement of the feed rod. When an abnormal nut having a screw hole into which the small-diameter front-end portion cannot be inserted is delivered, the abnormal nut is prevented from being flicked by the feed rod. In order to achieve this, in a standby state, the small-diameter front-end portion of the feed rod enters a nut receiving chamber and is then stopped. On condition that the abnormal nut is received in the nut receiving chamber, if the feed rod moves forward to enter into the standby state, the abnormal nut is slightly pushed out forward from the nut receiving chamber. | 10-09-2008 |
20080245809 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR STORING AND DISPENSING COMPONENTS, AND STORAGE AND TRANSPORT CASE USED - The device and method for storing and dispensing components uses storage and transport cases. The components have a head and a stem, the length of the component being greater than the width of the head. The device comprises a storage element adapted to house components individually housed in the cases; a step-by-step selecting device to allow the cases to pass one by one through an outlet; a sending unit with a housing adapted to support at least one case loaded with a component coming from the outlet; blowing means associated with the housing to provide the transport fluid to the inside of the case for the purpose of driving the component out of the case and into a transport tube; and an unloading device to unload the empty case from the housing. | 10-09-2008 |
20080251527 | Anti-pilfering device for a vending machine - A vending machine includes a storage/display region, a dispensing chamber including a product access opening, and an anti-pilfer device that prevents unauthorized removal of products from the storage/display region through the product access opening. A delivery door is provided which can be shifted from a closed position to an open position to enable the removal of products from the dispensing chamber. The anti-pilfer device includes a plate coupled to a lower portion of the delivery door. When the delivery door is moved from the closed position, the anti-pilfer plate shifts, over a guide element, into a position that prevents products from being withdrawn from the storage/display area. Preferably, the storage/display region and dispensing chamber are separated by a product door, with the anti-pilfer plate preventing the product door from opening when the delivery door is shifted from the closed position. | 10-16-2008 |
20080257901 | CONTROLLED DISPENSING SYSTEM WITH MODULAR CAROUSEL - A dispensing device and method including a housing defining an opening. A door is movable relative to the housing from a closed position to a maximum open position. The door and the housing defining an access portion of the opening. A tray is disposed within the housing and is supported for movement relative to the housing. The tray is configured to support dispensable items within a plurality of segments of the tray. An access control mechanism is configured to locate the tray relative to the housing to generally align a selected one of the plurality of segments with the opening and also to limit opening movement of the door to limit a size of the access portion to a size of the selected segment if a corresponding position of the door is less than the maximum open position of the door. | 10-23-2008 |
20080257902 | Method and System for High-Speed Tablet Counting and Dispensing - A medicament tablet dispensing system and method dispenses any selected number of tablets, up to a maximum number, with minimal dispensing delays. During fill operations, a preset number of tablets are counted and stored in dedicated storage compartments. Dispensing operations are performed in response to dispense request commands. The fill operations are performed in a manner independent from the quantity of tablets identified by the dispense request commands. During the dispensing operations for a particular dispense request command, the preset number of tablets are emptied from one or more of the dedicated storage compartments, thereby avoiding delays associated with counting all of the dispensed tablets. Moreover, the fill operations and the dispensing operations may be performed in parallel for high-throughput dispensing applications. | 10-23-2008 |
20080264962 | MEDICATION DISPENSING APPARATUS - A medication dispenser provides automation to the steps of locating and acquiring medications or supplies to be administered to a patient. The medication dispenser includes one or more modules housing one or more compartmentalized drawers. Access to each drawer is controlled by a lockable door, and each the drawer may only be slid from the module housing the drawer in response to a signal. A series of lights direct the user to the appropriate drawer and the appropriate compartment of the relevant drawer to remove the appropriate medication or supply. | 10-30-2008 |
20080272137 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR INSERTING A CART, SUCH AS A CART WITH ONE OR MORE FIXED WHEELS, INTO AN ENCLOSURE - A method of loading a cart into an enclosure, according to various embodiments of the invention, comprises the steps of: (A) providing a cart having a first end and a second end, the cart comprising at least one swiveled wheel adjacent the first end, and at least two non-swiveled wheels adjacent the second end, the swiveled and non-swiveled wheels being adapted to facilitate the rolling movement of the cart over a surface; (B) positioning the at least two non-swiveled wheels on a wheeled platform so that the non-swiveled wheels are supported by the wheeled platform; and (C) while the non-swiveled wheels are supported by the wheeled platform, and while the at least one swiveled wheel is disposed on a support surface adjacent an interior portion of the enclosure, using the wheeled platform and the at least one swiveled wheel to roll the cart into the interior portion of the enclosure. | 11-06-2008 |
20080272138 | AUTOMATED MEDICATION HANDLING SYSTEM - Described herein are embodiments of systems and methods for providing an automated medication handling system that can, among other things, single-dose package medications, store and dispense medications in a pharmacy, transport medications to a nursing unit or other remote location, store them at that remote location, and load them into a portable unit carried by a nurse, who may dispense the medication at a bedside. | 11-06-2008 |
20080272139 | DISPENSERS WITH REMOVABLE STORAGE CARTRIDGES - A dispenser comprising: (1) a dispenser housing that includes: (a) a dispenser body that defines both an interior portion and an access opening, and (b) an access door that is mounted to selectively restrict access to the interior portion through the access opening; (2) a storage cartridge that is mounted on wheels to roll adjacent the dispenser body; and (3) a storage cartridge positioning system that is adapted to facilitate moving the storage cartridge into a “loading position” in which the storage cartridge is positioned to be loaded into the dispenser. The motion of the access door from an open position to a closed position may serve to urge the storage cartridge from the “loading position” into a “loaded position” in which the storage cartridge is disposed substantially within the dispenser housing. | 11-06-2008 |
20080277405 | Dispensing Apparatus Containing a Glove Stack and Method of Folding Gloves Therein - An apparatus containing a glove stack and method of folding gloves therein. The invention provides both an apparatus and a method to allow a plurality of generally disposable gloves to be folded in a compact manner, stored in a clean environment, and then dispensed individually from an enclosure. The enclosure may be a disposable wrapper which may further be contained within a dispenser housing having a dispenser aperture. The gloves may be enwrapped under compression, and may be compressed by the dispenser in order to facilitate packing and dispensing. The dispenser may have a bias, such as an expansible element, to urge gloves towards the dispensing aperture. In a preferred embodiment, the gloves may be dispensed thumb first, although other orientations are contemplated, and a novel method for folding the gloves to facilitate packing and dispensing is taught. | 11-13-2008 |
20080277406 | Dispensing of Currency - Among other features, a cash dispenser includes a paper path arranged between an opening in a money box through which currency can be withdrawn for dispensing to a customer at a dispensing location that is spaced apart from the opening in the money box, the paper path including rotational shafts arranged to transfer the currency, and a housing that supports the paper path and is configured to receive the money box, the housing comprising at least two parallel spaced-apart molded side walls, the paper path having a third molded wall between the two parallel molded side walls. | 11-13-2008 |
20080290106 | Container, Dispenser, and Method For Dispensing a Strip of Interconnected, Individually Packed Objects - Container for dispensing by the piece a strip of interconnected pouch-shaped packs, in particular packs of medicines, vitamins and/or dietary supplements, which strip is accommodated in meandering fashion in the container, which container comprises a bottom with two longitudinal walls and two side walls, characterized in that the container has a width which substantially corresponds to the width of the packs and has a length of at least two interconnected packs. | 11-27-2008 |
20080296311 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DISPENSING MATERIAL ON A SUBSTRATE - A dispensing apparatus includes a frame, a support coupled to the frame, a gantry coupled to the frame, a first dispensing unit coupled to the gantry, a second dispensing unit coupled to the gantry, and an imaging system coupled to one of the frame and the gantry. The imaging system may be configured to capture at least one image of a first pattern and a second pattern, with the second pattern being identical to the first pattern. The dispensing apparatus further includes a controller configured to verify whether the first pattern and the second pattern are properly positioned on the support with respect to one another based on the at least one captured image to permit simultaneous dispense operations of the first dispensing unit on the first pattern and the second dispensing unit on the second pattern. Other embodiments and methods of dispensing are further disclosed. | 12-04-2008 |
20080314918 | VENDING APPARATUS FOR DISPENSING MADE-TO-ORDER SALADS - Vending machines for freshly cut and prepared-to-order salads, including containers containing produce products, salad additives and salad dressings. A vending machine can provide a user with a salad of vegetables and/or fruits, that are freshly cut and prepared, and that is made-to-order. Freshly cut and prepared salads preserve their nutritional value, taste and the user selects only items to his liking. | 12-25-2008 |
20090001093 | INTELLIGENT MEDICATION TRACKER - A medication dispenser comprises slots that may be sized to accommodate medication containers of various sizes. Each slot has an associated barcode reader. A user inserts the pharmacy-provided pill or medication container into one slot. The barcode on the container is read. From the barcode the medication in the container is identified. The device contains a simple user interface that allows the user to enter the dosing frequency prescribed, how many pills or cc's are in the container, how many refills and a starting time. The dispenser alerts users to possible drug interactions with medications in other slots as well as alerts them to dosing times and other pertinent information. | 01-01-2009 |
20090039097 | Device for Staging and Dispensing Tablets Useful in System and Method for Dispensing Prescriptions - A chute assembly for an object dispensing apparatus includes: a chute configured at a first end to attach to and convey objects from an object dispenser; a funnel having an inlet that merges with a second end of the chute and an outlet; a door attached to the funnel, the door being movable between a closed position, in which the door covers the funnel outlet and prevents access to objects within the funnel, and an open position, in which the door does not cover the funnel outlet and allows access to objects within the funnel; an object agitation unit configured to agitate objects in the funnel to prevent such objects from jamming in the funnel; and a locking unit associated with the door that prevents the door from moving to the open position without authorization. | 02-12-2009 |
20090039098 | DEVICE FOR STAGING AND DISPENSING TABLETS USEFUL IN SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DISPENSING PRESCRIPTIONS - A chute assembly for a system configured to dispense objects from a bulk supply of such objects includes: an elongate chute having an open bottom end; a dispensing assembly slidably mounted to a bottom end portion of the chute, the dispensing assembly including a sleeve that receives the bottom end portion of the chute and a door mounted thereto, the sleeve being slidable between a staging position, in which the door covers the bottom end of the chute and thereby stages objects in the bottom end portion of the chute, and a dispensing position, in which the door moves away from the bottom end of the chute to enable objects staged in the bottom end portion of the chute to be dispensed from the chute; and an agitation unit coupled to the dispensing assembly, the agitation unit configured to impart energy to objects staged in the bottom end of the sleeve as the sleeve moves to the dispensing position. | 02-12-2009 |
20090039099 | PAPER DISPENSER - A hand-free paper dispensing device is provided that is particularly suitable for the away-from-home market. The dispensing device comprises a rotatable drum having a transversely-extending rolling surface for receiving a paper sheet thereon and a retractable knife configured to extend out of the drum at a first rotational position. The dispensing device also comprises a paper guide for guiding the paper sheet onto the rolling surface; the paper guide has a plurality of transversely-spaced ribs having a radial spacing from the rolling surface at the first rotational position that is less than the radial distance of the knife when extended at the first rotational position. Such an arrangement ensures that a paper towel segment is cut at each revolution of the drum, thereby reducing the incidence of paper double-sheeting. | 02-12-2009 |
20090057327 | AUTOMATIC SUPPLY APPARATUS AND AUTOMATIC SUPPLY METHOD - An automatic supply apparatus for an elongate supply target member having elasticity and including both end portions includes a stock mechanism wherein a plurality of supply target members are stocked such that the plurality of supply target members are suspended in an inverted U shape and top portions of the plurality of supply target members are arranged side by side in a row direction, and an extraction mechanism to operate the top portions of the supply target members to extract one supply target member from the plurality of supply target members stocked in the stock mechanism. | 03-05-2009 |
20090057328 | Smart Medicine Container - Present invention discloses a dispenser having means to dispense desired number of pills from a bulk supply of pills contained in the dispenser. The dispenser comprises of storage compartment having bulk supply of pills and having a discharge port emptying into counting compartment. The counting compartment contains first and second conveyors moving at first and second speed; wherein the second speed is greater than the first speed thereby enabling pill separation; the second conveyor discharges pills into dispensing compartment. Sensors are strategically placed along the conveyors to count pills discharged into dispensing compartment. A pill recovery system and apparatus is disposed inside the dispenser having means to recover pills remaining on first and second conveyors upon completion of a dispensation cycle and there after deposit recovered pills back into the storage compartment for use in future dispensation cycles. | 03-05-2009 |
20090065520 | Systems and Methods for Facilitating Consumer-Dispenser Interactions - Embodiments of the invention can include systems and methods for facilitating consumer-dispenser interactions. In one embodiment, a product dispenser is provided. The product dispenser can include a reader configured to read machine readable item. In addition, the product dispenser can include a controller in communication with the reader, and operable to execute a set of instructions to receive information from the machine readable item associated with a consumer via the reader. Moreover, the controller can be further operable to execute a set of instructions to configure at least one characteristic based at least part on the information from the machine readable item, and dispense a product. | 03-12-2009 |
20090065521 | WET WIPES DISPENSING SYSTEM - The present disclosure relates to wet wipe dispensing systems for dispensing wet wipes capable of changing temperature upon use. In one embodiment, the dispensing system includes a wet wipe container and a lotion container that is held in assembly with the wet wipe container that contains a lotion that is kept separate from the wet wipes until the wet wipe is dispensed from the wet wipe container. The lotion includes a microencapsulated delivery vehicle that contains a temperature change agent that is capable of generating a temperature change upon contact with an aqueous solution. Once the wet wipe is dispensed from the system, an applicating device can apply the lotion to the wet wipe to facilitate contact between the temperature change agent in the microencapsulated delivery vehicle and the aqueous solution of the wet wipe. | 03-12-2009 |
20090071971 | SECURE MEDICATION DISPENSATION MECHANISM - The invention provides a mechanism for dispensing items such as medication. The mechanism includes a carousel assembly, housing a plurality of storage compartments, which sits within a tray base. The tray base only allows one compartment to be opened at a time. The carousel assembly is associated with a motor which rotates the carousel assembly so that a requested storage compartment is accessible by a user. After the user has retrieved the item or items from the storage compartment, a trigger mechanism signals the motor to rotate the carousel assembly to automatically close the storage compartment so that others can not access the contents and to secure the contents. | 03-19-2009 |
20090078716 | HIGH SPEED SELECTIVE CONTAINER SORTER - A container machine and method, the machine comprising: an exit track for containers; a primary starwheel holding processed containers and moving the processed containers along a pitch line path toward the exit track; a sorter starwheel positioned adjacent to the primary starwheel and driven in phase synchronization with the primary starwheel; a sorter track for providing a path for containers held by the sorter starwheel; a diverter mechanism to divert at least a selected one of the processed containers on the primary starwheel to a pocket of the sorter starwheel; and a timing device for causing the diverter mechanism to operate while the primary starwheel is rotating at least at fifty percent of production speed and preferably at production speed. | 03-26-2009 |
20090078717 | PIPETTE TIP SUPPLIER, SAMPLE ANALYZER AND PIPETTE TIP SUPPLYING METHOD - The present invention is to present a pipette tip supplier which is capable of convey the pipette tip smoothly. The pipette tip supplier | 03-26-2009 |
20090084807 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR INCREASING THE SPEED OF DISPENSING ARTICLES FROM VENDING MACHINES - Improvements to increase the speed at which a vending machine can dispense articles are disclosed. In various embodiments, the machine defines plural first arrays of receptacles for receiving articles with the first arrays stacked so that adjacent receptacles in the first arrays form second arrays. A separate user door closes each first array of receptacles, a slot door assembly provides a plurality of receptacle doors operative to open a particular receptacle when the user door is unlocked, and a slot access mechanism provides access to a particular receptacle. The machine waits a specified time period after dispensing to detect whether a subsequent user request is received. If a subsequent user request is received, the machine moves the slot access mechanism directly to a receptacle where the articles are available. Additional improvements include procedures for avoiding problems caused by misaligned doors and procedures for providing optimal article stocking. | 04-02-2009 |
20090084808 | Hand held counting system for tablets and capsules - A curved or multisided bowl like counting device with a flat inner surface which may have raised dividers or lines such that tablets or capsules poured into said device in quantities of 10 to 15 at a time can be easily counted by visual discernment of groupings of two's, three's, four's, five's, six's, seven's or eight's. | 04-02-2009 |
20090084809 | DISPENSER AND METHOD FOR DISPENSING INDIVIDUAL GOODS, IN PARTICULAR PACKAGES CONTAINING A MEDICAMENT - Dispenser for dispensing individual goods, the dispenser comprising a containing space for holding an array of goods, a transport device for consecutively feeding a good from the array to a delivery member for dispensing one or more goods to a consumer, a reading device for reading data from a first good, a control unit connected to the reading unit for receiving data from the reading unit, the control unit being connected to a functional member and being adapted for changing the state of the functional member on the basis of the data received from the first good, characterised in that the data received from the first good includes information pertaining to one or more goods that are to be dispensed consecutively to the first good. | 04-02-2009 |
20090090733 | MEDICAL BANDAGING PRODUCT - A medical bandaging product that includes a container formed of moisture-impervious material, a medical material positioned in the container in substantially moisture-free conditions and sealed therein against entry of moisture, and a dispensing carton within which the container and medical material positioned therein is contained. The dispensing carton includes an opening in the carton through which the medical material is removed through an opening in the container, and an S-shaped sealing member carried by the carton adjacent the opening for receiving across the opening in the carton a length of the container devoid of medical material A tab bears against the length of the container devoid of medical material to form a doubled thickness of the container having a sealing fold therein to form a seal that is resistant to moisture intrusion into the container. | 04-09-2009 |
20090090734 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SINGLE OR MULTIPLE TEMPERATURE ZONE(S) IN REFRIGERATED VENDING MACHINE - An automated vending machine that can be selectively configured to include one or several temperature zones. A single refrigeration system and universal interior allows easy and economical assembly into a one, two, or three temperature zone machine. Thermal breaks and dividers are used to partition zones, when needed. The basic vending machine cabinet, dispensers, and controls are not changed between configurations. In one aspect, a universal air duct can be used for all three configurations, with minor changes. | 04-09-2009 |
20090095767 | CUSTOM EARPIECE - A system for making custom earpieces is disclosed. The system can include a two-component dispensing container such as a two-component syringe or a two-component squeeze bulb. The two components stored in the two-component dispensing container are kept separate until they are dispensed. The two components can be dispensed into a balloon disposed within the ear canal of a user. The two components can define an earpiece after they are dispensed into the balloon. A mixer mixes the two components as they are dispensed. The balloon can be attached to the two-component dispensing container such that two components enter the balloon after the two components are mixed. In this manner, a more comfortable and effective custom earpiece can be made more safely and more conveniently. | 04-16-2009 |
20090108011 | MANAGING MEDICATIONS AT THE BEDSIDE - Systems and methods for dispensing medications to hospitalized individuals through a first apparatus containing optional medications that is configured to be replenished by optional medication from a central storage location. Some embodiments provide that the first apparatus is associated with an individual patient. The first apparatus is preferably secured at a location near the individual patient, such as, for example, within the individual patient's room. By creating multiple dispensing apparatuses, a caregiver who administers required medications no longer has to retrieve optional medications from a central storage location. | 04-30-2009 |
20090108012 | Method for a coin-operated microwave oven - A method of making a microwave oven coin operative which includes cutting, just inside the shell of the oven, the input hot power line and connecting its two cut ends to the normally open contacts of a relay. A low voltage control circuit which comprises the secondary side of a step down transformer, a coin acceptor, a timer and a relay control coil is used to close the contacts. So that power can be provided upon demand to the control circuit, the primary coil of the transformer is kept always operative. Input thereto is supplied by the hot wire and the neutral wire. When fed coin(s) of the proper denomination, the coin acceptor energizes a timer circuit; and it in turn, sends power to the relay control coil, thereby closing the contacts and powering the microwave oven for the time interval up to that preset on the timer. | 04-30-2009 |
20090108013 | TEST STRIP EJECTION MECHANISM - The present invention is directed to a test strip ejection mechanism for ejecting test strips from a test meter. The test strip mechanism includes a pusher assembly having at least one fin and a plurality of spaced apart test strip connectors configured to contact to a plurality of contact pads disposed on a test strip, wherein the fin pushes in between adjacent test strip connectors and against a proximal end of the test strip until the test strip is ejected. | 04-30-2009 |
20090114664 | MEDICAL BANDAGING PRODUCT - A method of dispensing and resealing a moisture curable medical material against moisture intrusion is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a moisture-impervious product container comprising an elongate sleeve sealable to prevent entry of moisture, providing an elongate medical material positioned in the sleeve, sealing the medical material in the sleeve against entry of moisture until use, providing a dispensing carton within which the sleeve and medical material positioned therein is contained, and bearing a tab against the length of the sleeve devoid of medical material and into a laterally-extending opening in the sealing member to form a doubled thickness of the sleeve having a sealing fold therein to form a seal that is resistant to moisture intrusion into the sleeve. | 05-07-2009 |
20090127275 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SUPPORTING TAKING MEDICINE - An apparatus for supporting taking medicine includes a medicine storage unit which has a plurality of medicine storage holes to store therein medicines to be taken by a user, a sensor controller which determines whether the medicine storage holes include medicines therein, and a medicine taking service unit which receives a preset schedule by synchronizing with a personal computer, checks whether a user has taken medicine according to a determination of the sensor controller and informs a user to take a medicine according to the preset schedule. Thus, users who should take various medicines on a regular basis for daily life may observe the medicine taking time. | 05-21-2009 |
20090139998 | Apparatus for Dispensing Stackable Box Food Containers - An apparatus for dispensing stackable box food containers the apparatus comprising, in a particular embodiment, an elongated hollow member formed from one or more sidewalls and comprising a first end portion, a second end portion, at least one attachable side and a forward-facing side, the elongated hollow member further forming a front opening on the forward-facing side to facilitate the removal of at least one of the stackable box food containers, and at least one protrusion extending from, and attached to or integral with, an internal surface of the at least one sidewall of the elongated hollow member, the at least one protrusion proximate to the front opening at the second end portion on the forward-facing side, the at least one protrusion extending into space within the hollow member by a distance sufficient to enable the protrusion to aid in retaining the at least one stackable box food container when the at least one stackable box food container is disposed within the elongated hollow member with the at least one stackable box food container opening disposed toward the second end portion. | 06-04-2009 |
20090139999 | AUTOMATED BUSINESS SYSTEM AND METHOD OF VENDING AND RETURNING A CONSUMER PRODUCT - System and method of dispensing disc-based media and other consumer products. A user can interact with an automated business system to select disc-based media for rental and/or purchase. The automated business system can retrieve the selection from the interior of the automated business system and dispense the selection through a port to the user. The automated business system can retrieve the selection from the port in a return process. | 06-04-2009 |
20090152287 | Vending Machine Improvement - A vending machine system includes a control module for controlling a cooling system. The cooling system, which includes an evaporator, may omit a heating element for defrosting the evaporator. In operation, the control module cycles an evaporator fan in conjunction with a compressor based on a required set temperature to help keep products within a specified range. In an embodiment, the evaporator fan is turned on and off at substantially the same time as the compressor is turned on and off. In another embodiment, there is a predetermined delay after the compressor is turned on and off before the evaporator is respectively turned on and off. Other variations are contemplated. | 06-18-2009 |
20090159608 | Wall Mounted Medications Cabinet and system - A wall-mounted medications cabinet has at least one, and preferably up to four locking drawers, each with a removable bin holding the medications for a given patient. The drawers are each independently openable electronically. This can be accomplished using an incorporated PC with a touch screen monitor, or authorized access can be obtained via a network. The cabinet may be connected using USB or ethernet interface. A key lock can provide access in the event of a power failure. | 06-25-2009 |
20090206100 | EAZY LOAD PILLBOX AND LOADING TRAY - Modular pillboxes that include at least one one-way passage through which pills, materials or other articles can be pushed through and into and underlying interior compartment of the modular pillboxes. The modular pillboxes include coupling structure by which the modular pillbox can be coupled to a loading tray and/or additional modular pillboxes. The modular pillboxes include lids that can be opened to access pills, materials or other articles that are loaded therein through the one-way passages. | 08-20-2009 |
20090212062 | FASTENING MACHINES - Fastener delivery apparatus for automatically selecting and delivering fasteners such as rivets to a setting tool. The fasteners are pre-loaded in a package and dispense via at least one fastener delivery tube that interconnects the setting tool to a fastener feeder device. The fastener feeder device releases selected fasteners from the package into the delivery tube. The fasteners are transportable individually or in groups in the tube from the feeder device to the tool. A transfer station attached to the tool or the delivery tube transfers a fastener from the delivery apparatus into the tool, transfer station is adjacent to the tool so that a delivered fastener may be inserted by the transfer station into the tool and a second position in which it is clear of the tool so as to permit the tool or a portion thereof to move towards a workpiece to insert a smooth, rapid and reliable delivery of fasteners of various sizes and types to the nose of a setting tool in any particular order and provides all the fastener types for any particular work cycle. | 08-27-2009 |
20090223989 | Dispensing Container - A container adapted for dispensing a product is provided, the container including a storage compartment configured to store a plurality of units of a product to be dispensed; a dispensing chamber for receiving at least one unit of the product, the dispensing chamber configured for movement between a closed and locked position and a dispensing position; a dispensing pathway between the storage compartment and the dispensing chamber, the dispensing pathway sized for passage of at least one unit of the product; a locking mechanism adapted for releasably locking the dispensing chamber in the closed and locked position; and a blocking member operatively positioned to block the dispensing pathway when the dispensing chamber is in the dispensing position. | 09-10-2009 |
20090230143 | Paperboard Carton With A New Type Of Dispenser - A carton for carrying a plurality of cans in at least three rows having a dispenser flap that is easily removed from the end of the carton to expose a dispenser which has a bottom of a sufficient height from the bottom panel to prevent containers in the bottom row from rolling out, but less than the diameter of a container in the bottom row. The top of the dispenser is at a height from the bottom panel that is equal to diameter of a can contained in the carton plus the distance that is substantially less than the diameter of a can, such height being sufficient to prevent any container in the middle row from automatically rolling out of the dispenser when opened, but allowing a person to grasp and pull out the container in the middle row that is adjacent to the dispenser. | 09-17-2009 |
20090236358 | Slanted sheet dispenser - A sheet dispenser is defined by at least six panels having outwardly facing surfaces, wherein at least one of the panels is oriented at an oblique angle with respect to the other panels. Sheets may be dispensed from an opening located on the oblique surface. The sheet dispenser may sit on a surface such as a countertop for dispensing, or may be placed between a wall and other structure attached to the wall such as a towel bar. Furthermore, the sheet dispenser may be hung from a structure using a strap attached to the towel dispenser. | 09-24-2009 |
20090250481 | CUTTING AND CLOSURE MECHANISM FOR TICKET OR VOUCHER DISPENSER AND METHOD - A cutting and closure mechanism for a ticket or voucher dispenser and a method for dispensing a ticket or voucher from a free standing roller printer provided with a shutter to prevent unwanted access to the ticket exit opening to prevent jamming or a backing-up of the printed tickets and comprises a connection to check and on/off card and provided with a shaft | 10-08-2009 |
20090255947 | Article dispensing system - An article dispensing system is provided which can be customized to selectively store and dispense multiple desired articles to suitable containers. The system of the invention is particularly relevant for items which can be stored on hangers in a vertical format and dispensed therefrom. | 10-15-2009 |
20090255948 | CONTAINER FILLING MACHINE HAVING VIBRATION TRAYS - A container-filling machine for placing discrete articles within at least one container. The container filling machine comprises at least one vibration tray comprising a discrete article receiving end, a discrete article drop-off end and a plurality of channels extending from the discrete article receiving end to the discrete article drop-off end. Each channel includes two discrete article receiving paths at the discrete article receiving end. The two discrete article receiving paths combine into a single discrete article-depositing path in proximity to the discrete article drop-off end. The vibration tray is operative for moving discrete articles from the discrete article-receiving end to the discrete article drop-off end along the plurality of channels. The container filling machine further comprises a plurality of sloped paths for receiving the discrete articles from the discrete article drop-off end of the at least one vibration tray. The plurality of sloped paths leading the discrete articles towards the at least one container. | 10-15-2009 |
20090255949 | PIPETTE TIP HANDLING DEVICES AND METHODS - Discussed herein are methods and devices for storing, handling, loading or dispensing of pipette tips. Some embodiments allow repetitive loading of an array of multiple pipette tips that are stored in a nested configuration. | 10-15-2009 |
20090277918 | PACKET DISPENSER - A dispensing container ( | 11-12-2009 |
20090277919 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DISPENSING SHEETS OF FOIL - A dispenser for dispensing folded sheets ( | 11-12-2009 |
20090277920 | High Capacity Napkin Dispenser - A large capacity napkin dispenser for in counter mounting includes: (a) an elongate housing having a generally rectangular cross-section for receiving a stack of napkins; (b) a faceplate with a dispensing aperture, the faceplate being hinged to the housing so as to be movable between an open position for re-loading and a closed position for dispensing; (c) a movable support member mounted in the housing; (d) biasing means for urging the movable support toward the faceplate so that the stack of napkins is advanced to the aperture as it is depleted; and (e) sequestered means for locking the faceplate in the closed position. The locking means includes release means located adjacent the inner surface of the faceplate such that when the faceplate is in the closed position the release means is concealed in the interior of the dispenser, thereby eliminating the need for a key. The dispenser further includes internal gripping surfaces which facilitate re-loading and smooth operation as well as molded-in features which greatly reduce cost of manufacture. | 11-12-2009 |
20090283538 | COUNTER AND A RECORDER FOR A PILL DISPENSER - A counter (or recorder) for a pill dispenser comprising two relatively moveable chassis components forming part of a pill dispensement mechanism, a pill delivery or dispensement channel and a counting (or recording) mechanism. The counting (or recording) mechanism comprises one or more actuation indicators, a ratchet pawl for incrementally advancing a first of the one or more actuation indicators and a drive mechanism for activating the ratchet pawl. The ratchet pawl is mounted to a first of the two chassis components. The drive mechanism is mounted to the second of the two chassis components. | 11-19-2009 |
20090289076 | Method and Apparatus for Storing and Dispensing Reagent Beads - Embodiments of the invention provide an efficient and effective technique for storing and dispensing reagent beads. In some embodiments, an apparatus is provided for dispensing reagent beads contained in a bead storage device which includes a bead carrier having a plurality of wells; a plurality of reagent beads disposed in the wells; and a cover tape releasably attached to the bead carrier to cover the wells and retain the reagent beads in the wells. The apparatus comprises a channel in which to place the bead storage device with the bead carrier facing a support wall of the channel and the cover tape facing a stripping wall of the channel. The stripping wall includes a stripping gap disposed between a stripping edge and an opposite edge, and a dispense opening provided adjacent the opposite edge on a side of the stripping wall opposite from the stripping edge. The cover tape is insertable through the stripping gap to be pulled against the stripping edge to peel the cover tape from the bead carrier to move the wells of the bead carrier inside the channel toward the dispense opening and expose the wells individually to dispense the reagent beads. | 11-26-2009 |
20090294464 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR DISPENSING SOLID ARTICLES - An apparatus for dispensing articles includes a housing, a gas source, a drive mechanism and an agitation jet device. The housing defines: a hopper chamber to hold the articles; a dispensing channel fluidly connected to the hopper chamber, the dispensing channel having an inlet and an outlet and defining a flow path therebetween; and an agitation outlet. The gas source provides a positive pressure supply gas flow having a first pressure, a first velocity and a first mass flow rate. The drive mechanism conveys articles through the dispensing channel along the flow path. The agitation jet device is interposed and fluidly connected between the gas source and the agitation outlet. The agitation jet device includes a feed opening to receive the supply gas flow and a jet opening to convert the supply gas flow to a pressurized agitation gas flow through the agitation outlet to agitate articles in the hopper chamber. The agitation gas flow has a second pressure less than the first pressure, a second velocity greater than the first velocity, and a second mass flow rate greater than the first mass flow rate. | 12-03-2009 |
20090294465 | PLIABLE SHEET DISPENSER - A pliable sheet dispenser includes a tube having two distal ends and a generally rounded cross-section with a circumferential gap. The circumferential gap defines two edges of the tube. The tube includes a semirigid and resilient material, which enables the tube to transition from a relaxed configuration to an expanded configuration, wherein the expanded configuration is defined by the edges being a greater distance apart than in the relaxed configuration such that the tube may receive a roll of a pliable material therein having a larger diameter than the diameter of the tube in the relaxed configuration. The edges are biased toward the relaxed configuration, whereby the tube grips and retains the pliable material in a rolled configuration. Methods of using and making a pliable sheet dispenser are also disclosed. | 12-03-2009 |
20090294466 | SENSOR DISPENSING INSTRUMENT - A sensor dispensing instrument adapted to handle a sensor pack containing a plurality of sensors and to perform a test using one of the sensors. The sensor dispensing instrument includes an outer housing and a mechanical mechanism contained therein for rotating the sensor pack and ejecting one of the sensors from the sensor pack and through a sensor slot on the housing. The sensor dispensing instrument also includes a sensor actuator to engage with a sensor disposed in the sensor slot, and a sensor release that is movable to disengage the sensor actuator from the sensor disposed in the sensor slot and permit the discharge of the sensor. | 12-03-2009 |
20090302048 | DEVICE FOR STORING AND DISPENSING IN SINGLE UNITS OBJECTS IN THE FORM OF SHEETS OR THIN STRIPS - The invention concerns a device, such as a box, for storing and dispensing in single-units objects in the form of sheets, wafers, thin strips or platelets, with planar geometry in particular square, rectangular, polygonal, circular, elliptical, enabling said objects to be dispensed individually in single units, comprising: a) storage means such as a container with a lid, containing the objects to be dispensed, stored stacked on one another on a storage surface, said storage means including a surface for guiding the objects to be dispensed and a dispensing opening enabling the objects to be dispensed individually in single units; b) dispensing means bade of a flexible, deformable, mobile driving element, having one of its ends in contact with the object to be driven, along at least one transverse tangential contact line, and whereof the longitudinal cross-section is S- or nearly U-shaped. | 12-10-2009 |
20090321464 | AUTOMATED MAGAZINE FEEDER - An automated magazine feeder device is provided for supplying a manufacturing operation with elongate members of varying sizes in an assembly order dictated sequence. An apparatus for dispensing elongate members may include a magazine and a rotatable support member. The magazine may contain a plurality of elongate members including an elongate member in a first location and an elongate member in a second location immediately adjacent the elongate member in the first location. The first rotatable support member may include a first arm and a second arm. The first arm of the first rotatable support member supports the elongate member in the first location when the first rotatable support member is in a first position. The elongate member in the first location is ejected from the magazine by the second arm of the first rotatable support member in response to the first rotatable support member being rotated from the first position to a second position. The second arm of the first rotatable support member supports the elongate member in the second location in response to the first rotatable support member being rotated to the second position. | 12-31-2009 |
20090321465 | METHOD OF AUTOMATICALLY FILLING PRESCRIPTIONS - A method of dispensing pills includes (a) inputting a request and (b) loading a cassette having a first pill type into position then (c) positioning a target container beneath that cassette. (d) The cassette is energized to drop one pill. (f) If a pill dropped and there are still more of the current pill to drop, the method continues at step d. (g) If a pill dropped and the number of the current pill has satisfied the request, the method ends. (h) If a pill dropped and a number of the current pill already dispensed type has not satisfied the request, the method continues with step d. (i) If no pill dropped, an operator is informed. (k) If the operator indicates the cassette is empty and another cassette has a same pill, the other cassette is moved to the target location and the method continues from step d. | 12-31-2009 |
20090321466 | Hygienic Door Operating Device - A hygienic door operating device comprising a dispensing means arranged to contain a plurality of gripping handles and adapted to dispense a separate handle to each person operating the door, the gripping handle being adapted to engage a formation secured to the door whereby the door can be operated by manual engagement of the gripping handle and disposal means to transfer the gripping handle to a collection receptacle after use | 12-31-2009 |
20090321467 | Method and apparatus for dispensing diagnostic test strips - An apparatus for storing and dispensing a test strip includes a container configured to store a radial array of test strips. The container maintains appropriate environmental conditions, such as humidity, for storing the test strips. The container has a plurality of radially extending slots formed by a plurality of dividing walls, and each slot is sized to receive a single test strip. A rotatably positionable cover is carried by the container for covering the plurality of radially extending slots. The cover includes an opening, which, when the cover rotates, aligns with one of the slots at a time to allow removal of a single test strip located within the respective slot. Accordingly, the unused test strips remain free of contaminants such as naturally occurring skin oils on a user's hand. | 12-31-2009 |
20090321468 | Method of retaining suture packages for the dispensing of sutures there from - A suture package retaining device having a housing with an interior space. Suture packages are located in an interior space of the housing and biased towards a top of the device. A top-most suture package is positioned at the top in alignment with an opening. The top-most suture package is held in position in the retaining device, permitting a user to access a suture of the package through the opening. When a user applies upward force to remove the suture, the suture package is maintained in a fixed position, allowing the user to disassociate the suture from the package. The device may include a slot through which suture packages may be inserted into or removed from the interior space. | 12-31-2009 |
20100006584 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR DISPENSING SOLID ARTICLES - An apparatus for dispensing solid articles includes a housing and at least one vacuum source. The housing defines a hopper chamber to hold the articles and a dispensing channel fluidly connected to the hopper chamber. The dispensing channel has an inlet and an outlet defining a dispensing flow path therebetween. The vacuum source is adapted to provide a vacuum pressure and induce a gas flow in the housing. The apparatus is configured to generate a forward drive gas flow from the vacuum pressure and induced gas flow, and the forward drive gas flow conveys articles through the dispensing channel along the dispensing flow path in a direction from the inlet to the outlet to dispense the articles. | 01-14-2010 |
20100012674 | Sheet Product Dispensers and Methods For Controlling the Dispensers - Sheet product dispensers and methods for controlling the dispensers are provided. A sheet product dispenser includes a housing and a dispensing assembly disposed in the housing. The dispensing assembly is configured to hold a roll of sheet product thereon and to dispense a portion of the roll of sheet product. The sheet product dispenser further includes an ultraviolet light source disposed on the housing. The ultraviolet light source is configured to emit ultraviolet light. | 01-21-2010 |
20100018985 | Method and apparatus for taking job applications - A method and apparatus for recruiting prospective job applicants by advertising the contact information for the hiring entity. The method includes providing a plurality of information tabs which delineate various methods of contacting a recruiter, to provide intermediate screening of applicants, or directly contacting the hiring entity. The apparatus includes the information tabs, and information tab dispenser, and a stanchion for supporting the dispenser in an easy-to-see location. | 01-28-2010 |
20100025415 | BAG DISPENSING MACHINE FOR UPWARD DISPENSING - The present invention relates to a device for dispensing plastic bags from a stack of bags, one at a time, for use in stores and shopping areas. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device includes at least one conveyor belt mounted about at least two rollers and is adapted and configured to engage a plastic bag from the stack of bags, a pressure mechanism for pressing at least one bag against the belt so as to cause the belt to engage the bag, means for rotating one of the rollers so as to cause it to drag an engaged plastic bag upwards to a dispensing area, and means for automatically stopping rotation of said belt after a single bag has been dispensed. If desired, the rate at which the bags are dispensed can also be set and controlled. | 02-04-2010 |
20100032442 | DISPENSING WIPES - The invention relates to the dispensing of wipes ( | 02-11-2010 |
20100084418 | CUTLERY UTENSIL DISPENSER - A cutlery utensil dispenser having at least one utensil compartment and a dispensing mechanism is disclosed. Each utensil compartment is so dimensioned and configured to house a stack of utensils. The dispensing mechanism includes a drive member in operable communication with at least one driven member, each driven member being associated with a respective one of the compartments. Actuation of the drive member causes simultaneous actuation of each driven member that causes a utensil to be dispensed from each compartment in repeatable succession one at a time. Also disclosed is a cutlery utensil dispenser having an electric motor in operable communication with the dispensing mechanism, and a controller in operable communication with the motor. The controller includes a processing circuit responsive to computer executable instructions which when executed on the processing circuit facilitates dispensing of a utensil from the utensil compartment by operation of the motor on command. | 04-08-2010 |
20100084419 | REFILLABLE SINGLE-HAND DISPENSER FOR TABLETS - The present invention relates to a dispenser, particularly a refillable single-hand dispenser, having a sleeve ( | 04-08-2010 |
20100089936 | PATIENT COMPLIANT MEDICATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD - A patient compliant medication management system and method is described. The patient compliant medication management system comprises a dispenser, a drive element, and compliance indicia. The dispenser has a plurality of medicament containers wherein each of the medicament containers includes medication associated with a dosage regimen. The dispenser also includes an aperture that allows the medicament containers to exit the dispenser through the aperture. The drive element is mounted on the dispenser and mechanically interfaces with the medicament containers. The drive element is configured to advance when the medicament containers advance towards the aperture. The compliance indicia are located on the drive element. The compliance indicia are associated with the medicament containers within the dispenser and are configured to verify that medicament containers have exited the aperture. | 04-15-2010 |
20100089937 | CHILD PROOF MEDICATION PACKAGING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A child proof medication packaging system and method is described. The child proof medication packaging system includes a dispenser and a child safety component. The dispenser includes a plurality of medicament containers housing a plurality of different medications and an aperture that allows the medicament containers to exit the dispenser through the aperture. The child safety component associated with the aperture in the dispenser is adjustable to a first position and a second position. The first position prevents the medicament containers from passing through the aperture and the second position permits the medicament containers to pass through the aperture. | 04-15-2010 |
20100089938 | PIPETTE TIP HANDLING DEVICES AND METHODS - Discussed herein are methods and devices for storing, handling, loading or dispensing of pipette tips. Some embodiments allow repetitive loading of an array of multiple pipette tips that are stored in a nested configuration. | 04-15-2010 |
20100089939 | SHEET MATERIAL DISPENSER - A powered dispenser for dispensing individual sheet segments from a continuous roll of sheet material provided with spaced tear lines comprises a powered feed mechanism, a releasable, powered drive mechanism, a powered transfer mechanism, a pair of web sensing sensors, a capacitive sensing system providing automatic sensitivity adjustment, and control circuitry. A dual power supply system provides a mechanical lock-out functionality, and the control system is protected from electrostatic build-up on the surface of the feed roller. The web sensor, and an antenna plate of the capacitive sensing system, are provided on respective printed circuit boards mounted in overlying relation. Utilizing signals received from the pair of web sensors and the capacitive sensing system, the control circuitry senses the presence of a user to activate the powered drive mechanism, and prevents further dispensing of the sheet material until a previously dispensed segment is separated from the roll. The web sensors detection of a leading edge of the sheet material initiates a predetermined interval of sheet material advancement providing a proper placement of successive tear lines. Various approaches may be utilized to accommodate inadvertent sheet “tabbing” scenarios. The web sensors, together with the control circuitry, are also used to detect the depletion, or absence, of a working roll of sheet material, whereupon the control circuitry controls the powered transfer mechanism to automatically transfer the web feed supply from a depleted working roll to a reserve roll. The powered transfer mechanism may include a motor driven transfer bar, or provide motor driven release of a spring biased transfer bar. Another arrangement allows for ready release of a roll core, and drop of the same into an open dispenser cover for removal. | 04-15-2010 |
20100096399 | Smart Medicine Container - Present invention discloses a dispenser having means to dispense desired number of pills from a bulk supply of pills contained in the dispenser. The dispenser comprises of storage compartment having bulk supply of pills and having a discharge port emptying into counting compartment. The counting compartment contains first and second conveyors moving at first and second speed; wherein the second speed is greater than the first speed thereby enabling pill separation; the second conveyor discharges pills into dispensing compartment. Sensors are strategically placed along the conveyors to count pills discharged into dispensing compartment. A pill recovery system and apparatus is disposed inside the dispenser having means to recover pills remaining on conveyors upon completion of a dispensation cycle and deposit recovered pills back into the storage compartment for use in future dispensation cycles. A docking station having receptacles to accommodate dispenser is provided. Docking station has communication ports enabling two-way communication with personal computer. The present invention also relates to a method of determining medication-medication interaction. Furthermore, the present, invention relates to a method of determining medication side effect as being causative of a patient's clinical symptoms. | 04-22-2010 |
20100127013 | DVD KIOSKS - Distribution devices for creating and dispensing digital content to a user are described. The distribution devices (i.e., a kiosk) contain an apparatus for manufacturing and dispensing a desired medium (i.e., DVD) for any desired type of digital content or media (i.e., a movie or a song) on demand by a user. The distribution devices can be connected to any electronic communications network that allows that media to be downloaded to a specific distribution device, if needed. Thus, a user can select the media (i.e., a desired movie) that may not be currently available at that specific distribution device. That media can then be downloaded from the electronic communications network, the medium containing the media created, and then the medium dispensed to the customer. Thus, the customer's selection of any desired media can be increased and costs for operating the distribution devices can be reduced. Other embodiments are described. | 05-27-2010 |
20100147866 | Ball Injector - An apparatus for loading and dispensing balls into a flow stream. The apparatus has an outer housing with a smooth cylindrical inner surface, and an inner housing, removably mounted within the outer housing. The inner housing has a hollow cylindrical body extending longitudinally between a lower guide plate and an upper guide band. A plurality of longitudinal slots are located in and extend the length of the cylindrical body and through the lower guide plate. The width of the slots is greater than the diameter of the balls. The apparatus also has a shaft with a smooth cylindrical outer surface, coaxially, rotatably, and removably mounted in the inner housing. The distance between the outer surface of the shaft and the inner surface of the outer housing is greater than the diameter of the balls. | 06-17-2010 |
20100163569 | Publicly-accessible moist hand cleaning wipe station - An integrated, self-contained hand sanitizer station is provided by this invention. The enclosure of the station may be located in a public venue, and conveniently dispenses wet wipe towelettes for people to clean their hands without resort to soap and water. A trash receptacle contained within the station enables ready disposal of the towelettes by the patrons after their use. By making a good hand hygiene available to customers, a merchant or public authority can help to reduce germs, viruses, and bacteria that can otherwise cause the spread of infectious illnesses. | 07-01-2010 |
20100163570 | AUTOMATIC CARD DISPENSER - An automatic card dispenser is disclosed, which comprising: a base provided with a standby area, an output area, and a first track and second track parallel to each other; said standby area and output area are respectively provided on each end of the first track and second track, and each side of the dispensed card are respectively put in the first track and second track, and the first track is capable of separating from the standby area and output area; a vertical lifting unit connected to the base with a card box and a vertical driver; a horizontal pushing unit connected to the base for putting the card to contact card pressing wheel provided in the output area along the second track; and a recycling unit connected to the base and provided below the first track. | 07-01-2010 |
20100170911 | Apparatus And Method For Adding Note Dispensing Positions To A Secure Cash Dispenser - A note presenter ( | 07-08-2010 |
20100181332 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DISTRIBUTING OPHTHALMIC LENSES - An apparatus for dispensing ophthalmic lens packages and methods of its use are described herein. | 07-22-2010 |
20100181333 | MONEY HANDLING MACHINE - A money handling machine of the present invention includes a denomination-specific storing portion, money transport unit that transports money to a dispending portion and transport starting unit that starts, with the money transport unit, transport of the money stored in the denomination-specific storing portion. The money handling machine receives an instruction to dispense money, performs dispensing money in which the amount of money to be dispensed out of the money stored in the denomination-specific storing portion is only transported to the dispensing portion and performs dispensing limitation processing in which the transport of money determined not to be allowed to be dispensed is prevented from being completed. The dispensing processing includes the first step of starting the transport of the amount of money corresponding to the instruction to dispense money and the second step of transporting, after completion of the first step, money from the denomination-specific storing portion to the dispensing portion such that a shortage of dispensed money produced by performing the dispensing limitation processing is replenished. In this way, it is possible not only to prevent money that is not allowed to be dispensed from being dispensed and to accurately dispense money corresponding to the instruction to dispense money but also to more quickly perform the dispensing processing. | 07-22-2010 |
20100181334 | TABLET DISCHARGING METHOD - There is provided a tablet discharging method capable of discharging a vial to an outlet corresponding to a size of the vial even if the size of the vial is changed. The tablet discharging method is related to removing a vial from a stocker accommodating a large number of vials according to a prescription data, dispensing tablets into the vial to fill the vial and discharging the vial filled with the tablets. The tablet discharging method includes the following steps of: determining a vial of an appropriate size according to a prescription data; checking for a stock of the determined vial; fixing a size by changing the determined vial to a vial of a size larger than that of the determined vial when the vial of the determined size is out-of-stock; and discharging the vial filled with the tablets to an outlet holding the vial of the fixed size. | 07-22-2010 |
20100187248 | DISPENSER FOR LIDS - The present invention provides an apparatus, kit and method for dispensing lids one at a time in a sanitary and effective manner. A stack of lids is placed inside a tube and substantially held in the tube by a cover piece. Preferably the cover piece is concave in shape and is opposed by a concave platform that biases the stack of lids towards said cover piece. The bottommost lid of the stack is available for dispensing while the next lid in the stack is restrained in place, preferably by elements associated with the cover piece. | 07-29-2010 |
20100187249 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DISTRIBUTING OPHTHALMIC LENSES - An apparatus for dispensing ophthalmic lens packages and methods of its use are described herein. | 07-29-2010 |
20100193536 | BLISTER PACK DEVICE AND A METHOD OF EJECTING A UNIT DOSAGE FROM A BLISTER PACK USING THE DEVICE - The present invention relates to a blister pack device for dispensing a dosage unit from a blister pack. The blister pack has at least one blister and a lid foil. The device comprises a first arm and a second lever arm hingedly connected to each other, the first arm comprises an aperture through which the dosage unit can be ejected. The lever arm comprises a protruding member for pressing out a dosage unit from the blister when the lever arm is lowered down onto the blister positioned on the first arm. The protruding member comprises a first section for applying a pressing force on the dosage unit inside the blister to initiate the breaking of the lid foil of the blister pack and a second section for distributing the pressing force over the dosage unit and for ejecting the dosage unit. | 08-05-2010 |
20100193537 | AUTOMATIC DISPENSING MACHINE AND METHOD OF OPERATION - The present invention relates to a dispensing machine, and the related operating method, comprising means for dispensing packaged and/or unpackaged edible goods/beverages, a control unit connected to one or more electrically-activated parts of the machine and provided with memory means to store and retrieve digital data, a user interface for showing information to the user and for retrieving input commands from the user to be sent to the control unit. The user interface is a graphic user interface GUI comprising a touch-panel integrated in a graphic screen capable to display multimedia content including moving images. The content and/or form of said information shown on the screen is changed by the control unit on the basis of at least one parameter related to any of the operative status of the machine, the location wherein the machine is running, the calendar date and/or the daily time, statistics indicative of previous selections made by user(s) or on the basis of the signal provided by at least one sensor of the machine detecting proximity of the user(s). | 08-05-2010 |
20100243666 | HORIZONTAL PRODUCT DISCHARGE SYSTEM FOR A VENDING MACHINE - A system and method for discharging a selected product into a dispensing chamber of a vending machine are provided. In the system and method of this disclosure, a selected product from a vending machine is received in a product delivery cup. The product delivery cup is moved to a dispensing chamber of the vending machine. Near the dispensing chamber, the product delivery cup moves in a horizontal direction which causes or activates a delivery cup sleeve within the product delivery cup to pivot or move from a non-dispensing position to a dispensing position. The dispensing position of the delivery cup sleeve releases the selected product from the delivery cup sleeve to the dispensing chamber where a consumer is able to access the selected product. | 09-30-2010 |
20100243667 | Fluid Dispensing Apparatus - A fluid dispensing apparatus is configured to dispense a predetermined volume of fluid, and includes a fluid reservoir to hold a fluid to be dispensed, a dispense tube to dispense the fluid, and an elevator mechanism. The fluid reservoir receives a fluid from a fluid supply. A dispense tube has a dispense outlet, and is connected to an outlet port on the fluid reservoir. The elevator mechanism changes a relative vertical displacement between the dispense outlet and the outlet port. Particularly, a processor controls the elevator mechanism to raise the dispense tube to a raised filling position to prevent fluid flow from the dispense outlet, and lower the dispense tube to a lowered dispensing position to dispense the fluid. | 09-30-2010 |
20100258578 | AUTOMATED PIPETTE TIP LOADING DEVICES AND METHODS - Discussed herein are methods and devices for storing, handling, loading or dispensing of pipette tips. Some embodiments allow repetitive loading of an array of multiple pipette tips that are stored in a nested configuration. | 10-14-2010 |
20100264157 | DISPENSING CONTAINER FOR METERED DISPENSING OF PRODUCT - A dispensing container is provided, including an outer casing having an open end, a top, a bottom, sidewalls extending between the top and bottom, and an interior compartment; an inner tray slidably received within the interior compartment of the outer casing and including a storage compartment configured to store a plurality of units of product to be dispensed, and a dispensing trough in communication with the storage compartment, the inner tray extending outwardly from the open end of the outer casing and configured for sliding movement between a closed and locked position and a dispensing position, wherein the dispensing trough includes an aperture sized to allow a single unit of product exit the dispensing trough at one end thereof and a slot at the opposing end thereof, and the outer casing further includes a rib extending into the interior compartment and positioned to enter the slot of the dispensing trough. | 10-21-2010 |
20100264158 | AUTOMATED DISPENSARY APPARATUS FOR DISPENSING PILLS - A pill dispensing apparatus has a pill delivery station, a pill receiving station, and a pill singulator. The singulator receives and supports pills delivered from the delivery station and is spun to drive pills supported on the tray around the tray axis. A wiper guide guides the driven pills towards the pill receiving station and at the same time singulates the pills by establish spacing between them. The singulated pills are then deflected to a pill drop zone where they drop into a container. | 10-21-2010 |
20100282769 | REAGENT STRIP WITH REMOVABLE TIP - A test sensor includes a base, a lid and a channel for receiving a fluid sample. The channel includes a reagent. The test sensor also includes a tip portion extending from at least one of the base and lid. The tip portion prevents or inhibits moisture or contaminants from entering the channel and affecting the reagent. The test sensor further includes a detachable area located adjacent the tip portion. The detachable area is formed so as to assist movement of the tip portion or removal of the tip portion from the remainder of the test sensor. The movement or removal of the tip portion exposes the channel for receiving the fluid sample. | 11-11-2010 |
20100294791 | Tablet Dispenser - What is proposed is a dispensing device for dispensing tablets belonging to a stack of tablets separately. There is arranged, in a casing ( | 11-25-2010 |
20100308070 | DISPENSING CANISTER FOR DELIVERY OF SOLID MEDICATIONS - The apparatus and process of the present invention provides for the automated, singulated dispensing of articles, particularly solid oral medication in predetermined quantities. The apparatus of the invention is a canister which houses a screw having a channel of a certain width and depth that corresponds to the dimensions of a particular pill type. The screw is removably mounted to a cradle and the screw and cradle combination is positioned within the canister so that it is generally parallel to the base of the canister. By virtue of being removably mounted, screws having channels of various dimensions, corresponding to a particular pill to be dispensed, can be substituted into the cradle within canister. A removable shelf is mounted to at least one interior side of the cradle and is positioned near the proximal end of the screw and cradle combination. Like the screw channel, the shelf is of a certain width that corresponds with a certain pill size. The shelf also can be easily removed and replaced to correspond with a particular pill. The screw traverses the canister and at the proximal end of the screw is an aperture in the canister. At the aperture in the canister, a singulation blade is mounted which allows for pills to be dispensed one at a time. The screw channel and shelf encase a portion of the pill. Upon rotating the screw, the pill travels along the shelf from the distal end of the canister to the proximal end of the canister, entering the aperture and exiting the canister after passing the singulation blade. A rotational driver-coupling is mounted to the proximal end of the screw, allowing for activation of the canister by engaging the screw. The present invention further describes methods of dispensing articles and methods of loading the apparatus. | 12-09-2010 |
20100308071 | Ticket Magazine for Instant Ticket Dispensing Machine - The present invention provides a ticket magazine that can be inserted into a drawer of a ticket dispensing machine. The magazine can be loaded with tickets externally from the machine, and provides an element or elements such as one or more bridging fingers and/or a dancer arm to enable the tickets to travel along a more advantageous ticket path with longer curl diameters. Because of the longer curl diameter, the pull force required to peel a ticket from the stack is reduced and remains substantially constant, thereby avoiding ticket jams, mis-cuts and other problems. | 12-09-2010 |
20100314405 | Systems, methods and devices for dispensing products from a kiosk - The present invention relates to a kiosk that dispenses products with no moving parts. The kiosk can dispense a rental product, and the rental product can be returned via a mail service, or it can be retained for a purchase price. The kiosk comprises a removable cartridge containing the products, and the cartridge can be readily replaced with a new cartridge to replenish the inventory of products in the kiosk. | 12-16-2010 |
20100327000 | Sanitary dispensing system - The present invention provides a sanitary dispensing system including an elongate member configured to be secured to a door, a dispensing device secured to the elongate member, the dispensing device configured for dispensing hand cleansing materials, and a receptacle device secured to the elongate member and configured for receiving hand cleansing materials. | 12-30-2010 |
20110000931 | DISPENSING CONTAINER - A container for dispensing a product is provided, the container including an outer casing body having a cavity; a dispensing tray adapted for sliding movement within the cavity of the outer casing body between a closed and locked position and a dispensing position, the dispensing tray having an internal storage compartment for storage of a plurality of units of a product to be dispensed, a dispensing window, and a stop for engaging the outer casing body to prevent removal of the dispensing tray from the cavity; and a locking mechanism for releasably locking the dispensing tray in the cavity, the locking mechanism including protrusions projecting from the outer casing body into the cavity and positioned adjacent to a moveable flap formed in the outer casing body, and recesses carried by the dispensing tray and positioned to engage the protrusions when the dispensing tray is in the closed and locked position. | 01-06-2011 |
20110000932 | Method and apparatus for dispensing diagnostic test strips - An apparatus for storing and dispensing a test strip includes a container configured to store a stack of test strips. The container maintains appropriate environmental conditions, such as humidity, for storing the test strips. An engaging member is disposed in the container and is adapted to contact one test strip of the stack of test strips. An actuator actuates the engaging member to dispense the one test strip from the container. Since one test strip is dispensed at a time, the remaining test strips are not handled by the user. Accordingly, the unused test strips remain free of contaminants such as naturally occurring oils on the user's hand. | 01-06-2011 |
20110000933 | Method and apparatus for dispensing diagnostic test strips - An apparatus for storing and dispensing a test strip includes a container configured to store a stack of test strips. The container maintains appropriate environmental conditions, such as humidity, for storing the test strips. An engaging member is disposed in the container and is adapted to contact one test strip of the stack of test strips. An actuator actuates the engaging member to dispense the one test strip from the container. Since one test strip is dispensed at a time, the remaining test strips are not handled by the user. Accordingly, the unused test strips remain free of contaminants such as naturally occurring oils on the user's hand. | 01-06-2011 |
20110006073 | Methods and Apparatus for Dispensing Solid Pharmaceutical Articles - A method is provided for dispensing solid pharmaceutical articles using an apparatus including a housing and a sensor system, the housing defining a dispensing passage having a dispensing inlet and a dispensing outlet downstream of the dispensing inlet, the sensor system including first and second sensors spaced apart along the dispensing channel such that the second sensor is located downstream of the first sensor. The method includes: forcing at least one article along a path through the dispensing passage; generating detection signals using the first and second sensors responsive to articles passing through the dispensing channel; and using the detection signals from the first and second sensors to monitor dispensing performance of the apparatus. | 01-13-2011 |
20110011876 | DISPENSING MECHANISM FOR FLEXIBLE SHEETS - A dispensing mechanism for a flexible sheet container includes a first flap having a first end portion that extends to a second end portion. The second end portion includes at least one tooth element. The dispensing mechanism also includes a second flap having a first end section that extends to a second end section. The second end section includes at least one tooth member. The at least one tooth member is off-set from the at least one tooth element. | 01-20-2011 |
20110011877 | CIGARETTE BLANK DISPENSING APPARATUS - An apparatus for dispensing cigarette blanks in a cigarette manufacturing machine. The apparatus comprises a base having an upper end, a lower end opposite the upper end, a first side, a second side opposite the first side, and a shaker communicating with the base. The base also comprises a retainer for retaining at least one cigarette blank. Also disclosed is a method for separating and dispensing cigarette blanks. | 01-20-2011 |
20110017761 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR TRANSFERRING PRODUCTS IN A VENDING MACHINE - A method and device for transferring products in a vending machine, whereby a selected product is transferred from a relative fixed tray of the machine to a catch bin by a transfer member movable along a chute and designed to selectively assume two configurations, a first of which is a concave configuration to control the position of the selected product as it moves down the chute, and a second of which is a configuration allowing the selected product to drop freely along the chute, and which leaves the chute clear. | 01-27-2011 |
20110017762 | CONTAINER WITH A LIFTING ELEMENT - A container including smoking articles also includes a cup shaped box for the smoking articles. The cup shaped box includes a bottom wall, side walls and an opening. The container further includes a lifting element correlated to at least one smoking article for lifting the smoking article of the bottom wall of the container. The lifting element has an engaging portion, engageable with the outside upper end portion of the smoking article. | 01-27-2011 |
20110017763 | MERCHANDISE DISPENSING APPARATUS PROVIDING THEFT DETERRENCE - A box structure has a plurality of walls positioned and configured to prevent access to an interior space housing merchandise in a secure manner. A first movable wall permits manual access to a frontal portion of the interior space while at the same time moving a barrier strip to prevent manual access to other than said frontal portion of the interior space. A roll-out shelf mounts merchandise supporting modules with pushers to move merchandise toward the front of the structure where ejection mechanisms in each of the modules are able to direct selected items to the front of the structure where they can be accessed by consumers. The ejection process creates a characteristic noise to alert store personnel that products are being dispensed. | 01-27-2011 |
20110017764 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR STORAGE AND DISPENSING OF PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS IN UNIT DOSES OR ADMINISTRATION UNITS - A method and automated apparatus ( | 01-27-2011 |
20110024440 | COMESTIBLE DISPENSING PACKAGE - A package for product pieces includes a housing having a plurality of walls forming an interior adapter to hold a plurality of product pieces. The housing has a dispensing opening in communication with the interior. A resilient member is disposed in the housing interior and is adapted to urge the product pieces toward the dispensing opening. The housing has an aperture formed in one of the plurality of walls disposed adjacent the dispensing opening to permit the product piece to be engaged and moved out of the interior through the dispensing opening. | 02-03-2011 |
20110031261 | MEDICATION DISPENSING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USING SAME - A medication dispensing system and method of using same is presented. The medication dispensing system includes a base, a cap and pills. The base has plurality of concave niches for housing the pills. The cap is rotatably attached to the base in which the cap has a dispensing orifice for dispensing the pills. The medication dispensing system may also have a packaging unit containing a pill box composed of the base, cap and pills. The method of using the medication dispensing system includes the steps of obtaining, opening, inserting, removing, retrieving, turning, and rotating. | 02-10-2011 |
20110031262 | Methods and Apparatus for Dispensing Solid Pharmaceutical Articles - An apparatus for dispensing pharmaceutical articles includes a housing and a gas source to provide a positive pressure supply gas flow. The housing defines a hopper chamber to hold the articles, a dispensing channel fluidly connected to the hopper chamber, a drive jet outlet, and an agitation outlet. The dispensing channel has an inlet and an outlet and defines a flow path therebetween. The gas source is fluidly connected to each of the drive jet outlet and the agitation outlet to provide: a pressurized drive jet gas flow through the drive jet outlet to convey articles through the dispensing channel along the flow path; and a pressurized agitation gas flow through the agitation outlet to agitate articles in the hopper chamber. | 02-10-2011 |
20110036855 | Towel dispenser - A paper towel dispenser assembly including a support frame that receives a continuous length of pleated paper toweling. The paper towel dispenser assembly further including a sensor that actuates dispense of an end of the continuous length of pleated paper toweling and a cutter that cuts a discrete towel from the end of the continuous length of pleated paper toweling. | 02-17-2011 |
20110042403 | Card dispensing apparatuses and associated methods of operation - Apparatuses, systems, and methods for dispensing credit cards, phone cards, in-store gift cards, and the like from customer-operated kiosks and other machines. In one embodiment, a card dispensing apparatus can include a plurality of card hopper assemblies arranged in an array of two or more vertical columns, each column including two or more card hopper assemblies. Each card hopper assembly can include a card hopper configured to hold a vertical stack of horizontally oriented cards. Each card hopper assembly can further include a card ejector assembly configured to eject the bottom-most card from each card stack. The card dispenser can further include a movable card carriage that can be selectively positioned to receive a card from any of the card hoppers and read information from the card before dispensing the card to a customer. | 02-24-2011 |
20110049176 | FASTENING MACHINES - Fastener delivery apparatus for automatically selecting and delivering fasteners such as rivets to a setting tool. The fasteners are pre-loaded in a package and dispense via at least one fastener delivery tube that interconnects the setting tool to a fastener feeder device. The fastener feeder device releases selected fasteners from the package into the delivery tube. The fasteners are transportable individually or in groups in the tube from the feeder device to the tool. A transfer station attached to the tool or the delivery tube transfers a fastener from the delivery apparatus into the tool, transfer station is adjacent to the tool so that a delivered fastener may be inserted by the transfer station into the tool and a second position in which it is clear of the tool so as to permit the tool or a portion thereof to move towards a workpiece to insert a smooth, rapid and reliable delivery of fasteners of various sizes and types to the nose of a setting tool in any particular order and provides all the fastener types for any particular work cycle. | 03-03-2011 |
20110068115 | MEDICATION SUPPORTING APPARATUS AND METHOD - Provided are a medication supporting apparatus and method. In the medication supporting apparatus, a storage section stores a strip of dosage bags that are continuously connected. A carrier section carries the dosage bag strip in the storage section. A sensor section generates a detection signal detecting a position of the dosage bag strip on the carrier section. A circuit section determines the position of the dosage bag strip according to the detection signal of the sensor section, and controls the carrier section. The dosage bag strip packed in continuous dosage bags is recognized in a unit of one dosage bag, is adjusted to a start position thereof, and is dispensed by a size of one dosage bag, so that the dosage bag strip can be accurately dispensed. | 03-24-2011 |
20110068116 | PRODUCT DISCHARGE AND DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR A VENDING MACHINE - A product discharge and delivery system for a vending machine includes a product delivery cup including a carriage portion and a shroud portion having an open bottom section and a discharge element. After receiving a selected product, the product delivery cup is shifted toward a dispensing chamber causing the discharge element to engage with a discharge member mounted within the vending machine. Engagement of the discharge element and discharge member causes the shroud portion to pivot relative to the carrier portion exposing the open bottom section allowing a selected product to release into a dispensing chamber. A delivery port is mounted in the dispensing chamber that rotated between a product receiving position and a product delivery position. | 03-24-2011 |
20110068117 | Methods and Apparatus for Dispensing Solid Articles - An apparatus for dispensing solid articles includes a dispensing channel, a housing and an article supply regulation system. The dispensing channel has an inlet and an outlet and defines a dispensing path therebetween. The housing defines a hopper chamber to hold the articles. The hopper chamber is in fluid communication with the inlet of the dispensing channel. The housing includes a floor. The article supply regulation system includes a first divider wall, a second divider wall and a third divider wall configured and positioned in the hopper chamber to define, in combination with the housing: a front region between the inlet and the first divider wall; a first rear region between the first divider wall and the second divider wall; a second rear region between the second divider wall and the third divider wall; and a third rear region on a side of the third divider wall opposite the second rear region. The first divider wall forms a front choke passage between the front region and the first rear region and between the first divider wall and the floor. The second divider wall forms a first rear choke passage between the first rear region and the second rear region and between the second divider wall and the floor. The third divider wall forms a second rear choke passage between the second rear region and the third rear region and between the third divider wall and the floor and/or a side wall of the housing. | 03-24-2011 |
20110095041 | CARD EXTRACTING DEVICE AND CONTROL METHOD FOR CARD EXTRACTING DEVICE - A card extracting device for use with a plurality of cards may include a card storage, a gate through which the cards pass toward an outside of the card storage, an extracting tab to engage with and extract one of the cards, a tab-moving mechanism to move the extracting tab, an extracting roller outside the card storage to further forward the extracted card, a motor to drive the tab-moving mechanism and the extracting roller, a card-extraction detecting section to detect that card extraction is completed, and a control section to control the motor. An engaging section may be formed in the extracting tab to abut a rear end portion of the card and extract the card. The control section may drive the motor forward to extract the card or drive the motor in reverse based on a detection result from the card extraction detecting section. | 04-28-2011 |
20110101015 | Beverage container dispensing apparatus - A beverage dispensing apparatus is shaped like the torso of a sports figure with appropriate head gear. The head gear pivots between an open and closed position. Opening the head gear permits access to beverage containers stacked in rows in a dispensing chamber within the apparatus. A mechanical lifting mechanism is coupled to the head gear. The lifting mechanism lifts a new row of beverage containers upward for access as the head gear is pivoted closed. | 05-05-2011 |
20110101016 | LOW VISION PATIENT COMPLIANT MEDICATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD - A compliance packaging system and method for dispensing tablets to the vision impaired is described. The compliance packaging system comprises a dispenser and compliance indicia. The dispenser has a plurality of tablet containers wherein each of the tablet containers contains at least one tablet associated with a dosage regimen. The compliance indicia are associated with the plurality of tablet containers and are configured to allow a visually impaired person to verify that a particular tablet container has exited the dispenser. | 05-05-2011 |
20110101017 | DISPENSER FOR SOFT PLIABLE LIDS - A lid dispenser includes a housing, shaft assemblies and a lid dispensing mechanism. Each shaft assembly includes a shaft that extends from a base of the housing, a lid shelf that supports at least a bottom-most lid in the lid stack area and a drive gear about its shaft so that rotation of the drive gear causes rotation of the associated shaft and lid shelf. A common gear is positioned so as to mesh with each of the drive gears such that rotation of the common gear causes corresponding rotation of each of the drive gears. Manual operation of the lid dispensing mechanism causes the common gear to rotate each of the shafts sufficient to allow the lid shelves to dispense the bottom-most lid. Release of the lid dispensing mechanism rotates the common gear back to a default position, rotating each of the shaft assemblies back to their default position. | 05-05-2011 |
20110101018 | DISPENSING SYSTEM FOR ITEMS - A cabinet for storing and dispensing an inventory of items, the cabinet comprising: at least one drawer having a plurality of criss-crossing row slats and column slats arranged along its bottom and a plurality of corresponding bins. The row slats have a plurality of flexible appendages and the column slats have a plurality of notches corresponding to the appendages. Slat movement actuators axial move the slats. Each bin has a pivotal lid; a lid lock and release element and a lid lock and release element adapted to hold the lid closed until actuated by one of the appendages, whereby bins of various sizes can be arranged abutting each other in the drawer and the bins are openable by actuating the row slat(s) and column slat(s) related to the bins to be accessed. | 05-05-2011 |
20110108564 | PRODUCT DISPENSING METHOD AND VENDING MACHINE - A dispensing method and vending machine ( | 05-12-2011 |
20110121010 | Display System, Dispensing Device and Package For Use Therein - Disclosed is a system and method for dispensing products provided initially in a package. The system includes a frame and an opening tool. The frame has longitudinally opposed front and rear end sections and includes an upper support deck extending at least partially between the front and rear end sections and below which a product display area is provided. The opening tool is associated with the frame and is arranged to open the package when the package is moved longitudinally on the upper support deck and relative to the opening tool thereby allowing the products to be at least partially dispensed from the package into the product display area. | 05-26-2011 |
20110139807 | WIPES DISPENSER WITH ANTI-ROPING AND ANTI-FALLBACK FEATURES - A wipes dispenser includes a container having an interior holding a plurality of wipes. A grip orifice provides communication between the interior and the exterior of the container, and the grip orifice serves to prevent wipes from falling back into the interior. The dispenser also includes a rip fence, and a lead end of a lead wipe of the plurality of wet wipes within the container extends through the grip orifice and then through the rip fence such that pulling on the lead end to pull the lead wipe against the rip fence causes the remainder of the lead wipe to be removed from the container and become disassociated with the remaining wipes of the plurality of wipes. As the lead end is pulled against the rip fence, the following wipe of the plurality of wipes is pulled through the grip orifice to provide its lead end outside of the interior of the container, and the grip orifice prevents this lead end of the following wipe from falling back into the interior of the container. | 06-16-2011 |
20110147400 | ENTERTAINMENT MEDIA RENTAL AND RETURN SYSTEM AND A REMOVABLE STORAGE BIN THEREFOR - An entertainment media rental and return system comprises a rental terminal at which a customer can either rent entertainment media or return entertainment media which has been previously rented from the rental terminal, a return terminal at which a customer can only return entertainment media which has been previously rented from the rental terminal, and a removable storage bin interchangeable between the terminals and arranged to (i) receive entertainment media which has been returned by a customer at the return terminal when the bin is installed in the return terminal, (ii) receive entertainment media which has been returned by a customer at the rental terminal when the bin is installed in the rental terminal, and (iii) provide entertainment media which is available to be rented to a customer at the rental terminal when the bin is installed in the rental terminal. | 06-23-2011 |
20110147401 | Flexible Container And Reusable Closure Element - An assembly offering to consumers a choice between two types of closure systems for a wipes flexible container is provided. The assembly comprises at least one flexible container and a reusable closure element. | 06-23-2011 |
20110147402 | METHOD OF DISPENSING PRODUCTS OFF A VENDING MACHINE TRAY - In a vending machine, in which products are arranged on a tray and are movable along the tray, by a conveyor device, towards an outlet controlled by a release device movable between a closed position and an open position, the conveyor device is reversed, after one product is dispensed and before and during closure of the release device, to detach the remaining products from the release device. | 06-23-2011 |
20110163110 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR IMPROVING DISPENSING OF REMOVABLE ADHESIVE TABS USING AN ADHESIVE LAYER FOR ADHERING A DISPENSER TO AN OBJECT - An improvement to a dispenser of pressure-sensitive notes or marking flags includes the addition of an adhesive layer and a backing layer to protect the adhesive layer. The adhesive layer allows the temporary adhesion of the dispenser to books, desks, folders or other devices in which such notes or flags are applied by the user, resulting in increase convenience. | 07-07-2011 |
20110168732 | DISPENSER - A dispenser | 07-14-2011 |
20110168733 | Device and Method for Dispensing Medicine - There is provided a medicine dispensing device including: a device body | 07-14-2011 |
20110186587 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR PILL MANAGEMENT - A pill management apparatus and related methods are disclosed herein. In various aspects, the pill management apparatus may include a housing with a disc rotatably received therein. The disc may be divided into a plurality of compartments, and a compartment of the plurality of compartments may be in communication with the passage. A gate may be slideably disposed about the passage and positionable between a closed position, wherein the gate generally seals the passage, and an open position, wherein the gate unseals the passage sufficiently to dispense a pill from the compartment to the exterior therethrough. The gate cooperates mechanically with the disc such that the disc advances as the gate is positioned from the closed position to the open position, in various aspects. | 08-04-2011 |
20110186588 | METHOD FOR EJECTING A TEST STRIP FROM A TEST METER - A method for ejecting a test strip from a test meter includes initiating activation of a test strip ejection mechanism that is in a pre-ejection state. In the method, the test strip ejection mechanism includes a shape memory alloy strip that exhibits a solid state transition temperature and has a programmed configuration and a deformed configuration. In the test strip ejection mechanism pre-ejection state, a test strip has been received within a test strip receiving port of the test meter and the shape memory alloy strip is in the deformed configuration. The method also includes heating, in response to the initiation step, the shape memory alloy strip from below the solid state transition temperature to above the solid state transition temperature. The heating results in the shape memory alloy strip undergoing a transformation from the deformed configuration to the programmed configuration. The method also includes applying a force produced by the transformation from the deformed configuration to the programmed configuration to the test strip and, thereby, ejecting the test strip from the test strip receiving port. | 08-04-2011 |
20110192861 | MEDICAL GLOVE DISPENSING DEVICE AND ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF DISPENSING MEDICAL GLOVES - A medical glove dispensing device includes a panel having a plurality of differently sized ports, wherein each of the ports is sized to provide indicia about a size of a medical glove adapted to be disposed behind and dispensed through the port. A holder is disposed adjacent the panel and provides a plurality of storage spaces sized and adapted to support a plurality of medical glove containers holding differently sized medical gloves. The plurality of storage spaces are aligned respectively with the plurality of ports, with each of the storage spaces having substantially the same width. A medical glove dispensing assembly, and a method of dispensing medical gloves, are also provided. | 08-11-2011 |
20110198365 | Game cartridge storage and dispensing system and method for the same - A system for storing and dispensing game cartridges and a method for the same. A housing system that requires a user to store a game cartridge in the apparatus before another game cartridge in the apparatus can be dispensed. Thus, insuring that game cartridges will be returned to a storage apparatus before another game cartridge is removed thereby preventing game cartridges from being lost and keeping all game cartridges not being played in one storage container. | 08-18-2011 |
20110198366 | Carton With An Improved Dispensing Feature - A carton with an improved dispenser at one of the carton which preserves the integrity of the carton when the carton is opened by permitting a bottom end flap attached to the bottom panel to remain in place and also a portion of each side end flap that is adjacent to the bottom end flap. This dispenser may also provide a safety net for the first container that is automatically dispensed when the carton is opened. | 08-18-2011 |
20110204074 | DISPENSING CONTAINER - A container adapted for dispensing a product is provided. The container includes an outer casing body for receiving a dispensing tray. The dispensing tray has an internal storage compartment for storage of a plurality of units of a product to be dispensed, and includes a cover portion defining at least one dispensing aperture through which a stored unit of product is accessible when the outer casing body is in a dispensing position. A sealing member is engaged with one of the outer casing body and the dispensing tray, and is configured to interact with the other of the outer casing body and the dispensing tray to form a seal about an outer peripheral portion of the dispensing tray when the outer casing body is in a closed and locked position. The container includes a locking mechanism that releasably locks the outer casing body in the closed and locked position. | 08-25-2011 |
20110204075 | Dispensing apparatus system and method - An automatic dispensing apparatus system and method for dispensing predetermined objects is disclosed. More particularly, the invention is an automatic bottled water dispensing apparatus system and method having a housing which houses various sizes of bottled water and a conveyor system for transporting the bottled water to a dispensing member for a customer. The dispensing apparatus system also includes a return machine for returning empty bottles, a plurality of selection members, a payment member and an inventory monitoring member. | 08-25-2011 |
20110215109 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR NON-LINEAR DISPENSING OF SPECIFIC ITEMS ON DEMAND - A method and apparatus for secure, rapid, storage and dispensing of varied items from a random location in a storage matrix. Drawers are organized in a ‘slice’ or vertically-oriented frame that supports horizontal shifting of the drawers to dispense their contents. Slices can be combined to form matrices of automated, high-density, storage volumes and storage can coincide with dispensing. | 09-08-2011 |
20110226793 | Vendor - The present application provides a vendor for vending a number of products. The vendor may include a cooler and a vending device positioned within the cooler. The vending device may include a number of product shelves with a number of product gates and one or more product locking systems that permit the removal of only one product at a time from the product gates. | 09-22-2011 |
20110226794 | VENDOR - The present application provides a product vending module for vending a number of products. The product vending module may include a product row, a product gate positioned about the product row, and a product locking system in communication with the product gate. The product locking system may include a latch and a biased base such that releasing the latch allows the product gate to be opened and one of the number of products to be removed therefrom. | 09-22-2011 |
20110226795 | PRODUCT DISPENSING METHOD AND VENDING MACHINE - A method and vending machine for dispensing products, whereby a selected product is transferred by a bin from a relative line on a relative tray of the vending machine to a pickup station communicating with the outside through a window having a movable hatch; the bin being moved between a first position, in which the bin receives the selected product, and a second position, in which the bin is located just below the window at the pickup station, so the selected product, once the hatch is opened, can be withdrawn through the window from the outside, directly from the bin arrested in the second position. | 09-22-2011 |
20110233228 | DISPENSING MACHINE - A dispensing machine for dispensing items to customers comprising a cabinet having at least one window, a plurality of supports for supporting a plurality of different items to be dispensed to customers, a pointing device for selecting a desired item from the plurality of items, an indicator associated with the pointing device and operable to provide an indication, visible through the window, of which item is being selected by the pointing device without dispensing said selected item, and a dispensing mechanism for dispensing the selected item in response to a dispensing instruction. | 09-29-2011 |
20110248041 | Interactive Manual Cup Dispenser - A use-activated cup dispenser capable of sensing the manual removal of individual cups therefrom is provided. Manual removal is understood to include physical contact between a hand and a cup and extraction of the cup from the cup dispenser by the user. The invention includes a decorative cover including a housing disposed between first and second covers, at least one switch mechanism, a control circuit, and at least one active element including light elements, motor elements, scent dispensers, and/or audio elements. The decorative cover further includes an opening along one end. One or more switch mechanisms are provided along the first cover adjacent to the opening. The functionality of switch mechanisms includes direct contact, indirect contact, and non-contact between the cup and an optical or mechanical switch. The control circuit could be disposed on a circuit board and controls the functionality of the active elements. Active elements are attached to the decorative cover and are actuated when a cup interacts with at least one switch mechanism. Active elements enhance the entertainment and interactive properties of the cup dispenser. | 10-13-2011 |
20110248042 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR DISPENSING SOLID PHARMACEUTICAL ARTICLES - An apparatus for dispensing pharmaceutical articles includes a housing assembly and an adjustment system. The housing assembly includes a first inlet wall and a second inlet wall that is moveable relative to the first inlet wall. The housing assembly defines a hopper chamber that houses pharmaceutical articles, and a dispensing channel fluidly connected to the hopper chamber. The dispensing channel has an inlet and an outlet and defines a flow path. The inlet is defined at least in part by the first and second inlet walls. The adjustment system is operable to adjust the position of the second inlet wall relative to the first inlet wall to adjust the size of the inlet to singulate the pharmaceutical articles passing through the inlet. The adjustment system includes an input mechanism and an operator feedback mechanism. The input mechanism is selectively operable by an operator to selectively move the second inlet wall relative to the first inlet wall. The operator feedback mechanism provides tactile and/or audible feedback to the operator responsive to operation of the input mechanism by the operator to indicate prescribed increments of movement of the second inlet wall relative to the first inlet wall. | 10-13-2011 |
20110253734 | DEVICE AND SYSTEM FOR HANDLING OF DENTAL WORKPIECES - A device for handling workpieces. The device has a magazine (12) for holding at least one workpiece, and a delivery location (10). The device is retainable in the magazine by a retainer (s) (43) in the delivery location and displaceable to a position in which the workpiece because of its shape releases the retainer (s) so that the workpiece is free for being removed from the magazine. The device may provide for easy handling of workpieces and may be manufactured cost effectively. | 10-20-2011 |
20110259907 | MULTIFUNCTION SYSTEM - The invention relates to a multifunction system comprising a first module ( | 10-27-2011 |
20110272425 | SEPARATION DEVICE - The present invention concerns a separation device for separating a rod-like element from a plurality of rod-like elements stored in a storage. The separation device may include a storage space having an approximately V-shaped cross section, for storing a plurality of at least approximately horizontally aligned rod-like elements, wherein the storage space includes at least a front wall element, a rear wall elements, and two side wall elements, having a bottom section and a top section. Moreover, a first discharge unit may be included for discharging a single rod-like element out of the plurality of rod-like elements stored in the storage space. | 11-10-2011 |
20110278319 | PILL DISPENSER CANISTER HAVING DUAL RESERVOIRS - A dual-reservoir canister for dispensing pills includes a dispensing reservoir and a backup reservoir. Pills (solid medications such as pills, capsules and caplets) are stored in both reservoirs but dispensed only from the dispensing reservoir until the dispensing reservoir is empty, at which time, the dual-reservoir canister is tilted to pour the pills from the backup reservoir into the dispensing reservoir. An access door is provided to refill the backup reservoir and, in some embodiments, the access door includes an extension that prevents pills from accidentally falling into the dispensing reservoir while the backup reservoir is refilled. | 11-17-2011 |
20110278320 | Method for handling valuable items - The present invention relates to a method of handling valuable items, such as banknotes and the like, in which there is used a valuable item storage unit ( | 11-17-2011 |
20110284567 | INNER WIPES - The present invention provides a dispenser for moisturized sheets in the core of a toilet paper roll. Not only are wet and dry wipes provided coincidentally, the location is particularly handy for toilet use. In a utilization of existing bathroom fixtures, the novel concept offsets the rotational axis of the toilet paper roll to make an aperture available to dispense the moisturized sheets from the volume of the core previously occupied by the conventional spool. The invention further provides a hermetically sealed refill unit and a method of dispensing and refilling. | 11-24-2011 |
20110284568 | CARTRIDGE, A PHARMACEUTICAL DISPENSER CONTAINING THE CARTRIDGE, AND APPLICATIONS OF SAID CARTRIDGE AND SAID PHARMACEUTICAL DISPENSER - For safe storage and simple and safe administration of tablets T by a user, a cartridge | 11-24-2011 |
20110284569 | First in First Out Vending Systems - A vending machine for dispensing a number of products. The vending machine may include a transparent panel, a number of visible product columns, a number of non-visible product columns, and a product delivery system. | 11-24-2011 |
20110290818 | PHARMACEUTICAL DISPENSER AND USE THEREOF - For safe storage and simple and reliable removal of tablets T by a user, a medicament dispenser | 12-01-2011 |
20110303692 | MEDICINE DISPENSER, METHOD OF DISCHARGING MEDICINE, AND AUTOMATIC MEDICINE PACKING MACHINE INCLUDING THE DISPENSER - The present disclosure provides a medicine dispenser, which can detect the number of medicines such that an accurate number of medicines can be discharged for packing, a medicine discharging method, and an automatic packing machine including the medicine dispenser. The medicine dispenser includes a frame and a medicine transfer unit attached to the frame and transferring medicines one pill at a time to an outside of the medicine dispenser. The medicine transfer unit includes a detection unit that detects the number of medicines dropping from a medicine container to be packed, and a transfer unit that pushes the medicines, the number of which is detected by the detection unit, into a packing passage connected to a packing unit to transfer the medicines to the packing unit. | 12-15-2011 |
20120000927 | MERCHANDISER - The present application and the resultant patent provide a merchandiser. The merchandiser may include an ambient compartment with at least one ambient product therein, a temperature controlled compartment with at least one temperature controlled product therein, and a rotary internal transport system within the temperature controlled compartment so as to dispense a temperature controlled product in response to an ambient product being placed therein. | 01-05-2012 |
20120000928 | DEVICE FOR DISPENSING VIALS USEFUL IN SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DISPENSING PRESCRIPTIONS - An apparatus for dispensing open-ended objects such as pharmaceutical vials includes: a housing having an internal cavity configured to house open-ended objects, the housing including a guide and a floor; a pick-up unit mounted to the housing, the pick-up unit including an endless member and at least one pick-up member attached to the endless member; and a drive unit. The endless member engages the drive unit and the guide for movement relative thereto. As the drive unit drives the endless member, the at least one pick-up member travels on a pick-up path, at least a portion of which is within the housing. | 01-05-2012 |
20120006843 | DISPENSER OF AUTOMATICALLY DISTRIBUTING VARIOUS SHAPED TABLETS IN MEDICINE PACKING MACHINE AND TABLET DISPENSING METHOD THEREOF - Provided are an automatic tablet dispenser of an automatic medicine packing machine, and a tablet supply method thereof, which are capable of automatically packing various-shaped tablets, and accurately, cleanly and rapidly distributing the tablets without missing any. The automatic table dispenser which is installed in a medicine packing machine for automatically packing tablets, includes: a body including a space for containing the tablets therein and a guide track for guiding the tablets contained in the space upward from a bottom of the body; and a driver vibrating the body so that the tablets contained in the space of the body are transferred upward along the guide track. | 01-12-2012 |
20120012603 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ACCOMPLISHING PRODUCT DETECTION - The present invention provides for a vending system wherein a monitoring system verifies that a product ordered by a vending customer is actually delivered through a delivery area to the customer. If the product ordered is unavailable either because of an out of stock situation or a blockage of the delivery path for that product, the present invention allows the customer to request a refund or order a second product. Additionally, the present invention helps to prevent theft of product from the vending system. | 01-19-2012 |
20120012604 | Vending Dispenser Assemblies for Beverage Dispensers - Embodiments of the invention provide vending dispenser assemblies for beverage dispensers. In particular, embodiments of the invention can provide a beverage dispenser with a manually operated vending dispenser assembly that consumes little or no additional electrical power to dispense a beverage container using the assembly. Embodiments of a vending dispenser assembly can be used with a heated or chilled compartment associated with a beverage dispenser. Furthermore, embodiments of a vending dispenser assembly can operate in conjunction with a relatively small dispenser opening to limit heat transfer loss via the dispenser opening. One embodiment can provide a dispenser for dispensing a number of products. The dispenser can include at least one storage column adapted to dispense a number of products, and a product selection device operable to permit one of the number of products to advance from the storage column, wherein the advanced product can be dispensed from the dispenser. | 01-19-2012 |
20120024880 | Container Apparatus with Single-Pill Dispensing and Related Methods - Aspects of the disclosure are implemented using a variety of systems and methods involving pill-filtering article that is located and secured inside a pill container. Using one such system, an assembly of articles distributes one pill at a time in the form of a single-pill dispensing apparatus that includes a pill-storage container and such a pill-filtering article. The pill-storage container has an inner wall, an upper portion with a rim region at which a cap may be secured to the pill-storage container, and a lower portion configured for containing pills. The pill-filtering article is configured with a size and a shape that facilitates securing the article inside the pill-storage container near the inner wall, above the lower portion, and below the upper rim region, and also configured with a plurality of channel-defining regions including a first channel-defining region through which one-pill at a time passes and including a second channel-defining region through which one pill at a time passes. Each of the plurality of channel-defining regions region is respectively configured and arranged to facilitate a modification that results in formation of an aperture near a boundary of the channel-defining region for passing one pill at a time, and to pass pills that are of different types in terms of at least one of size and shape. In this regard, when only one of the plurality of channel-defining regions is modified, the pill-filtering article permits only one pill at a time to pass, through the aperture ensuing from the modification, from the lower portion of the container to the upper portion of the container. | 02-02-2012 |
20120024881 | Smoking Article Dispenser - A smoking article dispenser ( | 02-02-2012 |
20120024882 | Smoking Article Dispenser - A dispenser comprises a housing defining a chamber to receive a charge of smoking articles coupled by a belt and such that the longitudinal axis of each smoking article extends between first and second ends of die housing. The dispenser includes a mechanism to advance the belt in a lateral direction so as to move a smoking article of the belt into alignment with an aperture in said first end of the housing. The mechanism is also operable to push said aligned smoking article from the belt and eject it in a longitudinal direction from the housing through said aperture. A belt for use in such a dispense!, and a method of filling such a dispenser. | 02-02-2012 |
20120037655 | Pen Needle Dispensing Apparatus - An apparatus is disclosed for storing and dispensing a pen needle for an injection device, including a packaging assembly including a pliable outer cover, the outer cover having a hub portion, a needle portion disposed at a distal end of the hub portion, and a flange disposed at a proximal end of the hub portion, the hub portion having internally protruding splines or other structures for engaging a hub of a pen needle. The hub portion is sufficiently pliable for a user to press gripping portions of the hub portion so that corresponding internal portions of the hub portion between the splines contacts the pen needle hub to increase a surface area contact between the outer cover and a pen needle therein. | 02-16-2012 |
20120043344 | DISPENSING CANISTER FOR DELIVERY OF SOLID MEDICATIONS - The processes of the present invention provides for the automated, singulated dispensing of articles, particularly solid oral medication in predetermined quantities. The dispensing of an article is effected by at least activating a driver-coupling connected to a screw having a channel of a predetermined width and depth corresponding to the dimensions of said article; rotating said screw until detection of an article drop; removing a second article from said channel; and stopping the rotation of said screw upon detection of an article drop. The methods of the present invention further include embodiments in which the rotation of the screw is subsequently reversed. Furthermore, the present invention permits for the dispensing of articles to be stopped upon having a predetermined number of articles dispensed or a detection of increased torque applied to the screw. The present invention provides for accurate pill dispensing. | 02-23-2012 |
20120055948 | CARTRIDGE, MEDICAMENT DISPENSER FOR SOLID MEDICAMENT PORTIONS, AND USES OF THE CARTRIDGE AND OF THE MEDICAMENT DISPENSER - For safe storage and simple and safe administration of tablets T by a user, a cartridge | 03-08-2012 |
20120055949 | DECOY MATERIAL PACKAGE, A DISPENSER AND A METHOD FOR DISPENSING DECOY MATERIAL - A decoy material package and a dispenser. The package is intended for use in the dispenser. The package includes an elongated container including a strip, a plurality of depressions, which are to be filled with decoy material, and a cover, which is sealed to the container when the depressions have been filled with decoy material and which covers the container, whereby the decoy material is hermetically stored in the depressions of the package. A gripping portion cooperates with a feeder including a gripper in the decoy material dispenser. | 03-08-2012 |
20120055950 | VENDING MACHINE AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATIC DISPENSING OF CONVENIENCE FOOD PRODUCTS - A vending machine for dispensing convenience food products, picked up from a special refrigerated storage compartment, and delivered to an appropriate manual pick-up area. Its structure defines isolated areas communicating by a door; the first area being designed for containment of the products to be dispensed, the second area being designed for handling, picking up and dispensing of the product picked up from the area. The pick-up and delivery area includes a turret having an element for supporting a door adapted to seal and close a corresponding opening of a partition between the areas and; the door rotating with the structure of the turret, as it moves away from the opening, and at least one element for containing the product to be delivered, which is adapted to longitudinally slide along the turret and be opened by a loading and unloading door; the enclosure being displaced by a translating element. | 03-08-2012 |
20120061414 | Tape Gun Holder Device - In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a device comprising a platform and a handle end seat coupled to the platform. The handle end seat is configured to seat therein a handle end of a handle of a hand-held tape dispensing gun. The device includes a gun handle cradle coupled to the platform and spaced from the handle end seat. The gun handle cradle is configured to secure the handle of the hand-held tape dispensing gun. In operation, the device securely holds the tape dispensing gun vertically or horizontally so that the user's hands are freed to dispense various lengths of tape from the roll of tape in the gun. | 03-15-2012 |
20120061415 | SANITARY DISPENSER WITH CAPACITIVE SENSOR - A sanitary dispenser, particularly a paper or towel dispenser, contains a housing, in which a sanitary product to be dispensed and a discharge unit for the sanitary product to be dispensed can be arranged. An electric motor is provided for the discharge unit, the electric motor being activatable in a non-contact manner by a capacitive sensor from outside of the housing. The sensor capacitance of the capacitive sensor is formed by a planar electrode disposed inside the housing and by a surface of a body part and/or an object arranged outside of the housing. | 03-15-2012 |
20120067916 | COMESTIBLE DISPENSING PACKAGE - A package for product pieces includes a housing having a plurality of walls forming an interior adapter to hold a plurality of product pieces. The housing has a dispensing opening in communication with the interior. A resilient member is disposed in the housing interior and is adapted to urge the product pieces toward the dispensing opening. The housing has an aperture formed in one of the plurality of walls disposed adjacent the dispensing opening to permit the product piece to be engaged and moved out of the interior through the dispensing opening. | 03-22-2012 |
20120074160 | Product Dispensing Container, System and Method with Priming Area - A product dispensing container including a plurality of walls that define an internal volume, at least one of the walls including an access door panel, a priming area and a severance line, and a plurality of products received in the internal volume, wherein the priming area is displaceable relative to the wall to form a free edge, and wherein the access door panel is at least partially defined by the free edge and the severance line when the priming area is displaced relative to the wall. | 03-29-2012 |
20120085775 | Pill Dispensing Method and Apparatus - The present invention is a pill dispensing method and apparatus wherein a first rotor rotates pills about a rotation axis along a first part of a spiral path at a first rotational speed whereupon the pills move spirally away from the rotation axis. A second rotor receives the pills from the first rotor and rotates the pills about the rotation axis along a second part of the spiral path at a second, greater rotational speed whereupon the pills move spirally away from the rotation axis toward a discharge chute which dispenses the pills into a pill bottle or a storage container. | 04-12-2012 |
20120091162 | Computer-Implemented Systems and Methods for Providing an Out of Stock/Low Stock Alert - Systems and methods are provided for a low stock product display alert system. A system includes a pushing element configured to push one or more products toward a front of a shelf as a unit of the product is removed from the shelf. The system also includes an RFID component, where the RFID component is configured to be in a dormant state when the pushing element is in a first position. The system further includes an activation element configured to activate the RFID component when the pushing element is in a second position, where when activated, the RFID component is configured to emit a signal indicating that the product display is out of product. | 04-19-2012 |
20120091163 | GRAVITY-FED DISPENSER - Systems and methods related to dispensing food (e.g., fruit) or other items in a “first-in, first-out” manner are discussed. The system can include a base having one or more cavities therein and a plurality of chutes configured to align within a subset of the cavities. Each of the chutes can include an inlet that can provide access to an open interior for storage of items, and the plurality of chutes can dispense the plurality of items in a “first-in first out” manner. An ice chest capable of cooling the plurality of chutes can be included, as can a drip tray or other mechanism for separating the fruit from its juices to prolong its useful lifespan. | 04-19-2012 |
20120097694 | Product Dispensing and Orienting System - A product dispensing system including a support structure, a product in rolling engagement with the support structure, the product having a first end and a second end spaced from the first end along a rolling axis, and a catch member positioned to engage the first end of the product and reorient the rolling axis as the product moves along the support structure. | 04-26-2012 |
20120104014 | DISPENSER WITH WASTE COLLECTION SPOOL, AND METHOD OF USING - Herein are disclosed methods for liberating one or more packaged devices from a packaging web, and a dispenser for performing such methods. The packaging web is separated into first and second waste webs which are co-wound onto a common collection spool. | 05-03-2012 |
20120111882 | Quick-Access Munitions Pouch - Provided are a device, system, and method for storing and/or transporting a munition and then efficiently accessing the stored munition, even when under stressful combat conditions. | 05-10-2012 |
20120118905 | DISPENSER FOR DISPENSING TISSUE AND/OR NONWOVEN PRODUCTS AND METHOD FOR DISPENSING TISSUE AND/OR NONWOVEN PRODUCTS - The present disclosure pertains to a dispenser ( | 05-17-2012 |
20120118906 | Methods and Apparatus for Storing and Dispensing Flexible Sheet Materials - Methods and apparatus may permit the storage of flexible sheet materials in a space-efficient manner and may provide a continuous point-of-use dispensing capability of such sheet materials at such stored location. Serially joined sheet materials may be separated from one another at sheet materials separation zones utilizing interference tabs having yieldable configurations, intra-planar configurations, trans-axial configurations, movement resistive configurations, and projective configurations. Such interference tab configurations may permit the simplified design and construction of a sheet materials dispensation apparatus, and multiple flexible sheet materials may be serially joined for use with such configurations. A substantially rigid enclosure for storing such serially joined sheet materials and incorporating an interference tab having one or more of such configurations may be dimensioned to dispense sheet materials from within an open-ended receptacle, for example a refuse container. | 05-17-2012 |
20120132665 | Media Cassette - A media cassette comprises: a base on which a stack of media items may be placed, a pusher plate biased towards the base and a plurality of drive rollers located beneath the profiled surface and partially protruding through apertures defined in the profiled surface. The base includes a profiled surface extending from a central low region disposed along an axis of the base to higher regions on opposing sides of the central low region. The pusher plate is operable to urge a stack of media items onto the profiled surface. The plurality of drive rollers are operable to drive a media item in contact with the profiled surface out of the media cassette. | 05-31-2012 |
20120138624 | Device, system, and method for providing connection elements - A device provides connection elements such as rivets or the like from a storage unit via at least one outlet for at least one connection element application, and a connection element is provided at an inlet by a further device for providing connection elements, to pass through to the outlet. | 06-07-2012 |
20120145734 | SCREW DRIVE FOR DISPENSING CUTLERY AND RELATED METHODS - A dispenser for dispensing cutlery may include a housing configured to contain a plurality of utensils for dispensing, a dispensing mechanism that includes at least one threaded separating member configured to be driven and separate a utensil from a stack of utensils, and at least one drive mechanism configured to drive the at least one threaded separating member. The dispenser may further include a receptacle configured to receive the utensil separated from the stack of utensils. | 06-14-2012 |
20120145735 | BELT DRIVE FOR DISPENSING CUTLERY AND RELATED METHODS - A dispenser for dispensing cutlery may include a housing configured to contain a plurality of utensils for dispensing, a dispensing mechanism that includes at least one belt configured to be driven and separate a utensil from a stack of utensils, and at least one drive mechanism configured to drive the at least one belt. The dispenser may further include a receptacle configured to receive the utensil separated from the stack of utensils. | 06-14-2012 |
20120145736 | DISPENSING MECHANISM FOR UTENSIL DISPENSER AND RELATED METHODS - A dispenser for dispensing cutlery may include a housing configured to contain a plurality of utensils for dispensing, a dispensing mechanism comprising at least one pair of indexing members configured to separate a utensil from a stack of utensils, and a receptacle configured to receive the utensil separated from the stack of utensils. A dispensing mechanism may alternatively include a plurality of linked members configured to separate a utensil from a stack of utensils. | 06-14-2012 |
20120152970 | Product Dispensing System - A product dispensing system including a container that defines an internal volume and an opening into the internal volume, and a dispenser that includes a frame including an upper support deck having a front end and a rear end longitudinally opposed from the front end and a catch element including a base connected proximate the front end and a protrusion extending from the base toward the rear end such that the protrusion engages the opening when the container longitudinally moves along the upper support deck from the rear end toward the front end. | 06-21-2012 |
20120152971 | VENDING MACHINE SYSTEM - A vending machine system for stackable goods such as vehicle air fresheners includes a hopper and a reciprocating arm. The hopper is configured to hold a stack of the stackable goods. The hopper has an aperture formed in a base of the hopper for dispensing the stackable goods from the hopper. The reciprocating arm is disposed adjacent the aperture. The reciprocating arm is linearly movable between a retracted position and an extended position. One of the stackable goods is received by the reciprocating arm when the reciprocating arm is in the retracted position, and is pushed from the stack of stackable goods by the reciprocating arm when the reciprocating arm is in the extended position. | 06-21-2012 |
20120160860 | MEDIA PRESENTER - A media presenter is described that includes a carriage moveable forwards and backwards along a linear presenter track between a first purge position, a stacking position, and a present position. The media presenter includes a sensing system that comprises: an inductive sensor; a resonant target mounted on the moveable carriage for co-operating with the inductive sensor to provide positioning information about the target relative to the inductive sensor; and an optical sensor mounted on the moveable carriage in the vicinity of the presenter track. The sensing system further comprises: a first purge target having a first optical property and mounted on the presenter track in the vicinity of the first purge position; and a present target having a second optical property and mounted on the presenter track in the vicinity of the present position. | 06-28-2012 |
20120160861 | SYSTEM FOR WRITING TO AND DISPENSING SOLID-STATE STORAGE DEVICES - An apparatus for writing data to and dispensing one or more of solid-state devices may comprise a write port engageable with a solid-state storage device within the one or more solid-state storage devices to write the data to the solid-state device; a chamber for holding the solid-state storage device as the solid-state storage device engages with the write port; and a transfer assembly for moving the solid-state storage device from the chamber to dispense the solid-state storage device. | 06-28-2012 |
20120160862 | SOFT BLISTER TRAY WITH SIDE DISPENSER - The present invention provides a blister package including a blister tray having a plurality of upwardly opening blister depressions. A plurality of consumable products are provided where each blister depression supports one of the plurality of consumable products. A blister cover overlies and encloses the blister depression. The cover is sealed to the tray at a depression boundary about each depression. Each blister depression includes a tapered wall for urging the consumable product out from the blister depression at a location at the blister boundary upon manual exerted on the depression. | 06-28-2012 |
20120168456 | POP-UP LABEL DISPENSER AND METHOD OF USE - A label dispenser assembly for individually dispensing labels from a pad is disclosed. The label dispenser assembly includes rotatably accommodated retention members urged towards a surface of the dispenser for securing a pad of labels in place. | 07-05-2012 |
20120187139 | DRAWING TICKET DISPENSER - A device and method for separating tickets from a roll of raffle tickets having two or more strands, the individual tickets being transversely joined to twin tickets having corresponding identical identifiers. The strands are separated longitudinally into individual strands and at least one strand, the seller's tickets, is further separated transversely into individual tickets for use in a hopper to draw a winning ticket. | 07-26-2012 |
20120187140 | TISSUE DISPENSING DEVICE - A tissue dispensing device for use with a standard tissue carton is formed as a helical coil spring that is highly stretchy and has a top coil that is fastened around a dispenser aperture in a top surface of the tissue carton with the remainder of the helical coil spring inserted into a space between the top surface of the tissue carton and top of the stack of tissues within the carton with a bottom coil thereof resting on top of the stack of tissues. The helical coil spring forms an open circular space within its coils under gravity that provides a vertically-extending support structure for supporting a tissue next to be dispensed from the tissue stack in a vertical standing position with a leading part thereof extending through a membrane opening of the dispenser aperture of the tissue carton to enable a user to grasp the leading part to withdraw the next tissue to be dispensed. | 07-26-2012 |
20120187141 | APPARATUS FOR DISPENSING SOLID ARTICLES AND METHODS FOR USING SAME - An apparatus for dispensing solid articles includes a manifold assembly. The manifold assembly includes a manifold and a door assembly. The manifold has a plenum and an inlet port in fluid communication with the plenum. The door assembly includes a door panel and a shield. The door panel is selectively moveable between a closed position, wherein the door panel restricts airflow through the inlet port, and an open position, wherein the door panel permits airflow through the inlet port. The shield defines a pocket to receive the door panel in the open position and thereby reduce or restrict flow of air behind the door panel. | 07-26-2012 |
20120199601 | Device for singulating and dispensing rigid and semi-rigid strips - A container device for storing, singulating and dispensing rigid and semi-rigid strips such as diagnostic test strips. A plurality of strips is contained and protected within a transparent container having an internal capture element for capturing and positioning a single strip adjacent a narrow normally-closed dispensing aperture. The aperture is exposed by rotating a spring-loaded container top cap to an open position. A detachable container base cap contains a desiccant and is replaceable. An optional stand stores the device in an upright position, and incorporates a tool to facilitate removal of the base cap for replenishing the container's contents or replacing the desiccant. A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag can be incorporated for electronic inventory control. The device can also be used as an integrated test strip container/single strip dispensing means for an automated analyte meter module. | 08-09-2012 |
20120211507 | Dispenser System and Method - A dispenser apparatus and associated systems for use in storing and dispensing individual items are provided. The dispenser apparatus may be employed to dispense various items that are detachably adhered to a carrier strip, e.g., bandages, patches and the like, on demand, and has particular utility in dispensing items that are supplied for use in a sterile condition. The dispenser apparatus generally includes a housing and a cover member that is coupled thereto. The travel path of the carrier strip includes an exit path defined within the housing, redirection around a corner region, and return travel external to the housing through a channel. The redirection of the carrier strip, which generally approaches 180°, causes items that are detachably adhered to the carrier strip to automatically peel away therefrom. | 08-23-2012 |
20120217258 | Method and Apparatus for Hairstyling - A pouch holder provides for convenient dispensing of thin sheets of foil commonly used in the treatment of hair. The holder may be worn about a hair stylist's neck or placed in another location that is easily accessible a stylist. A gripper device, which can be optionally attached to a stylist's comb or other instrument, is used to easily and efficiently pull individual sheets from the holder. | 08-30-2012 |
20120223090 | Rear-Loading Product Dispensing System and Method - A product dispensing system including a container, a plurality of products initially housed in the container and a dispenser, the dispenser including a frame and an opening tool, the frame having a front end and a rear end, and including a support deck and a product display area, the support deck extending between the front end and the rear end, the product display area being positioned below the support deck proximate the front end, the opening tool being positioned to open the container and allow at least one of the products to move from the container to the product display area as the container is moved along the support deck from the rear end toward the front end. | 09-06-2012 |
20120234851 | Product Biasing and Dispensing System with Security Engagement - A product dispensing system including a container that defines an internal volume and an access opening into the internal volume, at least one product received in the internal volume and a biasing assembly extendable into the internal volume to urge the product toward the access opening, wherein the container is engaged with the biasing assembly when the biasing assembly extends into the internal volume. | 09-20-2012 |
20120234852 | AUTOMATED STORAGE AND DISPENSING SYSTEM - A storage and dispensing system including a cabinet having a frame with a plurality of separators, each separator including an opening formed therethrough. The system further includes a plurality of drawers, each drawer having a plurality of compartments configured to store an item therein. Each drawer is positioned adjacent to at least one of the separators and is movable relative to the adjacent separator such that each compartment of each drawer is positionable adjacent to the opening of the associated separator. | 09-20-2012 |
20120234853 | Side-grip Method for Grasping Textile Items in a Vending Machine - A side-grip method of grasping and moving textile items in a vending machine from the storage area to the dispensing chute that does not require the textile item to be packaged comprising: (a) providing a stack of folded and unwrapped textile items; (b) providing an article selection mechanism configured with a gripping element; (c) vertically displacing said gripping element until said gripping element reaches a level of a top textile item in said stack; and (d) closing said gripping element solely on said textile item. Disclosed also is a vending machine configured to implement such a method. | 09-20-2012 |
20120241463 | REUSABLE MEDICAL GOWN DISTRIBUTION AND DISPENSING - Distribution and dispensing modalities are provided for reusable medical gowns which involves generally loose handling thereof. Dispensing containers have a collapsible sidewall structure extending between opposite ends and defining therebetween an interior when un-collapsed or erected, at least one of the ends defining an opening through which clean, reusable medical gowns can be loaded, a closure repeatably manipulatable to open and close the opening, and a controllable access aperture at least a portion, or all, of which is spaced from the opening through which to selectively remove a clean, reusable medical gown. The loaded dispensing container may be transported to or around a healthcare facility and placed where needed for ready access at the point-of-use to clean, reusable medical gowns through the controllable access aperture. | 09-27-2012 |
20120248134 | MEDICATION DISPENSING CABINET AND ASSOCIATED DRAWER ASSEMBLY HAVING POCKETS WITH CONTROLLABLY OPENABLE LIDS - A medication dispensing cabinet, a medication dispensing drawer assembly and an associated method are provided to facilitate controlled access to medications in an efficient manner. A medication dispensing cabinet includes a cabinet body, a plurality of drawers disposed within and configured for slidable extension relative to the cabinet body and a plurality of pockets serially positioned within a drawer. Each pocket includes a lid configured to cover the pocket and limit access to medication within the pocket. The medication dispensing cabinet also includes a linkage member configured to operably engage the lids of the plurality of pockets. The linkage member has a first state in which the linkage member prevents one or more of the lids from being opened and a second state in which the linkage member permits the lids to be opened in accordance with a predefined sequential order. | 10-04-2012 |
20120248135 | Tissue Cassette Dispensing Apparatus - The present invention aims to provide a dispensing apparatus for dispensing individual tissue cassettes from a stack of cassettes, the apparatus includes a hopper for receiving a stack of tissue cassettes, the hopper having an aperture through which cassettes are dispensable; ejection means for ejecting a cassette through the aperture; and retention means for retaining all but one of the cassettes in the stack as an individual cassette is ejected. | 10-04-2012 |
20120261432 | CARTONS FOR DISPERSING SYSTEMS - A carton for containing and dispensing a plurality of products is disclosed that comprises: a plurality of panels that define an internal volume; a trap door defined in at least one panel of the plurality of panels and separable from the panel along at least one weakened line to form an opening in the panel; and an insert strip positioned in the internal volume at least partially over the trap door. The insert strip retains the plurality of products within the internal volume of the carton after the trap door is separated from the panel. The products may then be dispensed through the opening by at least partially removing the insert strip from the internal volume. | 10-18-2012 |
20120261433 | TWO-PIECE HELICAL FEEDER TUBE FOR FILLING CONTAINERS WITH PILLS - One embodiment of the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a pill delivery apparatus. The method includes providing an inner core having an outer surface and providing an outer sleeve comprising an opening defined therethrough, the outer sleeve having an inner surface. Further, the method includes defining a passageway on the outer surface of the inner core such that positioning the outer sleeve over the inner core defines a delivery chute for delivering a plurality of pills between the passageway and the inner surface of the outer sleeve. | 10-18-2012 |
20120261434 | Money Item Dispensing Apparatus - The application relates to money item dispensing apparatus having a money item acceptor and a hopper arrangement. The application further relates to money item dispensing apparatus having sorting means operable to selectively direct a money item to one of a first money item store and a second money item store, to money item dispensing apparatus having two hopper arrangements, to a money item acceptor having a self-clearing mechanism, to a money item conveyor, to a method of purging the money items in a money item dispensing apparatus, to money item dispensing apparatus having means for ejecting a money item from a receptacle through an outlet via a first path to a return tray and via a second path into a cashbox, to a method of filling a money item dispensing apparatus and filling apparatus for filling a money item dispensing apparatus. | 10-18-2012 |
20120267387 | Transformable Dispenser - A transformable towel dispenser is presented that can be quickly transformed from a low profile shipping form into full, ready to dispense form in a substantially tool free manner. The transformability of the dispenser allows the dispenser to be shipped and stored in much smaller space than that for ready to dispense units. Alternatively, more dispensers can be shipped in the same volume container. | 10-25-2012 |
20120279981 | PROCESS FOR STORING AND RETRIEVING ROLLED FLEXIBLE BAGS FROM A DISPENSERPROCESS FOR STORING AND RETRIEVING ROLLED FLEXIBLE BAGS FROM A DISPENSER - A process of storing and retrieving recloseable storage bags including the steps of purchasing a package of individualized recloseable storage bags from a retailer, removing the recloseable storage bags from the package, optionally providing the recloseable storage bags in a roll form, inserting the roll of recloseable storage bags into a dispenser having compartments. The dispenser has a lid with access slots juxtaposed over the compartments. The process further includes removing the recloseable storage bags from the dispenser through the one or more access slots. The process may also include providing a merchandiser having different types of bags packaged as refills in flexible bags. Instructions with the merchandiser and/or the storage dispenser may direct consumers to replenish the storage dispenser with different types of bags. | 11-08-2012 |
20120279982 | AUTOMATIC FINANCIAL AUTOMATION EQUIPMENT AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - An automatic teller machine (ATM) and a control method for the same are provided. According to the ATM and the control method, stacking of paper mediums being transferred to a stacking space of a carriage may be guided by a medium guide provided to the carriage. Position of the medium guide may be adjusted by a guide adjustment device corresponding to various types of the paper mediums. | 11-08-2012 |
20120285976 | Product Dispensing System With Increased Product-To-Dispenser Contact - A product dispensing system including a container defining an internal volume and an opening into the internal volume, the container including a weakening feature, the opening and the weakening feature defining an access panel, and a dispenser including a frame having longitudinally opposed first and second ends, and including a support deck and a product display area, the support deck extending at least partially between the first and second ends, the product display area being positioned below the support deck, and a catch element connected to the frame proximate the first end, the catch element protruding away from the second end such that the catch element engages the opening in the container and at least partially separates the access panel from the container as the container longitudinally moves along the support deck from the first end toward the second end. | 11-15-2012 |
20120285977 | Product Dispensing System - A product dispensing system including a dispenser frame having a front end longitudinally opposed from a rear end, the dispenser frame including a support deck extending at least partially between the front end and the rear end, the support deck having an upper surface and defining a channel below the upper surface, the channel having an entrance opening and an exit opening, and a product display area positioned below the support deck, and a catch element connected to the dispenser frame proximate the entrance opening. | 11-15-2012 |
20120285978 | REAR PROJECTED EXPRESSIVE HEAD - The subject matter disclosed herein relates to systems and methods for providing image projection and entertainment. | 11-15-2012 |
20120298683 | SODA STRAW DISPENSER - A straw dispenser that hold two individual straws, sequentially selected from an inventory of straws. The upper straw is staged in a position to fall, and the lower straw is in a position made available to a person. The person grasps the available straw and pulls the same, which moves a lower movable part of the dispenser. The forward movement of the lower movable part allows the upper staged straw to fall downwardly to a transitory position, and during backward movement of the lower movable part the straw moves from the transitory position and is made available. At the same time a successive straw is selected from the inventory and held in the staged position. The person need not touch any other part of the dispenser or touch other straws to be dispensed. A subsequent straw cannot be dispensed until the available straw has been removed from the dispenser. | 11-29-2012 |
20120298684 | CIGARETTE BLANK DISPENSING APPARATUS - An apparatus for dispensing cigarette blanks in a cigarette manufacturing machine. The apparatus comprises a base having an upper end, a lower end opposite the upper end, a first side, a second side opposite the first side, and a shaker communicating with the base. The base also comprises a retainer for retaining at least one cigarette blank. Also disclosed is a method for separating and dispensing cigarette blanks. | 11-29-2012 |
20120305584 | ADMINISTRATION METHODS AND PACKAGINGS FOR ORAL MEDICATIONS - Packagings for holding oral medications and methods for administering oral medications from a packaging. The packaging includes a cover and a body with compartments each configured to hold at least one of the oral medications. The compartments have a circular arrangement on the body. The method may include at least partially detaching the cover from the body to access a separate opening to each of the compartments. In response to removing the cover, all of the oral medications may be removed from the compartments to empty the packaging. | 12-06-2012 |
20120312833 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR EXCHANGING A BATTERY OF A HEARING DEVICE - The present invention provides a system that allows an easy and quick exchange of small batteries of hearing devices as well as a method for exchanging a battery of a hearing device that combines the installation of a new battery into the hearing device with the deinstallation of the battery to be replaced from the hearing device in a single action using a single mechanism. The inventive battery exchange system comprises a carrier module | 12-13-2012 |
20120312834 | Novelty Dispenser - A novelty dispensing apparatus includes a housing in which novelty items are contained and a receptacle mounted inside the housing and movable from a retracted position within the housing, though an opening in the housing and into an extended position, wherein part of the receptacle member protrudes from the housing. A door is mounted for movement adjacent to the opening from a closed position to an open position that enables the receptacle member to protrude from the opening. A link member is mounted for movement within the housing and is attached to the door and at another end to the receptacle member. The link member has a handle for manipulation, wherein manipulation of the handle moves the link member and attached door and receptacle member. The dispenser includes lost-motion mechanisms. | 12-13-2012 |
20130001239 | AUTOMATIC DELIVERY OF ADHESIVE TO AN ADHESIVE SUPPLY UNIT AND SYSTEMS THEREFORE - A system that includes an adhesive storage unit, the adhesive storage unit configured to separately hold a plurality of solid adhesive forms; a liquid adhesive level detector configured to sense the level of liquid adhesive in a liquid adhesive melt tank; and a delivery element configured to deliver solid adhesive forms stored in the adhesive storage unit to the liquid adhesive melt tank when necessary as indicated by the liquid adhesive level detector. | 01-03-2013 |
20130015196 | Container OrganiserAANM SUBU; Johnny GeorgeAACI LivoniaAAST MIAACO USAAGP SUBU; Johnny George Livonia MI US - A container organizer comprises a base element and a perimeter wall which extends from the base element. The base element and the perimeter wall define an enclosure for the insertion of a plurality of containers. An intermediate wall divides the enclosure into first and second channels. The intermediate wall extends from the base element and is spaced from the perimeter wall at at least one end. The said space is dimensioned to allow the said container to pass between the first and second channels. A plurality of inventory indicators are included, whereby as containers are moved along at least the first channel the inventory indicators indicate a number of replacement containers that can be inserted. Preferably, the base element includes an embankment portion at a space between the end of the intermediate wall and the perimeter wall. | 01-17-2013 |
20130020341 | Product Dispensing System with Multiple Dispensing Decks - A product dispensing frame having a front end and a rear end, and including an upper support deck extending between the front end and the rear end, a lower support deck positioned below the upper support deck, the lower support deck extending between the front end and the rear end and defining a first product display area, and an intermediate support deck positioned between the upper support deck and the lower support deck, the intermediate support deck extending between the front end and the rear end and defining a second product display area. | 01-24-2013 |
20130020342 | Storing, Transporting and Dispensing Apparatus, and Method of Use Thereof - An apparatus for storing, transporting and dispensing balls, specifically golf balls. The apparatus has a tube with a spring at one end to force balls towards the second end, the second end having an opening and a restraint to keep the golf balls from inadvertently exiting the apparatus. The apparatus further has a cap that is selectively secured to the apparatus over the opening, thereby enclosing the golf balls within the apparatus. In an alternate embodiment, the apparatus is dimensioned to store soda cans, and the apparatus comprises insulating material to keep the soda cans in a temperature-controlled environment. | 01-24-2013 |
20130020343 | LUMBER HANDLING APPARATUS - A system and apparatus for dispensing lumber is described. The apparatus includes a pusher, such as a chain driven lug, which pushes against the side of a row of lumber, thus sequentially pushing the top row of a lumber pack into a transport system. The apparatus also includes a hydraulic lift which enables the lumber pack to be moved upwards for the dispensing of subsequent rows. | 01-24-2013 |
20130020344 | EAR PROTECTION DISPENSER - A dispensing system, a method of using a dispensing system, and a method of making a dispensing system are disclosed. The dispensing system includes a sheet and one or more of the plurality of the ear protection articles positioned on the sheet. The method of using the dispensing system includes removing one or more of the plurality of the ear protection articles from a sheet of the dispensing system. The method of making the dispensing system includes positioning a sheet, positioning a first article of the plurality of the ear protection articles on the sheet, and positioning a second article of the plurality of the ear protection articles on the sheet. | 01-24-2013 |
20130020345 | TABLET DISPENSER OF MEDICINE PACKING APPARATUS AND TABLET DISPENSING METHOD THEREOF - An automatic free-form tablet dispenser in a medicine packing machine and a method for supplying a tablet are provided. The automatic free-form tablet dispenser in a medicine packing machine, which provides tablets input from the outside to a hopper of the medicine packing machine by a predetermined quantity, includes a main body having a guide track through which the tablet received inside the main body transfers, a driving unit making the tablet transfer along the guide track, an entrance detection sensor detecting whether the tablet is proceeding to the entrance of the guide track or not, an arrival detection sensor detecting whether the tablet reaches to the exit of the guide track or not, and a control unit determining whether the arrival detection sensor detects the tablet within a predetermined time after the entrance detection sensor has detected the tablet. | 01-24-2013 |
20130026173 | DISPENSING BIN FOR MULTIPLE MATERIALS - Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems for dispensing multiple types of materials, such as packing materials. According to various embodiments, the systems include a dispensing bin with multiple compartments configured to receive and dispense different types of materials, such as air-filled dunnage cushions and air-filled protective material. In certain embodiments, the dispensing bin is configured to receive materials from one or more supply machines and dispense the materials such that more than one type of material is provided to numerous packing stations for use in packaging items. | 01-31-2013 |
20130043265 | METHOD OF DISPENSING PAPER SHEET BY SHEET FROM A STOCK AND A PAPER DISPENSER - A method and a dispenser dispense a sheet of paper through a bottom outlet gap from a stock. A sensor activates, upon detection of a person, an electric drive which delivers a portion of paper from the outlet gap so that the sheet of paper can be torn off by hand. When the delivered sheet of paper is torn off, a switch is actuated. Actuation of the switch puts the dispenser in an operational readiness for delivery of another portion of paper. | 02-21-2013 |
20130048662 | Sanitized vending machine and method - A sanitized vending machine includes product and cup dispensing mechanisms and an actuation mechanism. The product dispensing mechanism, holding one or more product items, rotates through a product dispensing cycle to dispense them. The cup dispensing mechanism, holding a stack of cups, rotates through a cup dispensing cycle to dispense a cup to a predetermined position. The dispensing cycles occur in a predetermined sequence so as to enable the dispensed product items to be received in a previously dispensed cup. The dispensing mechanisms respectively include rotatable first and second driven gears drivingly interfaced to rotate during respective product and cup dispensing cycles. The actuation mechanism includes a handle and a rotatable drive gear drivingly interfaced with the first driven gear. When the handle is turned by a user through an actuation cycle the driven gears rotate the respective mechanisms through respective product and cup dispensing cycles. | 02-28-2013 |
20130056487 | PRODUCT DISPENSING MACHINE AND DISPENSING METHOD - The invention relates to a product dispensing machine comprising a motorized collector and a plurality of product trays, each being arranged to store products in line and comprising a dispensing mechanism at an outer end of the tray. The motorized collector is arranged to approach each of said product trays and to move at least one dispensing mechanism from a blocking position, in which said dispensing mechanism blocks a product first in line on said tray, into a dispense position in which the product first in line is removed from the tray onto the collector, said dispensing mechanism being arranged to block a product second in line while being in the dispense position. | 03-07-2013 |
20130056488 | PLANETARY GEAR DRIVE CUP TURRET FOR CUP DROP UNIT IN BEVERAGE VENDING MACHINE - A cup turret carousel includes a gear drive track around a periphery thereof, to be driven by a planetary gear rather than being driven from the central axis and thereby reduce cost and achieve greater accuracy in aligning a cup turret with the cup funnel throat for cup delivery. The drive gear is maintained in a in a fixed position relative to a cup funnel throat through which cups pass when dropped, so that the same drive assembly may be employed with cup turret carousels of different diameters. | 03-07-2013 |
20130062360 | MULTI-DECK PRODUCT DISPENSING SYSTEM WITH REAR GUIDE - A product dispensing system including a frame structure having a front end and a rear end, the frame structure including an upper support deck extending between the front and rear ends, a lower support deck positioned below the upper support deck, the lower support deck extending between the front and rear ends and defining a first product display area, and an intermediate support deck positioned between the upper support deck and the lower support deck, the intermediate support deck extending between the front and rear ends and defining a second product display area, wherein the upper support deck and the intermediate support deck define a vertical drop zone proximate the rear end, the vertical drop zone extending from the upper support deck to the lower support deck, and a guide positioned between the upper support deck and the intermediate support deck, the guide extending into the vertical drop zone. | 03-14-2013 |
20130062361 | PRODUCT DISPENSING SYSTEM WITH FLEXING CONTAINER - A product dispensing system including a dispenser having an upper support deck that defines a deck opening and a lower support deck that defines a product display area, a container positioned on the upper support deck, the container including first and second walls that define an internal volume, wherein the first wall defines an opening having a longitudinal length that is aligned with the deck opening, and wherein the second wall includes a lower portion proximate the container opening, and a plurality of products initially housed in the internal volume, wherein the dispenser is spaced from the lower portion of the second wall such that the lower portion bows outward and increases the longitudinal length when a product engages the lower portion as it exits the container through the container opening. | 03-14-2013 |
20130062362 | BOTTOM DISPENSING CARTON - The present application provides a dispensing carton for a number of sheet products therein. The dispensing carton may include a first wall, a dispensing aperture positioned in the first wall, a perpendicular second wall, and one or more support tabs positioned in the perpendicular second wall. The support tabs may be folded within the perpendicular second wall to support the number of sheet products therein. | 03-14-2013 |
20130098935 | Ammunition Magazine Holder - A system and apparatus for storing ammunition comprises a hard-bodied capsule for ejectably retaining an ammunition magazine in a substantially water-resistant compartment thereof. | 04-25-2013 |
20130098936 | REFRIGERATING CABINET FOR AUTOMATICALLY DISPENSING TENNIS BALLS - The invention relates to a refrigerating cabinet ( | 04-25-2013 |
20130098937 | DISPENSER HAVING A DUAL LEVER MECHANISM - A tablet dispenser having a lower housing ( | 04-25-2013 |
20130105505 | SINGLE ITEM REMOVAL | 05-02-2013 |
20130112702 | Merchandiser - The present application provides a merchandiser for dispensing a number of products. The merchandiser may include an a temperature controlled compartment with a number of concentric storage wheels for storing the number of products therein, an input system positioned about the temperature controlled compartment, and a vending system positioned about the temperature controlled compartment. | 05-09-2013 |
20130126545 | Methods for Item Management - Item-management systems, apparatus, and methods are described, preferably for management of items such as medicaments. In a method embodiment, a method of hand-loading a container with at least one type of medicament is provided. A portable container having plural cells for holding medicament-type items is gotten and is docked at a docking station. Visible information, preferably viewable on the docked container, indicates the cell into which each medicament is to be hand-loaded. The visible information assists a user to hand-load a medicament into the correct cell. The docked container is removed from the docking station after the cells have been loaded with the medicaments. | 05-23-2013 |
20130134177 | Product Dispensing System with Container-Product Interaction - A product dispensing system including a dispenser frame having a front end longitudinally opposed from a rear end, the dispenser frame including a first support deck extending at least partially between the front end and the rear end, the first support deck defining a guide channel having an entrance opening and an exit opening, wherein the exit opening opens generally toward the front end, and a second support deck positioned below the first support deck, the second support deck extending at least partially between the front end and the rear end, and defining a product display area proximate the front end, and a catch element connected to the dispenser frame, the catch element protruding toward the front end and being positioned proximate the entrance opening. | 05-30-2013 |
20130134178 | VENDING MACHINE WITH AUTOMATED DETECTION OF PRODUCT POSITION - Embodiments of a vending machine are disclosed that can comprise one or more horizontally oriented shelves for supporting products to be vended, a plurality of vertically oriented dividers coupled to the shelves, a plurality of location markers located on the dividers and/or on the shelves, and an optical recognition module configured to optically recognize the location markers and to determine positions of the location markers and products relative to the shelves. In some embodiments, the optical recognition module can recognize the products by comparing images of the products to stored product images. | 05-30-2013 |
20130134179 | ITEM STORAGE - An apparatus and method are disclosed for temporarily storing at least one item of media. The apparatus includes a rotatable item support member arranged to rotate about a support member axis of rotation and comprising an outer support surface. The apparatus also includes a pair of drive tape members, each arranged along a respective tape pathway, each tape pathway comprising a pathway portion in which the tape members extend in a co-operating relationship supported by said outer support surface. The outer support surface includes at least one support region that supports the tape members and an item located therebetween in a flat orientation. | 05-30-2013 |
20130153593 | APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DISPENSING PET TRAINING PADS - An apparatus for dispensing pet training pads includes a base defining a base axis and having an internal chamber, and a support disposed within the internal chamber of the base. The support is arranged to support at least two pet training pads in superposed relation. The support is dimensioned and adapted to translate within the internal chamber along the base axis to direct the pet training pads toward an access opening associated with the base to permit individual and/or sequential removal of the training pads through the access opening by the user. | 06-20-2013 |
20130153594 | Medicament dispensing machine and medicament dispensing method - The disclosed device and method increase the accommodation amount of blister packages, can dispense quickly and are capable of always positioning in a prescribed position and dispensing in the right manner, even when dispensing fractions. A storage container ( | 06-20-2013 |
20130175286 | Medication Drawer and Medication Packaging Strip - A medication drawer, a related medication packaging strip, and a related method of handling a medication packaging strip. | 07-11-2013 |
20130175287 | TAPERED ROLLER SUPPLY SYSTEM, TAPERED ROLLER BEARING FABRICATING SYSTEM AND TAPERED ROLLER SUPPLY METHOD - A tapered roller supply system, a tapered roller bearing fabricating system and a tapered roller supply method are provided which enable tapered rollers to be loaded properly in pockets of a cage. | 07-11-2013 |
20130181003 | Bead feeding method and bead feeding unit - Beads are transferred in the form of a flow along supply channels into first holding pockets; the beads from the holding pockets of the bead feeding unit are fed to receiving pockets of a bead transfer unit by means of movable feeding means, then in the bead transfer unit the beads are inserted into a guiding chamber formed at the intersection of a guiding groove of a first guiding plate and a guiding groove of a second guiding plate of the bead transfer unit, at least one guiding plate is rotated relative to the second guiding plate, which forces the movement of the guiding chamber so that the distance of the guiding chamber to the axis of rotation of the guiding plates changes, and the beads from the guiding chamber or the guiding channel are conveyed to a outfeeding pocket. | 07-18-2013 |
20130193154 | RETRACTION CORD DISPENSER - A retraction cord dispenser can comprise a container with an open end and can be configured to hold retraction cord. The dispenser also includes a dispenser cap for attachment to the open end, and comprises a cap body with a narrow passage for dispensing retraction cord from the container, and the narrow passage can be associated with a retention flap to prevent retraction cord from re-entering the container once it has been dispensed. | 08-01-2013 |
20130193155 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DISPENSING - In some embodiments, the instant invention provides an exemplary method for dispensing that at least includes: initiating a movement of a dispensing object along a dispensing passage of a dispensing device; determining, by a displacement sensor, a magnitude of a displacement of the dispensing object along the dispensing passage based on remotely measuring, by the displacement sensor, a characteristic associated with the dispensing object during the movement of the dispensing object along the dispensing passage; generating an indication by the displacement sensor when the magnitude of the displacement is equal to or exceeds a pre-determined distance value; separating, based on the indication, a portion from the dispensing object to form a remaining portion of the dispensing object and a separated portion of the dispensing object; and dispensing the separated portion of the dispensing object from the dispensing device. | 08-01-2013 |
20130200093 | HANGING BAG - A packaged product including a substantially enclosed container for a material, said container including a first end, a second end with a width and a length, a sidewall forming an interior surface defining the container, a first opening into the container adapted to dispense the material, a hanging member, and an insert with an insert base portion, two insert side portions and an insert opening along a width of the insert, wherein the insert base portion extends along the width of the second end, the insert side portions extend at least partially up the sidewall, and the insert opening extends along at least substantially the entire width of the second end. A dispensing method including providing a packaged product, opening the packaged product to form a first opening into the container adapted to dispense a material, and dispensing the material from the container. | 08-08-2013 |
20130213989 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DISPENSING GLOVES - A system for dispensing gloves including a dispenser and a plurality of gloves positioned in a frictional fit within the dispenser in a compressed configuration. The dispenser has a removable section that forms a dispensing opening for removing an outermost glove from the dispenser. The dispensing opening is shaped such that, upon removal of the removable section of the dispenser, the frictional engagement between the dispenser and a cuff portion of the outermost glove is less than the frictional engagement between the dispenser and a finger portion of the outermost glove. | 08-22-2013 |
20130213990 | Removable Media Container - A removable media container for use in a media dispenser is described. The media container comprises: a diverter entrance for receiving diverted media items prior to stacking of the media items; a non-present stack entrance for receiving a stack of media items subsequent to stacking of the media items but prior to presentation of the stack of media items to a customer; and a present stack entrance for receiving a stack of media items subsequent to presentation of the stack of media items to a customer. | 08-22-2013 |
20130213991 | Dispensing System For Double Stack Carton - The carton of this invention is capable of carrying the plurality of containers stacked upon their ends in two tiers with a unique dispenser that permits the dispensing of containers on their sides. The dispenser is formed in a top side wall and extends into the end wall with most of the end wall being torn open but leaving a portion near the bottom side wall to prevent the bottom layer of containers from rolling out. Angled projections in the dispensing end of the carton near the top panel and bottom panel prevent the top layer of containers from rolling out. A divider may be inserted between the two tiers of containers to facilitate loading the carton and preventing the containers from accidentally rolling out when the dispenser is open. | 08-22-2013 |
20130221017 | Product Dispensing System with Staggered Perforations - A product dispensing system including a container having a plurality of walls that define an internal volume and an opening into the internal volume, wherein the container defines a first arrangement of perforations extending in a first row from the opening and a second arrangement of perforations extending in a second row from the opening, wherein the first perforations are staggered by a distance relative to the second perforations. | 08-29-2013 |
20130221018 | VENDING MACHINE METHOD AND APPARATUS - A vending machine has a plurality of product dispensing devices which dispense selected products for movement to a product retrieval location. A selected product is in a first orientation as it moves to the product retrieval location. The orientation of the selected product is changed from the first orientation to a second orientation at the product retrieval location. To change the orientation of the selected product, force is applied to an end portion of the selected product. This force may be applied in many different ways, including by a movable surface on a belt or a movable surface on a sweeper member. | 08-29-2013 |
20130233875 | AUTOMATIC BILL DISCHARGING DEVICE - An automatic bill discharging device includes a storing unit which stores a plurality of sheets of bills, a temporary storing unit which includes a bottom plate for supporting a bottom side of the bills in a standing position and temporarily stores the bills therein, a discharging port which is arranged above the temporary storing unit, a conveying mechanism which conveys the bills to the temporary storing unit from the storing unit, and an inclining mechanism which inclines the bills in the temporary storing unit such that a first end of the bills is set higher than a second end of the bills. | 09-12-2013 |
20130240553 | Product Dispenser and System with Pivoting Container Support Deck - A product dispensing system including a dispenser having a front end longitudinally opposed from a rear end, the dispenser including a container support deck extending at least partially between the front end and the rear end, the container support deck being moveable between a first configuration and a second configuration, and a lower support deck positioned below the container support deck, the lower support deck extending at least partially between the front end and the rear end, and defining a product display area. | 09-19-2013 |
20130240554 | LEVEL SENSOR AND DISPENSER - A solution for detecting level of a consumable tissue product ( | 09-19-2013 |
20130240555 | TABLET CASSETTE OF MEDICINE PACKING APPARATUS, AND METHOD OF OPERATING THE SAME - A tablet cassette of a medicine packing apparatus capable of sensing the tablet congestion occurred inside the tablet cassette and settling the congestion and a method for operating the same are provided. The tablet cassette includes a cartridge having space for containing tablets and an outlet for discharging the tablets, a tablet installation unit, and an oscillator vibrating the cartridge when tablets may not be discharged even if they are remained inside the cartridge. | 09-19-2013 |
20130248545 | FASTENER CONTAINER TO PROVIDE FASTENERS TO A FASTENER FEEDER - Disclosed is a fastener container to provide fasteners to a fastener feeder for use in fastener driving operations. The fastener container may comprise a fastener housing and a rotating fastener mechanism. The fastener housing may include a plurality of fastener chambers, wherein each of the fastener chambers is configured to hold a plurality of fasteners. The rotating fastener mechanism may be located within the fastener housing and may include a plurality of bins. Each bin may be configured to receive fasteners from an adjacent fastener chamber of the fastener housing. The rotating fastener mechanism may be rotatable, such that, when a rotation occurs, a first bin drops fasteners to the fastener feeder and a second bin receives fasteners from an adjacent fastener chamber of the fastener housing. | 09-26-2013 |
20130248546 | Container Denester Apparatus - A container denester apparatus which overcomes, among other problems, the problems identified above. The denester apparatus positively controls the flanges of the container so as to individually denest a lowermost container from a stack of containers. The apparatus protects the container by spreading the force required to denest the container along much of the flange structure. In addition, the stack of containers above the lowermost container are retained, again along much of the flange structure of the immediately adjacent container. | 09-26-2013 |
20130248547 | AUTOMATED DISPENSING SYSTEM AND METHOD - Automated dispensing systems and mechanisms for queuing output from an automated dispensing system are provided for the dispensing of articles. The automated dispensing system may increase efficiency of the automated dispensing system by reducing cycle time, increasing throughput, and reducing the time required for the unloading process. A system for dispensing articles may include a carousel including a plurality of stations, a plurality of carrier holders , each configured to be received at a respective station, and a robot configured to retrieve a carrier holder from the carousel. The robot may further be configured to move the carrier holder proximate the location of a first article, load the first article onto the carrier holder, and return the carrier holder to a station of the carousel. | 09-26-2013 |
20130248548 | Container Denester Apparatus - A container denester apparatus which overcomes, among other problems, the problems identified above. The denester apparatus positively controls the flanges of the container so as to individually denest a lowermost container from a stack of containers. The apparatus protects the container by spreading the force required to denest the container along much of the flange structure. In addition, the stack of containers above the lowermost container are retained, again along much of the flange structure of the immediately adjacent container. | 09-26-2013 |
20130248549 | Methods and Apparatus for Dispensing Solid Articles - An apparatus for dispensing solid articles includes a housing and a gate system. The housing defines a dispensing channel and a portal through which articles can flow along a dispensing pathway. The gate system includes a gate member positioned in the dispensing pathway. The gate member is selectively positionable between an open position and a closed position. When the gate member is in the open position, the gate member permits the articles to pass through the portal and, when the gate member is in the closed position, the gate member blocks the articles from passing through the portal. The gate system is configured such that the gate member is passively transitionable between the open and closed positions. | 09-26-2013 |
20130256330 | PELLET DISPENSING APPARATUS AND METHOD - A pellet dispensing apparatus includes a plurality of pellet dispensers, each including a reservoir configured to contain a plurality of pellets and a dispensing mechanism configured to dispense a quantity of pellets in response to selective operation of the dispensing mechanism; and a support configured to support a plurality of pellet dispensers in respective relative locations allowing for selective individual operation of respective dispensing mechanisms to dispense respective pellets. A method of dispensing pellets, comprising selecting a pellet dispenser that is held in a support among a plurality of other pellet dispensers, and operating the pellet dispenser to dispense a prescribed quantity of pellets. | 10-03-2013 |
20130256331 | TABLET DISPENSER - A tablet dispenser for dispensing randomly stored tablets from a bottle is disclosed. The dispenser includes offset inlet and outlet paths, a helical dispensing screw, and a rotation drive. The inlet path can be positioned for receiving a tablet to be dispensed from a bottle or other supply of tablets. The outlet path can be positioned for dispensing a tablet. The helical dispensing screw can be configured to rotate, driven by the rotation drive, to transport a tablet from the inlet path to the outlet path. The rotation drive can be operable by pushing the structure defining the inlet path and the outlet portion toward each other. The dispenser can be equipped with a dispensing sensor and memory that records data regarding each pill dispensed, such as the time of dispensing and the number of pills remaining, and optionally transmits the data to a device on or off the patient's premises. | 10-03-2013 |
20130264351 | Product Dispensing System - A product dispensing system including a dispenser having a housing that defines an internal volume and a product display area, and a support deck received in the internal volume, the support deck including a front end and a rear end, wherein the front end extends toward the product display area, and wherein the rear end is elevated relative to the front end, a container received in the internal volume and supported on the support deck, the container defining an access opening, wherein the support deck directs the container toward the front end such that the access opening is aligned with the product display area, and a plurality of products initially housed in the container. | 10-10-2013 |
20130264352 | DYNAMIC PRESCRIPTION DISPENSING CHECKLIST SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A system includes a board comprising a first surface comprising an area identified for allowing a user to identify prescriptions, an area identified for allowing a user to identify times for taking the prescription, and an area identified for allowing a user to removably mark the board upon dispensing pills into a weekly or monthly pill organizer. A first plurality of strips movably and releasably is attachable to the first surface of the board in the area identified for labeling prescription medications. The first plurality of strips comprises a front surface operable for allowing a user to removably label prescription medications. A second plurality of strips is movably and releasably attachable to the first surface of the board in the area identified for labeling times for taking the prescription medications. The second plurality of strips comprising a front surface operable for allowing a user to removably label times for taking the prescription medications. | 10-10-2013 |
20130270287 | PARTICLE DISPENSING APPARATUS AND METHOD - Particles are dispensed under controlled conditions to achieve an accurate number of particles by passing a suspension of the particles through a particle detecting device, obtaining a cumulative particle count, comparing the cumulative particle count with a target value, and shutting off the suspension flow once the particle count reaches the target value, all performed by automated means. | 10-17-2013 |
20130270288 | Automatic Shoe Cover Dispenser - An automatic shoe cover dispenser includes a shoe cover feeding arrangement holding a plurality of shoe covers each having a shoe opening; and a shoe cover pulling mechanism for pulling one of the shoe covers into an open-up condition as a standby shoe cover and being ready for putting on a user's shoe, wherein after the standby shoe cover is dispensed for being worn at the shoe of the user, the shoe cover at a subsequent position is pulled into the open-up condition. | 10-17-2013 |
20130277382 | STATE DETECTION - An apparatus and method are disclosed for determining an empty condition in an item of media container. The apparatus includes a plate member, comprising a reflective region, that moves towards an empty position as items of media are dispensed from a container, and a mask element which is locatable in a first position as items of media are dispensed, and a further position when the container is empty. An empty condition of the container is determined responsive to the mask element being located in the further position. | 10-24-2013 |
20130292398 | Pill Container - Among other things, we describe an apparatus that includes a chamber elongated along a longitudinal axis and shaped to receive pharmaceutical pills arranged along the longitudinal axis in a row, in which any cross-section of the chamber perpendicular to the longitudinal axis intersects a maximum of one pharmaceutical pill. | 11-07-2013 |
20130292399 | APPARATUS FOR PLUGGING HOLES - An apparatus for plugging a hole, the apparatus including: a chamber for housing a plurality of plugs which are sized to fit the hole, the chamber having a feed channel to permit passage of plugs under gravity to a feed location at or near an end of the apparatus; a plug exit; a guide for positioning the apparatus such that the plug exit is at an entrance to, or is within, the hole; and a push rod for driving a plug from the feed location through the plug exit into the hole. | 11-07-2013 |
20130292400 | Methods and Apparatus for Dispensing Solid Articles - An apparatus for dispensing solid articles includes a housing and at least one vacuum source. The housing defines a hopper chamber to hold the articles and a dispensing channel fluidly connected to the hopper chamber. The dispensing channel has an inlet and an outlet defining a dispensing flow path therebetween. The vacuum source is adapted to provide a vacuum pressure and induce a gas flow in the housing. The apparatus is configured to generate a forward drive gas flow from the vacuum pressure and induced gas flow, and the forward drive gas flow conveys articles through the dispensing channel along the dispensing flow path in a direction from the inlet to the outlet to dispense the articles. | 11-07-2013 |
20130306668 | GRAVITY-FED DISPENSER - Systems and methods related to dispensing food (e.g., fruit) or other items in a “first-in, first-out” manner are discussed. The system can include a base having one or more cavities therein and a plurality of chutes configured to align within a subset of the cavities. Each of the chutes can include an inlet that can provide access to an open interior for storage of items, and the plurality of chutes can dispense the plurality of items in a “first-in first out” manner. An ice chest capable of cooling the plurality of chutes can be included, as can a drip tray or other mechanism for separating the fruit from its juices to prolong its useful lifespan. | 11-21-2013 |
20130313276 | Soda Straw Dispenser Box - A straw box engageable with a dispenser during dispensing of straws to a user. The straw box includes an elongate door that can be opened while the straw box is engaged with the dispenser so that the dispenser is not required to be turned upside down. A pull tab is attached to the door and is accessible so that the door can be opened after the straw box is attached to the dispenser. The straw box remains engaged with the dispenser until all the straws have been fed from the straw box to the dispenser, and thus to users of the straws. | 11-28-2013 |
20130313277 | COMPACT DUNNAGE DISPENSING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A compact system ( | 11-28-2013 |
20130320031 | Tubular Package and Dispenser - A container for a product includes a substantially cylindrical body. The body includes two end portions and a tubular sidewall surface disposed between the two end portions. The sidewall surface includes a removable sidewall portion that, when removed, defines a sidewall opening in the sidewall surface to remove a product from the container. A method of dispensing a product from a container includes removing a removable sidewall portion of the container. The removable sidewall portion is located at a tubular sidewall surface located between two end portions of the container, thereby defining an opening in the tubular sidewall surface. A product is removed from the container via the opening. | 12-05-2013 |
20140001194 | DISPENSING CONTAINER, PACKAGED PRODUCT ASSEMBLY, AND RELATED METHOD | 01-02-2014 |
20140001195 | CUP SINGULATION AND DENESTING MECHANISM | 01-02-2014 |
20140014673 | VENDING MACHINE AND METHOD OF OUTPUTTING MERCHANDISES OF VENDING MACHINE - A vending machine includes a front plate with an opening, a delivery tray, and a shielding plate rotatably attached to the cabinet. The delivery tray is attached to the front plate and defines an entrance. A first electromagnet, a second electromagnet, and one or more sensors are located on the delivery tray. The sensor(s) is connected to the first electromagnet and the second electromagnet. The sensor(s) detects merchandise dropping into the delivery tray and sends a signal to the first electromagnet and the second electromagnet; when the sensor detects no merchandise in the delivery tray, the shielding is engaged with the first electromagnet to cover the opening; when the sensor detects the merchandise in the delivery tray, the shielding is engaged with the second electromagnet to cover the entrance. A merchandise output method of the vending machine is also provided. | 01-16-2014 |
20140054309 | Product Dispensing System with Dispenser Platform - A product dispensing system including a frame, a dispenser platform and an attachable cleat, the frame having a front end, a rear end, an upper support deck extending between the front end and the rear end, a lower support deck positioned below the upper support deck, the lower support deck extending between the front end and the rear end and defining a product display area, and a heel proximate the rear end to engage the cleat. | 02-27-2014 |
20140054310 | Product Dispensing System with Dispenser Door - A plurality of product dispensing frames, each having a left side wall, a right side wall, a front end, and a rear end, and including an upper support deck extending between the front end and the rear end, a lower support deck positioned below the upper support deck, the lower support deck extending between the front end and the rear end and defining a product display area, and a dispenser door pivotably connected between outermost dispenser frames to cover and enclose the upper support decks. | 02-27-2014 |
20140061217 | Product Dispensing System with Sound Reducing Features - A product dispensing system having a frame with a front end and a rear end, and including an upper support deck extending between the front end and the rear end, a lower support deck positioned below the upper support deck, the lower support deck extending between the front end and the rear end and defining a product display area, a guide extending from proximate the upper support deck to proximate the lower support deck, and a stop positioned proximate the product display area. | 03-06-2014 |
20140061218 | SECURITY SHELVING APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SECURELY STORING AND/OR DISPENSING RETAIL ARTICLES - Systems and methods secure, store and/or dispense one or more retail items, and have at least one shelf and at least one product holder having a front portion, a back portion, a pusher paddle, at least one product stop ramp, and a level actuator. The systems and methods have a hinged front panel hinged, a blocker panel locatable in an engaged position or in an unengaged position, and at least one linkage connecting the front panel and the blocker panel, wherein the at least one portion of the level actuator is movable within the opening formed in the front panel to lift the associated forks above the stop ramp of the at least one product holder. | 03-06-2014 |
20140069950 | DISPENSING PACKAGE - A dispensing system and method of use having a package and insert containing clinical information, wherein the package insert cannot be easily discarded, lost or damaged. The package insert is further configured so as to not impede closing of the packaging. The dispensing system further provides that mediation retained in the package cannot be removed from the package without partially removing the insert configured as an educational slider, such that the access to the medication is a ‘two-step’ process. In a further aspect, the dispensing system provides dosage instructions and other clinical information specific to the medication. The dispensing system may include sample or prescribed medication. Alternatively, the dispensing system may include a discount price coupon or other promotional material that is only accessible when an educational package insert is moved to provide access to the coupon or promotional material. | 03-13-2014 |
20140076913 | HIGH SPEED BOLT DISPENSER - A method and a system for dispensing bolts are provided. The system includes a dispensing cartridge including a dispensing tube and a dispensing section. The dispensing tube includes a first end, a second end, and a passage provided between the first end and the second end. The passage is configured to store a plurality of bolts to be supplied to the dispensing tube through the first end such that the bolts are moved through the passage. The dispensing section is located near the second end of the dispensing tube and is configured to dispense the bolts one at a time from the second end. | 03-20-2014 |
20140084018 | Annular Seal, And Mold For Manufacturing Such A Seal - An annular seal is provided. The annular seal is configured to be lubricated, allowing for automatic dispensing in dispensers, without the risk of clogging the dispensers or of building up with other seals. The annular seal has a determined thickness, made of an elastically deformable material, having a seal plane at mid-thickness and an axis of revolution perpendicular to the seal plane, and having: a so-called “inner” surface, turned toward the axis of revolution, and extending over a height of between ⅙ and 22/50 of the thickness on either side of the seal plane, and a so-called “contact” surface extending over the rest of the seal. The seal includes, on the contact surface, at least one spot protuberance. | 03-27-2014 |
20140103056 | Product Dispensing Container, System and Method with Priming Area - A product dispensing container including a plurality of walls that define an internal volume, at least one of the walls including an access door panel, a priming area and a severance line, and a plurality of products received in the internal volume, wherein the priming area is displaceable relative to the wall to form a free edge, and wherein the access door panel is at least partially defined by the free edge and the severance line when the priming area is displaced relative to the wall. | 04-17-2014 |
20140117036 | Cutlery Dispenser and Method of Dispensing Cutlery - A cutlery dispenser comprises a storage chamber adapted to retain a plurality of cutlery therein; an ejector for sequentially ejecting the plurality of cutlery from the storage chamber; an actuator for driving the ejector; and a sensor for triggering the actuator in response to an event. | 05-01-2014 |
20140117037 | ADJUSTABLE PRODUCT MAGAZINE SLEEVE - A removable, adjustable product magazine for use in an article dispensing system includes a central support member including a back wall connected to a base, first and second sidewalls, and a follower. The central support and the sidewalls cooperatively define a product compartment having a front opening. The sidewalls include fastener slots for connecting the follower to one of the sidewalls. Advancement of the follower adjusts the depth of the compartment. Each of the sidewalls has front, rear, and bottom flanges for retaining products within the magazine, connecting the sidewalls to the back wall and base. The base and backwall have fastener slots for adjustable connection of the sidewalls, thereby enabling adjustment of the width of the compartment. The sidewall front flanges terminate above the base to provide a product exit port. The back wall includes an ejector port for providing access to an ejector cylinder to expel product units. | 05-01-2014 |
20140124523 | Flower Vending Machine and Method of Use of the Same - Flower vending machine and method of use of the same, with the object of preventing fogging of a display space comprised within said machine, said display space being accessible by means of at least one hatch covered by a transparent sheet to which is directed a flow of air to preventing fogging of the interior of the display space. In the method of use of said machine the cooling system is stopped, the flow of air is introduced and an air extractor external to the display space is activated. All this prevents the fogging of the display space, thereby guaranteeing excellent visibility of the flowers as well as their optimum preservation. | 05-08-2014 |
20140124524 | Device for Dispensing Plastic Fasteners - A device for dispensing an individual plastic fastener from a supply of fastener stock includes a motor-driven head assembly adapted to receive the supply of fastener stock, sever an individual fastener from the supply and in turn eject the severed fastener. The head assembly includes a pair of needle block assemblies that retain corresponding hollow needles, each needle block assembly being shaped to define a feed channel that transitions a side rail for the fastener stock into axial alignment behind its corresponding needle. In addition, at least one needle block assembly includes a rearward shelf and a forward bowing plate. In use, the lowermost cross-links of the fastener stock fittingly align between the shelf and the bowing plate. In this manner, the lowermost cross-links are limited to distort uniformly upward within the single plane defined by the pair of feed channels, thereby optimizing feed reliability of the device. | 05-08-2014 |
20140131376 | DEVICE FOR DELIVERING BY LAUNCH PRODUCTS FROM A VENDING MACHINE | 05-15-2014 |
20140138398 | Methods and Apparatus for Dispensing Solid Articles - A dispensing apparatus for dispensing articles includes a housing and a drive system. The housing defines a hopper chamber to hold the articles, a dispensing outlet, and a dispensing path between the hopper chamber and the dispensing outlet. The drive system includes a belt and a belt actuator operable to drive the belt. The dispensing apparatus is configured such that articles disposed in the hopper chamber are directed onto the belt and the belt, when driven by the belt actuator, conveys the articles received from the hopper chamber in a dispensing direction along the dispensing path toward the dispensing outlet to be dispensed. | 05-22-2014 |
20140151391 | APPARATUS FOR MANAGING SHELF CONTROL INFORMATION FOR MULTI-VENDING MACHINE AND METHOD THEREOF - Disclosed are an apparatus for managing shelf control information for a multi-vending machine and a method thereof. The apparatus includes a shelf recognizing unit for recognizing whether a shelf is mounted; a column detecting unit for detecting whether a column mounted on the shelf exists; a column kind detecting unit for detecting a kind of columns; and a control unit for generating product control information based on information about the shelf, the column and the kind of columns detected by the shelf recognizing unit, the column detecting unit and the column kind detecting unit and storing the product control information in a memory. | 06-05-2014 |
20140151392 | Apparatus for Dispensing Solid Articles and Methods for Using Same - An apparatus for dispensing solid articles includes a manifold assembly. The manifold assembly includes a manifold and a door assembly. The manifold has a plenum and an inlet port in fluid communication with the plenum. The door assembly includes a door panel and a shield. The door panel is selectively moveable between a closed position, wherein the door panel restricts airflow through the inlet port, and an open position, wherein the door panel permits airflow through the inlet port. The shield defines a pocket to receive the door panel in the open position and thereby reduce or restrict flow of air behind the door panel. | 06-05-2014 |
20140158703 | MEDICATION DISPENSER AND METHOD FOR DISPENSING MEDICATIONS - The present invention relates to a medication dispenser that comprises a first container for holding medication packages to be dispensed, and conveying means for conveying medication packages from the first container to an outlet of the medication dispenser, the conveying means comprising a first conveyor that is arranged in connection with the outlet and is capable of conveying a medication package in a first and a second conveying direction, so that a medication package can be conveyed to the outlet and retracted inside the medication dispenser. The first conveyor comprises two opposing belt conveyors between which a medication package is arranged to be conveyed, both of the belt conveyors comprising an endless belt and a plurality of rollers around which the endless belt is arranged. The invention also relates to a method for dispensing medications. | 06-12-2014 |
20140166684 | SELECTIVE BUNCH PRESENTATION - The present invention provides a method and apparatus for presenting a bunch of items of media to a user of a Self-Service Terminal (SST). The method comprises individually removing at least one item of media from at least two respective media item containers in a predetermined sequence responsive to at least one common predetermined characteristic of each item of media, providing the removed items of media as a bunch of items of media, and presenting the bunch of items of media to a user. | 06-19-2014 |
20140166685 | APPARATUS AND PROCESS FOR DISPENSING CUVETTES - Apparatus and processes for forwarding of cuvettes stored unarranged, in which, from a storage place, the cuvettes are forwarded for further use in an arranged way. The unarranged cuvettes have a suitable geometry, and are elevated between the edges of arranging cuvette elevator members, being elevated up to the output opening for arranged cuvettes. Through an output opening, the cuvettes arranged side by side are removed and are forwarded by a cuvette-advancing pusher ( | 06-19-2014 |
20140166686 | DEVICE FOR ORIENTING CAPSULES IN A BEVERAGE PRODUCING MACHINE - A device for orienting and feeding capsules (C) in a beverage producing machine, comprising: a container ( | 06-19-2014 |
20140209622 | TWO-PIECE HELICAL FEEDER TUBE FOR FILLING CONTAINERS WITH PILLS - One embodiment of the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a pill delivery apparatus. The method includes providing an inner core having an outer surface and providing an outer sleeve comprising an opening defined therethrough, the outer sleeve having an inner surface. Further, the method includes defining a passageway on the outer surface of the inner core such that positioning the outer sleeve over the inner core defines a delivery chute for delivering a plurality of pills between the passageway and the inner surface of the outer sleeve. | 07-31-2014 |
20140217111 | HAND-HELD PROJECTILE DISPENSER - A projectile dispenser apparatus used as a novelty device to aim and rapidly dispense multiple pieces of materials such as currency at a target under the exclusive actuation and control of the user. | 08-07-2014 |
20140231446 | MEDICINE DISPENSER, METHOD OF DISCHARGING MEDICINE, AND AUTOMATIC MEDICINE PACKING MACHINE INCLUDING THE DISPENSER - The present disclosure provides a medicine dispenser, which can detect the number of medicines such that an accurate number of medicines can be discharged for packing, a medicine discharging method, and an automatic packing machine including the medicine dispenser. The medicine dispenser includes a frame and a medicine transfer unit attached to the frame and transferring medicines one pill at a time to an outside of the medicine dispenser. The medicine transfer unit includes a detection unit that detects the number of medicines dropping from a medicine container to be packed, and a transfer unit that pushes the medicines, the number of which is detected by the detection unit, into a packing passage connected to a packing unit to transfer the medicines to the packing unit. | 08-21-2014 |
20140239006 | BEAD FEEDER - A bead feeder serially delivering beads to a downstream location comprises a bead supply wheel connected to rotate about a vertical axis. The bead supply wheel includes a bead supply bowl and a plurality of radially and outwardly extending bead passageway connected to rotate with the bowl and dimensioned to receive a single line of beads. A plurality of openings in the bead supply bowl is spaced around a lower portion thereof with the openings in alignment with the radially and outwardly extending passageways each of which has an outer exit end. A metering plate is connected to rotate about the same vertical axis as the bead supply wheel, and metering plate has a plurality of equally spaced apart openings directly below the outer ends of the passageways for receiving the lowermost beads in the passageways. The metering plate rotates at a slightly slower or slightly faster speed than the bead supply wheel so that vertical alignment of an outer exit end of a particular passageway and an opening in the metering plate only occurs once for each revolution of the bead supply wheel. A drop off is provided for the removal of beads away from the metering plate. | 08-28-2014 |
20140239007 | MEDIA HANDLER PROTECTION - The present invention provides a method of preventing unauthorised access into a media item dispenser module. The present invention also provides a media item dispenser module comprising a dispensing slot for presenting at least one media item to a user, and a moveable member moveable between a distal position and a proximal position respectively distal and proximal to the dispensing slot, wherein the moveable member prevents unauthorised access into the media item dispenser module via the dispensing slot when in the proximal position. | 08-28-2014 |
20140239008 | SNAIL WHEEL - A method and apparatus for operating a snail wheel in a vending machine are disclosed. The method for operating the snail wheel includes accepting a 5 gallon water bottle into the snail wheel, lifting the 5 gallon water bottle up off a bottom shelf of the vending machine, rotating the snail wheel 90° from a starting point, stopping the snail wheel after rotating 90°, wherein at the 5 gallon water bottle rolls out of the snail wheel and onto a platform, and rotating the snail wheel 270° back to the starting point. | 08-28-2014 |
20140246449 | Reusable Shopping Bag Storage and Dispensing System - A shopping bag dispenser has a fabric storage and dispensing bag with an open end having an area of opening, and a length, and a plurality of shopping bags having common dimensions, each formed from a material having a low coefficient of friction, and capable of sustaining permanent fold creases. Each shopping bag of the plurality is implemented with permanent fold creases, folded along the creases and stacked with others of the plurality, to a folded and stacked size having a length less than the length of the storage bag and a cross-sectional area orthogonal to the length less than the area of the opening of the fabric storage and dispensing bag. | 09-04-2014 |
20140246450 | DISPENSER FOR STATIC CENTER-FEED CORELESS ROLL OF SHEET PRODUCT - A sheet product dispenser for dispensing a strip of a sheet product from a static center-feed coreless roll of sheet product is disclosed. The roll includes a central cavity. The dispenser includes a container for accommodating the roll, and a dispensing piece which protrudes toward an interior of the container from one end of the container and which includes a guidance between a receiving opening for receiving the strip of sheet product from the roll and a dispensing opening for dispensing the strip of sheet product outside of the dispenser. The dispensing piece is arranged to engage into the central cavity of the roll. The dispensers provide a dispensing opening so that withdrawal of a sheet product is facilitated by avoiding collapsing or clogging. Furthermore, the dispenser has a compact configuration that gains space during delivery and transportation. | 09-04-2014 |
20140252020 | AUTOMATED PHARMACY SYSTEM FOR DISPENSING UNIT DOSES OF PHARMACEUTICALS AND THE LIKE - A system for storing and dispensing discrete doses of pharmaceuticals includes: a housing with an internal cavity having a front wall with first and second windows; multiple storage locations positioned within the housing; and a carrier assembly positioned and movable within the housing. The carrier assembly is configured to receive a pharmaceutical dose package loaded into either the first or second window and convey the pharmaceutical dose package to one of the storage locations for storage therein, and is further configured to retrieve a pharmaceutical dose package from one of the storage locations and return the pharmaceutical dose package to the first or second window for dispensing therefrom. | 09-11-2014 |
20140263385 | MULTI-FUNCTION CARD HANDLING APPARATUS AND METHODS OF OPERATION - A multi-function card dispenser and related apparatuses, systems, and methods for processing credit cards, phone cards, in-store gift cards, and the like at customer-operated kiosks and other machines. In one embodiment, a card apparatus can include a card hopper having a card eject surface and a card track having a card transport surface positioned below the card eject surface. A first roller is configured to rotate to draw a first card from a card port and onto the card track. A second roller is configured to rotate to dispense a second (ejected) card from the card hopper and onto the card track and further toward the card port. In one embodiment, the second roller is further configured to rotate to deposit cards below the card hopper. | 09-18-2014 |
20140263386 | SUPER HIGH SPEED BOLT DELIVERY SYSTEM - A method of dispensing bolts includes a step of forming a column of bolts on top of one another. The column includes an upper end and a lower end. A shank portion of each of the bolts is oriented toward the lower end. The method further includes steps of moving the column of bolts and dispensing a bolt at a time from the lower end. A bolt dispensing system is provided and includes a dispensing tube and a dispensing section. The dispensing section is located near an end of the dispensing tube and is configured to dispense bolts one at a time from the end. | 09-18-2014 |
20140263387 | CENTER-PULL NAPKIN DISPENSER WITH CONTROLLED WRINKLING - Center-pull napkin dispensers and methods of supplying napkins for the same are disclosed. A center-pull napkin dispenser may comprise a body for supporting at least one roll of perforated paper napkins and a nozzle comprising a nozzle opening configured for dispensing napkins therethrough. The nozzle opening defines a nozzle cross-sectional area (A | 09-18-2014 |
20140263388 | DELIVERY DETECTING SYSTEM AND DELIVERY DETECTING METHOD - A delivery detecting system includes a Schmidt trigger circuit for receiving a periodic signal, a differential circuit connected to the Schmidt trigger circuit, and a monostable circuit connected to the differential circuit. The Schmidt trigger circuit is used to convert the periodic signal to a first square signal. The differential circuit is used to convert the first square signal to a triangular signal. The monostable circuit is used to convert the triangular signal to a second square signal. The invention further offers a delivery detecting method. | 09-18-2014 |
20140263389 | Apparatus and methods for a semi-automatic pill counting tray - This invention relates to modifications to the traditional manually operated pill counting tray that is broadly used throughout the world to provide features that permit semi-automatic operation that is faster and more accurate than manual-only operation when counting pharmaceutical pills. The tray modifications are based on electronic weight-based sensing technology including the addition of (1) a weighing load sensor to determine the weight of the pills to be counted, (2) a microprocessor that can convert the measured weight of the pills to a pill count, and (3) an output display to show the number of pills counted. This apparatus includes novel features to improve pill counting speed and accuracy that are only possible when employing electronic counting. | 09-18-2014 |
20140319163 | Cuvette Handling Device - Device for storing and dispensing cuvettes from a stack. The device has at least one cuvette stack receiving compartment, which may be a tube open at both ends, wherein one of the openings is provided with retaining springs, partly blocking the opening, so that the cuvette stack having been dropped into the compartment may come to rest on the retaining springs. The retaining springs are being spaced apart from the opening of the compartment by a distance that allows at least two cuvettes in the stack to stick out of the compartment opening. Furthermore, a cuvette separator with retaining spring spreaders is provided, moveable between a standby position away from the compartment and a cuvette separation position across the retaining spring opening of the compartment, and in between the two cuvettes, sticking out of the compartment. | 10-30-2014 |
20140326744 | SMART MEDICINE CONTAINER - A smart medicine container is provided to secure accesses to a bulk supply of pills stored therein and pills dispensed therein. The medicine container comprises a control unit, a memory, a communication interface unit, a pill-supply housing configured to store a bulk supply of pills, a pill-supply locking means configured to lock access to the pill-supply housing, a dispensing assembly configured to dispense pills from among the bulk supply of pills, and a dispensed-pill housing configured to receive and store dispensed pills, a dispensed-pill locking means configured to lock access to the dispensed-pill housing. The control unit is programmed to irreversibly cause the pill-supply locking means to lock access to the pill-supply housing and irreversibly cause the dispensed-pill locking means to lock access to the dispensed-pill housing when receiving information indicating that the bulk supply of pills should permanently discontinue to be taken by a patient. | 11-06-2014 |
20140332550 | Method And System For Feeding Components - A component feeder including a lift for elevating a selection of components from a bulk storage, and a pick surface adjacent to the lift for receiving the selection of components. A spreader gives the selection of components a push for spreading the selection of components from the lift on the pick surface. The combination of a vertical lift and a separate pick surface adjacent to the lift enables the bulk storage being positioned right below the pick surface. The area of the pick surface is large in relation to the total footprint of the component feeder. | 11-13-2014 |
20140339248 | DISPENSING DEVICE - Embodiments generally relate to a pill box adapted for dispensing medication. In one embodiment, the pill box includes a base member, a carousel coupled to the base member and configured to rotate about the base member, one or more compartments, each compartment formed within the carousel and configured to store a single dose of medication with a lid configured to enclose the base and the carousel. The pill box ratchet advancement mechanism includes a resilient member and a stop member configured to facilitate motion of the carousel in a first direction and to restrict motion in a second direction, and a locking component configured to permit a pre-determined displacement of the carousel in the first direction and to limit further displacement in the first direction by locking the carousel. | 11-20-2014 |
20140339249 | DISPENSING DEVICE - Embodiments generally relate to a pill box adapted for dispensing medication. In one embodiment, the pill box includes a base member, a carousel coupled to the base member and configured to rotate about the base member, one or more compartments, each compartment formed within the carousel and configured to store a single dose of medication with a lid configured to enclose the base and the carousel. The pill box ratchet advancement mechanism includes a resilient member and a stop member configured to facilitate motion of the carousel in a first direction and to restrict motion in a second direction, and a locking component configured to permit a pre-determined displacement of the carousel in the first direction and to limit further displacement in the first direction by locking the carousel. | 11-20-2014 |
20140346184 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DISPENSING MEDICATION - An apparatus for dispensing medication is provided. The apparatus includes a case configured to comprise a medication packet container in which medication packets containing medications prescribed for a patient are seated, and a medication packet discharging opening through which the medication packets are externally discharged; a medication packet discharging component configured to discharge the medication packets from the medication packet container one by one; and a controller configured to control the medication packet discharging component to discharge the medication packets one by one from the medication packet container. | 11-27-2014 |
20140346185 | RECEIVING MALFUNCTIONING MOBILE PHONE AND A DISPENSING FUNCTIONING CELLULAR TELEPHONE CONSOLE - The present invention relates to a user-friendly and a user-interactive cellular mobile phone console, allowing a user to interactively replace a malfunctioning cellular mobile phone with a functioning mobile phone. | 11-27-2014 |
20140346186 | DISPENSING DEVICE - Embodiments generally relate to a pill box adapted for dispensing medication. In one embodiment, the pill box includes a base member, a carousel coupled to the base member and configured to rotate about the base member, one or more compartments, each compartment formed within the carousel and configured to store a single dose of medication with a lid configured to enclose the base and the carousel. The pill box ratchet advancement mechanism includes a resilient member and a stop member configured to facilitate motion of the carousel in a first direction and to restrict motion in a second direction, and a locking component configured to permit a pre-determined displacement of the carousel in the first direction and to limit further displacement in the first direction by locking the carousel. | 11-27-2014 |
20140353326 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DISPENSING SHOE COVERS - A method and a system for dispensing shoe covers are disclosed. The shoe cover dispensing method comprises the following steps: propping a shoe cover open; inverting; determining if relay has been reset and if not then repeating the determining; opening; relaying; waiting for use; completing usage; resetting the relay; determining if the inverting has been completed and if not then repeating the determining; jumping to the opening step. The shoe cover dispensing system comprises a shoe cover storage module ( | 12-04-2014 |
20140361031 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR DISPENSING SOLID PHARMACEUTICAL ARTICLES USING CAPACITIVE LEVEL SENSORS - An apparatus for dispensing solid pharmaceutical articles includes a dispensing bin having a solid pharmaceutical article storage chamber therein, and a sensor system. The sensor system includes a sensor having first and second electrodes in the storage chamber, and a controller coupled to the sensor. The sensor is configured to generate a detection signal indicative of a capacitance. The controller is configured to detect a presence of one or more solid pharmaceutical articles in the storage chamber based on the capacitance indicated by the detection signal. Related methods and computer program products are also discussed. | 12-11-2014 |
20140361032 | Pill Dispensing Method and Apparatus - The present invention is a pill dispensing method and apparatus wherein a first rotor rotates pills about a rotation axis along a first part of a spiral path at a first rotational speed whereupon the pills move spirally away from the rotation axis. A second rotor receives the pills from the first rotor and rotates the pills about the rotation axis along a second part of the spiral path at a second, greater rotational speed whereupon the pills move spirally away from the rotation axis toward a discharge chute which dispenses the pills into a pill bottle or a storage container. A counter can be provided for counting pills that exit the discharge chute or opening. | 12-11-2014 |
20140367399 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING UTILIZATION OF INVENTORY SPACE FOR DISPENSABLE ARTICLES - A system and method for optimizing the utilization of inventory space for articles dispensable from an article dispensing machine is provided. A subset of articles in the article dispensing machine may be targeted for removal for various purposes. Based on a list of the subset of articles, the article dispensing machine may move the subset of articles from a storage unit to a predetermined area, such as a merchandising zone of the storage unit or a separate article removal bin. The subset of articles may be removed from the predetermined area, followed by loading of new articles to the predetermined area. | 12-18-2014 |
20140367400 | Dispensing Containers for Wipe Articles - Disclosed is a dispensing cap adapted to be removably, or permanently affixed to a container which container contains a plurality of individual wipes interconnected to one another but separable along one or more perforations between individual wipes, which dispensing cap includes a partly stationary and partly moveable plate having a dispensing orifice which is offset from the center part of the dispensing cap, said dispensing orifice being surrounded by a plurality of individual flexible lobes, a portion of the dispensing orifice being defined by the stationary plate part, a further portion of the dispensing orifice being defined by a moveable hinged plate part of the dispensing orifice which is moveable along a hinge line from which the hinged plate part depends from a part of the stationary plate, and further wherein the hinged plate part includes a depending brace wall which extends downwardly from the hinged plate part from the underside thereof, which brace wall is located at or near the periphery of the said remaining portion of the dispensing orifice present on the hinged plate part. | 12-18-2014 |
20140374430 | DISPENSER ASSEMBLY - The disclosure relates to a dispenser assembly comprising a bin with a spring actuated shuttle for engaging with a plurality of individual dispensable units contained within a refill package. The disclosed dispenser assembly provides easy dispensing of individual dispensable units from a bin. The individual dispensable units are contained within a refill package for easy reloading. In one embodiment, a tool is used to remove an individual dispensable unit and therefore the dispensing is achieved without touching the individual dispensable unit with the user's hands. | 12-25-2014 |
20140374431 | Balancing Weight for Vehicle Wheels - A balancing weight for vehicle wheels has a first face for fitting the balancing weight onto an inner peripheral surface of the wheel's rim and a second face opposite the first face. In order to improve the handling including the feeding of the balancing weights to a balancing machine each balancing weight comprises at least one guideway for a connecting means for stacking a plurality of such balancing weights. | 12-25-2014 |
20150008236 | HELMET DISPENSING SYSTEM - The present disclosure provides systems and methods for the dispensing and collection of objects in urban environments. More particularly, the disclosure provides systems and methods for dispensing and collecting helmets. The disclosure provides a self-sufficient, high-capacity, helmet dispensing system. In some embodiments, the system includes solar panels that provide the system with the requisite power needed to power the system. In some implementations, the system includes a vandal resistant return mechanism for the helmets. The system may also include communication modules, which may transmit system information to a backend server. | 01-08-2015 |
20150008237 | HELMET DISPENSING SYSTEM - The present disclosure provides systems and methods for the dispensing and collection of objects in urban environments. More particularly, the disclosure provides systems and methods for dispensing and collecting helmets. The disclosure provides a self-sufficient, high-capacity, helmet dispensing system. In some embodiments, the system includes solar panels that provide the system with the requisite power needed to power the system. In some implementations, the system includes a vandal resistant return mechanism for the helmets. The system may also include communication modules, which may transmit system information to a backend server. | 01-08-2015 |
20150014342 | Apparatus for separating spherical or cylindrical objects - An apparatus for separating rod-like or spherical agitating elements in an automatic analyzer allows quick and error-resistant separation and automated charging of cuvettes with the agitating elements. For this purpose, it comprises a lever provided with a bore, wherein the bore is configured such that it can accommodate one of the agitating elements. The bore, in a first position of the lever, is arranged beneath an entry opening and, in a second position of the lever, is arranged above an exit opening, wherein the lever, in the second position, closes the entry opening. | 01-15-2015 |
20150021348 | VENDING MACHINE AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - A vending machine comprises a robotic arm and a pick mechanism that is coupled to the robotic arm. The pick mechanism is configured to retrieve a vendible product in the vending machine, and the robotic arm is configured to locate the pick mechanism at a location with a x-y coordinate that corresponds to the vendible product. The pick mechanism comprises a first roller, a second roller, and a belt that mechanically links the first and second rollers by forming a loop around the first and second rollers. The belt has a first portion and a second portion on opposing sides of the loop, and the second portion of the belt is coupled to the robotic arm. The pick mechanism further comprises a motor that is configured to rotate the first roller in order to translate the first and second portions of the belt in opposite directions to each other. The pick mechanism further comprises a picker arm extending in the z direction. The picker arm has a proximal portion closest to the first roller and a distal portion furthest from the first roller. The proximal portion is coupled to the first portion of the belt in order to be moved in the z-direction as the first roller is rotated, and the distal portion comprises a product picker for releasably attaching to the vendible product. | 01-22-2015 |
20150021349 | Combination Medicine Containers and Dispensers - Combination medicine containers and dispensers are shaped similar to or generally the same as standard prescription medicament containers but are configured to dispense one medicament at a time through easy manipulation of integral dispensing means. Each combination medicine container and dispenser has a bottle, a cap, and an integral dispensing mechanism that cooperate with one or more structures of the bottle and/or cap to dispense one medicament at a time from the container. In one form, the combination medicine container and dispenser is designed to allow a user to dispense a single medicament through properly applied pressure. In another form, rotation of one or more components provides dispensing of a single medicament. | 01-22-2015 |
20150021350 | Dispensing System For Double Stack Carton - The carton of this invention is capable of carrying the plurality of containers stacked upon their ends in two tiers with a unique dispenser that permits the dispensing of containers on their sides. The dispenser is formed in a top side wall and extends into the end wall with most of the end wall being torn open but leaving a portion near the bottom side wall to prevent the bottom layer of containers from rolling out. Angled projections in the dispensing end of the carton near the top panel and bottom panel prevent the top layer of containers from rolling out. A divider may be inserted between the two tiers of containers to facilitate loading the carton and preventing the containers from accidentally rolling out when the dispenser is open. | 01-22-2015 |
20150028045 | CUTLERY DISPENSER AND RELATED METHODS - The present disclosure provides a cutlery dispenser for dispensing wrapped cutlery. The cutlery dispenser may include a case configured to expand from a compact configuration into an expanded configuration. The cutlery dispenser also may include a wrapped cutlery band disposed within the case and configured to be dispensed therefrom. The present disclosure also provides a method for dispensing wrapped cutlery. The method may include the step of providing a cutlery dispenser including a case and a wrapped cutlery band disposed within the case. The method also may include the step of expanding the case from a compact configuration into an expanded configuration. The method further may include the step of dispensing at least a portion of the wrapped cutlery band from the case. | 01-29-2015 |
20150028046 | CUTLERY DISPENSER AND RELATED METHODS - The present disclosure provides a cutlery dispenser for dispensing wrapped cutlery. The cutlery dispenser may include a wrapped cutlery band comprising a plurality of cutlery packets separably connected to one another in a serial manner. The cutlery dispenser also may include a nozzle assembly configured to allow the cutlery packets to be dispensed therethrough. The present disclosure also provides a method for dispensing wrapped cutlery. The method may include the step of providing a cutlery dispenser comprising a nozzle assembly and a wrapped cutlery band, wherein the wrapped cutlery band comprises a plurality of cutlery packets separably connected to one another in a serial manner. The method also may include the step of dispensing the cutlery packets through the nozzle assembly. | 01-29-2015 |
20150028047 | TABLET FEEDER - A tablet division feeder includes a moving unit to move a tablet T, a fixing blade located in a movement path of the tablet T, and a support plate extending from the fixing blade such that divided tablets T2 on the fixing blade are transferred and kept onto the support plate. The fixing blade divides the tablet T into upper and lower divided tablets as the tablet T is moved in such a manner that the lower divided tablet T1 is discharged and the upper divided tablet T2 is transferred from the fixing blade to the support plate by the moving unit and kept on the support plate. The upper divided tablet T2 is discharged from the support plate as the upper divided tablet T2 is further moved by the moving unit in such a manner that the upper divided tablet T2 is discharged from the moving unit. | 01-29-2015 |
20150034666 | Carton With An Improved Dispensing Feature - A carton with an improved dispenser at one end of the carton which preserves the integrity of the carton when the carton is opened by permitting a bottom end flap attached to the bottom panel to remain in place and also a portion of each side end flap that is adjacent to the bottom end flap. This dispenser may also provide a safety net for the first container that is automatically dispensed when the carton is opened. | 02-05-2015 |
20150041483 | AUTOMATION SYSTEM FOR DIAMOND BAGGING - A system for counting diamonds includes a rotary table configured to accommodate diamonds, a collection box assembly provided in communication with the rotary table, an ejecting mechanism configured to enable controlled ejection of said diamonds from the rotary table to the collection box assembly, at least one scanner and a controller configured to regulate functioning of at least one of the rotary table, the collection box assembly, the ejecting mechanism and the scanner. Further, the scanner is configured to determine the number of diamonds collected in the collection box assembly. | 02-12-2015 |
20150041484 | FRONT LOADING CUTLERY DISPENSER - The present application provides a cutlery dispenser for use with a number of cutlery utensils. The cutlery dispenser may include a housing and a front cover. The front cover may include a dispensing opening and a spring loaded retainer such that the cutlery utensils may be loaded through the front cover and may be dispensed therefrom. | 02-12-2015 |
20150048100 | METHOD OF USING A MEDICATION REMINDER AND COMPLIANCE SYSTEM INCLUDING AN ELECTRONIC PILL BOX - A medication reminder and compliance system including a pill box, a pill box and electronic device; or a pill box, electronic device and remote server. The pill box includes several detachable dosettes, each divided into several chambers having a door. A two-color LED is disposed beneath each chamber and is activated when a specific reminder time is reached. The LED initially illuminates the associated chamber with a green light but changes to a flashing red light if the door is not opened within a preset time. A switch engaged with the door deactivates the LED when the door is opened. The electronic device communicates with the pill box and alerts the patient when it is time to take medication. A remote server which communicates with both the pill box and electronic device can be programmed to control the reminder schedule and monitor the patient's compliance with a prescribed medication regimen. | 02-19-2015 |
20150048101 | DISPENSING DEVICE - Embodiments generally relate to a pill box adapted for dispensing medication. In one embodiment, the pill box includes a base member, a carousel coupled to the base member and configured to rotate about the base member, one or more compartments, each compartment formed within the carousel and configured to store a single dose of medication with a lid configured to enclose the base and the carousel. The pill box ratchet advancement mechanism includes a resilient member and a stop member configured to facilitate motion of the carousel in a first direction and to restrict motion in a second direction, and a locking component configured to permit a pre-determined displacement of the carousel in the first direction and to limit further displacement in the first direction by locking the carousel. | 02-19-2015 |
20150053709 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DISPOSABLE GLOVE DISPENSING - A disposable glove dispensing system may allow for a user to efficiently put on a disposable glove without touching the outside of the glove. In various embodiments, a disposable glove may comprise an opening for hand entry having a first opening edge and a second opening edge, a first interconnection point located near the first opening edge, where the first interconnection point attaches the disposable glove to a first adjacent disposable glove, and a second interconnection point located near the second opening edge. The second interconnection point may attach the disposable glove to a second adjacent disposable glove, wherein the disposable glove is positioned between the first adjacent disposable glove and the second adjacent disposable glove. Furthermore, a disposable glove dispensing system may comprise a pack of interconnected disposable gloves, and a glove dispenser comprising two glove hangers for hanging the pack of disposable gloves hang. | 02-26-2015 |
20150053710 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DISPOSABLE GLOVE DISPENSING - A disposable glove dispensing system may allow for a user to efficiently put on a disposable glove without touching the outside of the glove. In various embodiments, a disposable glove may comprise an opening for hand entry having a first opening edge and a second opening edge, a first interconnection point located near the first opening edge, where the first interconnection point attaches the disposable glove to a first adjacent disposable glove, and a second interconnection point located near the second opening edge. The second interconnection point may attach the disposable glove to a second adjacent disposable glove, wherein the disposable glove is positioned between the first adjacent disposable glove and the second adjacent disposable glove. Furthermore, a disposable glove dispensing system may comprise a pack of interconnected disposable gloves, and a glove dispenser comprising two glove hangers for hanging the pack of disposable gloves hang. | 02-26-2015 |
20150053711 | DEVICE FOR ENCOURAGING ADHERENECE TO MEDICATION SCHEDULE AND PROPER ADMINISTRATION TECHNIQUE - A method of using a device for encouraging adherence to a medication schedule and proper administration technique includes placing the device on a surface. The device includes a body, a timer associated with the body for measuring and displaying an elapsed time since an immediately prior medication dose was administered; and a button on the body that, when depressed relative to the body, resets the timer. The button is sized and shaped for accommodating a medication container used to store or activate the medication. The button and the body are configured for cooperating with the medication container for facilitating mixing of the medication. The method further includes engaging the medication container with the button and resetting the timer. | 02-26-2015 |
20150069080 | DISPENSING CARTRIDGE INSERT - A device and a method for dispensing pharmacy/clinic loaded medications are described herein. The device may include multiple chambers, each chamber having stored therein one type of medication. Each chamber may have a cavity located along a rotating drum. Rotation of the drum causes the chamber to dispense the medications according to a defined schedule. | 03-12-2015 |
20150076169 | SINGLE DRAWER DISPENSER RACK - A bag dispenser includes a platform having first support surface, a first side, a second side, a first end and a second end. A mounting spike or barrier pole fixture may be attached orthogonally adjacent the platform. A wall mounting plate has a series of apertures to attach the plate to a vertical surface with fasteners. The plate is attached orthogonally to the second end of the bag platform. At least one side support extends outwardly from the first and second sides of the bag platform and upwardly from the platform. The side support defines a space for at least one stack of bags. A dispenser cover is affixed over the dispenser and may have a service aperture. The dispenser accommodates conventional, t-shirt and header-style bags in various configurations. The bags are assembled in bag stacks. The stacks may be configured in packs with removable covers or loaded in boxes. | 03-19-2015 |
20150090732 | OBJECT STORAGE DEVICE AND METHOD - An object storage device and method. The apparatus may include an object housing unit, a candy housing unit, and a candy dispensing unit. The candy housing unit may contain an object inside a concave cap. The candy housing unit may contain a flanged end, a hollow sleeve, and an open end. The candy dispensing unit may include a shaft for the candy to be attached to, a rotatable base, and a candy piece support seat. The method may include placing the object inside the concave cap and attaching the concave cap to the flanged end of the candy housing unit. The candy dispensing unit may also be attached to the candy housing unit. The candy and the candy piece support seat may be stored inside the candy housing unit. | 04-02-2015 |
20150090733 | Device for Dispensing Pharmaceutical Doses - Devices dispense medicine and dietary supplements in solid dosage form. The dimensions of the selection slots for the solid dosage forms in a device can be customized in depth by adding or subtracting spacers, and in width by adding or subtracting thickness inserts, or otherwise by employing components of suitable dimensions. Also, structures and methods for resolving jams of solid dosage forms are disclosed. | 04-02-2015 |
20150096997 | VENDING SHELF - A merchandise dispensing apparatus for deterring theft includes a housing having a plurality of walls defining an interior space within the housing. At least one merchandise support module is mounted in the housing and includes an electro-mechanical ejector located adjacent a front end of the at least one module. The ejector includes an electrical motor with an output shaft, along with an ejector plate movably mounted in relation to the housing. A gear train connects the output shaft of the motor to the ejector plate. A relay selectively provides electrical power to the motor. | 04-09-2015 |
20150096998 | SENSOR AND LOCKOUT FOR ANTI-SWEEP HOOK - A merchandise dispensing apparatus for deterring theft has at least one merchandise support module which includes a covering defining an interior space within the module. A support member and a dispensing member are mounted to the module, the dispensing member being mounted adjacent to the support member. A lockout device is also mounted to each module and connected to the dispensing member. The lockout device includes a housing with a user input member accessible from outside the housing. The user input member communicates with the dispensing member. A controller, which includes a memory and a processor, electrically communicates with the user input member. A sensor electrically communicates with the controller and senses the dispensing of an associated packaged item mounted on the support member. A signaling device electrically communicates with the controller to provide a notification upon the dispensing of the associated packaged item. | 04-09-2015 |
20150102047 | VENDING APPARATUS AND PRODUCT VENDING METHOD - In duration of operating a vending machine, the vending machine can only provide a consumer with a simple service and cannot interact with the consumer. The vending machine is lack of and interactive feeling capable of catching the consumer's eyes and lets the consumer feeling novel and interesting, so that a sales volume of products cannot be raised. A vending apparatus and a product vending method of the invention can detect a consumer's operation by using a detector and a currency collecting device, and display a corresponding image on a screen according to the consumer's operation. Moreover, delivery of an actual object is in accordance with an image of object delivery, such that the consumer can smoothly feel the interactive feeling when purchasing products. Accordingly, the vending apparatus provides the consumer with a novel and interactive pattern, so as to elevate the consumer's purchase desire. | 04-16-2015 |
20150102048 | Automatic Napkin Dispenser - The present application provides a tucker fold dispenser for folding and dispensing a sheet of material. The tucker fold dispenser may include an outer shell, a removable roller cassette positioned within the outer shell, a paper path therethrough, a number of loading rollers positioned about the paper path, a number of folding rollers positioned about the paper path, and a tucker bar mechanism positioned about the folding rollers. | 04-16-2015 |
20150108155 | PORTABLE CLECO TYPE FASTENER DISPENSER - An apparatus for containing, transporting, dispensing and keeping an inventory of a plurality of same size cleco type fasteners has a tubular housing with an interior bore dimensioned to receive the plurality of cleco type fasteners through a proximal opening on the housing that is closed by a removable closure device. The distal end of the housing has a retention device that retains the forward most cleco type fastener inserted into the housing interior bore with a sufficient force that prevents the forward most cleco type fastener from being unintentionally removed from the housing distal end, but allows the forward most cleco type fastener to be manually grasped and pulled from the housing distal end. | 04-23-2015 |
20150289679 | FORWARD ADVANCING CUTLERY DISPENSER - The present application provides a cutlery dispenser for dispensing a number of cutlery utensils. The cutlery dispenser may include a housing, a front cover enclosing the housing, a dispensing wedge, and a dispensing trough positioned on the front cover. The dispensing wedge angles a leading cutlery utensil into the dispensing trough for dispensing therethrough. | 10-15-2015 |
20150290084 | APPARATUS FOR DISPENSING TABLETS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE SAME - An apparatus for dispensing tablets according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a main body including a plurality of tablet input parts to collect the inputted tablets in a tray disposed therein; and at least one input sensor disposed in the main body to sense whether the tablets are inputted. | 10-15-2015 |
20150294525 | ITEM DISPENSING APPARATUS - Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a dispenser configured for securely storing one or more items and dispensing the stored items to authorized users. According to various embodiments, the dispenser generally includes a housing defining an interior area dimensioned to receive one or more items, a laterally sliding access door configured to provide restricted access to items stored within the dispenser, and one or more locking mechanisms designed to inhibit unauthorized access to the interior of the housing. In various embodiments, the dispenser is configured to accept a storage cart, and includes a plurality of guide walls located within the housing and configured to facilitate positioning of the cart within the interior area of the housing. | 10-15-2015 |
20150298892 | Dispensing Container, Packaged Product Assembly, and Related Method - A packaged product assembly is provided. The packaged product assembly may include a packet received in a dispensing container. The packet may be a blister packet including units of a product received in sealed cavities. The dispensing container may include a top casing and a bottom casing. The upper casing may be pivotably connected to the lower casing such that the upper casing is moveable between a closed position in which access to the packet is substantially blocked, and an open position in which access to the packet is provided. The packet may be supported by a shoulder defined at an inner surface of sidewalls of the lower casing such that a receptacle is formed between the packet and a major wall of the lower casing. A unit of the product released from one of the sealed cavities may be received in the receptacle and dispensed via a dispensing aperture. | 10-22-2015 |
20150307263 | FOLDED PACKAGED GLOVES - A package of at least one glove pair, comprising a right glove and a left glove, wherein at least one glove has an indicia comprising at least one of a logo, a manufacturer's name, or usage information of the glove displayed thereon, wherein the right glove and the left glove are folded in a multi-fold configuration. At least partially transparent first packaging encases the right glove and the left glove, and maintains the multi-fold configuration, wherein the indicia of at least one of the right glove or the left glove is visible through the first packaging while folded. | 10-29-2015 |
20150310693 | VENDING MACHINE FOR SCRUBS WITH TIME EXPIRING BADGES AND RELATED METHODS - A vending machine for scrubs may include a housing configured to store different sized scrubs. The vending machine also may include a scrub dispenser, a labeler, and a controller carried by the housing. The controller may be configured to cooperate with the scrub dispenser to dispense a selected sized scrub. The controller may also be configured to cooperate with the labeler to generate a time expiring badge for the selected sized scrub. | 10-29-2015 |
20150313425 | DISPENSER AND METHOD OF REPLENISHING A DISPENSER - A dispenser for dispensing a sheet of web material from a stack of folded web material comprises: a housing arranged to be positioned along a vertical direction, a dispensing arrangement including a dispensing opening for the web material in the housing, and a web material storage section inside the housing arranged to hold and support the stack of folded web material. The web material storage section comprises, seen along the vertical direction, an upper end portion and opposite thereto a lower end portion. The web material storage section comprises a displaceable portion. The displaceable portion comprises the lower end portion. The lower end portion, seen along the vertical direction, is arranged substantially underneath the upper end portion when the displaceable portion is arranged in a dispensing position. In a tilted loading position the lower end portion is positioned beside and below the upper end portion, seen along the vertical direction. | 11-05-2015 |
20150327736 | PAPER PRODUCT DISPENSER AND RELATED METHODS - An apparatus for dispensing paper product stacked along a stacking dimension includes a housing for holding the stack of paper product and having a longitudinal dimension associated with the stacking dimension. The movable ejector is located adjacent the housing and is configured to contact paper product at an end of the stack. Movement of the ejector is effective to slide paper product at the end of the stack, relative to a remainder of the stack, in a dispensing direction, to thereby dispense paper product from the housing. A first restrictor in the housing is configured to exert a force on the stack in a first restricting direction transverse to the dispensing direction, with the first restrictor being spaced from the ejector, in the longitudinal dimension, by a first distance. | 11-19-2015 |
20150332536 | Pet Toy Dispenser and Method - A pet toy dispenser and method are provided. The dispenser has a housing, a dispenser mechanism, a drive mechanism, an electronic tag reader, and a controller. The drive mechanism is operable to move one or more of the plurality of compartments of the dispenser mechanism from a load location to an exit location. The electronic tag reader is capable of reading an electronic tag embedded in an animal toy within at least one compartment. The controller having an authentication function configured to determine whether a code of an electronic tag within the at least one compartment received from the tag reader corresponds to an authorized code and to allow the load completion of the compartment if the code is an authorized code. | 11-19-2015 |
20150342830 | PILL DISPENSING SYSTEM - A pill dispenser comprising a container operatively arranged to hold at least one pill, a cap/timer assembly rotatably secured to the container, the cap/timer assembly arranged to be set to a time interval for dispensing the at least one pill, means for alerting a user when the timer has been set to the time interval, and a dispenser housed within the container and the cap, the dispenser operatively arranged to dispense only one pill at the beginning of the time interval, and to prevent dispensing until the time interval has elapsed. The dispenser also includes an audible alert to indicate that a pill has been dispensed. | 12-03-2015 |
20150368025 | DENTAL PICK CONTAINER AND DISPENSER - A container for separating, storing, and dispensing dental picks includes a container to receive a sheet of dental picks, wherein the sheet of dental picks includes multiple interconnected dental picks, a separating device to separate the sheet of dental picks into singular dental picks, and a dispensing device to dispense the singular dental picks, one at a time. A method for separating and dispensing dental picks includes obtaining a sheet of dental picks, wherein the sheet of dental picks includes multiple interconnected dental picks, loading the sheet of dental picks into a container, separating the sheet of dental picks into singular dental picks, and dispensing the singular dental picks one at a time. | 12-24-2015 |
20150371506 | VALUE MEDIA DISPENSER RECOGNITION SYSTEMS - Value media is driven along a media path through a value media dispenser. While traversing the path, the media is imaged and a denomination and serial number for the media extracted from media image. The media image, denomination, and serial number are recorded for tracking and monitoring of the value media being dispensed from the value media dispenser. | 12-24-2015 |
20150374182 | SECONDARY DISPENSER METHOD AND APPARATUS - A secondary dispenser readily attachable to a standard toilet-tissue dispenser of a roll type for positioning next to the primary toilet-tissue dispenser for dispensing supplemental materials such as pre-wetted toilet sheets. The sheets can be withdrawn from an open door. | 12-31-2015 |
20150375920 | TRASH BAG DISPENSING SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A system for dispensing trash bags comprises a dispenser including an opening from which stored trash bags may be removed. A prong is positioned to extend partially across the opening of the dispenser. In an additional embodiment, the dispenser is stored within a container having a plurality of exterior walls, an upper opening, and a floor. The floor of the dispenser contains an elevated portion with an aperture extending therethrough. A prong is positioned to extend partially across the aperture. In additional embodiments, the disclosure pertains to methods of removing a trash bag from a dispenser where the bag comes into contact with a prong extending either from the dispenser or the container. The prong acts to at least partially unfold the bag upon removal from the dispenser, aiding the user in securing the trash bag to a garbage can. | 12-31-2015 |
20160007769 | Merchandise Presentation | 01-14-2016 |
20160008933 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR MANIPULATING A FASTENER | 01-14-2016 |
20160022543 | AS-NEEDED, TIME CONTROLLED MEDICATION DISPENSER AND METHODS - A medication dispenser having a housing adapted to securely retain patient medication until such a time as a controller enables a patient interface to permit a patient to access medication stored and distributed by the dispensing assembly. | 01-28-2016 |
20160023838 | System for Packaging and Dispensing Disposable Elastomeric Gloves - An integrated method packages and dispenses three-dimensional disposable elastomeric gloves that are easy to put on, comfortable to wear and do not interfere with manual and/or digital movements. The three-dimensional gloves are integrated with a dispensing system that employs both bags and re-usable dispenser boxes, as well as visible glove labelling. The glove bags are accessed through slits that can be an overlapping edge or a cut slit, or of a perforated or peel-back type, and the latter can also be re-sealable for storage purposes. Once filled with randomly-stacked three-dimensional gloves, the bags are placed in dispenser boxes made of a rigid plastic or metal, with the bag slits being aligned with access apertures of the dispenser boxes. | 01-28-2016 |
20160029590 | Interactive Unit - The disclosure generally pertains to an interactive unit (IU) comprising a housing and a container. The IU can operate with at least one device enabling network connectivity. An end user device can connect to the IU to activate voice and/or video, and interact with the IU. A user can use the end user device to control the IU to dispense a treat, food, or product from the container. In at least one embodiment, a user will use the IU to connect with an animal located at the IU in order to communicate, bond, and train the animal. | 02-04-2016 |
20160029856 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DISPENSING CLEANROOM WIPES - A cleanroom wipe dispenser is provided. The cleanroom wipe dispenser may include a housing forming a compartment for removably storing a plurality of cleanroom wipes. The plurality of cleanroom wipes may be uniquely folded so that they are not interfolded so as not to abrade the adjacent cleanroom wipe when being dispensed, thereby eliminating cross contamination of cleanroom wipes. A bottom wall of the housing may define a generally elongated elliptical dispensing opening adapted to limit access to the plurality of cleanroom wipes so as to prevent wasteful usage. | 02-04-2016 |
20160038377 | DISPENSING DEVICE - A device for dispensing articles, the device comprising: a conveying member comprising n receptacles, of which n-m are suitable for receiving articles, the receptacles being movable between an article receiving position and an article dispensing position; a sensor for sensing the presence of articles in the receptacles, the sensor positioned between the receiving position and the dispensing position; wherein m of said receptacles is a blank receptacle which is unable to receive an article and the sensor is unable to distinguish an empty receptacle from a blank receptacle such that the maximum number of detectable articles conveyed once n receptacles have passed the sensor is n-m, where m is at least 1. | 02-11-2016 |
20160042584 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DISPENSING AND RECEIVING MEDICAL SELF-COLLECTION DEVICES - The invention provides an apparatus for dispensing and otherwise facilitating the self-collection of biological medical samples. The apparatus is configured to dispense a medical self-collection device to a user and to hold or store a used medical self-collection device that has been deposited into the apparatus by a user for laboratory analysis. | 02-11-2016 |
20160047437 | Automatic Dispenser for Balancing Weights - A dispenser for balancing weights for vehicles comprises a plurality of dispenser modules. The dispenser modules have a cartridge with at least two compartments for storing balancing weights. Each compartment has at least one retrieval opening. A cartridge actuator moves the cartridge linearly along a first axis, such that a retrieval feed opening is positioned above a slider feed opening in the dispenser module. A slider, which is operated by a slider actuator along a second axis, parallel to the first axis, has a balancing weight compartment, which can be moved under the slider feed opening, such that a balancing weight may drop from the cartridge into the compartment. The compartment is then moved to a picking tray in which the balancing weight is delivered to a handling device for placing the balancing weight to a wheel. | 02-18-2016 |
20160068381 | Water Dispenser Cover - A water spout sanitary cover is provided. The cover is disposable and is configured to fit over a portion of the water spout to provide a sanitary layer. The cover may prevent microbial transfer between the spout, water, and a vessel being filled with water. The cover is disposable, and replaceable, and may be provided in a stacked dispenser. | 03-10-2016 |
20160073837 | DISPENSER AND METHOD OF DISPENSING - A dispenser for dispensing sheets of web material from a stack of sheets of web material is provided. The dispenser includes a biasing arrangement arranged to bias the stack towards a dispensing opening of the dispenser, and a stopper element associated with the dispensing opening, the stopper element being adapted to prevent the stack from being ejected through the dispensing opening by the biasing arrangement. A stack space in the dispenser is arranged to house the stack. Near the dispensing opening a first plane extends in a first plane direction directed towards the dispensing opening and a second plane extends in a second plane direction directed towards the dispensing opening. An opening portion has an opening width and is substantially aligned with the stack space such that the first and second plane directions extend uninterruptedly through the opening portion. Further a method of dispensing a bundle including at least two sheets of web material is provided. | 03-17-2016 |
20160090229 | STACK AND METHOD OF DISPENSING - A stack including a plurality of sheets of web material is provided. The stack includes a plurality of bundles of substantially coextensive sheets of web material. Each bundle includes at least two sheets of web material of said plurality of sheets of web material. In the stack, the bundles of said plurality of bundles are alternatingly offset in relation to each other. Further, a method of dispensing at least two sheets of web material is disclosed. | 03-31-2016 |
20160106273 | WET WIPE PACKAGING BODY - A wet-wipe packaging-body capable of reducing costs for manufacturing the wet-wipe packaging-body and costs for managing and storing components, and solving complexity in managing and storing the components. In a wet-wipe packaging-body in which a wet-wipe body continuously stacked in a folded state is accommodated in a bag-body, an outlet port frame attached to an opening portion of the bag-body has an outlet port frame main-body provided with a resistance application member and a flange portion formed to outwardly project from the outlet port frame main-body in its radial direction. The flange portion has a first surface bonded to an inner surface of the bag-body when the outlet port frame is attached and fixed to the inner portion of the bag-body and a second surface bonded to an outer surface of the bag-body when the outlet port frame is attached and fixed to the outer portion of the bag-body. | 04-21-2016 |
20160113450 | WET WIPE PACKAGING BODY - Exemplary embodiments of a wet wipe packaging body are designed to improve use quality as to press resistance application member against front surface of wet wipe stacked body at all times when bulk of wet wipe stacked body in bag body is reduced. Exemplary embodiments of the wet wipe packaging body include an outlet port frame body for wet wipes that pulled out from an opening portion provided in a bag body. A resistance application member, which is biased in direction in which resistance is applied to the wet wipe continuous body, is provided on an outlet port side of the outlet port frame body, and lower surface side of outlet port frame body is attached on an outer surface side of bag body so as to surround an opening portion of the bag body. | 04-28-2016 |
20160115789 | Arrangement And Method For Positioning Cartridges For A Rock Grouting Equipment - Arrangement ( | 04-28-2016 |
20160122097 | TAMPER RESISTANT CONTAINER - A tamper resistant container for secure storage and dispensing of objects therefrom and method includes a housing having an inlet, an outlet and a lid which opens and closes the inlet, a dispensing mechanism within the housing to position an object for dispensing from the container, a base including a drive mechanism and a pin which cooperates with at least one of the housing and the base. The container includes a moveable plate positioned with respect to the outlet for opening and closing the outlet, the moveable plate being biased in a closed and secure position when the housing is removed from the base. The moveable plate moves to an open position when the housing is positioned on the base and the pin cooperates with the moveable plate to allow an object to be dispensed from the tamper resistant container. | 05-05-2016 |
20160143490 | WIPE DISPENSER - Disclosed is a wipe dispenser having a bag-shaped wipe accommodation body in which a wipe stacked body is accommodated and a holding frame body used to hold the wipe accommodation body in an upright position. The wipe accommodation body is formed into a substantially cuboid shape, has a wipe taking-out hole, which is used to take out a sheet of wipe separated from the wipe stacked body, at a front surface thereof, and has a cover body used to open and close the wipe taking-out hole. The holding frame body has a seat plate on which a bottom surface of the wipe accommodation body is placed and a back plate vertically arranged on the seat plate, and the wipe accommodation body is fixed to at least one of the seat plate and the back plate. | 05-26-2016 |
20160143813 | INTERACTIVE KIOSK FOR COUNTING, LABELING, AND SHIPPING OF RECALLED MEDICATION CAPSULES - A kiosk according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a housing; a touch screen configured to receive input information from a user; a label printer configured to print output information from the kiosk; a pill drop opening; a pill chute; a drive tube having entry and exit openings, wherein the drive tube has an axis extending through a longitudinal axial centerline thereof, and has an inside surface comprising a helical flute, wherein the entry opening is in communication with the pill chute, and wherein the exit opening is higher than the entry opening such that the axial centerline of the drive tube is inclined; a motor configured to rotate the drive tube to separate and convey pills received through the pill drop opening and the pill chute; and an optical counter configured to count the pills as the pills fall from the exit opening of the drive tube. | 05-26-2016 |
20160145031 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR SINGULARIZED DISPENSING OF SOLID PORTIONS - A device and a method for singularized dosing of solid portions F, in particular mini or micro tablets or globules, which solid portions are forming a bulk body S situated at least partially in the device. The device comprises at least two components, a first component of which is a segregating device and a second component of which is a singularizing device that can be twisted vis-à-vis the segregating device. The singularizing device comprises an interior area and on its inner side at least one chamber for accommodating one solid portion F at a time, so that the at least one chamber can be moved in a direction of motion D and on a motion path B through the bulk body S during twisting of the singularizing device vis-à-vis the segregating device. The segregating device further comprises a separating device to prevent solid portions F contained therein drop out. | 05-26-2016 |
20160151246 | Medicine Reminder and Dispenser Apparatus | 06-02-2016 |
20160152403 | SANITARY GLOVE DISPENSING APPARATUS | 06-02-2016 |
20160159554 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR DISPENSING SOLID ARTICLES - A dispensing apparatus for dispensing articles includes a housing and a drive system. The housing defines a hopper chamber to hold the articles, a dispensing outlet, and a dispensing path between the hopper chamber and the dispensing outlet. The drive system includes a belt and a belt actuator operable to drive the belt. The dispensing apparatus is configured such that articles disposed in the hopper chamber are directed onto the belt and the belt, when driven by the belt actuator, conveys the articles received from the hopper chamber in a dispensing direction along the dispensing path toward the dispensing outlet to be dispensed. | 06-09-2016 |
20160176618 | Package of Stacked Fibrous Structure Sheets and Methods of Dispensing From Same | 06-23-2016 |
20160184185 | DRUG DISPENSING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE SAME - A drug dispensing system includes at least one drug dispensing device including a plurality of dispensing modules for receiving and dispensing drugs, a plurality of installation blocks for allowing the dispensing modules to be mounted therein, and a controller for controlling dispensing of drugs from the dispensing modules, a plurality of drug refilling stations, a drug refilling unit for performing a drug refilling operation, a refilling authentication device for authenticating refilling information regarding the drugs refilled by the drug refilling unit, and a communication unit for transmitting authentication information regarding the first dispensing module confirmed by the refilling authentication device, a server for receiving the authentication information regarding the first dispensing module from the communication unit, and a database for storing the authentication information regarding the first dispensing module received from the server. | 06-30-2016 |
20160251142 | DISPENSER AND METHOD FOR DISPENSING PRISMATIC TABLETS | 09-01-2016 |
20160374523 | SHEET MATERIAL DISPENSER - In one aspect, a sheet material dispenser may generally include a flexible pouch and a rigid container. The flexible pouch may generally be configured to receive a plurality of sheets and may include a dispenser opening. In addition, the flexible pouch may include a resealable cap for intermittently exposing and resealing the dispenser opening. The rigid container may generally include an interior region defined at least partially between a back wall and sidewalls extending outwardly from the back wall. The rigid container may also include first and second front plates configured to be slideably coupled to the sidewalls such that the front plates are movable relative to one another and relative to the sidewalls between an open position, wherein the front plates are positioned in a distal relationship relative to one another, and a closed position, wherein the front plates are positioned in an adjacent relationship relative to one another. | 12-29-2016 |
20170233169 | PACKAGED PRODUCT | 08-17-2017 |
20190142698 | ROTARY PILL DISPENSER AND METHOD OF USE | 05-16-2019 |
20190144195 | Methods and Apparatus for Dispensing Solid Articles | 05-16-2019 |
20190147686 | PRODUCT COLUMN AND EJECTOR SYSTEM FOR DISPENSING MACHINES AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME | 05-16-2019 |
20190147687 | HEALTHY PRODUCT VENDING SYSTEMS AND METHODS | 05-16-2019 |