Articles Released For Gravity Deposit In Or On Support Patents (Class 221/194)
  • Patent number: 9814359
    Abstract: A system for dispensing paper product at a food-selling establishment. The system includes a point-of-sale device for entering details of a particular sale transaction, with the point-of-sale device being configured to output a slip containing specific indicia associated with the particular sale transaction. A dispenser of paper product is configured to obtain information from the specific indicia on the slip and to dispense a predetermined quantity of paper product in response to the obtained information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: SCA HYGIENE PRODUCTS AB
    Inventor: Kenneth Ernest Saffran
  • Patent number: 9398833
    Abstract: A system for dispensing paper product at a food-selling establishment. The system includes a point-of-sale device for entering details of a particular sale transaction, with the point-of-sale device being configured to output a slip containing specific indicia associated with the particular sale transaction. A dispenser of paper product is configured to obtain information from the specific indicia on the slip and to dispense a predetermined quantity of paper product in response to the obtained information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: SCA HYGIENE PRODUCTS AB
    Inventor: Kenneth Ernest Saffran
  • Patent number: 9241593
    Abstract: A system 10 and process for making beverages by infusing a product contained in a package 1. System 10 has an infusion chamber 7, a closure device 60 including upstream closure element 61 for selectively preventing and allowing access to chamber 7 from upstream of the latter and downstream closure element 62 for selectively receiving package 1 in chamber 7 or allowing package 1 to fall out of chamber 7 by gravity, the position of the upstream closure element 61 conditioning the position of downstream closure element 62 and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: COMPAGNIE MEDITERRANEENNE DES CAFES (SA)
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Blanc, Alain Goering
  • Patent number: 8991382
    Abstract: A fire pit includes a circular bottom plate and a circular, centrally-apertured log-supporting plate. A plurality of legs secured about the periphery of the log-supporting plate maintain the bottom and log-supporting plates in vertically spaced, parallel relation to one another. Each leg has a hollow uppermost end. A plurality of arcuate grates is mounted about the periphery of the log-supporting plate and a vertically-oriented post is secured to each of the grates, mid-length thereof. Each of the posts has a lowermost end slideably received within the hollow uppermost end of its associated leg to releasably connect each grate to the log-supporting plate. Arcuate openings positioned radially outwardly of the central opening enhance the flow of oxygen into the areas where combustion occurs. The log-supporting plate is inverted and the grates are stacked atop it when the fire pit is in its storage configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventor: Paul A. Mau
  • Patent number: 8870024
    Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for gravity feeding of a dispensable product includes containing means and dispensing means. The containing means is adapted to contain the dispensable product and is operatively connected to the dispensing means whereby the dispensing means includes a chute means. Rotation of the chute means can cause the dispensable product to be able to be dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Durapod Systems Limited
    Inventors: Tomas Antonio Dos Santos Mendes, Kenneth Christie Hargraves
  • Patent number: 8827111
    Abstract: A set of panels having chutes therebetween. The chutes being defined by curvilinear rails on such panels. The curvilinear rails having stops thereon for stopping the products for viewing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Gamon Plus, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry J. Johnson, Travis O. Johnson, John Schoemer
  • Patent number: 8757433
    Abstract: A dispenser automatically dispenses beverage cans. A housing has a conveyor along which cans are conveyed by gravity to a removal opening. A dispensing flap is on the removal opening and can be pivoted between a closed position, in which it prevents the removal of products through the removal opening, and a removal position. The dispensing flap has two trough-shaped receptacles lying at right angles to the conveyor section for one can, and is pivotal such that in the closed position a can is conveyed from the conveyor section into the first receptacle positioned to the inside of the housing, removal of the can from the first receptacle being prevented. In the removal position the can rolls from the first receptacle into the second receptacle, at the same time a new can is prevented from being conveyed from the conveyor into the first receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Gastro-Cool GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Christian Machers
  • Publication number: 20130206785
    Abstract: Automatic distributor device for objects, in particular but not only for folded articles of clothing, such as for example garments, uniforms, overalls or other, comprising at least a box-like body provided at an ergonomic height with at least a pick-up window for the distribution of the objects and a loading window to supply the objects. The distributor device comprises a plurality of containing elements of the single-object type, which selectively have an open position for receiving and picking up the object, and a closed position for movement. The containing elements are configured to normally contain one object or a homogeneous plurality of objects. The distributor device comprises closed ring movement means which move the plurality of the containing elements inside the box-like body so as to position one of them on each occasion selectively facing toward the pick-up window or toward the loading window.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: IMMOBILIARE METALPROGETTI SRL
    Inventor: Augusto Santicchi
  • Patent number: 8498737
    Abstract: A low cost compact kiosk for media disc vending or rental is described. Reduced height and an effective disc drop arrangement allow gravity fed dispensing of media discs simplifying design by eliminating complex robotics requiring trained personnel for maintenance. One such kiosk is approximately 76 cm (30 inches)×58 cm (23 inches)×15 cm (6 inches) and can hold at least 375 standard 1.2 mm thick by 12 cm diameter DVDs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventor: Rafael Yepez
  • Publication number: 20130105509
    Abstract: A system (100) for dispensing a plurality of products provided initially in a package (50) is disclosed that includes a dispensing device having laterally opposed side walls (18A, 18B), a lower deck (16) connecting the opposing side walls and including at least one guide surface, and an upper deck (14) upon which a package is placed. The products are dispensed from within the package onto the lower deck where the guide surface assists the products to roll linearly from a rear end to a front end of the dispensing device. The dispensing system may include an opening tool (40) associated with the dispensing device and arranged to open the package when the package is moved longitudinally on the upper deck. The dispensing system may include a restocking indicator (290). The dispensing device may further include a structure on its rear end section to facilitate the dispensing of products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: MEADWESTVACO CORPORATION
    Inventors: John A. Gelardi, Aaron L. Bates, Laurel Thomas
  • Publication number: 20130043270
    Abstract: A cup feed unit for supplying cups in a beverage vending machine, wherein the cups are fed through an annular body, which has a substantially vertical axis, internally defines a through passage of diameter D, and has a number of locators, which are fitted to the annular body, are equally spaced about the axis, and are movable between a normal rest position, in which the locators limit the through passage to define a smaller passage of diameter D1<D, and a withdrawn position, in which the locators are positioned outside the through passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2010
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: N&W GLOBAL VENDING S.P.A.
    Inventor: Sergio Pesenti Barili
  • Patent number: 8365950
    Abstract: A medicine dispensing device has a device body (1), shelf members (2) arranged in the vertical directions in the device body (1), and a medicine conveyance member (3) for conveying medicines (D), received in the shelf members (2), on one by one basis from the front face side of the device body (1). A shelf member (2) has cassettes (26) in which medicines (D) are received in line, a pusher (31) for pushing the medicines in the cassettes (26) toward the front face side of the device body (10), and a constant load spring (32) for applying a constant load to the medicines (D) received in the cassettes (26) through the pusher (31). To fill the cassettes (26) with the medicines (D), the shelf member (2) can be pulled out from the front face side of the device body (1) and then positioned by pivoting the shelf member (2) so as to face obliquely downward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Yuyama Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shoji Yuyama, Hiroyuki Kanda
  • Patent number: 8360274
    Abstract: A medication delivering device includes a delivering unit and a negative pressure unit. The delivering unit includes a cylinder, a retractable part and a tip element. The cylinder has a first opening and a second opening. The retractable part connects the cylinder with the tip element. The tip element has a first end, a second end and a channel. The first end passes through the first opening and is received within the cylinder. The second end is located at an outlet of a pill container. The channel penetrates from the first end to the second end to link with the interior of the cylinder. The negative pressure unit connects to the second opening for providing negative pressure to the interior of the cylinder and the channel of the tip element, so that the tip element sucks up a pill on the outlet of the pill container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Te-Yang Shen, Chung-Chu Chen
  • Patent number: 8342361
    Abstract: The Novel Modular Vending Machine for Packaged Goods allows consumers to purchase packaged goods without an attendant present. The invention uses two or more conveyor assemblies to store and transfer packaged goods and primarily uses gravity to transfer the packaged goods from the storage location to the customer. When a vend is initiated, a dispensing drum rotates and places a packaged item on a delivery system for transportation to the customer. The remaining packaged goods move into position for the next vend. When the lower conveyor assembly is empty, an upper conveyor assembly is lowered into position to transfer the remaining packaged goods to the dispensing drum. The apparatus may be configured in a system comprised of multiple modular units controlled by a single user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventors: Dan Alan Cooper, Melvin Lewis Eaker
  • Publication number: 20120325839
    Abstract: A device for dispensing and displaying products is disclosed. The device comprises: a package assembly having an outer sleeve with at least one aperture formed therein and a product retaining insert slidably engaged within the outer sleeve; a frame having an upper support deck and a product display area; and an engagement feature extending from the frame. When the package assembly is slid longitudinally onto the upper support deck of the frame, the engagement feature extends through the aperture formed in the outer sleeve and engages with the product retaining insert such that the products inside the package assembly are at least partially dispensed from the package into the product display area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: MEADWESTVACO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Aaron L. Bates, Caleb S. Loftin, Ryan A. Bailey, Laurel Thomas
  • Patent number: 8215520
    Abstract: Systems for deterring theft of retail products. Systems of this invention provide theft deterrent dispensing modules for dispensing products and may incorporate theft deterrent measures including mechanical deterrents, time delays and sound. The dispensing modules may include one or more pusher assemblies for dispensing product. Certain systems of this invention may also include a lockout feature, so that one only pusher assembly may be activated to dispense a product at one time. In some embodiments, a door assembly may be provided as an additional theft deterrent mechanism so that access to additional product not yet dispensed by the pusher assembly is restricted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Rock-Tenn Shared Services, LLC
    Inventors: Roger K. Miller, Paul Dowd, Patrick Davey Shealey
  • Patent number: 8109410
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Crane Merchandising Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan Alan Collins, Charles Wayne Percy, Kevin A. Poyck, Gregory Scott Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20110297691
    Abstract: A self-service, fully-automatic kiosk for duplicating keys includes a kiosk housing having a customer interface for receiving payment from a customer for the purchase of at least one duplicate of the customer's key. A key-receiving entry in the housing receives at least a portion of the customer's key to be duplicated, and a key analysis system within the housing analyzes the blade of a key inserted in the key-receiving entry to determine whether the inserted key matches one of a group of preselected key types and, if so, which preselected key type is matched. A key blank magazine within the housing stores key blanks for each of the preselected key types. A key blank extraction system extracts from the magazine a key blank for the preselected key type matched by the blade of the key inserted in the key-receiving entry. Then a key duplicating system within the kiosk replicates the tooth pattern of the blade of the key inserted in the key-receiving entry, on the blade of the extracted key blank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: Minute Key Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Freeman
  • Publication number: 20110290819
    Abstract: An offloading unit for an automated pharmaceutical machine that dispenses filled, capped pharmaceutical vials includes: at least one chute including a receiving section and a pick-up section. The receiving section and the pick-up section are divided by an inlet. The receiving section has a concave sloping ramp and side walls. The pick-up section has a trough with a floor that slopes relative to a horizontal surface and a front wall at one end of the trough. The inlet is defined by a rear wall and the upper edge of the trough. The chute also includes dividers mounted to and rising above the trough and attached to the rear wall. The inlet and dividers are configured and positioned such that an object as defined in UL 61010A-1, 1740 cannot pass through the inlet from the trough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Matthew P. Daniels, Christopher Todd Hilliard, George Raymond Abrams, JR.
  • Patent number: 8060246
    Abstract: A networked items dispenser is disclosed. The device includes a housing having a bulk storage bin for storing items, a temporary storage bin for receiving the items, and a dispensing receptacle for receiving the items from the temporary storage bin. A communications network interface is provided for entering programming instructions. A programmable internal memory device is also included for storing a schedule for dispensing the items, such that the schedule can be automatically adjusted according to a hierarchy of dispensing rules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: University of Rochester
    Inventor: Michel Berg
  • Patent number: 8047400
    Abstract: An improvement in a gravity-feed display and dispensing apparatus and method in which rolling articles are advanced by gravity along an upper chute from a loading location to a transition chute where the rolling articles are transferred to a lower chute located vertically below the upper chute, with a concomitant reversal of the direction of travel of the rolling articles, and then along the lower chute to a dispensing location. A plurality of retarding members are placed in position serially along the transition chute to engage a rolling article and bump the rolling article so as to gradually retard the speed of movement of the rolling article as the article traverses the transition chute, thereby limiting the magnitude of forces generated by the reversal of the direction of movement of the rolling article as the rolling article traverses the transition chute and avoiding excessive speed of movement of the rolling article upon arrival of the rolling article adjacent the dispensing location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Henschel-Steinau, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Luberto, Richard G. Schults, Andrew B. Sholl
  • Patent number: 8028855
    Abstract: A dispenser for storing and dispensing containers having one or more passageways that provides a pathway for the containers. The dispenser includes an outlet for dispensing the containers and an inlet or opening for loading containers into the dispenser. The dispenser may include a plurality of shelves stackable on top of each other. The dispenser may include a housing and a moveable door. The dispenser may further include a stopper mechanism for blocking the movement of the containers within the passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignees: Display Industries, LLC, PepsiCo, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel S. White, Bernard Primiano
  • Patent number: 8032252
    Abstract: An automated small items dispensing apparatus is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the invention includes a networked, programmable, automatic medication items dispensing apparatus for use by individual patients who are enrolled in a medication protocol or medication therapy regimen. The device is located separate from the patient's health care provider's facility, such as in the patient's home.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: University of Rochester
    Inventor: Michel Berg
  • Patent number: 7971749
    Abstract: Apparatus for releasing tablets from a blister pack (3) having a plurality of tablets (41) contained in corresponding blisters (40), the apparatus comprising abutment means (30), receiving means (10, 26) for receiving a blister pack with any selected one of a plurality of blisters of the pack in registry with the abutment means, either one of the abutment means (30) and the receiving means (10, 26) being moveable to cause a collapsing force to be exerted on a selecting blister thereby to release a tablet from the blister, wherein the apparatus includes biasing means (14, 20) for urging the receiving means into engagement with the blister pack, and that the receiving means is so arranged that said engagement releasably retains, and locates, the blister pack in position relative to the abutment means prior to the release of the tablet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Gruenenthal GmbH
    Inventors: Nicholas Andrew Murray Drought, Stephen Blatcher, Michael Daines Gaylor, Mark Stacey Rowbotham
  • Patent number: 7963854
    Abstract: A golf ball dispensing apparatus includes a tube configured to receive at least one golf ball, at least one leg configured to attach to said tube, means for releasing a golf ball from said tube, means for supplying power configured to engage said means for releasing a golf ball, an arm configured to receive a golf ball from said tube wherein said arm is configured to engage said tube at a hinge, and means for sensing motion configured to engage said means for releasing a golf ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Re-Pete-R Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: Ed Nugent, David Hollis, Peter Beames, Charles John Mansfield
  • Patent number: 7922037
    Abstract: A device for manually dispensing medications is realized, which allows the operator to perform preliminary manual medication dispensing in advance of several subsequent dispensing steps, while facilitating the operator's ability to recognize the region to which each medication is to be dispensed, there by allowing the operator to easily and precisely perform manual dispensing of various kinds of medications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Tosho Inc.
    Inventors: Yoshihito Ohmura, Hideaki Hirobe
  • Patent number: 7918365
    Abstract: A dispenser for storing and dispensing containers has a housing with an inlet opening for loading containers into the dispenser, and an outlet opening for dispensing containers. The dispenser has a passageway connecting the inlet opening to the outlet opening that includes at least one inclined ramp that the containers roll along. The dispenser has a loading mechanism positioned adjacent the inlet opening that is aligned relative to the passageway. The loading mechanism has a contact surface for receiving a container to be loaded into the passageway and maintains the container in a predetermined alignment with the passageway. Movement of the loading mechanism causes the contact surface to urge the container towards the passageway while substantially maintaining alignment of the container with the passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignees: Display Industries, LLC, PepsiCo, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel White, Bernard Primiano
  • Patent number: 7823750
    Abstract: This invention is a vending machine and components parts that include a sophisticated product retrieval and delivery system. Following product selection, the positioning system quickly transports a retrieval device to the front of a tray queue where a product container is retrieved. The positioning system transports the gripper carrying the product container to a delivery port. The product is released and slides down a specially designed chute into a specially designed delivery bucket that is then tilted outward for customer pick up. Sensors associated with the bucket detect the delivery and removal of the product container. Related methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Inventors: Daniel S. Carter, Christopher R. Craven, Walid H. El-Aouar, Craig R Greiner, Larry E Hieb, Dean W James, Sandra L Southard, Rolando S. Williams
  • Patent number: 7819282
    Abstract: A newspaper vending machine includes a dispensing sled and an elevator supported by a frame within a housing. The elevator includes a base slidable between a rearward position, for loading a stack of newspapers, and a forward position. The dispensing sled engages the newspaper stack and is translatable between upper and lower positions to dispense the periodicals from an exit area. An actuation arm projects outwardly from a front panel for engagement by a user and is translated along a substantially vertical pathway as the dispensing sled is moved between its upper and lower positions. The frame of the vending machine is translatably supported on rails for movement between a retracted condition in which the frame is located within the interior and an extended condition in which the frame extends beyond a front end of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Inventor: Benjamin Israel
  • Patent number: 7770753
    Abstract: In combination, a vending machine for newspapers which includes a storage area for newspapers, a dispensing device, and an output device through and from which the newspapers fall downwards and an output chute including a lower newspaper-receiving support slot having a rearwardly angled lower wall, an upper wall extending generally parallel with the lower wall and spaced thereabove, a base wall and side walls which together form the generally rectangular box shape of said lower newspaper-receiving support slot. The lower and upper walls extend at an angle between 10° and 40° from vertical, and the lower wall has a height of between one-half inch and three inches less then the height of the newspaper such that upon the newspaper being dropped therein, a graspable portion of the newspaper protrudes whereby the newspaper is easily removable from said lower newspaper-receiving support slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Inventor: Gerald Blankenau
  • Patent number: 7766145
    Abstract: A product transfer assembly includes separate transfer segments mounted in a vending machine such that they are disposed in spaced relationship above one another. Each transfer segment has a ramp of helical shape with an exit end and an entrance end spaced above the exit end such that the ramps of the transfer segments together define a path of travel taken by a product item down and in contact with the ramps which includes spaced apart portions helical in shape and reversing the direction of travel of the product item, relative to a generally vertical reference axis, going from one portion to the next portion of the path. Entrance and exit ends of each ramp are angularly displaced from corresponding ends of an adjacent ramp such that the object free-falls out of contact with any ramp between the exit and entrances ends of adjacent ramps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Inventor: Kil Jae Chang
  • Publication number: 20100096401
    Abstract: A modular article storage and dispensing assembly which includes a side-by-side series of article dispensers for storing and advancing articles for removal. A series of support shelves are positioned end-to-end and supported from upright supports and each shelf section includes at least two spaced and horizontally disposed elongated parallel shelf bars supported on opposite ends by end brackets. The end brackets are removably securable to the upright supports. Support saddles depend downwardly from each of the dispensers and are positioned respectively to register over and engage the support bars to thereby support the dispensers. The support shelf end brackets are relieved and contoured to conform to the contours of the shelf bars whereby the support saddles may be supported on the support bars at the bracket locations, as well as between end brackets, thereby permitting a continuous side-by-side uninterrupted supported series of the article dispensers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventors: Anthony V. Sainato, Jeffrey H. Natcher
  • Publication number: 20090308885
    Abstract: A modular gravity feed storage and dispensing assembly including a dispenser having a plurality of spaced vertically disposed panels with a ramp assembly disposed between adjacent vertically disposed panels whereby a chute is provided between each of the adjacent panels for defining a travel path to guide articles traveling therealong between adjacent panels. The ramp assembly is slightly inclined so as to allow cylindrical articles to be rollingly advanced by means of gravity from an upper portion between the panels in the chute to a lower portion, and a removal area is disposed proximate the lower portion of the chute for allowing selective removal of one or more of the articles from the dispenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventors: Anthony V. Sainato, Jeffrey H. Natcher
  • Patent number: 7587259
    Abstract: An automated small items dispensing apparatus is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the invention includes a networked, programmable, automatic medication items dispensing apparatus for use by individual patients who are enrolled in a medication protocol or medication therapy regimen. The device is located separate from the patient's health care provider's facility, such as in the patient's home.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: University of Rochester
    Inventor: Michel J. Berg
  • Patent number: 7502664
    Abstract: A networked items dispenser is disclosed. The device includes a housing having a bulk storage bin for storing items, a temporary storage bin for receiving the items, and a dispensing receptacle for receiving the items from the temporary storage bin. A communications network interface is provided for entering programming instructions. A programmable internal memory device is also included for storing a schedule for dispensing the items, such that the schedule can be automatically adjusted according to a hierarchy of dispensing rules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: University of Rochester
    Inventor: Michel J. Berg
  • Patent number: 7447605
    Abstract: A system and method for calibrating a vending apparatus is provided. A vertical base reference position of a selector arm is stored, wherein the vertical base reference position corresponds to one of a plurality of rows in a cylindrical storage device. A horizontal base reference position is stored, wherein the horizontal base reference position corresponds to a compartment identifier identifying a compartment within each of the plurality of rows. A position of the selector arm corresponding to a media storage compartment is also stored, wherein the position comprises a vertical position and a horizontal position. A motor is initiated to move the selector arm along a vertical axis, wherein a movement of the selector arm results in one of an increment and/or a decrement to the vertical position of the selector arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Redbox Automated Retail, LLC
    Inventor: Franz Kuehnrich
  • Publication number: 20080245813
    Abstract: A set of panels having chutes therebetween. The chutes being defined by curvilinear rails on such panels. The curvilinear rails having stops thereon for stopping the products for viewing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Terry J. Johnson, Travis O. Johnson, John Schoemer
  • Publication number: 20080156612
    Abstract: The invention relates to an article-dispensing machine. The inventive machine comprises: a structure (1), a removable container (2) for articles, and a dispensing mechanism on the base of the container (2), which is actuated by an actuation shaft that is coupled to the shaft of a coin or token selector (6) which is mounted in the structure (1) in order to dispense one or more articles from the container (2) through a delivery outlet (7) following the introduction of one or more coins or tokens. According to the invention, when the door (15) is in the closed position, a single closure device (55), which is associated with said door (15), can be used to lock the container (2), the coin selector (6) and a coin or token collection box (52) in the respective operating positions thereof. When the aforementioned door (15) is open, the container (2) can be refilled or removed, the coin selector (6) can be removed and the collection box (52) can be accessed without the use of tools.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2005
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Joan Carlos Jimenez, Miguel Delgado, Antoni Vilagines, Xavier Clua, Carles Marti
  • Publication number: 20070257053
    Abstract: A device provides for displaying and dispensing retail articles. The device includes a plurality of product support modules that are detachably coupled to one another. Each support module includes a bottom mating portion and a top mating portion, each of which may be operatively coupled to a top mating portion and a bottom mating portion of another support module, respectively. Each support module also include sidewalls that may be operatively coupled to sidewalls of another support module. All of the product support modules of the present invention have a substantially similar profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Publication date: November 8, 2007
    Inventor: Edison Rey Silveria
  • Patent number: 7264138
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Dixie-Narco, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan Alan Collins, Charles Wayne Percy, Kevin A. Poyck, Gregory Scott Sullivan
  • Patent number: 7175045
    Abstract: The present invention provides an article-dispensing machine or a vending machine, which includes a main body, one or more tracks for holding articles, one or more selection elements for selecting at least one article and one or more dispenser-controlling assemblies for controlling the release of at least one article in response to the operation of the one or more selection elements. According to the present invention, the tracks slope downwards along a releasing direction relative to horizontal direction, and the bevel angle of the tracks to horizontal direction is configured to ensure at least one article thereon able to move downwards by gravity. The article-dispensing machine employs a pure mechanical dispenser system, and can achieve the function of dispensing articles without electric power supply, which broadens its applications and saves power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: The Helman Group, Ltd.
    Inventor: Gregg Bond
  • Patent number: 7077288
    Abstract: The present invention provides a vending machine of the single vend type for dispensing newspapers, magazines, or other items. The machine generally includes a housing having a discharge opening, and a storage area having an inclined surface upon which a plurality of articles are stacked. A movable gate adjacent the storage area retains the articles therewithin. Upon insertion of a proper coin total into the machine, a drive device moves the gate downwardly until an uppermost article in the stack passes through the gate and is dispensed. The dispensed article, upon passing through the gate, actuates a switch to cause the drive device to reverse and move the gate upwardly a distance above the uppermost article in the stack, such that even if the machine is shaken, jostled, or tilted, the uppermost article in the stack is retained by the gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Inventor: Russell G McMillen
  • Patent number: 6865445
    Abstract: When a coin(s) is inserted and an article selection button is further pressed, article carrying-out processing is started, and an article carrying-out device performs a carrying-out operation. An article is dropped and received in a receiving section by this carrying-out operation. When the article is received in the receiving section, the article collides with the receiving section, and vibrations are generated. The vibrations are detected by a vibration detection unit, and it is judged that the article is received in the receiving section. In the series of article carrying-out operations, when unexpected vibrations are applied to the receiving section after the article carrying-out processing is started, since a microcomputer excludes the vibrations, only vibrations at the time of receiving the article can be detected accurately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Sanden Corp.
    Inventors: Tomomi Yamaguchi, Naoto Matsumoto, Yoshiaki Inokuma, Akiyoshi Kosano, Kazuyasu Ushigome
  • Patent number: 6834775
    Abstract: A medicine dispensing system for dispensing medicine carriers, wherein each medicine carrier contains medicine which is to be dispensed at an appropriate time of the day and week for that carrier, having a housing. The housing has a patient accessible medicine retrieval compartment. The medicine carriers are placed within tubes located within a housing by a pharmacist, who may access the tubes through a pharmacist access panel. Actuator motors allows the carriers to be moved to the medicine retrieval compartment at the appropriate time of the day and week, as specified by the programming of the pharmacist. Once in the retrieval compartment, the patient can remove carrier and ingest the medicine contained therein. If the medicine carrier is not removed from the retrieval compartment by the patient within a predetermined time, the medicine carrier is moved to a storage compartment which is not accessible by the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Inventor: Sheila Collins
  • Patent number: 6794634
    Abstract: For ensuring that a vending machine motor will continue to operate until a product has descended through a vending space or an established time interval has elapsed, an optical beam is established across the vend space through which a product must drop. A change in beam intensity is detected. By preference infra red light is emitted at one focal point of an elliptical reflector, and detected at the other focal point. The light is emitted in pulses in the preferred embodiment, and the optical sensing system has automated calibration and error detecting functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Automated Merchandising Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Hair, III, Kyriakos P. Spentzos
  • Patent number: 6758370
    Abstract: A dispensing mechanism is provided for flat faced products. The products are supported in a storage chute between a first upright wall and a second upright wall, stacked one on top of another. The products are supported in the chute by a support surface and a first tongue. Products are dispensed by retracting the first tongue allowing a lowermost product to fall onto a second tongue. The first tongue is advanced to be under the next highermost product in the chute. The second tongue is then retracted allowing the lowermost product to fall onto the support surface and pass through a discharge opening. In a further embodiment, flat faced products are stacked vertically side-by-side on a slightly inclined floor. The products move horizontally to one side to be dispensed. A tongue and a moveable stop are mounted at that side. The spacing between the tongue and the stop is generally equal the thickness of the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Imaging Technologies Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Brian Cooke, Mark Grondman, Alan Jenkins, Gerry Mussett, Magnus Cameron, Gower Smith
  • Publication number: 20040004084
    Abstract: The invention suggests a dispenser structure with a storage space in vertical orientation, defined by four upright walls and a bottom. A dispensing orifice is defined between the bottom and a lower rim of a front wall supported on in the dispenser structure. The bottom is made of resilient material, such as nature rubber or synthetics, and totally resilient when a pressure is manually applied to either side of the bottom. The resilient bottom covers the sectional area of the dispenser, and reaches forwards in front thereof for displaying article that are made freely accessible by manipulation of the resilient bottom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventor: Christer Johansson
  • Publication number: 20030121931
    Abstract: A toothpicks dispenser is made up of a top cover, a box embodiment, a bottom board, a holder plate, a pair of pivotal dispensing plane units jointly engaged with the holder plate by a shaft pin and retractably operable by a bias spring. The holder plate and the two symmetric dispensing plane units are integrally housed in the box embodiment which is provided with a rectangular cut at each longitudinal side wall and a flanged top opening with which the top cover is registered. The holder plate of a roof shape is made up of two symmetric oblique planes on which toothpicks are piled up. The two dispensing plane units placed under and in pivotal engagement with the holder plate are provided with a horizontal press wing tab and a vertical toothpick shooting edge on the longitudinal outer side thereof respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Applicant: WELTER'S CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Walter Hsu
  • Patent number: 6571931
    Abstract: A tamper-resistant door for a vending machine includes a conventionally-positioned product delivery port, a cash box vault positioned adjacent the delivery port for receiving a cash box, a coin return chute positioned at an upper corner of the delivery port, and a coin changer of conventional design positioned over the delivery port and the cash box. A changer vault partially encloses the coin changer. The cash box vault (and the cash box placed therein) are relocated away from their conventional position on the non-hinged side of the main door to a location adjacent the product delivery port on the hinged side of the door, while the coin changer is relocated away from its prior art position adjacent the non-hinged side of the main door to a central location above the product delivery port and the cash box vault. An elongated coin chute connects the coin return slot with the coin inlet of the coin changer. A first section of the coin chute is in communication with the coin slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Royal Vendors, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth W. Oden
  • Publication number: 20020158077
    Abstract: A high volume evacuation tip holding and dispensing apparatus including a housing dimensioned for holding a plurality of disposable high volume evacuation tips therein in a horizontal orientation. The housing has a dispensing channel depending therefrom. The dispensing channel has an open upper end in communication with a hollow interior of the housing, and an open lower end. A collection tray is secured to the open lower end of the dispensing channel of the housing for holding a single disposable high volume evacuation tip thereon. A dispensing block is slidably disposed within the hollow interior of the housing above the open upper end of the dispensing channel to allow passage of a single disposable high volume evacuation tip into the dispensing channel for passage into the collection tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventor: Kristen M. Verdone