Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A dispenser includes a base and a storage sleeve which contains a quantity of dental flossers. The dental flossers are maintained without any mutual entanglement. The base includes a dispenser slot, an operating arm and an operating button. Pressing the operating button causes the operating arm to engage a single dental flosser and push the single dental flosser through the dispensing slot.

Abstract: The cartridge comprises a housing, a plurality of test sensors, a mechanical mechanism, and a pusher assembly. The housing forms at least one opening therethrough. The plurality of test sensors is stacked in the housing. The plurality of test sensors is adapted to assist in testing at least one analyte. The mechanical mechanism is adapted to urge the plurality of test sensors in a first direction. One of the plurality of test sensors is positioned for extraction from the cartridge. The pusher assembly is adapted to push one of the plurality of test sensors from the cartridge. The pusher assembly includes a ferromagnetic material or a magnet.

Abstract: The current invention is a lid dispensing device and method of use comprising a base unit, a lid holder operatively connected to the base unit, a blade operatively mounted to the base unit which moves between a first position and a second position, a docking ring secured to the base unit to accept a cartridge of stacked lids, the blade supporting a stack of lids by engaging a first lid in the stack of lids while the blade is in the first position, and the blade allowing the first lid to fall through an aperture in the blade away from the stack of lids, and still support the remaining stack of lids as the blade moves to the second position. The lid cartridge may be capped.

Abstract: A system for dispensing tabs from a carrier substrate, each of the tabs having an adhesive backing for securing the tabs in spaced-apart relation to the carrier substrate. The system includes an input mechanism operative to supply an input stream of the tab stock and an output mechanism operative to accept and take away an output stream of carrier substrate from the tab stock supplied by the input mechanism. The system further includes a peeler bar having first and second surfaces disposed on the periphery of the peeler bar. The peeler bar, furthermore is interposed between the input and output streams such that the underside surface of the carrier substrate slideably engages the first and second peripheral surfaces. The first peripheral surface has an arcuate shape along an elongate axis of the peeler bar and is oriented relative to the second peripheral surface so as to effect an abrupt directional change with respect to the input and output streams.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: To provide a partition plate capable of efficiently cleaning a medicine remaining in a V-measure. [MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS] The partition plate comprises: a slide member (8) which is installed so as to be capable of reciprocating along side plates and has a guide reception part (11); and a partition member (9) which has a guide part (18) removably guided by the guide reception part (11) of the slide member (8) and reciprocates together with the slide member (8) while maintaining such a state so as to be parallel with an end plate (5).

Abstract: A compact biosensor cartridge allows biosensors to be tested one by one and protects the biosensors from moisture until they are set. A biosensor dispensing device is also disclosed. A biosensor cartridge may be installed in the dispensing device and pushing and rotating elements are both used to eject the biosensors through a sensor ejecting port in the case. The biosensors are discharged to outside the case when ejection means inside the cartridge are driven by a driving means outside the biosensor cartridge. This configuration allows the biosensor cartridge to be made smaller and thinner.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an efficient and effective technique for storing and dispensing reagent beads. In one embodiment, 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.

Abstract: A dispensing mechanism is adapted to eject a test sensor from a cartridge opening formed in a cartridge containing test sensors. The dispensing mechanism comprises a gear rack, a gear, and a wheel. The gear rack includes a first portion and a second portion located generally parallel to one another. The second portion of the gear rack includes a first plurality of teeth. The gear includes a second plurality of teeth that are adapted to be engaged by the first plurality of teeth upon movement of the gear rack. The wheel is operatively engaged by the gear and is adapted to dispense the test sensor from the cartridge opening and to seal the cartridge opening. The movement of the gear rack in a first direction causes the gear to rotate causing the wheel to rotate. The rotation of the wheel dispenses the test sensor through the cartridge opening.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for separating objects from a quantity of objects located in a receptacle. In order to keep the constructional and technical effort of said device low while allowing for great tolerance regarding the dimensions or diameters of the objects, a pivotable flap is provided at the outlet of the receptacle for releasing an object that is to be separated while an element for retaining the remaining objects in the receptacle is provided above the flap in the direction of movement of the objects.

Abstract: A cup dispenser that dispenses a wide range of cup sizes and cup types. The dispenser comprises a suctioning device that adheres cups by creating a sufficient pressure differential to overcome the weight of a cup to be dispensed. The suctioning device is attached to a mechanism for raising and lowering the same and is thereby lowered to receive a cup and subsequently raised to dispense it. Other embodiments for dispensing cups include a belt that tightens around a cup and a pair of biasing pins that exert pressure against the walls of a cup.

Abstract: 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.

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.

Abstract: A cassette for dispensing pills whereby the cassette is coupled to a drive motor that operates in continuous revolution and the internal gears of the cassette translate the continuous motion into a stepping motion, whereby at each step, a system of turning members permit one pill to drop from the cassette into a target container.

Abstract: The golf ball positioning dispenser for putting practice comprises a hollow tube for holding golf balls. A stop mechanism attached to a body block near the bottom end of the tube dispenses balls one at a time. The stop mechanism includes a pivotally attached biased lever that controls movement of a ball release pin and a ball retention pin into the tube in alternating cycles. The body block is attached to a travel wheel for circumferential travel around a practice hole. A telescoping radial arm is provided to keep travel of the travel wheel a predetermined user selected radial distance from the hole. Cams attached to the wheel engage the biased lever to dispense the golf balls from the tube at predetermined intervals of arc along a circumference of travel. A stand is included to stabilize the tube in an upright position.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An automated article dispensing device for dispensing articles to a plurality of users, the device comprising: a) a plurality of storage compartments configured for storage of a vertical stack of cloth articles, the storage compartments arranged in a plurality of tiers; b) a plurality of cloth articles deployed in at least some of the storage compartments in vertical stack configurations; c) at least one dispensing outlet; d) an article delivery system configured to retrieve a top-most article from at least one the stack and deliver the article to the dispensing outlet, the article delivery system including a plurality of article retrieval systems equal in number to the number of tiers of the storage compartments; e) a user interface unit accessible to the users; and f) an on-board processing unit configured to control the article delivery system, the on-board processing unit being in electrical communication with the article delivery system, and the user interface unit.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An article storage container for use in an article handler which uses a suction-type gripping device. The container comprises a bin having wall portions and a bottom portion, for storing in a columnar manner, articles to be retrieved by the gripping device. The gripping device enters a dispensing end of the bin which is opposite the bottom portion of the bin. An airflow path providing device at the bottom portion of the bin prevents the gripping device from developing enough suction force to grip to the bottom of the bin.

Abstract: A vending machine includes a cabinet having a product storage zone and a product delivery mechanism that transports a selected product to a consumer. The vending machine includes a door assembly pivotally mounted relative to the cabinet for selectively providing access to the product storage zone. The door assembly includes an outer, exposed surface and an inner surface that are spaced to define an inner door zone including a vertical drop zone that terminates in a delivery area. A portal is formed in the inner surface of the door assembly and leads from the product storage zone into the door zone. A discharge element is provided on the inner surface of the door assembly and cooperates with the product delivery mechanism to dispense the selected product through the portal as the product delivery mechanism moves past the portal.

Abstract: A pill dispensing cap for a bottle has an inner sleeve with a divider panel and a first base panel rotatable within an outer sleeve having a second base panel. First and second window openings are defined in the first and second base panels. A plate moveable across and within the two sleeves defines a third window opening and a fourth window opening is defined in the divider panel. The plate can be held in an initial position wherein the first and second windows are aligned, whilst the third and fourth windows are not aligned. The outer sleeve is rotatable to a condition wherein the first and second windows are not aligned and the plate can then be slid across to a condition wherein the third and fourth windows are aligned to allow pills in a bottle to enter the inner sleeve.

Abstract: This invention is a vending machine and components parts that include a sophisticated positioning system, catcher and trays for improved efficiency in product retrieval and delivery. Following product selection, the positioning system quickly transports the catcher through the X-Y plane to the front of a tray queue containing the selected product. The catcher is extended in the Z-direction, and lifts the foremost product container from the queue, moving one or more gates out of the way. The catcher then retracts, closing the gate, and the positioning system transports the catcher carrying the product container to a delivery port. The catcher then releases the product container which slides into a delivery port for customer pick up. Unique product storage trays are provided which work in conjunction with the catcher to allow only the foremost product to be removed from a tray queue. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Spherical articles such as breath mints are released one at a time from a container by depressing a button, which simultaneously opens a first flow regulator and closes a second flow regulator in series with the first. When the button is released, the first flow regulator opens and the second flow regulator closes. The first flow regulator is preferably a pair of opposed weirs, and the second flow regulator is preferably a pair of parallel pillars.

Abstract: There is disclosed a medicine supplying apparatus which can effectively eliminate medicine clogging in a nozzle for releasing a medicine into a package paper or the like. The medicine supplying apparatus supplies the medicine discharged from a tablet case which contains the medicine, and comprises the nozzle for releasing the medicine discharged from the tablet case; a shutter which is rotatably disposed in the nozzle and which opens/closes a medicine falling passage in the nozzle; and a roller which is rotatably disposed facing the medicine falling passage in the nozzle. The roller is disposed in a position at a height facing the shutter, and rotates in conjunction with the opening/closing of the shutter.

Abstract: A one-at-a-time pill container and dispenser having a mechanism that allows for dispensing pills. Said pills are stored safely inside the device until dispensed preferably by actuating a plunger mechanism that operates by engagement to a helical cut or thread in a tube, and is maintained in place by a longitudinal cut or groove in a concentric tube. The pill is dispensed via an orifice fitted with an element-resistant septum that protects said tube contents pre-, intra-, and post-delivery. The plunger mechanism is actuated via rotation of the inner tube using a control switch. The dispenser is primarily intended for administering ergogenic substances to athletes.

Abstract: A materials storage chest system stores and selectively dispenses pipe in response to a controller which selectively limits access thereto. A material dispensing opening prevents access to the chest other than through the controller. A communication system provides for communication between the controller and a remote location to simplify inventory management and alert re-supply operators such that the system will provide adequate material supply.

Abstract: A pill delivery and packing apparatus having a feeder tube for delivering pills is provided. The feeder tube has a helical delivery chute that extends between an inlet side and an exit side of the tube. The delivery chute has a helical inner contour and a rectangular cross section that corresponds to the shape of the pills. The helical delivery chute is configured such that each of the pills rotates while proceeding through the delivery chute, whereby such rotation of the pills prevents jamming of the pills in the delivery chute. Independently extendable pins are used to alternately block and open the delivery chute, thus providing an escapement mechanism for dispensing pills. The tube also has an outer surface defining a helical outer contour that guides a rotatable tray on which pills are disposed. Associated apparatuses and methods are also provided.

Abstract: An automated machine is used to handle and manipulate individual pieces of particulate matter. The particulate matter is contained in a bin. The machine operates to pick single individual pieces of the particulate matter from the bin. The picked individual pieces are then conveyed for further handling. Pneumatic transport is primarily used for the conveying operation. One aspect of the handling involves individually weighing each piece of the picked particulate matters. Another aspect of the handling involves sorting the individual pieces of particulate matter into a plurality of receptacles. Yet another aspect of the handling involves both weighing and then sorting the individual pieces of particulate matter, wherein the sorting operation may be performed based upon the measured weight of each piece.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dispenser comprising a first part for fixing on a receptacle and a second part suitable for turning relative to the first part between a dispensing position in which substance contained in the receptacle can leave the device through a dispenser orifice opening out directly to the outside, and a closed position in which substance is prevented from passing from the receptacle to the dispenser orifice, wherein the dispenser orifice is formed between two surfaces belonging respectively to said two parts.

Abstract: A dispensing tip positioning and storing apparatus includes drum mechanisms that agitate dispensing tips, which are distributed by a tip distributor, using an agitation bar that rotates about a horizontal axis and discharge the dispensing tips while the postures of the dispensing tips are almost aligned with the horizontal axis, tip direction aligning mechanisms that align the dispensing tips, which are discharged from the drum mechanisms, in such a manner that the distal ends of the dispensing tips point downward, a conveying mechanism that sequentially conveys the dispensing tips whose directions are aligned by the tip direction aligning mechanisms, to a given position by a common conveying lane, and a tip inserting mechanism that inserts the dispensing tips, which are sequentially conveyed to the given position by the conveying mechanism, into a tip holding rack in a predetermined manner.

Abstract: A pin support assembly includes a pin support frame having a plurality of apertures for supporting an array of pins for dispensing fluids. The pins are supported for longitudinal or “floating” movement to prevent damage to the pins. An actuation assembly engages an end of each of the pins to ensure that the pins are properly seated in the support frame in a planar fashion. The actuation assembly engages the pins as the pins move relatively toward a head block and disengages the pins as the pins move relatively away from the head block.

Abstract: The invention concerns a dispensing apparatus (1) with high refrigerating power, for delivering to users refrigerating elements (10) capable of diffusing frigories over a relatively great lapse of time so as to avoid interrupting the cold chain, comprising an input and disinfecting module (2) arranged above the refrigerating and storage module (6). The input (4) and output (7) orifices of the refrigerating and storage module are located substantially in the same plane and in the upper part of the docule which further includes third transfer mechanism (9) designed to lift the refrigerating elements towards the output orifice.

Abstract: The present invention provides an arrangement of fastening elements for holding bundles retained by cable ties, and a method therefor. The arrangement of elements includes a pair of strips removably attached to a sequence of fastening elements, whereby the pair of strips facilitate the transport, readying, and positioning of each fastening element prior to interaction with the cable tie. Also provided is a method for molding the arrangement of cable ties in which the cable ties are advantageously used for retaining bundles of cables, pipes, and similarly elongated items.

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.

Abstract: The system for conveying a selected product to a collection compartment in automatic vending machines is especially suitable for automatic tobacco vending machines, in which a unitary extraction from a storage unit is carried out once a product has been selected so as to deliver the product to the collection compartment. The system comprises a pair of elastic conveyor belts (4, 5) guided by certain cylindrical bodies (6), which can be aided by some freely rotating rods (7), with one of the cylindrical bodies (6) acting on each one of the elastic belts as a drive element for transmitting independent movement to them. A first elastic belt (4) is fitted in order to define an initial horizontal section (8) under the storage units (2) with a second section (9) in a vertical position on one side of the machine, while the second conveyor belt (5) is fitted in a position backing onto the vertical section (9) of the first belt (4).

Abstract: The present invention provides an arrangement of fastening elements for holding bundles retained by cable ties, and a method therefor. The arrangement of elements includes a pair of strips removably attached to a sequence of fastening elements, whereby the pair of strips facilitate the transport, readying, and positioning of each fastening element prior to interaction with the cable tie. Also provided is a method for molding the arrangement of cable ties in which the cable ties are advantageously used for retaining bundles of cables, pipes, and similarly elongated items.

Abstract: A tool is designed to arrange a plurality of rolling columns and is formed of a housing, a pushing member, and a bottom board. The housing is provided with an interior for housing a plurality of rolling columns, and in the bottom thereof with a plurality of outlets for dropping the rolling columns. The outlets are so arranged as to be corresponding in angle and position to the rolling columns. The pushing member is movably disposed in the bottom of the housing such that the pushing member is capable of moving back and forth between a first position and a second position. The pushing member has a plurality of pushing ports corresponding in location to the outlets at the time when the pushing member is located at the first position. The bottom board is located under the pushing member and is provided with a plurality of through holes corresponding in location to the pushing ports at the time when the pushing member is located at the second position.

Abstract: An automatic golf club selecting device for selecting a certain golf club by verbally indicating which club is desired. The automatic golf club selecting device includes a plurality of lifting units for lifting a club. Each of the lifting unit comprises a selectively extendable cylindrical member. Each of the cylindrical members being mountable in a golf club bag. A motor designed for extending and retracting the cylindrical member is operationally coupled to one of the cylindrical members. A control circuitry designed for recognizing spoken golf club indicators is mountable to the golf club bag. The control circuitry is electrically coupled to each of the motors. A power supply is removably mountable in the golf club bag and is electrically coupled to the control circuitry. A microphone for receiving golf club indicators is mountable to the golf bag and is electrically coupled to the control circuitry. An actuator for turning the control circuitry on and off is mountable to the golf club bag.

Abstract: An article dispensing apparatus with a novel structure is provided for lifting and taking out articles such as candies, stored in a stack within a case body, one by one from the top one. The article dispensing apparatus has a case body for storing articles in a stack. A dispensing opening that can take out the stored articles one by one from the top one is formed in the upper part of the case body, and an elastic member for biasing the stored articles toward the dispensing opening is provided in the lower part of the case body. A pair of engaging members are provided in the vicinity of the dispensing opening of the case body for engaging the both sides of the top article among a plurality of articles biased by the elastic member to prevent the plurality of articles from being dispensed from the dispensing opening.

Abstract: To provide an automatic vending machine capable of preventing, at the time of carrying out a commodity from a commodity column to a commodity receptor, the commodity from falling down due to a change in posture of the commodity, and mitigating falling shock of the commodity. When the commodity is carried out of the commodity column to the commodity receptor, the commodity is caused to abut on a commodity supporting member located on one side of the commodity receptor, and the commodity is moved toward the other end side of the commodity receptor with the commodity supporting member abutted thereon, whereby the commodity is received by the commodity receptor while the commodity is being supported by the commodity supporting member. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the contents from being damaged due to falling down or falling shock caused by a change in posture of the commodity during carrying-out.

Abstract: A mechanism for accurately transferring a predetermined number of IC (Integrated Circuit) packages from a first IC (integrated Circuit) storage tube to a second IC (Integrated Circuit) storage tube. A first tube platform holds the first IC package storage tube at an inclination, and a second tube platform holds the second IC package storage tube at an inclination. Additionally, an IC (Integrated Circuit) package transfer wheel is disposed between the first tube platform and the second tube platform. The IC package transfer wheel has a plurality of spokes radiating outward from a center of the IC package transfer wheel. An IC package from the first IC package storage tube encounters a stopping spoke of the plurality of spokes of the IC package transfer wheel when the first IC package storage tube is placed on the first tube platform, and the stopping spoke prevents the IC package from entering the second IC package storage tube.

Abstract: The invention provides, among other things, bead dispenser for holding a charged bead and selectively dispensing the bead, the dispenser comprising: (a) a feeder channel having a lower outlet; (b) a bead selection escapement with a depression having an outer lip and located below the first lower outlet such that a bead exiting the lower outlet comes to rest in the depression; (c) a dispenser channel descending from the level of the lip, wherein the lip impedes a bead situated on the bead selection escapement from entering the dispenser channel; and a first dispensing electrode for creating an electromagnetic potential to pull or push the bead over the rim and into the dispenser channel.

Abstract: In a machine for loading tape into cassettes, the cassettes to be processed are oriented horizontally and disposed one upon the other to form a stack vertically engaged in a magazine. A collapsible support located at the base of the magazine engages the lowermost cassette in the stack in order to orient it vertically and let it fall into fitting guide pieces associated with a loading station located in the loading machine. A retention element operable by an actuator maintains the positioning of the cassette on the collapsible support while the latter is moving to the dropped position.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing a plurality of ligating bands individually and sequentially. A support, attached to the distal end of an endoscope, carries the plurality of ligating bands at axially spaced positions along an exterior surface. The distal ends of each set of independent displacement filaments each ligating band releasably attach to the distal edge of the dispenser. Each filament loops around the corresponding ligating band and returns past the distal edge of the dispenser and through the endoscope to the proximal end thereof. When a physician pulls a set of filaments proximally, the loop in each filament advances the corresponding ligating band off the distal edge of the dispenser.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing a plurality of ligating bands individually and sequentially. A support, attached to the distal end of an endoscope, carries the plurality of ligating bands at axially spaced positions along an exterior surface. The distal ends of each set of independent displacement filaments each ligating band releasably attach to the distal edge of the dispenser. Each filament loops around the corresponding ligating band and returns past the distal edge of the dispenser and through the endoscope to the proximal end thereof. When a physician pulls a set of filaments proximally, the loop in each filament advances the corresponding ligating band off the distal edge of the dispenser.