Subsequent Article Separating Means Actuated By Article Removal Patents (Class 221/22)
  • Patent number: 10595687
    Abstract: A dispenser assembly with a compartment for storing clean tissues and a compartment in the assembly for storing used tissues. A partition wall separates the compartments and can move to enlarge the space for the storage of used objects such as tissues. The dispenser assembly may be sized to fit within an automobile cup holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Inventor: Yoiel Vanchozker
  • Patent number: 8905263
    Abstract: A dispenser box having a modified rectangular shape with leaf-shaped end walls and partly curved main walls that may form symmetrically or non-symmetrically configured halves of the dispenser box. The first main wall has a substantially flat surface extending from a first side edge of the dispenser box and changing into a curved surface when moving in a direction from the first side edge towards a second side edge of the dispenser box. The second main wall has a corresponding substantially flat surface at the second side edge, which changes into a curved surface when moving in a direction towards the first side edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventors: Thorsten Becherer, Annie Sporre Thorburn
  • Patent number: 8827105
    Abstract: A plastic bag storage and dispensing container having an elongated tubular structure with contoured top and bottom ends each having a formed opening. An elongated slot extends between the formed openings of the contoured top and bottom for receiving and dispensing collapsed plastic bags. The storage and dispensing container has mounting structures for mounting the container in a vertical or horizontal orientation to a wall, either a flat wall or in a wall corner, and may be provided with a vanity door cover to cover and expose the elongated slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Inventor: Tomas Shiek
  • Patent number: 8714452
    Abstract: A locker system includes one or more banks of electronic lockers. Each locker has a door lock that releasably retains the door in the closed position. The locker system also includes at least one barcode scanner selectively unlocks the door of at least one of the lockers. A locker manager is coupled to each of the electronic lockers via an electronic network. The locker manager stores a list of unique barcodes that are each associated with a locker rental plan including at least one locker account. Each locker account includes an activation indication, a use indication, a locker type indication, and a duration. The unique barcodes are printed or otherwise included on wristbands, which may be scanned at the barcode scanner to gain access to one or more of the lockers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Smarte Carte, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Louis Amdahl, Kong Meng Vang, Matthew Charles Burk
  • Patent number: 8616408
    Abstract: A paper towel dispenser includes a housing for holding a stack of interfolded towels. The housing includes a front wall, a rear wall, two outer side walls, an upper wall and a support surface for the stack of towels, the stack of towels being located adjacent and parallel to at least the front wall. The front wall extends a predetermined distance below the support surface. A dispensing opening is located between the front wall and the support surface, and at least one guide element is arranged to support a leading panel of a first towel adjacent the front wall and a leading edge of the leading panel parallel to the lower edge of the front wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventors: Eva-Li Saarvali, Mikael Linden, Anders Aberg
  • Patent number: 8505772
    Abstract: A container for packing and shipping stud welding ferrule aligned along a spindle. The container comprises a body having a top, a bottom, opposing side walls and opposing end walls defining a storage space therein. The container further comprises a spindle retainer operatively connected to the body. The spindle retainer has a transverse portion and a longitudinal portion connected to the transverse portion. The transverse portion extends from one of the end walls and toward and into the storage space, while the longitudinal portion extends from the transverse portion and toward the bottom of the body. The transverse portion and the longitudinal portion are sized and shaped to accept and to retain ends of the spindle to contain the spindle within the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: New Rule Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald Martin
  • Patent number: 8501095
    Abstract: A storage cartridge for dispensing biosensors used in the determination of an analyte in body fluid comprises a hollow body for housing a stack of biosensors having an open top, a flexible conveying member disposed over the open top of the body, the flexible conveying member having an aperture formed therein for receiving a biosensor from the stack of biosensors, a plate adapted to press the sliding conveying member against the open top to form a substantially moisture-impervious seal around the open top of the body and to permit the conveying member to slide between the plate and the open top, and a biasing mechanism the stack of biosensors towards the open top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Bayer HealthCare LLC
    Inventor: Steven C. Charlton
  • Patent number: 8485391
    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 only one pusher assembly may be activated to dispense a product at one time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Rock-Tenn Shared Services, LLC
    Inventors: Kirk A. Vlastakis, Roger K. Miller, Thomas A. Lockwood
  • Patent number: 8488134
    Abstract: A multifunction device for prefabricating marking labels, having a top side configured to be printed on and a bottom side opposite the top side with a profiling, includes a printing device and at least one of a separating device and a perforation device. A feeder unit is configured to feed blank marking labels of a finite-length or endless material. A holder element including a recess is configured to receive the marking labels, including the profiling, so as to fix the marking labels in position during a passing over of the printing device and the at least one of the separating device and perforation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Heinz Reibke
  • Patent number: 8105536
    Abstract: A storage cartridge for dispensing biosensors used in the determination of an analyte in body fluid comprises a hollow body for housing a stack of biosensors having an open top, a flexible conveying member disposed over the open top of the body, the flexible conveying member having an aperture formed therein for receiving a biosensor from the stack of biosensors, a plate adapted to press the sliding conveying member against the open top to form a substantially moisture-impervious seal around the open top of the body and to permit the conveying member to slide between the plate and the open top, and a biasing mechanism the stack of biosensors towards the open top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Bayer Healthcare LLC
    Inventor: Steven C. Charlton
  • Patent number: 8056760
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing disk-shaped objects (such as caps for pharmaceutical vials) of two different sizes comprises: first and second dispensers, the first dispenser containing objects of a first size, and the second dispenser containing objects of a second size, each of the dispensers configured to dispense the objects one at a time through an outlet in a predetermined orientation; a first outlet channel having an inlet disposed adjacent the outlet of the first dispenser; a second outlet channel having an inlet disposed adjacent the outlet of the second dispenser; and a common chute fed by the first and second outlet channels. In this configuration, the apparatus can provide objects of two different sizes to a common location (such as a closure securing station).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Parata Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph C. Moran, Jr., Demetris P. Young, George Raymond Abrams, Jr., Jeffrey P. Williams
  • Patent number: 8020703
    Abstract: A system comprising disposable medical devices and a packaging strip comprising a plurality of chambers containing the disposable medical devices. The strip is folded along breadthwise running fold lines to form a series of loops, each loop comprising opposing sections. The opposing sections of at least some of these loops are sealed to each other thus forming chambers between said sections. A cartridge contains such a packaging strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Hans List, Uwe Kraemer, Volker Zimmer, Steven N. Roe
  • Patent number: 8016154
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are electrochemical sensor dispensing methods and apparatus. The sensors dispensers can include an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal, the elongate body including a proximally positioned dispensing surface with an opening for dispensing a sensor. A storage chamber having a series of connected sensors is positioned distally and can feed a proximally positioned sensor feeder mechanism. The feeder mechanism includes an elongate member having a first end and second end, the second end adapted to pivot between a sensor engaging position and a sensor feeding position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: LifeScan, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry T. Pugh
  • Patent number: 7905370
    Abstract: A simple, inexpensive, reliable and maintenance-free dispenser in which the stored products are offered automatically on the outside of the dispenser where they can be grasped by a hand without further manipulation. The dispenser includes housings in which the products, stacked in a column, are stored and moved by gravity and, at the base of each housing in front of the first product of the column, outlet orifices are closed by a closing membrane with slits. A slope is provided, in the lower rear part of each housing, to automatically advance the first product a predetermined distance through the outlet orifice so that the product partially emerges and can be grasped by hand on the outside of the dispenser. The dispenser can be used to automatically dispense consumable products, such as drinks, without prepayment, and for all types of industrial, commercial, home and other applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Inventor: Philippe Leonetti
  • Patent number: 7689481
    Abstract: The present invention provides a dunnage platform bag that is light weight, strong, made of a fire retardant material and which forms an ultra violet light, weather and dust particle barrier to protect the integrity of the dunnage platforms when not in use. A system and method for supplying, dispensing, positioning, tracking, transporting, forwarding and storing dunnage platforms based on the dunnage platforms bag is disclosed. In an embodiment of the invention, a modified dunnage platform made up of a dunnage platform base and attached legs can be stored in the dunnage platform bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Airdex International, Inc.
    Inventors: Vance L. Seagle, Philip J. Tschirn
  • Publication number: 20090321466
    Abstract: 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
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: ANSUTA PTY LTD
    Inventor: Paul Shannon
  • Publication number: 20090166371
    Abstract: A dispensing device comprising an upright rotatable product carrousel comprising a plurality of dispensing chutes for retaining a product. The dispensing chutes are radially located about a central pivot, with a dispensing point located at a lowest point of rotation of the product carrousel. During use, removal of product from a dispensing chute located at the dispensing point results in rotation of the product carrousel to position an adjacent dispensing chute at the dispensing point, allowing for sequential removal of product from the product carrousel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventor: Mark P. Dikken
  • Publication number: 20090139998
    Abstract: 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 a
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventor: Rafle P. Guthrie, JR.
  • Publication number: 20090126321
    Abstract: A container for packing and shipping stud welding ferrule aligned along a spindle. The container comprises a body having a top, a bottom, opposing side walls and opposing end walls defining a storage space therein. The container further comprises a spindle retainer operatively connected to the body. The spindle retainer has a transverse portion and a longitudinal portion connected to the transverse portion. The transverse portion extends from one of the end walls and toward and into the storage space, while the longitudinal portion extends from the transverse portion and toward the bottom of the body. The transverse portion and the longitudinal portion are sized and shaped to accept and to retain ends of the spindle to contain the spindle within the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventor: Gerald Martin
  • Publication number: 20080308570
    Abstract: A detergent dispensing device for an automatic washing machine, the device having a cartridge with a plurality of chambers to accommodate a detergent composition, a selecting means to selectively expose each chamber to wash liquor allowing the detergent, in use, to be washed out of the chamber; a manual operating means being movable from a first position to a second position for loading mechanical energy into the device which provides a restoring force for the operating means, and a thermal element to retain the operating means in the second position, the thermal element being arranged to move when subjected to an elevated temperature prevailing in an interior of the machine during a wash cycle, thereby moving the operating means or releasing the operating means, the operating means being arranged to advance the selecting means to an adjacent chamber as the cartridge remains stationary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicant: RECKITT BENCKISER N.V.
    Inventors: Guido Brandt, Michael Hahl, Thomas Enkel, Chris Efstathios Housmekerides, Karl-Ludwig Gibis, Brendyn Rogers
  • Publication number: 20080296187
    Abstract: A bit caddy includes a first housing part having a central axis extending therethrough. The first housing part includes a surface extending from an interior to an outer perimeter. The surface is sloped at an obtuse angle relative to the central axis. The first housing part also includes a plurality of walls radially extending from the interior toward the outer perimeter and a plurality of storage pockets. Each storage pocket is configured to support a bit and is defined by the surface and two adjacent walls of the plurality of walls. The bit caddy also includes a second housing part rotatably coupled to the first housing part for rotation relative to the first housing part about the central axis. The second housing part defines an opening for dispensing a bit from one of the plurality of storage pockets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Robert W. Butzen, Michael W. Kirby, Richard Hohnl, JR.
  • Publication number: 20080283545
    Abstract: The present invention provides a commodity carrying out device that can reliably carry out a vertically-long shaped commodity in an upright state from a commodity storage column to a bucket. More specifically, since a commodity positioned at the front end side of a commodity storage column is tilted forward to be moved into a bucket, when moving a vertically-long shaped commodity in an upright state into a bucket, it is possible to move the commodity without the commodity toppling backwards. Thus, the commodity can be reliably moved into the bucket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: SANDEN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masaru Tsunoda, Takeshi Onda, Toshihiko Kurihara, Yuuki Yanagisawa, Yoshitaka Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20080277407
    Abstract: A simple, inexpensive, reliable and maintenance-free dispenser in which the stored products are offered automatically on the outside of the dispenser where they can be grasped by a hand without further manipulation. The dispenser includes housings in which the products, stacked in a column, are stored and moved by gravity and, at the base of each housing in front of the first product of the column, outlet orifices are closed by a closing membrane with slits. A slope is provided, in the lower rear part of each housing, to automatically advance the first product a predetermined distance through the outlet orifice so that the product partially emerges and can be grasped by hand on the outside of the dispenser. The dispenser can be used to automatically dispense consumable products, such as drinks, without prepayment, and for all types of industrial, commercial, home and other applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventor: Philippe Leonetti
  • Publication number: 20080256973
    Abstract: An ice bucket is provided that includes an ice chamber, a dispensing tube, a base, and a sliding dispenser. The ice chamber has a chamber opening in a bottom wall. The dispensing tube is fixed to the bottom wall in communication with the chamber opening. The base has a base opening and a stabilizing bar. The sliding dispenser has a front lip, a depressed tray section, and a slider opening. The sliding dispenser is positioned through the base opening on the stabilizing bar so that an appendage of the dispensing tube is received in the depressed tray section. The sliding dispenser is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The slider opening, in the retracted position, is blocked by the stabilizing portion. However, the slider opening, in the extended position, is unblocked by the stabilizing portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventor: Lisa Miller
  • Patent number: 7431176
    Abstract: A dispensing machine for elongated containers has a plurality of clusters arranged within a housing. The clusters each have an actuator and comprise four tubes that are bound together with an interstice along a central axis of the cluster. The actuator is mounted in the interstice and each cluster is supported by a first bracket. A plurality of clusters are mounted from front to rear in the housing with the first brackets being removably mounted in a retainer. The clusters in the retainer form a set and can be tilted forward to replenish the tubes with containers. There are several sets side by side within the housing. The clusters of each set are held in place by one attachment that can be opened without tools to remove the clusters of that set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Barryco Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Barry B. Bauman
  • Publication number: 20080190954
    Abstract: A novel pre-moistened personal hygienic wipe configured with one or more pockets and constructed entirely or partially of stretchable material is disclosed. The personal hygienic wipe may include a cuff fold for easy application and/or removal, and may be quilted material for enhanced cleaning capability. The wipe may also be disposable and biodegradable. Also provided is a novel pop-up dispenser for convenient dispensing of the personal hygienic wipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventor: Michelle J. Kooyman
  • Publication number: 20080173660
    Abstract: A device (10) for storing and dispensing endless machining belts for a robotic installation, comprising a support (16) rotating about a vertical axis (14) and having radial arms (12), each equipped with means for locating a machining belt, and means for the stepwise rotation of the rotating support, in order to bring each arm in turn to a station where the belt may be fitted onto a robot arm (40).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: SNECMA
    Inventors: Carole L'helgoualc'h, Paul Alexandre Pereira
  • Patent number: 7278424
    Abstract: There is provided a carrier comprising an elongate strip (10) having a first portion and a second portion; a fold between said first portion and said second portion such that the first portion contacts the second portion; and a join between the first portion and the second portion, wherein said join and the fold form the edges of a pocket or pouch (20) for containment of product. The carrier is suitable for the containment of a range of different products, particularly medicaments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Glaxo Group Limited
    Inventors: Michael Birsha Davies, James William Godfrey, Sylvia Maria Haglund, Paul Kenneth Rand
  • Patent number: 6926166
    Abstract: A product combining individual novelty candy dispensers and health and beauty dispensers into a single device. In one embodiment a lip balm dispenser is combined with a breath spray dispenser into a single product. In another embodiment, a lip embodiment a lip balm dispensers is combined with a candy dispenser into a single product. In a third embodiment, a candy dispenser, breath spray dispenser and lip balm dispenser are all combined into one product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Inventors: Mary Kay Bitton, Brianna R. Bitton, Robert P. M. Bitton
  • Patent number: 6799368
    Abstract: There is provided a feeder device for a pick-and-place machine used to surface mount connectors on printed circuit boards. The feeder is designed for use with matrixes of connectors, such as pin headers. The feeders, with the proper conversion kits, can be configured to feed any type and/or size of the connector. Individual connectors are separated from the matrix by the feeder using a rotating clamping device. Preferably, the feeders are microprocessor controlled, use an edge conveyor to transport the strips to the pick point, and pneumatic cylinders to break each pin header from the strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Zierick Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald Fredriks, Eric Michael King
  • Patent number: 6550760
    Abstract: Spring nail (32, 34, 72, 96) for a sheet feeding device (10). The spring nail (32, 34, 72, 96) has a mounting end (36, 74) for attaching to the sheet feeding device (10) and a free end (38, 78) opposite the mounting end (36, 74), the free end (38, 78) being disposed to engage a top sheet (16) of a stack of sheets (14) to be fed and exert a resilient biasing force thereagainst to form a loop or bow in the top sheet (16) for separating the top sheet (16) from the stack (14) when the top sheet (16) is to be removed from the stack (14). The spring nails (32, 34, 72, 96) are preferably positioned for engaging the respective leading corners (28, 30) of the top sheet (16) and each has a spring arm portion (40, 80) between the mounting end (36, 74) and the free end (38, 78) having properties of a spring for resiliently biasing the free end (38, 78) against the top sheet (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Terrence L. Fisher, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6235369
    Abstract: A dispenser for strip materials, e.g. hook and loop fastener material, which automatically finds formations in a continuous fastener strip during its dispensing and, at that point in the dispensing procedure, produces a resistance to the remaining supply, that enables parting of the lead unit from the remaining supply, thus dispensing a discrete unit. The dispenser has a receptacle to hold the supply of fastener strip material; it employs a retarding device to provide light drag against the motion of the strip as the leading strip unit moves from the dispenser in response to pull by a user. A detent downstream of the retarding device engages a corresponding formation in the strip material to resist movement of the remaining strip material, so that the strip ruptures along a line of weakness under a user's tension. Also disclosed are dispensable fastener strips of various forms, some advantageously formed by use of needled bat, and methods of forming the fastening strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.
    Inventors: William H. Shepard, Paul R. Erickson
  • Patent number: 5806714
    Abstract: A label dispenser for dispensing labels stored on a backing tape includes a main housing and a top cover that are connected at one end by a first hinge and an access door connected to the main housing by a second hinge. The top cover, main housing and access door form an enclosure having a storage compartment, a dispensing slot, a tape discharge slot and a writing window. A roll of labels stored on a backing tape is contained within the compartment and is threaded through the window and the tape discharge slot so that the labels are dispensed through the dispensing slot when the backing tape is pulled through the tape discharge slot. Information can be written on the labels as they pass through the writing window. Preferably, the top cover, the main housing and the access door are all formed as a single, unitary structure in a single injection molding operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Tyton-Hellermann Corporation
    Inventor: Gerard G. Geiger
  • Patent number: 5458260
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a modular display for merchandising tubular cartridges containing adhesives, caulks, sealants or similar flowable elastomeric materials, where each cartridge contains a narrow dispensing nozzle at one end of the cartridge. The modular display unit comprises structural means for automatically aligning the cartridges horizontally and orientating the nozzles forwardly while stacking the cartridges in vertical rows by gravity feed. The internal structure includes a slotted front panel where the slot engages the narrowed nozzles but prevents passage of the enlarged tube end of the cartridge. The display unit enables the consumer to remove cartridges from the bottom and to reinsert cartridges at the top along with maintaining the intended forward orientation and horizontal alignment in the vertically stacked cartridges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Assignee: The Glidden Company
    Inventors: Anthony Sainato, Thomas Conway, Scott Padiak
  • Patent number: 5458259
    Abstract: A magazine for dispensing liner bags from a supply roll through an aperture in the bottom of a trash receptacle includes an upwardly open base having a horizontal cross-sectional shape adapted to receive the trash receptacle, a hinge for connecting the base to the trash receptacle along a horizontal pivot axis extending along one side of the base, whereby the receptacle can be tilted away from the base to provide access to the base. The base has a seat formed by an inwardly protruding flange to limit the depth of penetration of the trash receptacle into the magazine, so that it does not bear against or otherwise interfere with the liner bag supply. Two parallel dividers in the base form three compartments. The outer compartments are useful for storing addition supply rolls or supplies, while the central one contains the active supply roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Inventor: Lee R. Falk
  • Patent number: 5411168
    Abstract: A sheet dispenser or sheet dispenser subassembly including a coherent stack of tape flags or other adhesive-bearing sheets that can be unobtrusively permanently or removably adhered on a page of a book, catalog, brochure, etc., because it has a supple cover layer that is a thin, tear-resistant polymeric film. The dispenser subassembly has a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer on a peripheral portion of the cover layer by which it can be adhered to the page which then serves as a back layer for the dispenser, whereas the dispenser includes a bottom layer on an outer surface of which is a layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive layer by which the dispenser can be adhered to a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Timothy A. Mertens, Alden R. Miles, Wayne K. Darvell, David C. Windorski
  • Patent number: 5326260
    Abstract: A presenting/dispensing system for orthodontic/medical devices is described, which devices are formed homogeneously in an elongate elastomeric chain, with each device taking the form of an elongate carrier body with a central, elongate finger portion to which is integrally joined a small supply tools, such as O-ring ligators or others. The body is formed in a T-shaped configuration with the finger portion being joined at one of its ends to bar-like handle/positioner/indexing structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Inventors: Douglas J. Klein, Paul E. Klein
  • Patent number: 5322185
    Abstract: An apparatus is described which can receive a large number of earplugs from a box and dispense one or two of them at a time to a worker. The apparatus includes a wheel (22, FIG. 1) which is rotatable on a frame (12) and which has holes (24) that move in a circular path and that can each receive a single earplug (16). As each hole moves over a dispense passage 18, the earplug in the hole can fall out, and be dispensed. A barrier (42, FIG. 2) lying above the wheel, prevents an earplug from falling into a hole that lies at the passage. The barrier covers only one side (52) of the path (32) of the holes, to allow a deformed earplug to move along the other, uncovered side (54) of the path. The wheel has a narrow slot (80) extending from each hole to the periphery, so a tool can be projected through a frame opening (84) and through the slot to dislodge an earplug stuck in a wheel hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1994
    Inventor: Howard S. Leight
  • Patent number: 5285927
    Abstract: A container/dispenser for used plastic shopping bags which comprises a walled vessel having an open top and an open bottom to which is secured a converging lower section formed of flexible walls with an internal friction surface terminating in a small opening through which the inserted bags may be withdrawn one at a time when compressed in the vessel by a handled lid pressed into the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Inventor: Sam Pruitt
  • Patent number: 5280845
    Abstract: An apparatus is described which can receive a large number of earplugs from a box and dispense one or two of them at a time to a worker, which avoids touching of the earplugs by any other person. The apparatus includes a wheel (22, FIG. 1 ) which is rotatable on a frame (12) and which has holes (24) that are each capable of holding a single earplug (26). As the wheel turns, earplugs fall into the holes. As each hole moves to a dispense location (30), the earplug in the hole can fall out of the hole along a dispense passage (16). A barrier (42) lying above the wheel, prevents an earplug from falling into a hole that lies at the dispense location, and sweeps away any second earplug which lies partially within a hole approaching the dispense location. A large number of earplugs are contained in a box (80) which is installed in an open top (82) of the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Inventor: Howard S. Leight
  • Patent number: 5016766
    Abstract: The invented anti-contamination orthodontic device dispenser includes a container for housing orthodontic devices, an aperture in the container through with the devices are dispensed, and a guide structure which directs the devices to the aperture for dispensing. The dispenser is gravity and friction controlled so that when one device is dispensed, the next device is presented and ready for dispensing. The container and guide structure are constructed so that the devices are stacked on top of each other and touching because of gravity. Each device has a tooth on its upper surface and ridges on its lower surface. When a device is dispensed, its tooth contacts the ridges on the device immediately above it creating friction which positions the next device for dispensing. The invented dispenser is particularly effective for dispensing orthodontic O-rings mounted on a carrier or stick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1991
    Inventor: Paul E. Klein
  • Patent number: 4949526
    Abstract: An automatic lid dispensing and applicator arrangement for an automated drinkmaker machine. The lidding arrangement automatically separates lids from a stack of lids and applies the separated lids onto cups. A large supply of lids is maintained in a rotatable lid supply carousel. A lid shuttle is positioned adjacent the bottom of a lid dispenser, and is supported for linear translating and reciprocating movement between retracted and extended positions. The lid shuttle supports a lid engaging member designed to engage a first bottommost lid of the stack of lids and to retain the first bottommost lid in a first intermediate position in the lid shuttle while the lid shuttle is moved in translation to its extended position. The lid shuttle is then moved in translation to its retracted position, during which the first lid is moved within the lid shuttle to a second loaded position therein beneath a lid applicator supported by the lid shuttle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1990
    Assignee: PepsiCo Inc.
    Inventors: Salvatore J. Brogna, George E. Riehm, Burt Shulman
  • Patent number: 4913311
    Abstract: A soap leaf packet for individually dispensing packets from a stack thereof contained within a housing, includes a wrapper having a plurality of flaps foldable about a soap leaf and which are seguentially dispensable from the bottom of the stack. The wrapper is provided with a tab having two segments with one serving as a depending pull tab which, when activated, elevates one wrapper flap, thus pushing up an overlying wrapper flap, so that continued pulling on the tab opens up one flap and urges the other flap to engage the pull tab of the next-above packet, to insure its projection through a bottom opening in the housing and to cause the opening of the other flap. In this manner the contained soap leaf is automatically readied for grasping by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1990
    Inventor: Nancy C. Garcia
  • Patent number: 4626313
    Abstract: A manual label applicator is provided for use in a commodity weighing and labeling station. As a preprinted label is advanced from a printing station in a cantilever fashion, a label applicator having a roll with knife edges thereon causes said label to be creased in the direction of travel. Creasing of the label tends to keep it rigid and reliably hold it in a orientation suitable for manual application either through impact or by physically removing the label by hand. The knife edges or ridges on the roll further cooperate with fluting provided in a sliding surface for facilitating the partial creasing of the label as it advances through the label applicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1986
    Assignee: Sanitary Scale Company
    Inventor: Edward C. Karp
  • Patent number: 4448328
    Abstract: A machine for vending flat articles such as newspapers, magazines and the like comprises an enclosed cabinet having a merchandise storage magazine with an inclined bottom wall and an inclined outlet chute substantially aligned with the magazine bottom wall and having a discharge opening communicating with the exterior of the cabinet, an upright vertically movable bar between the storage magazine and the outlet chute, power actuated means for lowering the bar to release individual articles from the magazine and permit them to slide over the bar onto the outlet chute, coin actuated means for energizing the power means, and means responsive to movement of a released article across the top of the bar for de-energizing the power means and interrupting downward movement of the bar after each article has passed from the magazine onto the outlet chute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1984
    Assignee: Hennessy Products, Incorporated
    Inventor: W. Jack Wingate
  • Patent number: 4402424
    Abstract: A machine for individually dispensing die cut pressure-sensitive labels from the carrier web of a label train. An AC synchronous stepping motor rotates a pair of drive rolls for a predetermined time period sufficient to move the label train from a supply roll past an infrared detecting member to a discharge end of the machine. The web moves downwardly over the discharge end of the machine and partially discharges an individual label. A microswitch is actuated upon complete dispensing of a label, which sends a pulse through appropriate control circuitry to reactuate the stepping drive motor which advances the label train to partially dispense the next label. The infrared detecting member senses the density difference of the label gap between adjacent labels on the moving web and sends a stop signal to a timer of the control circuitry which will deactivate the motor at the end of the predetermined preset time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1983
    Assignee: Ohio Electronics Machinery, Inc.
    Inventor: Harold R. Mattix
  • Patent number: 4026436
    Abstract: A time controlled cigarette dispenser includes a pair of cooperable superposed inclined surfaces for serially transferring cigarettes from the upper surface to the lower surface. A rotatable drum receives the cigarettes serially in a predetermined timed sequence from the lower surface and delivers it to a pivotable balance tray from when the smoker may retrieve it for smoking. The drum is motor driven, and upon the deposit of a cigarette on the balance tray the motor is deactivated. Upon retrieval of the cigarette from the balance tray the motor is activated to transfer another cigarette thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1976
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1977
    Inventor: Roland X. Madsen
  • Patent number: 4007824
    Abstract: A device for equalizing the spacing of printed products, such as newspapers, comprises a plurality of spacers movable in a path parallel to the path of the products. Each of the spacers receives the leading edge of a printed product and is driven thereby to a braking device that causes each spacer to abut the preceding spacer. The printed products are carried by a conveyer belt system and a sill raises their leading edges ready for reception by the spacers. After leaving the braking device, the products are deposited from the spacers which are then returned to a magazine to receive further products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1975
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1977
    Assignee: Ferag AG
    Inventor: Walter Reist
  • Patent number: 3978958
    Abstract: Apparatus for severing tickets from a supply of connected tickets and for feeding severed tickets individually to a delivery location in response to a credit signal in which an already severed ticket, retained in escrow position at which it blocks the path of light from a source to a photocell, is advanced by first drive rollers energized in response to a credit signal to the delivery area and in which the photocell is energized as the trailing edge of the delivered ticket passes out of the path of light from the source to the photocell to cock a cutter disposed between the supply of tickets and the escrow position and to activate second relatively slower drive rollers to advance a ticket from the supply to the first relatively faster drive rollers which picks up the ticket, pulls it taut, and moves it to a position at which the leading portion thereof interrupts the path of light from the light source to the photocell to deenergize the cutter cocking solenoid, both drive rollers, and the source of illuminati
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1974
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1976
    Assignee: Rowe International Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence Zandstra