Abstract: An oximetry sensor that can be easily applied and attached to a portion of the body of a patient in a noninvasive manner is provided. The oximetry sensor of the present invention includes an adhesive wrap member for use with reusable pulse oximetry sensor electronics (e.g., an LED assembly and a photodiode coupled with a cable) to retain the sensor in the desired position comfortably on a patient. The adhesive member includes a release liner thereover which may include an appliqué or other member thereon, for example, instructions for use. The release liner is configured for removal from the adhesive member in at least one release liner portion subsequent to attaching of the pulse oximetry sensor electronics without disturbing such positioning.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a selectable number of tickets from a plurality of serially joined tickets includes a platform on which the joined tickets are supported, a first roller mechanism for engaging the joined tickets and advancing the tickets in a forward direction, a cutting mechanism for cutting adjacent joined tickets along a cut line extending across the platform, a controller housed in the platform and connected to the first roller mechanism and the cutting mechanism, and a detector mechanism coupled to the controller. The detector mechanism detects when adjacent joined tickets are on opposite sides of the cut line and provides information to the controller to enable the controller to count a selected number of tickets. The controller controls the first roller mechanism and the cutting mechanism to advance, cut and dispense a selected number of tickets from the joined tickets.

Abstract: An oximetry sensor that can be easily applied and attached to a portion of the body of a patient in a noninvasive manner is provided. The oximetry sensor of the present invention includes an adhesive wrap member for use with reusable pulse oximetry sensor electronics (e.g., an LED assembly and a photodiode coupled with a cable) to retain the sensor in the desired position comfortably on a patient. The adhesive member includes a release liner thereover which may include an appliqué or other member thereon, for example, instructions for use. The release liner is configured for removal from the adhesive member in at least one release liner portion subsequent to attaching of the pulse oximetry sensor electronics without disturbing such positioning.

Abstract: A dispenser that is mountable on a vertical or horizontal surface for dispensing adhesive-backed articles from a bulk stock using a single hand. The dispenser includes a housing having a bucket portion for receiving and containing the adhesive-backed articles to be dispensed and a cover connected to the bucket portion. The cover includes a window through which the adhesive-backed articles can be removed from the backing sheet and applied to a person or other animal using a single hand. The dispenser also includes a support member secured within the housing such that at least one of the cover and the support member is biased toward the other for preventing movement of the backing sheet as one of the adhesive-backed articles is removed from the backing sheet through the window.

Abstract: A lottery ticket machine includes a base frame, a face panel fixedly fastened to the base frame at a front side, the face panel having a transversely extended ticket slot, a rack fastened to the base frame to hold a serrated plate behind the ticket slot of the face panel, a locating plate fixedly fastened to one lateral side of the base frame, a transverse rod fastened to the locating plate and suspended above the base frame, a pressure plate pivoted to the base frame and adapted to hold down a continuous sheet of lottery tickets being passed from the transverse rod to the ticket slot of the face panel, a control circuit assembly installed in the base frame and controlled to transfer a continuous sheet of lottery tickets from a ticket reel at the transverse rod toward the ticket slot of the face panel, the serrated plate having a serrated edge of substantially M-shaped profile extended along one long side thereof and suspended above the topmost edge of the rack and two protruded portions integral with the ser

Abstract: A portable medication cartridge allows for both manual and automated dispensing of tablets or capsules of virtually all sizes through a radial dispensing apparatus. The cartridge may be sealed and encoded with medication and patient identification. A microprocessor controlled medication dispensing apparatus includes a cartridge magazine capable of holding a plurality of cartridges for the same or different patients. The portable medication dispensing apparatus and method detects patient identification data and activates a radial dispensing medication cartridge in response to verification of patient identification data. The radial dispensing medication cartridge may include, for example, a tablet carrier tape having a plurality of tablet packets with at least a partially open side. The tablet carrier tape accommodates different sizes and types of tablets or capsules and is sealed with a cover tape having an identification of the tablets.

Abstract: A stacked assembly of disposable biohazard containment bags having a reinforced holder for displaying and dispensing the disposable biohazard containment bags from a bracket member of a display stand. The display holder is formed from a piece of cardboard folded upward along an upward fold and downward along a pair of downward folds to thereby form a pair of opposing display holder flaps and an integral reinforcement member comprising a pair of opposing reinforcement member flaps. The reinforcement member flaps are fixedly attached to one another and are sandwiched between the display holder flaps and depend downward from an upper portion of the opposing display holder flaps. The disposable biohazard containment bags are stacked together, and are sandwiched between the opposing display holder flaps such that a disposable biohazard containment bag can be detached from the holder by pulling the biohazard containment bag in order to break a frangible perforation.

Abstract: A transit ticket includes a sheet, event indicia on the sheet indicating an event in which the ticket can be utilized, and a product releasing layer on the sheet containing an adhesive and microcapsules with an encapsulated material. The event indicia indicates the transit ticket can be utilized for transportation of the holder on a vehicle of a mass transportation system. The encapsulated material is preferably a fragrance. The transit ticket preferably includes product indicia on the sheet providing information regarding the encapsulated material such as advertisements for the fragrance. A method of promoting a product is also disclosed in which a plurality of tickets are dispensed, each of the tickets having indicia indicating an event for which the ticket can be utilized and a product releasing layer including an adhesive and microcapsules with an encapsulated material.

Abstract: A dispenser (10) for pre-formed bags has a base (11) and a substantially upright wall (12) over which the bas are folded over the upright wall. A first portion of the bag stack (1) containing the base end of the bags is disposed on and supported by one part of the wall and a second portion of the bag stack containing the mouth end is disposed on and supported by another part of the wall. The two bag portions are separated by the wall in a direction transverse to the fold and depend downwardly towards the base of the dispenser. A rear face of the wall has a retention hook (16) that is received in aligned apertures (7) in retention tabs of the bags. The retention hook helps to locate the bags correctly on the dispenser and retains the stack of bags thereon. When the main body of the uppermost bag in the stack is pulled away from the dispenser it becomes detached from retention portions along a perforated line. The retention members are retained on the retention hook.

Abstract: An oximetry sensor that can be easily applied and attached to a portion of the body of a patient in a noninvasive manner is provided. The oximetry sensor of the present invention includes an adhesive wrap member for use with reusable pulse oximetry sensor electronics (e.g., an LED assembly and a photodiode coupled with a cable) to retain the sensor in the desired position comfortably on a patient. The adhesive member includes a release liner thereover which may include an appliqué or other member thereon, for example, instructions for use. The release liner is configured for removal from the adhesive member in at least one release liner portion subsequent to attaching of the pulse oximetry sensor electronics without disturbing such positioning.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rotary container with separable nail files, which comprises an upper plate, a lower plate, a file plate rotatably interposed between the upper plate and the lower plate, and a rotary hub inserted through the upper plate, the file plate, and the lower plate. The upper plate has a separation opening extending radially outward from a center of the upper plate. The file plate includes a plurality of file pieces partitioned by a plurality of cutting lines, and each of the cutting lines extends radially outward from a center of the file plate. Each of the file pieces has such a dimension as to be completely exposed through the separation opening, so that each of the file pieces can be pulled up and separated from the file plate through the separation opening. The file plate comprises a base sheet, a cushion sheet attached to one surface of the base sheet, and a file sheet attached to the cushion sheet, the file sheet practically functioning as a nail file.

Abstract: A stacked assembly of disposable rain protection devices having a reinforced holder for displaying and dispensing the disposable rain protection devices from a bracket member of a display stand. The display holder is formed from a piece of cardboard folded upward along an upward fold and downward along a pair of downward folds to thereby form a pair of opposing display holder flaps and an integral reinforcement member comprising a pair of opposing reinforcement member flaps. The reinforcement member flaps are fixedly attached to one another and are sandwiched between the display holder flaps and depend downward from an upper portion of the opposing display holder flaps. The disposable rain protection devices are stacked together, and are sandwiched between the opposing display holder flaps such that a disposable rain protection device can be detached from the holder by pulling the rain protection device in order to break a frangible perforation.

Abstract: A package arrangement is provided. The package arrangement in general includes a blister pack having a backing construction secured thereto. In preferred arrangements, a removable header is provided. The backing construction preferably includes a flexible film having resealable pressure sensitive adhesive on a side thereof, by which the backing portion is secured to the blister pack. A portion of the backing construction is formed as a hinged cover portion, by two cuts, preferably parallel, extending through the backing construction portion and overlapping a selected section of the blister pack. In a preferred arrangement, each cut terminates at a stop structure.

Abstract: A portable medication cartridge allows for both manual and automated dispensing of tablets or capsules of virtually all sizes through a radial dispensing apparatus. The cartridge may be sealed and encoded with medication and patient identification. A microprocessor controlled medication dispensing apparatus includes a cartridge magazine capable of holding a plurality of cartridges for the same or different patients. The portable medication dispensing apparatus and method detects patient identification data and activates a radial dispensing medication cartridge in response to verification of patient identification data. The radial dispensing medication cartridge may include, for example, a tablet carrier tape having a plurality of tablet packets with at least a partially open side. The tablet carrier tape accommodates different sizes and types of tablets or capsules and is sealed with a cover tape having an identification of the tablets.

Abstract: A disposable glove suitable for the foodservice industry has front and back layers of plastic sealed along a periphery thereof, forming finger and a thumb portion in a closed end and an open end. A mounting section extends rearwardly from the back layer and includes mounting holes suitable to receive wickets therethrough. The mounting holes are also suitable for attaching the gloves to a portable planar support to form a portable and compact disposable glove cartridge which, when depleted, is easily replaced with a fresh cartridge. The disposable glove of the present invention is quickly and easily donned and removed from a dispenser (e.g., a glove rack) with a single motion of only a single hand, without assistance from the other hand.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for dispensing flat forms, such as labels, stickers, transdermal therapeutic systems, flat medicaments for oral application, etc, in a controlled manner. According to said method, the outer contour of the flat form (103) is punched out from a strip-shaped starting material and connecting bridges (105) hold the flat form (103) and the edge of the punched layer together. These connecting bridges (105) break when the flat forms are dispensed via a deflector edge (106). The inventive method can be advantageously used for packing individual flat forms in primary packaging. The invention also relates to a specialised punching device used in the method.

Abstract: A device for removing a pill from its package including a lower base portion having a generally rectangular configuration. The lower base portion has a top wall, a bottom wall, a front wall, a back wall, and opposed side walls. The front wall has an upper arm and a lower arm extending outwardly therefrom whereby the upper arm is contiguous with the top wall and the lower arm is contiguous with the bottom wall. The upper arm has an aperture therethrough. An upper arm portion is hingedly coupled with the lower base portion. The upper arm portion is comprised of an elongated central section, a downwardly turned back portion, and a forward head portion. The forward head portion has a downwardly extending protrusion secured thereto. The protrusion is aligned with the aperture in the upper arm of the lower base portion.

Abstract: A dispenser for storing/dispensing pharmaceutical dosages that are provided in a stamplike (flat) dosage form. In some embodiments, the present dispenser includes a housing for retaining a plurality of stacked, individual “stamp-like” pharmaceutical dosages. Disposed within the housing beneath the dosages is a bias element, such as a helical spring, that urges the dosages towards a dosage delivery port of the housing. From the dosage delivery port, dosages are dispensed through an aperture. In other embodiments, the instant dispenser includes a cylindrical main body for retaining pharmaceutical dosages having a stamp-like dosage form that are collectively organized in a roll. A dosage delivery port depending from the cylindrical main body receives dosages one at a time therefrom. The present dispenser is configured, in various embodiments, for manual, mechanically assisted, or automated dispensing.

Abstract: A testing device for analyzing the glucose concentration of a sample of blood is adapted to remove a test sensor from a sensor package. The testing device comprises an inlet region and a puncturing member The inlet region receives a portion of the sensor package extending inward from an outer periphery of the test sensor package. The puncturing member is adapted to extend into the inlet region, puncture the sensor package, and to engage a mating feature of the test sensor. The puncturing member is adapted to hold the test sensor in the inlet region in a manner allowing the package to be removed and is adapted to hold the test sensor in the inlet region during testing a blood sample.

Abstract: A W-stacked pads of tape strips dispensable at a low peel angle, comprising a plurality of superimposed tape strips longitudinally reversed so as to align the first end of each tape strip with the second end of an immediately overlaying and an immediately underlying tape strip.

Abstract: A hangable storing box includes first and second housing halves defining an inner space therebetween, and a limiting plate disposed between the first and second housing halves and separating the inner space into front and rear spaces. A hook member projects from a rear wall of the first housing half for holding a stack of seamed plastic bags. The limiting plate has a bottom end spaced apart from bottom walls of the first and second housing halves to define thereamong a gap so as to permit the plastic bags to extend downwardly from the hook member through the rear space and the gap and then turn around the bottom end of the limiting plate to extend upwardly into the front space.

Abstract: A stacked unit of disposable gloves each having a glove body formed of front and back layers of plastic sealed around the periphery thereof forming a closed end and an open end and forming a thumb portion and one or more finger portions. A detachable section extends from the back layer adjacent the open end of each glove body and has a line of weakness, such as perforation suitable for separation of the detachable portion from each glove body. The detachable portion also includes means to mount each glove assembly on a glove support rack to form a stacked unit of gloves. The glove support rack having a top surface and front surface and a fastening means extending from the front surface for insertion into the mounting means on the glove assembly. The top glove of the stacked unit can be easily donned while on the glove rack and by applying force to the top glove in the direction of donning the line of weakness separate the glove from the detachable section.

Abstract: A stacked assembly of disposable rain hoods for displaying and dispensing from a display stand comprising a plurality of disposable rain hoods stacked together and a display holder, the display holder configured to be suspended from the display stand. Each rain hood rain hood has a suspension portion extending from a lower edge of opposing flaps of the rain hood, the suspension portion being detachably connected to the lower edge of the flaps by a frangible perforation. The stack of disposable hoods are fixedly attached to the display holder via the suspension portions of the rain hoods such that a selected disposable rain hood may be selectively detached from the suspension portion by pulling the disposable hood relative to the holder to thereby break the frangible perforation. A head stop is preferably provided for properly positioning the head of a user in the disposable rain hood.

Abstract: A dispenser is described for dispensing plastic bags which are wound on a hollow cylindrical core. The dispenser is an integral molded plastic device having a bottom panel and upstanding sidewalls which are biased toward each other and which include stub axles adapted to receive the opposite ends of the core on which the roll is wound. The sidewalls apply a braking force to the ends of the core. The core fits tightly onto the stub axles to provide an additional braking force in order to prevent free wheeling of the roll as the individual bags are dispensed.

Abstract: A system for storing and dispensing bags wherein the bags each have a top and bottom, and an aperture disposed adjacent the bag top, includes a container having a top panel, a bottom panel, first and second side panels, and first and second end panels. Structure is disposed within the container and attached to the top and bottom panels, and is adapted to pass through the bag apertures for retaining the bags within the container. The container includes an aperture to permit removal of bags from the container through the aperture.

Abstract: A method and means of dispensing T-shirt type plastic bags from a rack mounted beneath a counter from a tray which slides horizontally into an existing industry standard rack which interlocks with the rack but when needed for loading, can be pulled forward, tilted downward, and loaded with bags and slid back into the rack, where it will align, hold and dispense bags. Optionally, a new frame can be mounted under the counter and a second tray (similar to the first tray) is held within the same frame so that it can hold two different size bags, allowing one frame to dispense two different size bags. Alternatively, a frame can be made to hold only one tray if space is limited. In all three forms the horizontal tray slides forward and tilts downward to receive pads of plastic bags. Only the T-shirt handles and the upper half of the bags are contained within the frame or rack. The lower half of the bags drape over and downward from the front of the rack.

Abstract: A device for dispensing pull tab tickets, lottery tickets and other articles and the articles to be dispensed thereby are set forth. The device includes one or more carousels removably retaining magazines containing tickets to be dispensed. The carousels are indexed to position a magazine for dispensing the article. After the patron has paid for the ticket, a dispensing mechanism pulls the article from the magazine and dispenses it. Each article has at its margin a slot which cooperates with a rod in the magazine to hold the articles in the magazine. When dispensed, the article is pulled from the rod.

Abstract: A twist-tie cluster is described that includes a plurality of twist ties, each having a wire retained within a strip of material, wherein a cut is made in each of said wires between said first end and said second end, and where an uncut portion of the material connects the twist ties. A connecting means connects first segments of the twist ties together. A twist-tie dispenser is also described including a back wall and a cam member rotatable between a first position and a second position, where the second position traps the twist ties between the back wall and the cam member. A method of dispensing twist-ties is described including trapping a group of twist-ties between a cam member and a back wall.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for medical pills and the like from blister packs utilizing a flexible arm with a uniquely designed pressure member fastened to a base have a specially designed cup to be used as a base support for a blister pack and as a receiving receptacle for the cup. An auxiliary serrated wheel is included for serrating particularly tough blister backing materials when needed.

Abstract: A disposable digit cover structured to be applied to envelop a portion of a human finger or toe, i.e., digit, for aiding in prevention of the spread of communicable diseases and cross-patient contamination from pulse oximeter probes. The cover is a flexible, tubular structure of material impervious to the passage of infectious agents, and having one open end and an oppositely disposed closed end, and is sufficiently thin and transparent to light to serve as infectious agent barrier between a human digit and a pulse oximeter probe. The covers are stored in a flattened state in a clean condition with a dispensing package containing a plurality of the covers stacked upon each other and secure to the package. The package includes a closeable opening allowing access to the digit covers. The dispensing package is small enough to be carried in a garment pocket.

Abstract: Medicine ejecting apparatus comprising a chamber (13) between first and second housing parts (11, 12). A carrier (16) having ejection members (51, 52, 53) opposite the second housing part (12) is situated in the chamber (13). Opposite the carrier (16), the second housing part (12) can retain a medicine strip (82) of the type having one or more rows of blisters (83, 84) containing a medicine. Bottoms of the blisters (83, 84) are situated opposite ejection openings (14, 15) of the second housing part (12). The housing parts (11, 12) have toothed tracks (21, 31), and the carrier has hook members (41, 48) interacting with the toothed tracks, which hook members are such that, if the housing parts (11, 12) are moved to and fro, the carrier (16) also moves over a distance of one tooth pitch and thereby presses a medicine out of a following blister (83, 84) through the bottom thereof and through an ejection opening (14, 15).

Abstract: An easy-to-use apparatus for dispensing individual stamps from an elongated roll of adhesive-covered, paperbacked stamps. The apparatus has a hollow housing within which the roll of stamps is mounted and includes a novel roller mechanism that causes the stamps to be progressively dispensed from the housing with the paperbacking, which has been automatically separated therefrom, being rolled into a lower storage chamber provided in the housing. The roller of the roller mechanism is movable from a first, downward position to an upper engagement position wherein advancement of the paperbacked stamps is accomplished upon a rotational force being imparted to the roller by moving the housing of the device away from the article to which the stamp is to be affixed.

Abstract: Solid dosage forms of pharmaceuticals, e.g. tablets, may be removed from blister packs with a deblistering machine. The machine has a roller and a stationary plate. The roller has a longitudinal axis of rotation and means for rotating the roller about the axis. The roller has an inner core and a cover thereon with a non-slip surface. The stationary plate has at least as many slots as there are columns of blisters, and each of the slots has a width parallel to the rotational axis of the roller, the width of each slot being at least as large as the width of a blister. Each of the slots has a length transverse to the slot's width and is at least as large as the length of a blister. The plate is situated to provide a throat, between the cover and the plate, into which the blister pack may be fed and through which the blister pack may pass as a result of rotation of the roller. The plate has a guide to ensure that each column of blisters is aligned with corresponding slots.

Abstract: A dispenser for a blister pack which contains pills in a matrix of blisters has a support member for receiving the pack with a rupture side of the pack facing the support member. The support member has at least one opening for passage of pills pushed through the rupture side from the blister pack. A tab lid is hinged to the support member in a position covering the blister pack, the tab member having a matrix of tabs, each movably mounted to the tab lid and each positioned to be over a blister of the blister pack. Movement of a tab of the tab lid toward the support member effects compression of a blister to rupture the rupture side and push a pill out of the blister and through the opening of the support member. A cover lid can also be hinged to an opposite edge of the support member to cover the tab lid.

Abstract: A cluster of twist-ties is formed by arranging twist-ties generally parallel to one another and interconnecting the twist-ties at a common end. The twist-ties are severed proximate the common end so that a person can pull on an opposite, free end of any twist-tie to remove it from the cluster.

Abstract: A front loading dispenser for dispensing medication pouches in a roll/strip form. The dispenser preferably includes a top door pivotally hinged to the top of the dispenser and a bottom door pivotally hinged to the bottom of the dispenser. Medication pouches in roll/strip form are inserted into the dispenser, and the top and bottom doors are then closed to define a dispensing channel for dispensing of the medication pouches. One of the doors includes a pouch engaging member which extends into the dispensing channel to engage the roll/strip of medication pouches and prevent them from retracting into the dispenser.

Abstract: A dispensing machine for dispensing items of hot food comprises a freezer compartment for storing items to be dispensed, a heating compartment, a dispensing location, and a transport mechanism for conveying items form the freezer compartment, via the heating compartment, to the dispensing location. The transport mechanism has a flexible transport web to which the items to be dispensed are secured. Driving means advance the web from the freezer compartment to the dispensing location. The web has code markings on it indicating the positions of the food items on the web. A code reader reads the code markings to control the driving means for advancing the web.

Abstract: A planar article or sheet, such as a divider sheet for stacked products, and the method of supplying substantially planar articles from a supply magazine to an article transfer device, which then transfers the article to a desired location for further processing. The planar article itself can be a divider sheet for stacked beverage containers, folded paperboard cartons for carriers, or any other substantially planar article which is adapted to be consecutively arranged with other such articles in a group, and placed in a supply magazine for singular delivery to an article transfer device. The method of the present invention is specifically designed to insure that only one sheet at a time is removed from the group by the article transfer device. The sheets or articles themselves, are designed to cooperate with the supply magazine to facilitate singular delivery.

Abstract: Dispensing member (200) having a guide rail (202) for dispensing an individual bag holder from a nested stack. Dispensing member (200) having a plurality of curves (208, 210, and 207) which cause a spreading or fanning out enabling bag holders (40) to be removed one by one at outfeed station (206). Bag holders (40) are loaded in clips (230) which are bound together by breakable retaining strip (232) and fed onto guide rail (202). The action of said clip (230) being pushed around curve (208) of dispensing member (200) breaks retaining strip (232), thus facilitating loading. A nib (209) prevents individual bag holders (40) from inadvertently becoming detached from dispensing member (200).In the preferred embodiment, dispensing member (200) having curves (208, 210, and 207) which cause the nested stack of bag holders (40) to fan out at their unsupported ends.

Abstract: A vacuum seed metering mechanism arranged in combination with a seed hopper for uniformly dispensing seeds to the ground. The seed metering mechanism comprises a rotational distributor disc provided with a circular row of openings toward a periphery of the disc. The disc carries seeds from a seed reservoir to a seed discharge area under the influence of pressure differential. The disc is rotatably mounted in a housing whose interior is divided by the seed disc into the seed reservoir, on one side of the seed disc, and a suction chamber, lying around a portion of the path of movement of the openings in the seed disc. A salient feature of the present invention relates to the provision of an apparatus for imparting vibrations to the housing for facilitating the release of seeds from the openings in the disc in the discharge area of the seed.

Abstract: A sensor dispensing instrument is adapted to receive a generally circular sensor pack containing a plurality of blood glucose sensors. Each of the sensors are disposed in sensor cavities, each of which is in fluid communication with a corresponding desiccant cavity and has a support wall that assists in directing the sensor as its being ejected from the cavity. The sensor pack is loaded on an indexing disk in the instrument such that when a slide actuator on the instrument is moved toward a testing position, a feed mechanism engaged by the slide actuator moves a knife blade thereon toward one of the sensor cavities. The knife blade pierces a portion of a foil covering the sensor cavity and engages the sensor disposed in the cavity to thereby eject the sensor from the sensor cavity.

Abstract: The invention provides a bag dispenser comprising a container having a back plate intended to be attached to a vertical surface, and a cover which can be opened for loading the container with a plurality of bags and which has an opening through which the bags can be dispensed one after the other. A dividing member is provided within the container around which dividing member the bags can be folded, and the cover is hinged to the bottom of the back plate during loading of the container, whereby the bags become folded around the dividing member by the cover as the cover is closed. The invention also provides a method of dispensing bags one after the other from the container, the bags being loaded into the container so that they hang substantially vertically of the back plate, and folded around the dividing member by the step of closing the cover.

Abstract: An applicator is provided for the installation of size-indicating tabs on garment hangers. The applicator facilitates the installation of small, non-reusable, child-proof size-indicating tabs on garment hanger specially equipped to accommodate the tabs. The applicator includes a tube-like structure with a tapered outlet and a means for advancing a stick or coil of tabs forward in the tube. One preferred applicator includes multiple tubes attached to one another in a side-by-side fashion so that the operator may choose between a small, medium, large and extra-large size-indicating tabs.

Abstract: An adhesive bandage dispensing system includes an elongated strand of individually sterile-wrapped adhesive bandages and a reusable dispenser for storing and dispensing the bandages. Each bandage is contained in a separate sterile compartment of an otherwise continuous wrapping material. Perforations formed in the wrapping material around each compartment allow the compartments to be individually opened. The strand is loaded into the dispenser, which is secured to a stable surface, so that the leading edge of the strand is frictionally held in biased guide flanges and protrudes from a dispensing opening defined by the flanges. The leading edge of the strand is pulled from the dispensing opening until an entire bandage is exposed, then the strand is pulled sharply to completely break the perforation, and the bandage can then be removed from the excess wrapping and prepared to be applied to a wound using both hands, if necessary.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing large thermoplastic bags utilizing a relatively compact dispensing container. The preferred embodiment of the present invention as implemented teaches a system for dispensing bags, wherein the container is configured to dispense a laterally folded bag stack, reducing the length of the container. The present invention provides a compact, manageable, and more convenient system for dispensing compact bags and the like, resulting in overall cost and time savings. The container of the present invention has formed therein a removable dispenser door, configured for providing convenient access to the bags, while encouraging communication of the bag being dispensed with the container in such a matter as to open the bag during the dispensing operation.

Abstract: A push button coupon dispenser comprises a housing having a roll of coupons, a coupon ejection slit, a battery, a motor and a push button electrically connected to the battery and the motor for activating the motor. The housing further includes a coupon advancing means having a guide means to guide the coupon to the ejection slit, and a timer to provide a time delay between each coupon ejection. A coupon sensor detects the presence or absence coupons at the exit slit. The coupon dispenser is mounted on a smooth surface at the point of purchase by means of a suction-cup mount plate.

Abstract: In a vending machine for discharging one of articles by manual operation of lever after depositing a coin, a rotary plate is rotated by the manual operation of the manual lever and a driven plate is rotated through the deposited coin which is received in a pocket formed by cooperation of the rotary plate and the driven plate. The driven plate drives an article discharging mechanism. An article discharging mechanism has a package separating mechanism for separating one package from a package belt having scored lines between adjacent packages to discharge it as the article. The package separating mechanism comprises a package guide roll for guiding one package thereon during rotation and elastic fingers rotating together with the package guide roll. The elastic fingers pinch the package onto the package guide roll with bending. The fingers rapidly return to the original shape from the bent shape by their elasticity to give a tension force to the package.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for serially dispensing flexible plastic bags from a wound package of bags which are joined along perforated severance lines, including a panel, and at least one elongate dispensing slot extending through the panel. The slot includes relatively narrow and linearly aligned outer edge portions, and a laterally extending tongue positioned between the outer edge portions. Also, an opening is located on one side of the tongue. In use, the opening is used to facilitate thread-up of the initial bag through the slot, and the two outer edge portions serve to engage and hold the bag in the slot. During withdrawal, the tongue engages the central portion of the bag, and when the tongue engages the next perforated severance line, or the bottom of the cut out in the case of T-shirt bags, a significant resistance is imparted which causes the severance line to rupture, with the next bag positioned in the slot and ready to be engaged and withdrawn.

Abstract: A paper feed system suitable for use with a patty making machine to provide paper for separating patties, including a stack of sheet-form paper having a deformable element on the side edge thereof, a paper hopper, and a guide on the inside surface of a sidewall of the paper hopper for engaging the deformable element. Two guides are provided, each on opposite sidewalls of the hopper, engaging deformable elements on opposite sides of the paper stack. Preferably, the guides are male guides extending from the sidewalls with the end adjacent to where the paper is dispensed thicker than the remainder of the guide to support the paper. The deformable elements cooperate with the guides so that the paper is deformed by an extreme bend, but not torn, when each sheet is dispensed from the hopper. A stack of individual sheets of paper usable with this system includes recesses on opposite sides of each sheet of paper, where the recesses receive the guides when stacked in the hopper.

Abstract: A scented trash bag dispenser is comprised of a plurality of disposable trash bags arranged in an ordered stack and connected by a frangible connection to a base member. The base member is connectable to a separate object or surface to suspend the stacked plurality of trash bags from the object or surface, where the forward most trash bag of the plurality of bags is easily accessible for use. Either or both of the base member and plurality of trash bags are constructed of a material that emits an air freshening scent to perfume the air in the vicinity of the trash bag dispenser.