Abstract: The present invention relates to a dispenser, particularly a refillable single-hand dispenser, having a sleeve (13) comprising an opening (23) at the top thereof, and a base part (27) opposite the top. A receptacle (15) for receiving tablets (22), lozenges, or the like is accommodated in the sleeve (3) such that it can be displace in the longitudinal direction. The receptacle (15) can be pulled out of the sleeve (15), the base being biased in the direction of the receptacle top by a zigzag spring (19). The zigzag spring (19) passes through the receptacle (15) through an opening in the base and is supported at the base (27) of the sleeve (13). A tablet package (20) comprising a tubular packaging (65) is disposed in the receptacle (15). The package wall (65) encloses the tablets (22). The sliding base (21) has exterior dimensions that correspond at most to the interior dimensions of the tubular packaging (65).

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a dispensing apparatus for dispensing individual tissue cassettes from a stack of cassettes, the apparatus includes a hopper for receiving a stack of tissue cassettes, the hopper having an aperture through which cassettes are dispensable; ejection means for ejecting a cassette through the aperture; and retention means for retaining all but one of the cassettes in the stack as an individual cassette is ejected.

Abstract: An apparatus for picking up, holding and dispensing objects is disclosed. The apparatus has a storing device, a holding device, a retaining device, and an ejection device that enables pick up, holding and dispensing of a plurality of objects. The apparatus provides an improved method of picking up, holding and storing objects that heretofore required extreme dexterity and substantial periods of time. The apparatus can be used to pick up, hold and dispense a variety of objects including, but not limited to, crystals, nuts, confectionary pieces, pills, jewelry, and electronic components. The apparatus may be sold as a kit or as replacement parts.

Abstract: A cartridge assembly is adapted to be used in a sensor-dispensing device. The cartridge assembly comprises an end cap, a disposable cartridge and a sealing mechanism. The end cap includes one opening. The disposable cartridge comprises an outer and inner cartridge. The inner cartridge contains sensors arranged in a stack therein. Each of the sensors carries a reagent sufficient to produce a signal in response to the analyte concentration in a fluid. The outer cartridge forms an opening of sufficient dimensions to permit a sensor to pass through the opening. The outer cartridge includes a holding mechanism that holds at least one of the sensors in place during movement of the inner cartridge. The sealing mechanism is adapted to form a substantially moisture-tight seal.

Abstract: A package for product pieces includes a housing having a plurality of walls forming an interior adapter to hold a plurality of product pieces. The housing has a dispensing opening in communication with the interior. A resilient member is disposed in the housing interior and is adapted to urge the product pieces toward the dispensing opening. The housing has an aperture formed in one of the plurality of walls disposed adjacent the dispensing opening to permit the product piece to be engaged and moved out of the interior through the dispensing opening.

Abstract: A measuring instrument (A) includes: a storage (1) which has an insertion port (10) for insertion of measuring articles (S) and is capable of storing the measuring articles stacked in a direction of the insertion; and movable members (2A, 2B) for a movement of dispensing a predetermined quantity of the measuring articles (S) out of the storage (1) toward a measuring position (P). With such an arrangement, refilling of the measuring articles (S) to the measuring instrument (A) becomes easy, and the measuring instrument (A) can be always loaded suitably with a quantity of the measuring articles.

Abstract: A golf ball container and dispenser for use in storing and dispensing golf balls is constructed of a tube, bottom, spring, spring pad, wire ball catch, opening, bag clip. The bottom is beveled to prevent damage to golf clubs contained in the golf bag and to the device itself. The bottom is also removably attached to facilitate cleaning and maintenance of the interior components of the device. The device may be freestanding or may be inserted in a receptacle molded into the interior of a golf bag to provide further protection from damage to golf clubs and other accessories contained therein as well as to the golf bag itself.

Abstract: A container for storing dental devices includes a container body adapted to hold the dental devices and a dispensing mechanism configured to dispense one of the dental devices when the dispensing mechanism is triggered.

Abstract: A table tennis ball delivery device adapted to be secured to or adjacent the side of a table tennis table for directing a ball to a player upon the activation of a switch by the player. The device includes a chamber for carrying a supply of table tennis balls, a ball transfer mechanism for selectively advancing an individual ball from the chamber to a location over a flexed or cocked delivery spring oriented such that upon activation of the switch by a player, the spring is released so as to strike a ball and launch the ball to the player. The ball transfer mechanism is coordinated with the spring cocking and release mechanism so as to position another ball over the delivery spring and re-cock the spring immediately upon the launching of the ball to the player.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to diagnostic kits that house and deliver a carrier for an analyte, such as a test strip carrying an blood glucose analyte used by persons afflicted with diabetes in order to determine their blood glucose levels.

Abstract: A land marking device is disclosed. The land marking device is capable of physically marking a point on the ground for the air.

Abstract: A ball housing and dispensing apparatus comprises a housing container capable of housing a plurality of golf balls and a ball dispenser having a gate member to allow a golfer to selectively control the dispensation of a single golf ball at a time, without requiring the golfer to alter his stance prior to each swing or putt. The gate member has first and second portions attached through a connecting member, so as to allow the first and second portions to reciprocate in unison with each other across a passageway. The ball dispenser has a hold position and a dispensing position, according to which one of the reciprocating portions of the gate member is retracted from a passageway and which enters into the passageway. In one embodiment, the reciprocation of the gate member is driven by a solenoid which is attached to the gate member by a spring. In an alternative embodiment the dispenser is adapted to place a golf ball on a tee at the striking location.

Abstract: A cassette for storing and dispensing objects arranged in a stack, such as end disks, has a base plate, a plurality of standoffs attached to the base plate, and a stripper plate having a removed concentric section attached to ends of the standoffs. A hub member is centrally positioned in the base plate and extends towards the central opening of the stripper plate. A biased support plate attached to base plate is in slidable contact with the hub member for supporting a portion of the loading side of an end disk resting thereon. End disks are removed for independent processing one at a time through a removed section in the stripper plate by a stream of air directed between the loading side of the top most end disk and the unloading side of the nearest adjacent end disk in the stack.

Abstract: A candy dispenser in the form of a toy spacecraft having a single user action dispensing mechanism is provided. The candy dispenser may include an internal cavity to store candies. The internal cavity may be provided in the form of a cockpit for the spacecraft, with a cockpit windshield serving as a lid to retain candies therein. The dispensing mechanism may include a user-depressable button in the form of a passenger of the spacecraft, which upon a single depression, both loads a candy into a firing chamber, and fires the candy from the spacecraft. After each depression of the passenger button, the button is automatically reset to facilitate ease of use and rapid firing.

Abstract: A ball dispensing apparatus comprises a container capable of housing a plurality of golf balls and a ball dispenser having a gate member to allow a golfer to selectively control the dispensation of a single golf ball at a time, without requiring the golfer to alter his or her stance prior to each swing or putt. The gate member has first and second gate portions attached by a connecting member, so as to allow the first and second gate portions to reciprocate in unison with each other across an inclined passageway within the ball dispenser. The ball dispenser has a hold position and a dispensing position. In the hold position the first gate portion is retracted from the passageway and the second gate portion extends into the passageway, while in the dispensing position the first gate portion extends into the passageway and the second gate portion is retracted from the passageway.

Abstract: Dispensing apparatus for dispensing individual articles (50) at a dispensing station (A) from a line of the articles stored one-behind-another on a trackway (10) comprises a conveyor belt (16) on which the articles rest. Belt (16) is connected at one end to variable force springs (19) beneath the trackway (10) and at its other end to a follower or pusher plate (13). When the springs (19) are tensioned by moving the plate (13) away from the dispensing station to load the device the conveyor (16) exerts traction on the articles stored thereon tending to move them toward stop means (20,34) at the dispensing station. When an article (51) is removed from the dispensing station (A) the conveyor (16) moves up the remainder so that a next article is positioned at the dispensing station (A) against the stop means (20,34). Ramps (22) at the dispensing station project the article thereat from the dispense to facilitate its removal.

Abstract: A bag and sack storage dispenser comprising a housing that is secured to a mounting surface, preferably on the interior of a kitchen cabinet door. The housing comprises an integral frame that supports sacks or bags or other planar items during storage. The frame depends from a vertical base that mounts directly to the mounting surface. A horizontal support panel extends outwardly from the door and base. An auxiliary support panel may also extend outwardly from the door and the base. The auxiliary panel extends parallel to but beneath the primary support panel. Each panel has at least one elongated slot penetrating its surface, although there may be more. The slots preferably run parallel to one another and perpendicularly intersect the base. An elongated leg protrudes outwardly from each slot toward the base. Each leg has a foot on one end that secures the leg to the panel. The foot comprises a follower that moves in the slot.

Abstract: The body of a dispenser includes a compartment (C) configured to receive a stack of pellets (P). A dispensing slot (S) is located at one end of the compartment (C). A spring biases the pellets (P) toward the slot (S). A lever (50) has a rest position in which it blocks movement of pellets (P) into the slot (S), and a cocked position in which it allows a pellet (P) to move into the slot (S). The lever (50) is biased into the rest position by a J-shaped leaf spring (64). The spring (64) has a curved end arcing around the pivot axis (X) of the lever (50) and a straight end (68). A stop (70) engages the straight end (68) to allow translation but prevent pivoting of the straight end (68) when the lever (50) is pivoted away from its rest position.

Abstract: A material dispenser includes a first panel for supporting pieces of material, and a second panel appended to the first panel. The second panel is formed to include a material-dispensing aperture to permit a piece of material to pass through the second panel. A material-dispensing plate is situated on the first panel and has a material-acquiring position and a material-dispensing position. The dispenser also includes a ledge appended to the material-dispensing plate and situated under the material when the material-dispensing plate is in the material-dispensing position and behind the material when the material-dispensing plate is in the material-acquiring position.

Abstract: A coffee filter dispenser to dispense individual coffee filters of the cup type from a stack, comprising a housing having a bottom wall, side walls, a rear wall and an open front wall, dimensioned to receive a stack of cup type coffee filters therein facing upside down. A friction bar is positioned to slide on tracks secured to the side walls, first in a rearward direction in which it makes initial contact with the uppermost filter in the stack to slightly raise and loosen it and then in the foreword direction to eject the loosened filter from the stack and from the dispenser. The friction bar is normally biased to its forward position by a pair of coil springs connected to respective end regions of the bar and to respective brackets extending forwardly from the forward edges of the side walls.

Abstract: A device for heating and manually dispensing small vials or carpules. The device includes a generally rectangular housing having a top wall with a lid. The lid provides access to the interior of the housing. The interior of the housing includes a vial feed chamber and a sliding dispensing member. The interior of the housing is heated with a small incandescent light bulb. The dispensing member has a notch near the leading edge for loading vials when in a retracted position and dispensing vials when in an extended position, the extended position reaching beyond the housing of the dispenser.

Abstract: In a machine for dispensing stackable roofing washers individually and for driving fasteners through such washers, a shuttle is actuatable to displace a lowermost washer of one from a stack, either a small, circular or large, square washer. A gate is biased toward a lowermost position wherein it provides sufficient clearance for the lowermost washer but not any overlying washer to pass beneath it. A pawl mounted pivotally to the gate is biased to a lowermost position wherein the pawl engages a small washer displaced by the shuttle so as to restrain it against backward movement. A stop is adjustable so as to limit movement of a washer of whichever size is being displaced. A measuring bar is mounted via the stop. A screw gun, which provides a primary handle, and a secondary handle are mounted to an upright element so as to be independently adjustable.

Abstract: A self-biasing system for articles has an article support, a frame for controlling the movement of the support and a biasing structure capable of moving the support. The system can be a self-leveling article dispenser with the frame including elongate channel members. The channel members define an elongated cavity capable of receiving articles to be dispensed. A platform is slidably received in the cavity. A plate has one part of a reversibly extensible structure secured thereto. A flexible line has a segment secured to the platform and the linear movement thereof is controlled by a guide on the plate and a guide associated with the frame.

Abstract: A mechanical system opens a selected drawer in a multiple-drawer cabinet. The drawers are arranged in rows and columns. A selected drawer is unlatched by moving a rod which has protruding fingers, only one of which is positioned to engage a latch in a column of drawers. When the rod moves longitudinally, the selected drawer becomes unlatched. The unlatched drawer can open only to a distance determined by a cable which unwinds from a drum and passes around a pulley attached to the drawer. Thus, by controlling the rotation of the drum, the system can be programmed to open the drawer only to a distance which exposes the first non-empty compartment in the drawer. A computer controls the selection and opening of the drawers. The computer keeps a record of which compartments of each drawer have been emptied. Each time a drawer is opened, it is opened to the next non-empty compartment, allowing access to one and only one compartment in the drawer.

Abstract: A tray and dispenser for holding and dispensing individual film packets from a stack of film packets provided in a tray. The tray comprises a bottom wall, an first end wall, a second end wall, and two substantially parallel side walls. The side and end walls extend upwardly from the bottom wall and terminate in an upper rim to define an open top and a recess for receiving a stack of film packets. The second end wall is provided with a support surface for supporting a stack of film packets placed in the recess when the tray is placed in the vertical position. The bottom wall of the tray is provided with ribs for spacing the stack of film packets a predetermined distance from the surface of the bottom wall and forming a rear space behind the bottom packet. The second end wall is also provided with an access opening for allowing access to the packet disposed on the bottom of the stack of film packets when the tray is placed in the substantial vertical position.

Abstract: This invention relates to an automatic lead frame feeding device for a TO-220 semiconductor manufacturing apparatus, which automatically feeds lead frames to die bonding and wire bonding processes for manufacturing TO-220 semiconductor packages, and has an object to provide an automatic lead frame feeding device which can load large quantities of lead frames at a time without using a separate magazine for loading them, and then feed automatically them accurately one by one. To this end, the feeding device includes a loading section including a pair of guide members disposed in spaced opposite relation to each other to stack up lead frames therebetween, a transferring section disposed at one side of the loading section for transverse movement to drop one by one the stacked lead frames in the loading section in sequence beginning with the lowermost lead frame, and a feeding section positioned to feed the dropped lead frame in the loading section to a subsequent process.

Abstract: A tray and dispenser for holding and dispensing individual film packets from a stack of film packets provided in a tray. The tray comprises a bottom wall, an first end wall, a second end wall, and two substantially parallel side walls. The side and end walls extend upwardly from the bottom wall and terminate in an upper rim to define an open top and a recess for receiving a stack of film packets. The second end wall is provided with a support surface for supporting a stack of film packets placed in the recess when the tray is placed in the vertical position. The bottom wall of the tray is provided with ribs for spacing the stack of film packets a predetermined distance from the surface of the bottom wall and forming a rear space behind the bottom packet. The second end wall is also provided with an access opening for allowing access to the packet disposed on the bottom of the stack of film packets when the tray is placed in the substantial vertical position.

Abstract: A container for magnetic tape cassettes has a housing having a plurality of receiving compartments for magnetic tape cassettes, a plurality of base plates separating the compartments from one another, a lockable slider member ejectable under a spring action to a position in which a magnetic tape cassette arranged on the base plate can be removed, resilient locks provided on the slider member and formed as pivotable rocker arms adapted to engage two reel hubs of a magnetic tape cassette, projections arranged on the base plate, and elevations. The rocker arms have laterally mounted pegs which, when the slider member is ejected, disengage the rocker arms from the reel hub by running beneath the projections, and when the slider member is inserted, engage the rocker arms in the reel hub by running on the elevations.

Abstract: An automatic lancet apparatus stores a plurality of sterile lancet needles which are loaded one at a time into an injecting position. After use of a needle, the apparatus ejects the used needle prior to loading a fresh needle. The needles include a cover over their tip ends which is automatically removed during loading. The loading operation also serves to reset the apparatus in preparation for injection. Once the needles are placed in the storage chamber, they are loaded, used, and ejected without further handling.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus for quantitatively analyzing a gaseous mixture for its components. A predetermined volume of a gaseous mixture of combustion products component is collected in a gas mixer up to a preselected pressure. A portion of the mixture is discharged successively through the tubular column and a sample chamber for a predetermined time period with the mixture being initially at the preselected pressure in the volume means. Detection of delayed output of gas constitutents from the column provides an analysis of constituents. The apparatus further comprises a furnace, a magazine for holding the plurality of test samples, a transfer device connected to the furnace for sequentially transferring a successive sample from the magazine to the furnace, and a furnace seal integral with the transfer device for temporal sealing of the furnace from ambient atmosphere after the sample is transferred to the furnace until subsequent transferral.

Abstract: A tooth-pick dispenser includes a housing having a top formed with a first opening for filling tooth-picks into a tooth-pick chamber and an elongated delivery opening, a floor-like member serving as a bottom of the tooth-pick chamber and supported in the housing to inclined substantially towards the delivery opening of the top of the housing and terminated with an groove locating an elongated opening vertically in alignment with the delivery opening and an oscillation member pivotally mounted in the housing in a rotatable state, whereby the oscillation member can be swung to a feeding position allowing tooth-picks loaded in the tooth-pick chamber to movve along the inclined bottom so as to feed tooth-pick, one tooth-pick at a time, into the groove of the floor-like member and the oscillation member will be automatically retracted by a spring for discharging a tooth-pick through the delivery opening and serving it to a user in a convenient position.

Abstract: A merchandiser assembly is provided for storing and displaying products in a shelf-like manner. The merchandiser assembly greatly facilitates stock rotation, is self-facing, and automatically maiintains an organized and properly positioned stock of products. A product tray is slidably mounted with respect to a support member, and a product follower that is slidably mounted with respect to the product is limited in the extent of its forward movement in order to provide free space for the refilling of the merchandiser assembly with fresh products when the merchandiser assembly is in a fill mode.

Abstract: A merchandiser assembly is provided for storing and displaying products in a shelf-like manner. The merchandiser assembly greatly facilitates stock rotation, is self-facing, and automatically maintains an organized and properly positioned stock of products. A product tray is slidably mounted with respect to a support member, and a product follower that is slidably mounted with respect to the product is limited in the extent of its forward movement in order to provide free space for the refilling of the merchandiser assembly with fresh products when the merchandiser assembly is in a fill mode.

Abstract: Dispensers for nested items such as cups or lids. Dispensers according to the present invention contain face plates which are easily removed so that the dispensers and their surrounding areas can be easily cleaned. One embodiment of dispensers according to the present invention includes a trim assembly and a container assembly for the items to be dispensed, which two assemblies can be attached as a unit to the face plate and removed with the face plate for quick and efficient cleaning and refilling. The face plates and trim assemblies may be color coded for aesthetic purposes and to differentiate various cup and lid sizes.

Abstract: Dispenser for pills or sweets contained in a tube closed by a lid. When not in use, a chimney prevents the pills from falling out of a hopper disposed within the body of the tube. When the lid is pushed in, a boss displaces the chimney towards the axial center of the tube. The pills are dispensed downwardly therein until they contact a cross-pin which acts as a fixed stop. Releasing the lid causes the chimney and the pills contained therein to move laterally such that the pills then fall to the bottom of the lid.

Abstract: From a pile or stack of cups, which is available in a magazine, the lowermost one is released with the aid of a slide (4) in such a way, that simultaneously retaining elements (7, 16) are slid away from and separating and releasing elements (5) are slid in between the rims (3) of a lowermost cup and the one above it. In such a way, a positive release of a cup (3) is possible. The separating and releasing elements (5) are provided with upper (14) and lower (12) inclined surfaces and their common points are bevelled at (33) away from each other in the direction of feeding or releasing.

Abstract: A chest for storing, warming and dispensing ampules of medicants such as novocaine. In addition, provision is made for storing the hypodermic needles and the hypodermic syringes separately from the ampules of medicants so that the hypodermic syringes, the hypodermic needles and the ampules of medicants all are stored in orderly fashion. In particular, the chest includes a number of apertures for receiving therein the hypodermic syringes so that the hypodermic syringe can be easily selected for use. The chest includes two covered compartments which have trays removably stored therein. The hypodermic needles can be stored in one of the two trays and ampules of medicants such as novocaine or the like can be stored in the other one of the two trays. In addition, each of the two compartments is formed to receive a number of the ampules and to convey these ampules to a dispensing mechanism which is actuated simply by pressing a handle at the front of the chest to individually dispense the ampules.

Abstract: A tablet or pill ejector is disclosed consisting of at least three detachably secured sections in the general shape of a pen. The front end of the device is provided with a hole communicating with axially aligned bores formed longitudinally in the sections and through which a pill may be ejected quickly. An ejector rod is provided in the bores adapted to move from a cocked position to a released position wherein it passes instantly through a pill retaining member located in the front section of the device. Cocking and trigger mechanisms are provided. In an alternate embodiment the front section is provided with a revolvable barrel adapted to contain a plurality of pills for ejection. The rear end of the device may be provided with a storage compartment and cap.

Abstract: A cartridge dispenser is disclosed herein for storing a pre-recorded program tape cartridge which includes a box-like construction having a side opening defining an entrance into an internal storage compartment for slidably receiving the cartridge. A yieldable, spring-loaded lock mechanism is in the compartment and bears against the back side of the cartridge. A pivotal latch mechanism cooperates with the lock mechanism to selectively release the lock mechanism for forcibly urging the cartridge through the entrance externally of the box-like construction.

Abstract: An upstanding tubular body is provided defining a longitudinal passage extending therethrough. A closure is removable supported from the upper end of the body and encloses the upper end of the passage. A generally horizontal tubular head is carried by the lower end of the body and defines a longitudinal bore extending therethrough with one end of the bore including a diametrically enlarged counterbore. The passage is of a diameter to receive vertically stacked salmon eggs therein and the bore is of generally the same diameter. A plunger is reciprocal in the bore and extends across the lower end of the passage. The plunger includes a diametrically enlarged abutment seated in the inner end of the counterbore and the outer end of the counterbore includes an inwardly projecting abutment.

Abstract: A vending machine apparatus of a type which can be manually actuated once a sufficient amount of money is inserted therein to thereby dispense a selected item is provided with an ejector assist mechanism and a mechanism for preventing the item being dispensed from tipping over during the dispensing thereof for thereby assuring a positive delivery of the item and for preventing more than one item from being dispensed at one time. An item holding structure includes a pair of flanges of a particular shape for causing items being dispensed from interfering with one another during the dispensing process.

Abstract: A machine for vending folded paper items, such as maps, including a housing having forward amd rear walls, at least one channel-shaped chute supported within said housing, the chute being adapted to contain the folded paper items to be vended, a sliding ejector at the bottom of the chute supporting the items and having teeth to engage one of the items for sliding forward movement therewith, an exit slot in the forward wall of the housing for discharging the said one item as a result of the forward sliding movement of the ejector, a drive device in the housing to slide the ejector rearwardly from a forward position to a rearward position, and a tension spring connected to the chute and the ejector to return the ejector from the rearward position to the forward position, the one item being engaged for said forward movement when the ejector is adjacent the rearward position and being positioned for removal from the housing when the ejector has returned to the forward position.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing toothpicks or the like comprises a receptacle having a lower surface that slopes downwardly from the rear wall of the receptacle toward the front wall and is spaced slightly from the front wall to define a discharge opening through which toothpicks may pass one at a time. A slide member is reciprocally mounted beneath the inclined lower surface and held in place by a bottom plate which is secured to the receptacle by fastening screws that pass through guide slots in the slide member to guide movement of the slide. The slide member is spring biased forwardly and includes a delivery channel that is alternately positionable between a receiving position in alignment with the discharge opening and a removal position forwardly of the front wall of the receptacle.

Abstract: A storage device for flat recording media, e.g. compact discs, is disclosed. The device comprises a housing and a slider member having a base portion and front wall that covers the open front face of the housing when the slider member is inserted. A lifting element, which is transported out of the housing by means of the slider member, is provided for supporting the recording media in a position for easy insertion and removal.