Abstract: A battery charger adapted to simultaneously store, charge and dispense batteries. The battery charger is in an elongated form having a reservoir to store the battery in an upper portion and provides a mean to push the batteries from the reservoir toward charging station which are vertically aligned in a charging compartment connected to the reservoir by a passageway. When the push means is activated, a battery from the storing compartment is pushed in an uppermost charging station, pushing any battery present in the said uppermost charging station. When all charging stations contain a battery, the battery from the lowermost charging station is expelled or ejected from the said lowermost charging station.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fragrancing device comprising a housing, a fragrance cartridge, a closure element and a blower, wherein the fragrance cartridge and/or the blower and/or the closure element is arranged inside the housing and the housing has a first opening and a second opening, wherein an air flow can flow through the housing from the first opening to the second opening, wherein the fragrance cartridge can be exposed and closed by the closure element, wherein the first opening and/or the fragrance cartridge is arranged upstream of the blower relative to the air flow direction in the housing and the second opening is arranged downstream of the blower relative to the air flow direction in the housing.

Abstract: The present application provides a merchandiser. The merchandiser may include an ambient compartment with at least one ambient product therein, a temperature controlled compartment with at least one temperature controlled product therein, and a vending module in communication with the temperature controlled compartment such that the vending module dispenses a temperature controlled product in response to an ambient product being placed in the vending module.

Abstract: The present application provides a merchandiser. The merchandiser may include an ambient compartment with at least one ambient product therein, a temperature controlled compartment with at least one temperature controlled product therein, and a vending module in communication with the temperature controlled compartment such that the vending module dispenses a temperature controlled product in response to an ambient product being placed in the vending module.

Abstract: A bottle return station preferably with a dispensing station provides for the receipt of empty bottles. Bottles are provided through an acceptor which accepts bottles having a particular configuration while not accepting others. The empty bottle returns are guided to a receiving station where they can be retrieved by an operator. Meanwhile a dispensing station can be accessed by users.

Abstract: A bottle return station preferably with a dispensing station provides for the receipt of empty bottles. Bottles are provided through an acceptor which accepts bottles having a particular configuration while not accepting others. The empty bottle returns are guided to a receiving station where they can be retrieved by an operator. Meanwhile a dispensing station can be accessed by users.

Abstract: An air freshener includes a housing having at least a first compartment and a second compartment, each of the first and second compartments having vents. The air freshener includes a first fan unit disposed within the first compartment and a second fan unit disposed within the second compartment. The air freshener also includes a first fragrance emitting substance disposed within the first compartment proximate the first fan unit and a second fragrance emitting substance disposed within the second compartment proximate the second fan unit. A programmable processor is operatively connected to a power source and the first and second fan units and configured to drive at least one of the first and second fan units so as to promote discharge of one of the first and second fragrance emitting substances from the housing.

Abstract: A system for storing and dispensing game cartridges and a method for the same. A housing system that requires a user to store a game cartridge in the apparatus before another game cartridge in the apparatus can be dispensed. Thus, insuring that game cartridges will be returned to a storage apparatus before another game cartridge is removed thereby preventing game cartridges from being lost and keeping all game cartridges not being played in one storage container.

Abstract: A water resistant absorbent towel dispenser. The dispenser includes a container having top, bottom and side walls housing a supply of absorbent towels, and an exterior handle for facilitating transport of the dispenser. The top wall includes a finger-accessible opening through which absorbent towels may be withdrawn. In certain embodiments, the top wall is convex upwardly, but is flexible to enable it to be depressed when dispensers are stacked vertically so as to come into load bearing contact with the towel supply. In some embodiments, the top and bottom walls have interlocking configurations to add lateral stability to vertically stacked dispensers.

Abstract: An entirely mechanical gas bottle dispensing machine that allows to either only dispense by gravity a filled bottle upon insertion of a first token or dispense a filled bottle with return of an empty bottle upon insertion of a second token.

Abstract: An entirely mechanical gas bottle dispensing machine that allows to either only dispense by gravity a filled bottle upon insertion of a first token or dispense a filled bottle with return of an empty bottle upon insertion of a second token.

Abstract: A kiosk dispenses and receives recorded optical disk media using an interconnected system central server computer through an Internet Service Provider. The system central server contains databases and processing, and is connected to a credit verification system. The central databases collect inventory administration information and customer data from the kiosks including creditcard and email addresses. The central server initiates credit verification and sends receipts to customers via email. The central server maintains databases that are used for remote inventory control and administration of the kiosk network. A kiosk has the capability to identify a recorded disk for automated restocking and may also perform quality assessment of a recorded disk. A kiosk may also provide publishing-on-demand or-act as a portal for remotely served advertisement.

Abstract: Topical preparation dispensers and methods of using the same are provided. Aspects of the invention include a topical preparation dispenser having a holder, one or more vertically stacked topical preparations in the holder, and a cap at one end of the holder configured such that upon movement of the cap, a topical preparation is exposed and moved relative to the holder. Also provided are kits that include the subject dispensers.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a fully threaded bobbin to an operator upon the depositing of an empty bobbin into the apparatus. The apparatus comprises a housing defining a storage compartment for storing the bobbins. The housing has a first opening for depositing the empty bobbins therein and a second opening for dispensing the full bobbins therefrom. A tray is mounted to the housing within the storage compartment for orienting and feeding fully threaded bobbins and a top and bottom slide are provided for transporting the full bobbins from the tray to the second opening. An actuator lever is slidably coupled to a lever channel for activating the apparatus. A release hinge is mounted to the top slide and operatively coupled to the acutator lever for releasing a single full bobbin from the top slide and to the second opening in response to the actuator lever being activated from a fully extended position to an actuated position and an empty bobbin being deposited into the first opening and lever channel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a two compartment device (10), and method of use, for the disposal of used transdermal dosage forms (26) and the dispensing of unused transdermal dosage forms (28). The first compartment (12) has a dosage form inlet (16) and a detector (20), and the second compartment (14) has a dosage form outlet (22) in communication with the detector (20). The detector (20) permits the dispensing of an unused transdermal dosage (28) form from the outlet (22).

Abstract: A system for dispensing a plurality of pressurized tanks. The system includes a plurality of compartments each having a door that is releasably opened by a fluid operated lock connected to a pressurized line. The pressurized line is connected via a fluid operated control at a location remote from the lockers. A door sensor associated with each locker senses whether the door is in an open or closed position and a floor sensor sense whether a tank is absent from the particular locker or whether a filled or unfilled tank is present.

Abstract: A vending machine for valved cylinders of propane gas is provided which includes a cabinet, a U-shaped roller conveyor and a support rail. The cabinet has return and dispensing openings sized to allow empty cylinders to be returned to the cabinet in an upright orientation and to allow full cylinders to be dispensed from the cabinet in an upright orientation. The return and dispensing openings are vertically offset and horizontally spaced apart. The roller conveyor is within the cabinet and extends from the return opening to the dispensing opening. The roller conveyor is downwardly inclined so that the valved cylinders move along the conveyor by gravity. The support rail extends along both sides of the roller conveyor and maintains the valved cylinders in an upright position while moving from the return opening to the dispensing opening. The vending machine also includes an anti-theft system to prevent unauthorized withdrawals of the valved cylinders from the cabinet.

Abstract: Embodiments of a crayon organizer are disclosed which may be used to store, organize, and dispense crayons, chalks, or similar articles. The crayon organizer has a cylindrical cover with an open slot through which one crayon, chalk, or similar article may be removed at a time from the organizer. The crayons, chalks, or similar articles are placed inside vertical holes in a base which fits inside the cover. The crayon organizer has a lock out mechanism which prevents another crayon, chalk, or similar item from being withdrawn from the organizer until the first one removed is returned.

Abstract: A storage rod for temporarily supporting liners for a container is mounted by one end of the rod to the bottom side of a wall having a slot for passing the liners through the wall from the bottom side to the top side of the wall. The attachment to the wall supports the rod with the other end of the rod unsupported for receiving the liners. The end of the rod receiving the liners is unobstructed, for access to the rod coaxially with the rod by a roll of liners for sliding them on the rod. A handle is at one end of the slot and generally normal to the slot to avoid uncontrolled twist of an operator's fingers when handling the assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing for the destruction of used beverage containers while at the same time providing slot machine simulating amusement wherein a slot machine resembling apparatus receives the used beverage container and by activation of slot machine simulating apparatus the beverage container is destroyed and collected for ultimate recycling, and vending a new beverage container containing fresh beverage or a prize.

Abstract: An air freshener device (10) having a cartridge (14) and a cartridge housing (16) is disclosed. The housing (16) has a sealed first cavity (18) and a sealed second cavity (20) having a first fragrance (22) and a second fragrance (24), respectively. First and second cavities (18) and (20) have first and second opening (34) and (54) respectively. The device (10) includes a housing (12) having air passage openings (70), (76), (78), a fan (82) and power means (80) and also supports cartridge (14).

Abstract: An unattended card exchange unit which is powered by a battery and is actuated when a card is inserted into it via a lower passage and contact a micro-switch therein. When the unit is actuated, a motor inside there drives a driving wheel which in turn drives and rotates a first set of rubber rollers which causes the inserted card to smoothly drop down into the lower part of the unit, and a second set of rubber rollers containing an arm-carry roller, causing the arm thereof to move a card inside the unit toward an upper passage leading to a slot on outer wall of the unit.

Abstract: A dispenser for folded paper napkins including a door hinged to an opening of a housing and a face plate detachably secured to the door. The face plate includes a dispensing opening through which napkins are withdrawn from the dispenser. The new dispenser allows the use of interchangeable face plates so that the same dispenser can be used to store various styles and/or sizes of folded paper napkins.

Abstract: Storage container for button-shaped batteries with a minimum of one channel, which is dimensioned to fit the cross section of the battery and which has an entrance and an exit opening, a slide, which is located inside the channel and which is secured against being pushed out of the channel by means of limit stops at the entrance and exit openings, and locks which permit the passage of the button-shaped batteries only in the direction of the exit opening. The storage container serves to store new and used button-shaped batteries, with the latter being able to be inserted only into the entrance opening, while, at the same time a new button-shaped battery is dispensed at the exit opening. After all new batteries have been used up and the storage container is filled with used button-shaped batteries, the passage is blocked so that no further button-shaped batteries can be inserted.

Abstract: An air freshener device (10) is disclosed. The air freshener device (10) includes a cartridge (12) having a housing (16). The housing (16) has a sealed first cavity (26) and a sealed second cavity (28). First fragrance (60) is located within the first cavity (26) and has a first volatility. Second fragrance (62) is located within the second cavity (28) and has a second volatility. First and second cavities (26) and (28) have first and second openings (64) and (66) respectively. First opening (64) is covered by a first removable cover (68) and second opening (66) is covered by a second removable cover (69). Alternatively, a single cover may be used for both openings. When the covers (68) and (69) are removed the fragrances (60) and (62) independently exit their respective cavities (26) and (28). The device (10) includes an outer housing (14) having a front member (70) which includes air passage openings (72). The outer housing (14) has a back member (74) adapted and configured to be mounted on a surface.

Abstract: A dispensing machine is accessed repeatedly by a card issued by the machine. The machine comprises storage bins for holding and dispensing a plurality of products. A memory unit is included for storing information including representations of credit information, customer identification code information and product location information. A computer processor accesses information in the memory unit and enters information into the memory unit. A credit card reader responds to information from a credit card used by a customer for transferring credit for the customer to the computer processor for storage in the memory unit. A key pad is used by the customer for inputting credit amount to the computer procoessor. A customer card dispenser responds to the computer processor to dispense a customer card.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the delivery of replacement units, particularly suited for the delivery of replacement electronic components such as Programmable Read-Only Memories (PROM's) mounted on printed circuit boards. The apparatus includes a box-like housing divided into upper and lower regions by a partition. U-shaped track guides containing flexible linkages are fixed to the inner walls of the housing and extend between the upper and lower regions. Each region is accessible through a door which when closed may only be opened by from inside the housing. To deliver a replacement unit the replacement unit is inserted into the track guides in the lower region and the lower door is closed. The housing is then wrapped, with the upper door open, with shrinkable plastic, or other suitable material. A customer's address and any necessary mailing permits are fixed to the wrapping and the whole is mailed to the customer.

Abstract: A vending unit includes a plurality of cubicles each holding a TV film, dispensed in response to the manipulation by an identified patron. The patron has an identification code number, which upon being entered as information into the vending unit, energizes a computer unit and conditions the apparatus for vending. This information may be entered by pushbuttons or using an ID card. A monetary coin or money bill, or token, is inserted and then a film is dispensed in response to depression of a selection button by the patron. The apparatus includes a record of transactions by each patron, according to his ID code number, which shows films taken out, and their return, and a security deposit credit, and sets off the dispensed films against that deposit credit, and re-establishes the deposit credit upon return of the film. Upon entering the ID information, instructions are given to the patron by the computer, visually or audibly, for successive steps to be taken following each previous step.

Abstract: A coin handling apparatus for receiving coins at one end of a coin transport channel, feeding the coins through the channel in single edge-to-edge file and discharging the coins through an outlet slot at the outlet end of the channel is disclosed. A security device located at the outlet end of the channel is in contact with a first coin next to the outlet slot and a second coin farther from the outlet slot. The security device prevents the first coin from being discharged through the outlet slot unless the first and second coins move simultaneously and with substantially equal speeds toward the outlet slot.

Abstract: An open-ended holder for releasably supporting a number of uniformly shaped elongated articles. The holder will release one article as another is pushed into its place. One article can be used to directly push another from its individual holding chamber within the holder and thereby displace it. The article used as the pusher then becomes supported within the holder and the article previously held within the chamber is discharged and is free for use. Individual chambers of the holder have provisions between opposed ends for releasably supporting the articles therein. Any one of the articles, once freed, can be used to push another longitudinally from a chamber, progressively replacing it within the same chamber.

Abstract: A dispenser for the controlled one at a time dispensing of a magnetic card to an operator who inserts the card into a magnetic card reader for entry of an active number in an "Electronic Point of Sale" advertising medium reaching a predetermined captive audience while engaged in the spending of money, such as in supermarkets, shopping centers, hotels, trade shows, airports, drug stores and the like. The card is also used to imprint the card number embossed thereon on coupons in a coupon book then handed to the shopper with the card then returned to the dispenser to enable the sequential dispersing of another card. A card being reinserted into the card dispensing carousel is inserted into a card return slot to rest at one end on a retainer upper ledge until an operator depresses an actuator button forcing the end edge of the returned card past the upper edge of the retainer down onto a lower ledge of the retainer activating a carousel upper drive switch in the process.

Abstract: A deposit for a key is returned after the key is deposited in the machine where an element on the key unlocks the coin control mechanism.

Abstract: Apparatus which assists in the manual manipulation of articles intended especially for use in delivery of articles such as newspapers from the interior of an automobile to a stationary open receptacle for such articles. The apparatus includes two open-ended, tubular sections one of which is mounted to receive articles placed manually in one end thereof, e.g., from within the automobile, and which communicates at the other end with the second section. A plunger is arranged with a first end positioned for manipulation from within the auto and a second end slidingly movable within the second section. Thus, articles successively inserted into the one end of the first section are moved toward and into the second section from which they are ejected, into an open mailbox or the like positioned adjacent the second section, by movement of the plunger. The second section is mounted for telescoping movement between extended and retracted positions with respect to the first section.

Abstract: A magazine for razor blade cartridges in which the cartridges embody a plurality of blades permanently secured in a plastic body, the magazine including a main housing into which is insertable a spring clip preloaded with a stack of the cartridges, the housing having an end wall with a pair of openings a first one being adapted for the endwise insertion of a used cartridge at one end of the stack and a second opening being adapted for the endwise extraction of a new cartridge, the stack being pressed by elastic means toward the second opening, the arrangement and relation of the stack and the openings in the end wall being such that a used cartridge may be inserted at the first opening by endwise advance in contact with and parallel to the adjacent cartridge, the cartridge at the other end of the stack having its end fully exposed at said second opening but normally releasably restrained against accidental escape.