Abstract: A cassette to dispense a pleated tubing. The cassette includes a circular body having an annular channel housing with a central cylindrical core. At least one wall has an upper end with a lip disposed thereon. An annular cover is attached to the lip at the upper end defining a gap over the annular body. A tubing is disposed within the annular channel housing and withdrawn from the gap. At least one of a plurality of apertures is provided at a lower end of the annular channel housing. The apertures have reinforced walls. The apertures are adapted to be aligned with a projection extending upward from within a container.

Abstract: Electronically directing control at least in part of acquisition of refuse intelligence including information related to one or more discarded portions of at least one of the one or more selected ingestible products discarded by the particular individual subsequent to ingestion by the particular individual living being of one or more other ingested portions of the at least one of the one or more selected ingestible products within a second vicinity of the electronically outputting of the electronically generated one or more selection menus. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.

Abstract: Prior to dispensing of the one or more selected ingestible products for ingestion by the particular individual living being of the selected ingestible products, the at least partial preparation of the one or more selected ingestible products occurring within a first vicinity of the electronically outputting of the electronically generated one or more selection menus; and electronically directing control at least in part of acquisition of ingestion intelligence including information related to ingestion by the particular individual living being of at least one of the one or more selected ingestible products, the ingestion by the particular individual living being within a second vicinity of the electronically outputting of the electronically generated one or more selection menus. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.

Abstract: A tablet division feeder includes a moving unit to move a tablet T, a fixing blade located in a movement path of the tablet T, and a support plate extending from the fixing blade such that divided tablets T2 on the fixing blade are transferred and kept onto the support plate. The fixing blade divides the tablet T into upper and lower divided tablets as the tablet T is moved in such a manner that the lower divided tablet T1 is discharged and the upper divided tablet T2 is transferred from the fixing blade to the support plate by the moving unit and kept on the support plate. The upper divided tablet T2 is discharged from the support plate as the upper divided tablet T2 is further moved by the moving unit in such a manner that the upper divided tablet T2 is discharged from the moving unit.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical product dispensers (e.g., in the shape of a common ink pen) are operable to indicate information regarding a dosing schedule of a pharmaceutical product dispensable from the dispenser. Embodiments of the dispensers may include a plurality of dosing segments, each corresponding to a different dose of the pharmaceutical product. Actuation of an actuator may result in interaction between the actuator and the pharmaceutical product storage area such that a dose of pharmaceutical product contained in the pharmaceutical product storage area is dispensed, along with a corresponding advancement of the plurality of dosing segments. The dispenser may also include one or more locks to prevent unauthorized access to the pharmaceutical product (e.g., by a child or the like). Furthermore, the pharmaceutical product dispenser may include a disabling mechanism to permanently disable actuation of the actuator of the dispenser.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method, system and dispensing device for assisting a patient in complying with a medical regimen. The system includes an electronic dispensing device to be used by the patient which comprises a device to obtain information about the regimen. A device registers operation of the dispensing device by the patient taking the medicines. A warning device reminds a patient of the regimen. A medicine packing station packs the medicine within a package in portions to be taken according to the regimen. A database stores information about the regimen. A service center is provided to assist when necessary. A communication network is provided for communication between the dispensing device and the service center and/or between the service center and the patient.

Abstract: A packaged product assembly is provided. The packaged product assembly may include a packet received in a dispensing container. The packet may be a blister packet including units of a product received in sealed cavities. The dispensing container may include a top casing and a bottom casing. The upper casing may be pivotably connected to the lower casing such that the upper casing is moveable between a closed position in which access to the packet is substantially blocked, and an open position in which access to the packet is provided. The packet may be supported by a shoulder defined at an inner surface of sidewalls of the lower casing such that a receptacle is formed between the packet and a major wall of the lower casing. A unit of the product released from one of the sealed cavities may be received in the receptacle and dispensed via a dispensing aperture.

Abstract: A device for singulating open-ended objects includes: a housing configured to retain a plurality of open-ended objects, the housing having an open lower end; an outer ring positioned below the housing; a drum positioned within the outer ring to form a drum assembly, the drum including a hub having a substantially circular wall and a plurality of wings that extend radially outwardly from the wall to contact the outer ring, the hub, wings and outer ring forming a plurality of gaps; a mounting structure with an exit aperture fixed relative to the housing; and a rotary drive unit mounted to the drum that rotates the drum about an axis of rotation. The presence of the wings can enable the device to singulated caps more consistently.

Abstract: A sensor-dispensing instrument adapted to handle a sensor pack containing a plurality of sensors and to perform a test using one of the sensors. The sensor dispensing instrument includes an outer housing and a mechanical mechanism contained therein for rotating the sensor pack and ejecting one of the sensors from the sensor pack and through a sensor slot on the housing. The sensor dispensing instrument also includes a rotational-release wheel that is disposed on the outer housing of the sensor-dispensing instrument that is turnable to remove a sensor disposed in the sensor slot.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a collection device having a base with at least first and second openings and at least first and second collector tubes in communication with the at least first and second openings in the base. The collector tubes each have a curvature configured to define a trajectory path for an object descending in the collector tube toward a common target region below the collection device. The collector tubes are configured to be placed into communication with corresponding unique transport tubes/channels/paths, etc., originating at a singulating device.

Abstract: A system for automatic storage and taking out of chartula comprises a cabinet, pouch-storing trays, a first receiving frame, a first receiving frame, a first receiving frame inlet, a taking-out basket, a taking-out basket outlet, a pouch-taking-in module, a pouch-storing module, a pouch-taking-out module, and a moving device. The taking-in tray is for taking in medicine from outside. The taking-in tray inlet is provided through the front surface of the cabinet, and the taking-in tray inlet comprises a first locking device which is locked or unlocked from inside. The taking-out basket is for taking out erroneous pouches to the outside. The taking-out basket outlet is provided through the front surface of the cabinet, and the taking-out backer outlet comprises a second locking device which is locked and unlocked from outside.

Abstract: A system for storing a plurality of solid objects and dispensing the solid objects into a plurality of containers. The system comprises non-automated dispensing cells, physically actuated to dispense solid objects one at a time into one of the containers, and automated dispensing cells, electrically actuated to dispense solid objects from a holding tank simultaneously in bulk into one of the containers. The automated dispensing cells may independently dispense objects into the holding tank one at a time while a manipulator arm of the system simultaneously brings a container to one of the non-automated or automated dispensing cells. Then, when the manipulator arm brings a container to one of the automated dispensing cells, the solid objects may be dispensed into the container in bulk by simply opening a gate mechanism.

Abstract: A sliding surface having a gentle slope for carrying pharmaceutical products such as infusion bottles (20) is formed by a row of rollers (15) extending in the direction of slope. An ejecting member (14) for sequentially ejecting the products (20) is formed as a series of a flat plate (14a) and a curved plate (14c). The flat plate (14a) is pivotably supported such that the pivot center is on an extension of the sliding surface. The curved plate (14c) is provided below the flat plate (14a), maintaining a constant distance from the pivot center. An actuator such as an electric motor (12) for pivotally moving the ejecting member (14) is provided beneath the sliding surface. Since the pharmaceutical product at the head of a queue assists the pivotal movement, it is ensured that a small actuator serves the purpose.

Abstract: A singulating disc, carried by a housing, has a plurality of openings around its periphery. The disc rotates vertically through a pickup chamber of a hopper carried by the housing. A vacuum is pulled through the openings by a pump which is connected to the disc. Items are placed in the hopper and, via gravity, fall to the bottom of the hopper where they contact the periphery of the rotating disc. The vacuum at the openings attaches an item and holds it while the disc rotates. At the top of the discs rotation, a diverter directs the item into a path depending on the results of a fragment detection and/or counting mechanism. Items that are allowed to pass by the diverter are scraped off the disc into another path by a scraper. Negative pressure is used to singulate and count a multitude of sizes and shapes of items with no calibration. Retractable paddles, a vacuum management system, and RFID tags may be incorporated.

Abstract: A packaging system for patient interface devices components that includes a macro container and a plurality of dispensing packages removeably held within the macro container. Each of the dispensing packages includes a continuous item supply including a plurality of selectively separable single item packages, wherein for each of the dispensing packages the single item packages in the continuous item supply of the dispensing package holds a patient interface device component of a type and a size that is associated with the dispensing package, and wherein each of the dispensing packages includes an opening enabling the single item packages of the dispensing package to be removed while the dispensing package is held within the macro container and markings that indicate the type and size that is associated with the dispensing package.

Abstract: An exemplary surface mounting apparatus includes a winder, a waste tape and a feeder for discharging the waste tape towards the winder. The winder includes a pivot, a wheel rotatably mounted around the pivot, and a coil spring disposed between the pivot and the wheel. An outer end of the coil spring is connected to the wheel to rotate with the wheel, and an inner end of the coil spring is static relative to the pivot during rotation of the wheel. The waste tape is connected to the wheel of the winder.

Abstract: In an electro-motion type automatic clip-ejecting apparatus, when paper to be bound is inserted into the apparatus after a large number of clips are charged in the clip magazine, each clip is simultaneously ejected from the clip magazine so that a binding operation is performed so that it is possible to conveniently use the clip ejecting apparatus by only one hand of the user. The apparatus includes a wheel movement member and a clip ejecting member. The wheel movement member includes a pole, a spring for providing elastic force, and a pole movement bar for performing a linear movement so that the pole movement bar is interlocked with the pushing rack gear. The pole is interlocked with the pole movement bar according to linear movement of the pole movement bar. The clip ejecting member includes a spar gear, a fixed gear, and a pushing rack gear.

Abstract: The pill dispenser is a rotary container and dispenser for medications and the like. The pill dispenser includes a base having a lower wall and a plurality of radially extending inner walls mounted on an upper surface of the lower wall. The plurality of radially extending inner walls define a plurality of pill-receiving compartments therebetween. Additionally, a plurality of peripheral walls are mounted on the upper surface of the lower wall, with each peripheral wall partially extending between an adjacent pair of the plurality of radially extending inner walls to define an access opening therebetween. A cover, mounted on the base, includes an upper wall and a circumferential sidewall secured to a lower surface of the upper wall. An opening is formed in the circumferential sidewall. A locking device is further provided for selectively locking rotation of the cover with respect to the base, controlling access to the compartments.

Abstract: A singulating disc, carried by a housing, has a plurality of openings around its periphery. The disc rotates vertically through a pickup chamber of a hopper carried by the housing. A vacuum is pulled through the openings by a pump which is connected to the disc. Items are placed in the hopper and, via gravity, fall to the bottom of the hopper where they contact the periphery of the rotating disc. The vacuum at the openings attaches an item and holds it while the disc rotates. At the top of the disc's rotation, a diverter directs the item into a path depending on the results of a fragment detection and/or counting mechanism. Items that are allowed to pass by the diverter are scraped off the disc into another path by a scraper. Negative pressure is used to singulate and count a multitude of sizes and shapes of items with no calibration. Retractable paddles, a vacuum management system, and RFID tags may be incorporated.

Abstract: A wire mesh rivet (13) is provided which is used to produce a wire mesh isolator (11) in a bore (9) of a substrate such as a heat shield (7) for a vehicle exhaust system. The rivet (13) comprises a unitary wire mesh structure (19) which has a collar (15) and a shank (17). The collar (15) has a higher density than the shank (17), e.g., the collar (15) has the density of the finished isolator (11). The rivet (13) is formed into the finished isolator (11) by compressing the shank (17) to form a second collar, while restraining the original collar (15) from substantially changing its shape. The rivet (13) can include a metal insert (23) which prevents the wire mesh of the finished isolator (11) from experiencing high levels of compression when the substrate is fastened to its supporting structure.

Abstract: A device for singulating open-ended caps includes: a housing configured to retain a plurality of open-ended caps, the housing having an open lower end; an outer ring positioned below the housing; a drum fixed to and positioned within the outer ring to form a drum assembly, the drum including a hub having a substantially circular wall and a platform that extends radially outwardly from the wall to contact the outer ring, the hub and outer ring forming a circular gap therebetween, the platform being positioned below much of the gap and including a discontinuity; a mounting structure with an exit aperture fixed relative to the housing; and a rotary drive unit mounted to the drum that rotates the drum assembly about an axis of rotation.

Abstract: A dispenser 1 for use with a medicament carrier 2. The medicament carrier 2 contains a at least one medicament product 8 which can be released therefrom. The dispenser 1 comprising a body 12, a collecting conduit 18 and a dispensing aperture 16. The body 12 includes a holding portion 14 for holding a medicament carrier 2. The holding portion 14 includes at least one inlet aperture 32 arranged to receive a medicament 8 released from a medicament carrier 2 held thereon. The collecting conduit 18 connects the at least one inlet aperture 32 and the at least one dispensing aperture 16. The dispenser 1 is configured such that a medicament 8 dispensed from a medicament carrier 2 thereon passes through the inlet aperture 32 and into the collecting conduit 18 from which it can be dispensed through the dispensing aperture 16.

Abstract: A dispenser box that includes a tilted or inclined top surface that defines a plurality of object wells that are configured to receive objects and secure them for shipping as well as display. The object wells are configured to secure each object on display as the objects are removed from the dispenser box, such that the last remaining object may continue to stand secure and in place.

Abstract: A medication on demand dispenser. The dispenser provides patient access to medications prescribed to be available on an as-needed basis but with a prescribed minimum time interval between doses. The dispenser permits access to a single medication dose after each minimum time interval has elapsed. After a drug dose is presented to the patient, the dispenser prevents access to the next dose until the minimum time interval has elapsed.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system and method for packaging an undergarment that as a result of the packaging, the undergarment requires a substantially small amount of storage space that can be carried discretely on ones person during active times, and/or easily purchased when out on the go. The undergarment packaging system packages the undergarment so that it consumes a relatively small amount of space so that it can be easily and conveniently sold and/or vended to consumers in locations where they would most need them, for example in restrooms, gyms, spas, glove-compartments in cars, in airports, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a kiosk that dispenses products with no moving parts. The kiosk can dispense a rental product, and the rental product can be returned via a mail service, or it can be retained for a purchase price. The kiosk comprises a removable cartridge containing the products, and the cartridge can be readily replaced with a new cartridge to replenish the inventory of products in the kiosk.

Abstract: There is provided a medicament dispenser for use with a medicament carrier having a plurality of pockets for containing medicament wherein said pockets are spaced along the length of and defined between two peelable sheets secured to each other, said dispenser having an internal mechanism for accessing said medicament contained within said medicament carrier. The internal mechanism comprises a carrier drive means; indexing means and clutch means, in communication therebetween. The clutch means comprises a gearing surface defining plural gear engagement positions; and plural gear teeth for engaging said plural gear engagement positions. The plural gear teeth are arranged such that at any one time only a single gear tooth engages a single gear engagement position.

Abstract: A dispenser for housing at least one blister pack (comprising a generally planar face on one side thereof and one or more blisters on the opposite side thereof), the dispenser comprising a base portion, a lid portion, and a hinge portion connecting the base portion to the lid portion and about which the lid portion and/or base portion are movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, e.g. in the form of an openable clamshell. The base portion and/or the lid portion has locating means for locating a blister pack within the dispenser and the locating means are adapted to enable sliding of the blister pack relative thereto in a direction substantially parallel to said planar face thereof between a storage position and at least one dispensing position. Preferred embodiments of the dispenser have ‘senior-friendly’ features and child resistant features.

Abstract: A pill bottle that includes a first annular wall disposed within an interior portion of the bottle has an outer surface with a plurality of circumferentially spaced, vertically oriented ribs that project outwardly from that surface. A second annular wall is disposed within the interior portion of the bottle in enclosing relation to the first annular wall. The outer and inner surface of the second annular wall undulate so as to define series of troughs and ridges. An adjacent pair of the ribs is located in spaced confronting relation to each of the troughs so as to define a plurality of pill wells. Each pill is arranged and oriented so as to be “on-end” within the bottle. A method is provided for dispensing pills from a bottle.

Abstract: A dispensing device and method including a housing defining an opening. A door is movable relative to the housing from a closed position to a maximum open position. The door and the housing defining an access portion of the opening. A tray is disposed within the housing and is supported for movement relative to the housing. The tray is configured to support dispensable items within a plurality of segments of the tray. An access control mechanism is configured to locate the tray relative to the housing to generally align a selected one of the plurality of segments with the opening and also to limit opening movement of the door to limit a size of the access portion to a size of the selected segment if a corresponding position of the door is less than the maximum open position of the door.

Abstract: A meter system for analyzing body fluids includes a supply magazine for storing a stack of test elements, a meter for analyzing fluid samples, and a transport system for transporting test elements from the supply magazine to the meter. The test element in one embodiment includes a lancet integrated test element that has a lancet coupled to a test strip. The transport system is configured to minimize damage to the test element. In one form, the transport system includes a shuttle that slides the top-most test element from the stack onto a connection portion of the meter. In another form, the transport system includes a drum that rotates to transport test elements from the supply magazine to a testing position and, once used, to a waste magazine for disposal. In a further form, the transport system includes a disc that rotates to transport the test elements.

Abstract: A medication dispenser provides automation to the steps of locating and acquiring unit-based doses of certain medications to be administered to a patient. The dispenser includes a frame and one or more cartridges that may be mounted onto the frame. A set of slots sized for holding unit-based doses of medication extend through a body portion of the cartridge. A movement device is also positioned relative to the frame and is configured to induce movement of selected unit-based medication doses out of associated slots in the cartridge, so that the dispensed doses may be retrieved.

Abstract: A medication dispenser provides automation to the steps of locating and acquiring unit-based doses of certain medications to be administered to a patient. The dispenser includes a frame and one or more cartridges that may be mounted onto the frame. A set of slots sized for holding unit-based doses of medication extend through a body portion of the cartridge. A movement device is also positioned relative to the frame and is configured to induce movement of selected unit-based medication doses out of associated slots in the cartridge, so that the dispensed doses may be retrieved.

Abstract: An instrument adapted to determine an analyte concentration of a fluid sample using a test sensor is disclosed. The instrument comprises a display adapted to display information to a user, a user-interface mechanism adapted to allow the user to interact with the instrument, a first test-sensor cartridge, and a body portion including at least a first opening and a second opening formed therein. The first opening is adapted to receive a test sensor from the first test-sensor cartridge. The second opening is adapted to store at least one additional test-sensor cartridge.

Abstract: A dispenser apparatus for dispensing flat sheet articles from a stack, and having a housing, a magazine for storing the articles, a base disposed perpendicularly to the housing, the base having service portion and a delivery portion, the service portion communicating with a lower portion of the magazine, and a dispensing mechanism within the service portion of the base, in which the dispensing mechanism engages with an article at the lower portion of the magazine for advancing the article into the delivery portion of the base, and an agitator operable upon return movement of a dispensing mechanism for agitating the articles in the magazine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to device for quantitative and/or qualitative determination of the presence/absence of a substance in a body liquid comprising a rotatably arranged magazine containing a number of test electrodes intended to be brought into contact with a body liquid to be determined, an arm arranged to influence a test electrode to a relative movement relative to said magazine, whereby the arm comprises contact sheet metals arranged to releasably be fixed to said test electrode and arranged to return said test electrode to the magazine after a finished testing, as well as an arm contained in said device.

Abstract: A snack dispenser comprises tiers stacked to resemble a wedding cake. Each tier includes a trough divided into transparent slots into which a snack may be placed. The troughs are mounted on a rotatable carousel having a transparent front shell with transparent locked doors therein. The doors are unlocked by a door control mechanism when coins of proper monetary value are inserted into a coin box. The coin box accepts and learns the value of different types of coins, or accepts personal identification numbers. Opening the door blocks the rotation of the carousel, blocks the opening of other doors, and resets the credit of the coins inserted. When closed, the door locks all doors until additional coins are inserted. Servicing the dispenser includes removal of the front shell, removal of empty tiers, and replacement of replenished tiers. All segments can be removed and collapsed into a flat position.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus includes a frame, a support coupled to the frame, a gantry coupled to the frame, a first dispensing unit coupled to the gantry, a second dispensing unit coupled to the gantry, and an imaging system coupled to one of the frame and the gantry. The imaging system may be configured to capture at least one image of a first pattern and a second pattern, with the second pattern being identical to the first pattern. The dispensing apparatus further includes a controller configured to verify whether the first pattern and the second pattern are properly positioned on the support with respect to one another based on the at least one captured image to permit simultaneous dispense operations of the first dispensing unit on the first pattern and the second dispensing unit on the second pattern. Other embodiments and methods of dispensing are further disclosed.

Abstract: In a cassette for dispensing flexible tubing a cassette body includes a central tubular portion defining an aperture extending therethrough. An outer wall surrounds the central tubular portion and a cassette bottom extends between and connects the outer wall and the central tubular portion. The outer wall, the cassette bottom and the central tubular portion cooperate to define an interior area that surrounds the central tubular portion. A length of flexible tubing is positioned in the interior area. The cassette bottom includes first registration features and a cover is coupled to the body and at least partially overlies the interior area, the cover defining second registration features matingly engageable with the first registration features so that cassettes can be stacked one-on-top-of-the-other with the cooperation of the first and second registration features preventing successively stacked cassettes from shifting relative to one another.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dispenser of an icemaker in a refrigerator for maximizing an inner space when a total size is the same, and for minimizing the total size when the inner space is the same. The dispenser of the icemaker in the refrigerator includes an ice chute being a passage through which the ice produced from the icemaker is discharged; and a container supporter provided at an outer case and disposed to be perpendicular to an outer surface of the outer case when the ice is discharged outside through the ice chute, the contain supporter allowing a container seated thereon to receive the ice discharged from the ice chute. The ice chute is closed and not exposed outside when the ice-discharging process is finished, and the container supporter is not exposed to the outer surface of the outer case.

Abstract: A fastening system that enables a tab to be positioned around items to be joined, and a fastener to be passed through the tab and the items to be joined to fasten these. The invention relates to a fastening device for effecting the system, a magazine for storing and dispensing tabs and to the tabs.

Abstract: A dispenser apparatus for dispensing flat sheet articles from a stack, and having a housing, a magazine for storing the articles, a base disposed perpendicularly to the housing, the base having service portion and a delivery portion, the service portion communicating with a lower portion of the magazine, and a dispensing mechanism within the service portion of the base, in which the dispensing mechanism engages with an article at the lower portion of the magazine for advancing the article into the delivery portion of the base, and an agitator operable upon return movement of a dispensing mechanism for agitating the articles in the magazine.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing open-ended objects such as pharmaceutical vials includes: a housing having an internal cavity configured to house open-ended objects, the housing including a guide and a floor; a pick-up unit mounted to the housing, the pick-up unit including an endless member and at least one pick-up member attached to the endless member; and a drive unit. The endless member engages the drive unit and the guide for movement relative thereto. As the drive unit drives the endless member, the at least one pick-up member travels on a pick-up path, at least a portion of which is within the housing.

Abstract: A mobile medicine storage unit for individuals under a doctor's care. The unit is programmable and preferably fully automatic, but also manual, in dispensing any number of medications up to four times per day at preselected times. Audible and visible indicators alert patients of proper dosages and timings of these doses. An optional integral water reservoir and cup dispenser makes it possible to properly take all medications with minimal effort at the unit. Patients not in close proximity to the unit will be alerted remotely via a pager. The unit will contact programmable emergency phone numbers when no patient response is received. Programmability allows customizing to accommodate individual medication needs. Mobility is aided by an optional wheeled cart.

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: A sensor dispensing instrument adapted to handle a sensor pack containing a plurality of sensors and to perform a test using one of the sensors. The sensor dispensing instrument includes an outer housing and a mechanical mechanism contained therein for rotating the sensor pack and ejecting one of the sensors from the sensor pack and through a sensor slot on the housing. The sensor dispensing instrument also includes a puller handle for operating the mechanical mechanism. The puller handle is adapted to be grasped between the thumb and finger of a user's hand, and is moveable between a testing position adjacent to the rear end of the outer housing and an extended position spaced outwardly from the rear end of the outer housing.

Abstract: A dispensing system dispensing items includes a dispensing station and a first conveyor for transporting containers to the dispensing station. The dispensing station includes a dispenser for dispensing items to the containers, a mechanism for spacing the containers to a predetermined pitch, a transfer wheel for removing the containers from the first conveyor, a star wheel for receiving the containers from the transfer wheel and for transporting the containers in synchronization with the dispenser, and a turret for removing the containers from the star wheel.

Abstract: In this invention the improved manually operated pill dispenser is manufactured from a suitable plastic material which comprises wraparound embossed characters on the walls for illustrations, a series of notches and ridges around the top periphery shaped like the cross section of a square thread pointing downwards, each notch is aligned with the chambers and a closing port lid. The lid comprising an indexing tab, a lip, a hollow plastic tube, or a suitable plastic bubble to provide a spring-like and an alignment indicator adjacent to the indexing tab and dispensing hole: when engaged and rotated may align the hole with the chamber or the closing port. Rotation may only be achieved when pushed down. The underside of the dispenser is constructed with multiple lid adapters; one to interlock with its self as well as to host its own interlocking stacking containers and other for existing pill bottles of varying sizes.

Abstract: Trays within a given level of a drum-type vending machine form individual zones, and may be further subdivided into additional individual zones, for which pricing may be separately specified. A vend door for the corresponding level is constrained to allow access to a given zone upon payment of the appropriate amount. More levels and greater flexibility in pricing and product selection are thus enabled, together with greater control over vending operations.

Abstract: A fastener delivery and installation system is provided that comprises an end effector mounted on an automated machine and operable to drill a hole through a workpiece and insert a fastener through the hole, and a fastener feed unit operable with the automated machine to deliver the fasteners through the end effector and into the workpiece. Further, a hand-held tool is operable against a second surface of the workpiece and is aligned with the end effector. Once the hand-held tool is positioned properly, a magnetic field is generated and the workpiece is clamped to enable the end effector to drill a hole through the workpiece and insert a fastener therethrough. Additionally, a detector is located on the hand-held tool for generating guidance information to inform an operator where to move the hand-held tool so as to align the hand-held tool with the end effector.