Abstract: A commodity-data processing apparatus includes a housing, a printer unit mounted in the housing and movable between a housed position at which the printer unit fits in a printer housing space and a drawn-out position, and a controller. The printer unit includes a cover that is movable between a closed position and an open position when the printer unit is at the drawn-out position and not movable between the closed position and the open position when the printer unit is at the housed position. The controller is configured to determine whether the cover is moved from the open position to the closed position, determine whether or not the printer unit is ready for printing, upon determining that the cover is moved from the open position to the closed position, and enable receipt printing by the printing unit, upon determining that the printer unit is ready for printing.

Abstract: Example implementations relate to an insertion key assembly for a pluggable module. The insertion key assembly includes a stopper element having a stopping tab, a biasing element, and a driver element having a driving tab. The biasing element is connected to the stopper element and the driver element. In a relaxed state of the biasing element: i) the stopper element is pushed outwards by the biasing element to protrude the stopping tab into a passageway defined by a plurality of walls of a chassis, to block insertion of the pluggable module inside the passageway, and ii) the driver element is pushed outwards by the biasing element to protrude the driving tab into adjacent passageway. In a biased state of the biasing element, the stopper element is pulled inwards by the biasing element to retract the stopping tab from the passageway to allow insertion of the pluggable module inside the passageway.

Abstract: A system includes a longitudinal rack storing a plurality of packs of cigarettes, a shoe movably attached to the rack, a magnet coupled to the shoe and a longitudinal circuit board arranged along the length of the rack. The circuit board includes an array of sensors along the length of the rack, wherein spacing between each pair of sensors equals a thickness of a pack stored in the rack. Each sensor generates a voltage value depending on a position of the magnet in relation to the sensor. The circuit board further includes a memory storing voltage values generated by the sensors, and a processor configured to monitor voltage values generated by the sensors, detect that a particular sensor has generated a maximum voltage value and determine a number of packs stored in the rack based on a particular number of packs corresponding to the particular sensor.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for the airborne dissemination and implantation of seeds utilizing an aerodynamic seed delivery apparatus with built-in nutrients, anti-pest, and anti-fungal properties that can be disseminated rapidly from an airborne platform. The velocity of impact and depth of penetration into specific soil types by the delivery apparatus can be controlled up to a terminal velocity kinetic energy by exploiting a specified drag coefficient, mass, and altitude of release. The seeds are delivered and imbedded into the soil at the optimal depth and orientation to maximize germination rates, since seed orientation has a pronounced effect on germination and sprout mortality rates. Flight paths for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) utilized for dissemination can be automated to adjust coordinates based on wind vectors, terrain elevation data, and soil permeability data to efficiently achieve a desired penetration depth across a specified geographic area.

Abstract: A system for monitoring surgical objects is provided. An entry scanner captures a first set of image data from a surgical object identifier. A containment surface defines a target field of view. An exit scanner captures a second set of image data from a surgical object identifier within the target field of view. A monitoring system is electrically connected to at least one of the entry and exit scanners. The monitoring system has a surgical object recognition module having a database of pre-existing surgical object identifier data. The surgical recognition module identifies at least one of the number of surgical objects, the type of surgical objects, and the number of each type of surgical objects from the first and second sets of image data by comparing the first and second sets of image data with the pre-existing surgical object identifier data.

Abstract: Disclosed is replaceable smart battery pack (100) The battery pack comprising a number of cells (B1 . . . . B4), and a smart battery management system (102) for controlling and monitoring the number of cells, the smart battery management system is controllable by means of a first protocol using a bidirectional 2-wire bus (SMBus). The replaceable smart battery pack further comprises at least one sensor (108, 110) and an additional processor (104). Each of the at least one sensor is configured for detecting a specific user interaction with the smart battery pack and generating a control signal. The additional processor is configured to receive the control signal, to communicate with the smart battery management system by means of the first protocol in response to the control signal and to control a display unit (106) of the battery pack in response of data received from the smart battery system and the control signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods have demonstrated the capability of rapidly cooling the contents of pods containing the ingredients for food and drinks.

Abstract: Provided is a belt conveyor type dispensing mechanism for an article vending machine, in which an associated component other than a belt can be easily and compactly installed. The dispensing mechanism for the article vending machine includes a drive section that is disposed in an article storing shelf 13 and on which articles arranged in a front-rear direction are carried, the drive section being configured to drive based on a vending command, and a belt conveyor unit 57 that sequentially dispenses the articles forward, the belt conveyor unit 57 includes two belt conveyors 71 moving forward and arranged away from each other in a right-left direction, and a detection unit 100 of an article detection device and a gear to drive a rear rotary shaft over which belts of the belt conveyors 71 are looped are arranged between the two belt conveyors 71.

Abstract: A set of panels having chutes therebetween. The chutes being defined by curvilinear rails on such panels. The curvilinear rails having stops thereon for stopping the products for viewing.

Abstract: A hygienic automatic electric utensil dispenser for use in eating establishments such as hospitals, schools, or other areas where large number of people are eating food in a central area. The dispenser can be refilled using prepackaged stacked plastic utensil in a self-sealing plastic bags without the user ever touching the utensil during the refilling process. The dispenser delivers the utensil in a sanitary method using a plurality of sensors.

Abstract: A lid dispenser is provided for holding a stack of lids, which may be used with beverage containers. The lid dispenser includes a shaft, a lid deck which the stack of lids may rest on, and a gap from which a user of the lid dispenser may grasp and remove a lid. The shaft may extend to the front of the lid dispenser, or a screen may be provided. The screen may slidable along the shaft through engagement with one or more slots. An additional gate may be provided and independently slidable along the one or more slots. Multiple shafts may be included in a single lid dispenser in order to accommodate multiple lid sizes within a single dispenser.

Abstract: A robot system includes a first loading portion, a plurality of second loading portions provided for each sorting destination, and a robot configured to sort the plurality of articles loaded onto the first loading portion, and to transfer the articles to the second loading portions. The robot includes a robot arm, a tool, a first sensor configured to acquire distance information, an article identifying portion configured to identify the article loaded onto the first loading portion, a second sensor configured to acquire outer shape information, and to acquire sorting destination information, a first calculating portion configured to calculate a shape and size of the article, a sorting destination determining portion configured to determine a sorting destination, and a first operation control portion configured to control the robot arm and the tool so that the article is stacked onto the identified second loading portion.

Abstract: A set of vertically stackable interacting cartridges for improving the delivery of biocide of a bulk feeder by positioning the stackable cartridges in a stacked condition within a chamber in the bulk feeder wherein the stackable cartridges are maintained in vertical interacting flow alignment with each other to provide enhanced control of the delivery of the biocide carried within each of the stackable cartridges without replacing the control valves of the bulk feeder.

Abstract: An automatic vending machine for vending a product selected by a user includes: an automatic vending machine cabinet having an opening that is opened and closed by a door: a plurality of product racks that is provided in the automatic vending machine cabinet, each product rack including a plurality of product storage columns each storing products ordered in a line; and a product storage device that allows a user to take out one product at a time by holding a body of the product, when the door is opened to open the opening.

Abstract: A sanitized vending machine includes product and cup dispensing mechanisms and an actuation mechanism. The product dispensing mechanism, holding one or more product items, rotates through a product dispensing cycle to dispense them. The cup dispensing mechanism, holding a stack of cups, rotates through a cup dispensing cycle to dispense a cup to a predetermined position. The dispensing cycles occur in a predetermined sequence so as to enable the dispensed product items to be received in a previously dispensed cup. The dispensing mechanisms respectively include rotatable first and second driven gears drivingly interfaced to rotate during respective product and cup dispensing cycles. The actuation mechanism includes a handle and a rotatable drive gear drivingly interfaced with the first driven gear. When the handle is turned by a user through an actuation cycle the driven gears rotate the respective mechanisms through respective product and cup dispensing cycles.

Abstract: Modular vending machine systems provide for reloadable product dispensing modules, including, but not limited to, vertical product dispensing modules. In some embodiments, the modular vending machine systems comprise one or more modular vending machines and product dispensing modules that may be releasably mounted using module holder structures of the modular vending machines. In some embodiments, a central controller device may be used for communicating with a plurality of modular vending machines, product dispensing modules, and/or docking stations.

Abstract: A vending machine includes a sliding way, a storage compartment, and a locking structure. The storage compartment is slidable in the sliding way. The locking structure includes a latching member and a magnetic valve. The latching member is engaged with the storage compartment, and is secured to the storage compartment. The latching member is movable relative to the storage compartment between a lock position and an unlock position. When the latching member is located in the lock position, the latching member is engaged with the sliding way, and the magnetic valve is engaged with the latching member. The latching member is disengaged from the sliding way when located in the unlocked position, and the magnetic valve is disengaged from the latching member.

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 diaper and wipe dispensing system includes a housing with an upper compartment for accommodating stacked diapers and a lower compartment separated from the upper compartment, for accommodating baby wipes. A diaper slot in the housing facilitates access to diapers within the upper compartment, and a wipe slot in the housing allows access to wipes within the lower compartment. At least one access panel releasably secures with the housing, such that diapers and wipes are loaded into the housing via the at least one access panel. The housing may be formed by a wall plate and a cover that slidably mates with the cover via lock-and-key features.

Abstract: A multiple-use blotting device for blotting blood from a fingertip includes a substrate, and a blood absorbing pad secured to the substrate. The blood absorbing pad has a plurality of blood absorbing sections that are evenly spaced from one another. The blotting device includes a protective cover overlying the blood absorbing pad, the protective cover having a window formed therein for exposing the blood absorbing pad. The cover is coupled with the substrate and is adapted to rotate relative to the substrate and the blood absorbing pad for sequentially aligning the window of the cover with each of the blood absorbing sections for exposing, one at a time, each of the blood absorbing sections. After one section of the pad has been used to blot blood, the cover is rotated for exposing a clean, unused section of the pad, while covering the used, blood-soaked section of the pad.

Abstract: A beverage vending system includes a vending machine with a housing having a plurality of racks therein, each rack storing vending items. One of the vending items is a kit cup. Each kit cup includes a cup, a lid and a beverage pod. The racks are directly inaccessible by a user of the vending machine, and the housing includes an access area, accessible to a user for retrieving a dispensed kit cup. A control panel includes a user interface for selecting a vending item and a currency exchange system for receiving currency from a user. A dispensing mechanism is operatively connected between the control panel and the plurality of racks. In response to the user selecting a vending item and paying of the associated purchase value, the dispensing mechanism actuates a rack storing the selected vending item, to, in turn, dispense one such selected item to the access area.

Abstract: A set of panels having chutes therebetween. The chutes being defined by curvilinear rails on such panels. The curvilinear rails having stops thereon for stopping the products for viewing.

Abstract: An automated method for dispensing pharmaceuticals particularly tablets and capsules, and other small discrete objects, includes: receiving prescription information, selecting a container, labeling the container, dispensing the tablets or capsules into the labeled container, applying a closure to the filled, labeled container, and offloading the container to a designated location. Preferably, the tablets are dispensed with high speed dispensing bins that employ forced air to agitate and singulate the tablets. The other functions within the system are typically carried out at stations designed to offer speed, flexibility and precision to the dispensing operation.

Abstract: An automated method for dispensing pharmaceuticals particularly tablets and capsules, and other small discrete objects, includes: receiving prescription information, selecting a container, labeling the container, dispensing the tablets or capsules into the labeled container, applying a closure to the filled, labeled container, and offloading the container to a designated location. Preferably, the tablets are dispensed with high speed dispensing bins that employ forced air to agitate and singulate the tablets. The other functions within the system are typically carried out at stations designed to offer speed, flexibility and precision to the dispensing operation.

Abstract: A dispenser automatically dispenses beverage cans. A housing has a conveyor along which cans are conveyed by gravity to a removal opening. A dispensing flap is on the removal opening and can be pivoted between a closed position, in which it prevents the removal of products through the removal opening, and a removal position. The dispensing flap has two trough-shaped receptacles lying at right angles to the conveyor section for one can, and is pivotal such that in the closed position a can is conveyed from the conveyor section into the first receptacle positioned to the inside of the housing, removal of the can from the first receptacle being prevented. In the removal position the can rolls from the first receptacle into the second receptacle, at the same time a new can is prevented from being conveyed from the conveyor into the first receptacle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modular automated tool dispenser comprising at least one tool delivery module with at least one tool compartment containing a plurality of tools that are combined to form tool classes and with a plurality of tool conveying devices, each device being associated with one of the tool classes and conveying tools of one class to a tool delivery point. Each tool class is defined by the tool type, tool size and/or the tool weight as a tool parameter. The dispenser also comprises a tool selection device for selecting the desired tool class and the number of tools to be delivered and for activating the tool conveying device that is associated with the selected tool class.

Abstract: A medication dispensing cabinet, a medication dispensing drawer assembly and an associated method are provided to facilitate controlled access to medications in an efficient manner. A medication dispensing cabinet includes a cabinet body, a plurality of drawers disposed within and configured for slidable extension relative to the cabinet body and a plurality of pockets serially positioned within a drawer. Each pocket includes a lid configured to cover the pocket and limit access to medication within the pocket. The medication dispensing cabinet also includes a linkage member configured to operably engage the lids of the plurality of pockets. The linkage member has a first state in which the linkage member prevents one or more of the lids from being opened and a second state in which the linkage member permits the lids to be opened in accordance with a predefined sequential order.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a mobile and self-contained sanitizing wipe dispensing system that dispenses discreet sheets of sanitizing wipes for hand or surface sanitization. The system is configured to facilitate the consistent dispensing of individual wipes, preferably from a roll of perforated but attached wipes, such that each wipe is separated at the point of perforation and the leading edge of the following sheet for easy access of each successive wipe. Means are provided to dispense wipes from a wall that is incorporated into the system, a plurality of walls forming an enclosure. The enclosure functions as a storage device for its own wipe refills and provides an integrated receptacle for used wipes. One embodiment comprises walls that are like-configured for ease in production and assembly and for reducing the cost of production.

Abstract: An inventory shelf monitoring system includes a plurality of track systems located on at least one shelf of a retail or warehouse establishment. Each track system includes a sensor and actuator that determines the position of a product pusher. The identity and location of the product pusher, for each track system on the shelf, is sent to a data acquisition and transmitter circuit that assembles, formats, and transmits pusher position data to a central receiver. The data is then transmitted to a central processing unit in a user device that maintains data corresponding to product count, availability, and activity associated with each track unit of each shelf employing the system. Inventory control, the prevention of out-of-stock situations, and the assessment of activity indicative of theft or accident is thus monitored in real time for prompt remedial action.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems for dispensing multiple types of materials, such as packing materials. According to various embodiments, the systems include a dispensing bin with multiple compartments configured to receive and dispense different types of materials, such as air-filled dunnage cushions and air-filled protective material. In certain embodiments, the dispensing bin is configured to receive materials from one or more supply machines and dispense the materials such that more than one type of material is provided to numerous packing stations for use in packaging items.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dispenser for moisturized sheets in the core of a toilet paper roll. Not only are wet and dry wipes provided coincidentally, the location is particularly handy for toilet use. In a utilization of existing bathroom fixtures, the novel concept offsets the rotational axis of the toilet paper roll to make an aperture available to dispense the moisturized sheets from the volume of the core previously occupied by the conventional spool. The invention further provides a hermetically sealed refill unit, a mechanism for singlating individual wipes, and means for preventing moisture loss from the sheets.

Abstract: A gumball machine includes a gumball container that contains a plurality of gumballs, and a neck portion coupled to the gumball container. The gumball machine has an elongated transparent housing having an upper end coupled to the neck portion, and a base coupled to the lower end of the elongated housing. A speaker is positioned inside the base and is electrically coupled to a switch, a plurality of lighting elements are arranged inside the transparent housing and electrically coupled to the switch, and a power supply is housed inside the base and electrically coupled to the switch, the speaker and the lighting elements. When an actuator is actuated, the actuator turns on the switch to cause the lighting elements to flash, the speaker to broadcast sound and/or music, and a gumball to be dispensed from the gumball container.

Abstract: A drawer 72 includes a coin container receiving unit 74 and a plurality of types of coin containers 76a, 76b having different shapes, each of the coin containers 76a, 76b can be placed in the coin container receiving unit 74, and wherein a number of the coin containers 76a, 76b installed in the drawer 72 is changeable according to a combination of the types of the coin containers 76a, 76b placed in the coin container receiving unit 74.

Abstract: Discussed herein are methods and devices for storing, handling, loading or dispensing of pipette tips. Some embodiments allow repetitive loading of an array of multiple pipette tips that are stored in a nested configuration.

Abstract: A dispensing system that removes individual napkins from a stack of interfolded napkins in a manner that allows the number of napkins dispensed to be easily counted and controlled so that an appropriate number of napkins are dispensed. The counted napkins are collected in an easily manageable form and presented to a user.

Abstract: Systems and methods related to dispensing food (e.g., fruit) or other items in a “first-in, first-out” manner are discussed. The system can include a base having one or more cavities therein and a plurality of chutes configured to align within a subset of the cavities. Each of the chutes can include an inlet that can provide access to an open interior for storage of items, and the plurality of chutes can dispense the plurality of items in a “first-in first out” manner. An ice chest capable of cooling the plurality of chutes can be included, as can a drip tray or other mechanism for separating the fruit from its juices to prolong its useful lifespan.

Abstract: Among other things, we describe an apparatus that includes a tubular body elongated along a longitudinal axis and having an interior cavity and a first open end, the interior cavity extending along the longitudinal axis and sized to receive multiple pharmaceutical pills, the interior cavity having a largest cross-sectional dimension perpendicular to the longitudinal axis that is sized to fit a single pharmaceutical pill within the cavity, the first open end sized to admit a pharmaceutical pill into the interior cavity, and a device to selectively allow insertion and removal of pills from the interior cavity.

Abstract: A tablet dispensing apparatus that allows easy cleaning of the inner surfaces of temporary storage structures. A simultaneous driving mechanism and a plurality of open-close mechanisms of a plurality of temporary storage structure are coupled to each other by a plurality of coupling structures. The coupling structures are each configured to release the coupling when the entire temporary storage structure or a portion, which includes the open-close mechanism, of the temporary storage structure is drawn out of a housing, and to establish the coupling when the entire temporary storage structure or the portion, which includes the open-close mechanism, of the temporary storage structure is pushed into the housing.

Abstract: A smoothie dispenser (20, 20S, 20A) comprises a frame (22); a smoothie receptacle storage section (24); and a receptacle conformed chiller section (26). The smoothie receptacle storage section (24) is provided within the frame (22) and configured to house plural smoothie receptacles (30) at a first temperature. The chiller section (26) is arranged to receive a selected smoothie receptacle released from the smoothie receptacle storage section and configured to crystallize contents of the selected smoothie receptacle. The receptacle conformed chiller section (26) is “receptacle conformed” in the sense that a surface of the chiller section is configured to conform to (e.g., have a surface of shape to mate with or to form substantially greater than linear contact with) at least a portion an exterior profile or periphery of the selected smoothie receptacle.

Abstract: A pellet dispensing apparatus includes a plurality of pellet dispensers, each including a reservoir configured to contain a plurality of pellets and a dispensing mechanism configured to dispense a quantity of pellets in response to selective operation of the dispensing mechanism; and a support configured to support a plurality of pellet dispensers in respective relative locations allowing for selective individual operation of respective dispensing mechanisms to dispense respective pellets. A method of dispensing pellets, comprising selecting a pellet dispenser that is held in a support among a plurality of other pellet dispensers, and operating the pellet dispenser to dispense a prescribed quantity of pellets.

Abstract: Automated dispensing systems and mechanisms for queuing output from an automated dispensing system are provided for the dispensing of articles. The automated dispensing system may increase efficiency of the automated dispensing system by reducing cycle time, increasing throughput, and reducing the time required for the unloading process. A system for dispensing articles may include a carousel including a plurality of stations, a plurality of carrier holders , each configured to be received at a respective station, and a robot configured to retrieve a carrier holder from the carousel. The robot may further be configured to move the carrier holder proximate the location of a first article, load the first article onto the carrier holder, and return the carrier holder to a station of the carousel.

Abstract: A combined dispenser for cigarette rolling papers and filters is described. In one embodiment, the dispenser includes a substantially box-shaped container for cigarette rolling papers that is defined by a plurality of panels including a top panel with a cut-out dispensing slot for dispensing sheets of the rolling papers. The dispenser also includes a cover panel with an outer surface and an opposite, inner surface. The cover panel is connected to the container at a hinge line. When pivoted about the hinge line into a closed position with the inner surface facing the top panel of the container, the cover panel substantially covers the top panel. The dispenser also includes a plurality of individually detachable cigarette filter strips stacked on the inner surface of the cover panel. The filter strips have a material composition that is different from the material composition of the cover panel.

Abstract: A pet waste bag dispenser includes a housing defining an interior compartment and having at least one opening in communication with the interior compartment. A positioner is located within the interior compartment of the housing and configured to position at least one box containing rolled pet waste bags relative to the opening such that the rolled pet waste bags can be dispensed through the opening in the housing. The positioner is also configured to position a plurality of stacked pet waste bags relative to the opening such that the stacked pet waste bags can be dispensed through the opening in the housing.

Abstract: A self-sterilizing pass-through medications cabinet is built into a wall of a hospital room and can be accessed from the room interior or from the hallway. A frame mounted in the wall supports a rack or box containing patient drawers or bins, arranged in a vertical stack parallel to the wall or in a horizontal row. A hall-side door can be opened by pharmacy staff to place pre-loaded bins into respective compartments, and one or more room-side doors or drawers are opened by nurse staff for administering the medications to patients. The hallway door and room doors interlock to prevent their being opened at the same time to safeguard patient privacy. An ultraviolet germicidal illumination system bathes each bin in sterilizing radiation to destroy pathogens that may be present from handling or transport of the bins.

Abstract: A vending machine, and an operating system and an operating method thereof are provided. The vending machine includes a cabinet and a transparent touch display. The cabinet accommodates a plurality of physical commodities for vending. The transparent touch display is configured in the cabinet and located in front of the physical commodities. The transparent touch display has a transparent area for revealing the physical commodities. A user selects the physical commodities by touching a position corresponding to each of the physical commodities at the transparent area. The transparent touch display is adapted for displaying corresponding commodity information according to touch information applied by the user on the transparent touch display.

Abstract: A dispenser (200) and method for dispensing pills to patients from cartridges (224) featuring downloadable remotely programmable timer (1B) and network communications links (504), alerting timer, databasing, printer, and battery (60).

Abstract: A device for dispensing a plastic fastener from a supply of ladder-type fastener stock includes a pair of separate modules that are independently pneumatically powered by a common air source. Each module is adapted to receive and index a corresponding side rail of the fastener stock, separate a cross-bar therefrom and eject the separated cross-bar out through a sharpened needle. As a feature of the invention, the pair of modules ejects the cross-bars of the dispensed fastener in an offset relationship to minimize fastener stress. As another feature of the invention, the pair of modules is independently slidably coupled to a common mounting plate. In this manner, the spacing and angular orientation between the modules are adjustable. As another feature of the invention, the feed mechanism includes a feed pawl that selectively engages outwardly facing notches formed in the side rail to ensure accurate alignment prior to the severing process.

Abstract: Embodiments of a vending machine are disclosed that can comprise one or more horizontally oriented shelves for supporting products to be vended, a plurality of vertically oriented dividers coupled to the shelves, a plurality of location markers located on the dividers and/or on the shelves, and an optical recognition module configured to optically recognize the location markers and to determine positions of the location markers and products relative to the shelves. In some embodiments, the optical recognition module can recognize the products by comparing images of the products to stored product images.

Abstract: Dispensers for packaging solid unit dosage forms, e.g., tablets, are described herein, the dispensers employing a deformable elastomeric wiper seal between a cover and a base. The cover is linearly or rotatably slidable relative to the base to seal and/or expose the compartments of the base.

Abstract: Dry powder inhalers include: (a) a first generally planar spiral travel path in an inhaler body, wherein the first spiral travel path has a plurality of adjacent curvilinear channels forming lanes with upstanding sidewalls, including an inner lane and an outer lane; and (b) a plurality of discrete sealed microcartridges with substantially rigid bodies disposed in the first travel path, each comprising a pre-metered (typically dose) amount of dry powder, the microcartridges being configured to slidably advance along the first travel path toward an inhalation chamber that merges into an inhalation output port. In operation, at least one microcartridge is held in the inhalation chamber to release the dry powder therein during inhalation.