Patents Examined by Michael K. Collins
  • Sensor dispenser device and method of use
    Patent number: 8640916
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are electrochemical sensor dispensing methods and apparatus. The sensors dispensers can include an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal, the elongate body including a proximally positioned dispensing surface with an opening for dispensing a sensor. A storage chamber having a series of connected sensors is positioned distally and can feed a proximally positioned sensor feeder mechanism. The feeder mechanism includes an elongate member having a first end and second end, the second end adapted to pivot between a sensor engaging position and a sensor feeding position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: LifeScan, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry T. Pugh
  • Gumball machine that dispenses multiple gumballs
    Patent number: 8640915
    Abstract: A gumball machine has a gumball container that holds a plurality of gumballs, a neck portion coupled to the gumball container and having an actuator and a gumball dispensing assembly that is coupled to the actuator for simultaneously releasing a plurality of gumballs from the gumball container when the actuator is actuated. The gumball machine also has a plurality of cylindrical supports, each having an upper end coupled to the neck portion, and a lower end having a side opening. A base is coupled to the lower end of each cylindrical support and has a bottom portion that is seated on a surface. Each side opening of each cylindrical support is positioned adjacent a ramp such that a gumball travelling through the cylindrical support is dispensed via the side opening to the ramp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Sweet N Fun, Ltd.
    Inventor: Francis M Arcega
  • Tissue advancement device for tissue boxes
    Patent number: 8631968
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a first plate being configured for supporting a quantity of tissues within a tissue dispenser box. A second plate is configured for resting on a bottom portion of the tissue dispenser box. A resilient structure is configured for urging the first plate in an upward direction. The resilient structure is further configured to be positioned between the first plate and the second plate. Attachment mechanisms are joined to a bottom portion of the first plate and a top portion of the second plate. The attachment mechanisms are configured for joining the resilient structure to the first plate and the second plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Inventor: Tony A. Taylor
  • Grain distribution apparatus and method
    Patent number: 8606397
    Abstract: A grain distributor including a timer coupled to a distribution spout that generates a series of particular time values. The control processor is programmed with an algorithm to pivot the distribution spout and to receive and record signals from the sensor as the sensor confronts each of the code clusters and each of the proof windows. The control processor is programmed with the algorithm to associate each signal from each code cluster with a particular time value generated by the timer and to memorize the particular time value associated with each code cluster in a long term memory and the control processor being programmed with the algorithm to associate each signal from each of the proof windows in a long term memory. The grain distributor is also self programming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Schlagel, Inc.
    Inventor: Bill Schlagel
  • Top or bottom loading container
    Patent number: 8602258
    Abstract: A container including: a container top having a dispensing opening formed from a plurality of top flaps; a container bottom disposed opposite the container top formed from a plurality of bottom flaps; and a plurality of decorative panels forming a sidewall of the container having a continuous decorative surface. The container is formed from a substantially symmetrical blank. As a result, the container can be loaded from either end on a cartoner. The container's continuous decorative surface on the sidewall allows for graphics on the container's sidewall to continue unimpeded. Advantageously, the container is designed for use on high speed cartoners and can be filled from either the top or the bottom as required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Leslie Thomas Long, Daniel Studd Grubb, Jr., Michael Alan Hermans
  • Remote medication management system
    Patent number: 8600548
    Abstract: An integrated medication management and compliance system for enabling a care provider to remotely manage and deliver individual doses of medications to a patient, in a non-sequential fashion. The system includes delivery apparatus remotely located from the care provider, wherein the apparatus stores a plurality of sealed unit dose packages that are delivered to a patient at a scheduled dosing time. The delivery apparatus is coupled to a control facility and to a computer terminal of the care provider by way of a secure communications network. The system enables the patient's medication regimen to be remotely tailored in real-time to accommodate fluid medical conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Inrange Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher E. Bossi, Adam J. Stokes, Timothy J. Stancliff
  • Vending machine
    Patent number: 8594838
    Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment of this invention, a vending machine may include sensors for capturing audio and visual data. A processing unit in the vending machine may analyze this data to calculate an attention score that is indicative of whether attention is being paid to the vending machine. Alternatively, or in addition, the processing unit may analyze this data to calculate the gender or emotional state of a person. Based on these calculations, a vending machine may alter its behavior, such as by changing its audiovisual output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Edwin Selker, Connor Dickie, Matthew Hockenberry, Jon Wetzel, Julius Akinyemi
  • Automated pipette tip loading devices and methods
    Patent number: 8590736
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Biotix, Inc.
    Inventor: Arta Motadel
  • Medication dispenser with integrated monitoring system
    Patent number: 8583281
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are provided for remote visualization of the storage compartments in a medication dispenser device, to monitor a patient's compliance with a medication dosage schedule and for verifying the proper loading of medication into the patient's medication dispenser device. The device may include a plurality of storage compartments, each having an interior space for storing at least one medication or medication reminder marker; an image capturing device (e.g., a camera) positionable to capture an image of the interior space of each storage compartment; and a communications module for electronically transmitting the captured image to a central monitoring station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Senticare, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Bear, Yogendra Jain
  • Capsule loading device for feeding a capsules dispensing machine
    Patent number: 8561838
    Abstract: Device for facilitating the loading of capsules into a machine for dispensing capsules or for preparing drinks based on these capsules comprising: a detachable tube (2) containing stacked capsules (8) furnished with an opening (24) for the capsules to pass through the tube, means (4) of aligning the tube allowing the tube (2) to be aligned through a capsule receiving zone (5) for the capsules to descend by gravity into this zone. The alignment means (5) comprise means (6) for retaining the capsules in their stack when the tube (2) is moved with its opening (24) oriented downwards, in the direction of the position in which the tube is aligned with the reception zone (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Christian Jarisch, Alfred Yoakim
  • Apparatus for securing drawer contents
    Patent number: 8554364
    Abstract: A cabinet having a plurality of drawers, each drawer having at least one compartment. The cabinet includes a computer and a panel pivotally coupled to one of the drawers. The panel is disposed in a covering relationship with the compartments within the drawer and includes at least one opening. The opening corresponds with the compartment. A cover is pivotally connected to the panel and covers the opening. A locking mechanism is interconnected with the drawer and the cover. The locking mechanism receives a signal from the computer to position it in one of a locked and unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Supplypro, Inc.
    Inventors: William K. Holmes, Kent V. Savage, Charles A. Tyack
  • Apparatus configured to dispense a plurality of connected inflatable structures and associated system and method
    Patent number: 8554363
    Abstract: An apparatus configured to dispense a plurality of connected inflatable structures is provided. The apparatus may include a motor which is configured to advance a dispensing device to thereby advance the connected inflatable structures. A sensor is configured to detect a pulling force applied to the dispensing device and configured to output a signal corresponding to the pulling force. A controller is configured to receive the signal and output a control signal to direct the motor to advance the dispensing device in response to the signal to thereby dispense the connected inflatable structures. A related system includes the apparatus in addition to an inflation device configured to inflate the connected inflatable structures and an accumulation bin configured to store the connected inflatable structures. A related method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation
    Inventors: Laurence Sperry, Christopher DiTonno, Jason Lepine
  • Card dispensing apparatuses and associated methods of operation
    Patent number: 8550294
    Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for dispensing credit cards, phone cards, in-store gift cards, and the like from customer-operated kiosks and other machines. In one embodiment, a card dispensing apparatus can include a plurality of card hopper assemblies arranged in an array of two or more vertical columns, each column including two or more card hopper assemblies. Each card hopper assembly can include a card hopper configured to hold a vertical stack of horizontally oriented cards. Each card hopper assembly can further include a card ejector assembly configured to eject the bottom-most card from each card stack. The card dispenser can further include a movable card carriage that can be selectively positioned to receive a card from any of the card hoppers and read information from the card before dispensing the card to a customer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Outerwall Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas A. Martin
  • Optical vend sensing system for product delivery detection
    Patent number: 8548625
    Abstract: An optical vend sensing system for use in vending machines employs a row of light emitters on one side of a region through which a vend product passes during delivery and a row of light detectors on the opposite side. Each detector is substantially aligned with a corresponding one of the emitters, and is capable of receiving light from any of more than one of the emitters when that emitter is activated. The emitters are individually activated in sequential, round-robin fashion and multiple detectors are monitored for each emitter when activated. Interruption of detectible beams between an activated emitter and one of the multiple emitters monitored for the activated emitter. Power applied to an activated emitter is calibrated in steps to a minimum level sufficient to ensure detection by all monitored detectors of light emitted by an activated emitter, plus a safety margin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Crane Merchandising Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David Boyd Whitten, William Edwin Booth, Paul Kevin Griner, Brian Lee Duncan
  • Sheet product dispensers and methods for controlling the dispensers
    Patent number: 8538580
    Abstract: Sheet product dispensers and methods for controlling the dispensers are provided. A sheet product dispenser includes a housing and a dispensing assembly disposed in the housing. The dispensing assembly is configured to hold a roll of sheet product thereon and to dispense a portion of the roll of sheet product. The sheet product dispenser further includes an ultraviolet light source disposed on the housing. The ultraviolet light source is configured to emit ultraviolet light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products LP
    Inventor: Warren R. Brownlee
  • Article vending machine and method for authenticating received articles
    Patent number: 8538581
    Abstract: An article dispensing machine, system and method for authenticating an article returned to the article dispensing machine and an article for use in such a machine and system. The article dispensing machine comprises an infrared light for illuminating the surface of the returned article, an image capture device for capturing the image of an authentication code on the returned article, and a processor for comparing the captured image to a master authentication code. The returned article comprises the authentication code printed in a carbon-containing ink and a substantially carbon free ink portion printed overtop of and at least partially concealing the authentication code, such that the authentication code is not visible in white light, but becomes visible when exposed to infrared light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Redbox Automated Retail, LLC
    Inventors: Franz Kuehnrich, Jonathan Palmer
  • Product detection system for a vending machine
    Patent number: 8534494
    Abstract: A vending machine includes a product detection system for signaling a vending controller that a selected product has released from a product support shelf. The vending machine includes a product delivery device that, upon initiation of a vending operation, transports the selected product from the product support shelf towards a delivery area. Upon initiation of a vending operation, a motor moves a product delivery device to a position adjacent the selected product. A dispensing mechanism then releases the selected product which falls into the delivery device, imparting a downward force which is sensed at the motor. A sensor detects the downward force and signals the vending controller that the product has been received by the product delivery device. At this point, the vending controller continues with the vending operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Crane Merchandising Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Talbert James Black, Jr., Thomas Roger Meinardi
  • Elevating lift dispenser and container for articles in a liquid bath
    Patent number: 8523013
    Abstract: Containers for contents in a liquid bath, which are resealable and have an elevating lift therein. The lift is preferably operated by an operator that fits within the container. The lift engages both a feature on the operator and a feature on the container. A slope differential exists between the operator feature and the container feature. Rotation of the operator relative to the container results in longitudinal movement of the lift within the container. The lift can be moved toward an upper position to raise at least a portion of the contents out of the liquid bath to facilitate dispensing of the contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventor: Randy D. Sines
  • Dispensing system for items
    Patent number: 8517215
    Abstract: A cabinet for storing and dispensing an inventory of items, the cabinet comprising: at least one drawer having a plurality of criss-crossing row slats and column slats arranged along its bottom and a plurality of corresponding bins. The row slats have a plurality of flexible appendages and the column slats have a plurality of notches corresponding to the appendages. Slat movement actuators axial move the slats. Each bin has a pivotal lid; a lid lock and release element and a lid lock and release element adapted to hold the lid closed until actuated by one of the appendages, whereby bins of various sizes can be arranged abutting each other in the drawer and the bins are openable by actuating the row slat(s) and column slat(s) related to the bins to be accessed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Inventor: Aaron Shafir
  • Gravity-fed dispenser
    Patent number: 8517214
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Inventors: Deborah J. Lowry, Roberta Royak, Paul Royak, Lawrence Hudson