Abstract: A workpiece transfer for a decorating machine includes transport conveyors for carrying workpieces to the decorating machine and from the decorating machine. The conveyors support each of the workpieces such that an elongated longitudinal axis of each workpiece is vertically orientated. The decorating machine has a decorator conveyor with spaced workpiece carriers to support a workpiece for rotation about the longitudinal axis of the workpiece in a horizontal orientation. A plurality of workpiece grippers pivotally supported by a drive hub support the workpieces during movement of the longitudinal axis thereof between the vertical orientation and the horizontal orientation. A drive shaft is secured to the drive hub to rotate about an axis forming acute angles with the longitudinal axis of a workpiece in each of the horizontal orientation and the vertical orientation. The acute angles are preferably 45°.

Abstract: Apparatus for indexing glassware through a series of angularly spaced stations includes first and second arrays of glassware gripping fingers mounted on associated carriers that are rotatable about a common axis, both conjointly and with respect to each other. Each carrier is connected to as associated servo motor, which in turn are connected to a controller for rotating the carriers with respect to each other to grip and release glassware between the fingers, and to rotate the carriers conjointly to index the glassware between apparatus stations. One array of glassware gripping fingers includes coil springs for biasing the fingers toward the fingers of the opposing array for accommodating tolerance variations in the glassware. Drive rollers are located at at least some of the stations, and are pivotal into and out of positions for rotating the containers about their axes for inspection or other purposes.

Abstract: For splitting-up a supply stream (2) of piece goods into a plurality of conveying away streams, the supplied objects (3) are guided onto a plurality of conveying away paths (4.1, 4.2, 4.3) in a predetermined splitting-up sequence. The device includes a supply device for serially supplying objects (3) to a split-up point (1) and for positioning the objects (3) for being taken over by holding device (6.1, 6.2, 6.3) in the split-up point (1). The device also has a plurality of conveying away systems, each one of which defines one of the conveying away paths. Of the conveying away systems advantageously each one has a closed-loop rail track (5.1, 5.2, 5.3) and holding devices (6.1, 6.2, 6.3) movable along the rail track independently of one another and with variable distances between one another. The rail tracks (5.1, 5.2, 5.3) of the conveying away systems converge toward the split-up point (1), run through the split-up point (1) parallel to one another, and diverge after the split-up point (1).

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting a bundle of signatures moving continuously on a saddle chain to a working station includes an indexing chain moving with variable speed, and a clamping unit for keeping the bundle of signatures at a predetermined position on the indexing chain; a method of operating the apparatus; and a saddle binding machine incorporating the apparatus.

Abstract: A conveyor belt cleaner including one or more scraper blades and a scraper blade mounting assembly for removably mounting the scraper blades to a support structure. The scraper blades include a mounting base formed of elastomeric material having a generally T-shaped mounting flange and an arm. The scraper blade also includes a metal scraping element having a generally planar lower portion and a generally planar upper portion that are disposed at an angle to one another. The lower portion of the scraping element is embedded within the arm. The upper portion of the scraping element includes a scraping tip adapted to engage a conveyor belt and that is pivotal about a pivot axis that is offset from a plane containing the upper portion of the scraping element. The mounting assembly includes a cross shaft that is adapted to be mounted at each end to a support structure by a slide bracket having a support ridge.

Abstract: The invention relates to a belt, strap, conveyor belt (20) having a support fabric (2) in which at least one electrically conductive loop (4) is embedded. The conductive loop is sewn onto the support fabric (2), so that even conveyor belts (20) which have an extremely thin cover layer (22) can be provided with conductive loops.

Abstract: “Improvements in fodder distribution conveyors, of the type which have an endless cable or chain with a plurality of transverse dragging means and which move along a conduit, with outlets for the unloading of corresponding portions of fodder into respective conduits and the cable or chain being moved by a driving motor provided with peripheral toothing, between whose teeth the transverse dragging means engages; characterized in that the driving wheel is made up of a disk joined to a motor means and a series of replaceable, peripheral teeth; each tooth is composed of two parts with an upper longitudinal axis channel; and, preferably, each tooth is mounted in a tilting fashion and in its interior has an elastic means, and each tooth has a conical face and another flat”.

Abstract: A product diverting mechanism used in a packaging system, which is effective to increase the speed at which the products are successively diverted, includes a force applicator for applying a force, including a force component acting in a horizontal direction, to the products transported from a preceding station, in a direction transverse to a direction of transport of the products, a suppressor disposed above a transporter for suppressing an upward shift of the products which occurs when the force applicator applies the force to the products, and an elevator for moving the suppressor up and down. The suppressor is lowered during an operation to divert the products so as to contact an upper surface of the products.

Abstract: A conveyor mat comprises a number of plastic modules succeeding each other in a conveying direction and whose top sides form a conveying face and provided with converging hinge loops which have equal basic forms and which alternately extend forwards and rearwards relative to the conveying direction and successive modules are coupled by means of hinge pins, such that the forwardly extending hinge loops of the rearmost module can slide between the rearwardly extending hinge loops of the next module between a slide-out position and a slide-in position, a sidewall of a forwardly extending hinge loop is provided with a projection which in the slide-out position cooperates with the top of the adjacent, rearwardly extending hinge loop, and the sidewall of the adjacent hinge loop is provided with a recess in which the projection can be received during sliding into the slide-in position.

Abstract: A conveyor assembly utilizes a plurality of rollers or a belt supported in a frame to convey articles. The frame is manufactured from a non-metallic material possessing physical characteristics that are substantially similar to those experienced with structural metals. More specifically, side frames, lower frames, slider beds, and fasteners used by the frame may be manufactured from the non-metallic material. A radio frequency (RF) reader is position on or near the conveyor assembly to read RF tags applied to items conveyed past the reader by the rollers or belt of the conveyor assembly.

Abstract: A container according to the present invention involves a thin lightweight case, or receptacle of any desired size or shape for holding or storing objects such as, eyeglasses, handheld electronic devices, pagers, cell phones, etc. The container is manufactured from any conventional material such as, a cloth, fabric, soft leather, rubber, plastic, or polymer material, or some combination thereof, and is preferably thin enough to be easily inserted into a user's pocket. The outer surface of the container is designed to provide a friction force when in a user's pocket, or in contact with a surface such as a car dash or a boat deck, for preventing the container from slipping out of the user's pocket, or from sliding along or falling off of the surface. Additionally, in one embodiment, the container is configured to prevent or reduce shock and vibration from being transmitted to objects within the container.

Abstract: A tray assembly for holding small devices such as polymeric ophthalmic lenses includes a mesh insert having a plurality of wells for containing individual lenses. The assembly may also include a support tray having a perimeter substantially conforming in shape to the outer edge of the mesh insert. Contact is maintained between the support tray and the mesh insert to confine the lenses within the assembly. A stack assembly includes a plurality of multiwell circular mesh trays and corresponding mesh tray covers stacked and secured on a center shaft and provides substantially enhanced efficiency and productivity in processes such as extraction or hydration. Additionally, portions of the mesh insert and support tray may be used with such processes such as lens coating and surface treatment.

Abstract: The present invention is a personal object holding device having an outer housing device having several separating walls inside the housing to form card holding chambers. The card holding chambers are sized to accommodate objects approximating the size of object such as credit cards, identification cards, drivers licenses and bank cards. The object holding device has at least one biasing member positioned on one of the separating walls for each of the chambers to hold the objects positioned in the chambers firmly in place. The personal object holding device further includes an ejection mechanism positioned within the housing which is used to urge the object positioned in the chamber out when desired.

Abstract: In a packaging system for coiled goods, a length of flexible material is wound into a coil. A hole is extended diametrically through the coil and a rod is extended through the hole. Fasteners are secured to the opposite end of the rod to secure the flexible material in the coiled configuration.

Abstract: An article for packaging food is provided in which the article comprising a triangularly shaped top layer of a first flexible material, such as aluminum foil, having two sealing edges and one opening edge, and a triangularly shaped bottom layer of a second flexible material having two sealing edges and one opening edge, wherein the sealing edges of the top layer are secured to the sealing edges of the bottom layer, thereby forming a conical pouch between the top layer and the bottom layer. The pouch has an opening between the opening edges into which food items can be inserted and then the opening edges folded together to close the pouch. The top layer preferably includes perforations that facilitate tearing open the top layer, for example, during or following reheating of the food item.

Abstract: A hanger supports the weight of merchandise on a merchandise support arm. The hanger proceeds through an opening in a sleeve into a cavity where the merchandise is supported by a merchandise support arm. The hanger arm includes a fixture attachment, such as a hook for cooperation with a display fixture. The sleeve assists in retaining the merchandise on the hanger when inserted properly. Furthermore, a sleeve has at least one display panel which may be utilized to provide information relating to the product. It is further anticipated that some embodiments of hangers may include retention means to assist in retaining the hanger relative to the sleeve and/or merchandise support arm on the support arm.

Abstract: A case can hold a disc that has a central hole and a predetermined outside diameter. The case has a pair of wings with a hinge joint for allowing the wings to swing between an open and a closed condition. The wings in the closed position are adapted to releasably hold the disc at a predetermined disc location between the wings with clearance at the periphery of the disc. This clearance allows loading and unloading of the disc in the open condition without interference. The wings have at least a pair of members for encaging the disc in order to impede removal of the disc in any direction around any one of the members. In the closed condition the members extend from the inwardly facing surface of one of the wings, transversely past the predetermined disc location, to a position at the inwardly facing surface of the other wing, in order to prevent removal of the disc. The pair of members are positioned to avoid overhanging the disc.

Abstract: A golf bag base is formed of a main body and an action plate. The main body has an inclined underside and a horizontal underside which is provided with a receiving slot. The receiving slot is provided in the inner wall with two pivoting holes. The action plate is provided with two pivoting projections and is pivoted to the main body such that the two pivoting projections are received in the two pivoting holes of the receiving slot of the main body.

Abstract: A desktop storage device is provided comprising an elongated platform element adapted to be inserted and retained within an elongated container. The elongated platform element includes a lower platform upon which said pens, pencils and similar elongated objects rest, and an upper platform connected to the lower platform by means of an elongated connecting member. Disposed within the upper platform is at least one aperture, said aperture serving to allow the pens or pencils to be inserted therethrough, and further allowing the user to grasp the elongated platform in order to slide it out of the container. The elongated platform element is adapted to be inserted into and securely retained within the container. Pens and pencils may be inserted through the aperture in the upper platform, and thereupon come to rest on the lower platform, being bound by the interior surface of the container.

Abstract: A corrugated collapsible shipping container is disclosed which includes a rigid pallet having side panels, a back panel and a front door panel extending upwardly from the pallet, one side panel and the back panel formed from a sheet of corrugated material, and the other side panel and the door panel formed from a second sheet of corrugated material. Corrugated support beams extend across the top with a top sheet closing the container. The front door is self-hinged for access into the container.

Abstract: A small component parts filing and inventory control system including a repeatedly resealable bag for containing small parts, the bag further including a mounting portion extending from the bag. The mounting portion is isolated from the bag cavity so that parts may not pass therethrough. The mounting portion enables the removable mounting, and the slidable repositioning, of the bag upon a rail or system of rails. The bag further includes an information bearing portion related to the parts contained within the bag, the information bearing portion showing information such as, but not limited to, two or more of manufacturer, manufacturer contact information, part description, catalog number, part identifying number, date of purchase, cost at purchase, quantity at purchase, quality, size, bar code identifier, color code identifier, or the like. Also provided are advantageous alternate constructions of the bag and of a rail system including a novel base.

Abstract: A container for storing items and adapted for being stacked upon and nested within like containers. The container includes a base. First and second pairs of spaced-apart, opposing sidewalls extend upwardly and outwardly from the base. The second pair of sidewalls is perpendicularly disposed between and interconnects the first pair of sidewalls to form a storage compartment. The container also includes first and second pairs of opposed support members. Each of the pairs of support members is pivotally connected to a respective one of the opposing sidewalls and is adapted for being moved between an inwardly-directed position residing within the storage compartment at a predetermined vertical position therein and an outwardly-directed position residing exterior to the storage compartment for defining a nesting position, a first stacking position, and a second stacking position.

Abstract: A container has a bottom panel, side walls, and end walls, with the bottom panel having recesses for accepting stacking tabs The side walls are provided with stacking tabs which are tapered inwardly so as to align with the recesses in the bottom panel of a second container. The inwardly tapered tabs allow for easy stacking without the tabs being deformed when containers are stacked atop one another. To improve strength, the side and end walls are disposed approximately at right angles to the bottom panel. Multiple plies of material are used along the container walls to increase container strength.

Abstract: A calculation aid is disclosed forming an integral part of a medication bottle. The calculation aid provides a reference chart for pediatric elixirs to assist in the accurate calculation of the weight-specific dosage for a child. The bottle includes parallel columns of patient's weights and rows of calculated quantity of elixir corresponding to the calculated dose. A movable indicator with an aperture allows selected viewing of the indicia.

Abstract: A knife block to store and protect sharpened kitchen knives is suggested. The knife block includes a base and a pivotable tray connected together by a adjustable coupling system. The base includes a plurality of apertures therein that are to receive the blades of sharpened kitchen knives. The pivotable tray is configurable to change the geometry and functionality of the knife block from a folded configuration to a straight configuration. In the folded configuration, the knife block is easily deployed upon a counter top in an upright position. In the straight configuration, the knife block can be deployed upon a horizontal or vertical surface, for example upon a wall or within a drawer.

Abstract: A method of external genital cleansing and prophylactic kit are disclosed. The kit includes wipes having topical microbicides, personal lubricants, sterile water or sterile water-based solutions disposed on or impregnated therein. The wipes are packaged in conjunction with a condom and when used in accordance with the teaching of this invention work to inhibit transmission of STDs particularly including HIV. Wipes provided in the kit may be used to cleanse the external portions of the genitals before application of the provided condom. After removal of the condom, one or more wipes are to be used to cleanse the external portions of the genitals.

Abstract: A cleaning kit includes a housing member having a carrier and a convertible cover. A pivotal handle is fixed to the convertible cover, the pivotal handle being selectively folded against a surface of the convertible cover. At least one locking mechanism is provided for securing the convertible cover to the carrier and a plurality of holding clips are mounted on an inner surface of the carrier, the holding clips being provided for holding selected cleaning tools in a storage position. A telescoping handle is removably mounted in one of the plurality of holding clips as is the handle of at least one cleaning device. Each cleaning device includes an attachment head, a handle having a first end and a pivot end, and a pivot hinge positioned between the attachment head and the pivot end of the handle, the handle being selectively folded against the attachment head and in longitudinal alignment with the attachment head. The convertible cover selectively functions as either a cover or a dustpan.

Abstract: A cost-effective package is described that creates a visual impression of a packaged item floating within a frame. The package includes a chassis having a compartment for holding the item and a frame for holding the chassis. The chassis includes a front panel and a rear panel. The chassis compartment is formed by a cavity in the front panel and a corresponding cavity in the rear panel. The chassis further includes a flange for installing the chassis into the frame. The flange is formed by first and second flange flaps that extend respectively from the front and rear chassis panels. The frame for holding the chassis includes a series of panels that fit around the outer perimeter of the chassis. One of the panels includes a guide channel and slot for receiving the chassis flange. The package is formed by sliding the chassis into the frame and folding the frame closed around the chassis.

Abstract: A powder receiving device has a loading chamber with an integral dust collector. The dust collector preferably includes at least one bag filter which filters air taken from above powder loaded into the loading chamber. The filtered air is then fed either back into the loading chamber, into a hopper where the powder is released to an external location, or out over the container from which the powder is loaded. This air flow provides for increased fluidity of the powder. The bag filter is positioned facing the loading chamber, such that when a backwash mean sends a pulse of air into the bag filter, the collected powder is dropped back into the loading chamber. The resulting powder receiving device prevents powder from escaping when powder is transferred from a container into the loading chamber. Since the powder is prevented from escaping, the powder receiving device further provides a clean workplace.

Abstract: In a method of the magnetic loading of a sintering material, magnetically susceptible sinterable substances of high magnetization and fine substances of slidable dropping at low speed are segregated in great amounts in an upper portion of a sintering material layer deposited on a pallet. More of magnetically susceptible sinterable substances such as mill scale, returned ore and the like of good magnetic attachment and fine substances of low drop speed are caused to be segregated in the upper portion of that layer. A magnetic force is applied to a starting sintering material, during movement of the latter having been facilitated in its particle size segregation on a sloping chute, by means of a cylindrical magnetic drum having built therein a permanent magnet and disposed downwardly of the sloping chute.

Abstract: A system for controlling the operation of an item of equipment for processing materials to produce a product which includes aggregate materials of various particle sizes in a predetermined weight ratio includes a sampling device for obtaining a sample of the product from a predetermined location and a gradation assembly. The gradation assembly includes a plurality of gradation screens and a weighing pan for measuring the weight of aggregate material. The gradation screens are supported by a frame in a generally horizontal attitude in a stacked arrangement, so that each screen in the stack has screen openings that are smaller than those of the screen immediately above it in the stack. The assembly also includes a vibrator for vibrating the screens and a mechanism for sequentially depositing the aggregate material that is retained on each screen or that passes through all of the screens in the weighing pan.

Abstract: A screen assembly for a vibratory shaker, the screen assembly including at least two screening members, and the at least two screen members connected by sewing material. In one aspect of such a screen assembly the sewing material is thread in a stitch pattern across the at least two screening members, a pattern of expandable material on and corresponding to the stitch pattern, and the thread passing through holes in the pattern of expandable material, the expandable material expanded within the holes following extraction of a needle therefrom, the needle used to apply the sewing material, to inhibit tearing of either of the at least two screening members between holes.

Abstract: A system and method for assisting an operator in sorting mail includes a wireless headset equipped with a microphone, and a workstation that includes a processing unit, voice-recognition and voice-synthesis circuitry, and a database. In operation, addressee information spoken into the microphone is transmitted to the workstation where it is used to search the database. Destination information from a matching database record is then output to the operator on one or more of a display terminal, headset speakers, and heads-up display fixed to the headset. The convenience and enhanced capability provided by this system streamlines operator productivity and sorting volume.

Abstract: A fine solids separator 10 including a hollow housing 12 having a generally cylindrical wall 11. Located within the housing 12 is a cylindrical screen member 15 that is preferably formed of expanded metal mesh. The screen member 15 encloses a chamber 22 to which a flocculated sewage is delivered by means of an inlet duct 23. Located within the chamber 22 is an impeller 26 which at least aids circulation of liquid within the chamber 22 about the longitudinal axis of the chamber 22. Liquid leaves the chamber 22 via the screen member 15 and an outlet 25 extending from an outlet chamber 24 located between the member 15 and housing 12.

Abstract: A stand for elevating the wheel of a motorcycle, which includes a pair of interconnected parallel side plates, including substantially coplanar adjacent flat surfaces. A lever moves the stand from a first non-operative position on one flat surface to a second operative position on the second flat surface, elevating the cycle and further stabilizing the stand in this position.

Abstract: A display apparatus for displaying an article such as a pneumatic tire includes an elongate base with a substantially planar top surface and article support members projecting from said top surface at opposed ends of the base. Opposed side or lateral article support members are also provided each having an elongate side wall for supporting the article and connection means are provided projecting from opposed ends of each of the side article support members for removable and adjustable inner connection with the article support members on the base to provide a display for displaying an article such as a pneumatic tire in a vertical position and with the ability to accommodate different sizes of tires.

Abstract: A suspended shoe rack providing a series of horizontally, or slightly inclined, shoe supports laterally within a structure of a rack, between a pair of side rods, and guide line or stabilizing rods, with the side rods providing structure for supporting the racks to a closet door, during usage. In addition, a plurality of such shoe racks may be nested together, to facilitate their packing assembly, for shipment, storage, or when displayed for sale.

Abstract: A modular system is provided for mounting a gravity feed dispenser that allows one or more fixtures to be mounted in front of, and in working relationship with, the dispenser. The gravity feed dispenser is mounted on a support structure in such a way that other fixtures such shelving, hangers, rods, or other storage and display fixtures can be mounted in front of the dispenser in a number of different configurations. A workstation featuring one or more gravity feed dispensers is provided by mounting a work area and shelves in front of and in working relationship with the dispensers.

Abstract: A shelf and bracket item holder where the item holder is supported upon a planar panel. The shelf has two end edges and two shelf-brackets which include a substantially circumferential flange, a receptacle portion for receiving one of the end edges of the shelf, and an upper panel catch and a lower panel catch projecting outwardly from a same side of the circumferential flange in aligned spaced relation to one another. A cantilevered lock-release latch is positioned adjacent to the lower panel-catch so as to project from an end of the circumferential flange toward the lower panel-catch. When each of the upper and lower panel-catches are inserted through and occupy a corresponding one of the perforations in the panel such that each of the lock-release tabs of the lock-release latches engages the outer surface of the perforated panel thereby deflecting the lock-release latches away from the perforated panel, the shelf and brackets are moved relative to the perforated panel.

Abstract: A high visibility display for exhibiting products is provided herein. The display includes a main body configured to straddle a support having a front wall and a pair of opposing sidewalls. At least one securing member is connected to the main body and mounts the main body to the support, allowing the main body to straddle the support. Attached to and extending from a rear edge of one or more of the sidewalls is least one display that can display a plurality of merchandise items.

Abstract: A shower caddy for holding personal care articles including containers of preparations such as shampoo, hair conditioner, lotions, toothpaste and the like, and items such as shavers, toothbrushes and combs, includes a frame having generally vertically disposed structural elements, at least one and preferably two transversely disposed shelves for holding articles, the shelves being attached to the frame at a vertically spaced apart locations, and a mirror pivotably attached to the frame at an intermediate vertical location between the shelves. A tubular collar attached parallel to the frame is has a vertically disposed coaxial bore therethrough that telescopically and rotatably holds the elongated straight, lower shank portion of a hanger rod.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rail car mounting block assembly for electrical interconnections between railway cars. The assembly comprises a housing having a threaded opening therethrough adapted to receive an electrical plug and electrical cable. The assembly has a securing mechanism for attaching the housing to a rail car and the housing has a receiving member for receiving a connector of a lanyard. The invention further provides for a lanyard having a plurality of loops for encompassing an electrical cable having electrical connectors at both ends. The lanyard also has connectors at both ends with one of the connectors attaching to one of the cable's electrical connectors and the other connector attaching to the receiving member of the housing. The invention further provides for a combination of the lanyard and the electrical cable.

Abstract: An injection moulded, plastics material cap (1) for a screw top bottle has a top and a skirt with an anti-tamper band (2) connected to the skirt at a tear-off line by links (3). On the inside of the top of the cap, a depending annular ridge (10) is provided. Its inside diameter is such that it abuts and seals on the outside diameter of the distal end of the neck of the bottle. Also on the inside of the cap, inside the ridge (10), is moulded a forked feature having an inner limb (12) which extends generally downwards with an outwards bias, and an outer limb (13) which extends generally outwards with downwards bias. The inner limb is dimensioned to fit inside the mouth at the neck of the bottle, sealingly engaging it, whiles the outer limb is dimensioned to abut the end of the neck, also sealingly engaging it when the cap is screwed tight.

Abstract: A cap adapted to be secured on a neck of a container wherein the cap includes a top wall and a depending annular skirt having an inner annular projection. A fluid seal having a central transverse wall, an outer annular shoulder and a inner annular bead rests on the inner annular projection so as to define a space between the cap and the fluid seal into which the fluid seal is pushed when the cap is secured to the neck of the container to make a seal between the outer annular shoulder of the seal and the inner annular projection.

Abstract: The invention concerns improvements to containers, in particular plastic bottles, having a body (2) with a circular non-cylindrical wall, so as to reinforce them and prevent cross-section variation when they are subjected to compression forces. Part at least of the wall is provided with a substantially planar relief. The wall is reinforced with peripheral grooves (26, 27, 28, 29, 30) oriented in planes substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X) of the container, and the part including a substantially planar relief is run through with several grooves. The width of each of the grooves is such that it is less wide (L2) where it emerges in the part of the wall than at the middle (L1) of its crossing. The invention is particularly useful for reinforcing large capacity bottles.

Abstract: A container for holding foods comprises a base member (1); a cover member (3) which is connected to the base member (1) by releasable locking engagement; a first recessed carrying handle (20) provided on a lower side of the base member (1); and a second recessed carrying handle (11) provided on an upper side of the cover member (3). To achieve a substantially flat support surface for both the base member (1) and the cover member (3), the first and second carrying handles (20, 11) are integrated with and recessed into the contour of the base member (1) and of the cover member (3), respectively, such that each of the base member (1) and the cover member (3) have substantially flat surface portions so that the container will rest stably on a flat support surface such as a table in both the upright and inverted positions of the container.

Abstract: A trash receptacle includes an upper rim, four sidewalls, and a lid. The trash receptacle includes a pair of recessed channel portions disposed in opposite sidewalls. A pair of handles are disposed in each of the channel portions. The channel portions each include a bottom channel wall and channel sidewalls. The lid also serves as a collar for the bottom of the trash receptacle 100. The interior of the channel portion has an upper, rounded portion which leads smoothly to the bottom channel wall. A label can be provided on the side of the trash receptacle. The structure of the trash receptacle serves to prevent development of a vacuum between the walls of the trash receptacle and the trash bags. The trash receptacle 100 is adapted to receive trash bags or plastic liners, and has improved resistance to formation of a vacuum between the walls of the trash receptacle and the trash bags.

Abstract: A programmable vitamin and pill dispenser that is capable of storing multiple pill groups. The dispenser provides reminders to an individual when it is time to ingest the next serving. The serving is dispensed into a cup upon depressing a dispenser button. By loading the individual compartments specific to each serving, an individual does not have to create the serving each time.

Abstract: An automated drug dispensing system includes a cabinet adapted to store a variety of prepackaged pharmaceuticals in a plurality of bins for filling patient prescriptions. Each bin stores a particular variety of packaged multiple-dose pharmaceutical. Each variety of pharmaceutical is associated with a particular code. A controller receives request signals and in response generates dispense signals. Each bin includes a dispenser coupled to the controller for dispensing the packaged pharmaceuticals therefrom in response to a dispense signal sent from the controller. After a package is dispensed, a code reader determines the code of the dispensed package and verifies whether the code on the dispensed package matches the code of the requested package.

Abstract: A product dispenser comprising a cover, a slidable push element, a base and a landing is provided. The cover and the base are rotatable with respect to each other about a common axis. The cover comprises a roof opening in which the push element slides in opposing directions, advancing product from the interior of the cover onto the landing. In a preferred embodiment, the dispenser houses miniature zinc air batteries, secured to the base using an adhesive platform. When a cell is advanced from the interior of the cover onto the landing, the cell is separated from the adhesive platform, allowing air to pass into the cell and the cell to be activated. The landing preferably comprises a magnet for releasably securing product. The dispenser is then used as an inserter for orienting and placing the product in position in a device. The product is not directly handled during its removal from the dispenser or during its insertion into a device.