Having Feature Perfecting The Dispensing Of Articles Patents (Class 211/59.2)
  • Patent number: 11659943
    Abstract: A method of providing a merchandising system that includes a base supporting a product, configuring a housing to engage the base, wherein the base comprises a top wall, a first side wall, and a second side wall, configuring a rotatable door assembly to slidably engage the housing and the base, wherein the rotatable door assembly is configured with a door to hold the product, wherein the door is configured to move from a closed position to an open position, connecting a door spacer to the door and configuring the door spacer bar to rotate away from a front of the door, and mounting a locking assembly to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen N. Hardy
  • Patent number: 11583107
    Abstract: A retail merchandise tray assembly is provided. The tray assembly has a frame to which a front stop hinge is mounted. In a first angular position, the front stop hinge can be mounted or removed from the frame. In a second angular position, the front stop hinge is prevented from being removed from the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Fasteners for Retail, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas O. Nagel, Kelly Ann Pickett, Francesc Xavier Badia Rotger
  • Patent number: 11583106
    Abstract: A retail merchandise tray assembly is provided. The tray assembly may have an adjustable divider. The tray assembly may have a sign adaptor for mounting a sign to the divider. The tray assembly may have an accessory clip. The tray assembly may have a pivotable front stop. The tray assembly may have sign holders mounted to a front stop. The tray assembly may include signs mounted within a sign holder that is mounted to the front stop. The divider may be powder coated while the divider mounts may be free of painting. Methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Fasteners for Retail, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas O. Nagel, Kelly Ann Pickett, Francesc Xavier Badia Rotger
  • Patent number: 11564507
    Abstract: A retail merchandise tray is provided. The retail merchandise tray includes a frame, a pusher that slides along the frame, at least one divider, and at least one baffle plate extension slidable relative to the divider and the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Fasteners for Retail, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas O. Nagel
  • Patent number: 11517126
    Abstract: A product management display system for merchandising product on a shelf includes a tray having a front curved portion and a surface defining a plurality of glide rails, a tip extending from the front curved portion of the tray wherein the tip has a first edge, a second edge, and a third edge and wherein at least two of the edges are substantially straight, a mounting member positioned behind the tip wherein the mounting member is a slot, a product retaining member positioned above the front curved portion of the tray, a first divider and a second divider, and a pusher configured to engage the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen N. Hardy
  • Patent number: 11350769
    Abstract: A retail merchandise tray is provided. The retail merchandise tray includes a pair of load bearing members, a front stop mounted to the load bearing members, a wire support structure removably attached to the front stop and load bearing members, a pusher that slides along the wire support structure, and a pair of movable divider assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Fasteners for Retail, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas O. Nagel
  • Patent number: 11350768
    Abstract: A retail merchandise tray is provided. The retail merchandise tray includes a frame for supporting retail merchandise, a pusher that slides along the frame, and at least one movable divider assembly adjustable positionable relative to the frame, the divider assembly including a movable baffle plate extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Fasteners for Retail, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas O. Nagel
  • Patent number: 11166571
    Abstract: A retail merchandise tray assembly is provided. The tray assembly may have an adjustable divider. The tray assembly may have a sign adaptor for mounting a sign to the divider. The tray assembly may have an accessory clip. The tray assembly may have a pivotable front stop. The tray assembly may have sign holders mounted to a front stop. The tray assembly may include signs mounted within a sign holder that is mounted to the front stop. The divider may be powder coated while the divider mounts may be free of painting. Methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: Fasteners for Retail, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas O. Nagel, Kelly Ann Pickett, Francesc Xavier Badia Rotger
  • Patent number: 10952547
    Abstract: A retail merchandise tray is provided. The retail merchandise tray includes a pair of load bearing members, a front stop mounted to the load bearing members, a wire support structure removably attached to the front stop and load bearing members, a pusher that slides along the wire support structure, and a pair of movable divider assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Fasteners for Retail, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas O. Nagel
  • Patent number: 10952532
    Abstract: A shelf unit for a shelving system has a shelf and a support frame carrying the shelf. The support frame has a front frame part, a rear frame part and two lateral frame parts, which are connected to one another to form a through-opening. The shelf is formed by a plurality of elongated floor elements, each of which rests with its longitudinal ends on the front frame part and the rear frame part. The floor elements have an elongated base body with an upper side having a product support surface and with a lower side that, in the area of each longitudinal end of the base body, has a bar that extends in the longitudinal direction of the base body, and is inserted into an insertion receptacle of the support frame of the shelf unit. A shelving system has at least one such shelf unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Inventor: Rickard Nilsson
  • Patent number: 10945539
    Abstract: A display for tape products. The display includes at least x shelves disposed on a stand. At least y modules are provided, wherein y>x. Each module includes a plurality of interconnected frame channels. The modules comprise at least first modules including channels of a first width and second modules including channels of a second width. At least several of the modules include reversible generally U-shaped inserts configured for insertion into the channels. The U-shaped inserts provide a first open orientation suitable for receiving a generally cylindrical tape product and a second closed orientation suitable for supporting a rectangular tape product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: ShurTape Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Standen, Christopher J. Longstreet, James A. Williams, Charles D. Fernberg, James C. Monroe
  • Patent number: 10905257
    Abstract: A rack for storing drink cans beneath a wire shelf or other horizontal surface of a storage space such as a refrigerator comprises bottom support wires for the sides of the cans and side support wires for the ends of the cans. The side support and bottom support wires are connected by two longitudinally spaced hanger wires each forming a loop with an upright portion extending connected to the side wires and a horizontal portion connected to the bottom wires. Each loop has a horizontal top wire portion arranged in an overlapping condition for attachment to the shelf or the upper support surface. The forward ends of the side support wires are connected by a first cross wire which is welded to a second cross wire interconnecting the forward ends of the bottom support wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Inventor: Ross Stonehouse
  • Patent number: 10856671
    Abstract: A retail merchandise tray and display incorporating the same are provided. The display includes a shelf and the tray mounted to the shelf. The tray includes a pair of opposed mounting rails with at least one tray section situated between the first and second mounting rails. A support leg is mounted to the first mounting rail and elevates a back end of the retail merchandise tray relative to a front end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Fasteners for Retail, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas O. Nagel, Brent O. Ewing
  • Patent number: 10842294
    Abstract: A retail merchandise tray is provided. The retail merchandise tray includes a pair of load bearing members, a front stop mounted to the load bearing members, a wire support structure removably attached to the front stop and load bearing members, a pusher that slides along the wire support structure, and a pair of movable divider assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Fasteners for Retail, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas O. Nagel
  • Patent number: 10807756
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus of automatically supplying blood collection tubes for a labeling machine, includes: a holding unit including a plurality of holding grooves in which a plurality of blood collection tubes are inserted and supported; a discharge unit configured to supply the blood collection tubes to the labeling machine; a supply unit having supply pins and configured to maintain or release positions of the blood collection tubes to be transferred to the discharge unit; a standby unit having stop pins and configured to control movements of blood collection tubes positioned next to the foremost blood collection tubes held by the supply unit; an operation unit configured to select a type and the number of blood collection tubes; and a controller configured to receive signals from the operation unit and control the supply unit and the standby unit, thus to transfer the blood collection tubes to the discharge unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Inventor: Sang Ho Yi
  • Patent number: 10806275
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a channel glide assembly are disclosed. In some embodiments, the assembly includes a channel glide having a base with a first channel and a second channel, a first fence on a lateral outside side of the first channel, a second fence on a lateral outside side of the second channel, an intermediate fence positioned between the first and second channel, and a front stop unit removably connected with the base. In certain embodiments, the front stop unit is a different material than the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Inventors: Eva Lilja, Brendan Hingston Lake
  • Patent number: 10758062
    Abstract: A bottle dispensation and marketing display assembly is configured to both dispense multiple bottles in an efficient, energy-free means, and also to ornamentally display the bottles, and cards describing the bottles in a unique assembly that can be mounted in a retail space with minimal shelf-space, and connected in a modular arrangement with other assemblies carrying similar or dissimilar bottles. A housing containing the bottles mounts to a surface and attaches to adjacent housings. The assembly utilizes gravity feed dispensing means to dispense the bottles, such that when removing a first bottle from an outlet opening, a subsequent bottle quickly falls to the outlet opening in a controlled, aligned manner. A transparent case retains one bottle for display, and an at least partially transparent raised panel retains a card for providing information, so as to enable optimal viewing and information gathering of the bottles contained within.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Inventor: Jessi L. Eisenhauer
  • Patent number: 10694869
    Abstract: A retail merchandise tray is provided. The retail merchandise tray includes a pair of load bearing members, a front stop mounted to the load bearing members, a wire support structure removably attached to the front stop and load bearing members, a pusher that slides along the wire support structure, and a pair of movable divider assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Fasteners For Retail, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas O. Nagel
  • Patent number: 10600273
    Abstract: The present application provides a product vending module for vending a number of products. The product vending module includes a product row configured to contain a number of products therein. The product vending module also includes a product gate positioned about the product row and rotatable from a closed position preventing access to the number of products to an open position allowing access to one of the number of products while preventing access to a remainder of the number of products, the product gate including a biased base. The product vending module further includes a product locking system in communication with the product gate, the product locking system including a locking pin releasably engaging the biased base and movable from a first allowing rotation of the product gate toward the closed position to a second position restricting rotation of the product gate toward the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Bart Carpentier, Jurgen Roekens, Antonio Feltrin, Willy Van Esch, Jacobus P. M. Dessing
  • Patent number: 10600026
    Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to provide an indication of stock level for products within a retail location. A marking material can be used on particular products to provide notification that the stock of the product is in or approaching a low stock situation. In some embodiments, a reader or sensor can be provided at or near a point of sale that is configured to detect the marking material and create a task.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Nicholaus A. Jones, Robert J. Taylor, Aaron J. Vasgaard, Matthew A. Jones
  • Patent number: 10555796
    Abstract: Dental tool storage systems and containers are disclosed herein. A dental tool storage system can include a plurality of flossers that can include a flossing head having: a first arm; a second arm; a connecting member; and a filament extending from the first arm to the second arm; and a handle portion extending from the flossing head. The dental tool storage system can include a dental tool storage container having an internal volume defined by: a top; a bottom; and a plurality of sides. The internal volume can be sized and shaped to receive the plurality of flossers in a stack extending at least partially between the top and bottom of the internal volume. The dental tool storage unit can include a dispensing feature and a fixation feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: Sacks Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Devin S. Chodorow
  • Patent number: 10504389
    Abstract: An interactive kiosk configured to display items, attract consumers and maintain a consistent display appearance. The kiosk includes a vertically-oriented interactive display having an array of LED modules which are programmed to show images or other data related to intended purpose of the kiosk display. A combination of LED modules and non-visible filler panels behind a header panel can be included. One or more shelves, including optionally a top shelf having an interactive display is provided for displaying objects with which a user can securely interact, or otherwise select for purchase. The kiosk is adapted to mount to different retailer structures as needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: GOOGLE LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Graham Tewksbury, Li Xu, Nicholas Joseph Scalzi, Victoria A. Spielmann
  • Patent number: 10492627
    Abstract: A retail merchandise tray is provided. The retail merchandise tray includes a pair of load bearing members, a front stop mounted to the load bearing members, a wire support structure removably attached to the front stop and load bearing members, a pusher that slides along the wire support structure, and a pair of movable divider assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Fasteners for Retail, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas O. Nagel
  • Patent number: 10477989
    Abstract: An apparatus and system for dispensing large amounts of cylindrical food containers or cans. The apparatus includes at least two support frames joined together through a series of connector pieces. Additional support frames may be added to the apparatus to create a modular system of dispensers that are customizable according to user discretion. The apparatus and system may be disposed directly on the traverses of a shelving unit so that large number of can dispensers may be accommodated within a relatively small volume or storage space. Each can dispenser may accommodate multiple cans which are orientated so that as each can is removed from the dispenser, a subsequent can will roll forward and take its place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Cambro Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Johannes Le
  • Patent number: 10463175
    Abstract: An apparatus and system for dispensing large amounts of cylindrical food containers or cans. The apparatus includes at least two support frames joined together through a series of connector pieces. Additional support frames may be added to the apparatus to create a modular system of dispensers that are customizable according to user discretion. The apparatus and system may be disposed directly on the traverses of a shelving unit so that large number of can dispensers may be accommodated within a relatively small volume or storage space. Each can dispenser may accommodate multiple cans which are orientated so that as each can is removed from the dispenser, a subsequent can will roll forward and take its place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: Cambro Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Johannes Le
  • Patent number: 10455953
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a channel glide assembly are disclosed. In some embodiments, the assembly includes a channel glide having a base with a first channel and a second channel, a first fence on a lateral outside side of the first channel, a second fence on a lateral outside side of the second channel, an intermediate fence positioned between the first and second channel, and a front stop unit removably connected with the base. In certain embodiments, the front stop unit is a different material than the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Monster Energy Company
    Inventor: Eva Lilja
  • Patent number: 10266342
    Abstract: A release device may include a lifting and pre-stopping element having an upper sliding surface, the part coupled to a drive such that the sliding surface is movable over the sliding plane into an enabled position and at the level of the sliding plane into a blocked position, the part having a stop which in the enabled position protrudes beyond the sliding plane. A blocking element, behind the part in the sliding direction, has an upper blocking element sliding surface, a blocking edge protruding beyond the sliding plane, and an extendable/retractable block coupled to the drive such that the block is movable below the blocking element sliding surface into an enabled position and above the blocking element sliding surface into a blocked position. The blocking edge may be in front of the block in the sliding direction, preventing contact between the piece good and the block in the blocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: CAREFUSION GERMANY 326 GMBH
    Inventors: Christoph Hellenbrand, Dietmar Gross, Stephan Johann Brokonier
  • Patent number: 10258171
    Abstract: An apparatus and system for dispensing large amounts of cylindrical food containers or cans. The apparatus includes at least two support frames joined together through a series of connector pieces. Additional support frames may be added to the apparatus to create a modular system of dispensers that are customizable according to user discretion. The apparatus and system may be disposed directly on the traverses of a shelving unit so that large number of can dispensers may be accommodated within a relatively small volume or storage space. Each can dispenser may accommodate multiple cans which are orientated so that as each can is removed from the dispenser, a subsequent can will roll forward and take its place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Cambro Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Johannes Le
  • Patent number: 10251494
    Abstract: A retail merchandise tray is provided. The retail merchandise tray includes a pair of load bearing members, a front stop mounted to the load bearing members, a wire support structure removably attached to the front stop and load bearing members, a pusher that slides along the wire support structure, and a pair of movable divider assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Southern Imperial LLC
    Inventor: Thomas O. Nagel
  • Patent number: 10144379
    Abstract: A radiator guard assembly for a machine includes an aperture plate. The radiator guard assembly also includes a first side sheet extending perpendicularly with respect to the aperture plate. The radiator guard assembly further includes a second side sheet extending perpendicularly with respect to the aperture plate. The second side sheet is spaced apart from the first side sheet. The radiator guard assembly includes a mounting structure coupled to each of the first and second side sheets. The mounting structure includes a base member coupled to the respective side sheet. The mounting structure also includes a first plate extending from the base member. The first plate defines a first aperture. The mounting structure further includes a second plate extending from the base member. The second plate is parallel to first plate. Further, the second plate defines a second aperture that is coaxial with the first aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Michael Miller, Rob Alan Sensabaugh, Vinayak Ramanath Ugru, Robert Stephen Comer
  • Patent number: 10104985
    Abstract: A variable shelf organizer system for displaying merchandise thereon including a standard track glide floor member, a plurality of removably adjustable divider members and a front wall member. The divider members and front wall member are engageable with the floor member and when multiple divider members are engaged therewith, product channels are formed therebetween for holding and securing products of varying size and shape on the floor member. The width of the shelf system may be increased or decreased by joining or detaching similarly constructed floor members in a side-by-side relationship and the length of the shelf system may be increased by attaching one or more floor extension members to the floor members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Presence from Innovation, LLC
    Inventors: Donald J. Miller, Jr., Andrew J. Boron, Kent Lee Hanners
  • Patent number: 10098478
    Abstract: A variable shelf organizer system for displaying merchandise thereon including a roller glide floor member, a standard track glide floor member, a plurality of removably adjustable divider members and a front wall member. The divider members and front wall member are engageable with both floor members and when multiple divider members are engaged with either floor member, product channels are formed therebetween for holding and securing products of varying size and shape on either floor member. The roller glide floor member is best suited for heavier packaged products such as six-pack or twelve pack products and the track glide floor member is best suited for standard products. The width of the shelf system may be increased or decreased by joining or detaching similarly constructed floor members in a side-by-side relationship and the length of the shelf system may be increased by attaching one or more floor extension members to the floor members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Presence from Innovation, LLC
    Inventors: Donald J. Miller, Jr., Andrew J. Boron, Kent Lee Hanners
  • Patent number: 10081452
    Abstract: A yogurt bin for holding a plurality of individual dairy cartons of yogurt includes a floor, two sidewalls, a first end wall and a second end wall. The two sidewalls are attached to the floor. At least one of the sidewalls has at least one finger slot therein. The finger slot is dimensioned to allow access to individual dairy cartons positioned near the finger slot but not to allow an individual dairy carton to pass through the finger slot. The first end wall is attached to the floor of the bin. The first end wall has a stop near the floor of the bin and a handle attached to the sidewalls positioned near the top of the bin. The second end wall is also attached to the two sidewalls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Inventor: Stephen Crowell Lyon
  • Patent number: 10058195
    Abstract: The present invention provides a can dispenser for storing, moving, displaying and dispensing of cans while in the upright, as opposed to side, position. In one embodiment, the can dispenser includes a first inclined passageway, a drop section communicating with the first inclined passageway, and a second inclined passageway inclined in a direction opposite to the first inclined passageway and communicating with the drop section. The dispenser also includes a dispensing area communicating with the second inclined passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Menasha Corporation
    Inventors: Ferdinand Wayne Bernard, John William Robinson
  • Patent number: 10019693
    Abstract: A system for optimizing storage racks in a warehouse that includes a plurality of storage racks that each include one or more horizontal bars that are adjustable along a plurality of elevations on the storage racks, placement of the one or more horizontal bars defining a plurality of rack openings within each storage racks; a historical inventory database that is programmed to store historical inventory data for the warehouse, the historical inventory data identifying pallets stored in the warehouse and times at which the pallets were stored; and a computer system including one or more processors that are programmed to determine a pallet distribution profile for the warehouse, to determine a plurality of rack types and quantity of rack types for the warehouse, and to designate each of the plurality of storage racks as one of the plurality of rack types to generate a rack arrangement for the warehouse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Lineage Logistics, LLC
    Inventors: Elliott Gerard Wolf, Christopher Frank Eckman, Alexander James Woolf
  • Patent number: 9950835
    Abstract: Products (30) are distributed to retail outlets in containers (20). The products (30) are loaded onto the tray assembly (1) that is placed in a container (20) at a production or storage facility and transported to the retail outlet. Information as to a sequence in which the products (30) will be placed on retail shelving (32) at the retail outlet is used to determine a loading order of the products (30) on the tray assembly (1) so that the products (30) may be removed from the carrying device in the order required for placement on the retail shelves (32). The tray assembly (1) is removable from the container, and the trays (6) are moveable relative to each other to facilitate loading and unloading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: FOODCAP INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
    Inventor: Roger Keith Palmer
  • Patent number: 9877599
    Abstract: A product display is providing having a vertical support and a product basket configured to mount to the vertical support and display product in a front-facing manner in which product from a rear of the product basket is automatically biased toward a front of the product basket, wherein at least one of the vertical support and the product basket are configured to display a particular product in order to improve product pack out in at least one of a vertical and a horizontal direction within the product display. In one form, both the basket and vertical support are dimensioned or sized based on the specific product being displayed so that product pack out is improved, if not maximized, in both the vertical and horizontal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Retail Space Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Christopher J. Turner, Christopher J. Terpstra
  • Patent number: 9842454
    Abstract: A climate-controlled vending machine is monitored using data analytics. The climate-controlled vending machine includes a primary storage unit for storing two or more items. A first slot of an item is determined to be available within a secondary storage unit of the climate-controlled vending machine. The secondary storage unit is a climate-controlled unit. A first item, of the two or more items within the primary storage unit, is transferred to the first slot of the secondary storage unit. The first item within the first slot of the secondary storage unit is altered to a first condition. A selection from a first user is received. In response to the reception of the selection of the first item, the first item is dispensed to the user from a dispensary unit, wherein the item is being of the first condition. The first slot is replenished with a replacement item from the primary storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Elizabeth L. Gerhard, Robert E. Kilker, Wayne L. Vlasak
  • Patent number: 9790013
    Abstract: A system for dispensing articles provided initially in a package is disclosed that comprises a frame configured to support the package of articles and a package-opening tool associated with the frame. The frame includes longitudinally opposed front and rear end sections, and an upper support deck extending at least partially between the front and rear end sections and below which a product display area is provided. The opening tool associated with the frame such that its open the package when the package is moved longitudinally on the upper support deck and relative to the opening tool, thereby allowing the articles to be at least partially dispensed from the package into the product display area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: WestRock MWV, LLC
    Inventors: Caleb S. Loftin, Aaron L. Bates, Laurel Thomas, Derek King, John A. Gelardi
  • Patent number: 9788665
    Abstract: A merchandising system for a displaying a plurality of products is disclosed. The system includes a base and a product tray. The base includes a product-supporting surface which defines a longitudinal axis. The product tray is disposed adjacent a proximal portion of the base, includes a product-supporting surface, and is pivotal with respect to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Display Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Howard, Matthew Pichel
  • Patent number: 9659426
    Abstract: A serpentine dispenser and cartridge system provides simplified stocking and restocking, as well as jam-free dispenser feeding. A cartridge priming flap allows a cartridge be inverted and inserted into a dispenser while products in the cartridge are prevented from falling out. Cartridge opening is completed by holding an priming flap while pushing the cartridge into the dispenser. In other embodiments, a dispenser wedge applies pressure on rolling products, forcing a retaining flap open, as the cartridge is pushed into the dispenser. The wedge can also constrain rolling products to exit the cartridge in an order that prevents jamming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Giraffx Design, LLC
    Inventor: Jamie D. Bauer
  • Patent number: 9637292
    Abstract: A system for dispensing articles provided initially in a package is disclosed that comprises a frame configured to support the package of articles and a package-opening tool associated with the frame. The frame includes longitudinally opposed front and rear end sections, and an upper support deck extending at least partially between the front and rear end sections and below which a product display area is provided. The opening tool associated with the frame such that its open the package when the package is moved longitudinally on the upper support deck and relative to the opening tool, thereby allowing the articles to be at least partially dispensed from the package into the product display area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: WestRock MWV, LLC
    Inventors: Caleb S. Loftin, Aaron L. Bates, Laurel Thomas, Derek King, John A. Gelardi
  • Patent number: 9615674
    Abstract: A dispenser is provided for storing and individually dispensing cylindrical containers in a vertical orientation. The dispenser includes an upper chamber having a ramp sloping downward toward a back of the dispenser, which receives the containers loaded in a vertical orientation at a front of the dispenser. The containers move down the upper chamber ramp by gravity to an opening at a back end of the dispenser, through which the containers pass to a lower chamber. The lower chamber has a ramp sloping downward toward the front of the dispenser. The containers move down the lower chamber ramp by gravity to a dispensing position at the front of the dispenser. A latch is positioned at a back portion of the upper chamber to restrict passage of the containers so that they pass through the opening one at a time as containers are removed from the dispensing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: TRINITY, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Vitollo, George Mitchell, Bella Gutman
  • Patent number: 9532658
    Abstract: A product management display system for merchandising product on a shelf includes a divider secured to a support structure and a barrier that is moveable by rotation between a folded position and an upright position without a rotation biasing element. A product positioned in the system can contact the barrier when the product moves toward the forward end of the system and rotate the barrier from the folded position to the upright position. The system may include a rotational mounting structure to which the moveable barrier is connected. The rotational mounting structure may be removably connected to the forward end of the divider. The merchandise display system may be used in conjunction with a product tray which provides for product stored in the product tray to be slid from in the product tray into the product pocket of the merchandise display system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen N. Hardy, Stuart Parsons
  • Patent number: 9505538
    Abstract: A system for dispensing articles provided initially in a package is disclosed that comprises a frame configured to support the package of articles and a package-opening tool associated with the frame. The frame includes longitudinally opposed front and rear end sections, and an upper support deck extending at least partially between the front and rear end sections and below which a product display area is provided. The opening tool associated with the frame such that its open the package when the package is moved longitudinally on the upper support deck and relative to the opening tool, thereby allowing the articles to be at least partially dispensed from the package into the product display area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: MeadWestvaco Corporation
    Inventors: Caleb S. Loftin, Aaron L. Bates, Laurel Thomas, Derek King, John A. Gelardi
  • Patent number: 9361747
    Abstract: A serpentine dispenser and cartridge system provides simplified stocking and restocking of the dispenser, as well as jam-free dispenser feeding. Cartridge opening flaps allow a cartridge be inverted and inserted into a dispenser while products in the cartridge are prevented from falling out. A dispenser wedge applies pressure on rolling products as the cartridge is inserted into the dispenser, forcing a retaining flap open so that rolling products may exit the cartridge and enter the dispenser. The wedge may also constrain rolling products to exit the cartridge in an order that prevents jamming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Inventors: Jamie D. Bauer, Stephen N. Hardy
  • Patent number: 9189913
    Abstract: An automatic vending machine with a stabilizing support for stocked items of merchandise includes a cabinet, a driving member secured in the cabinet, a helical element, and a pressing member secured to the cabinet. The cabinet includes a bottom plate. The helical element is secured to the driving member and moveable by the driving member. The pressing member is located within the coils of the helical element and runs the length of the helical element to support items of merchandise and reliably deliver an item of merchandise when bought.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignees: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (WuHan) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yun-Lung Chen, Jiang-Feng Jiao, Yu-Ming Xiao
  • Patent number: 9144326
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: Gamon Plus, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry J. Johnson, Travis Ogden Johnson, John Schoemer
  • Patent number: 9103580
    Abstract: A display tray system includes a union tray section having a center wall and first and second trays extending away from the center wall. A first center tray assembly includes a first center tray section secured to a first base and defining a first gap therebetween. The first tray is movably secured within the first gap. A second center tray assembly includes a second center tray section secured to a second base and defines a second gap therebetween. The second tray is movably secured within the second gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Process Retail Group, Inc.
    Inventors: M. Scott Bryson, Terry Berglund, Dowie Soetenga
  • Patent number: 9102456
    Abstract: A product dispensing container including a plurality of walls that define an internal volume, at least one of the walls including an access door panel, a priming area and a severance line, and a plurality of products received in the internal volume, wherein the priming area is displaceable relative to the wall to form a free edge, and wherein the access door panel is at least partially defined by the free edge and the severance line when the priming area is displaced relative to the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: MeadWestvaco Corporation
    Inventors: Laurel Thomas, Aaron L. Bates, John Gelardi