Abstract: A dispensing system includes a replenishment container. The replenishment container includes a container door, a container lock for the container door, and an identifier to indicate an identification of the container contents. The system also includes a dispenser to receive the replenishment container. The dispenser includes a dispenser door to selectively communicate the dispenser with the container, a container detector to continuously detect a presence or absence of the identifier and provide a signal corresponding to the identification of the contents of the container, a switch to detect when the dispenser door is not fully closed, and a controller. The controller receives the identification signal from the container detector, compares the identification of the contents of the container with an expected identification, unlocks the container lock if the identifications match, and prevents the dispenser from dispensing if the identifications do not match or if no identifier is detected.

Abstract: A product dispensing system including a container that defines an internal volume and an access opening into the internal volume, at least one product received in the internal volume and a biasing assembly extendable into the internal volume to urge the product toward the access opening, wherein the container is engaged with the biasing assembly when the biasing assembly extends into the internal volume.

Abstract: A system and method for directing a consumer through a vending machine transaction. The system and method include a UI guide comprising visual cues to direct a consumer to insert a minimum amount of money, make a production selection and confirm the product selection. The system and method provide for the consumer to cancel the transaction and request that return of inserted coins.

Abstract: A medication dispenser provides automation to the steps of locating and acquiring medications to be administered to a patient. The medication dispenser includes an enclosure providing a secure environment for storing medications in multiple sized medication-storage bins. The medication storage bins are hung in storage racks located within the enclosure. A robot system is also provided within the enclosure for moving bins between the storage racks and a medication dispensing area. The medication dispensing area includes doors configured to open to define an opening for passing a selected bin through the enclosure. In some embodiments, the doors provide a variable-sized opening and, in some instances, the opening matches the size of a bin containing medications selected for dispensing.

Abstract: A system and method for directing a consumer through a vending machine transaction. The system and method include a UI guide comprising visual cues to direct a consumer to insert a minimum amount of money, make a production selection and confirm the product selection. The system and method provide for the consumer to cancel the transaction and request that return of inserted coins.

Abstract: An edible film comprises a major amount of pullulan and at least one sweetener in an amount of at least about 10% by weight on a dry solids basis. The sweetener can be, for example, a high intensity sweetener such as sucralose, aspartame, acesulfame K, brazzein, and combinations of two or more thereof. The edible film can be used in a sweetener dispenser that comprises a container and a plurality of film strips. The container has an inner compartment and an aperture that is adapted to be opened. The plurality of film strips are located in the inner compartment. Individual film strips can be removed from the container through the aperture.

Abstract: A media distribution system comprising a housing and at least one media distribution unit configured within the housing. The housing includes a framework and a plurality of exterior panels releasably mounted to the framework. The media distribution unit may include an access door, the access door being movable from an open position to a closed position, and wherein in the closed position, access to a media storage area within the storage unit is restricted. A locking system configured to releasably lock the door in the closed position may also be included. Such locking system may comprise a vending lock configured to release the lock upon receipt of a payment.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to an activity wipe dispenser and multi-pack arrangement for use during a variety of different activities; and, more particularly, to an activity wipe dispenser adapted for attachment to different articles and for storage of used wipes as well as to a multi-pack arrangement comprising a plurality of activity wipe dispensers each having different and complementary active components particularly useful in connection with different aspects of a specific activity.

Abstract: A dispenser (10) for dispensing medical items (68, 70, 72) includes dispenser modules (28, 30) movably mounted thereon. The dispenser modules are selectively operative to dispense medical items therefrom into a path (54) which is connected to a delivery area (20) of the dispenser. The dispenser and the dispenser modules therein are configured to provide security against unauthorized access thereto. However an authorized user is enabled to readily access the dispenser modules and the medical items therein by unlocking a lock (22), opening a door (16) and extending the dispenser modules through an opening (18). With the dispenser modules in the extended position the medical items therein may be replenished. Alternatively, the dispenser modules may be disconnected from the dispenser and replaced with substitute dispenser modules.

Abstract: A dispenser (10) for dispensing medical items (68, 70, 72) includes dispenser modules (28, 30) movably mounted thereon. The dispenser modules are selectively operative to dispense medical items therefrom into a path (54) which is connected to a delivery area (20) of the dispenser. The dispenser and the dispenser modules therein are configured to provide security against unauthorized access thereto. However an authorized user is enabled to readily access the dispenser modules and the medical items therein by unlocking a lock (22), opening a door (16) and extending the dispenser modules through an opening (18). With the dispenser modules in the extended position the medical items therein may be replenished. Alternatively, the dispenser modules may be disconnected from the dispenser and replaced with substitute dispenser modules.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for increasing assurance a product has been vended upon an authorized product selection. The method comprises monitoring if a product has been vended during a first vend cycle and if not, commencing a second vend cycle, and stopping a second vend cycle immediately if a product is sensed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for selling foodstuffs. Product carriers are stored on a storage rack in a cabinet with a cooled atmosphere. A stock of foodstuff, such as meat products, is present on the product carriers. An ordered quantity is separated from this foodstuff by separating means, such as a cutting machine, and is then packaged. The invention relates to the removal of product carriers from the cabinet and the introduction of product carriers into the cabinet, by making use of a filling station.

Abstract: A system and apparatus are described in which modular receptacles are filled and transported to automatic dispensing machines for later retrieval and distribution. A system of the present invention includes the loading, refilling, and replacement of the modular receptacles at various stages in the process of the invention. A preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for distribution of items such as medical supplies and drugs.

Abstract: A novelty dispenser for solid objects, such as condoms. The novel features are specifically based on a spring loaded movement of a dispensing element, which element moves an object such as a packaged condom from inside a compartment out through an opening. The dispenser is an everyday entertainment device that conceals a condom therein. It uses a spring, such as a coil spring, which feeds the condom from a magazine compartment and through a shutter to be released for use. The spring is returned to its original position once it has been used. Pulling a tab of the dispenser causes the spring to release within the magazine, forcing the condom through the shutter, such as miniature doors. The spring opens the magazine and doors, allowing the spring to advance the condom into the dispensed position for delivery to the user.

Abstract: Apparatus for storing and dispensing pieces of chalk, the apparatus comprising a container including an outside surface having an input port and an output port formed therein such that the output port is positioned other than directly beneath the input port, a chalk channel positioned within the container and connecting the input port to the output port such that the input port is located at a highest point of the channel and the output port is located at a lowest point of the channel, the channel having a width so as to allow each piece of chalk within the channel to contact no more than two other pieces of chalk in the channel, and a dispensing rack extending from the outside surface of the container proximate to the output port for holding at least one piece of chalk.

Abstract: An office-type stationery set, which comprises a basic box seat to be placed on the desk, and an upright paper holder seat, to be covered with a cover made of transparent or enlarged-functional material, and connected with the rear wall of the basic box seat. The basic box seat includes a pen-stand seat, pen-stands, paper deposit box and paper dispensing device. The paper dispensing device is upright set on the lid of the paper deposit box comprising a button, a connecting rod, a pushing rod, and a pushing wheel. When the button is pressed, the driving rod will be oriented downwards and therefore push the connecting rod, to be responsive in movement to make the pushing rod which is pivoted on its front end, to move forward. The pushing wheel on the rear end of the pushing rod will not roll, as a ratchet is set to be an obstruction, but will rub on the paper and by frictional force push it out of the box.

Abstract: A dispensing machine for use in dispensing publications such as magazines and newspapers is disclosed. It is comprised of a housing having a storage area for storing a plurality of publications, a cover for accessing the storage area, and an opening to allow the publication to be dispensed from the house. An adjustable support in the storage area is used for supporting the publications. A dispensing mechanism positioned above the support is adapted to dispense, through the opening, a publication. A mechanism is used for activating the dispensing mechanism and for adjusting the position of the support.

Abstract: A note disbursing machine is formed with a reject pool section instead of an independent reject box. An uppermost note receiving box is adapted to be accommodated in the note disbursing machine so as to face the reject pool section. The receiving box has an upper cover. A reject box for receiving rejected notes is rotatably mounted on the upper cover. A cover for covering the reject box and guiding the rejected notes is rotatably mounted on the reject box.