Abstract: An automatic dispensing apparatus system and method for dispensing predetermined objects is disclosed. More particularly, the invention is an automatic bottled water dispensing apparatus system and method having a housing which houses various sizes of bottled water and a conveyor system for transporting the bottled water to a dispensing member for a customer. The dispensing apparatus system also includes a return machine for returning empty bottles, a plurality of selection members, a payment member and an inventory monitoring member.

Abstract: A sharps dispensing and disposal system includes a sharps dispensing container and a sharps disposal container within the sharps dispensing container. In one embodiment, the sharps disposal container is mounted at least partially within the sharps dispensing container, with a chamber surrounding at least a portion of the sharps disposal container. In another embodiment, a sharps dispensing and disposal system includes a sharps disposal container having an inner wall and an inlet for depositing used sharps into the sharps disposal container. The sharps dispensing container includes an outer wall that surrounds at least a portion of the sharps disposal container and forms a buffer zone. In another embodiment, a sharps dispensing and disposal system includes at least one elastic support member that elastically suspends a sharps disposal container in the interior of a sharps dispensing container. A cover detachably couples the sharps disposal container with the sharps dispensing container.

Abstract: A sharps dispensing and disposal system includes a sharps dispensing container and a sharps disposal container within the sharps dispensing container. In one embodiment, the sharps disposal container is mounted at least partially within the sharps dispensing container, with a chamber surrounding at least a portion of the sharps disposal container. In another embodiment, a sharps dispensing and disposal system includes a sharps disposal container having an inner wall and an inlet for depositing used sharps into the sharps disposal container. The sharps dispensing container includes an outer wall that surrounds at least a portion of the sharps disposal container and forms a buffer zone. In another embodiment, a sharps dispensing and disposal system includes at least one elastic support member that elastically suspends a sharps disposal container in the interior of a sharps dispensing container. A cover detachably couples the sharps disposal container with the sharps dispensing container.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing healthcare products comprising at least one dispenser section having at least one dispensing orifice and one disposal section having a disposal opening. The disposal section has fully compressed and fully uncompressed positions and is capable of remaining positioned in any position between the fully compressed and uncompressed positions.

Abstract: A hygienic door operating device comprising a dispensing means arranged to contain a plurality of gripping handles and adapted to dispense a separate handle to each person operating the door, the gripping handle being adapted to engage a formation secured to the door whereby the door can be operated by manual engagement of the gripping handle and disposal means to transfer the gripping handle to a collection receptacle after use

Abstract: The invention discloses an incorporated dispensing collecting device for dispensing clean or sterile unused disposable products. The device comprises inter alia at least two separated compartments: a disposable products stack of unused disposable products and a waste trash of used disposable products wherein said compartments are mutually connected by means of an open conduit, such that only unidirectional passage of used disposable products to the waste trash through the conduit is provided and contamination of said unused disposable products by the used ones is avoided.

Abstract: A lancet is pressed against a puncture needle cartridge while fitting a puncture needle loading inlet of the lancet to the axis of a puncture needle on the puncture needle cartridge. In order to facilitate the operation, one of plural puncture needles, arranged in parallel, is tilted up from its initial position at a predetermined angle, and the puncture needle is guided into a puncture needle holding rod of the lancet. Simultaneously, the puncture needle is pressed up to a position where the rear end part of the needle pushes the bottom surface of a puncture needle loading chamber of the puncture needle holding rod, whereby the puncture needle is loaded. When discarding a used puncture needle, the puncture needle is inserted into a lancet guide member of the puncture needle cartridge, whereby the puncture needle is reliably captured to be discarded.

Abstract: A medical implement dispensing and disposal system. The medical implement dispensing and disposal system comprises a container having an open end with a dispensing chamber and a disposal chamber defined within the container. A cover is configured to substantially close the open end of the container. The cover defines a disposal opening in communication with the disposal chamber. A dispensing opening is defined in either the container or cover and in communication with the dispensing chamber. A biasing assembly is positioned in the dispensing chamber and configured to provide a biasing force toward the dispensing opening.

Abstract: A food container configured for use with food products having a refuse component, such as sunflower and other products having shells and fruit or other products having nonedible seeds or pits. The food container comprises a lower receptacle having a chamber configured to store a quantity of food product, an upper receptacle having a chamber configured to receive and store the refuse, a dispensing mechanism at a dispensing opening in the lower receptacle for dispensing the food product therefrom and a lid at the upper receptacle for enclosing the refuse. In a preferred embodiment, the lower end of the upper receptacle is removably received in an opening at the upper end of the lower receptacle and connected thereto to form a single food container unit. The dispensing mechanism can be a openable tab member or a rotatable dispensing member having an outlet aperture that is aligned with the dispensing opening.

Abstract: A combination tissue dispenser and trash receptacle is disclosed. A substantially hollow housing has a dispensing compartment and a receptacle compartment which each include an aperture therein for ingress or egress of tissues. A dividing wall separates each compartment, and each compartment further includes a retaining flap that covers the aperture for selectively retaining tissues therein. In use, the dispensing compartment is loaded with unused tissues, each being successively removed through the aperture for use when needed. After a tissue is used, the used tissue is inserted past the retaining flap of the receptacle compartment and retained therein. In this way used tissues may be easily discarded after use in a convenient manner. An embodiment having removable receptacle inserts for convenient temporary storage of used tissues is also disclosed.

Abstract: A container has a hollow interior divided into a first chamber and a second chamber. Products can be arranged within the first chamber. The second chamber provides a storage area for storing objects, e.g., the product when the user has finished with the product or packaging of the product. The first and second chambers can be dynamically dimensioned. For example, a barrier dividing the first and second chambers can shift and/or flex to modify the dimensions of the chambers.

Abstract: A system and method related to dispensing and disposing medical items is provided. The dispensing portion is generally configured to dispense medical items stored within compartments based on dispensing instructions. The disposal portion is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container.

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 dispensing package that is capable of accommodating relatively a large number of stick-like articles, of separating old and new articles and of storing remaining articles as disclosed. This dispensing package comprises a case for accommodating therein unit packages containing a plurality of stick-like articles like batteries aligned in parallel by stacking a plurality of unit packages, an opening for putting in and taking out the unit packages provided on an upper part of the case, a lid for closing the opening, and a tear-off portion for forming the extracting outlet that is provided on a side wall corresponding to the unit package in the lowest position. The extracting outlet is formed on a side wall of the case facing to one end of the stick-like articles in the unit package. A large number of articles can be effectively displayed and a specified number of articles can be taken out smoothly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a two compartment device (10), and method of use, for the disposal of used transdermal dosage forms (26) and the dispensing of unused transdermal dosage forms (28). The first compartment (12) has a dosage form inlet (16) and a detector (20), and the second compartment (14) has a dosage form outlet (22) in communication with the detector (20). The detector (20) permits the dispensing of an unused transdermal dosage (28) form from the outlet (22).

Abstract: A blade dispenser assembly includes a housing and an integrally formed shuttle mechanism which functions to dispense one blade at a time from the bottom of a stack of blades held within the housing. The shuttle mechanism is configured to engage a bottommost blade in the stack when in a closed position and to carry the engaged blade with it when the shuttle mechanism is moved to an opened position. In the opened position, the shuttle mechanism is partially extended from the housing and securely holds and displays the withdrawn blade. An exemplary preferred shuttle mechanism is pivotally coupled to the housing and includes an arm portion that allows a person to pivot the shuttle mechanism away from the housing while keeping the person's hand safely away from the blade being withdrawn.

Abstract: A handle of a door is covered by a disposable tissue when that handle is used to open the door. The tissue is dispensed from a housing mounted on the door superadjacent to the handle. Tissues from the housing are sized so the tissue will remain attached to the housing but will cover the handle. Disinfectant can be sprayed onto a handle before the handle is grasped via the tissue. Once the door is opened, a user simply pulls the tissue out of the housing and discards it. As one tissue is pulled out of the housing, that tissue pulls the next tissue out of the housing.

Abstract: A combination tissue dispenser and waste collector for dispensing clean tissues or towels and collecting and compacting the waste material. The tissue dispenser and waste collector comprises two compartments, one for dispensing clean tissues or towels and the other for receiving the compacted waste paper. The dispenser slides within the waste collector compartment, thus compacting the waste paper. The two compartments remain attached during use by the abutment of stops on the sides thereof.

Abstract: This invention is a facial tissue dispensing and disposing system which includes an expanding container having a dispensing opening on the top and a disposing opening on the bottom. A tissue clip is enclosed in flaccid plastic with a cardboard floor and adhered to the underside of the dispensing opening. The clip is elevated and the side walls are expanded by inserting used tissues in disposal openings in the bottom.

Abstract: A tissue dispenser for dispensing facial tissues and the like is described. The tissue dispenser includes a box-like structure having four sides, a top cover and a bottom cover. The top cover has an opening for enabling removal of tissues contained in the boxlike structure. A fastener is provided for releaseably fastening the top cover to at least one of the four sides. An attachment mechanism is secured to the bottom cover for attaching the tissue dispenser to a support surface.

Abstract: A waste bag dispenser and used bag receptacle unit for collecting animal feces comprises a container for holding and dispensing a roll of plastic film bags and a used bag disposal receptacle. A frame for attaching the unit upon a support surface holds the container above the receptacle. Bags are manually pulled out of the container and torn from the roll of bags and are used for collecting animal waste material, such as dog feces. The used bags are deposited in the waste bag receptacle which may be removed from the frame periodically for disposition of the used bags.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing new diapers and disposing of used diapers. The apparatus comprises a container having a base, a plurality of outer walls, an enclosed area, and a partition wall. The partition wall divides container into a diaper compartment for storing new diapers, and a waste compartment for storing used diapers. One of the outer walls includes a slot extending to the diaper compartment. The slot is for dispensing of individual diapers. An outer lid can be positioned over the container to enclose both of the diaper compartment and the waste compartment. An inner lid is provided inside the container covering the diaper compartment to prevent odor from permeating diapers in the diaper compartment. A wipe receptacle is mounted to the container adjacent the diaper slot. The wipe receptacle is adapted to contain wet baby wipes in a convenient location for use during diaper changes.

Abstract: A method of dispensing a prescribed medication, in pill form, and verifying that the medication dispensed is the prescribed medication. A medication identified from a prescription (P) is dispensed into a container (C). An image of the dispensed pills is taken and processed to obtain a set of characteristic features of the pill. These features include the coloration, shape, size, and any surface features of the pills. These features are then automatically compared with those of all the pills which can be dispensed by a dispensing apparatus (10). If a pill can be uniquely identified as the correct pill, the container of pills is accepted. Otherwise, the container is rejected. If, as a result of the processing, a determination cannot be made, the container is provisionally rejected and is subsequently inspected by a pharmacist to determine if the prescription is correctly filled.

Abstract: A product comprising an absorbent paper material and a container for use as a dispenser, which is adapted to hanging from a support member, such as a towel bar, is disclosed. The container can be optionally located on a surface, such as a counter top, and used as a dispenser. This provides the container with two different dispensing modes. The container has a hanger member integral with the container on one end, and the hanger member is attachable to the container in at least two separate positions. The hanger member is also adapted to covering at least a portion of the absorbent paper material exposed by an opening into the container prior to hanging the container.

Abstract: A portable electrically operable and tamper resistant medication dispenser for supplying multiple daily medications to a patient on a predetermined schedule and which includes a programmable assembly for indexing a plurality of containers which are filled with the medications to a dispenser outlet.

Abstract: A heat transfer cap assembly for use with a dispensing canister containing a pressurized product, such as shaving gel. The cap assembly defines a volume for retaining hot tap water to heat gel in a thermal conductor forming a conduit between a nozzle adaptor and an outlet in the side of the cap assembly. When the nozzle is released, the conduit moves out of alignment with the outlet so as to block any ‘drool’ of the gel remaining in the conduit during later expansion. The outer cap is rotatable to a lock position to disallow activation of the nozzle and to further block the outlet.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for dispensing and retrieving garments in a controlled manner. The apparatus retrieves the garments in a secure enclosure while accounting for the garments returned, and compacts the returned garments, all with a single, stand-alone apparatus. A paddle mechanism sweeps the garments into a horizontally extended storage compartment and compacts them with an upward movement. The paddle is articulated at a one-way joint to allow it to pass obstructions on its return path.

Abstract: A portable electrically operable and tamper resistant medication dispenser for supplying multiple daily medications to a patient on a predetermined schedule and which includes a programmable assembly for indexing a plurality of containers which are filled with the medications to a dispenser outlet.

Abstract: A cutter blade dispenser and disposer with slide biasing means and side located dispensing slot comprising a body, a sliding block and a side compartment. The body is a trapezium case and can room a plurality of blades, an elongate slit rail is disposed on top of the body, inside the body has a pillar for an elastic element to sleeve on, an elastic block is disposed on top of the opening of the body. The sliding block is in trapezium shape for fitting inside the body with an inclined piece and a pressing block disposed on its top. The side compartment is also in trapezium shape and can cover the opening of the body, a locking hole is disposed on top of the side compartment with a sliding hole and an elongate slit on its one side. The sliding hole and the elongate slit are in one through passage. A storage board is disposed underneath the sliding block and inside on the bottom of the body. The storage board has a protrusion bar on its each side for placing the blades in decency and order.

Abstract: A device for dispensing card-like media, referred to as "cards", from a stack of such cards has a front-loading magazine for storing and dispensing the cards, the magazine being received within a primary aperture of a housing. The magazine has a casing formed by two lateral walls and a base and having a mechanism for biasing the stack of cards towards its front opening. A front cover, attached to the casing near its front end, retains the stack of cards within the casing and provides a slot shaped to facilitate manual removal of a single card from the stack. The front cover is displaceable between a closed position in which the front cover closes most of the front opening and an open position in which the front cover allows front loading of the cards into the casing. The open position is such that the front cover forms a partial obstruction to the front opening so as to retain the stack of cards within the cavity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus adapted to promote the recycling of complex articles, such as, in particular, printer cartridges, toner cartridges and other complex office items. The invention provides an apparatus having storage space arranged to store a number of such complex articles for recycling. Access to the storage space is controlled by a data processor which interacts with a user by way of a visual display unit and control panel. If the user wishes to store an item, he indicates this by way of the control panel and the apparatus is then operable to open a receptacle to receive the used item. When the used item is placed in the receptacle, in preferred embodiments means are provided to determine that the used item is an article of an appropriate type to be stored. These means preferably employ shape recognition. The article will be rejected if it is not of the correct type and accepted and retained in a storage space if it is of the correct type.

Abstract: Dispensers in accordance with the invention are extremely adaptable. They may be used either as a portable dispenser for wipes, or mounted to a wall or fixed surface. Two similar containers may be joined together to form a dispenser in order to carry twice as many wipes or to dispense two different types of wipes thereby eliminating the need to carry two containers, one for each product. Alternatively, one container may be used to dispense wipes and the other may be used as a receptacle for soiled or used wipes. The containers may be substantially identical.

Abstract: A diaper dispenser apparatus includes a housing having an interior region. The housing includes a front panel formed to include an aperture therein. The apparatus also includes a spring loaded platform located in an interior region of the housing. The platform is configured to support a stack of diapers and to locate a top diaper on the stack in alignment with the aperture in the front panel of the housing to permit removal of the top diaper through the aperture.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for storing, advancing and replacing paper rolls. The apparatus comprises a vertical magazine for storing paper rolls in a vertical column, a pivotal cradle for advancing the bottom roll while holding back the next following roll, and a cammed-spindle mechanism for replacing a spent spool on a spindle with the bottom roll. A single mechanical impetus accomplishes these functions. Also disclosed is a method of using the apparatus.

Abstract: An adhesive label dispenser which can accommodate multiple rolls, which allows for easy substitution of rolls without disassembly of the device, and which eliminates the need for continuous removal and disposal of the used backing paper.

Abstract: A dispenser for razors having a housing, a helical coil for stacking and dispensing the packages of razors, coin activating means for activating the helical coil for dispensing one package from said housing, a shaving cream canister for containing shaving cream, a heating coil for heating a portion of said shaving cream, carbon dioxide pressurized canister for pushing the heated shaving cream, and a spigot for releasing the heated shaving cream from the heating coil.

Abstract: An improved container assembly for the storage and dispensing of pre-moistened towelettes is provided. The assembly includes a container and a multi-function cap. The cap matably engages the upper end of the container and further provides an additional storage area for the storage and retention of partially used towelettes. The cap also provides a relatively airtight seal to keep the towelettes moist and prevent them from prematurely drying out. A flexibly web in the cap enables the towelettes, connected to one another by perforations, to be pulled through the web of the cap. An individual towelette is separated from the roll with a sharp jerk or tub which tears the towelette along the perforation and leaves the remaining towelette extending partially through the web. An area underneath the top closure member of the cap and the web provides a sealed area for the storage of partially used towelettes.

Abstract: A filter change mechanism is disclosed. The mechanism includes a filter dispensing device, a device for releasably clamping a filter in a fluid line, a filter discharge device. Also included in the mechanism is a device for conveying a filter dispensed by the filter dispensing device to the fluid line for use in filtration and for conveying a used filter to the discharge device.

Abstract: A stand-alone drug dispensing system suitable for a nursing station at a health care facility is described. A microprocessor controlled secure system makes it particularly suitable for dispensing narcotics and other controlled substances. The system comprises a cylinder having a plurality of stacked carrousels, each having plurality of drug slots. Each carousel holds a different drug and it is the rotation of these carrousels over a hole or chute that runs the entire length of the cylinder that allows the dispensing of a particular drug under the control of a programmed microprocessor. The system provides accurate accounting as well as advisory information about the drug being dispensed. A plurality of peripherals such as a Video Display Terminal, an alphanumeric printer, and an alphanumeric keyboard are integrated into the system. Also included are an alarm system, a back up power source and a slot for returning unused drugs.

Abstract: A device for vending articles includes a stack of separator panels, each of which supports a product package, positioned in a storage bin. The bin has separator panel support tabs extending into the bottom thereof, and a pivot plate containing a panel-dislodging detent is located at the bin's bottom. The lowermost panel is dislodged from the support tabs by rotation of a pin forming part of an associated coin mechanism after proper coinage has been inserted into the mechanism and its operating handle has been turned. The pin forces the plate to pivot, causing its detent to press against the separator panel, thereby dislodging the panel from the support tabs, together with its product package. Once dislodged, the separator panel falls from the device, together with the vended article, the article proceeding to an area accessible to the purchaser, and the separator panel being retained on a hanger attached to the bin.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing a plurality of razor blades and for dispensing the razor blades is disclosed. The dispenser includes a housing having side and end walls which define a cavity for storing and dispensing razor blades. The open top of the dispenser includes rails along the tops of the sidewalls for guiding the blades out of the housing. A dispensing slot is provided between the top of one end wall and the rails. A resilient arm integral with the housing is located below the razor blades for applying an upward force on the razor blades against the rails and for aligning a blade to be dispensed with the dispensing slot. The entire dispenser is molded of a thermoplastic. A disposal slot is vertically aligned with the radiused end of the resilient arm for enabling disposal of used razor blades.

Abstract: A tennis ball handling system in which a first storage container (1) for many tennis balls (2) is filled at the tennis ball producer with new tennis balls suitable for play, is transported to an installation site, such as a sporting goods store, tennis facility, etc. and installed at the installation site, a second storage container for many tennis balls is filled at the installation site with used tennis balls that are no longer suitable for play and in which the used balls are transported back to the tennis ball producer or to a recycling operation and emptied there, and reusable player's storage containers that can be bought, rented, borrowed in a deposit system or acquired at no cost by the player, are filled with a small number of new tennis balls (2) that are removed from the first storage container (1) for use by the tennis player, and from which used tennis balls (2) that are no longer suitable for play are emptied by the player into the second storage container at the installation site.

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: The present invention provides for a drug dispensing device which is portable, provides a high level of security, is flexible in accommodating a number of user selected drugs, is easily stockable, and reduces labor and time requirement for drug dispensing. The present invention provides an apparatus having a microprocessor means which controls the drug dispensing. The apparatus includes an interior medication storage area adapted to receive a plurality of different sized dispensers in user selectable combinations. A receiving drawer is provided below the interior medication storage area to receive and dispense the medications.A dispenser is provided which can be configured in a multiplicity of sizes and shapes to accommodate different sized medications. The dispenser is adapted to receive a cooperating cartridge which contains the medications. The dispenser includes an actuator which contacts and dispenses the medications from the cartridge.

Abstract: A utility blade dispenser for dispensing and disposing utility or razor type blades (5) is disclosed. A disposable transparent thermoplastic housing (1) shaped to correspond with the shape of the utility blade (5) to be dispensed is provided. The housing (1) is hinged to allow the blades (5) and a blade carrier (18) to be inserted in the housing (1) at the time of manufacture, and then be sonically welded. Dispensing (14) and guide (16) slots are provided to guide blades (5) from inside the housing (1) out through the dispensing slot (14). The blades (5) are supported in the housing (1) on a blade carrier (18) which is upward and downward moveable in the housing (1). The blade carrier (18) includes a support hole (21) for mounting the dispenser on a wall. The rear (6) of the housing (1) includes a track of ratcheting teeth (26) which engage a pawl member (28) on the rear of the blade carrier (18) to minimize movement between the housing (1) and carrier (18).

Abstract: The container (11) includes a side wall (15) defining a syringe storage chamber (19) where a coiled strip pack (31) of syringes (29) is placed. A central core (35) is place concentrically within the container and forms a collection chamber (20) for used syringes. The side wall (15) includes an outlet opening (30) so that the strip pack (31) can be paid out through the opening (30) and the syringes can be dispensed. The used syringes (29) will be pushed, needle-first through the central opening (26) and into the collection chamber (20), whereby when all the syringes in the strip pack are used and deposited into the collection chamber, the entire container can be disposed of, as by burning.

Abstract: A system is provided for automatically dispensing machine tools, kits of tools and related supplies. The system includes one or more automatic tool dispensers interconnected and controlled by a host computer. Automatic tool dispensers may be placed at various locations about manufacturing and other facilities to provide decentralized distribution of reusable and perishable tools and supplies near work stations, providing constant, but controlled, access to tools. Data entry device are used to operate the automatic tool dispensers. Indicia may be entered to selectively operate the automatic tool dispensers to dispense a tool, or a plurality of tools as a kit. The data entry devices also provide data which can assist in inventory control, tracking and tool usage. Tool delivery system are provided in the automatic tool dispenser including adjustable helical coil delivery devices and robotic delivery systems.

Abstract: A novel way to package and dispense small batteries which provides easy installation and removal of batteries from small electronic devices is described. More particularly, the invention relates to a battery dispensing and removal apparatus for simple inserting and removing of batteries from hearing aids. The battery dispensing and removal apparatus is reusable and stores used batteries for recycling or disposal.

Abstract: This invention comprises an apparatus for storing and dispensing socks which includes an elongated tubular member of a predetermined diameter having a slot extending axially therealong and connecting to an enlarged opening at one end of the member where a base is transversely mounted thereto. Rolled socks are deposited into the open end of the tube which is slightly larger than the diameter of the socks and drop downwardly to be supported by the base. The socks are accessible through the opening as needed with the slot used to force the rolled socks downwardly, if stuck, and to provide a viewing of the socks in the tube.

Abstract: Storage container for button-shaped batteries with a minimum of one channel, which is dimensioned to fit the cross section of the battery and which has an entrance and an exit opening, a slide, which is located inside the channel and which is secured against being pushed out of the channel by means of limit stops at the entrance and exit openings, and locks which permit the passage of the button-shaped batteries only in the direction of the exit opening. The storage container serves to store new and used button-shaped batteries, with the latter being able to be inserted only into the entrance opening, while, at the same time a new button-shaped battery is dispensed at the exit opening. After all new batteries have been used up and the storage container is filled with used button-shaped batteries, the passage is blocked so that no further button-shaped batteries can be inserted.