Axially Spaced Sets Of Peripherally Arranged Sources Patents (Class 221/120)
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Patent number: 11077025Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus useful for securely storing and dispensing medications. The apparatus comprises a cabinet, a carousel mounted in the cabinet, and medication trays carried by the carousel. The carousel comprises a plurality of vertically spaced shelves. Each shelf carries a plurality of radially extending dividers dividing the carousel into a plurality of compartments. The compartments are carried by the carousel into close alignment with a vertical slot in a cabinet wall. Each medication tray is sized and shaped to slide radially in and out of a compartment. Each tray has a base and side walls extending upwardly from the periphery of the base to define a peripherally enclosed area to hold medication doses. Fixtures are mounted in the peripherally enclosed area to vertically position card-blister packaged unit medication doses in multiples of five for visual inventory without manual manipulation of the doses, once a tray is removed from a compartment.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2019Date of Patent: August 3, 2021Inventor: Scotty Armstead
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Patent number: 11068837Abstract: An autonomous vehicle comprising a transport body configured to travel to an identified location, a package retention device for securing one or more packages to the transport body; one or more processors integral to the transport body, wherein the processors are configured by code executing therein to: access shipper and recipient profile data; wherein the shipper and recipient profile data includes location data for shipper and recipient; navigate the autonomous vehicle to a shipping destination and a delivery destination; provide access to the package retention device upon authentication of a shipper presenting a package at a shipping destination, and provide access to the package retention device upon authentication of a recipient retrieving a package at the delivery destination.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2016Date of Patent: July 20, 2021Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Brian J. Murray, Todd Latimer Ransom, DeWane Cecil Stone, Kaleb Dean Walton
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Patent number: 10625934Abstract: A container transporter systems, vehicle, and methods are disclosed. The container transporter can be automatically or manually controlled allowing for ease of use in moving a coupled container. The container transporter can be used with virtually any container, such as a refuse container. The automatic movement of the container transporter can assist users with time constrains or physical constraints in moving their refuse for pickup.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2018Date of Patent: April 21, 2020Inventor: Roy Mallady
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Patent number: 10592843Abstract: A delivery management system comprises a communication device that receives a notification of a communication established between an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that delivers a payload and a delivery box constructed and arranged to receive the payload from the UAV when the UAV is a predetermined distance from the delivery box and moving in a direction toward the delivery box, the communication including an identity of the UAV; a verification device that processes the notification and validates the identity of the UAV; and an instruction generator that generates an instruction to the delivery box to open the delivery box in response to the verification device validating the identity of the UAV and a determination by the communication device that the communication is established between the UAV and the delivery box. The communication device includes an autolocker communication device that outputs the instruction to the delivery box.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2016Date of Patent: March 17, 2020Assignee: WALMART APOLLO, LLCInventors: Chandrashekar Natarajan, Donald R. High, John J. O'Brien, V
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Patent number: 9990684Abstract: A Mailport that solves a variety of problems caused by the proliferation of Automated Parcel Carriers, including unmanned aerial vehicles (“UAVs”). The preferred embodiment of the invention features an access aperture designed to retrieve and transfer packages to and from Automated Parcel Carriers. The preferred embodiment of the invention also features a storage area for parcels, and a secured aperture to enable intended recipients to receive or send Parcels as appropriate. Various embodiments of the invention may stand alone or otherwise integrate within the structure of a building.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2014Date of Patent: June 5, 2018Inventor: Sammy Hejazi
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Patent number: 9027787Abstract: A medicine dispensing device includes a shell-like base unit, a shell-like cassette with a number of compartments for storage of medicines which is rotatable relative to the base unit, a unit for rotating the cassette relative to the base unit at predetermined times, a lid firmly connected to the base unit, and an aperture situated in the lid in such a way as to be movable to become central to any desired compartment of the cassette when the cassette is rotated relative to the base unit and the lid. A hatch is provided close to the aperture and can assume a position in which the aperture is closed and a position in which the aperture is exposed. The hatch is pivotable relative to a pivot axis. The hatch has a rear edge which has an extent in the circumferential direction of the device.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2011Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Inventors: Mats Eriksson, Ingemar Hagerbro
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Patent number: 8869969Abstract: The subject matter of the application is a method of feeding beads in the tobacco industry system, in a unit for transferring a stream of beads (2), from receiving pockets (18) to outfeeding pockets (21, 21?), where the beads are transferred along guiding grooves (5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, 6C) disposed on guiding plates (5, 5?, 6, 6?), comprising the steps in which: the beads are fed to a guiding chamber (22, 22?, 22?) formed at the intersection of the guiding groove (5A, 5B) of the first guiding plate (5, 5?) and the guiding groove (6A, 6B, 6C) of the second guiding plate (6, 6?); at least one guiding plate is rotated relative to the second guiding plate, which forces the movement of the guiding chamber (22, 22?, 22?) so that the distance of the guiding chamber (22, 22?, 22?) to the axis of rotation of the guiding plates changes; the beads are conveyed from the guiding chamber (22, 22?, 22?) to the outfeeding pocket (21, 21?). The subject matter of the application is also a device for the implementation of the method.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2013Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: International Tobacco Machinery Poland Sp. z o.o.Inventors: Bartosz Cieślikowski, Jacek Figarski, Radoslaw Figarski, Kazimierz Makosa
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Patent number: 8763852Abstract: A dispensing device comprising an upright rotatable product carrousel comprising a plurality of dispensing chutes for retaining a product. The dispensing chutes are radially located about a central pivot, with a dispensing point located at a lowest point of rotation of the product carrousel. During use, removal of product from a dispensing chute located at the dispensing point results in rotation of the product carrousel to position an adjacent dispensing chute at the dispensing point, allowing for sequential removal of product from the product carrousel.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2011Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Inventor: Mark P. Dikken
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Patent number: 8720742Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a sales kiosk, a kiosk system and a process for dispensing or ordering one or more target products or samples of the target products. This disclosure is further directed to a kiosk system having a plurality of the sales kiosks connected via wired or wireless connections. The sales kiosks can be particularly useful for dispensing samples of sales products, such as furniture, typically not suitable to dispense at the sales location; or customized products that need to be customized. The sales kiosk can further be useful for ordering sales products. The sale kiosks can provide advantages for seeing and experiencing the sales products even the sale products cannot be directly displayed or dispensed. The kiosk can be modular and can comprise one or more modules.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2011Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Inventor: Junfang Zhang
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Patent number: 8640915Abstract: A gumball machine has a gumball container that holds a plurality of gumballs, a neck portion coupled to the gumball container and having an actuator and a gumball dispensing assembly that is coupled to the actuator for simultaneously releasing a plurality of gumballs from the gumball container when the actuator is actuated. The gumball machine also has a plurality of cylindrical supports, each having an upper end coupled to the neck portion, and a lower end having a side opening. A base is coupled to the lower end of each cylindrical support and has a bottom portion that is seated on a surface. Each side opening of each cylindrical support is positioned adjacent a ramp such that a gumball travelling through the cylindrical support is dispensed via the side opening to the ramp.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2012Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Sweet N Fun, Ltd.Inventor: Francis M Arcega
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Publication number: 20140001195Abstract: The cup singulation device of the present disclosure is an automated device, thus eliminating problems associated with users not able to extract single cups at a time, or destroying product by using too much force when doing so. A controller controls a cup holding table to present stacks of cups to an gripping device that grips and removes a single cup. A latch mechanism on the cup holder can hold the remainder of the stack in place to make sure that only one cup is removed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2013Publication date: January 2, 2014Applicant: Manitowoc Foodservice Companies, LLCInventors: Nicholas PATTERSON, Kenneth LUNDBERG
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Publication number: 20130186907Abstract: A machine having a machine housing and a machine base defining a housing axis. The machine housing has a top cover and a bottom cover including a hub with a shaped hole. A removable carousel is disposed within the machine housing along the machine axis with a plurality of tubes oriented parallel to the housing axis. The machine base has an interior and an exterior, and is operatively connected to the machine housing proximate the bottom cover. A mechanical mechanism is disposed partially in the interior of the machine base having an internal actuator cam, and a cam follower assembly, wherein the internal actuator cam and the cam follower are operatively connected to one another. The machine includes an ejector arm operatively interfaced with the mechanical mechanism, and a discharge chute disposed within the machine base including a first end and a second end.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2013Publication date: July 25, 2013Applicant: KK Manufacturing, LLCInventor: KK Manufacturing, LLC
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Patent number: 8469228Abstract: A dispenser of containers. A carousel is rotatably mounted to a main frame about a vertical axis of rotation and has a plurality of container compartments arranged around the axis and along the length of the axis. A driver mounted to the main frame rotates the carousel around the axis in a single direction and a lock limits rotation of the carousel in any direction when engaged.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2011Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: SLEEGERS Engineered Products, Inc.Inventor: Joseph L. Adams
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Patent number: 8442676Abstract: A medication storage for storing medications while cooling down them is constituted so as to allow a medication based on prescription data to be certainly taken out. The medication storage cools down inside a storeroom for storing the medications to a predetermined temperature by a cooling unit. The medication storage, includes: a plurality of shelves rotatably provided in the storeroom; a plurality of storage partitions which are respectively constituted on each shelf and store the medications; a motor for rotating the shelves; a plurality of openings provided respectively for being arranged to correspond to each of the shelves thereby allowing only medication in any one of the storage partitions to be taken out; a plurality of doors for openably closing each opening, respectively; a plurality of lock solenoids for locking each door, respectively; and a control unit for controlling the motor and the lock solenoid.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2008Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Panasonic Healthcare Co., Ltd.Inventors: Koichi Kobayashi, Manabu Haraguchi, Akinori Hatsuno
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Patent number: 8397946Abstract: A cartridge based dispensing system includes a cartridge having a rotatable compartmentalized receptacle for supporting a plurality of items in separate compartments along with a housing for removably supporting the cartridge. The housing includes an opening for enabling dispensing of an item from an aligned separate compartment and a mechanism is provided for rotating the receptacle within the cartridge in order to align compartments with the housing opening. The mechanism may be configured for causing different discrete angular rotations of the receptacle corresponding to compartment size.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2010Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Inventor: Nathaniel G. Portney
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Publication number: 20120241464Abstract: A dispenser of containers. A carousel is rotatably mounted to a main frame about a vertical axis of rotation and has a plurality of container compartments arranged around the axis and along the length of the axis. A driver mounted to the main frame rotates the carousel around the axis in a single direction and a lock limits rotation of the carousel in any direction when engaged.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2011Publication date: September 27, 2012Inventor: Joseph L. Adams
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Patent number: 8249743Abstract: An apparatus for controlling secure access and storage of at least two different types of articles is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of compartments for articles, the compartments arranged in a rotatable cylindrical array with one opening for each compartment on the surface of the cylinder. A linearly driven belt having an access port thereon limits access to a single compartment. The compartments may be of equal or different size to accept different articles. A sliding door, positionable over an opening in the housing, provides additional security. A drawer with additional compartments may be included in the apparatus in addition to the cylindrical array. Certain compartments may have an assignment linking them to other compartments in the cylindrical array or drawer, allowing for the secure and separate storage of sets of related articles, such as the keys, registration and/or license plate of a car.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2007Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Inventor: Florent Pelletier
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Publication number: 20120109369Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods operate to receive a request to access a selected one of a plurality of tangible storage media held in substantially rectangular tangible storage media storage racks. Each rack has first and second opposing sides substantially parallel to a media insertion axis of the rack in a horizontal plane. Operations may include rotating a vertical spindle about its longitudinal axis, the spindle coupled to the plurality of racks with a corresponding plurality of arms having substantially equal length. Rotation provides access to grippers located to extract the selected media along the media insertion axis. A side axis coinciding with the first opposing side of a first one of the racks intersects the second opposing side of a second one of the racks, the first one of the racks being adjacent the second one of the racks. Additional embodiments are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2010Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicant: NCR CorporationInventor: Lyndon Rey Paluga
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Patent number: 8146778Abstract: A ball feeding device includes a mounting seat with a driving device. The driving device includes a driving shaft defining an axis of rotation. A discharge hole is provided in a top plate of the mounting seat. An annular guiding wall is formed on the top plate and surrounds the axis of rotation. A rotary unit is rotatably mounted on the top plate and includes tubes for containing balls. A blocking member is mounted in each tube. When the rotary unit is rotated, lower ends of the tubes are aligned with the discharge hole in sequence such that the balls in the tubes are fed into a pitching machine one by one. The blocking members hold or release the balls in the tubes under the action of the guiding wall such that the balls to be fed cannot contact with the top plate.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2010Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: Sheng-Hsiao LuInventor: Chiung-Hung Shen
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Patent number: 8100291Abstract: A dispensing device comprising an upright rotatable product carrousel comprising a plurality of dispensing chutes for retaining a product. The dispensing chutes are radially located about a central pivot, with a dispensing point located at a lowest point of rotation of the product carrousel. During use, removal of product from a dispensing chute located at the dispensing point results in rotation of the product carrousel to position an adjacent dispensing chute at the dispensing point, allowing for sequential removal of product from the product carrousel.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2008Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Inventor: Mark P. Dikken
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Patent number: 7987768Abstract: A dispensing system for injecting a fluid into a number of containers. The dispensing system may include a turret plate for holding the containers and an injection system positioned about the turret plate. The injection system may include a piston for contacting a container. The piston may include an injection surface in communication with an internal spring such that the internal spring forces the injection surface against the container.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2008Date of Patent: August 2, 2011Assignee: The Coca-Cola CompanyInventors: Charles Bradley Green, Paul A. Phillips
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Patent number: 7866506Abstract: An automated method for dispensing pharmaceuticals, particularly tablets and capsules, and other small discrete objects, includes: receiving prescription information, selecting a container, labeling the container, dispensing the tablets or capsules into the labeled container, applying a closure to the filled, labeled container, and offloading the container to a designated location. Preferably, the tablets are dispensed with high speed dispensing bins that employ forced air to agitate and singulate the tablets. The other functions within the system are typically carried out at stations designed to offer speed, flexibility and precision to the dispensing operation.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2007Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: Parata Systems, LLCInventors: Matthew P. Daniels, Jeffrey P. Williams, Richard D. Michelli, Jasper Pollard, Demetris P. Young, Joseph C. Moran, Jr., George Raymond Abrams, Jr., David Alan Calderwood, Pete Klein
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Patent number: 7857161Abstract: The present invention provides a random access and random load dispensing unit including a housing, at least one support located in the housing and defining a first axis, a plurality of platforms movable along the support along the first axis, a plurality of bins supported on the platforms, the bins being movable with the platforms, and a shuttle assembly movable along the first axis and further movable along a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis between the plurality of platforms to access and retrieve products stored in the bins.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2006Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Assignee: Asteres, Inc.Inventors: Linda J. Pinney, John A. Beane, Angus R. Colson, David R. Williams, Keith Kopitzke, Keith W. Reynolds, Erik Howard Barnes
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Patent number: 7837060Abstract: A standalone portable dispenser assembly for sanitary items includes a base portion that provides resistance to the dispenser assembly against being tipped from an upright condition, an extension portion extending upwardly from the base portion, an upper cover portion attached to the extension portion above the base portion and a dispensing unit below the upper cover portion. One or more dispensing devices are disposed upon or within the dispensing unit for dispensing at least one sanitary item, such as hand towels and liquid hand soaps. The dispensing unit is at least partially shielded from weather by the upper cover portion, and the assembly is provided in a modular configuration for the convenient replacement of damaged components.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2007Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Assignee: PolyJohn Enterprises CorporationInventors: Rodney M. Mullett, Vaughan D. Smith, II, Jamie P. Kostelyk
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Patent number: 7819281Abstract: A unitary extractor system of products for vending machines, which products are to be found stored in compartments or ducts of different trays, includes a traction belt mounted in the open central part of the base of each compartment or duct, to which belt are joined a diversity of separator pieces for the products. The traction belt (5) incorporates a plurality of small pieces (6), with a slight inclination towards the rear part, joined to respective teeth, and a support body (7) for the last product (2) to dispense, with its support surface slightly inclined towards the rear part. The body (7) is secured to the teeth of the traction belt (5) as it advances, and in such a way that it is pulled on the lateral surfaces (4) making up the base of the compartment or duct (1).Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2008Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Assignee: Jofemar, S.A.Inventor: Felix Guindulain Busto
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Publication number: 20100187249Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing ophthalmic lens packages and methods of its use are described herein.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2009Publication date: July 29, 2010Inventors: Edward R. Kernick, Hamid A. Darabi, Daniel T. Wang
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Patent number: 7735680Abstract: A dispensing device and method including a housing defining an opening. A door is movable relative to the housing from a closed position to a maximum open position. The door and the housing defining an access portion of the opening. A tray is disposed within the housing and is supported for movement relative to the housing. The tray is configured to support dispensable items within a plurality of segments of the tray. An access control mechanism is configured to locate the tray relative to the housing to generally align a selected one of the plurality of segments with the opening and also to limit opening movement of the door to limit a size of the access portion to a size of the selected segment if a corresponding position of the door is less than the maximum open position of the door.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2008Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: NexiantInventor: Peter Godlewski
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Patent number: 7588165Abstract: Trays within a given level of a drum-type vending machine form individual zones, and may be further subdivided into additional individual zones, for which pricing may be separately specified. A vend door for the corresponding level is constrained to allow access to a given zone upon payment of the appropriate amount. More levels and greater flexibility in pricing and product selection are thus enabled, together with greater control over vending operations.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2003Date of Patent: September 15, 2009Assignee: Crane Co.Inventors: James B. Prichard, Mark R. Henning, Douglas M. Mingo
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Patent number: 7588167Abstract: The system includes a bin hopper which temporarily stores a plurality of small elements, such as medications. The elements are moved out of the bin and singulated into a one-by-one sequence by a series of singulating conveyors. The resulting sequence of elements is moved onto a main system conveyor where the element is identified and then moved to a loading mechanism which arranges the item so it is ready to be gripped and stored. The system includes a mass storage apparatus comprising a series of four upstanding cylindrical drums, each having a plurality of individually accessible and addressable cell storage locations for the elements. A gripping apparatus removes the elements from the loading mechanism and transfers them to a selected location in a cylindrical drum. When an article is to be dispensed, the drum is rotated so that an ejection arm comes adjacent the desired location in the drum.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2007Date of Patent: September 15, 2009Assignee: Omnicell, Inc.Inventors: Steven N. W. Hunter, David M. Browning, Dennis J. Fuhrman, William C. Park, IV
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Patent number: 7581657Abstract: A bandage dispenser comprising a housing having a magazine rotatably mounted therein; an advancement assembly for rotating the magazine and a pusher mechanism. The magazine including a plurality of sterile individual pie shaped compartments each receiving a sterile bandage assembly. The pusher mechanism sequentially penetrating the compartments and ejecting the bandage assembly therefrom after each compartment is aligned with the pusher mechanism by the advancement assembly. The advancement assembly including a ratchet mechanism on the magazine and an advancement solenoid.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2006Date of Patent: September 1, 2009Inventor: Alexander J. Dickmann
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Patent number: 7571834Abstract: A magazine for holding a quantity of blind rivets ready for use in an automatic rivet setting tool. The rivets are connected together in spaced relation along the length of an elongated rivet carrying strip or ribbon of flexible material by having a distal portion of each mandrel inserted or pierced therethrough. The magazine includes longitudinal panels connected together in a preferably even, spaced, radially extending arrangement forming a spool. The longitudinal panels each define an outer distal longitudinal edge, all of which are preferably substantially parallel one to another and to a central spool axis. Each rivet carried on the flexible strip, when the flexible strip is spiral-wound around said longitudinal distal edges, is positioned in somewhat radially oriented fashion between adjacent longitudinal panels with the head of each rivet positioned inwardly toward the spool axis.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2004Date of Patent: August 11, 2009Assignee: Sartam Industries, Inc.Inventors: James Hopkins, Dallas B. Perkins
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Publication number: 20090045212Abstract: A vending machine with adjustable merchandise receiving hole comprises a body; a tank and a rotary disk; a stop plate being installed between the tank and the rotary disk; the stop plate having a notch corresponding to and above the output hole of the tank; a lifting unit being formed by a base and a lifting seat; the base being locked to a bottom of the tank; the base being installed with a buckle; a spring being installed between the buckle and the base; the lifting seat having at least one supporting rod; the supporting rod being formed with a recess for buckling with the buckle; an upper end of the supporting rod extending into the tank to be pivoted to a bottom of the stop plate; at least one reduced hole seat capable of being installed upon the receiving hole of the rotary disk.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2007Publication date: February 19, 2009Inventor: SHEN-HAO YAO
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Publication number: 20080223870Abstract: Unitary extractor system of products for vending machines, which products are to be found stored in compartments of the different trays, the extractor system comprising a timing belt mounted in the open central part of the base of each compartment, to which belt, with its teeth provided with respective holes, are joined a diversity of separator pieces for the products, in such a way that the traction belt (5) incorporates a plurality of small pieces (6), with a slight inclination towards the rear part, joined to respective teeth, and a support body (7) for the last product (2) to dispense, with its support surface slightly inclined towards the rear part, the body (7) being secured to the teeth of the traction belt (5) as it advances, and in such a way that it is pulled on the lateral surfaces (4) making up the base of the duct (1).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2008Publication date: September 18, 2008Inventor: Felix Guindulain Busto
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Patent number: 7422128Abstract: A dispenser is provided with a carousel rotatably supported within a housing. The carousel includes multiple cells spaced circumferentially from each other upon the carousel. A door is provided in the housing which provides access to one cell. Each cell can contain an item, such as a newspaper, to be dispensed. A coin-op is mounted to the dispenser and allows a lever to be manually actuated when payment is made. When the lever is actuated, a latch of a door control assembly is released so that the door can be opened. The lever also causes an arm of a carousel control assembly to be rotated, which arm causes the carousel to be rotated along with the lever. Dividers between adjacent cells in the carousel preclude access to adjacent cells when a user has access to one of the cells through the door, such that theft is precluded.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2006Date of Patent: September 9, 2008Inventor: Jody A. Cline
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Patent number: 7410077Abstract: A container is disclosed for storage and dispensing of web roll products such as gift wrap. The container includes an elongated housing. A cylindrical barrel assembly is rotatably supported within the housing, and includes a plurality of roll storage cavities each having an open end and an open slot along a length thereof. A second end panel of the housing includes a rotatable cap frictionally attached to one end of the barrel assembly to rotate the barrel assembly within the housing. Removable storage boxes for storing gift-wrap related accessories are attachable to the housing. Wheels may be included on the housing to facilitate rolling the container.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2005Date of Patent: August 12, 2008Inventor: Mark Byron Ness
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Patent number: 7395945Abstract: A dispensing device and method including a housing defining an opening. A door is movable relative to the housing from a closed position to a maximum open position. The door and the housing defining an access portion of the opening. A tray is disposed within the housing and is supported for movement relative to the housing. The tray is configured to support dispensable items within a plurality of segments of the tray. An access control mechanism is configured to locate the tray relative to the housing to generally align a selected one of the plurality of segments with the opening and also to limit opening movement of the door to limit a size of the access portion to a size of the selected segment if a corresponding position of the door is less than the maximum open position of the door.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2004Date of Patent: July 8, 2008Assignee: NEXIANTInventor: Peter Godlewski
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Patent number: 7344050Abstract: A distribution installation for products (11) arranged in compartments (10, 10?) with transport means (13) for transferring the products (11) from said compartments (10, 10?) to a dispensing hatch (5). Said transport means (13) comprise a deformable reception means (29) which are connected to at least a first and a second attachment element (30, 31). The attachment elements (30, 31) can move relative to each so that the reception means (29) have at least a reception position in which said products (11) are transferred from said compartments (10, 10?) to the reception means (29), and a delivery position in which products (11) are transferred from the receiving means (29) to said dispensing hatch (5).Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2002Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: VTL Group LimitedInventor: Jozef Robrechts
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Patent number: 7334716Abstract: A stapler includes a base, a cover, two clips, a feeding device and a bending and cutting device. The cover is installed on the base. The clips connect the cover with the base. The feeding device feeds staples. The security device ensures normal movement of the cover. The bending and cutting device bends and cuts the legs of each staple one after another.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2005Date of Patent: February 26, 2008Assignee: Apex Mfg. Co., Ltd.Inventor: Eric Tsai
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Patent number: 7293673Abstract: A dispensing system for dispensing items. The system includes a base that has first and second compartments. The base can rotate about an axis. An item can be stored in one of the first and second compartments. The system also includes a cover that covers the base, the first compartment, and the second compartment. Furthermore, the cover has an opening. The system also includes a handle that is coupled to the cover. The handle can be used to actuate the cover to rotate about the axis to align the opening with one of the first and second compartments. The system also includes an ejector that ejects the item from the compartment when the handle aligns the ejector with the opening.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2005Date of Patent: November 13, 2007Assignee: SupplyPro, Inc.Inventors: Kent V. Savage, William K. Holmes, Charles A. Tyack
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Patent number: 7249688Abstract: The system includes a bin hopper which temporarily stores a plurality of small elements, such as medications. The elements are moved out of the bin and singulated into a one-by-one sequence by a series of singulating conveyors. The resulting sequence of elements is moved onto a main system conveyor where the element is identified and then moved to a loading mechanism which arranges the item so it is ready to be gripped and stored. The system includes a mass storage apparatus comprising a series of four upstanding cylindrical drums, each having a plurality of individually accessible and addressable cell storage locations for the elements. A gripping apparatus removes the elements from the loading mechanism and transfers them to a selected location in a cylindrical drum. When an article is to be dispensed, the drum is rotated so that an ejection arm comes adjacent the desired location in the drum.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2006Date of Patent: July 31, 2007Assignee: Omnicell, Inc.Inventors: Steven N. W. Hunter, David M. Browning, Dennis J. Fuhrman, William C. Park, IV
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Patent number: 7246554Abstract: A charging arrangement for a baking oven (8) is provided with a supply arrangement (9) for dough pieces (4) and a lifting and delivery device (34) for the dough pieces (4). The supply arrangement (9) is provided with a charging inlet, at least one supply bin (10, 23) and a supply outlet arranged underneath the charging inlet. A delivery inlet portion (37) of the lifting and delivery device (34) that is located at the bottom is in delivery engagement with the outlet of the supply arrangement under the influence of gravity. A baking system (1) with such a charging arrangement (9) can be easily operated and does not require the continuous presence of an operator. Furthermore, it can have an optically attractive design.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2004Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: Werner & Pfleiderer Lebensmitteltechnik GmbHInventors: Bernd Dannenhauer, Frank Blümel, Thomas Schmidt
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Patent number: 7232041Abstract: A battery dispenser and a refill for a battery dispenser are provided. In one embodiment the battery dispenser includes a housing that has an opening, a landing, and a push element capable of advancing batteries from inside the housing to the landing external to the housing. The position of at least one of the push element and the landing is adjustable to enable the battery dispenser to dispense batteries that are one of at least two distinct physical sizes. A refill for the battery dispenser includes a base, a plurality of batteries disposed on the base and a retainer that contacts the batteries and is connected to the base. The refill base can cooperate with the dispenser to adjust the height of the landing or the push element.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2004Date of Patent: June 19, 2007Assignee: Eveready Battery CompanyInventors: Mark A. Ferguson, Richard H. Chapman, Todd B. Abernethy, Jon Gauthier, John M. Dupnik
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Patent number: 7100792Abstract: The system includes a bin hopper which temporarily stores a plurality of small elements, such as medications. The elements are moved out of the bin and singulated into a one-by-one sequence by a series of singulating conveyors. The resulting sequence of elements is moved onto a main system conveyor where the element is identified and then moved to a loading mechanism which arranges the item so it is ready to be gripped and stored. The system includes a mass storage apparatus comprising a series of four upstanding cylindrical drums, each having a plurality of individually accessible and addressable cell storage locations for the elements. A gripping apparatus removes the elements from the loading mechanism and transfers them to a selected location in a cylindrical drum. When an article is to be dispensed, the drum is rotated so that an ejection arm comes adjacent the desired location in the drum.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2002Date of Patent: September 5, 2006Assignee: Omnicell, Inc.Inventors: Steven N. W. Hunter, David M. Browning, Dennis J. Fuhrman, William C. Park, IV
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Patent number: 7086198Abstract: A machine for vending floral arrangements is described including stack of generally circular carousels each for supporting a plurality of floral arrangements; and a generally cylindrical exterior housing surrounding the carousels.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2004Date of Patent: August 8, 2006Inventor: Lisa Renee Hayden
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Patent number: 6974049Abstract: An automated method for dispensing pharmaceuticals particularly tablets and capsules, and other small discrete objects, includes: receiving prescription information, selecting a container, labeling the container, dispensing the tablets or capsules into the labeled container, applying a closure to the filled, labeled container, and offloading the container to a designated location. Preferably, the tablets are dispensed with high speed dispensing bins that employ forced air to agitate and singulate the tablets. The other functions within the system are typically carried out at stations designed to offer speed, flexibility and precision to the dispensing operation.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2004Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: Parata Systems, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey P. Williams, Richard Michelli, Jasper Pollard, Simon Kelly, David Newcomb, Jess Eberdt, Pete Klein
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Patent number: 6971543Abstract: A vend mechanism for transferring articles, or prizes, to a receiving area of a vending machine accessible from outside the machine, including an amusement game machine, has a plurality of conveyors arranged radially on each of a plurality of spaced plates. A first drive mechanism is provided to rotate an assembly of the plates so that a selected column of conveyors is in alignment with the receiving area and, for each plate, a second drive mechanism is provided to operate the conveyor that is in the transferring orientation so that an article, or prize, on the conveyor is transferred to the receiving area.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2003Date of Patent: December 6, 2005Assignee: Benchmark Entertainment LLCInventors: Ronald D. Halliburton, Steve Corso
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Patent number: 6902808Abstract: A diamond foam article comprises diamond deposited material on a substrate having an open contiguous structure at least partially filled with a filler material. Methods for forming a diamond foam article comprise providing a foam substrate; preparing the foam substrate for diamond deposition; depositing diamond material on the foam substrate by one of several diamond deposition methods; and at least partially filling the diamond foam article with a filler material. Diamond foam articles are bonded to other components.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2001Date of Patent: June 7, 2005Assignee: P1 Diamond, Inc.Inventor: John M. Pinneo
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Patent number: 6742673Abstract: A mobile vending machine for transporting and vending a number of products. The mobile vending machine includes a storage compartment for storing the products, a dispensing mechanism for dispensing the products, and a drive mechanism. The storage compartment is positioned about the drive mechanism for movement therewith.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2003Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: The Coca-Cola CompanyInventors: William S. Credle, Jr., John P. Giles, James Michael Watson
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Patent number: 6550637Abstract: A drink cup supplying apparatus in which cup replenishing work can be conducted easily in a short time and also maintenance characteristic is improved. In the apparatus, the main body 1 is enabled to be opened and closed in both faces by a pair of the front and back divided doors 2 and 3. Cup holding stands 5, on which vertically piled cup groups are placed, are disposed in a cup holding unit 4 in the main body 1 in a state that they are arranged in connected plural rows and capable of moving circularly and intermittently. Cup take-out mechanisms 6 are disposed inside the orbit X of the cup holding stands 5. And, cup push-out-loading mechanisms 7, which push out the cup groups placed on the cup holding stands 5 to the cup take-out mechanisms 6 for loading, are disposed on the reverse side 3a of one divided door 3.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2000Date of Patent: April 22, 2003Assignee: Fuji Electric Co, Ltd.Inventor: Hajime Erikawa
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Publication number: 20030000956Abstract: An automatic product advance mechanism for dispensing merchandise on vending machines shelves is presented. A combination of electronic and mechanical components enables the disclosed system to automatically adjust for dispensing different product packaging formats and dimensions. Protected by a front clear gate-shield the products are loaded on an upright position on top of a base-rack, escorted by interchangeable column dividers and supported by a sliding carrier back-sled. The system operates by energizing a gear motor pivot ably connected to a crank-slider mechanism driving eccentrically a ratcheting pawl assembly that pushes the carrier back-sled towards the front end of said base-rack and simultaneously opens the clear gate-shield until the first product loaded to the furthermost position is dispensed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2002Publication date: January 2, 2003Inventor: Alexandre Maldonado