Axially Spaced Sets Of Peripherally Arranged Sources Patents (Class 221/120)
  • Patent number: 11077025
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Inventor: Scotty Armstead
  • Patent number: 11068837
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Brian J. Murray, Todd Latimer Ransom, DeWane Cecil Stone, Kaleb Dean Walton
  • Patent number: 10625934
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Inventor: Roy Mallady
  • Patent number: 10592843
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: WALMART APOLLO, LLC
    Inventors: Chandrashekar Natarajan, Donald R. High, John J. O'Brien, V
  • Patent number: 9990684
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Inventor: Sammy Hejazi
  • Patent number: 9027787
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Inventors: Mats Eriksson, Ingemar Hagerbro
  • Patent number: 8869969
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: International Tobacco Machinery Poland Sp. z o.o.
    Inventors: Bartosz Cieślikowski, Jacek Figarski, Radoslaw Figarski, Kazimierz Makosa
  • Patent number: 8763852
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Inventor: Mark P. Dikken
  • Patent number: 8720742
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventor: Junfang Zhang
  • Patent number: 8640915
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Sweet N Fun, Ltd.
    Inventor: Francis M Arcega
  • Publication number: 20140001195
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: Manitowoc Foodservice Companies, LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas PATTERSON, Kenneth LUNDBERG
  • Publication number: 20130186907
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: KK Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventor: KK Manufacturing, LLC
  • Patent number: 8469228
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: SLEEGERS Engineered Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph L. Adams
  • Patent number: 8442676
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Healthcare Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koichi Kobayashi, Manabu Haraguchi, Akinori Hatsuno
  • Patent number: 8397946
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Inventor: Nathaniel G. Portney
  • Publication number: 20120241464
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventor: Joseph L. Adams
  • Patent number: 8249743
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Inventor: Florent Pelletier
  • Publication number: 20120109369
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: NCR Corporation
    Inventor: Lyndon Rey Paluga
  • Patent number: 8146778
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Sheng-Hsiao Lu
    Inventor: Chiung-Hung Shen
  • Patent number: 8100291
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Inventor: Mark P. Dikken
  • Patent number: 7987768
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Charles Bradley Green, Paul A. Phillips
  • Patent number: 7866506
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Parata Systems, LLC
    Inventors: 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
  • Patent number: 7857161
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Asteres, Inc.
    Inventors: Linda J. Pinney, John A. Beane, Angus R. Colson, David R. Williams, Keith Kopitzke, Keith W. Reynolds, Erik Howard Barnes
  • Patent number: 7837060
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: PolyJohn Enterprises Corporation
    Inventors: Rodney M. Mullett, Vaughan D. Smith, II, Jamie P. Kostelyk
  • Patent number: 7819281
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Jofemar, S.A.
    Inventor: Felix Guindulain Busto
  • Publication number: 20100187249
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing ophthalmic lens packages and methods of its use are described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventors: Edward R. Kernick, Hamid A. Darabi, Daniel T. Wang
  • Patent number: 7735680
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Nexiant
    Inventor: Peter Godlewski
  • Patent number: 7588165
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Crane Co.
    Inventors: James B. Prichard, Mark R. Henning, Douglas M. Mingo
  • Patent number: 7588167
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Omnicell, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven N. W. Hunter, David M. Browning, Dennis J. Fuhrman, William C. Park, IV
  • Patent number: 7581657
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Inventor: Alexander J. Dickmann
  • Patent number: 7571834
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Sartam Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: James Hopkins, Dallas B. Perkins
  • Publication number: 20090045212
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventor: SHEN-HAO YAO
  • Publication number: 20080223870
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: Felix Guindulain Busto
  • Patent number: 7422128
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Inventor: Jody A. Cline
  • Patent number: 7410077
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Inventor: Mark Byron Ness
  • Patent number: 7395945
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: NEXIANT
    Inventor: Peter Godlewski
  • Patent number: 7344050
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: VTL Group Limited
    Inventor: Jozef Robrechts
  • Patent number: 7334716
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Apex Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Eric Tsai
  • Patent number: 7293673
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: SupplyPro, Inc.
    Inventors: Kent V. Savage, William K. Holmes, Charles A. Tyack
  • Patent number: 7249688
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Omnicell, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven N. W. Hunter, David M. Browning, Dennis J. Fuhrman, William C. Park, IV
  • Patent number: 7246554
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Werner & Pfleiderer Lebensmitteltechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Dannenhauer, Frank Blümel, Thomas Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7232041
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Eveready Battery Company
    Inventors: Mark A. Ferguson, Richard H. Chapman, Todd B. Abernethy, Jon Gauthier, John M. Dupnik
  • Patent number: 7100792
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Omnicell, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven N. W. Hunter, David M. Browning, Dennis J. Fuhrman, William C. Park, IV
  • Patent number: 7086198
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Inventor: Lisa Renee Hayden
  • Patent number: 6974049
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Parata Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Williams, Richard Michelli, Jasper Pollard, Simon Kelly, David Newcomb, Jess Eberdt, Pete Klein
  • Patent number: 6971543
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Benchmark Entertainment LLC
    Inventors: Ronald D. Halliburton, Steve Corso
  • Patent number: 6902808
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: P1 Diamond, Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Pinneo
  • Patent number: 6742673
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: William S. Credle, Jr., John P. Giles, James Michael Watson
  • Patent number: 6550637
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Fuji Electric Co, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hajime Erikawa
  • Publication number: 20030000956
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Alexandre Maldonado