Relative To Common Outlet Patents (Class 221/121)
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Patent number: 11950725Abstract: The invention relates to a portion dispenser (2) for dispensing beverage items (8) from an exchangeable cartridge (3) comprising: a frame (4) with a receiving portion (5) for receiving the exchangeable cartridge, a discharge opening (6) next to the receiving portion (5) and sized for allowing a beverage item to be individually discharged by gravity from the 5 exchangeable cartridge, a moving means assembly (16) comprising a moving means (19) and a moving means housing (20) in which the moving means are arranged for moving therein, wherein the moving means (19) are arranged for providing a discharge chamber (23) for discharge of at least one beverage item therein and for transporting to a dispensing area (17) and wherein the moving means assembly (16) is arranged for sealingly 10 connecting with the exchangeable cartridge (3) and comprises means for opening the exchangeable cartridge to allow the discharge of the beverage item in the discharge chamber and for re-closing the exchangeable cartridge.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2018Date of Patent: April 9, 2024Assignee: Societe des Produits Nestle S.A.Inventors: Damien Romand, Etienne Crozier, Marco Magatti
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Patent number: 11905668Abstract: An RPM installer for automatically aligning an RPM dispenser assembly and an adhesive dispenser over a marker location on a roadway and installing an RPM marker at the marker location. The RPM installer comprises a mounting assembly, a sliding assembly, the RPM dispenser assembly and the adhesive dispenser. The mounting assembly is configured to attach to a vehicle. The RPM installer comprises a forward movement direction aligned with a forward moving direction of the vehicle. The RPM installer comprises a front side associated with the forward movement direction, a rear side, an interior side adjacent with the vehicle, and an exterior side. The sliding assembly is configured attach to and selectively slide relative to the mounting assembly in directions substantially aligned with the forward movement direction. The RPM dispenser assembly and the adhesive dispenser are mounted to a portion of the sliding assembly.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2023Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: EcoPath Striping LLCInventor: Dustin Whitaker
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Patent number: 11628578Abstract: Provided is an alimentary-product assembling and dispensing device comprising: a plurality of alimentary-ingredient dispensers positioned to dispense respective ingredients in a plurality of different locations of a robotic work environment; a robot configured to receive an open-top vessel from an open-top-vessel dispenser and move the open-top vessel to the different locations to receive different ingredients from the plurality of alimentary-ingredient dispensers, wherein the robot comprises four or fewer degrees of freedom; and a vending aperture through which consumers retrieve vended alimentary products assembled by the robot from ingredients dispensed from the plurality of alimentary-ingredient dispensers.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2019Date of Patent: April 18, 2023Assignee: Truebird Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Michael Hazen Knuepfel, Andrew William Lynch, Darian Montague Ahler, Jordan Ross Adelson
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Patent number: 10555874Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for a healthcare management service are provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2017Date of Patent: February 11, 2020Assignee: Pillo, Inc.Inventors: Aiden Y. Feng, Emanuele Musini, James Malcolm Andrew Wyman, Emanuele Baglini, Antonello Scalmato, Paolo Vernazza, Simone Denei, Andrea Dulach, Alfonso Desiderio, Luca Petacchi
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Patent number: 10494165Abstract: A medication and event monitoring system operates through the internet, interconnecting and accommodating the transfer of information and data between a patient center, a caregiver/researcher center, and a pharmacist. A control center is provided in intercommunication with the patient, caregiver and pharmacist for accommodating the exchange of information and data regarding medication usage between and among the persons of interest. The patient center also includes physical sensing devices, such as for blood pressure, temperature, and the like for obtaining and transmitting information. The patient communicates through a smartphone, and further communicates through pill dispensing devices housed in a docking system that is in intercommunication with the various centers.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2012Date of Patent: December 3, 2019Assignees: KENT STATE UNIVERSITY, IRXREMINDER, LLCInventors: Anthony Sterns, Joel Hughes, Nick Mastandrea, Joshua Smith
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Patent number: 10071022Abstract: Devices dispense medicine and dietary supplements in solid dosage form. The dimensions of the selection slots for the solid dosage forms in a device can be customized in depth by adding or subtracting spacers, and in width by adding or subtracting thickness inserts, or otherwise by employing components of suitable dimensions. Also, structures and methods for resolving jams of solid dosage forms are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2017Date of Patent: September 11, 2018Assignee: PharmRight CorporationInventor: William C Park, IV
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Patent number: 9949590Abstract: A beverage dispensing machine for producing a beverage from a capsule containing a product, includes an injecting arrangement arranged for piercing a covering element of the capsule and injecting into the latter a liquid interacting with the product to make a beverage, a housing element provided with a seat into which the capsule is insertable, a dispensing unit for dispensing said liquid into the capsule, said housing element rests on elastic elements and is slidable inside a chamber obtained in a box element that is insertable into a space of the dispensing unit, the chamber being provided with a fixed support intended for constituting a rest for a bottom of the capsule when the latter is inserted into the seat.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2014Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: SARONG SOCIETA' PER AZIONIInventors: Andrea Bartoli, Davide Capitini, Alessandro Grillenzoni
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Patent number: 9888721Abstract: An e-cigarette provides enables selective disbursement of multiple liquid solutions having different flavors into an atomizing chamber for vaporization with a single atomizer. A cartridge containing the liquid solutions segregates the various flavored liquid solutions into multiple compartments through a rotatable barrier. Each compartment is in communication with a cartridge opening and a chamber opening. A rotatable plate attaches to the rotatable barrier. The rotatable plate includes a plate opening and a plate plug. The plate plug intervenes between the cartridge opening and the chamber opening of a first compartment to restrict passage of a liquid solution from the first compartment. Simultaneously, the plate opening enables passage of a different liquid solution through the cartridge opening and the chamber opening from a second compartment. Thus, the rotatable plate regulates passage of the desired liquid solution from a compartment to an atomizer for vaporizing the desired flavor of liquid solution.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2015Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Inventor: Erik Chan
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Patent number: 9795234Abstract: Shaft-mounted cup holders, hole-mounted cup holders, freestanding cup holders, and tabletop cup holders and methods of assembling and using the same. Shaft-mounted cup holders, hole-mounted cup holders, freestanding cup holders, and tabletop cup holders are based on a cup holder assembly that includes, for example, a 2-cup plate or a 4-cup plate in relation to a center fastener, wherein the 2-cup plate, the 4-cup plate, and the center fastener are designed to be slidably or permanently affixed to a shaft or pole, such as the shaft or pole of a table umbrella or beach umbrella or a stand-alone shaft or pole configured for use with the cup holders.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2014Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: GLV CONSULTING, DESIGNING & FABRICATING, LLCInventor: Vincent Higgins
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Patent number: 9770391Abstract: Devices dispense medicine and dietary supplements in solid dosage form. The dimensions of the selection slots for the solid dosage forms in a device can be customized in depth by adding or subtracting spacers, and in width by adding or subtracting thickness inserts, or otherwise by employing components of suitable dimensions. Also, structures and methods for resolving jams of solid dosage forms are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2016Date of Patent: September 26, 2017Assignee: PharmRight CorporationInventor: William C Park, IV
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Patent number: 9582954Abstract: An article dispensing machine, system and method for authenticating an article returned to the article dispensing machine and an article for use in such a machine and system are disclosed herein. The returned article comprises an authentication code disposed on the surface of the returned article and a layer that is substantially opaque in visible light and at least partially overlays the authentication code. The article dispensing machine comprises a light source for illuminating the surface of the returned article so that the authentication code is visible through the layer, an image capture device for capturing an image of the authentication code when the surface is illuminated, and a processor for comparing the captured image to a master authentication code.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2013Date of Patent: February 28, 2017Assignee: REDBOX AUTOMATED RETAIL, LLCInventors: Franz Kuehnrich, Jonathan Palmer
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Patent number: 9283150Abstract: A pill dispenser comprising a container operatively arranged to hold at least one pill, a cap/timer assembly rotatably secured to the container, the cap/timer assembly arranged to be set to a time interval for dispensing the at least one pill, means for alerting a user when the timer has been set to the time interval, and a dispenser housed within the container and the cap, the dispenser operatively arranged to dispense only one pill at the beginning of the time interval, and to prevent dispensing until the time interval has elapsed. The dispenser also includes an audible alert to indicate that a pill has been dispensed.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2014Date of Patent: March 15, 2016Assignee: HB Clouds LLCInventors: Joseph B. Bujalski, James Klino, Jeffery Heitzenrater, Christopher Sean Wronski
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Patent number: 8978885Abstract: The present invention provides a system that allows an easy and quick exchange of small batteries of hearing devices as well as a method for exchanging a battery of a hearing device that combines the installation of a new battery into the hearing device with the deinstallation of the battery to be replaced from the hearing device in a single action using a single mechanism. The inventive battery exchange system comprises a carrier module 1, which features a hearing device receiving means shaped to receive a part of a hearing device 4 and a battery passage that traverses the carrier module 1, a battery dispensing module 2 adapted to accommodate at least one battery 7 and a battery ejection means 3 adapted to eject a battery 7 from the battery dispensing module 2 into the battery passage of the carrier module 1.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2010Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: Phonak AGInventor: Bruno Gabathuler
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Publication number: 20150069080Abstract: A device and a method for dispensing pharmacy/clinic loaded medications are described herein. The device may include multiple chambers, each chamber having stored therein one type of medication. Each chamber may have a cavity located along a rotating drum. Rotation of the drum causes the chamber to dispense the medications according to a defined schedule.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2014Publication date: March 12, 2015Inventors: Christopher J. DiMartino, Richard W. Graham
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Publication number: 20140332551Abstract: Vending machines designed specifically for the sale and provision of large and potentially unusually shaped items, such as sporting goods, including an electronic system for the selection and sale of the vended items. In some examples, the vending machine includes multiple product storage areas designed for holding and vending varied goods such as hockey sticks, hockey stick blades, and related accessories, with each area separate and made accessible by the electronic system as appropriate based upon the purchased products selected by a user.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2014Publication date: November 13, 2014Inventor: Broderick Zorick
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Patent number: 8863480Abstract: A device for dispensing pills includes a set of pill canisters and a control for releasing a desired quantity of pills from a selected pill canister at a target location. Several platens are provided; each of the platens has a platen identifier. A frame is situated beneath the target location. The frame is controlled to move in both an X axis and/or a Y axis and the frame holds a selected platen of a set of platens. The selected platen holds and supports a target container into which the desired quantity of pills is deposited. The platen identifier is read by the device for dispensing pills to determine which of the plurality of platens is in the frame.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2011Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: QEM, Inc.Inventor: Norman D. Knoth
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Patent number: 8727178Abstract: A condiment packet dispenser that includes a cylindrical shaped housing containing an open top with a plurality of radially partitioned chambers. Each chamber contains a cylindrical shaped container that stores individual condiment packets in a radial manner. The dispenser is operated by pushing a button which sends a signal to a motor control board. The motor control board powers a motor having a spur gear which turns the selected condiment container until the condiment packet is aligned with a drop chute. The packet then falls thru the drop chute and is available for picking up by the customer. There is also a cylindrical shaped top lid which is removable when new condiments need to be loaded to replenish the dispenser. The condiment dispenser sits on top of a base stand that may either be rigidly mounted or may be rotated to choose a condiment.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2011Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Inventors: Irene Carter, Roger Henry Gagnon
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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: 8528780Abstract: A dispenser comprises a housing defining a chamber to receive a charge of smoking articles coupled by a belt and such that the longitudinal axis of each smoking article extends between first and second ends of die housing. The dispenser includes a mechanism to advance the belt in a lateral direction so as to move a smoking article of the belt into alignment with an aperture in said first end of the housing. The mechanism is also operable to push said aligned smoking article from the belt and eject it in a longitudinal direction from the housing through said aperture. A belt for use in such a dispense!, and a method of filling such a dispenser.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2009Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: British American Tobacco (Investments) LimitedInventors: Chris Houghton, Ian Mckinnon
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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: 8428775Abstract: Products are dispensed from a dispensing apparatus in which products marked with transaction information are received in a two-dimensional array of moveable bins. In response to control information synthesized from transaction information on the products in the bins and a dispense request, the array is operated to place a bin at a dispensing station on the dispensing apparatus. At the dispensing station, a mechanism is operated in response to the control information to provide access to the bin. A product in the bin may then be retrieved.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2012Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Parata Systems, LLCInventors: Stuart C. Baker, Daniel C. Finn, Thomas F. Gaasch, William K. Holmes
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Patent number: 8068934Abstract: A medication dispensing system uses a series of medication rings grouped as a rotary drum and controlled for dispensing medication on a daily basis into a divided pill box. Each medication ring includes an associated medication collar that cooperates with the medication ring to reduce the possibility of abrasion of the medication dosages held in the medication rings. The pill box is moved and rotated within the dispensing system by a carriage to dispense medication into appropriate cells of the pill box. A computer control module controls the movement of the various components and is programmable for loading and dispensing different medication regimes.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2009Date of Patent: November 29, 2011Inventor: Leon Saltsov
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Patent number: 8061555Abstract: An automatic product vending machine is provided where the user can withdraw the selected product directly from the machine, the storage area for the products is a rack and the dispensing device of the single product is a frame on which a pusher is mounted which causes the selected product to fall into a tray, which positions the product at an opening which permits its withdrawal by the user.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2006Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: Daint S.R.L.Inventors: Roberto Guglielmi, Antonio Scapin
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Patent number: 8025180Abstract: The present invention refers to an apparatus for dispensing capsules, preferably single-use, disposable capsules for the production of beverages, brews and the like, intended for use in connection with automatic food-product vending machines. The inventive capsule dispensing apparatus includes a plurality of receptacles adapted to accommodate capsules in a stacked arrangement, at least a rotary pick-up device provided with two or more compartments distributed about the axis of rotation thereof for removing the capsules from the receptacles, and a conveyor. The capsule dispensing apparatus is characterized in that between the at least a pick-up device and the conveyor there is arranged a distribution tray including a plurality of guide partitions adapted to enable the capsules to undergo a rotary motion.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2006Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignee: N & W Global Vending S.p.A.Inventor: Alessandro Magno
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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: 7958701Abstract: A device for dispensing pills includes a set of pill canisters and a control for releasing a desired quantity of pills from a selected pill canister at a target location. Several platens are provided, each of the plurality of platens having a machine-readable platen identifier. A frame is situated beneath the target location. The frame is adapted to move in both an X axis and a Y axis and adapted to accept and hold a selected platen of a set of platens whereas the selected platen holds and supports a target container into which the desired quantity of pills is deposited and the machine-readable platen identifier is read by the device for dispensing pills to determine which of the plurality of platens is the selected platen.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2008Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: QEM, Inc.Inventor: Norman D. Knoth
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Patent number: 7908827Abstract: A device for dispensing pills includes a set of pill canisters and a control for releasing a desired quantity of pills from a selected pill canister at a target location. A frame is situated beneath the target location. The frame is adapted to accept and hold a selected platen of a set of platens and to move the selected platen in both an X axis and a Y axis. The selected platen holds and supports a target container into which the desired quantity of pills is deposited.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2008Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: QEM, Inc.Inventor: Norman D. Knoth
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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: 7848846Abstract: A medicine supply apparatus for filling medicines into containers has a plurality of reception compartments into which each of a plurality of medicines are to be respectively selectively fed by a user based on prescription data stored in a processor, a discharge apparatus for discharging the medicines from each of the reception compartments, and filling apparatus for filling the medicines discharged from the reception compartments into containers. An LED lamp is identifiably related to each of the plurality of reception compartments to indicate the reception compartment into which a particular medicine is to be fed based on the prescription data and a control device controls the discharge apparatus to discharge the medicine from the reception compartment and the filling apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2003Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shinya Uema, Manabu Haraguchi
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Patent number: 7793797Abstract: Capsule-dispensing cabinet intended for supplying machines with the aim of preparing drinks or other food preparations, comprising: a body, a plurality of buffer storage housings (3, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35) forming a capsule buffer store, intended to be supplied by a plurality of removable tubes (2) containing stacked capsules, each tube and buffer storage housing (3) being arranged relative to one another so as to form an aligned stack of capsules. Each buffer storage housing (3, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35) comprises individual selection means (5) enabling a capsule contained in the stack to be released and collection means (6, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65) enabling the capsule thus released to be collected.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2005Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Assignee: Nestec S.A.Inventors: Christian Jarisch, Alfred Yoakim
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Publication number: 20100210200Abstract: A coin mechanism comprises a coin entry point (2) to receive coins (1), a coin exit point (19), a coin acceptor (5) having an inlet (7) for coins to be tested, a sensor and processing arrangement configured determine the acceptability of coins under test that enter the inlet, an coin accept path (10) for acceptable coins and a non-accept path (12) for non-acceptable coins. A first coin conveyor runs along first coin feed path (6) from a coin receiving portion that receives coins from coin entry path (3) to deliver coins in succession to the inlet (7) of the coin acceptor. A second coin conveyor runs along a second coin feed path (17) from a coin receiving portion that receives coins from the non-accept path of the acceptor to the coin, to deliver coins to the coin exit point.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2008Publication date: August 19, 2010Applicant: Money Controls LimitedInventors: Malcolm Bell, Graham Jones, Nicholas Aspinall, Robert Blythin
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Patent number: 7747347Abstract: The medication apparatus includes a mobile housing assembly and a plurality of tray members supported therein for rotation on a central mounting assembly. A lockable access door is present in the housing assembly for controlled access to the trays. A tray locking assembly locks and unlocks the trays individually in a plurality of angular positions so that each of the compartments on a particular tray member can be presented before the door. A drive assembly selectively engages and rotates each tray individually when the tray is unlocked. A control system, including a stored program, identifies a compartment associated with a particular patient or associated with particular medications, unlocks the tray associated with the desired compartment, and rotates the tray to present the compartment before the access door, which is then unlocked and openable.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2006Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Assignee: Sabal Medical, Inc.Inventor: William C. Park, IV
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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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Publication number: 20100032446Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic product dispenser, i.e. vending machine featuring improved product delivery ability. The vending machine according to the present invention comprises at least one tray (5) for supporting the products (2) to be dispensed, which is arranged in a substantially horizontal manner and is subdivided into a plurality of compartments (6), at least a conveyor belt (9) for handling the products (2) within said compartments (6) and conveying said products (2) towards a release section (35); the inventive vending machine further comprises delivery means (17) provided close to said release section (35). The inventive vending machine is characterized in that at least one of said compartments (6) is so configured as to be able to receive products (2) arranged along two rows, and in that it comprises selection means (19) adapted to arrange said products (2) into a single row in proximity of said release section (35).Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2007Publication date: February 11, 2010Inventors: Gabriele Valota, Aristide Domenico Roncari, Sergio Pesenti Barili
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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: 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: 7424960Abstract: A chip dispenser for dispensing a plurality of poker chips has a base with upper and lower surfaces and an outer wall through which extend a plurality of slides. Extending upward of the base is a plurality of tubular members for retaining chips. The thickness of each of the slides is chosen to be approximately equal to the number of chips to be dispensed with the actuation of each such slide. Upon actuation of a slide, the chips are moved to a cavity within the base and allowed to fall through a centralized hole in the bottom surface thereof and into a retainer.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2006Date of Patent: September 16, 2008Inventor: Thomas J. Vokac
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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: 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: 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: 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: 6941855Abstract: The invention relates to a device for feeding capsules containing a substance to be extracted in an extraction system under pressure for the preparation of a drink. The device includes a supply of capsules arranged in several series, and a mechanism for individually unloading one capsule into a reception part of the extraction system. The extraction system injects water into the capsule to form the drink as a liquid extract of the substance. The reception part is arranged beneath the unloading mechanism in such a way as to allow the direct descent of the released capsule into the reception part and includes structure for opening the capsule for releasing the liquid extract therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2003Date of Patent: September 13, 2005Assignee: Nestec S.A.Inventors: Jean-Luc Denisart, Jean-Luc Colantonio, Lucio Scorrano
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Patent number: 6860402Abstract: An automatic single object dispenser has storage elements provided with a drum with a horizontal axis on the periphery of which are formed receptacles radially oriented to receive each an object through an opening and a delivery zone whereat the user can collect the selected object, the drum being driven in rotation to bring the selected object to the delivery zone. The dispenser includes elements for ejecting the selected object when it reaches the delivery zone. The dispenser is useful for selling or renting out articles and in particular video cassettes or compact discs.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2001Date of Patent: March 1, 2005Inventor: Juan Blas Casuccio
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Patent number: 6775591Abstract: A medication dispensing cart has a pull-out drawer, and a conveyor that transports a number of removable medication bins within the cart, one at a time, to the position of the drawer. An on-board processor controls operation of the bin conveyor mechanism whose pathway can be a serpentine (folded) loop. The drawer slide engages the bin located at the drawer position, and the bin can be pulled forward from said conveyor and pushed back onto the conveyor. The bins can be lifted out when the drawer is opened. A 2-D bar code symbol or other machine-readable code, positioned on the bin, contains data identifying the contents of the bin and the associated patient. A reader device reads the coded symbol and transfers data for that bin to an on-board processor. The processor keeps track of the bins on the conveyor, as well as their contents. Pusher arms on the drawer assist in pushing the bin out when the drawer is opened and in returning the bin onto its carrier when the drawer is closed.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2003Date of Patent: August 10, 2004Assignee: S&S X-Ray Products, Inc.Inventor: Norman A. Shoenfeld
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Patent number: 6732884Abstract: A medication dispensing system comprising an on-site medication dispensing unit and a central monitoring facility. The on-site medication dispensing unit holds bulk amounts of medication in a plurality of separate receptacles from which it selects a desired medication dosage according to an entered and stored prescription regimen and then notifies the patient by an audible or other sensory signal. If the patient presses a button within a prescribed time, the unit dispenses the dosage. If the patient does not press the button within the prescribed time, or if the unit detects a failure to dispense the selected canister, the unit makes the receptacle inaccessible and contacts a predetermined list of caregivers and the central monitoring facility.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2001Date of Patent: May 11, 2004Inventors: Douglas A. Topliffe, Roger O. Topliffe, Anil Sahai
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Patent number: 6683288Abstract: A system for removing a food container tray from a sleeve, placing the food tray in an oven of an automatic hot food vending machine, removing the hot food tray from the oven and replacing it in the tray, including means for preventing the sleeve from distorting while the food tray is in the oven.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2001Date of Patent: January 27, 2004Assignee: Food Service Technology LimitedInventor: Bruce Dunford