Abstract: Systems and methods of the present disclosure relate to dispensing and jammed item release techniques. A dispensing system comprises an arrangement of passages; a first device operable to move in a lateral direction along the arrangement of passages; a second device operable to move in a vertical direction along the arrangement of passages; a third device operable to extend or retract into a passage; and a cover operable to move toward and away from the arrangement of passages.

Abstract: This application relates to the technical field of automatic vending, and provides a vending machine that includes a control device, a measuring device, a bucket, a bucket driving mechanism configured for driving the bucket into motion, and a storage column configured to store items. The control device controls the measuring device to measure a first distance and a second distance, calculates a difference between the first distance and the second distance, and calculates a number of items in the storage column based on the difference.

Abstract: A main unit includes a cassette shelf, at least one transporting cassette holder that temporarily holds a cassette removed from the cassette shelf and to be transported to a drug receiver, at least one returning cassette holder that temporarily holds the cassette received from the drug receiver and to be returned to the cassette shelf, and a main cassette transporter that transports the cassette between the cassette shelf and the at least one transporting cassette holder, and between the cassette shelf and the at least one returning cassette holder.

Abstract: The shuttle system is configured to convey a container through a filling center. The shuttle system includes a shuttle and a base plate that is operably attached with the shuttle. A plurality of support members extend vertically upwardly from the base plate and surround a container receiving space. The support members are configured to directly contact side surfaces of the container and to support the container as the shuttle moves through the filling center without locking the container to the shuttle.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for substance dependence cessation management are described. The system involves an electronic mobile device, a communication network and a substance packet holder adapted with a substance packet dispenser, the substance packet holder connected to the electronic mobile device through the communication network. The system being capable of collecting user related information of a user for activating for an algorithm on the electronic mobile device based on the user related information, defining a plan for the cessation of substance dependence and capable of controlling a dispensing of a substance packet from the substance packet dispenser for the user.

Abstract: Disclosed are a bucket and a vending machine. The bucket is used for the vending machine and includes a shell, a turnover body and a first driving mechanism. The shell has a base plate and the turnover body is provided with a storage cavity, an inlet and an outlet. Both the inlet and the outlet are connected with the storage cavity. The turnover body may be located in a first position and a second position. When the turnover body is located in the first position, the base plate closes the outlet; when the turnover body is located in the second position, the outlet deviates from the base plate and is opened. The first driving mechanism is in transmission connection with the turnover body and is configured to drive the turnover body to switch between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: A novel food station comprises first and second pluralities of cubbies, each sized to enclose a food portion container, and a food collection hatch that is selectively externally accessible. A heating system can controllably heat one or more of the first plurality of cubbies independently of the first plurality of cubbies, and a cooling system can cool one or more of the second plurality of cubbies independently of the first plurality of cubbies. An internal transport system including an end effector that temporarily couples to the portion container carrier of a selected cooled cubby of the second plurality of cubbies and can controllably move the food portion container carrier to a selected heated cubby or to the food collection hatch.

Abstract: The present disclosure is also directed to a system for managing inventory within a dispenser that is configured to maintain a known inventory and is configured to transmit inventory values from the dispenser so that other users can review the inventory values. Also, the dispenser is configured to be accessed by users locally and through an internet connection so that the inventory can be reviewed.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a high side heat exchanger, a load, a compressor, a belt, a first bin, a second bin, and a controller. The high side heat exchanger removes heat from a refrigerant. The load uses the refrigerant to cool an enclosed space. The compressor compresses the refrigerant. The first and second bins are coupled to the belt and positioned within the enclosed space. The controller receives a first message, determines that the first bin should be selected, and cycles the belt to move the first bin to a retrieval location within the enclosed space. The controller also receives a second message, determines that the second bin should be selected, and cycles the belt to move the second bin to the retrieval location.

Abstract: A power assembly is configured to detachably mate with the power input member of a storage column of a vending machine, to supply power for the power input member. The driving assembly is connected to the power assembly and is configured to drive the power assembly to move reciprocatively in a width direction of the vending machine. Also disclosed is a vending machine.

Abstract: It is vital to use the right medicine at the right time, at the right dose while taking medicines; forgetting to take medicines is a problem seen in patients with forgetfulness or carelessness, especially elderly patients, and in patients who are on continuous medication and/or have to use a medicine for a certain period. The synchronized medication tracking system of the present invention is designed to solve the problems of the patients. The present invention includes a cartridge that can be carried on patients at all times, a filling device for placing the medicines in portable cartridges, and an application to allow tracking this information.

Abstract: A dispensing system and associated method provides a turnkey solution for dispensing pharmaceutical products such as solid medications and nutritional supplements to be taken orally in health care settings, including but not limited to long term care (LTC) and assisted living settings.

Abstract: Provided herein are various apparatuses, systems, and methods for improving the efficiency of medication distribution within a healthcare facility. In particular, embodiments may provide for dispensing medications needed and medications anticipated to be needed to an authorized medical person for administration to a patient in a healthcare facility. Methods may include receiving an indication of one or more unit dose medications anticipated to be needed by a patient; retrieving the one or more unit dose medications from a unit storage device; loading the one or more unit dose medications onto a transport device; transporting the one or more unit dose medications from the unit storage device to a location proximate the patient; and transferring the one or more unit dose medications from the transport device to a staging area at the location proximate the patient.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for dispensing vehicle balancing weights are disclosed. The dispenser comprises a transport unit arranged below a cartridge for storing balancing weights. The transport unit moves a balancing weight from a selected section of the cartridge on a belt conveyor for further transporting the balancing weight to a handling device. The transport unit comprises a feeder, and a plurality of stack lifters for lifting a stack of balancing weights and allowing the feeder to push a selected balancing weight under the stack of other balancing weights towards the belt conveyor.

Abstract: A refrigeration unit for an aircraft galley comprises a frame establishing a main compartment, and a side window that receives a side access compartment, where a the dividing wall separates the side compartment interior space from a main chilled compartment. A side door mounted to the side access compartment allows access to the side compartment but not the main compartment, allowing segregation of snacks and items accessible to passengers via self-serve from those that are only distributed by flight attendants.

Abstract: A goods transmission system in a vending machine includes a vending cabinet and a goods output mechanism. A supporting plate with a cutout blocks goods from falling in the cabinet. The supporting plate bears against an upwardly-inclined bottom plate which, with separating plates, carries a plurality of goods. A plurality of first resisting brackets and a plurality of second resisting brackets on an endless toothed belt extend from the drive member and the drive member drives the plurality of first resisting brackets and the second resisting brackets around. The action of the first resisting brackets and the second resisting brackets push the plurality of goods to move on the supporting plate until one of the plurality of goods is pushed to being above the cutout and the item drops from the cutout for the customer.

Abstract: A sanitized vending machine includes product and cup dispensing mechanisms and an actuation mechanism. The product dispensing mechanism, holding one or more product items, rotates through a product dispensing cycle to dispense them. The cup dispensing mechanism, holding a stack of cups, rotates through a cup dispensing cycle to dispense a cup to a predetermined position. The dispensing cycles occur in a predetermined sequence so as to enable the dispensed product items to be received in a previously dispensed cup. The dispensing mechanisms respectively include rotatable first and second driven gears drivingly interfaced to rotate during respective product and cup dispensing cycles. The actuation mechanism includes a handle and a rotatable drive gear drivingly interfaced with the first driven gear. When the handle is turned by a user through an actuation cycle the driven gears rotate the respective mechanisms through respective product and cup dispensing cycles.

Abstract: A commodity storage device has commodity storage columns defining respective commodity storage passages in each of which commodities are stored upright in a line. The commodity storage device includes: first gate members, each of which is provided turnably in such a manner as to enter and retreat from the corresponding commodity storage passage; second gate members, each of which is provided so as to be able to turn in conjunction with the corresponding first gate member in such a manner as to enter and retreat from the corresponding commodity storage passage; and flapper members, each of which is provided turnably on a side wall forming the corresponding commodity storage passage in such a manner as to enter and retreat from the commodity storage passage.

Abstract: An identification module is disclosed for use in a key making machine. The identification module may have a key receiving assembly configured to receive only a shank of an existing key, and an imaging assembly configured to generate an image of the shank while the existing key is being manually held in the key receiving assembly. The identification module may also have a housing configured to house the key receiving assembly and the imaging assembly. The housing may have a slot formed therein to receive the existing key. The identification module further may have a tip guide configured to receive a tip of the shank of the existing key as the tip is inserted through the slot. The tip guide may be linearly movable by insertion of the existing key from a first location at the slot to a second location away from the slot.

Abstract: A nightwear vending machine to be placed in and around the grounds of all hospitals, clinics and health care centres in the UK. The vending machine will sell women's, men's and children's pyjamas, night dresses, night gowns and slippers to all members of the public and be available 24 hours a day.

Abstract: This invention relates to the re-design of the original Ideal Dispensing apparatus, U.S. Pat. No. 2,174,712, (1939) and U.S. Pat. No. 2,637,612, (1953). Stated patent design was a single serving, slideable type container dispensing apparatus, manually operated horizontally through slideable guideways that were permanently welded fixed, one size, guideways that included a simple pan/tray for containers, cans and cartons. The new design gives the all-around versatility with the new all metal individual interchangeable and adjustable guideway blades and a saw tooth trough tray that accommodates majority of sizes, and shapes cans, cartons and beverage containers to include neck-less, and tapered designs in todays marketplace. This said new apparatus with new trough tray magnifies a novel and unobvious design combining and optimizing the utilization of space and versatility, with ease of installation and adjustment.

Abstract: A vending machine allowing only one compartment at a time to be filled with goods for sale includes a rack, a plurality of warehouses, a limiting band or rope. The plurality of warehouses is slidably accommodated in the rack. The band or rope is rotatably secured to the rack and engages with each of the plurality of warehouses. The band or rope is stretched to the full when one of the plurality of warehouses is pulled out of the rack, preventing any other warehouse from being pulled out of the rack at the same time.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing the utilization of inventory space for articles dispensable from an article dispensing machine is provided. A subset of articles in the article dispensing machine may be targeted for removal for various purposes. Based on a list of the subset of articles, the article dispensing machine may move the subset of articles from a storage unit to a predetermined area, such as a merchandising zone of the storage unit or a separate article removal bin. The subset of articles may be removed from the predetermined area, followed by loading of new articles to the predetermined area.

Abstract: A dispenser is described for dispensing sheeted cleaning media, such as disposable hand towels, in a residential or household setting using the existing towel bar for a means of placement.

Abstract: A dispenser can be utilized for selectively providing a denture cleaning tablet. The apparatus includes a rotatable storage container holding a plurality of columns of the tablets and a dispensing mechanism. The dispensing mechanism includes an input hole. A user of the dispenser can acquire a tablet through rotating the rotatable storage container to align one of the columns of tablets to the input hole and cycling the dispensing mechanism.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic medicine packing machine. Required medicines are packaged in the unit of a dose by automatically discharging the medicines medicine cassettes according to the prescription of a doctor or a pharmacist. A plurality of cassette magazines are drawably installed at an upper body part of the automatic medicine packing machine. Each cassette magazine is provided at one side thereof with a shelf, in which a medicine cassette is arranged, and provided at an opposite side thereof with a passage member to guide the medicines discharged from the medicine cassette.

Abstract: A method of dispensing bolts includes a step of forming a column of bolts on top of one another. The column includes an upper end and a lower end. A shank portion of each of the bolts is oriented toward the lower end. The method further includes steps of moving the column of bolts and dispensing a bolt at a time from the lower end. A bolt dispensing system is provided and includes a dispensing tube and a dispensing section. The dispensing section is located near an end of the dispensing tube and is configured to dispense bolts one at a time from the end.

Abstract: A blade dispenser apparatus includes a body, a blade receptacle coupled to and repositionable in relation to the body, a blade holder coupled to and repositionable in relation to the blade receptacle, and an actuator coupled to the blade holder, the actuator being deployable for repositioning of the blade holder to dispense a blade or for disengaging a portion of the blade receptacle from the body allowing a user of the blade dispenser to access the blade receptacle.

Abstract: A dispensing device includes a cabinet, a door, a catching assembly, and a driving assembly. The cabinet includes a plurality of product boxes for receiving products. The door is pivotably mounted to the cabinet. The catching assembly includes a catch portion, a shipping portion, and a connecting portion connected between the catch portion and the shipping portion; and the connecting portion defining a goods channel communicating with the catch portion, the shipping portion, and the receiving opening. The connecting portion is scalable in a vertical direction. The catch portion is slidable relative to the cabinet. The driving assembly is capable of driving the catch portion to slide to a selected product box of the plurality of product boxes to catch a corresponding product.

Abstract: The present application provides a merchandiser. The merchandiser may include an ambient compartment with at least one ambient product therein, a temperature controlled compartment with at least one temperature controlled product therein, and a vending module in communication with the temperature controlled compartment such that the vending module dispenses a temperature controlled product in response to an ambient product being placed in the vending module.

Abstract: A prize dispensing hook assembly is provided for retaining a prize suspended from a base of a prize dispenser and releasing the prize therefrom at a predetermined release location. The hook assembly includes a hook structure mounted on the base for movement relative thereto. The hook structure is engageable with the prize in a prize retaining position and is disengagable from the prize in a prize releasing position corresponding to the predetermined release location. The biasing arrangement is continuously engaged with both the base and the hook structure, and provides a biasing force continuously urging an open of the hook structure into direct engagement with the base. An actuator arrangement is mounted within the prize dispenser and is provided with a movable release element which is selectively engageable with the hook structure to move the hook structure to the prize releasing position.

Abstract: A feeding apparatus of capsules to a brewing device of an automatic beverage vending machine; the feeding apparatus comprising two stores for respective types of capsules; an outlet device, common to the two stores, to feed the capsules to the brewing device; and, for each store, dispensing means of the respective capsules one by one; and orientating means configured to give the capsules a determined final orientation before they are dispensed to the brewing device; the feeding apparatus also comprising detecting means to detect whether or not a capsule is present inside the outlet device; and control means for stopping the dispensing means of both stores and preventing further capsules from being dispensed in response to a capsule-presence signal emitted by the detecting means.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, in certain embodiments, are methods, devices, and systems for dispensing bandages comprising: a dispenser body defining an interior compartment with an open or partially open top and comprising a front wall with an exposed upper edge and at least one interior compartment divider; at least one bandage pack disposed in the interior compartment, wherein the bandage pack comprises at least one individually wrapped bandage; and at least one retaining clip, wherein the clip retains a bandage pack in the dispenser body.

Abstract: A tray for vibratory conveying of food articles from a hopper is provided. The tray includes a tray body, food inlet portion, and a food outlet portion. An upwardly extending dividing member divides the tray into at least two food inlet conveyor passageways, the inlet conveyor passageways merging into a single food passageway that extends to the food outlet portion. The single food passageway may have an initially wide portion and subsequently narrow to a narrow portion as it approaches a discharge end. This arrangement helps to declump food items, preferably causing food items the size of chicken nuggets to be conveyed in a single-file arrangement along the single food passageway. The single food passageway is preferably non-linear, and may, for example, have a zigzag or serpentine configuration to promote accurate dispensing of food items.

Abstract: A vending arrangement for computerized vending machines, retail displays, automated retail stores, utilizes a centralized, robotic gantry associated with companion modules for vending a plurality of selectable products. The modularized design enables deployment of half-sized or larger, full sized machines. The robotic gantry is deployed in a centralized module disposed adjacent display and inventory modules. Inventory modules can be fitted to both gantry sides, and doors can be fitted to the gantry front or rear. The gantry comprises an internal, vertically displaceable elevator utilizing a central conveyor for laterally, horizontally moving selected items from associated display and inventory positions to a vending position. Computerized software enables the display and vending functions, and controls elevator movement to dispense products from twin sides of the gantry by appropriately controlling the conveyor.

Abstract: A vending machine which dispenses goods without risk of damage to the goods or the customer includes a cabinet, a receiving tray and a merchandise catch basket moveably received in the receiving tray. The cabinet includes a cabinet body and a door rotatably attached to the cabinet body. A number of merchandise shelves are located in the cabinet body and bought goods slide rather than drop into the catch basket. A first opening is defined in the door, and the receiving tray is attached to an inside of the door and the customer is prevented from interfering with or taking the bought goods until they are at rest in the merchandise catch basket which is moved out to be accessible to the customer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for presenting a bunch of items of media to a user of a Self-Service Terminal (SST). The method comprises individually removing at least one item of media from at least two respective media item containers in a predetermined sequence responsive to at least one common predetermined characteristic of each item of media, providing the removed items of media as a bunch of items of media, and presenting the bunch of items of media to a user.

Abstract: The present invention fulfills the above and other objects by providing a combination dispensing and disposal container (1) having a dispensing end (2) with a dispensing opening (3) for dispensing new items, such as facial tissue, wet wipes, candy, etc. On the opposite end of the container is a disposal end (4) with a disposal opening (5) for accepting trash. A bladder (6) located inside of the container separates a storage compartment (7) where new items are held from a disposal compartment (8) where trash is held. In addition to or in lieu of a bladder, a rigid partition (9) may also separate the storage compartment from the disposal compartment. One or more lids (10, 11) keeps the dispensing and end and the disposal end sealed when not in use. An additional feature is a strap (12) that allows a user to attach the tissue container to his or her wrist.

Abstract: A cabinet for securely storing items includes a drawer enclosure, a drawer, a cover, an electric actuator, and a switch. The drawer is slidable at least partially into and out of the enclosure, and includes a compartment. A cover which is configured as a metal belt is designed to selectively block access to the compartments of the drawer when the cover is in a first configuration, and to allow access to the compartment when the cover is in a second configuration. The electric actuator is designed to move the cover from the first configuration to the second configuration in one of two directions. The actuator selects the direction to reduce the time required to make such movement.

Abstract: A dual-chambered beverage container in the form of a shot glass. The interior of the glass is bisected via a hinged divider flap, creating two separate chambers within the glass. The upper chamber holds a first beverage, preferably a shot of hard liquor, while the bottom chamber holds a volume of a second beverage, such as soda or juice. When the shot glass is in a resting position, the divider flap is closed, segregating the beverages in their respective chambers. A user begins to drink the first beverage, the hinged diver flap will slowly swing open, allowing the second beverage to flow out of the bottom chamber, through the upper chamber, and into the user's mouth. Thus the user experiences the taste of the shot of hard liquor only briefly before consuming the chaser beverage.

Abstract: Provided is a drug dispensing box and cartridge having a mutually coupled structure. The cartridge disposed on each of floors of a drug dispensing apparatus and connected to each of a plurality of drug dispensing boxes includes a cartridge housing comprising a lower housing supporting the drug dispensing box and a rear housing restricting entry of the drug dispensing box by a predetermined distance, a rail disposed along an entry path of the drug dispensing box on the lower housing; and a first data transmitting/receiving terminal connected to the drug dispensing box to transmit/receive data. A rail for guiding the drug dispensing box when the drug dispensing box and the cartridge are connected to each other may be provided to connect the drug dispensing box to the cartridge at a regular position.

Abstract: A method of dispensing restricted products includes providing: a dispenser containing an inventory of restricted goods and a communication link to an authorized vendor; means to enable the vendor to verify the purchaser as an approved purchaser; an inventory system including storage for products in rows and columns; an identification system that identifies the location of each product by row and column; a product section device enabling verification that the selected product is correct and moves the product to a printing location, a viewing location, and/or an issue tray; a visual viewing means for the vendor to view the product; a payment transaction system to verify payment for the product; at least two collection trays remaining locked until the vendor releases product to the purchaser; a product reject hopper to collect product not approved for collection; and reject system to securely remove product to the reject hopper.

Abstract: A utensil dispensing tray that cooperates with a dispenser. The tray includes at least one feature that causes the utensil, such as a knife, fork, spork, or spoon, to rotate from a first orientation to a second orientation for presentation as the utensil drops into the tray. The tray also includes one or more features that result in the utensil being consistently positioned in its second orientation within a dispensing area of the tray.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modular automated tool dispenser comprising at least one tool delivery module with at least one tool compartment containing a plurality of tools that are combined to form tool classes and with a plurality of tool conveying devices, each device being associated with one of the tool classes and conveying tools of one class to a tool delivery point. Each tool class is defined by the tool type, tool size and/or the tool weight as a tool parameter. The dispenser also comprises a tool selection device for selecting the desired tool class and the number of tools to be delivered and for activating the tool conveying device that is associated with the selected tool class.

Abstract: Embodiments of a vending machine are disclosed that can comprise one or more horizontally oriented shelves for supporting products to be vended, a plurality of vertically oriented dividers coupled to the shelves, a plurality of location markers located on the dividers and/or on the shelves, and an optical recognition module configured to optically recognize the location markers and to determine positions of the location markers and products relative to the shelves. In some embodiments, the optical recognition module can recognize the products by comparing images of the products to stored product images.

Abstract: A method and a system for dispensing bolts are provided. The system includes a dispensing cartridge including a dispensing tube and a dispensing section. The dispensing tube includes a first end, a second end, and a passage provided between the first end and the second end. The passage is configured to store a plurality of bolts to be supplied to the dispensing tube through the first end such that the bolts are moved through the passage. The dispensing section is located near the second end of the dispensing tube and is configured to dispense the bolts one at a time from the second end.

Abstract: A gumball machine includes a gumball container that contains a plurality of gumballs, and a neck portion coupled to the gumball container. The gumball machine has an elongated transparent housing having an upper end coupled to the neck portion, and a base coupled to the lower end of the elongated housing. A speaker is positioned inside the base and is electrically coupled to a switch, a plurality of lighting elements are arranged inside the transparent housing and electrically coupled to the switch, and a power supply is housed inside the base and electrically coupled to the switch, the speaker and the lighting elements. When an actuator is actuated, the actuator turns on the switch to cause the lighting elements to flash, the speaker to broadcast sound and/or music, and a gumball to be dispensed from the gumball container.

Abstract: An automated banking machine is operative to cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records, such as user cards. The machine includes a reader device operative to read data usable to identify a financial account authorized for use in conducting a transaction through the machine. An authorized machine user is able to use the machine to perform transactions, including financial transfers, cash dispensing, and other actions associated with financial accounts. The machine includes a safe having two sections separated by a shared wall structure. A cash handling arrangement is operative to transport cash between the two sections through a slot in the wall structure.

Abstract: A vending arrangement for computerized vending machines, retail displays, automated retail stores, utilizes a centralized, robotic gantry associated with companion modules for vending a plurality of selectable products. The modularized design enables deployment of half-sized or larger, full sized machines. The robotic gantry is deployed in a centralized module disposed adjacent display and inventory modules. Inventory modules can be fitted to both gantry sides, and doors can be fitted to the gantry front or rear. The gantry comprises an internal, vertically displaceable elevator utilizing a central conveyor for laterally, horizontally moving selected items from associated display and inventory positions to a vending position. Computerized software enables the display and vending functions, and controls elevator movement to dispense products from twin sides of the gantry by appropriately controlling the conveyor.

Abstract: A multi-pocket step-drawer is disclosed that includes a dispensing drawer and a control module. The dispensing drawer has a body comprising at least one fixed wall forming at least two open-top compartments that are arranged along an axis parallel to the front-to-back axis and a ladder fixedly coupled to the body. The ladder has a plurality of cross arms arranged along an axis parallel to the front-to-back axis. The control module includes a housing and a latching element coupled to the housing and disposed proximate to the ladder. The latching element has a first position wherein the latching element engages one of the plurality of cross-arms so as to prevent the dispensing drawer from moving toward the front and a second position wherein the latching element allows the dispensing element to move toward the front.