Abstract: A method of interacting with an automatic retail device, including receiving user identification information at the automatic retail device and receiving confirmation of the identity of the user from a source external to the automatic retail device. The method further includes determining the contents of the automatic retail device at a first time, determining the contents of the automatic retail device at a second time, transmitting data regarding the determined contents of the automatic retail device to a server at both the first and second times, and prompting the user to respond to an inquiry.

Abstract: A container cover and dispenser system is disclosed herein. The cover fits over a container and allows a user to access contents through an opening. The cover may include a notch to leave an open section for a user to access the contents. The dispenser may hold a roll of container covers that may be pulled out and individually removed from the roll. The dispenser may include a protrusion to create a tab and notch design on the removed covers to facilitate users' access of the contents.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed at a method and system for recharging batteries for wireless electronic devices. According to one embodiment, a battery charging and monitoring system is disclosed. The system includes a host machine providing a plurality of charging slots and a plurality of wireless devices coupled to and powered by a plurality of batteries. The host machine is adapted to communicate with the plurality of wireless devices through a plurality of wireless links to monitor the plurality of batteries coupled to the wireless devices. According to another embodiment, an electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device is adapted to couple with at least a rechargeable battery and to negotiate with the rechargeable battery for an agreed range of power parameters. The electronic device is further adapted to accept power from and to provide power to the rechargeable battery at the agreed range of power parameters.

Abstract: A pill management device includes a portable reservoir having a pill-receiving inlet and an access door spaced from the pill-receiving inlet, a pill-crushing mechanism disposed within the reservoir and configured to transform a solid pill, introduced via the pill-receiving inlet, to pill powder, and a locking mechanism in communication with the access door and the pill-receiving inlet for preventing unauthorized access to the pill powder housed within the reservoir. Advantageously, the locking mechanism locks the access door and the pill-receiving inlet.

Abstract: An automatic cooking device standardization system is provided. The automatic cooking device standardization system includes a cold storage for storing food ingredients used for cooking, a cooking chamber capable of cooking dishes according to a cooking recipe, and a conveyor unit for conveying the food ingredients for each dish from the cold storage to cooking containers in the cooking chamber according to the cooking recipe. The automatic cooking device standardization system is capable of automatically cooking dishes without requiring user's manual work.

Abstract: A soap dispenser that is engaged to the aerator threads on a faucet. When the faucet is switched on, water flows through a first pathway in the dispenser and exits the dispenser through an opening on the lower front of the device. The dispenser includes a separate second pathway which holds a quantity of liquid soap. A roller assembly provided on the dispenser controls the flow of soap from the second pathway. A graphic image of a face aesthetically pleasing to children may be provided on the front of the housing. The graphic image is positioned so that the opening through which water flows forms the mouth of the face. A trough member in the first pathway smooths the water flow so that water flowing out of the opening takes on the appearance of a tongue sticking out of the mouth of the face.

Abstract: Systems and methods for vending devices having ad-watching as consideration are described. In some implementations, a vending apparatus includes a dispensing portion operable to dispense a product (e.g. electricity) to a user; a communication portion operable to provide a communicable content (e.g. an advertisement) to the user; and a control system operatively coupled to the dispensing portion and the communication portion. The control system receives a signal indicative of a consent by the user to receive or review the communicable content at least partially in exchange for the product, and after receipt of the signal, causes the communication portion to provide the communicable content to the user and causes the dispensing portion to dispense the product to the user. In further implementations, the apparatus may include a monitoring system operable to determine whether the user is receiving or reviewing the communicable content.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dispenser (1) for dispensing substantially prismatic, in particular cube-shaped, tablets (5). In addition, the invention relates to an assembly of such a dispenser and several tablets to be dispensed. The invention furthermore relates to a method for dispensing substantially prismatic, in particular cube-shaped, tablets, in particular by using an assembly according to the invention.

Abstract: A powder granulation method affords greater operation efficiency and working efficiency and enhanced product recovery rate by preventing powder from being adhered to a container inner wall while suppressing variability in particle size of product to the utmost. A plurality of scrapers are disposed so as to abut or come close to the inner face of a bottomed cylindrical container that accommodates powder so that the powder in the container is granulated by causing an inner bottom surface of the container to rotate on a horizontal plane.

Abstract: A tablet supplying portion of a medicine supply apparatus includes: a tablet supplying portion body including a supply cell; a bottom plate; and a bottom plate supporting member. A second end portion of the bottom plate pivotally moves about a first end portion of the bottom plate supported by the tablet supplying portion body, whereby a lower opening portion of the supply cell is opened and closed. The bottom plate supporting member can restrict a pivotal movement of the bottom plate. The tablet supplying portion body and the bottom plate supporting member are relatively movable in a horizontal direction. The bottom plate pivotally moves between a state where the lower opening portion is blocked from opening and an opened state, along with this relative movement.

Abstract: A vending machine system for stackable goods such as vehicle air fresheners includes a hopper and a reciprocating arm. The hopper is configured to hold a stack of the stackable goods. The hopper has an aperture formed in a base of the hopper for dispensing the stackable goods from the hopper. The reciprocating arm is disposed adjacent the aperture. The reciprocating arm is linearly movable between a retracted position and an extended position. One of the stackable goods is received by the reciprocating arm when the reciprocating arm is in the retracted position, and is pushed from the stack of stackable goods by the reciprocating arm when the reciprocating arm is in the extended position.

Abstract: An anti-septic dispensing device allows items, such as gloves, to be reliably removed one at a time from a container while limiting the risk for contamination of the items and/or transmission of infectious agents to the items during removal. The device has a plurality of panels that define a space for receiving one or more containers. One panel contains an aperture aligned with an opening in the container received in the space. A flexible sheet is arranged surrounding the aperture in the one panel. The flexible sheet includes a passage that provides reach-in access to the items. The anti-septic dispensing device includes an antimicrobial component on the flexible sheet and/or the panels. The antimicrobial component limits the potential for transmission of infections agents during the item removal process.

Abstract: Methods and systems for programmed dispensation of consumable compositions are provided. A method for sterilizing a beverage container may include, but is not limited to: (a) detecting a sterilization status of a container; and (b) controlling functionality of a controllable device according to the sterilization status. A system for sterilizing a beverage container may include, but is not limited to: (a) means for detecting a sterilization status of a container; and (b) means for controlling functionality of a controllable device according to the sterilization status.

Abstract: In one aspect, a diagnostic test system includes a receptacle, optical detectors, and a logic circuit. Each of the optical detectors has a corresponding view in the receptacle and produces an electrical signal at a respective detector output in response to light from the corresponding view. The logic circuit includes logic inputs that are respectively coupled to the detector outputs and that produce an output logic signal corresponding to a logical combination of signals received at the logic inputs. In another aspect, respective detection signals are produced in response to light received from respective ones of multiple views of the test strip, and at least one output logic signal corresponding to a respective logical combination of the detection signals is generated.

Abstract: A combination dispenser for hand wipes and hand gel, configured to be held in a cup holder, is disclosed. Some embodiments of the device are substantially cylindrical in order to fit within a cup holder and substantially prevent shifting. Further, embodiments are partitioned internally to provide at least two separate compartments. The partitioned compartments are uniquely designed to hold and provide access to various products such as, but not limited to, hand wipes, sanitizing gel, lotion, fragrance, liquid soap or the like. In some embodiments, a lid covers the device to prevent the hand wipes from drying out. Also, some embodiments include a pump aspect that is in fluid communication with fluid products contained within a portion of the device.

Abstract: Containers for contents in a liquid bath, which are resealable and have an elevating lift therein. The lift is preferably operated by an operator that fits within the container. The lift engages both a feature on the operator and a feature on the container. A slope differential exists between the operator feature and the container feature. Rotation of the operator relative to the container results in longitudinal movement of the lift within the container. The lift can be moved toward an upper position to raise at least a portion of the contents out of the liquid bath to facilitate dispensing of the contents.

Abstract: A dispenser for a roll of film material, comprising a cutting arrangement for cutting polyethylene having an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion being configured to move in relation to the lower portion between an open position and a cutting position. One of the upper portion and the lower portion comprises a blade, and the other of the lower portion and the upper portion comprises a cutting channel defined by a first pair of legs. The legs include at least one surface configured to reduce slip of film material across that surface.

Abstract: A strip dispenser (70) for dispensing one strip (S) from a plurality of strips (S). The strip dispenser (70) includes a container (2) that is constructed and arranged to hold a number of strips (S). There is a first structure (3) that defines one or more thin slots (8) that are generally parallel to the perimeter of the container (2), and that have a smallest dimension that is greater than the smallest dimension of a strip (S), where the slots (8) are configured and arranged to inhibit two strips that are stuck together back to back from passing through the slot (8) together. There is also a strip sorting structure (4) that inhibits a strip (S) that has at least partially passed through a slot (8) from fully leaving the container (2) until the strip (S) is pulled out of the container (2) by the user.

Abstract: A parts feeder includes a feed device or tray for putting a pile of parts on. The feed device imparts vibration to the pile of parts to feed them. An ion generating device is disposed above the feed device for providing ions to the parts. An airflow passage is formed in the feed device for sucking in air to introduce ions within the pile of parts.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for a disposable fabric hand cover. The disposable fabric hand cover includes a first layer, a second layer, an opening and a sealed perimeter. The opening is adapted to accommodate insertion of a user's hand into the opening and into a cavity between, and formed by, the first layer and the second layer. The first layer, the second layer, or both may comprise a disposable fabric moistened with a cleaning solution and/or skin moisturizer. The disposable fabric may include a flushable fabric that is safe for disposal in a toilet emptying into conventional septic systems and/or sewage treatment facilities. Embodiments of the disposable fabric hand cover may resemble a rectangle, a thumbed-mitten, and/or a five-fingered glove. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: An apparatus, a system and a method transform a container into an article. The apparatus, the system and the method operate as a vending machine that allows a user to deposit the container and/or money into the vending machine. After receiving the container and/or the money, a shape of the container, a barcode on the container, and/or a weight of the container are analyzed to determine whether to accept the container or to reject the container. If the container is rejected, the container and/or the money are returned to the user. If the container is accepted, the apparatus, the system and/or the method cuts, washes and/or dries the container. The apparatus, the system and/or the method further cuts, presses, flanges and/or wraps the container into an article. The article may be a toy car and/or other novelty item. A window allows the user to observe the container transformed into the article. A decal may be delivered to the user to decorate the article.

Abstract: This invention relates to a test sensor cartridge assembly that dispenses test sensors individually while shortening the distance of the lateral movement required to eject the sensor. A stationary gear rack is affixed to a surface with a moveable gear rack positioned parallel to the stationary gear rack. The moveable gear rack is adapted to engage the test sensor. A gear is positioned between and contacts the stationary gear rack and the moveable gear rack. The lateral movement of the gear in a first direction generates rotational movement by the gear. Both the lateral and rotational movement move the moveable gear rack laterally in the first direction. The lateral movement of the gear rack in the first direction ejects a test sensor from a test sensor cartridge.

Abstract: Methods and systems for programmed dispensation of consumable compositions are provided. A method for sterilizing a beverage container may comprise: (a) detecting a sterilization status of a beverage container; and (b) controlling functionality of a controllable device according to the sterilization status. A system for sterilizing a beverage container may comprise: (a) detecting a sterilization status of a beverage container; and (b) controlling functionality of a controllable device according to the sterilization status. A method for sterilizing a beverage container may comprise: (a) detecting an identity of a consumable composition; and (b) controlling a sterilization of at least a portion of a beverage container according to the identity of the consumable composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sanitary dispensing system including an elongate member configured to be secured to a door, a dispensing device secured to the elongate member, the dispensing device configured for dispensing hand cleansing materials, and a receptacle device secured to the elongate member and configured for receiving hand cleansing materials.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to wet wipe dispensing systems for dispensing wet wipes capable of changing temperature upon use. In one embodiment, the dispensing system includes a wet wipe container and a lotion container that is held in assembly with the wet wipe container that contains a lotion that is kept separate from the wet wipes until the wet wipe is dispensed from the wet wipe container. The lotion includes a microencapsulated delivery vehicle that contains a temperature change agent that is capable of generating a temperature change upon contact with an aqueous solution. Once the wet wipe is dispensed from the system, an applicating device can apply the lotion to the wet wipe to facilitate contact between the temperature change agent in the microencapsulated delivery vehicle and the aqueous solution of the wet wipe.

Abstract: A container may comprise a reservoir that may be associated with a dispensing opening or a closure element of the container. The reservoir may transfer a transferable material, such as a fragrance composition or skin health benefit ingredient, to the container's content.

Abstract: A system is described with allows the delivery of butcher shop meat services to a remote location, such as marinas, campsites, parks etc., without significant input required from on site management personnel. Management operations are performed from a remote location. This includes food item selection, preliminary preparation, monitoring of inventories (and re-supply when necessary) and payments. By using this system, managers of remote locations can significantly enhance the ability to meet customer's needs without having to hire or train butcher shop personnel to manage each site.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a bead craft system for making a bead craft. The bead craft system may be used with beads that are wettable and subsequently dryable to adhere to one another. In one aspect, the bead craft system may include a bead storage and dispensing device including a bead storage chamber having a bead storage chamber wall defining a chamber outlet aperture and a bead outlet conduit external to the bead storage chamber wall. The bead outlet conduit has an inlet. The bead storage chamber wall is movable between an unaligned position wherein the chamber outlet aperture is unaligned with the inlet of the bead outlet conduit to prevent the release of beads from the bead storage chamber, and an aligned position wherein the chamber outlet aperture is aligned with the inlet of the bead outlet conduit to permit the release of at least one bead from the bead storage chamber.

Abstract: A candy vending machine that manufactures candy tablets from candy powder by a process that is visible to a customer. A feed tube is filled with candy powders of different flavors and colors from candy powder containers by the action of motorized augers. A tableting machine receives candy powder from the feed tube to compress the candy powder into candy tablets. One or more flavor selection buttons signal a computer system to activate the candy powder containers to transfer the candy powder to the feed tube, to deliver the candy powder from the feed tube to the tableting machine, and to deliver the candy tablets to a tablet chute. The tablet chute delivers the candy tablets to a candy tablet container provided to a customer. Sensing mechanisms determine the presence of the candy powder in the candy powder containers and in the feed tube.

Abstract: A drive for drawing an absorbent web of dry wipes from a supply and an application applying moisture to a selected width of the webs.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to wet wipe dispensing systems for dispensing wet wipes capable of changing temperature upon use. In one embodiment, the dispensing system includes a wet wipe container and a lotion container that is held in assembly with the wet wipe container that contains a lotion that is kept separate from the wet wipes until the wet wipe is dispensed from the wet wipe container. The lotion includes a microencapsulated delivery vehicle that contains a temperature change agent that is capable of generating a temperature change upon contact with an aqueous solution. Once the wet wipe is dispensed from the system, an applicating device can apply the lotion to the wet wipe to facilitate contact between the temperature change agent in the microencapsulated delivery vehicle and the aqueous solution of the wet wipe.

Abstract: A system for charging a power source of an electronic device includes a mobile self-contained power vending station that includes a central processor, a payment processing device, a DC power source, a DC to AC power inverter, and an AC outlet. The central processor, after detecting a valid payment from the payment processing device activates the DC to AC power Inverter thereby providing electricity to the power source of the electronic device via the AC outlet.

Abstract: A dispensing mechanism is adapted to eject a test sensor from a cartridge opening formed in a cartridge containing test sensors. The dispensing mechanism comprises a gear rack, a gear, and a wheel. The gear rack includes a first portion and a second portion located generally parallel to one another. The second portion of the gear rack includes a first plurality of teeth. The gear includes a second plurality of teeth that are adapted to be engaged by the first plurality of teeth upon movement of the gear rack. The wheel is operatively engaged by the gear and is adapted to dispense the test sensor from the cartridge opening and to seal the cartridge opening. The movement of the gear rack in a first direction causes the gear to rotate causing the wheel to rotate. The rotation of the wheel dispenses the test sensor through the cartridge opening.

Abstract: A vending system for personalized pet collars. The vending system allows a user to conveniently personalize pet collars with letter, number, and design charms. The user may select a pet collar along with any charms. The user may also select the placement of each charm so that letter and number charms may be combined to indicate the pet's name or the pet owner's phone number and/or address.

Abstract: One end of the device is connected to a container in which the loose objects are stored, and optionally the other end connected to a cap for receiving the dispensed objects. The inventive device comprises a female and a male parts arranged coaxially. The female part is fixed and is used to collect, organize, and move the objects, and to store the same in a waiting line in one or more chute, while the male part is rotatable and is used to effect a single-unit removal of the objects to be dispensed by means of rotation in one direction of the other.

Abstract: An electrostatically charged polymeric material, such as a polyolefin non-woven web, can be used in conjunction with a container, such as a tissue carton, for example, to attract lint and reduce the amount of lint that is deposited on the surface area surrounding the carton when the tissues are dispensed.

Abstract: A customizable disposable paper wipe system in which the wipes are sold to the consumer in a dry state to permit the consumer to prepare customized pre-moistened wipes. In one embodiment, the dry wipes are provided to the consumer with a dispenser for dispensing the pre-moistened wipes. In this embodiment, the dispenser may include a diluent fill line and a legend dictating the amounts of various alternative cleaning agents that can be added to the pre-determined amount of diluent for different applications.

Abstract: The invention provides a substantially moisture-proof, air-tight apparatus for both dispensing a plurality of diagnostic test strips and testing a biological fluid dispensed onto the strip. One strip may be advanced for use in testing using a single, translational movement.

Abstract: A bottle and method for dispensing infant formula includes a method for heating a bottle with infant formula (or other liquid) therein and selling the heated bottle.

Abstract: A transit ticket includes a sheet, event indicia on the sheet indicating an event in which the ticket can be utilized, and a product releasing layer on the sheet containing an adhesive and microcapsules with an encapsulated material. The event indicia indicates the transit ticket can be utilized for transportation of the holder on a vehicle of a mass transportation system. The encapsulated material is preferably a fragrance. The transit ticket preferably includes product indicia on the sheet providing information regarding the encapsulated material such as advertisements for the fragrance. A method of promoting a product is also disclosed in which a plurality of tickets are dispensed, each of the tickets having indicia indicating an event for which the ticket can be utilized and a product releasing layer including an adhesive and microcapsules with an encapsulated material.

Abstract: An apparatus for sampling perfume includes a card dispenser which includes a built-in atomizer. The dispenser is operated by a simple control which applies a scent onto a card and ejects the card from the dispenser. The dispenser is preferably designed to be resistant to theft. In this regard, the size and appearance of the dispenser may be sufficient to dissuade a shoplifter. Alternatively, the dispenser can be locked to a display counter. According to one of the methods of the invention, the cards dispensed from the dispenser bear advertising indicia indicating the name of the perfume. According to another method of the invention cards are provided with indicia indicating a discount coupon for the perfume purchase.

Abstract: A wax applicator for use with a microwave heating oven for dispensing a depilatory wax for removal of hair from skin comprising a hollow casing having an opening thereinto. An elongate reservoir for depilatory wax is disposed in the casing and is fabricated, at least partially, from a from a material having a first outer layer of a thermally insulating material that provides a barrier to the transmission of thermal energy and a second inner layer that absorbs radio frequency energies. The reservoir unit is adapted to be slidably inserted into the casing opening for retention in the casing. The reservoir also has disposed at a first end extending from the casing when the reservoir is retained therein, a dispensing mechanism for transporting depilatory wax from the reservoir to a surface for application.

Abstract: A chemical treating apparatus for performing a predetermined treatment of a principal surface of a substrate by delivering a treating solution thereto. The apparatus includes a treating solution delivery nozzle for delivering the treating solution to the principal surface of a substrate. The nozzle has a treating solution reservoir adjacent a tip end thereof for storing the treating solution. A temperature control device holds the treating solution reservoir to control the temperature of the treating solution in the treating solution reservoir through heat exchange with the treating solution.

Abstract: A message delivery system for paper dispensers having a housing for dispensing paper, audible message delivery annunciator, switch mechanism, timer and speaker, wherein the annunciator stores and delivers at least one message when the switch is closed, the speaker provides an audible output of the message, the switch triggers when paper is dispensed and the timer controls the length of the message and supply of power.

Abstract: Methods and systems for inducing an electric charge in a cleaning sheet for cleaning and removing particles from a surface are disclosed. The systems include a cleaning sheet for collecting and retaining the particles and a charging surface configured to frictionally engage the sheet. The cleaning sheets typically have a basis weight of at least about 30 g/m2. The system may include a container for housing and dispensing the cleaning sheet. When the sheet is passed across the charging surface, the electrical charge in the sheet is generally increased by at least about 500 V. Methods of and kits for cleaning surfaces and collecting and retaining debris are also disclosed.

Abstract: A tissue dispenser having virucidal, bacterial, and/or germicidal properties is provided. The tissue dispenser includes a carton adapted to contain tissues having a plurality of walls and a carton opening. The carton can be made from numerous materials, including cardboard, paperboard, or plastic materials. Various anti-microbial agents known in the art can also be applied the exterior surface of the tissue dispenser to impart virucidal, bacterial, and/or germicidal properties thereto. The anti-microbial agent can comprise up to 100% of the surface area of the exterior surface of the dispenser, and in some embodiments, between about 10% to about 80%.

Abstract: A towel dispensing device provides a device for warming towels prior to the towels being removed from the dispensing device. The dispensing device includes an electrically powered heating member, the degree of heat being controllable by the user, for warming the space of a warming chamber containing the towels to be dispensed. The towels to be dispensed can be pre-moistened by water or other fluids as required by the user. The dispensing device can also be presented as a serialized group of warming chambers; each individual chamber being able to contain towels pre-moistened with different fluids and warmed to different temperatures prior to being dispensed.

Abstract: Automatic dispenser of natural flowers which is adapted to making bouquets on request by a user comprising a structure for storing and preserving several series of natural flowers. The structure comprises a transparent part which allows the user to view and select the natural flowers, from outside the structure, when the natural flowers are disposed inside the structure. An external control panel is provided. A coin operated meter is provided which is adapted to receive coins from the user. An internal selection mechanism is provided and is controlled by the external control panel. The internal selection mechanism is adapted to enable the user to individually select each of the natural flowers. A unit for packaging and wrapping the flowers into a bouquet is also provided. The unit is adapted to form the bouquet from the natural flowers selected by the user.

Abstract: The present invention is to make a towel material for forming a wet towel, that is made by a drying, compressing or evacuating manner into compact units having a winding bar shape, or block shape. The units are connected by connecting members into a strap, so that the towel material strap may be stored in the chamber of the manufacturing apparatus. After the user emits the using signal, the towel material strap is serially drawn out by a control wheel member, and the connecting member is wound by the winding roller, so that the units may fall into the output member or the article outlet. The units are wet or immersed in the liquid, so that the units may be expanded into a wet towel.

Abstract: A tissue dispenser having virucidal, bacterial, and/or germicidal properties is provided. The tissue dispenser includes a carton adapted to contain tissues having a plurality of walls and a carton opening. The carton can be made from numerous materials, including cardboard, paperboard, or plastic materials. Various anti-microbial agents known in the art can also be applied the exterior surface of the tissue dispenser to impart virucidal, bacterial, and/or germicidal properties thereto. The anti-microbial agent can comprise up to 100% of the surface area of the exterior surface of the dispenser, and in some embodiments, between about 10% to about 80%.