With Lock, Latch, Or Seal For Container And/or Support Patents (Class 221/154)
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Patent number: 11694783Abstract: A medication dispensing apparatus includes a housing for at storing at least one medication in bulk, a dispenser, and a verification sensor. The at least one medication including a plurality of doses of the at least one medication. The dispenser separates a single dose from the at least one medication in bulk. The dispenser moves the single dose of the at least one medication from a position within the housing to a position outside the housing. The verification sensor verifies that the at least one medication is a correct medication.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2021Date of Patent: July 4, 2023Assignee: NOSORTMEDS INC, A MINNESOTA CORPORATIONInventors: John R. Williamson, David R. Williamson
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Patent number: 11282311Abstract: A door lock mechanism is disclosed that includes door lock and alarm features. The mechanism includes a controller and a sensor useful to detect motions that are representative of attempted access through a door to which the door lock mechanism is attached. The controller can set an alarm condition if a measured motion, such as a measured acceleration, meet and/or exceeds a threshold. If an appropriate access control credential is provided through a user device then the alarm condition may not be set by the controller. The door lock mechanism can be coupled to a remote station via a communications link if needed, such as a radio frequency link. The remote station can additionally be in communication with the door lock mechanism via a network. The remote station can be used to send and receive messages regarding door lock mechanism status, configuration, etc.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2020Date of Patent: March 22, 2022Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLCInventors: Timothy N. Comerford, David M. Baty, William B. Ainley, Raymond F. Rettig, John R. Ahearn, Joseph W. Lyon
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Patent number: 11160423Abstract: A dispenser has a fastening mechanism having a fastened configuration that fastens a cover of the dispenser to a base of the dispenser, and an unfastened configuration that allows the cover to open from the base. The fastening mechanism has a locked state in which the fastening mechanism requires a key to move from the fastened configuration to the unfastened configuration and an unlocked state in which the fastening mechanism is movable from the fastened configuration to the unfastened configuration without the presence of the key. A release member is actuable by a button without the presence of the key to open the dispenser when the fastening mechanism is in the unlocked state, and the release member is actuable by the key to disengage the release member from the cooperating member when the fastening mechanism is in the locked state.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2020Date of Patent: November 2, 2021Assignee: Brightwell Dispensers LimitedInventor: Andrew Timothy Marshall
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Patent number: 10881220Abstract: Utensil dispensers and methods for making and using same are provided herein. In some examples, the utensil dispensers can include a housing. At least two dispense chassis can be disposed within the housing. Each dispense chassis can be configured to move between a first position in which the dispense chassis is configured to dispense utensils from the housing and a second position in which the dispense chassis is configured to be loaded with utensils. A chassis interlock can be configured to prevent at least one of the dispense chassis that is in the first position from moving toward the second position when one other of the dispense chassis is in the second position.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2018Date of Patent: January 5, 2021Assignee: GPCP IP Holdings LLCInventors: Tod Alan Kinsley, Michael J. Wilmink
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Patent number: 10787308Abstract: A gift card presentation device that is operative to receive a gift card (or gift card holder) therein. The gift card presentation device contains a spring-loaded lever panel which is operative to move an internal spring (or springs) between a compressed and uncompressed states. The spring controls movement of a gift card or gift card holder placed into an opening on the gift card presentation device. When the lever moves the spring from the compressed state to the uncompressed state, the gift card is completely ejected from the gift card holder presentation device.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2019Date of Patent: September 29, 2020Assignee: American Greetings CorporationInventor: Seth Larson
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Patent number: 10583979Abstract: A storage container for a storage and dispensing station for drugs is provided. The storage container includes a housing enclosing a receiving space, a circular-cylindrical section and a bottom area having a discharge opening. A singling device situated in the circular-cylindrical portion of the housing includes at least one duct and a restrainer completely situated within the housing enclosing the receiving space. The restrainer includes a fastening portion and a restraining portion. The restraining portion is kept above the discharge opening and the fastening portion works together with at least one fastening socket within the housing to fix the restrainer in the housing.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2015Date of Patent: March 10, 2020Assignee: CAREFUSION GERMANY 326 GMBHInventor: Hardy Schmidt-Ellinger
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Patent number: 10532840Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for automated dispensing of individual medicament portions. The systems can include a housing that encloses a receiving space having a bottom surface. A separation device may be provided and arranged on the bottom surface with at least one channel to receive at least one medicament portion. At least one channel may have an opening facing the receiving space and an opening facing the bottom surface. The opening facing the bottom surface may be associated with a contact area on the bottom surface, over which contact area the medicament portions may be guided upon a movement of separation device. At least one recess may be arranged in the bottom surface outside of the contact area to receive contamination particles present in the container.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2019Date of Patent: January 14, 2020Assignee: CAREFUSION GERMANY 326 GMBHInventors: Hardy Schmidt-Ellinger, Dietmar Gross
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Patent number: 10529167Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are provided for dispense event verification. For example, a user verification component may be associated with a dispenser that is configured to dispense material, such as a sanitizer dispenser configured to dispense sanitizer. The user verification component may obtain user identification information associated with a user attempting to invoke the dispenser to perform a dispense event of material. The user identification information may be evaluated against a dispense access model (e.g., specifying levels of access to the dispenser for users, such as a first user being allowed to perform up to 10 dispense events of sanitizer every 45 minutes) to determine whether to facilitate or restrict the dispense event. In this way, dispensing of material that may be susceptible to abuse by users (e.g., prisoners, psychiatric ward patients, daycare children, etc.) may be monitored and/or restricted for the safety of such users.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2015Date of Patent: January 7, 2020Assignee: GOJO Industries, Inc.Inventors: Touby Khamphilapanyo, Aaron Kurchev, Michael Prediger
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Patent number: 10479591Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a coupon upon receiving a tip includes a housing enclosing an interior space wherein a first slot is positioned in the housing advantageously for receiving the tip and a second slot is positioned for dispensing the coupon. A magazine is mounted on top of a dispenser device within the housing wherein the magazine is adapted for holding a stack of individual coupons. The dispenser is able to frictionally move each coupon into contact between a nip roller and a pressing idle roller wherein a dispensed coupon is positioned to be removed manually. The apparatus is adapted to perform a light and sound show upon receiving a tip.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2017Date of Patent: November 19, 2019Assignee: Good Fortune Industries, LLCInventor: Kris L. Eszlinger
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Patent number: 10457472Abstract: Combination medicine containers and dispensers are shaped similar to or generally the same as standard prescription medicament containers but are configured to dispense one medicament at a time through easy manipulation of integral dispensing means. Each combination medicine container and dispenser has a bottle, a cap, and an integral dispensing mechanism that cooperate with one or more structures of the bottle and/or cap to dispense one medicament at a time from the container. In one form, the combination medicine container and dispenser is designed to allow a user to dispense a single medicament through properly applied pressure. In another form, rotation of one or more components provides dispensing of a single medicament.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2017Date of Patent: October 29, 2019Inventor: Donald T. Sanders
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Patent number: 10441510Abstract: A tablet cassette includes: support points to support a swing member in a slit formed in a bottomed hole of a hollow rotary shaft; an engaged portion provided on a bottom wall portion of a container and spaced from the hollow rotary shaft to surround the rotary shaft; a swing member having a follower portion and an engaging portion located on different sides of the support points; and an urging member operable to move the engaging portion toward the engaged portion and move the follower portion into the bottomed hole. In a free state wherein the tablet cassette is detached from the base, the engaging portion engages with the engaged portion. When the tablet cassette is mounted to the base and the drive shaft is fitted into the bottomed hole, the follower portion is pushed out of the bottomed hole, and the engaging portion is disengaged from the engaged portion.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2017Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: TOSHO, INC.Inventor: Yoshihito Omura
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Patent number: 10376110Abstract: An apparatus for storing hand towels, the apparatus comprising a receiving portion for receiving hand towels, a first retaining member comprising a first retaining portion, the first retaining portion defining a first retaining surface for retaining the hand towels within the receiving portion, a second retaining member comprising a second retaining portion, the second retaining portion defining a second retaining surface for retaining the hand towels within the receiving portion, wherein the first and second retaining members define an opening for providing access to the hand towels and wherein an angle between the first and second retaining surfaces is less than 180 degrees.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2018Date of Patent: August 13, 2019Assignee: Kingsway Enterprises (UK) LimitedInventor: Benjamin Hall
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Patent number: 10337740Abstract: The invention relates to a device for supporting and centring a fuel injector in a turbine engine combustion chamber, which includes means for centring a fuel injector along an axis, which are movable in a plane that is radial to the centring axis (52) in supporting means intended for being attached to the bottom of an annular chamber (18). According to the invention, the centring means include at least two radially external tabs (54, 56) each inserted respectively in a circumferential recess (60, 64) of the supporting means, the device including circumferential abutment means (78, 80, 74, 76, 82, 86, 84, 88) of the radial tabs (54, 56) of the centring means in the circumferential recesses (60, 64), the circumferential abutment means being configured such as to enable a greater angular displacement of a first (54, 154) one of the radial tabs in a first circumferential recess (60) relative to a second (56, 156) one of the radial tabs in a second circumferential recess (64).Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2014Date of Patent: July 2, 2019Assignee: SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINESInventors: Pierre-François Simon Paul Pireyre, Brice Le Pannerer, Laurent Bernard Cameriano
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Patent number: 10294014Abstract: A packet for bar-shaped articles including an outer wrapper defining an internal space for housing the bar-shaped articles and accessible through an access opening. The packet includes an internal drawer located inside the outer wrapper and a sleeve located inside the outer wrapper with an upper free edge accessible through the opening. The sleeve is configured to receive and support the evenly spaced bar-shaped articles with their longitudinal axes parallel to a longitudinal axis of the sleeve itself. The sleeve is wrapped round the outside of the internal drawer. The outer wrapper has at least one opening facing a sidewall of the sleeve at the internal drawer to allow applying at least one sliding force on the sleeve and to produce a rotation of the selfsame sleeve relative to the internal drawer and the outer wrapper.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2016Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Assignee: G.D S.P.A.Inventors: Giulia Corte Coi, Manuele Cucchi, Roberto Polloni, Luca Federici
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Patent number: 10219636Abstract: A merchandise display hook and method for dispensing one or more items of merchandise from a merchandise display hook and/or for loading one or more items of merchandise onto the display hook are provided. The display hook may include at least one rod configured to be mounted to a display fixture and to receive one or more items of merchandise thereon. The display hook may also include a helix disposed about the rod and extending at least partially along a length of the rod. The helix is configured to rotate in a dispensing direction for dispensing the one or more items of merchandise from the rod and/or an opposite loading direction for loading the one or more items of merchandise onto the rod.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2017Date of Patent: March 5, 2019Assignee: InVue Security Products Inc.Inventors: David N. Berglund, Erik L. van Bergen, Christopher J. Fawcett
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Patent number: 10137057Abstract: A tablet cassette is provided that can easily adjust the width of a guide groove of a rotor depending on the size of a tablet to be dispensed. The tablet cassette includes a groove width adjustment mechanism that relatively moves both sides of each of the tablet guide grooves in a circumferential direction of the rotor.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2014Date of Patent: November 27, 2018Assignee: YUYAMA MFG. CO., LTD.Inventors: Shoji Yuyama, Naoki Koike
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Patent number: 10085917Abstract: A tablet cassette is provided that can easily adjust the depth etc. of a guide groove of a rotor depending on the size of a tablet to be dispensed. The tablet cassette includes movable pieces that are disposed movably in a radial direction of the rotor in the plurality of tablet guide grooves and form surfaces in the radial direction of the rotor in the tablet guide grooves, and a movable piece moving mechanism that moves the movable pieces in the radial direction of the rotor.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2014Date of Patent: October 2, 2018Assignee: YUYAMA MFG. CO., LTD.Inventors: Shoji Yuyama, Naoki Koike
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Patent number: 10083566Abstract: A dispenser particularly suited for dispensing towels has a general cabinet shape with an elevating platform on which the folded towels are loaded. The user withdraws a towel from an upper access opening which causes the stack to raise and present the next towel to the access. The platform is spring loaded to rise as towels are removed.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2015Date of Patent: September 25, 2018Inventor: Mathew McPake
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Patent number: 10034586Abstract: A permanent wipe dispensing container with a faceplate installed into a wall is disclosed. The wipe dispensing container described herein provides a permanent solution to house and dispense wipes with a single hand, is recess mounted in the wall, and can change appearance with interchangeable faceplates.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2015Date of Patent: July 31, 2018Inventor: Jesse M. Goble
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Patent number: 9925123Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: ARxIUM, Inc.Inventor: James A. Michael
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Patent number: 9836903Abstract: A door lock mechanism is disclosed that includes door lock and alarm features. The mechanism includes a controller and a sensor useful to detect motions that are representative of attempted access through a door to which the door lock mechanism is attached. The controller can set an alarm condition if a measured motion, such as a measured acceleration, meet and/or exceeds a threshold. If an appropriate access control credential is provided through a user device then the alarm condition may not be set by the controller. The door lock mechanism can be coupled to a remote station via a communications link if needed, such as a radio frequency link. The remote station can additionally be in communication with the door lock mechanism via a network. The remote station can be used to send and receive messages regarding door lock mechanism status, configuration, etc.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2016Date of Patent: December 5, 2017Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLCInventors: Timothy N. Comerford, David M. Baty, William B. Ainley, Raymond F. Rettig, John R. Ahearn, Joe Lyon
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Patent number: 9045272Abstract: A dispenser for food or medicine is provided to store contents such as food or medicine inside and discharging one or a certain amount of food or medicine at a time and improves productivity of components and convenience for assembly by improving a cover which has an elastic piece and a button and a rod formed in one body and improving a coupling structure of a blocking member, a base plate, and a cylindrical main body to a protrusion and a groove type coupling.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2011Date of Patent: June 2, 2015Inventor: Gwang-Sig Kim
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Patent number: 9038854Abstract: A product distribution device for accommodating at least one row of products with products which can be arranged in succession on a support surface of a product guide element in a receiving space with the following features: at least one door for stocking the receiving space with the products, guide means which are guided along the support surface in one conveyance direction F for advancing the products in the conveyance direction F, a catch element which can be switched between one catch position of the conveyance means and one conveyance position of the conveyance means.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2012Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: Dirk A. Brugmann Kunststoff-Verarbeitung GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Lars Brügmann
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Patent number: 9016516Abstract: Pharmaceutical product dispensers (e.g., in the shape of a common ink pen) are operable to indicate information regarding a dosing schedule of a pharmaceutical product dispensable from the dispenser. Embodiments of the dispensers may include a plurality of dosing segments, each corresponding to a different dose of the pharmaceutical product. Actuation of an actuator may result in interaction between the actuator and the pharmaceutical product storage area such that a dose of pharmaceutical product contained in the pharmaceutical product storage area is dispensed, along with a corresponding advancement of the plurality of dosing segments. The dispenser may also include one or more locks to prevent unauthorized access to the pharmaceutical product (e.g., by a child or the like). Furthermore, the pharmaceutical product dispenser may include a disabling mechanism to permanently disable actuation of the actuator of the dispenser.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2011Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: Mallinckrodt LLCInventors: Vernon D. Ortenzi, Robert J. Ziemba, Frank M. Lewis, Geoffrey S. Strobl
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Patent number: 9010570Abstract: A container adapted for dispensing a product is provided. The container includes an outer casing body for receiving a dispensing tray. The dispensing tray has an internal storage compartment for storage of a plurality of units of a product to be dispensed, and includes a cover plate defining at least one dispensing aperture through which a stored unit of product is accessible when the outer casing body is in a dispensing position. The container includes a locking mechanism that releasably locks the outer casing body in the closed and locked position.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2013Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco CompanyInventors: John A. Gelardi, Ryan A. Bailey
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Publication number: 20150083744Abstract: Modular manual lift dispenser security systems and methods store and dispense at least one retail product. The systems and methods have a dispenser body having a floor and walls extending above the floor, wherein the walls of the dispenser body define an interior of the dispenser body that is sized to receive one or more retail products. Further, the systems and methods have a locking lid assembly slidably connected to a top edge of each side wall of the dispenser body via at least one fastener and a pusher paddle located within the interior of the dispenser body, wherein the pusher paddle is spring-loaded and configured to move one or more retail products towards the front wall of the dispenser body.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2014Publication date: March 26, 2015Inventors: Michael Vogler, Joel Pollock
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Patent number: 8985388Abstract: Present invention discloses a dispenser having means to dispense desired number of pills from a bulk supply of pills contained in the dispenser. The dispenser comprises of storage compartment having bulk supply of pills and having a discharge port emptying into counting compartment. The counting compartment contains first and second conveyors moving at first and second speed; wherein the second speed is greater than the first speed thereby enabling pill separation; the second conveyor discharges pills into dispensing compartment. Sensors are strategically placed along the conveyors to count pills discharged into dispensing compartment. A pill recovery system and apparatus is disposed inside the dispenser having means to recover pills remaining on first and second conveyors upon completion of a dispensation cycle and there after deposit recovered pills back into the storage compartment for use in future dispensation cycles.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2008Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Inventor: Nitesh Ratnakar
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Patent number: 8985387Abstract: In order to provide a card case in which cards can be automatically and promptly discharged one by one, the case has a case body capable of accommodating more than one cards inside, a card discharging plate mounted so as to proceed from and retreat into the case body via a card discharging opening provided on a side portion of the case body, with a card being placed on its upper surface, and an elastic piece for movably urging the card discharging plate in one direction.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2011Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: Katoh Electrical Machinery Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shinichi Kobayashi
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Patent number: 8972051Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2012Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: CareFusion 303, Inc.Inventors: Michael Rahilly, Hao Ton-That
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Publication number: 20150041486Abstract: A vending machine includes a rack, a number of storage containers, a controlling chip, and a number of locking modules. The number of storage containers is accommodated in the rack. Each of the locking modules is secured to one corresponding storage container and electrically connected to the controlling chip. In an initial state of the locking modules, the storage containers are secured to the rack. The controlling chip is configured to unlock one of the locking modules to allow the corresponding storage container to be pulled out of the rack.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2014Publication date: February 12, 2015Inventors: LONG-WEI SHEN, CONG-XU HU, YONG-NIAN CHEN, LI-FU XU
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Patent number: 8944282Abstract: An apparatus for storing and dispensing small objects comprises a housing, an interior volume formed in the housing adapted to hold at least one of the small objects, an access port in the housing providing access to the interior volume, and a dispenser closure operatively connected to the housing and movable from a first position closing access to the access port to a second position adapted to provide dispensing of one of the objects from the interior volume through the access port. An openable and closeable attachment loop is integrally formed as part of the housing, the attachment loop adapted to be selectively attached to a holding device to secure the housing to the holding device.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2007Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Inventors: Robert Kroupa, Jeff Grossman
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Publication number: 20150014347Abstract: Mounting apparatus for holding goods containers in a vending machine includes a rack with a cover. At least two containers (warehouses) comprise a center warehouse with a first blocking portion and a left warehouse with a second blocking portion. A sliding member includes a flange. The sliding member can be in a a first position or in a second position. In the first position, the flange abuts the second blocking portion and is disengaged from the first blocking portion, allowing the center warehouse to be moved out of the rack but so preventing the left warehouse from also moving out of the rack. In the second position, the flange abuts the first blocking portion and is disengaged from the second blocking portion, allowing the left warehouse to be moved out of the rack but so preventing the right warehouse from also moving out of the rack.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2014Publication date: January 15, 2015Inventors: YUN-LUNG CHEN, GANG SU, WEI-YONG MA, REN-XI DOU, LIANG TU, ZHI-WU XIA
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Publication number: 20140367403Abstract: The present application provides a product vending module for vending a number of products. The product vending module includes a product row configured to contain a number of products therein. The product vending module also includes a product gate positioned about the product row and rotatable from a closed position preventing access to the number of products to an open position allowing access to one of the number of products while preventing access to a remainder of the number of products, the product gate including a biased base. The product vending module further includes a product locking system in communication with the product gate, the product locking system including a locking pin releasably engaging the biased base and movable from a first allowing rotation of the product gate toward the closed position to a second position restricting rotation of the product gate toward the closed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2014Publication date: December 18, 2014Inventors: Bart Carpentier, Jurgen Roekens, Antonio Feltrin, Willy Van Esch, Jaacobus Petrus Maria Dessing
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Publication number: 20140346187Abstract: A ticket dispenser comprising a housing body, a lockable housing door configured to close an opening in the housing body, a ticket dispensing aperture, a lockable security cover configured to prevent the removal of tickets through the aperture, and a lock assembly, wherein the lock assembly is configured to lock the housing door and security cover when in a first orientation, wherein the lock assembly is configured to lock the housing door and not to lock the security cover when in a second orientation, and wherein the lock assembly is configured not to lock the housing door or the security cover when in a third orientation.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2012Publication date: November 27, 2014Applicant: FASTRAK RETAIL (UK) LIMITEDInventors: John Barrett, Stephen Matthews
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Publication number: 20140316562Abstract: Identification card (ID) dispenser comprising an ID card storage module (20) for receiving and coupling with one or more ID card containers (30) with a plurality of positions for receiving an ID card; an ID card extractor (60) for picking ID cards from the ID card containers (30); wherein the ID card extractor (60) has access to the individual ID card positions of the ID card containers (30); and the ID card containers (30) are removable from the dispenser and suitable for uncoupling from the ID card storage module (20); optionally comprising a confirmation slip printer, a touch screen, a bank note reader and respective opening, and a card reader (4) and respective opening, in a user interaction module; optionally comprising a biometric module (40). Therefore, the present invention is useful for applications in the areas of ID card production, transport and management, and final user dispensing.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2011Publication date: October 23, 2014Applicant: VISION BOX-SOLUCOES DE VISAO POR COMPUTADORInventors: Miguel Guilherme Leitmann, Bento Antonio Brazio Correia
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Patent number: 8863984Abstract: A product dispensing device including at least a part of a dispenser housing and a cover member. The dispenser housing defines a product reservoir for containing dispensable products. The part of the dispenser housing defines an opening through which products are dispensed from the product housing and through which the product housing is refillable. The cover member is positionable between an open position in which the opening of the dispenser housing part is revealed for refilling the product reservoir with dispensable products and a closed position in which the opening of the dispenser housing is covered for dispensing. The cover member comprises a dispensing opening through which products are dispensed when the cover member is in the closed position.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2011Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products ABInventor: Justin Siebel
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Patent number: 8844769Abstract: A dispenser housing has a closure mechanism that serves to hold the dispenser housing closed. A key either can be carried by an individual to be employed to override the closure mechanism to permit the opening of the dispenser or can be selectively mounted to the dispenser housing to position a release mechanism appropriately to permit the release mechanism to be manipulated to override the closure mechanism. When the key is not mounted to the dispenser, the release mechanism cannot be appropriately manipulated to override the closure mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2013Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: GOJO Industries, Inc.Inventors: Mark E Rosenkranz, Robert L Quinlan, Jr., David D Hayes
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Publication number: 20140239007Abstract: The present invention provides a method of preventing unauthorised access into a media item dispenser module. The present invention also provides a media item dispenser module comprising a dispensing slot for presenting at least one media item to a user, and a moveable member moveable between a distal position and a proximal position respectively distal and proximal to the dispensing slot, wherein the moveable member prevents unauthorised access into the media item dispenser module via the dispensing slot when in the proximal position.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2013Publication date: August 28, 2014Applicant: NCR CORPORATIONInventors: Michael McBride, Charles Harrow, Derek Pont
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Patent number: 8800811Abstract: A product dispensing system is provided. The product dispensing system includes an enclosure and a plurality of removable merchandise retainers positioned within the enclosure. The enclosure defines a secured retail storage area and an unsecured retail storage area. The product dispensing system also includes a customer accessible selector for selecting an item of retail merchandise carried by one of the merchandise retainers. Upon selection, depression of an actuator of the selector will bias the item of retail merchandise from the secured retail storage area to the unsecured retail storage area.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2011Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: Southern Imperial, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey Sherretts, George J. Ruggeri
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Publication number: 20140175113Abstract: A dispensing device for a vending machine includes an installation member, a goods channel module, and a locking assembly. The goods channel module is slidably secured to the installation member. The locking assembly is secured to the goods channel module and includes a sliding member. The sliding member is slidable into the installation member to lock the installation member to the goods channel module. The sliding member is further slidable out of the installation member, allowing the installation member to be removed from the goods channel module.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2013Publication date: June 26, 2014Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (WUHAN) CO., LTD.Inventors: YUN-LUNG CHEN, LI TONG
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Publication number: 20140144925Abstract: A self-aligning memory alloy wire actuator has a memory alloy wire having first and second ends with at least one terminal coupled to one end of the memory alloy wire. The terminal includes two wings and an extended piece connected in the shape of a T. The two wings are disposed on opposite sides of the extended piece and perpendicular to the extended piece. Each wing comprises top and bottom surfaces, a front surface, and an outside end. The top surfaces of the two wings lie on a common top plane and the front surfaces of the two wings lie on a common front plane. The memory alloy wire is coupled to the extended piece of the terminal.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2014Publication date: May 29, 2014Applicant: CAREFUSION 303, INC.Inventors: Frank Dean WEBER, Henricus Mari RUYTEN, Thomas KMETIKO
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Patent number: 8727179Abstract: A box structure has a plurality of walls positioned and configured to prevent access to an interior space housing merchandise in a secure manner. A first movable wall permits manual access to a frontal portion of the interior space while at the same time moving a barrier strip to prevent manual access to other than said frontal portion of the interior space. A roll-out shelf mounts merchandise supporting modules with pushers to move merchandise toward the front of the structure where ejection mechanisms in each of the modules are able to direct selected items to the front of the structure where they can be accessed by consumers. The ejection process creates a characteristic noise to alert store personnel that products are being dispensed.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2010Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.Inventors: Robert P. Colelli, Eric E. Oberg, Johnnie Cruz, Keith Cleland
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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: 8701931Abstract: A medication dispensing cabinet, a medication dispensing drawer assembly and an associated method are provided to facilitate controlled access to medications in an efficient manner. A medication dispensing cabinet includes a cabinet body, a plurality of drawers disposed within and configured for slidable extension relative to the cabinet body and a plurality of pockets serially positioned within a drawer. Each pocket includes a lid configured to cover the pocket and limit access to medication within the pocket. The medication dispensing cabinet also includes a linkage member configured to operably engage the lids of the plurality of pockets. The linkage member has a first state in which the linkage member prevents one or more of the lids from being opened and a second state in which the linkage member permits the lids to be opened in accordance with a predefined sequential order.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2011Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Aesynt IncorporatedInventors: Paul Santmyer, Todd Kijowski, Ben Tylenda, Pat Braun
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Patent number: 8706292Abstract: An apparatus for receiving and dispensing cards automatically includes a card receiving and dispensing main body (1000) and a card dispensing box (1001) removably installed on said main body (1000). Said card dispensing box (1001) includes a card dispensing box body, a card outlet (141) and a card gate (90) configured on said card dispensing box body. Said card dispensing box (1001) also includes a card gate locking device for controlling the opening and closing of said card gate (90). Said apparatus also includes an identification and unclocking device, which controls the activity of the card gate locking device on the card dispensing box (1001) associated with the card receiving and dispensing main body (1000) to open the card gate (90) of the card dispensing box (1001).Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2010Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: IME Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Qing Xiao
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Patent number: 8700212Abstract: A medication dispenser assembly provides access to medication to promote compliance with a prescribed medication schedule. The assembly includes a housing having a bottom, a top, and a perimeter wall extending from the bottom to the top. Apertures extend through the top. A plurality of vertically aligned bays is positioned in the housing with each bay having an associated access opening extending through the perimeter wall. A plurality of trays each have a plurality of compartments. An interior space of each compartment is accessible through a top of each compartment. Each tray is insertable into a selectable one of the bays through the associated access opening. The compartments of an uppermost one of the trays are accessible through the apertures in the top of the housing. A plurality of doors is coupled to the top of the housing with each door covering an associated one of the apertures.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2012Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Inventors: Dawn Bruno, Diane Ives
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Publication number: 20140097197Abstract: In certain embodiments, a lockable canister for retaining and selectively dispensing medications is disclosed. To prevent drug diversion, a plurality of doses of medication may be loaded into the locking canister at a central pharmacy and then the canister may be locked to prevent unauthorized removal of medication in transit to a remote automated dispensing unit that may be located in a remote pharmacy. The lockable canister may include a canister housing and a canister cover that may be locked to the canister housing to enclose the plurality of doses of medication. The canister cover may include tamper evident or tamper resistant features. The canister may include one or more locking mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access to the medication in the canister in transit or before it is specifically authorized for dispensing.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2012Publication date: April 10, 2014Applicant: ALIXA RX LLCInventors: Huan Nguyen, Ronald Silva, Philip M. Anthony, III, Evan P. Thompson, Trevor K. Wesolowski
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Patent number: 8651321Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2011Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Sweet N Fun, Ltd.Inventor: Hoi Wai Fu
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Publication number: 20140027465Abstract: A contact lens dispensing apparatus may include a container with a lid that removably seals the container, a cradle that cradles a contact lens, and a lifting mechanism connected to the cradle and the lid. The container and lid may collectively form a blister pack with the contact lens sealed therein. The lid may protect the contact lens from foreign matter including bacteria while the contact lens is stored in the container. The lifting mechanism may lift the cradle from a storage position within the container to a dispensing position above the container in response to opening the lid of the container. The cradle may cradle a contact lens placed thereon and enable a user to slide the contact lens off of the cradle. The lifting mechanism and the cradle may be a laminar emergent mechanism that is integrally formed from a planar sheet of material.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2012Publication date: January 30, 2014Inventors: Larry L. Howell, Spencer P. Magleby, Holly C. Greenberg, Samuel E. Wilding
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Publication number: 20130320032Abstract: A latch assembly is disclosed that has a latch, a locking lever having locked and unlocked positions, and a detent lever having engaged and disengaged positions. The locking lever is configured to secure the latch in the closed position when the locking lever is in the locked position and the detent lever is configured to provide a detent function when the detent lever is in the engaged position. In certain aspects, the latch assembly includes a single motor and cam assembly having three configurations, wherein the locking lever and detent lever are respectively in the unlocked and disengaged positions while in the first configuration, in the unlocked and engaged positions while in the second configuration, and in the locked and engaged positions while in the third configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2012Publication date: December 5, 2013Applicant: CareFusion 303, Inc.Inventor: Michael Rahilly