Abstract: The present invention provides a vending machine that converts a force applied from a manual operation means into an electric power, and operates by utilizing the electric power as a source of power. A drive force generation/transmission mechanism includes a generator (45) that generates the electric power by utilizing the force applied from the manual operation means (9) and motors (49-55) driven by the electric power generated by the generator (45). Article moving mechanisms (63-69) are constructed to operate by utilizing the output of the motors (49-55) as the operation source.

Abstract: A package having a dispensing opening. The opening has a periphery. The package and or opening periphery may have a non-circular cross section. The opening is covered by a removable lid, having an interference fit. The amount of interference varies around the periphery of the opening.

Abstract: A vending machine has a dispensing wheel rotatably mounted on a head with an outer peripheral rim on the wheel having elements displaced angularly from one another in an endless row and radially relative to a central axis of the wheel so as to define a driven gear on the wheel and an alignment device permitting latching of the wheel at, and releasing it from, a desired orientation on the head in a dispensing cycle such that during removing the head from, and remounting it upon, a housing the wheel will be held in a desired relationship with the head in which only given items can pass through the wheel in response to the next deposit of a coin in an actuation mechanism and rotating of a drive gear of the mechanism and driven gear therewith through an actuation cycle corresponding to the dispensing cycle.

Abstract: A blade dispenser including a body comprising a housing and a cover. The housing is configured to store a plurality of new blades. The housing has an opening for receiving the blades. The cover is configured to close the opening. The blade dispenser further includes a blade ejector constructed and arranged to dispense blades through a slot in the body. The body comprises an attachment member configured to couple the blade dispenser to another blade dispenser to increase a storage capacity of new blades of the blade dispenser.

Abstract: A device for dispensing prizes includes a housing having a plurality of compartments, a door attached to the housing for coving the compartments, and a lock for limiting access to the compartments. The contents of the compartments are visible from the outside. Each compartment contains a prize, such as a diamond. The housing may be part of, or linked to, a gaming device. When a player wins a game, which entitles the player to select a tangible award, the device signals this fact to the player. The player then selects a compartment by pressing an input device located on the housing. An attendant opens an external door, and inserts an electronic key into a receptacle associated with the selected compartment, and enters a required code into the key. The compartment then opens, and the player obtains the prize. The device may also include an inventory control system which preferably uses an RFID apparatus for monitoring the contents of each compartment, and for keeping records of an inventory of prizes.

Abstract: 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 conveyors upon completion of a dispensation cycle and deposit recovered pills back into the storage compartment for use in future dispensation cycles. A docking station having receptacles to accommodate dispenser is provided.

Abstract: The tablet cassette includes a division block installed to be rotated by a drive motor to discharge tablets introduced from above through transfer passages indented in an outer circumferential surface thereof. Each of the transfer passage includes a separation recess for downward transfer of the tablets, a lower end of which is blocked by a prop, and a supply recess along which the tablets having passed through the separation recess are moved on the outer circumferential surface of the division block to thereby be discharged downward via rotation of the division block. The tablet cassette further includes a bottom ring provided around a lower end of the division block to transfer the tablets located in the separation recess into the supply recess via rotation of the division block.

Abstract: A sheet product dispenser includes a housing adapted to house sheet products therein, the housing having an arching wall, a first planar wall disposed in contact with the arching wall, and a second planar wall disposed in contact with the arching wall and the first planar wall; an opening disposed in the first planar wall or the second planar wall, the opening having a size sufficient to allow dispensing of the sheet products there-through; and an access panel forming a portion of the arching wall.

Abstract: A substantially moisture-proof, airtight dispenser for both storing and dispensing several flattened articles such as diagnostic test strips. The inventive dispenser includes a novel pivotable housing that a user need merely grab and squeeze to eject a test strip. Independent movement of the user's fingers to push a button or turn a knob is unnecessary to dispense a strip, which makes the present invention well suited for diabetics suffering from nerve damage in their extremities and other complications resulting from the disease. The invention includes a novel flexible arm member and pusher head that engage and push an article from the dispenser as the two parts of the housing are pivoted together. The articles are dispensed through an exit that is configured with a novel flexible seal that maintains the dispenser substantially airtight. Several inventive seal embodiments and methods of making the same are disclosed.

Abstract: A gravity fed dispensing and display box has separate partition inserts therein dividing the interior into a plurality of compartments for stacking articles to be dispensed. A dispensing opening at the bottom of each compartment has a width less than the width of the compartment and of articles to be dispensed to prevent unintentional movement of an article through the opening. A yieldable retaining panel overlies the articles in each compartment to prevent loss of articles through the top during shipping, but flexes downwardly to enable an article to be placed in the compartment through the top. A lid is convertible from a shipping closure to a display panel for display at a point of sale. The box and the inserts are each held assembled by interlocking tabs and slots, avoiding the need for adhesive.

Abstract: A container for dispensing a product is provided, the container including an outer casing body having a cavity; a dispensing tray adapted for sliding movement within the cavity of the outer casing body between a closed and locked position and a dispensing position, the dispensing tray having an internal storage compartment for storage of a plurality of units of a product to be dispensed, a dispensing window, and a stop for engaging the outer casing body to prevent removal of the dispensing tray from the cavity; and a locking mechanism for releasably locking the dispensing tray in the cavity, the locking mechanism including protrusions projecting from the outer casing body into the cavity and positioned adjacent to a moveable flap formed in the outer casing body, and recesses carried by the dispensing tray and positioned to engage the protrusions when the dispensing tray is in the closed and locked position.

Abstract: A pill container/dispenser that includes fingerprint recognition circuitry located in a cap associated therewith. The cap is locked on the container and no pill can be dispensed from the container without first moving the cap. When a person places their thumb on the cap of the pill dispenser, a computer chip reads the thumbprint. If the person is an authorized user, the cap will be unlocked from the container and released so a pill can be dispensed from the container. If the fingerprint is not recognized, the cap will remain locked in position so that no dispensing will occur. Furthermore, if the computer chip recognizes tampering, such as a continued effort to remove the cap by a non-authorized user, a chemical spray is sprayed from the cap into the container. The spray will dilute or destroy the potency of the pills remaining in the container.

Abstract: A container adapted for dispensing a product is provided, the container including a storage compartment configured to store a plurality of units of a product to be dispensed; a dispensing chamber for receiving at least one unit of the product, the dispensing chamber configured for movement between a closed and locked position and a dispensing position; a dispensing pathway between the storage compartment and the dispensing chamber, the dispensing pathway sized for passage of at least one unit of the product; a locking mechanism adapted for releasably locking the dispensing chamber in the closed and locked position; and a blocking member operatively positioned to block the dispensing pathway when the dispensing chamber is in the dispensing position.

Abstract: A device for dispensing a controlled quantity of a product comprising a housing having a dispensing member movable therein, a dispensing cavity being extendable exteriorly of the housing to permit dispensing of a single unit, a single locking device to lock the dispensing member within the housing, and a second locking arrangement to prevent the dispensing member from being pushed rewardly from the housing, the second locking arrangement comprising first and second locking members which extend outwardly form the dispensing member to engage the housing, the first and second locking members being arrangement such that pressure on one of the locking members to release the same result in a tighter engagement of the other of the locking members with housing.

Abstract: A pill dispensing cap that secures to a conventional pill container. The pill dispensing cap has a lower cap, a pill discharge port, and a spring loaded rotatable and slidable upper cap. Pills are dispensed one at a time, and the remaining pills are isolated from external contamination. A child resistant lock prevents small children and/or mentally handicapped individuals from easily accessing medicine inside the container. The child resistant lock uses a vertically slidable upper cap that is slidably and rotatably attached to the lower cap. A child safety lock uses a key in the upper cap that must be aligned with a slot in the lower cap to allow a pill to be dispensed. When the key and slot are aligned, the upper cap is vertically compressed against the lower cap. As the upper cap moves toward the base cap, a gravity fed pill discharge port is exposed which releases a single pill.

Abstract: A golf ball container and dispenser for use in storing and dispensing golf balls is constructed of a tube, bottom, spring, spring pad, wire ball catch, opening, bag clip. The bottom is beveled to prevent damage to golf clubs contained in the golf bag and to the device itself. The bottom is also removably attached to facilitate cleaning and maintenance of the interior components of the device. The device may be freestanding or may be inserted in a receptacle molded into the interior of a golf bag to provide further protection from damage to golf clubs and other accessories contained therein as well as to the golf bag itself.

Abstract: A large capacity napkin dispenser for in counter mounting includes: (a) an elongate housing having a generally rectangular cross-section for receiving a stack of napkins; (b) a faceplate with a dispensing aperture, the faceplate being hinged to the housing so as to be movable between an open position for re-loading and a closed position for dispensing; (c) a movable support member mounted in the housing; (d) biasing means for urging the movable support toward the faceplate so that the stack of napkins is advanced to the aperture as it is depleted; and (e) sequestered means for locking the faceplate in the closed position. The locking means includes release means located adjacent the inner surface of the faceplate such that when the faceplate is in the closed position the release means is concealed in the interior of the dispenser, thereby eliminating the need for a key.

Abstract: A display and dispensing device for lottery-type tickets or the like that is securable to prevent the dispensing of the tickets when desired. The device includes a housing of box-like configuration having an open rear end, a door pivotally attached to the housing open end and a security shield pivotally attached to the door and being alternatively located in an open condition allowing said lottery tickets to be dispensed and a closed condition blocking the dispensing of said tickets.

Abstract: A child-resistant and senior-friendly unit dose package has a hollow container body containing a separate tray carrying a plurality of tablets or like items for being dispensed from the container body. The container body has an end with an opening, and the tray can be slid to a retracted position in which the tray is located within the container body and a dispensing position in which a proximal end part of the tray extends through the opening of the container body. The package includes a separate cap removably securable to the container body to seal the opening and prevent access to the trays. The container body can be positioned in a tray re-loading position that permits a spent tray to be removed from the container body and replaced with a new tray. Thus, the container body is reusable.

Abstract: A sheet product dispenser includes a housing comprising a dispenser opening for dispensing sheet product, and a water resistance means attached to a periphery of the dispenser opening, the water resistance means includes a means for housing the sheet product, a repositionable chute door movable between an open and a closed position, a chute seal between the housing means and the dispenser opening, and at least a door seal between the housing means and the chute door.

Abstract: An object is to provide a medicine supply apparatus capable of reducing a time required for charging medicines without causing any trouble during counting of the medicines, the apparatus comprises: a discharge drum which discharges the medicines from a tablet case; a medicine detecting sensor which detects the medicines discharged from the tablet case, and a control device, and this control device controls a rotating motor for rotating the discharge drum to discharge the medicines from the tablet case, counts the discharged medicines based on a detecting operation of the medicine detecting sensor, and changes a discharge speed of the medicine by the discharge drum depending on a type of medicine in the tablet case.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ice dispenser (10) for a refrigerator that includes a flap unit (24) which is arranged in an ice dispenser shaft and which can be adjusted between a release position which releases the ice dispenser shaft for dispensing ice and a locking position which blocks the ice dispenser shaft against dispensing ice, a pulse-controlled actuating magnet arrangement (58) for actuating the flap unit (24), and mechanical retention means (36, 64, 66) which releasably retain the flap unit (24) in the release position and in the locking position thereof, respectively.

Abstract: A lockable container includes a lockable case and an insert. The insert can be stored in the lockable case. The lockable case and the insert can each have one or more engaging elements and receiving elements, with reciprocal elements for engaging or receiving being included in the case or insert. The engaging elements, the receiving elements, or both, can be made removable to provide selective removal of the locking feature of the lockable container. For example, the engaging elements can be a removable post that can be selectively removed from the lockable case.

Abstract: An automatic medicine packaging machine with door lock unit that prevents the supplement and outflow of tablets by an unauthorized person and makes tablets kept and treated more safely is disclosed. The automatic medicine packaging machine comprising a plurality of tablet cassettes and a door includes; a door lock unit that is established on a body of the automatic medicine packaging machine and locks or unlocks the door; a button operation unit that is established on the front of the body and that operation is inputted by a user; and a lock controller that controls the operation of the door lock unit according to a lock or unlock signal inputted by the button operation unit, in which the lock controller includes a user authentication unit that authenticates user of the door lock unit.

Abstract: A cart positioning assembly that is adapted for guiding a wheeled cart into a desired target cart position within an enclosure (e.g., a dispenser) by engaging a body portion of the cart and thereby guiding the movement of the body portion as the cart moves into the target cart position. In particular embodiments: (1) the cart includes at least one front fixed wheel and at least one swiveled rear wheel; (2) the front fixed wheel is in a target fixed-wheel position when the cart is in the target cart position; (3) the swiveled rear wheel is in a target swiveled-wheel position when the cart is in the target cart position; (4) the cart positioning assembly is adapted to facilitate a sliding movement of the fixed wheel into the target fixed-wheel position; and (5) the cart positioning assembly is adapted to facilitate a rolling movement of the swiveled wheel into the target swiveled-wheel position.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the wheel positioning assembly are adapted for facilitating the insertion of a cart into an enclosure. In certain embodiments, the cart comprises: (1) first and second fixed front wheels that are disposed adjacent opposite front lateral sides of the cart; and (2) first and second swiveled rear wheels disposed adjacent opposite lateral side of the cart. In various embodiments, the wheel positioning assembly comprises: (1) a first wheel guide for physically guiding the first, fixed front wheel into a desired first-front-wheel position in which the first front wheel is disposed within the dispenser and adjacent a first wheel barrier; and (2) a locking mechanism for selectively maintaining the second rear wheel in a desired second-rear-wheel position within the dispenser. The first wheel barrier and the locking mechanism may selectively cooperate to physically prevent removal of the cart from the enclosure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a semi-automatic medicine packaging machine with cassette lock unit that improves packaging efficiency and speed by supplying an automatic supply unit and prevents an unauthorized person from supplement and outflow of tablets by fixing tablet cassettes arrayed in the automatic supply unit as a whole. The semi-automatic medicine packaging machine including a medication feed outlet that feeds and discharges medications into a hopper, a sealing unit that seals medications in the hopper by medication envelope(s), a printing unit that prints data on medication envelope(s), a controller that controls the overall apparatus, and a button operation unit that inputs a user's operation into the controller includes an upper shelf; cassette stands; an automatic supply unit including a plurality of tablet cassettes established on the upper part of the cassette stands; and a cassette lock unit that prevents separation of the tablet cassettes from the cassette stands.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus for the controlled distribution of media. The apparatus includes a plurality of compartments that releasably retain media. The distribution manager may issue a key to a patron. The patron may then take the key to one or more compartment containing media. The media are selectively releasable by the key from the compartments when the patron presents the key to a lock interface located generally proximate the compartments. The present inventions also include methods for the controlled distribution of media from a plurality of compartments.

Abstract: A sealing push-button lid for consumer wipes is disclosed. The lid may be used to seal a package of wipes for infant care, and may also be used for sealing and dispensing of one-at-a-time wipes for general cleaning purposes. The push button dispensing lid preferably has a top and a bottom of unitary construction joined together with an integral, springless hinge.

Abstract: A pill dispensing cap for a bottle has an inner sleeve with a divider panel and a first base panel rotatable within an outer sleeve having a second base panel. First and second window openings are defined in the first and second base panels. A plate moveable across and within the two sleeves defines a third window opening and a fourth window opening is defined in the divider panel. The plate can be held in an initial position wherein the first and second windows are aligned, whilst the third and fourth windows are not aligned. The outer sleeve is rotatable to a condition wherein the first and second windows are not aligned and the plate can then be slid across to a condition wherein the third and fourth windows are aligned to allow pills in a bottle to enter the inner sleeve.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical tablet dispensing and packaging system comprising a tablet packaging unit and a tablet dispensing unit having door cabinets and a base cabinet with each door cabinet rear portion detachably engaged to the base cabinet rear portion. Each cabinet rear portion is vertically wrinkled to form ridges and furrows so that when the door cabinets are attached to the base cabinet, spatial shafts are formed by the furrows and ridges.

Abstract: The invention relates to an article-dispensing machine. The inventive machine comprises: a structure (1), a removable container (2) for articles, and a dispensing mechanism on the base of the container (2), which is actuated by an actuation shaft that is coupled to the shaft of a coin or token selector (6) which is mounted in the structure (1) in order to dispense one or more articles from the container (2) through a delivery outlet (7) following the introduction of one or more coins or tokens. According to the invention, when the door (15) is in the closed position, a single closure device (55), which is associated with said door (15), can be used to lock the container (2), the coin selector (6) and a coin or token collection box (52) in the respective operating positions thereof. When the aforementioned door (15) is open, the container (2) can be refilled or removed, the coin selector (6) can be removed and the collection box (52) can be accessed without the use of tools.

Abstract: A pill dispenser (10) and a related method of pill dispensing including a container (12) having a holder (14), a gate (16), a controller (18) a sensor (20) and a neutralizing device (22). The dispenser (10) releases pills at a prescribed release rate. The sensor (20) detects tampering with the container (12). Upon detection of tampering, the neutralizing device (22) renders the contents of the pill dispenser (10) impotent.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing products including a mechanism for limiting the movement of multiple products within a housing to one direction, at least one product retaining structure for preventing access to multiple products in a given period of time, and at least one theft deterring mechanism.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser is disclosed and claimed. The unit comprises a housing, within which is mounted an impeller for engaging and urging beverage containers such as cans or bottles toward a housing opening. The impeller and the beverage containers are urged toward the housing by a biasing means such as a spring. Curved restraining formations such as fingers are located near the housing opening so as to engage the sides of the beverage containers and restrain them from movement out of the container until they are pulled out through a housing opening by the beverage dispenser unit operator.

Abstract: A dispenser comprising a first barrier, and a second barrier that is spaced apart from the first barrier. These two barriers define a first item-receiving space between the barriers, and the second barrier at least partially defines a second item-receiving space behind the second barrier. The first barrier is adapted to move between: (A) a first-barrier-closed position in which the first barrier restricts access to the first item-receiving space, and (B) a first-barrier-open position in which the first barrier permits access to the first item-receiving space. Similarly, the second barrier is adapted to move between: (A) a second-barrier-closed position in which the second barrier restricts access to the second item-receiving space, and (B) a second-barrier-open position in which the second barrier permits access to the second item-receiving space. The dispenser may comprise a third barrier, and the first, second, and third barriers may be positioned in a substantially horizontal array.

Abstract: A coin-operated vending machine includes a magazine which stores small boxes or packages of items one on top of the next in columns or stacks arranged in a circumferential row thereof and a dispensing mechanism operable to effectively dispenses such small boxes or packages of items one at a time from a selected one of the stacks thereof. The vending machine also includes a one-way indexing mechanism operatively adapted to limit rotation movement of the magazine to only one rotational direction and a reciprocal locking mechanism capable of coacting with the dispensing mechanism to lock the magazine in a stationary position when a lowermost package is received in the dispensing mechanism from the selected one of the stacks.

Abstract: An actuation inhibitor for metered dose inhalers comprises an annular band of semi-rigid plastics material having a substantially circular cross-section, with an upstanding wall encompassing from about 260° to 315°, a gap in the wall of from about 45° to 100°, and a pair of outwardly projecting walls, one at each side of the gap. The inside diameter when at rest in an unstressed manner is slightly smaller than that of a medication canister. The height is from about 40% to 65% of the predetermined diameter, and the length of each of the projecting walls is from about 10% to 50% of the height. The semi-rigid plastics material is sufficiently flexible to permit the pair of projecting walls to be spaced apart one from the other by up to about a further 90°, and the plastic memory permits the spreading apart of the projecting walls without being overcome.

Abstract: A dispenser is provided for dispensing stacked folded sheets. The dispenser includes a housing defining an internal storage space for the stack of sheets. A cover member is pivotally attached to the housing and is movable between an open position and a closed position for loading a stack of folded sheets into the housing. A device, such as a mechanical stop system, is provided and located such that the device must be manually operated with both hands while closing the cover member. In this way, an individual is prevented from using a free hand to compress the stack of folded sheets within the housing.

Abstract: A device for dispensing prizes includes a housing having a plurality of compartments, a door attached to the housing for coving the compartments, and a lock for limiting access to the compartments. The contents of the compartments are visible from the outside. Each compartment contains a prize, such as a diamond. The housing may be part of, or linked to, a gaming device. When a player wins a game, which entitles the player to select a tangible award, the device signals this fact to the player. The player then selects a compartment by pressing an input device located on the housing. An attendant opens an external door, and inserts an electronic key into a receptacle associated with the selected compartment, and enters a required code into the key. The compartment then opens, and the player obtains the prize. The device may also include an inventory control system which preferably uses an RFID apparatus for monitoring the contents of each compartment, and for keeping records of an inventory of prizes.

Abstract: A multi-well microfiltration apparatus and method are provided and feature a manual touch-off system for transferring pendent drops hanging from discharge-conduits of a discharge-conduit array to respective receiving wells or receiving holes of a corresponding receiving array, with minimum or no cross-contamination between the discharge conduits, or the receiving wells or receiving holes. The manual touch-off is achieved by manually shifting a carriage that supports one of the arrays, into a position whereat pendent drops of fluid hanging from the distal ends of the discharge conduits contact the inner sidewalls of the corresponding receiving wells or receiving holes of the receiving array.

Abstract: A bulk merchandise-vending machine with a base supporting a merchandise storage member, a mechanism plate positioned to form a closure member for the base and removable therefrom by a forward pivotal movement about its bottommost edge while the storage member is tilted slightly upwardly about its rearmost edge, wherein the front of the storage member is provided with a locking element cooperative with a lock carried by the mechanism plate and operable positively to prevent the storage member from tilting about its rear lower edge and separate from the mechanism plate, whereby unauthorized access to the mechanism carried by the mechanism plate and/or a coin receptacle there behind is positively prevented.

Abstract: A bulk vending machine with a rigid base supporting a case with a merchandise storage container thereon, wherein the base, and any coin tray therein, incorporate a substantially maximized coin receiving footprint, with or without coin tray, while applying an assembly securing force at the center of a top cover on the container and rearwardly of the center of the base.

Abstract: A locking system for a dispenser having a cover and a back plate, the cover being hingedly connected at one end to the back plate and carrying a latch plate at the opposed end thereof. An elongate locking bar is slidably carried on the back plate for movement toward and away from engagement with the latch plate. This movement is achieved by provision of an engagement member of the back plate slidably movable into contact with the locking bar and a key similarly movable into the contact with the engagement member. To that end, the engagement member includes opposed resilient legs, the distal ends of which normally rest on the bottom of the interior of the cover. The key is provided with a divider which, when engaged with the resilient legs spreading them apart and enables shoulders on the key to contact the engagement member and move the locking bar upwardly to disengage the latch.

Abstract: A vending machine with security device is disclosed. The security device is fitted onto a dispensing device, wherein the security device is positioned in between the dispensing device and a driving device of the vending machine. The security device together with the dispensing device support the dispensing lid and rotate upwards when the card is being dispensed by the driving device of the vending machine, and when the card passes through the dispensing lid of the security device and being dispensed out by the dispensing device of the vending machine, the dispensing lid of the security device will automatically rotate downwards for closing the slot.

Abstract: A paper currency storage cabinet mounting arrangement is constructed to include a paper currency receiving and verification unit and a paper currency storage cabinet, the paper currency receiving and verification unit having retaining holes and a hook hole, the paper currency storage cabinet having retaining rods disposed at two sides and a spring-supported lock means disposed at one end, the spring-supported lock means being automatically forced into the hook hole to lock the paper currency receiving and verification unit and the paper currency storage cabinet when the respective retaining rods respectively engaged into the respective retaining holes.

Abstract: A storage cartridge for dispensing biosensors used in the determination of an analyte in body fluid comprises a hollow body for housing a stack of biosensors having an open top, a flexible conveying member disposed over the open top of the body, the flexible conveying member having an aperture formed therein for receiving a biosensor from the stack of biosensors, a plate adapted to press the sliding conveying member against the open top to form a substantially moisture-impervious seal around the open top of the body and to permit the conveying member to slide between the plate and the open top, and means for biasing the stack of biosensors towards the open top.

Abstract: A device for dispensing awards includes a housing having a set of compartments, the contents of which are visible from the outside. Each compartment contains a small but valuable award, such as a diamond. The housing is part of, or connected to, a gaming machine. When a player wins a game which entitles the player to select a tangible award, the device signals this fact to the player. The player then selects a compartment by pressing a input device located on the housing. An attendant opens an external door, and inserts an electronic key into a receptacle associated with the selected compartment, and enters a required code into the key. The compartment then opens, and the player obtains the award. The device provides enhanced security, because the compartment will not open unless the player has won the required game and has pressed the input device, and the attendant has properly opened the external door and has entered the correct code with the electronic key.

Abstract: A pull handle for dispenser machines having a first arm and a second arm. The second arm may be articulated and translated about an axis. The joint between the first and second arms is configured such that the second arm may be secured into and released from a first position. The first position facilitates accessible engagement of the pull handle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method for selectively dispensing inventoried items, such as pharmaceutical and therapeutic agents in a hospital.