Abstract: A pill dispensing assembly comprises a pill bottle that is securely locked between a base and an attachable sleeve. The pill bottle and base form an enclosure in which pills are stored above a top portion of a dosing mechanism of the base. The top portion of the dosing mechanism comprises a ramp and a rotating arm that carries a pill from a base of the ramp to a position in which the pill will drop through an aperture in a bottom portion of the dosing mechanism into a channel that connects the aperture to a dispensing slot in a housing of the base. The base includes a microcontroller that interacts with a servomotor to control rotation of the arm and thereby the dispensing of a pill. The base also includes a wireless communication interface that enables the dispensing of the pill to be controlled by a remote entity.

Abstract: A fastener installation tool is provided for installing threaded fasteners through a washer plate having a center hole used in connection with roofing membrane installation. The installation tool is configured to receive different types of washer plates, and is easily dis-assembleable in the field without the need for tools in order to easily and simply clear jams.

Abstract: This invention relates to modifications to the traditional manually operated pill counting tray that is broadly used throughout the world to provide features that permit semi-automatic operation that is faster and more accurate than manual-only operation when counting pharmaceutical pills. The tray modifications are based on electronic weight-based sensing technology including the addition of (1) a weighing load sensor to determine the weight of the pills to be counted, (2) a motion sensor and latch for the trough lid to aid operation and performance, (3) a microprocessor that can convert the measured weight of the pills to a pill count, and (4) an output display to show the number of pills counted. This apparatus includes novel features to improve pill counting speed and accuracy, as well as ease of use, that are only possible when employing electronic counting.

Abstract: A medicine feeding unit configured to feed solid medicines, the unit including: a medicine feeder having a driven shaft and a support having a driving shaft that is connected with the driven shaft. The driven shaft has a driven shaft body and a driven engagement member. The driving shaft has a driving shaft body and a driving engagement member. The driven engagement member is biased in a direction approaching the driving engagement member. The unit further includes a rotation preventing part configured to allow the driven engagement member to rotate in a state in which the driven engagement member is engaged with the driving engagement member, and to prevent the driven engagement member from rotating in a state in which the driven engagement member abuts the driving engagement member without being engaged therewith, in a state in which the medicine feeder is mounted on the support.

Abstract: A belt conveyor (10) for an automatic placement machine (50) that includes at least a rotatably mounted pinwheel (12) for conveying a belt (11), a drive (14) with at least one gear wheel (16) for driving the pinwheel (12) and a position-determining device (20) for determining a rotational position of the pinwheel (12), the position-determining device (20) having a first sensor device (30) with at least one magnetoresistive sensor arrangement (31). The disclosure further includes an automatic placement machine (50) having at least one belt conveyor (10).

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure include earplug dispensers that may comprise a rotating cam assembly operable to dispense one or more earplug to a user when a knob is rotated by the user. In some embodiments, the cam assembly may comprise and upper cam layer and a lower cam layer attached via clips to the rotating knob. Upon rotation of the knob, the upper cam layer may cause the earplugs to fall through one or more cavities to the lower cam layer. The lower cam layer may comprise a pushing structure operable to move the earplugs, upon rotation of the knob, within the lower cam layer to fall down through an opening in the dispenser. In some embodiments, the earplugs may fall through an opening in the rotating knob.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a security apparatus for use on a playing card shoe to prevent the removal of playing cards from the splaying card shoe. Playing card shoes generally have an elongated body including a card cradle for supporting a plurality of playing cards, The card cradle has an outlet opening adjacent to a front end of the elongated body, through which playing cards can be removed from the playing card shoe, A cradle cover is removably attached to the elongated, body, covering the card cradle and playing cards therein. A faceplate is removably attach to the outer front, end of the elongated body, and defines a mouth through which playing cards can be drawn from the outlet opening. The security apparatus prevents the removal a playing cards from the shoe, where the security apparatus is removably attached to the playing card shoe to block and/or cover the outlet opening.

Abstract: An object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus for dispensing absorbent sheet material from a roll. The apparatus includes a roll holder for rotatably supporting said roll, and a roll fill level indicator arrangement. The roll fill level indicator arrangement includes a pivoting arm and a moveable first indicator device. The pivoting arm includes roll engagement device for engagement with an outer peripheral surface of said roll. A position of said first indicator device is continuously responsive to an angular position of said pivoting arm, such that said roll fill level indicator arrangement is able to provide a gradual roll fill level indication.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A rotatable probe cover dispenser for an ear thermometer comprises a base having a probe cover basin, and a rotatable seat having at least one rotating shaft pivotally coupling the rotatable seat to the base and enabling the rotatable seat to rotate with respect to the base. The rotatable seat has a probe cover cartridge assembly rotating together with the rotatable seat and having a probe cover chamber accommodating probe covers. The probe covers fall out from a probe cover dispensing opening. The base has a slide track assembly arranged above a probe cover basin and cooperating with the rotatable seat to enable the probe cover cartridge assembly to slide to a position above the probe cover basin. Thereby, the probe covers inside the probe cover cartridge assembly can be dispensed to the probe cover basin.

Abstract: A long-life substance dispensing device for a washing machine, particularly a dishwasher, comprises: —a body (20?, 30?) designed to be sealingly fixed to a structure of the washing machine, —a support means (40) adapted to contain a total amount of a substance sufficient for performing a plurality of washing cycles, —an actuation system (47?, 50?, 61?) which is electrically controllable for causing delivery of at least one dose of the substance contained in the support means (40). The actuation system (47?, 50?, 61?) comprises at least one drive element and one driven element (47?) capable of cooperating to obtain the delivery. The actuation system (47?, 50?, 61?) is arranged for being able to take on an operative condition, wherein the drive element (61?) is operatively coupled with the driven element (47?), and an inoperative condition, wherein the drive element (61?) is decoupled from the driven element (47?).

Abstract: A lid for a pharmaceutical bottle that is configured to facilitate the withdrawal of goods present in the pharmaceutical bottle in the form of pieces, the lid including at least an inner layer and an outer layer. The inner layer, which may be a multilayer structure, is firmly sealed with and along the peripheral, circular edge of the pharmaceutical bottle and has a peripheral weakened line off-set from the center of the circle, where the peripheral weakened line of the opening has a concave section in the portion thereof that is next to the sealing edge. The outer layer, which may be a multilayer structure, is connected to the inner layer and can be peeled off such that the portion of the inner layer lying inside the peripheral weakened line remains on the outer layer, thereby forming an opening in the inner layer.

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: 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 paintball loader for supplying a plurality of substantially similar paintballs a paintball marker. The loader comprises a housing adapted to receive the plurality of paintballs, the housing defining a feeder tube in a base thereof, the feeder tube dimensioned to allow single passage of the paintballs, a paintball receiving member comprising an elongate receiving channel spiraling radially outward in a direction of rotation from the feeder hole and having an outlet adjacent the feeder tube, the channel comprising a pair of opposing side walls spaced to allow single passage of the paintballs, and a feeder arm positioned across at least a portion of the channel walls such that the feeder arm comes into contact with one of the plurality of the paintballs when in the channel. The channel is rotatable relative to the feeder arm about the feeder hole in the direction of rotation.

Abstract: An apparatus for placement of seam tape to a roof or roof membrane. The apparatus comprises first and second sides spaced a distance apart, wherein each side includes a material axle opening and a pressure applicator orifice. The apparatus also comprises a removable pressure applicator having a first end and second end positioned in the pressure applicator orifices of the first and second sides. A support element may be operatively attached to the first and second sides, span the distance between the first and second sides, and positioned opposite the pressure applicator to support the apparatus. Additionally, a material axle may be positioned such that its ends are removably positioned in the material axle openings of the first and second sides. A closed front side may connect the first and second side, while an open stern may allow direct access to the pressure applicator, the support element, and the material axle.

Abstract: Apparatuses to facilitate administering of medication. Cassettes of the apparatuses include several novel aspects.

Abstract: A support group (1; 50) of products distributable by means of vending machines comprising a shaped body (2; 51) suitable to be coupled with transport means (6; 75) belonging to the vending machine, the shake body (2; 51) defining an inner seat (3; 52) which receives the product to be supplied and comprising a base plate (4; 53), suitable to be coupled to transport means (6; 75), and a boundary bulkhead (5; 54) removably coupled with the base plate (4; 53) in order to define a plurality of positions of the boundary bulkhead (5; 54) on the base plate (4; 53) varying the dimensions of the inner seat (3; 52) as the type of product to be supplied varies.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a probe cover dispenser, which comprises a base having a probe cover basin; a probe cover cartridge receiving probe covers; a gravitational member applying gravity to the probe covers; and a feeder assembly arranged between the base and the probe cover cartridge. The gravitational member makes a probe cover fall from the probe cover cartridge onto the base, and a feeder pushes the gravitationally released probe cover to the probe cover basin. Then, the user inserts a probe of an infrared thermometer into the probe cover inside the probe cover basin to sleeve the probe with the probe cover. Via the present invention, the user can fit a probe cover onto a probe without using his hands. Thus, the present invention can effectively reduce the pollution of probe covers and the infection of testees.

Abstract: A passive chute assembly includes: a chute configured to receive objects to be dispensed, the chute having an outlet; and a passive dispensing unit attached to the chute outlet. The passive dispensing unit has a staging portion, wherein objects are captured prior to dispensing. The staging portion is movable between a staging position, in which objects may be captured within the staging portion, and a dispensing position, in which the objects may be fed gravimetrically into a receptacle positioned below the dispensing unit. The staging portion includes an adaptive opening that, when the staging portion moves to the dispensing position, opens adaptively corresponding to a diameter of the receptacle.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention includes at least one reservoir with a delivery mechanism in communication therewith. The delivery mechanism draws an air treatment material from the reservoir and provides the air treatment material in response to a decreased level of active air treatment material or the detection of a malodor. Additionally, the delivery mechanism includes a control system and a detection system. The control system activates the detection system at a timed interval or in response to a change in one or more ambient conditions (e.g., motion, temperature, light, humidity, etc.). Once activated, the detection system samples the environment for either the level of active air treatment material or the quality of the environment.

Abstract: A dispensing container is provided, including an outer casing having an open end, a top, a bottom, sidewalls extending between the top and bottom, and an interior compartment; an inner tray slidably received within the interior compartment of the outer casing and including a storage compartment configured to store a plurality of units of product to be dispensed, and a dispensing trough in communication with the storage compartment, the inner tray extending outwardly from the open end of the outer casing and configured for sliding movement between a closed and locked position and a dispensing position, wherein the dispensing trough includes an aperture sized to allow a single unit of product exit the dispensing trough at one end thereof and a slot at the opposing end thereof, and the outer casing further includes a rib extending into the interior compartment and positioned to enter the slot of the dispensing trough.

Abstract: An air freshener includes a housing having at least a first compartment and a second compartment, each of the first and second compartments having vents. The air freshener includes a first fan unit disposed within the first compartment and a second fan unit disposed within the second compartment. The air freshener also includes a first fragrance emitting substance disposed within the first compartment proximate the first fan unit and a second fragrance emitting substance disposed within the second compartment proximate the second fan unit. A programmable processor is operatively connected to a power source and the first and second fan units and configured to drive at least one of the first and second fan units so as to promote discharge of one of the first and second fragrance emitting substances from the housing.

Abstract: A beverage container lid separator and dispenser is provided which allows individual beverage container lids to be dispensed in a neat and sanitary manner. The invention generally includes a vessel and an actuator, wherein a stack of lids is maintained in the vessel optionally within a housing. The vessel has an aperture at its lower end for dispensing the lids therefrom. The actuator is positioned below the vessel and extending up through a horizontal floor below the vessel, the floor supporting the lids thereon. In operation, the vessel preferably pivots to allow a bottom-most lid within the vessel to be pulled from underneath the vessel by the actuator. The vessel catches and maintains the remaining stack of lids for later dispensing by a subsequent user.

Abstract: A dispenser, a system and a method dispense pills from a funnel via a notch on a top side of a first disk. The first disk has ridges on a top side of the first disk for transferring the pills from the funnel to a top side of a second disk. The first disk and/or second disk rotate in a first rotational direction to transfer the pills to the second ring via an opening in a ridge of the first disk. A ring located adjacent to the opening of the first disk rotates in a second rotational direction for transferring the pills to a passage which is located adjacent to the ring. A gate and/or a pocket is located between the ring and an interior of the passage which is sized to receive the pills from the funnel. The pocket is sized to receive a pill from the ring of the dispenser. The dispenser has a configuration mechanism for determining and/or for identifying a configuration the pills. One of the pills is inserted between arms of the configuration mechanism to determine the configuration of the pills.

Abstract: A sheet in accordance with the present invention includes sheets as print mediums for a printer and a package member surrounding the sheets which have been stacked up. The sheet package is configured so that the sheets can be set in the printer together with the package member exposing part of the sheets. The package member is integrally provided with a flap part which can expose part of the sheets by being opened when the sheet package is set in the printer and cover the exposed part of the sheets by being closed when the sheet package is not used.

Abstract: A system and method for extracting active elemental iodine from the contact of water with stored crystal iodine and for introducing the extracted elemental iodine into a water supply line and/or otherwise making the extracted elemental iodine available for an intended use. The system operates by allowing a portion of the water entering from a water supply line to be redirected to a first housing where it makes contact with stored crystal iodine causing to extract active elemental iodine. The iodinized water leaves the first housing and enters a second housing where it makes contact additional stored crystal iodine to help stabilize the elemental iodine concentration. The system can be designed to provide the elemental iodine in more than one potency concentration through the use of a metering valve and different travel routes for the elemental iodine out of the second housing.

Abstract: A pill-dispensing apparatus for automatically dispensing solid pills includes a plurality of storage units and a pill dispensing module. The storage units store pills in bulk and each include a hopper and an auger movably positioned with respect to the hopper. An inlet of the auger is positioned to receive pills from the hopper. The pill-dispensing module includes: a dock for receiving and holding a selected one of the storage units, a drive unit for rotating the auger to motivate the pills along the auger, a pill counter for counting pills dispensed from an auger outlet, and a lift for tilting the hopper to control flow and to assist in motivating pills to fall from the hopper and move along the auger.

Abstract: An assembly for selectively presenting objects includes: a frame; a carousel rotatably mounted to the frame for rotation about a generally vertical axis of rotation, the carousel including a plurality of object compartments arranged about the axis of rotation; a servomotor operably connected with the carousel, the servomotor being configured to rotate the carousel about the axis of rotation; and a controller. The controller is configured to actuate the servomotor to rotate the carousel when torque applied to the servomotor exceeds a predetermined magnitude. Such an assembly can serve as a presentation device that enables an operator to remove objects therefrom at his/her convenience.

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 tape feeder including an electronic component accommodating part installed at one side of a tape feeder main body to accommodate electronic components which are not picked up by a suction nozzle of an electronic component conveyance robot installed at an electronic component mounting device, thereby preventing the electronic components from clogging a carrier tape moving path, and storing the electronic components in the electronic component accommodating part. Therefore, it is possible to increase efficiency of equipment without operational delay and stoppage of the equipment, readily extract and reuse the electronic components accommodated in the electronic component accommodating part, and keep an operational environment clean.

Abstract: Systems and methods of a package advance system for moving a package on a shelf of a vending machine which may include an end plate positioned on the shelf, a dispensing door positioned near a dispensing end of the shelf that opens to dispense the package, and a spring system affixed to the end plate that applies a force on the end plate towards the dispensing door.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method are provided for an automated presentment assembly that sequentially feeds fasteners to an outlet and an escapement apparatus comprising a chuck that has a transport feature for selectively removing a fastener from the outlet and transporting the fastener to a tool station, the chuck being moveable between a first position and a second position, wherein at the first position the transport feature is operably aligned with the outlet and at the second position the transport feature is displaced both linearly and rotationally from the first position.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting gas-filled filling bodies (12) to size, wherein the filling bodies are fed to the apparatus in the form of a string of successive gas-filled filling bodies that are connected by flat connecting sections (13); wherein a cutting device (11) having a cutting element (15) is provided for cutting the gas-filled filling bodies (12) in the connecting section (13) between two filling bodies; wherein at least one catch (21) is provided that is preferably arranged on a wheel (20) and has an engagement area (21a) for receiving a filling body (12); wherein the catch (21), together with the filling body (12) is movably arranged and configured such that the filling body (12) situated in the catch (21) is centered. A counter (23, 24) is provided for receiving a number of filling bodies (12) moved across a reference point. An evaluation and control unit is provided for receiving data of the counter (23, 24) and for triggering the cutting process.

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: A system and method for extracting active elemental iodine from the contact of water with stored crystal iodine and for introducing the extracted elemental iodine into a water supply line and/or otherwise making the extracted elemental iodine available for an intended use. The system operates by allowing a portion of the water entering from a water supply line to be redirected to a first housing where it makes contact with stored crystal iodine causing to extract active elemental iodine. The iodinized water leaves the first housing and enters a second housing where it makes contact additional stored crystal iodine to help stabilize the elemental iodine concentration. The system can be designed to provide the elemental iodine in more than one potency concentration through the use of a metering valve and different travel routes for the elemental iodine out of the second housing.

Abstract: An automated banking machine includes a mechanism for accepting deposited items. Deposited items may be provided to the machine in envelopes which are first passed to a user from an envelope storage area (132) in the machine through a transport (124) and which are presented to the user through an opening (244). An envelope storage and dispensing device (134) is operative to assure that only a single envelope is delivered to the user. A user may thereafter include deposit items in the dispensed envelope. The deposited items are passed through the opening (244) and are deposited in a deposit-holding container (128). The deposited items may be marked with indicia corresponding to the transaction or properties of the deposited item where the envelope originally dispensed to the user for holding the deposited item.

Abstract: A tablet cassette in which a tablet is not discharged during a mounting or dismounting operation of the tablet cassette. The tablet cassette (1) incorporates a rotor (6) having pocket portions (7) for holding tablets (T). When the tablet cassette 1 is mounted on a mount base (2), rotation of the rotor (6) causes the tablets (T) held in the pocket portions (7) to be discharged though a discharge port (8). The tablet cassette (1) includes a press member (16) which is pressed when the tablet cassette (1) is mounted on the mount base (2) and a rotor reversing member (19) for reversing the rotor (6) by a predetermined quantity in conjunction with pressing of the press member (16).

Abstract: A wheeled vehicle, preferably a trailer, carries highway markers in a storage frame that is horizontally rotated to selectively align each of a plurality of parallel, circularly spaced, slide bearings, each configured to confine a linear array of highway markers against circumferential and radial movement, while allowing sliding along the length of the array. A powered abutment feeds the highway markers to a transfer station. A transfer mechanism picks up a highway marker by attraction and moves it between the transfer station and a highway station. A video camera records the highway station environment and wirelessly sends a video stream to a monitor plugged in the driver's cab. A releasable electrical connector between a tow vehicle and a trailer wheeled vehicle transmits a lights-on signal to control the operations.

Abstract: A medicine container comprises an upstanding body having an open mouth and a hollow interior bounded by a sidewall and a separator secured in the body and defining upper and lower compartments, the upper compartment opening into the body open mouth, the lower compartment being accessible while the separator is secured in the body.

Abstract: A railing system for a trailer or recreational vehicle that includes a handrail that is attachable to the wall structure of the vehicle adjacent to the entranceway to provide a stable support for individuals while entering and leaving. The handrail assembly is easily and rapidly attached and detached and includes a wall mount that is permanently attachable to the wall structure of the vehicle and an angularly adjustable handrail assembly that is detachably connectable to the wall mount.

Abstract: An earplug dispenser is provided, which is of simple construction and which is easily operated by a person to dispense one or two earplugs with minimal possibility of the earplug bouncing off the person's hand and onto a dirty floor. The earplug dispenser includes a barrier (26) lying on a stand, a wheel (20) with earplug-receiving holes (22) rotatably mounted above the barrier, and a handle device (28) fixed to the wheel and lying below the barrier. As the handle device is turned about a vertical axis (60), earplugs in the wheel holes move over a dispense aperture (42) in the barrier and fall through it and through the handle device onto the palm of a person who is turning the handle device. The handle device includes a largely cylindrical handle (72) that encourages the handle to be held with the palm (P) closely under the open lower end (44) of the handle and with the fingers of the person extending up along vertical grooves (82) in the handle, so earplugs fall into the person's palm.

Abstract: An electronic chip component feeder is provided to prevent continued supply of electronic chip components for mounting which have surface discolorization, deteriorated electrode solderability, or cracks or chips produced by chip collisions. The electronic chip component feeder includes plural feeding units arranged in an array. Each feeding unit has a hopper for holding a plurality of components of a particular kind, and a guide path by which components are transferred from the hopper to a dispensing location. At the dispensing location, the components are picked up by a sucking chuck and then transferred to a substrate for mounting thereon. The plurality of feeding units are capable of being reciprocated in unison so that the dispensing location for the feeding units are successively moved to a fixed position. The electronic chip component feeder further includes a counting unit for counting the number of movements of the each feeding unit.

Abstract: An earplug dispenser for manual operation by a user includes a bottle member to receive a plurality of earplugs. A dispensing mechanism is located at an open end of the bottle member so that when the bottle member is turned upside down, the dispensing mechanism projects downward and the earplugs fall by gravity to the dispensing mechanism. The dispensing mechanism includes an impeller member having a plurality of impeller openings to have individual earplugs located within the impeller openings by gravity and additionally includes a knob member projecting downward from the impeller and including a ratchet mechanism so that the rotation of the knob provides for rotation of the impeller and any individual earplugs captured in the impeller openings in only one direction.

Abstract: A pill dispensing apparatus for delivering pills, comprising a housing formed to cooperate with a container. An agitator having a passageway formed therethrough and being in slidable engagement with the housing. The agitator is configured to move the pills within the container into the passageway upon vertical displacement of the agitator into the container. In communication with the housing and the agitator is an escapement member. The escapement member is formed to move generally laterally to the passageway and to allow at least one pills to exit from the passageway as the agitator slidable engages with the housing.

Abstract: A candy dispensing character is provided with a candy dispensing body, a hollow candy reservoir disposed in the candy dispensing body and sized to hold a plurality of candy pieces, a movable candy dispensing bin attached to the candy dispensing body and being movable between a closed position and an open position in which a portion of the candy dispensing bin extends outwardly from the candy dispensing body so that a piece of candy may be removed from the candy dispensing bin. The candy dispensing character is also provided with a biasing mechanism that causes the candy dispensing bin to be biased towards the closed position and a support, such as a pair of legs, coupled to the candy dispensing body that is shaped so as to be capable of supporting the candy dispensing body in a standing position.

Abstract: A motorized coin bank for sorting and storing coins of varying diameters comprising a coin receiver hopper for receiving unsorted coins; a plurality of coin storage containers for storing sorted coins; a straight ramped coin path located between the coin storage containers and the coin receiver, a drum-shaped separator, located in a plane which is perpendicular to the horizontal base of the coin bank and adjacent to the coin receiver hopper, for sorting individual coins one at a time from the receiver and depositing each coin in the straight ramped coin path such that each coin rolls edgewise along the ramped coin path; a plurality of coin apertures of varying size, each being sized to permit passage of only coins having a size less than or equal to a predetermined diameter.

Abstract: An earplug dispenser for manual operation by a user includes a bottle member to receive a plurality of earplugs. A dispensing mechanism is located at an open end of the bottle member so that when the bottle member is turned upside down, the dispensing mechanism projects downward and the earplugs fall by gravity to the dispensing mechanism. The dispensing mechanism includes an impeller member having a plurality of impeller openings to have individual earplugs located within the impeller openings by gravity and additionally includes a knob member projecting downward from the impeller so that the rotation of the knob provides for rotation of the impeller and any individual earplugs captured in the impeller openings.

Abstract: Height barriers (15a, 15b) on the bottom of the feed arm frame (5) are located a distance above the bottom of paper drawer (1) of a printer (13). the drawer is pulled out to load paper, and then pushed in. If the paper stack (25) is high enough to encounter the barriers, paper which encounters the barrier is pushed off the top of the stack as the drawer moves further. The pushed paper emerges in front of the printer and is removed by the operator. Back restraint (17) is integral to the elevated region (17b) followed by an inclined region (17a). Overloading of paper is prevented and the paper stack not uncompressed during subsequent paper feed.

Abstract: A machine includes a stick hopper for dispensing sticks one by one and a device for transferring each stick to a chuck between whose jaws the stick is held while protruding into a basin containing a sugar sprayhead. The chuck is driven rotationally, as is the sprayhead, during a cotton candy forming operation. The hopper containing sticks includes a cylinder with a horizontal or substantially horizontal axis. The cylinder is mounted to pivot about its axis and is associated with a motor. The cylinder is further equipped on its internal face with at least one lengthwise bar delimiting a cavity that matches the shapes of the sticks, the cavity being provided in the face of the bar that faces forward in the direction of rotation of the cylinder. The cylinder contains, below its uppermost generatrix, a device for collecting each stick picked up by the bar in the hopper and releasing the latter under the effect of gravity.