Abstract: The described embodiments relate generally to methods of assembly of electronic devices. In particular, a rotationally induced pressure is used to activate a securing mechanism positioned between a component and an enclosure. The component and the securing mechanism may be located in an inaccessible region of the enclosure such that traditional, direct, assembly processes may not be feasible. The securing mechanism may take the form of a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive or a fastener between the component and an interior surface of the enclosure.

Abstract: A tortilla cartridge with fresh sealing capabilities and a tortilla conveying capabilities is disclosed. The tortilla cartridge allows for efficient conveying of tortillas through a tortilla warmer, and also provides for easy storage of the tortillas in a manner that keeps them fresh. The cartridge provides a stack of tortillas, ensuring that the top side a top tortilla is exposed at a top opening of the container at the appropriate time for the top tortilla to be removed from the cartridge, through the tortilla warmer. At a predetermined time interval from a previous top tortilla being removed from the container, the new top tortilla will be positioned at the top of the stack of tortillas in the cartridge, to be removed in the same manner. This configuration allows for automatic conveying of tortillas, in sequence, through the tortilla warmer.

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: A cleansing wipe container includes a bottom panel, a front panel, a rear panel, a pair of side panels and a lid. The cleansing wipe container may be filled with a plurality of cleansing wipes that are contained in a cartridge. The cartridge and container interact such that a message is displayed on or through a panel of the container. The message is based on the cartridge of wipes and may include a type of wipe, a list of ingredients of the wipes, and/or instructions for using the wipes.

Abstract: A tablet dispenser for dispensing individual solid objects comprising a lower housing, an upper housing with an elastomeric cover that covers at least a portion of a trigger mechanism, a elastomeric cover of at least a portion of the lower housing and a dispenser mechanism that is dimensioned to fit within the housings, the dispenser mechanism has a container region and a dispenser zone, the dispenser mechanism has a spring element and a lever mechanism pivotally mounted in the dispensing zone, an interior of the lower housing is provided with a pusher bar which extends from a fore wall of the lower housing back towards an upward extending leg of the lever mechanism, the pusher bar, upward extending leg and a hook element are configured so that the pusher bar is not in contact with the upward extending leg and the extending leg is set back from an opening situated on a fore wall of the lower housing and a hook element of the lever mechanism extends into the dispenser zone blocking tablets from being dispensed

Abstract: A chip feeder for feeding chips stored in bulk in a case thereof, one by one, from a chip-supply portion thereof, the chip feeder including a partition plate which parts an inner space of the case into a plurality of rooms, the partition plate having an opening which extends in a direction intersecting a horizontal plane and which communicates the respective rooms on both sides of the partition plate, with each other, a movable partition member which extends across the opening of the partition plate and which is movable relative to the opening in the direction intersecting the horizontal plane, and a movable-partition-member control device which controls the movable partition member so that a lower portion of the movable partition member sinks in an upper portion of a mass of the chips stored in bulk in the case and an upper portion of the movable partition member projects upward from the mass of the chips.

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 ferrule delivery system for placing a ferrule in a desired position on a flat surface quickly and with ease is disclosed. The system includes an elongated shaft having a tapered end and a delivery end, ferrules loaded on the outer circumference of the shaft, and two sets of ball bearings and two O-rings attached to the shaft for retaining the ferrules on the shaft and for releasing a ferrule from the shaft as needed when a plunger slidably mounted within the shaft and extending outwardly from the delivery end of the shaft is depressed. The present invention also discloses a method for loading a plurality of ferrules onto the outer circumference of the shaft easily and without much effort.

Abstract: A storage device for card-shaped data carriers has at least one storage unit with a magazine support and a magazine mounted on the magazine support. The storage unit has a support bottom on which data carriers are stacked and has an upper end with a dispensing slot. An individualization roller is positioned at the upper end for removing the uppermost data carrier from the storage unit through the dispensing slot. A transport device for transporting the data carrier exiting from the dispensing slot to a processing unit of a dispenser is provided. A carriage is mounted in the magazine support and vertically slidable in the magazine support. The support bottom is fastened to the carriage. A motor is provided that drives an endless, flexible pulling element connected to the motor, and the motor and pulling element drive the carriage. Two guide pulleys are connected to opposite ends of the magazine support and the pulling element is guided about the guide pulleys.

Abstract: A pill dispenser is provided, comprising a container constructed to hold a plurality of pills, the container including an upper portion and a lower portion; an inclined baffle disposed within the container separating the upper portion from the lower portion, wherein the baffle has an aperture; a first opening in the lower portion; a pill holder, slidably disposed within the first opening and sized to fit through the aperture, for holding a pill located in the container; and an exit port in the upper portion aligned with the inclined baffle, wherein the exit port is sized to allow the pill to exit the upper portion. A pill release mechanism is provided within the pill holder to dislodge the pill from the pill holder by pneumatic pressure once the pill has risen above the baffle. Sensors are located on the exit port to detect the presence of a dispensed pill, which is recorded by an attached computer.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing tablets one at a time from an unarranged stock of tablets in the dispenser. The dispenser comprises a first reservoir part axially displaceable in a second reservoir part against the force of a spring (4). A trough shaped part (5,6) at the inner end of the first part forms with a partition (13) at the bottom of the second part a downward closed channel accommodating at least two tablets when the dispenser is in its neutral position. When the dispenser is operated by forcing the first part further into the second part, a bottom (7) closing the channel is passed free of the partition (13) and the lowermost tablet is dispensed. At the same time two fingers (9) are passed into the space left at the sides of the channel between the lowermost tablet and the adjacent tablet above it to ensure that only the lowermost tablet is dispensed.

Abstract: A device for randomly dispensing one of a plurality of discrete random members. The device includes a housing having a cavity within which the random members may be contained. The housing is supported by a pair of supporting actuators which cooperate to open an aperture in the cavity when the housing is downwardly pushed by a user. A random member is thereby allowed to escape from the housing for generating random numbers such as utilized in bingo, lotteries, and other games. Preferably, the housing is shaped as an animal, such as a chicken, turkey, or the like.

Abstract: A stick dispenser for containing sticks, such as spare leads for mechanical pencils or toothsticks comprises an outer case member (1) having an open rear end, and a front wall provided with a first outlet hole (3) through which the sticks are fed out one at a time, and an inner case member (2) slidably inserted in the outer case member (1) through the open rear end of the latter, provided with a cavity (6) for containing the sticks, and having a front wall provided with a second outlet hole (7). Normally, the inner case member (2) is biased toward one side wall of the outer case member (1) so that the second outlet hole (7) is out of alignment with the first outlet hole (3) to prevent the sticks from slipping out of the stick dispenser.

Abstract: A portable dispenser for spherical confectioneries such as gumballs has a clear tubular reservoir that is movable with respect to a base. Within a substantially hollow interior of the base, a pivoting ramp is mounted to receive a single gumball and convey it to an opening in the base while blocking other gumballs from dropping out of the tubular reservoir. Mounted for pivotal movement adjacent a free end of the ramp is a door for closing the opening in the base as the ramp itself pivots to convey the gumball toward the opening. Adjacent the bottom of the tubular reservoir are a pair of actuators that lock the tubular reservoir to the base for limited movement relative to the base. The actuators engage the ramp upon the tubular reservoir being moved toward the base. An integrally formed spring on the bottom of the ramp biases the ramp and biases the tubular reservoir away from the base. Adjacent the top of the tubular reservoir is a pivotally mounted head for capping the tubular reservoir.

Abstract: Device for the dispensing of springs in at least one unit, comprising a sng-feed device of the type with a flexible tube, within which the springs are arranged behind one another, in contact and coaxially with a flexible tube, and a tubular dispensing body which includes two coaxial tubes (10, 12) , the inner tube (12) being mounted telescopically relative to the other tube (10), a connection (38) between the feed device (40) and the inner tube (12), and first and second mechanisms (14 and 16) for blocking the first and second mechanisms (18 and 20) for unblocking the first and the second springs (R1, R2) contained in the inner tube (12), these blocking and unblocking mechanisms (14, 16, 18, 20) being controlled by the relative displacement of the outer tube (10) in relation to the inner tube (12), in such a way that the first spring (R1) is compressed by the first blocking mechanism (14), before being released by the first unblocking mechanism (18).

Abstract: The present device is a magazine (10) which includes housing defining a medication storage area. An access door (22) is provided in the housing to gain access to stock the storage area with unit dose medication containers (34). The housing defines an open lower periphery which is covered by at least one locking mechanism having a release door (156). The locking mechanism includes a plurality of cams (166, 174, 186) cooperatively contained such that upon sequential operation, the release door (156) opens the lower periphery which allows the unit dose medication containers (34) to fall.

Abstract: An easy to use pill safety dispenser having few parts and which are easily manipulated even by persons with digital disabilities such as arthritis and paralysis. The dispenser consists of a axially arranged cylindrical pill container having a pill dispensing aperture in its sidewall and a row of slots or notches positioned at one end of the outer rim of the container. One notch is deeper than the others. A corresponding sleeve with a pill dispensing aperture is adapted to fit over the container which is rotatable and slidable and has a tang positioned near one of its ends which, when correctly rotated and slid into position, aligns both pill dispensing apertures and allows one or more pills to pass through.

Abstract: A label dispenser (10) includes a storage container (13) for labels (11). A withdrawal roller (15) is in contact with the labels (11) and is supported together with a gear-wheel pinion (17) and a free-wheeling bearing (19) at the storage container (13). The pinion (17) is engaged with a fixed-position gear rack (23). As soon as the finger pressure actuates the server plate (29), the storage container (13) is pressed downwardly, the gear-wheel pinion (17) rotates the withdrawal roller (15) such that the outermost label is pushed out downwardly out of the storage container (13). The outermost label is then gripped by a transport roller pair and can be transported off. As soon as the finger pressure is released, a helical spring (37) slides the storage container (13) back into the starting position. In this case, a hollow cylinder (33), together with an air valve (39) furnishes a braking of the speed, while the free-wheeling bearing (19) runs freely.

Abstract: A pill dispenser having two cylindrical main components that fit into one another, an inner concentric wall and an outer concentric wall displaceable relative to one another in a direction of a longitudinal axis of the pill dispenser. The outer concentric wall or the inner concentric wall has at least one recess and a counterpart is positioned on the other concentric wall so that the one main component of the pill dispenser is moveable within the recess upon actuation of the pill dispenser whenever the two main components are aligned in a suitable angular position with respect to one another.

Abstract: A toothpick dispenser and pen combination combined in an elongated tubular two-piece telescoping housing having a first housing member and a second housing member. The first housing member is structured for storing and dispensing toothpicks, with the oppositely disposed second end structured as a writing implement. The toothpick storage chamber of the first housing member is structured with a concave floor and a dish-shaped curved ceiling. The ceiling contains a central dispensing aperture, sized for passage of at least one toothpick, while the concave floor contains a central centering pin aperture sized for passage of a toothpick centering pin. The centering pin projects upward into the toothpick storage chamber as the first housing member is depressed downward over the second housing member. The distal end of the centering pin is structured to engage one end of a toothpick as it is projected upward, raising the top end of the toothpick upward and out the dispensing aperture.

Abstract: An overall cylindrically shaped tablet dispenser that operates by exerting an external vertical force which compresses, through a sliding action, an upper portion toward a lower portion thereby causing a mechanism to issue a tablet. This tablet dispenser can be operated by placing the bottom of the dispenser against a ground surface and pushing downward on the top of the dispenser. Thus, this tablet dispenser is particularly advantageous to motor-impaired patients.

Abstract: A dispenser for articles such as pills or capsules is operative with a reciprocating motion for dispensing individual articles. The dispenser includes a base portion and a slide member on the base portion which is reciprocally movable with respect to the base portion between a lower first position and an upper second position for dispensing articles in succession.

Abstract: A dispenser for tablets is disclosed which protects against inadvertent dispensing, e.g., by children. The dispenser includes a housing forming a tablet storage compartment, a movable slide and an operating key for the slide mounted adjacent a wall of the housing. A detent blocks movement of the slide toward a discharge position. The detent is mounted on the housing remote from the operating key. The slide is moved by simultaneous movement of the detent and operating key.

Abstract: A home sanitary napkin dispenser is provided that can be mounted to a vertical flat surface out of the way in an inconspicuous place. The dispenser allows for easy access to one sanitary napkin at a time when the dispenser is activated by a person needing the sanitary napkin.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a cotton-tipped swab in an upright, vertical position, is comprised of a stationary base having an upright chamber concentric about an axis. A container for holding a plurality of swabs in a generally upright position is telescopically received within the chamber for vertical axial movement therein between an upper normal position and a lower dispensing position. The container further includes axially aligned, opposed upper and lower, conical surfaces each having an axially aligned opening at the apex thereof. An upstanding rod member extends upward from the stationary base through the aperature in the lower conical surface in a manner to effect riding movement therewith. The upstanding rod member includes a specially configured swab engaging upper end and an annular shoulder which contacts the lower conical opening, by spring bias, to maintain the dispenser in its normal position.

Abstract: A dispenser for closures ejects an end-most closure contained in a pivotably mounted housing for closing a bag. The closures are formed with a hole and a cut leading from one side to the hole. In one embodiment, the dispenser is wall mounted such that a weight may be used for feeding closures to a dispensing position. A second embodiment uses a spring feed for urging the closures to the feeding position. The housing is formed with facings slots at the front end thereof, a pusher being mounted on a base member. When the housing is pivoted toward the base member, the pusher extends through one slot to displace the end-most closure through the other slot. The dispenser may include cams on either side of the dispensing slot for spreading the portions of the closure on each side of the cut, thereby faciliating application of the closure element to the neck of a bag.

Abstract: A toothpick dispenser for vertically dispensing a toothpick includes a stationary base having an upright cylindrical housing, and a cylindrical body for containing toothpicks which is telescopically received within the housing for vertical sliding movement therein. An upstanding stationary support stand projects axially from the base within the housing, and the movable body includes a cone-shaped bottom that slopes inwardly and downwardly toward a central opening which slidably receives the support stand. When the body is moved upwardly to its loading position a single toothpick passes through the opening in its bottom and is received on end by the stand. When the body is moved downwardly to its dispensing position the stand closes the opening in the cone and the toothpick projects from the body in an upright vertical positon. The dispenser also includes a removable cover for the body having a guide member for directing the toothpick through an opening in the cover.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding electric circuit elements has a hopper for accommodating a supply of such elements, a capture tube or pipe extending substantially vertically through a bore in the bottom of the hopper which is movable relative to the tube in the direction of the axis of the latter so that the electric circuit elements in the hopper are captured one at a time by the tube and fed therethrough to a predetermined position at the outside of the hopper, and a separating plate disposed above the opening of the tube in the hopper for shielding the electric circuit elements under the separating plate from at least part of the weight of the electric circuit elements thereabove whereby the hopper can be provided with a large vertical dimension for accommodating a correspondingly large supply of the electric circuit elements without the danger that elements near the bottom of the hopper will be damaged by reason of the relative movement of the capture tube under the weight of the superposed circuit elements.

Abstract: Apparatus automatically feeds screws to a screw-in tool of a screwing mechanism, especially a rapid constructional screwing mechanism. To simplify the feed of screws, a feed channel is provided which is arranged to provide relative movement between it and the screwing mechanism in the direction of the axis of the screwing tool. The screws gravitate along the channel. A container is fixedly connected with the screwing mechanism. A spring biases the feed channel and the screwing mechanism apart (up to a stop) until the screw pin is disengaged above the screw head. To screw-in the screw, the screwing mechanism is displaced downwardly toward the feed channel.

Abstract: A machine for vending single copies of newspapers comprises a magazine compartment housing a downwardly and forwardly inclined newspaper support platform, a driving arrangement for lowering the platform to the base of the machine preparatory to loading newspapers on the platform, a manually operable crank mechanism responsive to insertion of a coin to permit rotation of the crank mechanism to raise the platform a distance determined by the thickness of the single paper, a dispensing wedge and a discharge chute horizontally aligned with each other, whereby a single copy newspaper is dispensed across the dispensing wedge and through the discharge chute as the newspaper support platform is elevated said predetermined distance by the manually operable crank mechanism in response to a coin being inserted in the machine.

Abstract: A metering device for granular and flaky materials is provided, comprising a bowl cavity member defining an upwardly facing metering cavity with an upper rim, an outlet passage extending from the metering cavity, and a hopper member movably mounted on the bowl cavity member and defining an upwardly facing material cavity. With the hopper member in its upper limit position the lower portion of its cavity is adjacent to the rim of the metering cavity, whereby material is moved by gravity into the material cavity from the hopper cavity, and with the hopper member in its lower limit position the metering cavity rim is substantially above the material in the hopper cavity.

Abstract: This invention relates to a container for generally cylindrical tablets which can be used to repeatedly dispense the tablets in pre-determined quantities. The dispenser comprises an outer case and a slidably mounted inner part which together define a container, a dispensing gate, and a downward sloping channel connecting one or two ramps situated at the base of the container to the gate. The width of the channel is such as to allow a single column of tablets supported on their peripheries. The inner part is depressable from the exterior to cause relative movement between the gate and the channel from one position where the gate is in register with the channel to a second position where the gate is in register with a dispenser outlet. The relatively simple design of the dispenser enables it to be injection-moulded from plastic material.

Abstract: A paper-clip dispenser has an upwardly open receptacle with a hole in its bottom through which a stem carrying a magnet passes. When the receptacle is lifted, the stem falls under its own weight or with the aid of a spring to bring the magnet of its upper end into a collection of paper clips at the bottom of the dispenser. When the dispenser is again placed upon the surface of a table or desk, the upper end of the stem is displaced upwardly to carry paper clips through the opening in the receptacle and enable them to be drawn off the magnet one at a time as required by the user.

Abstract: A toothpick holder comprising a toothpick container capable of containing many toothpicks, a cover member mounted on this container, a toothpick ejecting unit fixed upright to the center of a support base so that the container and cover member are vertically movable relative to the ejecting unit, and resilient means. In response to forced downward movement of the cover member and container, a toothpick supported at the lower end thereof in a supporting recess formed at the upper end of the ejecting unit protrudes to be dispensed from a dispensing opening of a frusto-conical upper end of the cover member. After the toothpick is dispensed, the cover member and container are restored to the original non-operative position by the resilient means.

Abstract: A light weight, portable device for removably storing a number of needles of various transverse cross section but of substantially the same length, which needles have crochet hooks defined on first ends thereof, and the device capable of being used to selectively dispense any desired one of the needles therefrom by a simple manual operation.