Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a pallet sleeve beneath a load comprises a conveyor component including conveyor elements configured to convey the load thereon in a first direction, one or more stations spaced apart along the first direction and a mechanism for changing the relative vertical positions of the conveyor elements and the stations. The apparatus further includes a pallet sleeve dispenser adjacent the conveyor component and configured for storing pallet sleeves in spaced apart sections aligned with a corresponding station. A drive element associated with each of the stations is configured to engage a pallet sleeve to drive the pallet sleeve from the dispenser to the conveyor component in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. A retention mechanism is provided to support a stack of pallet sleeves above a lowermost sleeve being driven from the dispenser to the position underneath the load on the conveyor component.

Abstract: An item tracking apparatus includes a tag interrogator that transmits an interrogation signal and receives a signal emitted by a tag affixed to an item in response to the tag receiving the interrogation signal, wherein the tag and item are part of a bio-compatible consumable dosage delivery unit and a controller that determines a state of the item based on the received signal. A consumable dosage delivery unit includes a dosage form and a bio-compatible wireless communications tag.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment includes a cabinet having at least one drawer with selectable access for storing items, such as medications. A slidable cover with a first opening allows for closure and/or access to items in an interior of the drawer. The cabinet further includes an actuator coupled to the cover and a controller coupled to the actuator to control movement of the first opening relative to the drawer interior in response to signals generated from a user interface.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a vending system wherein a monitoring system verifies that a product ordered by a vending customer is actually delivered through a delivery area to the customer. If the product ordered is unavailable either because of an out of stock situation or a blockage of the delivery path for that product, the present invention allows the customer to request a refund or order a second product. Additionally, the present invention helps to prevent theft of product from the vending system.

Abstract: A system for storing and dispensing discrete doses of pharmaceuticals includes: a housing with an internal cavity having a front wall with first and second windows; multiple storage locations positioned within the housing; and a carrier assembly positioned and movable within the housing. The carrier assembly is configured to receive a pharmaceutical dose package loaded into either the first or second window and convey the pharmaceutical dose package to one of the storage locations for storage therein, and is further configured to retrieve a pharmaceutical dose package from one of the storage locations and return the pharmaceutical dose package to the first or second window for dispensing therefrom.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a medicine dispenser, which can detect the number of medicines such that an accurate number of medicines can be discharged for packing, a medicine discharging method, and an automatic packing machine including the medicine dispenser. The medicine dispenser includes a frame and a medicine transfer unit attached to the frame and transferring medicines one pill at a time to an outside of the medicine dispenser. The medicine transfer unit includes a detection unit that detects the number of medicines dropping from a medicine container to be packed, and a transfer unit that pushes the medicines, the number of which is detected by the detection unit, into a packing passage connected to a packing unit to transfer the medicines to the packing unit.

Abstract: An analyte test strip vial having a restrictor to dispense analyte test strips in a controlled manner. In general, the restrictor includes one or more openings (e.g., central and/or arc-shaped openings) that are appropriately sized to facilitate the dispensing of a manageable number of analyte test strips from the vial container. The restrictor may also include one or more surface features (e.g., tabs, cavities, and/or tapered surfaces) to facilitate in the removal of analyte test strips, and the matting and/or removal of the restrictor from the vial container.

Abstract: A theft deterrent dispensing unit particularly for use with cans includes a conveyor section that leads to a dispensing head. A shroud extends over the forward edge of the conveying section. The dispensing head pivots downwardly allowing the leading can to be grasped without interference of the shroud. The rear edge of the dispensing head pivots upwardly, preventing the next adjacent can from moving immediately into the dispensing head until the dispensing head rotates back to a closed position. Likewise, when the dispensing head is rotated to an open position, a barrier is pulled down from the top of the shroud, again preventing an individual from reaching in and grabbing the next adjacent can. A locking mechanism is positioned on the side of the dispensing units to prevent two adjacent dispensing units from being opened at the same time. Finally, the speed at which the dispensing heads move from an open to a closed position is regulated to prevent rapid removal of cans from a single dispensing unit.

Abstract: An assembly for holding cup-shaped objects. The assembly includes an outer retaining tube, an inner retaining tube having a diameter smaller than that of the outer retaining tube, wherein the inner retaining tube engages the outer retaining tube in a telescoping manner, a spring positioned inside the tubes, a piston positioned at a first end of the spring, and a head assembly that engages the outer retaining tube, the head assembly containing a ring assembly operably connected to a plurality of flippers that, in response to rotation of the ring assembly, provide a varying diameter within the head assembly. The telescoping feature provides for adjustable length of the assembly while the varying diameter of the head assembly provides for cups of various diameters to be used in the assembly.

Abstract: The dispenser is comprised of a first hollow body and a second hollow body. The second hollow body fits into the first hollow body. The second hollow body has a closure at the open end. The second hollow body is maintained in the first hollow body by means of an interference fit. There also is at least one vent between the first hollow body and the second hollow body. The second hollow body will contain a medicament. In use the first hollow body and the second hollow body are separated, the lid on the closure of the second hollow body opened and a tablet dispensed into the first hollow body. A liquid such as water is added to the first hollow body to dissolve the tablet. This dissolved medicament is ingested in the usual way and the second hollow body placed back into the first hollow body.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are electrochemical sensor dispensing methods and apparatus. The sensors dispensers can include an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal, the elongate body including a proximally positioned dispensing surface with an opening for dispensing a sensor. A storage chamber having a series of connected sensors is positioned distally and can feed a proximally positioned sensor feeder mechanism. The feeder mechanism includes an elongate member having a first end and second end, the second end adapted to pivot between a sensor engaging position and a sensor feeding position.

Abstract: A dispensing system for injecting a fluid into a number of containers. The dispensing system may include a turret plate for holding the containers and an injection system positioned about the turret plate. The injection system may include a piston for contacting a container. The piston may include an injection surface in communication with an internal spring such that the internal spring forces the injection surface against the container.

Abstract: A product vending machine having a casing housing products for dispensing; a pay unit having a pay interface; a product dispenser unit having a product pickup compartment formed in the casing; and an interactive light device having a first and a second light emitter located on the casing, adjacent to the pay interface and the product pickup compartment respectively, and an electronic control unit for selectively controlling the first and second light emitter in at least three different light signaling modes, each indicating a specific operation to be performed by the user regarding the pay interface and/or product pickup compartment.

Abstract: It is provided a vending machine (1) for dispensing foods and the like, comprising at least one food dispenser (2) adapted to hold and dispense foods to a user, and an evaluation system (3) suitable to evaluate the user's body condition and select one of the foods, based on said evaluation.

Abstract: An animal waste bag dispenser wherein a roll of waste bags with the leading waste bag protruding from the center is inserted into a holder with an aperture on one end, and the holder is inserted into a plush animal with a second aperture aligned with the first aperture so that waste bags may be dispensed therefrom.

Abstract: A power-saving solar power supply system used in an automatic vending machine is disclosed to include a power supply module having a solar cell set and a rechargeable battery set, and a power management unit, which comprises a microprocessor, a voltage detection device that detects the voltage level of the solar cell set and the rechargeable battery set, an idle power supply module and a power switching module controllable by the microprocessor to switch between the solar cell set and the rechargeable battery set so that the idle power supply module provides battery power supply from the solar cell set or the rechargeable battery set to the recognition system of the automatic vending machine when the recognition system is in the idle mode, thereby saving power consumption.

Abstract: A medicine feeding apparatus in which a usability is improved by automatically executing a fine adjustment of a horizontal position and a vertical position of a door panel in correspondence to an operation of taking a drawer in and out without the necessity of executing a troublesome mount fine adjusting work of a door panel. In a medicine feeding apparatus provided with a main body, drawers are attached to the main body so as to be freely drawn, a plurality of tablet cases are detachably attached to the drawers and receiving medicines, and a door panel of the drawer is rotatably held and is finely adjusted to a proper position in correspondence to an operation of taking the drawer in and out.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing cigarette blanks in a cigarette manufacturing machine. The apparatus comprises a base having an upper end, a lower end opposite the upper end, a first side, a second side opposite the first side, and a shaker communicating with the base. The base also comprises a retainer for retaining at least one cigarette blank. Also disclosed is a method for separating and dispensing cigarette blanks.

Abstract: The disclosed invention provides tools and techniques for marking data on the surface of solid medications and tracking the medication in various ways using the data. According to preferred embodiments, an optical reader may be used to discern the features of data recorded on the surface of medication in a micromatrix pattern. The data read by the reader is then used in the performance of tracking and/or control tasks.

Abstract: An article vending machine capable of performing an inventory audit and automatically pausing the inventory audit in response to a customer transaction request and method for performing the same are shown. After completing the customer request, the article vending machine resumes the inventory auditing process. The article vending machine thereby remains available for customer use during the inventory auditing process.

Abstract: A drug delivery device is provided that includes a device body, a number of solid, compressed drug tablets, and a retention frame. The device body includes a drug reservoir lumen and a retention frame lumen. The number of solid, compressed drug tablets are positioned in the drug reservoir lumen, and the retention frame is positioned in the retention frame lumen. The drug tablets may be mini-tablets aligned in the drug reservoir lumen, with an interstice formed between any two adjacent drug tablets facilitating deformation of the device body. Systems and method are also provided for loading a drug delivery device. In one embodiment, the method includes positioning one or more solid drug units upstream of the drug delivery device; and driving the drug units into the drug delivery device with a flow of pressurized gas.

Abstract: A measuring instrument (A) includes: a storage (1) which has an insertion port (10) for insertion of measuring articles (S) and is capable of storing the measuring articles stacked in a direction of the insertion; and movable members (2A, 2B) for a movement of dispensing a predetermined quantity of the measuring articles (S) out of the storage (1) toward a measuring position (P). With such an arrangement, refilling of the measuring articles (S) to the measuring instrument (A) becomes easy, and the measuring instrument (A) can be always loaded suitably with a quantity of the measuring articles.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pill dispenser. In one embodiment, the pill dispenser includes a housing defining an interior. The dispenser may also include a holder for receiving a plurality of pills, a movable barrier positioned at one end of the holder, and a retainer capable of moving at least one of the pills in the holder. At least a portion of the holder and barrier may be positioned within the interior of the housing. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A dispenser includes a container having panels defining a cavity for holding a supply of a product. The panels include a top panel having an opening for dispensing the product and a side panel extending orthogonally to the top panel. The top panel is connected to the side panel along a top edge. The dispenser also includes an affixing tab extendable from the top panel along the top edge. The underside of the affixing tab is a mounting surface on which is an adhesive material. The affixing tab is moveable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the affixing tab lies flat against the side panel. In the open position, the mounting surface is exposed and securable to a support surface using the adhesive such that the affixing tab and the adhesive are capable of securing the container to or suspending the container from a vertical or horizontal support surface.

Abstract: A pacifier dispenser for pacifiers has a nipple portion, a flange portion, and a handle. The dispenser includes a body portion of sufficient size to hold a plurality of pacifiers. A longitudinal nipple slot is adapted and constructed to hold the nipple portions of pacifiers in the holder. A main chamber is adapted and constructed to retain the flange portion of the pacifier, and a longitudinal slot adapted and constructed to allow the handles of the pacifiers to extend outside of the dispenser. A user grasps the handle portion of a pacifier in the dispenser to remove the pacifier therefrom.

Abstract: A vent mountable tissue dispenser includes a tissue receptacle and one or more clips for attaching the receptacle to an air vent. Each clip includes first and second clamping elements bias by a spring and may be used to clamp the tissue dispenser to a vane of the air vent.

Abstract: A vending machine messaging system for displaying messages within a vending machine. The vending machine messaging system generally includes a vending machine having a window, a display unit attached to an interior surface of the window and a server in communication with the display unit via a communications network. The server communicates various messages to be displayed by the display unit such as advertisements, stock quotes, news, weather, nutritional content of the merchandise and the like. The vendor is able to add their own messages for display on their vending machines by communicating with the server. Advertisers add various advertisements to the server which are then reviewed and disseminated to the appropriate vending machines.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment includes a cabinet having at least one drawer with selectable access for storing items, such as medications. A slidable cover with a first opening allows for closure and/or access to items in an interior of the drawer. The cabinet further includes an actuator coupled to the cover and a controller coupled to the actuator to control movement of the first opening relative to the drawer interior in response to signals generated from a user interface.

Abstract: A writing instrument has a barrel, a flag dispenser partially inserted into the barrel, and a rotating or sliding cover that engages with and covers the flag dispenser. In different positions, the rotating or sliding cover enables various functions of the flag dispenser. For example, the cover may be moved into a position to enable withdrawal of tape flags by a user. The cover may also be configured to move into a position that covers and protects the tape flags. In refillable embodiments of the writing instrument, the cover may also be removed to enable a flip cover portion of the flag dispenser to be opened to provide access to a tape flag chamber.

Abstract: Distribution devices for creating and dispensing digital content to a user are described. The distribution devices (i.e., a kiosk) contain an apparatus for manufacturing and dispensing a desired medium (i.e., DVD) for any desired type of digital content or media (i.e., a movie or a song) on demand by a user. The distribution devices can be connected to any electronic communications network that allows that media to be downloaded to a specific distribution device, if needed. Thus, a user can select the media (i.e., a desired movie) that may not be currently available at that specific distribution device. That media can then be downloaded from the electronic communications network, the medium containing the media created, and then the medium dispensed to the customer. Thus, the customer's selection of any desired media can be increased and costs for operating the distribution devices can be reduced. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: A method and system of customizing bulk purchases of consumer personal care products are provided. In accordance with the present disclosure, multiple product forms and variants of the product forms may be contained within an integrated display within a retail outlet. The product forms may comprise any suitable personal care products, such as absorbent articles, feminine care products, toiletries, products for infants and children, adult incontinence products, tissue products, and the like. In accordance with the present disclosure, a consumer can select multiple packages based on personal preference that contain various different product forms and/or variants. The consumer is instructed to select a particular number of packages for purchase that total a single bulk price. In this manner, the consumer can take advantage of bulk pricing while still being able to select multiple related personal care products.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an automated ear tagging device for tagging an animal. Pre-filled magazines with ear tag elements are loaded into the device whereby a quick and easy tagging of a large amount of animals may be carried out. Thereby an ear tagging device is provided for easing and minimising the workload in attaching ear tags, in particular circular ear tags on piglets and slaughter pigs, but also other livestock animals.

Abstract: A display device includes an enclosure for receiving a plurality of items of merchandise. The enclosure has a first side wall, a second side wall spaced apart from the first side wall and a front portion. The display device also includes a product advancing mechanism for advancing the items of merchandise toward the front portion of the enclosure for dispensing an item of merchandise. The product advancing mechanism includes a track disposed between the first and second side walls, a pusher body slidably engaging the track, a biasing element for biasing the pusher body, and a governing device for controlling the rate at which the first biasing element displaces the pusher body toward the front portion of the enclosure.

Abstract: The present device for dispensing beverage cans is mounted in a refrigerator whose front door is provided with a dispensing opening and comprises: a chute disposed in the interior of the refrigerator to lodge a plurality of beverage cans; a dispensing porthole externally carrying a cradle and being inferiorly and horizontally articulated to the front door, to be displaced between a closed position, blocking the dispensing opening, and an open position, projecting inclinedly to the interior of the refrigerator; and an extracting lever medianly and horizontally articulated internally to the refrigerator to be displaced, by the porthole, from a non-operative position to an operative position, in which it releases the first beverage can of the chute, gravitationally rolling said can over the dispensing porthole towards the cradle.

Abstract: Sheet product dispensers and methods for controlling the dispensers are provided. A sheet product dispenser includes a housing and a dispensing assembly disposed in the housing. The dispensing assembly is configured to hold a roll of sheet product thereon and to dispense a portion of the roll of sheet product. The sheet product dispenser further includes an ultraviolet light source disposed on the housing. The ultraviolet light source is configured to emit ultraviolet light.

Abstract: A sensor dispensing instrument adapted to handle a sensor pack containing a plurality of sensors and to perform a test using one of the sensors. The sensor dispensing instrument includes an outer housing and a mechanical mechanism contained therein for rotating the sensor pack and ejecting one of the sensors from the sensor pack and through a sensor slot on the housing. The sensor dispensing instrument also includes a sensor actuator to engage with a sensor disposed in the sensor slot, and a sensor release that is movable to disengage the sensor actuator from the sensor disposed in the sensor slot and permit the discharge of the sensor.

Abstract: A method of dispensing an age-restricted item from a vending machine at a first location is presented. The method includes receiving age documentation from a purchaser at a second location remote from the first location. The age of the purchaser is verified at the second location based on the received age documentation and direct visual inspection of the purchaser. Upon verification, a signal is sent from the second location to the vending machine that allows dispensing of the item. From the second location, it is visually verified that the purchaser receives the item from the vending machine at the first location.

Abstract: A vendor for air inflation merchandises comprising a machine body, a merchandise receiving chamber, a merchandise output device and an air inflation device, the machine body providing a space for integrating the merchandise receiving chamber, the merchandise output device and the air inflation device. The merchandise receiving chamber serves for receiving air inflation merchandises which are packaged in boxes. The merchandise output device is installed below the merchandise receiving chamber. When coins are inputted, the air inflation merchandise in the merchandise receiving chamber will output to the merchandise outlet through a guide tube with the driving operation of the merchandise output device so as to achieve the object of selling the merchandise. The air inflation device is further installed with an extendable air transfer tube. One end of the air transfer tube protrudes out of the machine body to be pivoted to an air valve for air inflation by users.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to the field of hand sanitation, and particularly to a systems that encourage or compel the use of a hand sanitizer in order to open or unlock a door, unlock an access panel or drawer, or use a shared electronic device.

Abstract: A sharps dispensing and disposal system configured for mounting within an interior of an enclosure is disclosed. The sharps dispensing and disposal system includes a dispensing chamber and a disposal chamber that are each configured to be substantially enclosed within the interior of the enclosure. The dispensing chamber and the disposal chamber are defined by separate containers that are each formed from a leak resistant material.

Abstract: A hand-held combination dispenser and electronic game includes a dispenser housing as outer walls which define at least one interior hallow chamber. The interior chamber can be filled with candy or other items to be dispensed. An electronic game display is mounted on an outer wall. Game controls are also mounted on an outer wall in a location which allows the user to operate the game while holding the dispenser. An exterior surface of the outer walls that define the hollow chambers simultaneously provide a gripping surface adapted for placement of the hands of a user while playing the electronic game.

Abstract: The ice cream packaging of the present invention is a laminate thermal packaging capable of retaining cooler temperatures within the packaging for an extended period of time. Use of the packaging of the present invention, permits the ice cream to retain better physical, chemical and organoleptic properties. The packaging comprises layers of olefins, such as a polypropylene including a bi axially oriented polypropylene. One of the layers comprises a metallized bi axially oriented polypropylene containing aluminum. The present invention also provides a method of vending ice cream using the packaging of the present invention.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for providing concealed information to users. The system may include a dispensing terminal, which dispenses specially-printed documents having removable window or lens devices disposed on them. The user may remove the window or lens device to reveal the concealed information, which may include promotional information. The concealed information may be included on the specially-printed documents or on a surface of the window or lens device. When the concealed information is on the surface of the window or lens device, a display may be used to reveal the information.

Abstract: This invention structurally includes an adjustable guide rail system for laterally adjustably guiding and axially rotatably manipulating containers, such as cans, passed axially between the guide rail systems and with structure to simply and easily facilitate adjustment of the system to adjust to various series of different size cans. Also, this invention has a revolving cylinder assembly somewhat like the cylinder of a revolver pistol whereby rotation the pistol cylinder allows an identical bullet to pass there through into the gun barrel. However, this invention differs from this analogy and was invented to selectively pass a series of one size of cans through a revolvable structure to guide multiple series of different size cans there through by rotating a cylinder through which the cans passed to present a different passage for each respective series of different size cans.

Abstract: A staple holder for driving staples into a suitable surface, such as driving U-shaped staples during installation of wire, such as barbed wire, or wire cloth, such as chicken wire, includes a headpiece that defines an opening and a handle that extends essentially normal to a major axis of the opening. The headpiece can include magnets to facilitate holding a staple in the headpiece. The handle can include markings, such as would be employed to properly distance staples during use of the staple holder.

Abstract: An installation for packaging tablets in a blister strip moving beneath a bulk feed device for tablets, the installation includes a distribution system comprising a mounting stand (1) for motorized control elements which has an attachment surface (100) provided with at least two sets of fixing members (41, 42) for detachably mounting thereon at least two interchangeable distribution units, each in working relationship with at least some of said motorized control elements in order to drive corresponding parts to execute the distribution of the tablets between the bulk feed device and the blister strip. Such interchangeable units may preferably include at least one dispersion-based distribution unit with rotating brushes in succession above the travel path of the blister strip, and at least one channel-based distribution unit with descending guide ramps for the tablets.

Abstract: A wet and dry towel dispenser contains and dispenses both dry towels and wet towels (also referred to as towelettes or wipes). The dispenser includes coaxially located compartments for containing the dry towels and wet towels, preferably in a nested arrangement to use space most efficiently within the dispenser. One preferred embodiment of the dispenser has a substantially cylindrical shape and a removable cover on one end to allow the towels to be loaded into the respective compartments.

Abstract: A hand-held combination dispenser and electronic game includes a dispenser housing as outer walls which define at least one interior hallow chamber. The interior chamber can be filled with candy or other items to be dispensed. An electronic game display is mounted on an outer wall. Game controls are also mounted on an outer wall in a location which allows the user to operate the game while holding the dispenser. An exterior surface of the outer walls that define the hollow chambers simultaneously provide a gripping surface adapted for placement of the hands of a user while playing the electronic game.

Abstract: A bathroom tissue dispenser comprising: a bathroom tissue container with a front side, left side, right side, bottom side and a rear side; a mounting device attached to the bathroom tissue container, to facilitate mounting upon a fixed bathroom tissue roll dispenser without requiring any modification to that fixed dispenser; and an opening or a tear away portion located generally on the front side of the bathroom tissue container. This bathroom tissue dispenser can be quickly and easily mounted upon a fixed bathroom tissue dispenser and may replaced with a new one when the bathroom tissue inside is used up. The used dispenser may be discarded or recycled. A bathroom tissue dispenser comprising: a bathroom tissue container with a front side and a rear side; a wall mounting device attached to the bathroom tissue container; and an opening or tear away portion located generally on the front side of the bathroom tissue container.

Abstract: Method for the automatic control of the amount of active ingredient of tablets during the production in a rotary tablet press, which has a die table with die bores, upper and lower punches assigned to the die bores, a filling station, a metering cam for the lower punches in the filling station, at least one pressing station with at least one upper and one lower pressing roller, wherein at least the lower pressing roller is adjustable with respect to the other pressing roller by means of a pressing roller adjustment equipment, a metering cam adjustment equipment for height adjustment of the metering cam, a compression force measuring equipment at the pressing station, a control- and operating computer and an active ingredient measuring equipment, characterised by the following procedural steps: during the tablet production, the amount of active ingredient of tablets is measured and values for the amount of active ingredient are compared with a predetermined desired active ingredient value in the control- an