Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for dispensing credit cards, phone cards, in-store gift cards, and the like from customer-operated kiosks and other machines. In one embodiment, a card dispensing apparatus can include a plurality of card hopper assemblies arranged in an array of two or more vertical columns, each column including two or more card hopper assemblies. Each card hopper assembly can include a card hopper configured to hold a vertical stack of horizontally oriented cards. Each card hopper assembly can further include a card ejector assembly configured to eject the bottom-most card from each card stack. The card dispenser can further include a movable card carriage that can be selectively positioned to receive a card from any of the card hoppers and read information from the card before dispensing the card to a customer.

Abstract: A paper towel dispenser assembly including a support frame that receives a continuous length of pleated paper toweling. The paper towel dispenser assembly further including a sensor that actuates dispense of an end of the continuous length of pleated paper toweling and a cutter that cuts a discrete towel from the end of the continuous length of pleated paper toweling.

Abstract: A method of dispensing pills includes (a) inputting a request and (b) loading a cassette having a first pill type into position then (c) positioning a target container beneath that cassette. (d) The cassette is energized to drop one pill. (f) If a pill dropped and there are still more of the current pill to drop, the method continues at step d. (g) If a pill dropped and the number of the current pill has satisfied the request, the method ends. (h) If a pill dropped and a number of the current pill already dispensed type has not satisfied the request, the method continues with step d. (i) If no pill dropped, an operator is informed. (k) If the operator indicates the cassette is empty and another cassette has a same pill, the other cassette is moved to the target location and the method continues from step d.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing pharmaceutical articles includes a housing and a gas source to provide a positive pressure supply gas flow. The housing defines a hopper chamber to hold the articles, a dispensing channel fluidly connected to the hopper chamber, a drive jet outlet, and an agitation outlet. The dispensing channel has an inlet and an outlet and defines a flow path therebetween. The gas source is fluidly connected to each of the drive jet outlet and the agitation outlet to provide: a pressurized drive jet gas flow through the drive jet outlet to convey articles through the dispensing channel along the flow path; and a pressurized agitation gas flow through the agitation outlet to agitate articles in the hopper chamber.

Abstract: A medication dispensing system and method of using same is presented. The medication dispensing system includes a base, a cap and pills. The base has plurality of concave niches for housing the pills. The cap is rotatably attached to the base in which the cap has a dispensing orifice for dispensing the pills. The medication dispensing system may also have a packaging unit containing a pill box composed of the base, cap and pills. The method of using the medication dispensing system includes the steps of obtaining, opening, inserting, removing, retrieving, turning, and rotating.

Abstract: A package for product pieces includes a housing having a plurality of walls forming an interior adapter to hold a plurality of product pieces. The housing has a dispensing opening in communication with the interior. A resilient member is disposed in the housing interior and is adapted to urge the product pieces toward the dispensing opening. The housing has an aperture formed in one of the plurality of walls disposed adjacent the dispensing opening to permit the product piece to be engaged and moved out of the interior through the dispensing opening.

Abstract: A blister pack system has an upper part and a bottom part, between which a blister pack is disposed. Pouches of the blister pack are aligned with corresponding ejection openings of the upper part and corresponding ejection openings of the bottom part. Every ejection opening of the upper part is associated with an individual contact surface that can be connected to a control/computing unit via an individual strip conductor. The system includes an ejection device, which at a top section has an electrical contact, and at a peg section an additional electrical contact which is electrically connected to the electrical contact of the top section. The individual contact surfaces and the individual strip conductors associated therewith, as well as a common contact surface and a common strip conductor associated therewith or a subsection thereof extend in surfaces of the upper part that are electrically isolated from each other.

Abstract: A box structure has a plurality of walls positioned and configured to prevent access to an interior space housing merchandise in a secure manner. A first movable wall permits manual access to a frontal portion of the interior space while at the same time moving a barrier strip to prevent manual access to other than said frontal portion of the interior space. A roll-out shelf mounts merchandise supporting modules with pushers to move merchandise toward the front of the structure where ejection mechanisms in each of the modules are able to direct selected items to the front of the structure where they can be accessed by consumers. The ejection process creates a characteristic noise to alert store personnel that products are being dispensed.

Abstract: A method and device for transferring products in a vending machine, whereby a selected product is transferred from a relative fixed tray of the machine to a catch bin by a transfer member movable along a chute and designed to selectively assume two configurations, a first of which is a concave configuration to control the position of the selected product as it moves down the chute, and a second of which is a configuration allowing the selected product to drop freely along the chute, and which leaves the chute clear.

Abstract: A container including smoking articles also includes a cup shaped box for the smoking articles. The cup shaped box includes a bottom wall, side walls and an opening. The container further includes a lifting element correlated to at least one smoking article for lifting the smoking article of the bottom wall of the container. The lifting element has an engaging portion, engageable with the outside upper end portion of the smoking article.

Abstract: A method and automated apparatus (1) for dispensing pharmaceutical products in unit doses or administration units wherein the unit doses (2) suitably arranged and/or separated within the apparatus (1) can be dispensed into the compartments (5) of an associated cart (4), to fill patient-specific medication prescriptions for patients of a ward. A telescopic manipulator unit (6, 106, 206) has elements (16) adapted to select and pick up the doses required to fill patient-specific medication prescriptions from a matrix (10) of unit doses (2) and elements (7, 107) for coupled interaction with the compartments (5) to directly release the picked up doses (2) therein.

Abstract: A carton with a new dispenser that can be opened by a pull tab with this dispenser flap being placed in a corner of the top panel of the carton so that it is adjacent to the tops of the small necks of the bottles for easy opening and removal or for opening and reclosing. The dispenser flap is held in position by resistant tear lines but can be easily removed by an attached pull tab that is loosely connected to the top panel.

Abstract: A dispensing mechanism for a flexible sheet container includes a first flap having a first end portion that extends to a second end portion. The second end portion includes at least one tooth element. The dispensing mechanism also includes a second flap having a first end section that extends to a second end section. The second end section includes at least one tooth member. The at least one tooth member is off-set from the at least one tooth element.

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: A method is provided for dispensing solid pharmaceutical articles using an apparatus including a housing and a sensor system, the housing defining a dispensing passage having a dispensing inlet and a dispensing outlet downstream of the dispensing inlet, the sensor system including first and second sensors spaced apart along the dispensing channel such that the second sensor is located downstream of the first sensor. The method includes: forcing at least one article along a path through the dispensing passage; generating detection signals using the first and second sensors responsive to articles passing through the dispensing channel; and using the detection signals from the first and second sensors to monitor dispensing performance of the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing and dispensing a test strip includes a container configured to store a stack of test strips. The container maintains appropriate environmental conditions, such as humidity, for storing the test strips. An engaging member is disposed in the container and is adapted to contact one test strip of the stack of test strips. An actuator actuates the engaging member to dispense the one test strip from the container. Since one test strip is dispensed at a time, the remaining test strips are not handled by the user. Accordingly, the unused test strips remain free of contaminants such as naturally occurring oils on the user's hand.

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: An apparatus for storing and dispensing a test strip includes a container configured to store a stack of test strips. The container maintains appropriate environmental conditions, such as humidity, for storing the test strips. An engaging member is disposed in the container and is adapted to contact one test strip of the stack of test strips. An actuator actuates the engaging member to dispense the one test strip from the container. Since one test strip is dispensed at a time, the remaining test strips are not handled by the user. Accordingly, the unused test strips remain free of contaminants such as naturally occurring oils on the user's hand.

Abstract: A vending apparatus and method of vending a product. Embodiments of a vending apparatus include a dispense mechanism configured to dispense a product, the dispense mechanism including a chamber that is rotatable relative to an opening of the dispense mechanism for aligning the product with the opening and dispensing the product therethrough. Further embodiments of a vending apparatus include a coin mechanism for receiving at least one coin before the vending apparatus dispenses a product, the coin mechanism including a delay mechanism configured to slow movement of an actuating device for avoiding jamming of the at least one coin in the coin mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sanitary dispensing system including an elongate member configured to be secured to a door, a dispensing device secured to the elongate member, the dispensing device configured for dispensing hand cleansing materials, and a receptacle device secured to the elongate member and configured for receiving hand cleansing materials.

Abstract: A method for dispensing and detecting solid pharmaceutical articles includes: forcing an article through a dispensing channel and past a sensor configured and positioned to detect the article passing through the dispensing channel, wherein the article includes one of the solid pharmaceutical articles; generating a detection signal using the sensor responsive to the article passing through the dispensing channel, wherein the detection signal indicates a time that the article takes to traverse the sensor; and determining whether the article is a complete article or an article fragment responsive to a comparison of the time indicated by the detection signal and an article fragment travel time representing an expected travel time for a complete article to traverse the sensor that is determined independent of physical attributes of the solid pharmaceutical articles.

Abstract: A weight-based dispensing system is disclosed. The system includes a platform and a container, coupled to the platform, including a lid configured to move between a closed state restricting access to items in the container and an open state allowing access to the items in the container. The system also includes at least two weight sensors, wherein each of the weight sensors is coupled to the platform and is configured to determine a change in weight on the platform, and a controller configured to determine a change in the number of items in the container based on the state of the lid and the change in weight on the platform. A method for dispensing items is also disclosed.

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 medicine dispenser and method of reminding a user to take medicine includes providing a device having a housing defining a plurality of compartment openings, each adapted to hold at least one medicine item and a plurality of covers. Each of the covers selectively closes one of the compartment openings to restrain access to the content of that compartment and provide access to the content of the respective compartment when opened. The device further includes a safety latch having first and second positions, wherein the safety latch inhibits opening of any of the covers when in its first position and allows opening of any of the covers when in its second position. When a user is reminded to take a medication, the position of the safety latch is monitored for an indication that the safety latch is moved from its first position to its second position. The user continues to receive the reminder until such indication is given.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a kiosk that dispenses products with no moving parts. The kiosk can dispense a rental product, and the rental product can be returned via a mail service, or it can be retained for a purchase price. The kiosk comprises a removable cartridge containing the products, and the cartridge can be readily replaced with a new cartridge to replenish the inventory of products in the kiosk.

Abstract: The present invention provides a ticket magazine that can be inserted into a drawer of a ticket dispensing machine. The magazine can be loaded with tickets externally from the machine, and provides an element or elements such as one or more bridging fingers and/or a dancer arm to enable the tickets to travel along a more advantageous ticket path with longer curl diameters. Because of the longer curl diameter, the pull force required to peel a ticket from the stack is reduced and remains substantially constant, thereby avoiding ticket jams, mis-cuts and other problems.

Abstract: The apparatus and process of the present invention provides for the automated, singulated dispensing of articles, particularly solid oral medication in predetermined quantities. The apparatus of the invention is a canister which houses a screw having a channel of a certain width and depth that corresponds to the dimensions of a particular pill type. The screw is removably mounted to a cradle and the screw and cradle combination is positioned within the canister so that it is generally parallel to the base of the canister. By virtue of being removably mounted, screws having channels of various dimensions, corresponding to a particular pill to be dispensed, can be substituted into the cradle within canister. A removable shelf is mounted to at least one interior side of the cradle and is positioned near the proximal end of the screw and cradle combination. Like the screw channel, the shelf is of a certain width that corresponds with a certain pill size.

Abstract: What is proposed is a dispensing device for dispensing tablets belonging to a stack of tablets separately. There is arranged, in a casing (100), a conveying element (200) which can be moved to and fro, in relation to said casing, between a dispensing position and a conveying position. The dispensing device also comprises holding means, in particular a lift element (300), which cause the stack of tablets to be kept stationary when a movement of the conveying element, relative to the casing, from the dispensing position into the conveying position occurs, and which cause said stack of tablets to be entrained towards the removing aperture by the conveying element when said conveying element returns to the dispensing position. In this way, the stack of tablets is conveyed in the direction of conveyance by a predetermined amount, particularly by the thickness of a single tablet, when a forward-and-backward movement of the conveying element occurs, and said single tablet can be easily removed.

Abstract: A product delivery system for a vending machine includes first and second guide rails and a carriage rail. The guide rails are fixedly mounted in the vending machine spaced from and parallel to each other and extend along respective first and second axes. The carriage rail extends along a third axis and includes first and second ends that are slidably connected to the respective ones of the first and second guide rails. A carrier member is slidably mounted to the carriage rail for movement along the third axis. A first drive belt is coupled to the carriage rail and a first drive motor to selectively shift the carrier member along the third axis. A second drive belt, extending in multiple axes, is connected to each of the first and second ends of the carriage rail and a second drive motor. The second drive motor selectively shifts the carriage rail along the first and second axes upon driving the second drive belt.

Abstract: A banking system includes an automated banking machine controlled by data bearing records. The machine compares indicia from a bearer record with computer information regarding the bearer. The machine operates to reallocate credit among various accounts responsive to computer determined correspondence among stored user identification data, read card data, and read biometric data. The machine also includes a note presenter and a currency cassette. A gate of the presenter is located at a note dispensing outlet of the machine. The gate is opened by actuating a lever linked with an arm connected to the gate. The currency cassette includes a one-piece polymer body attached to a one-piece polymer lid. A one-piece tambour door is movable along guide tracks integrally formed with body side walls.

Abstract: A sheet product dispenser is provided. The sheet product dispenser includes a roll of sheet product, a dispensing arrangement, and a method of sensing the separation of a dispensed sheet product. A sensor is provided for detecting the movement of a movable member, such as a tear bar or paper guide. The sensor generates a signal in response to the movement of the movable member. A controller de-energizes a roller in said dispensing arrangement in response to said signal.

Abstract: A test sensor includes a base, a lid and a channel for receiving a fluid sample. The channel includes a reagent. The test sensor also includes a tip portion extending from at least one of the base and lid. The tip portion prevents or inhibits moisture or contaminants from entering the channel and affecting the reagent. The test sensor further includes a detachable area located adjacent the tip portion. The detachable area is formed so as to assist movement of the tip portion or removal of the tip portion from the remainder of the test sensor. The movement or removal of the tip portion exposes the channel for receiving the fluid sample.

Abstract: A sheet product dispenser is provided for sheet product from a roller. The sheet product dispenser includes a first roll of sheet product, called a stub roll, a main roll of sheet product, and a dispensing arrangement. A sensor is provided for detecting when sheet product on a stub roll is depleted. The sensor generates a signal in response to the depletion of the stub roll and a controller activates an electromechanical actuator. The actuator acts to operate a transfer bar that moves an end portion of the main roll sheet product adjacent a roller assembly that engages the main roller sheet product.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system of dispensing merchandise packaged with a hole at the top. An inventory of merchandise packaged with a hole at the top to be vended are supported on a horizontal surface. The horizontal surface is selectively actuated to provide controlled movement of each item to a dispensing location. The surface is a helically shaped member contained within a dispensing module. An electrical system operatively connects each dispensing module to a controller. The controller can be programmed to actuate movement of the surface. It can also optionally require an authorization input and/or identification input, and keep track of each dispension. This information can be stored in a manner to track usage to individuals and control inventory in the dispenser.

Abstract: A package containing sheets and having an orifice for dispensing the sheets from the package. The sheets may be joined together to allow pop-up dispensing. The sheets have first and second faces facing first and second directions, respectively. The package has two orifices in communication with each other. The sheet may be grasped through the first orifice and communicated to the second orifice for subsequent pop-up dispensing. The sheet inverts about an axis during such communication so that the first side of the sheet may face towards the second direction, and vice versa. If the sheets are wetted this arrangement also allows the wetting liquid to be distributed onto an adjacent sheet during dispensing without an additional step.

Abstract: A pill dispensing apparatus has a pill delivery station, a pill receiving station, and a pill singulator. The singulator receives and supports pills delivered from the delivery station and is spun to drive pills supported on the tray around the tray axis. A wiper guide guides the driven pills towards the pill receiving station and at the same time singulates the pills by establish spacing between them. The singulated pills are then deflected to a pill drop zone where they drop into a container.

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: Discussed herein are methods and devices for storing, handling, loading or dispensing of pipette tips. Some embodiments allow repetitive loading of an array of multiple pipette tips that are stored in a nested configuration.

Abstract: A shoe-cover dispenser is described, including, for example, features that facilitate the simultaneous loading of multiple shoe covers and/or features that prevent incomplete release of shoe covers. The shoe-cover dispenser can include a shell and a removable shoe-cover cartridge sized to fit within the shell. The removable shoe-cover cartridge can be configured to releasably hold a plurality of shoe covers, such as by releasably holding three or more clips attached to an elastic element of each shoe cover. These clips can be preloaded into the removable shoe-cover cartridge prior to delivery to an end-user. Release of a shoe cover can be initiated by downward movement of a foot pad. To prevent tilting of the foot pad, the shell can include a guide plate substantially abutting a substantially vertical side of the foot pad and/or an alignment rod positioned within a substantially vertical hole in the foot pad.

Abstract: A web (36) of paper or the like has labels (42) defined therein by printing the web (36) followed by skip cutting (40) the web to define the label boundaries. The skip cutting (40) leaves the labels (42) connected to the remainder of the web (36) by breakable catch points (44). The labels (42) are rendered capable of being applied to product containers (16) by the web (36) having adhesive applied to the side opposite the printing, and the web (36) is rendered capable of being wound up by having an adhesive release coating, such as silicone, applied over the printing.

Abstract: An automated medicine dispensing system comprising a housing unit; a dispensing unit attached to the housing, the dispensing unit comprising a pump to alter a pressure in the dispensing unit, and a nozzle operatively connected to the pump via a first tube; and a base positioned below the dispensing unit, the base comprising a plurality of receptacles, each receptacle operatively connected to a sensor to detect a quantity of medicine in each receptacle, and a dispensing outlet adjacent to at least one receptacle to dispense the medicine outside the housing unit. The base may be movable below the dispensing unit to select a desired medication. The dispensing unit may be movable over the base to select the desired medication.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems, methods, and compositions for an express checkout vending machine that includes an input unit, a video display screen, and a communication unit. The vending machine also includes a dispensing unit adapted to receive and internally bag self-purchase items.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing apparatus is configured to dispense a predetermined volume of fluid, and includes a fluid reservoir to hold a fluid to be dispensed, a dispense tube to dispense the fluid, and an elevator mechanism. The fluid reservoir receives a fluid from a fluid supply. A dispense tube has a dispense outlet, and is connected to an outlet port on the fluid reservoir. The elevator mechanism changes a relative vertical displacement between the dispense outlet and the outlet port. Particularly, a processor controls the elevator mechanism to raise the dispense tube to a raised filling position to prevent fluid flow from the dispense outlet, and lower the dispense tube to a lowered dispensing position to dispense the fluid.

Abstract: A system and method for discharging a selected product into a dispensing chamber of a vending machine are provided. In the system and method of this disclosure, a selected product from a vending machine is received in a product delivery cup. The product delivery cup is moved to a dispensing chamber of the vending machine. Near the dispensing chamber, the product delivery cup moves in a horizontal direction which causes or activates a delivery cup sleeve within the product delivery cup to pivot or move from a non-dispensing position to a dispensing position. The dispensing position of the delivery cup sleeve releases the selected product from the delivery cup sleeve to the dispensing chamber where a consumer is able to access the selected product.

Abstract: During operation of a vending machine, an image is obtained of an area of interest in the vending machine. As a product selected by a customer moves toward a product retrieval location, images of the area of interest are obtained and transmitted to the data base. Images in the data base are compared to determine whether or not the selected product has moved to the area of interest.

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 modular strap dispenser for a strapping machine comprises includes a mount for rotatably mounting a coiled spool of strap and a feeding mechanism for drawing strap directly from the spool, feeding the strap directly to the strapping machine and retracting and tensioning the strap. The feeding mechanism is driven by a variable speed feed motor controlled by a feed motor controller. The feed motor controller is operatively connected to a strapper control system that controls both the feed motor controller and the strapping head of the strapping machine. The dispenser may include a braking system to control the rotation of the spool. The dispenser also may include an accumulator box configured to accept and store take-up strap generated during strap tensioning. The dispenser may further include a strap guide for guiding the strap from the spool to the feeding mechanism.

Abstract: A dispensing system that removes individual napkins from a stack of interfolded napkins in a manner that allows the number of napkins dispensed to be easily counted and controlled so that an appropriate number of napkins are dispensed. The counted napkins are collected in an easily manageable form and presented to a user.

Abstract: The apparatus and method of the present invention provide for the simple and accurate dispensing of articles, particularly solid oral medication. The apparatus of the present invention according to one embodiment comprises a holder device, in which said holder device comprises a bottom surface, a sidewall engaging said bottom surface, a pair of radial walls adjoining a center of said bottom surface and said sidewall, and a sloped slide adjoining said pair of radial walls. In a preferred embodiment, the holder device further comprises seven pairs of radial walls to correspond with each day of the week. The present invention also includes a plurality of compartments within each pair of radial walls, which correspond to the time periods during which medication must be taken during a single day. Each compartment according to this embodiment contains a sloped slide.

Abstract: A systematic decontamination and containment method for decontaminating personnel is disclosed. This method includes providing a plurality of components positionable on a selected location for establishment of a multi-station decontamination and containment facility to decontaminate personnel and to contain contaminants collected during the decontamination process. The components can include a plurality of collapsible frame and roof assemblies, wall and roof covers, a weapons clearing assembly, a weapons storage locker, a hanging bar, a signage assembly, collapsible containment hamper assemblies, a covered dispensing assembly, a shuffle box, a multi-wipe dispensing assembly, and a transportable containment enclosure. The enclosure is shaped and sized to removably retain the system's components for transportation or the like.