Processes Patents (Class 221/1)
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Publication number: 20130098936Abstract: The invention relates to a refrigerating cabinet (1) for automatically dispensing sports balls. The invention is characterized in that said cabinet includes: a refrigeration system that keeps the sports balls at a temperature between +6° C. and +25° C.; a sports ball dispensing mechanism (4); and a sports ball container (5).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2011Publication date: April 25, 2013Inventor: Gerard Kuma
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Patent number: 8418881Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a dispensing apparatus for dispensing individual tissue cassettes from a stack of cassettes, the apparatus includes a hopper for receiving a stack of tissue cassettes, the hopper having an aperture through which cassettes are dispensable; ejection means for ejecting a cassette through the aperture; and retention means for retaining all but one of the cassettes in the stack as an individual cassette is ejected.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2008Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Thermo Shandon Ltd.Inventors: Ian Kerrod, Richard Clarkson, Basil Gaynor
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Publication number: 20130090759Abstract: A vending machine includes a reservoir for holding bulk goods and multiple reconfigurable distribution path devices to release the goods to a purchaser in entertaining fashion.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2012Publication date: April 11, 2013Inventor: Brett Fleishman
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Patent number: 8408419Abstract: A sheet dispenser is defined by at least six panels having outwardly facing surfaces, wherein at least one of the panels is oriented at an oblique angle with respect to the other panels. Sheets may be dispensed from an opening located on the oblique surface. The sheet dispenser may sit on a surface such as a countertop for dispensing, or may be placed between a wall and other structure attached to the wall such as a towel bar. Furthermore, the sheet dispenser may be hung from a structure using a strap attached to the towel dispenser.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2008Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Carl G. Rippl, Sarah L. Christoffel, George I. Nukuto, Maggie VanderHeiden Berger, Jonathan K. Arendt, Duane L. McDonald, James D. McManus, Marci E. Sojka
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Patent number: 8409531Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an efficient and effective technique for storing and dispensing reagent beads. In some embodiments, an apparatus is provided for dispensing reagent beads contained in a bead storage device which includes a bead carrier having a plurality of wells; a plurality of reagent beads disposed in the wells; and a cover tape releasably attached to the bead carrier to cover the wells and retain the reagent beads in the wells. The apparatus comprises a channel in which to place the bead storage device with the bead carrier facing a support wall of the channel and the cover tape facing a stripping wall of the channel. The stripping wall includes a stripping gap disposed between a stripping edge and an opposite edge, and a dispense opening provided adjacent the opposite edge on a side of the stripping wall opposite from the stripping edge.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2009Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: CepheidInventors: Ronald Chang, Douglas B. Dority, Steve Montgomery
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Publication number: 20130079923Abstract: A sheet product dispenser includes a housing having a front cover, a main controller, a motor, a dispensing mechanism, a maintenance switch, and an auxiliary feed push button. The motor, main controller and dispensing mechanism are configured to dispense a length of sheet product in response to a signal representative of a request for sheet product. The maintenance switch is internally disposed within the housing and accessible for actuation when the front cover is open, in operable communication with the main controller to facilitate operation of the motor when actuated. The auxiliary feed push button is disposed in operable communication with the maintenance switch, and is disposed to be accessible and actuatable when the cover is closed. The main controller is responsive to executable instructions to facilitate actuation of the motor in response to a signal from the maintenance switch when actuated by the auxiliary feed push button.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2011Publication date: March 28, 2013Applicant: GEORGIA-PACIFIC CONSUMER PRODUCTS LPInventors: Antonio M. Cittadino, Ronald Richard Reeb
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Publication number: 20130062362Abstract: The present application provides a dispensing carton for a number of sheet products therein. The dispensing carton may include a first wall, a dispensing aperture positioned in the first wall, a perpendicular second wall, and one or more support tabs positioned in the perpendicular second wall. The support tabs may be folded within the perpendicular second wall to support the number of sheet products therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: GEORGIA-PACIFIC CONSUMER PRODUCTS LPInventors: Kip K. Decker, Abby Case, Walter O. Wruck
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Publication number: 20130062360Abstract: A product dispensing system including a frame structure having a front end and a rear end, the frame structure including an upper support deck extending between the front and rear ends, a lower support deck positioned below the upper support deck, the lower support deck extending between the front and rear ends and defining a first product display area, and an intermediate support deck positioned between the upper support deck and the lower support deck, the intermediate support deck extending between the front and rear ends and defining a second product display area, wherein the upper support deck and the intermediate support deck define a vertical drop zone proximate the rear end, the vertical drop zone extending from the upper support deck to the lower support deck, and a guide positioned between the upper support deck and the intermediate support deck, the guide extending into the vertical drop zone.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2011Publication date: March 14, 2013Inventors: William J. Bogdziewicz, III, Caleb S. Loftin, Aaron L. Bates, Steven Burton
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Publication number: 20130062361Abstract: A product dispensing system including a dispenser having an upper support deck that defines a deck opening and a lower support deck that defines a product display area, a container positioned on the upper support deck, the container including first and second walls that define an internal volume, wherein the first wall defines an opening having a longitudinal length that is aligned with the deck opening, and wherein the second wall includes a lower portion proximate the container opening, and a plurality of products initially housed in the internal volume, wherein the dispenser is spaced from the lower portion of the second wall such that the lower portion bows outward and increases the longitudinal length when a product engages the lower portion as it exits the container through the container opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2011Publication date: March 14, 2013Inventors: Caleb S. Loftin, William J. Bogdziewicz, III, Aaron L. Bates, John Gelardi
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Patent number: 8393604Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a device comprising a platform and a handle end seat coupled to the platform. The handle end seat is configured to seat therein a handle end of a handle of a hand-held tape dispensing gun. The device includes a gun handle cradle coupled to the platform and spaced from the handle end seat. The gun handle cradle is configured to secure the handle of the hand-held tape dispensing gun. In operation, the device securely holds the tape dispensing gun vertically or horizontally so that the user's hands are freed to dispense various lengths of tape from the roll of tape in the gun.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2010Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Inventor: Richard V. Bundy
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Publication number: 20130056487Abstract: The invention relates to a product dispensing machine comprising a motorized collector and a plurality of product trays, each being arranged to store products in line and comprising a dispensing mechanism at an outer end of the tray. The motorized collector is arranged to approach each of said product trays and to move at least one dispensing mechanism from a blocking position, in which said dispensing mechanism blocks a product first in line on said tray, into a dispense position in which the product first in line is removed from the tray onto the collector, said dispensing mechanism being arranged to block a product second in line while being in the dispense position.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2011Publication date: March 7, 2013Applicant: AUTOMATED RETAIL CONCEPTS B.V.Inventor: Eric Van Velzen
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Publication number: 20130056488Abstract: A cup turret carousel includes a gear drive track around a periphery thereof, to be driven by a planetary gear rather than being driven from the central axis and thereby reduce cost and achieve greater accuracy in aligning a cup turret with the cup funnel throat for cup delivery. The drive gear is maintained in a in a fixed position relative to a cup funnel throat through which cups pass when dropped, so that the same drive assembly may be employed with cup turret carousels of different diameters.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2012Publication date: March 7, 2013Applicant: CRANE MERCHANDISING SYSTEMS, INC.Inventor: Matthew Hooper
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Publication number: 20130048663Abstract: To ensure reliable administration of medicines present in the form of wafers, to allow the medicines to be easily removed from a dispenser 1, to allow the latter to be easily refilled, and to make it possible to verify, in a manner free of manipulation, a predefined sequence of the wafer pockets 20 in the wafer pocket stack, the invention proposes a dispenser 1 and also a wafer pocket booklet 100 that can be inserted into the dispenser 1 and fixed releasably therein. The wafers are packed in wafer pockets 20. The dispenser 1 according to the invention contains a stack of at least two wafer pockets 20, which each contain a wafer, wherein each wafer pocket 20 has a wafer portion 21, which contains the wafer, and at least one residual portion 24, which remains in the dispenser 1 when the wafer portion 21 is removed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2010Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: BAYER INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY GMBHInventors: Kathrin Reichardt, Sven Filler, Kirsten Gollin, Uwe Karla
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Publication number: 20130048662Abstract: A sanitized vending machine includes product and cup dispensing mechanisms and an actuation mechanism. The product dispensing mechanism, holding one or more product items, rotates through a product dispensing cycle to dispense them. The cup dispensing mechanism, holding a stack of cups, rotates through a cup dispensing cycle to dispense a cup to a predetermined position. The dispensing cycles occur in a predetermined sequence so as to enable the dispensed product items to be received in a previously dispensed cup. The dispensing mechanisms respectively include rotatable first and second driven gears drivingly interfaced to rotate during respective product and cup dispensing cycles. The actuation mechanism includes a handle and a rotatable drive gear drivingly interfaced with the first driven gear. When the handle is turned by a user through an actuation cycle the driven gears rotate the respective mechanisms through respective product and cup dispensing cycles.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2012Publication date: February 28, 2013Inventor: Kil Jae Chang
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Publication number: 20130043265Abstract: A method and a dispenser dispense a sheet of paper through a bottom outlet gap from a stock. A sensor activates, upon detection of a person, an electric drive which delivers a portion of paper from the outlet gap so that the sheet of paper can be torn off by hand. When the delivered sheet of paper is torn off, a switch is actuated. Actuation of the switch puts the dispenser in an operational readiness for delivery of another portion of paper.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2012Publication date: February 21, 2013Inventor: HANS GEORG HAGLEITNER
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Publication number: 20130039733Abstract: Pick and place tape release techniques and tools that allow thin, fragile semiconductor dies to be removed from wafer tape with reduced tape release forces applied to the semiconductor dies. For example, a method for removing semiconductor die from wafer tape includes mounting a wafer ring having wafer tape and one or more dies attached to the wafer tape, and aligning an ejector pin assembly under a target die to be removed from the wafer tape. The ejector pin assembly includes a vacuum housing, an ejector pin, a suction plate, and an aperture formed in the suction plate in alignment with the ejector pin. A vacuum is generated in the vacuum housing to draw the tape against a surface of the suction plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2011Publication date: February 14, 2013Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventor: Bucknell C. Webb
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Publication number: 20130035785Abstract: A pill dispenser for dispensing pills of various sizes includes a pill storage section, a dispensing section located at a lower end of the storage section, an optical sensor, a memory and a controller. The dispensing section includes a device for adjusting a variable size cavity configured to adjust to various pill sizes. The controller adjusts the variable size cavity of the dispensing section depending on the individual pill specifications, and determines if the optical sensor has sensed presence of the pill to be dispensed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2011Publication date: February 7, 2013Applicant: Medical Intuition Inc.Inventors: David MacVittie, William F. King, IV
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Patent number: 8366107Abstract: A media presenter is described. The media presenter comprises: a chassis including a central track; a nose coupled to the chassis at a nose end of the chassis; and a carriage. The nose includes a presenting end distal from the chassis, and a nose track arranged to couple to the central track to provide a presenting track extending from the chassis to the presenting end. The carriage is mounted on the presenting track for movement therealong, and comprises a carriage body and a carriage plate movable between an open position at which media items can be placed on the carriage plate, and a closed position for clamping media items between the carriage plate and the carriage body.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2010Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: NCR CorporationInventors: Scott Deas, Gordon Burke, Michael Rennie, Scott L. Colston
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Publication number: 20130025742Abstract: An automatic machine for dispensing beverages has at least two rotatable cup dispensing towers having a plurality of housings for variously sized stacked cups. The housings may be rotated in a selective manner. Cups are dispensed from the housings. A cup holder device includes cup holders that receive the dispensed cups. The cup holder device is rotatable about a vertical axis that is parallel to the axes of rotation of the rotatable cup dispensing towers. The cup holder device is provided with at least two cup holders that move along concentric circular trajectories with respect to the vertical axis of the cup holder device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2011Publication date: January 31, 2013Applicant: RHEAVENDORS SERVICES S.P.A.Inventor: Aldo Doglioni Majer
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Publication number: 20130026173Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems for dispensing multiple types of materials, such as packing materials. According to various embodiments, the systems include a dispensing bin with multiple compartments configured to receive and dispense different types of materials, such as air-filled dunnage cushions and air-filled protective material. In certain embodiments, the dispensing bin is configured to receive materials from one or more supply machines and dispense the materials such that more than one type of material is provided to numerous packing stations for use in packaging items.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2011Publication date: January 31, 2013Inventor: Jason Renjilian
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Patent number: 8360273Abstract: A cutlery utensil dispenser having at least one utensil compartment and a dispensing mechanism is disclosed. Each utensil compartment is so dimensioned and configured to house a stack of utensils. The dispensing mechanism includes a drive member in operable communication with at least one driven member, each driven member being associated with a respective one of the compartments. Actuation of the drive member causes simultaneous actuation of each driven member that causes a utensil to be dispensed from each compartment in repeatable succession one at a time. Also disclosed is a cutlery utensil dispenser having an electric motor in operable communication with the dispensing mechanism, and a controller in operable communication with the motor. The controller includes a processing circuit responsive to computer executable instructions which when executed on the processing circuit facilitates dispensing of a utensil from the utensil compartment by operation of the motor on command.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2008Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Dixie Consumer Products LLCInventors: Christopher M. Reinsel, Brian Durant, Stephen J. Drabant, Thomas J. Steimer
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Patent number: 8364306Abstract: A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable code for shredding objects. The apparatus has a number of components including a receptacle that is configured to receive objects. A shredding unit is connected to the receptacle, wherein the shredding unit selectively destroys the objects placed into the receptacle. An object detector is used to detect the presence of an object in the receptacle. An object identifier identifies objects placed into the receptacle. The apparatus also has a memory and a connector. The connector is used to establish a communications link with a data processing system. A controller in the apparatus stores identifications of objects identified by the object identifier in the memory and sends a signal to the shredding unit to control shredding of the objects.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2007Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Herman Rodriguez, Newton James Smith, Clifford Jay Spinac
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Publication number: 20130020341Abstract: A product dispensing frame having a front end and a rear end, and including an upper support deck extending between the front end and the rear end, a lower support deck positioned below the upper support deck, the lower support deck extending between the front end and the rear end and defining a first product display area, and an intermediate support deck positioned between the upper support deck and the lower support deck, the intermediate support deck extending between the front end and the rear end and defining a second product display area.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2011Publication date: January 24, 2013Inventors: William J. Bogdziewicz, III, Caleb S. Loftin, Aaron L. Bates, Steven Burton
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Publication number: 20130020345Abstract: An automatic free-form tablet dispenser in a medicine packing machine and a method for supplying a tablet are provided. The automatic free-form tablet dispenser in a medicine packing machine, which provides tablets input from the outside to a hopper of the medicine packing machine by a predetermined quantity, includes a main body having a guide track through which the tablet received inside the main body transfers, a driving unit making the tablet transfer along the guide track, an entrance detection sensor detecting whether the tablet is proceeding to the entrance of the guide track or not, an arrival detection sensor detecting whether the tablet reaches to the exit of the guide track or not, and a control unit determining whether the arrival detection sensor detects the tablet within a predetermined time after the entrance detection sensor has detected the tablet.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2010Publication date: January 24, 2013Inventor: Ho Yeon Kim
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Publication number: 20130020342Abstract: An apparatus for storing, transporting and dispensing balls, specifically golf balls. The apparatus has a tube with a spring at one end to force balls towards the second end, the second end having an opening and a restraint to keep the golf balls from inadvertently exiting the apparatus. The apparatus further has a cap that is selectively secured to the apparatus over the opening, thereby enclosing the golf balls within the apparatus. In an alternate embodiment, the apparatus is dimensioned to store soda cans, and the apparatus comprises insulating material to keep the soda cans in a temperature-controlled environment.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2011Publication date: January 24, 2013Inventor: Carlos Cardoso
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Publication number: 20130020344Abstract: A dispensing system, a method of using a dispensing system, and a method of making a dispensing system are disclosed. The dispensing system includes a sheet and one or more of the plurality of the ear protection articles positioned on the sheet. The method of using the dispensing system includes removing one or more of the plurality of the ear protection articles from a sheet of the dispensing system. The method of making the dispensing system includes positioning a sheet, positioning a first article of the plurality of the ear protection articles on the sheet, and positioning a second article of the plurality of the ear protection articles on the sheet.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2012Publication date: January 24, 2013Applicant: MMEAR TECH, LLPInventor: MMEAR Tech, LLP
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Publication number: 20130020343Abstract: A system and apparatus for dispensing lumber is described. The apparatus includes a pusher, such as a chain driven lug, which pushes against the side of a row of lumber, thus sequentially pushing the top row of a lumber pack into a transport system. The apparatus also includes a hydraulic lift which enables the lumber pack to be moved upwards for the dispensing of subsequent rows.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2011Publication date: January 24, 2013Inventors: Edward Domenick Serrano, Jeffrey Clifford Serrano
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Publication number: 20130015095Abstract: Packagings for holding dosage units and methods for administering dosage units from a packaging. The packaging includes a cover and a body with compartments each configured to hold at least one of the dosage units. The compartments have a circular arrangement on the body. The packaging further includes a cover with a plurality of strips attached to the body for confining the dosage units in the compartments. Each of the strips is positioned relative to a respective one of the compartments and configured to be individually manipulated for releasing the dosage unit from the respective one of the compartments. The method includes manipulating one of the strips to unblock an opening to one of the compartments and removing the dosage unit from the compartment through the unblocked opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2011Publication date: January 17, 2013Applicant: OMNICARE INC.Inventors: Bradley Carson, Mitchell Mosbacher, Robert E. Napierala, II
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Publication number: 20130015196Abstract: A container organizer comprises a base element and a perimeter wall which extends from the base element. The base element and the perimeter wall define an enclosure for the insertion of a plurality of containers. An intermediate wall divides the enclosure into first and second channels. The intermediate wall extends from the base element and is spaced from the perimeter wall at at least one end. The said space is dimensioned to allow the said container to pass between the first and second channels. A plurality of inventory indicators are included, whereby as containers are moved along at least the first channel the inventory indicators indicate a number of replacement containers that can be inserted. Preferably, the base element includes an embankment portion at a space between the end of the intermediate wall and the perimeter wall.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2012Publication date: January 17, 2013Inventor: Johnny George SUBU
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Publication number: 20130018506Abstract: A method includes determining whether an object is sensed by a sensor, dispensing a product responsive to determining that the object has been sensed, setting an object clear time value to a first value, setting a first timer to a first time period and starting the timer, starting a second timer with the set object clear time, determining whether the first timer has expired, determining whether an object is sensed by the sensor responsive to determining that the first timer has not expired, determining whether the second timer has expired responsive to determining that an object is not sensed by the sensor, setting the first timer to a second time period and starting the first timer responsive to determining that the second timer has expired.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2011Publication date: January 17, 2013Applicant: GEORGIA-PACIFIC CONSUMER PRODUCTS LPInventor: Antonio M. Cittadino
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Publication number: 20130001239Abstract: A system that includes an adhesive storage unit, the adhesive storage unit configured to separately hold a plurality of solid adhesive forms; a liquid adhesive level detector configured to sense the level of liquid adhesive in a liquid adhesive melt tank; and a delivery element configured to deliver solid adhesive forms stored in the adhesive storage unit to the liquid adhesive melt tank when necessary as indicated by the liquid adhesive level detector.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2012Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: H.B. Fuller CompanyInventors: Glenn C. Heuer, Steven A. Jorissen
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Publication number: 20120330461Abstract: An ADA compliant vending machine ensures provides a user control for entering an ADA mode, and displays all user-actuated vend transaction controls below a first specified height when operating in the ADA mode. A delivery bucket surface on which vended products are supported moves between a lowered position below a second specified height and a raised position above the second specified height in coordinate operation with opening of the delivery bin door. Products are dropped below the second specified height during delivery but are raised above that height for customer retrieval. Mechanical force required to open the delivery bin door is less than five pounds, even with closing of anti-pilfer flaps also being coordinated with opening of the delivery bin door.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2012Publication date: December 27, 2012Applicant: CRANE MERCHANDISING SYSTEMS, INCInventor: Troy Doom
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Publication number: 20120312834Abstract: A novelty dispensing apparatus includes a housing in which novelty items are contained and a receptacle mounted inside the housing and movable from a retracted position within the housing, though an opening in the housing and into an extended position, wherein part of the receptacle member protrudes from the housing. A door is mounted for movement adjacent to the opening from a closed position to an open position that enables the receptacle member to protrude from the opening. A link member is mounted for movement within the housing and is attached to the door and at another end to the receptacle member. The link member has a handle for manipulation, wherein manipulation of the handle moves the link member and attached door and receptacle member. The dispenser includes lost-motion mechanisms.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2011Publication date: December 13, 2012Applicant: Radz Brands LLCInventors: Todd S. Elliott, Zack Maffie
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Publication number: 20120312833Abstract: The present invention provides a system that allows an easy and quick exchange of small batteries of hearing devices as well as a method for exchanging a battery of a hearing device that combines the installation of a new battery into the hearing device with the deinstallation of the battery to be replaced from the hearing device in a single action using a single mechanism. The inventive battery exchange system comprises a carrier module 1, which features a hearing device receiving means shaped to receive a part of a hearing device 4 and a battery passage that traverses the carrier module 1, a battery dispensing module 2 adapted to accommodate at least one battery 7 and a battery ejection means 3 adapted to eject a battery 7 from the battery dispensing module 2 into the battery passage of the carrier module 1.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2010Publication date: December 13, 2012Applicant: PHONAK AGInventor: Bruno Gabathuler
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Publication number: 20120305584Abstract: Packagings for holding oral medications and methods for administering oral medications from a packaging. The packaging includes a cover and a body with compartments each configured to hold at least one of the oral medications. The compartments have a circular arrangement on the body. The method may include at least partially detaching the cover from the body to access a separate opening to each of the compartments. In response to removing the cover, all of the oral medications may be removed from the compartments to empty the packaging.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2011Publication date: December 6, 2012Applicant: OMNICARE INC.Inventors: Bradley Carson, Mitchell Mosbacher, Michael J. Szesko
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Publication number: 20120298683Abstract: A straw dispenser that hold two individual straws, sequentially selected from an inventory of straws. The upper straw is staged in a position to fall, and the lower straw is in a position made available to a person. The person grasps the available straw and pulls the same, which moves a lower movable part of the dispenser. The forward movement of the lower movable part allows the upper staged straw to fall downwardly to a transitory position, and during backward movement of the lower movable part the straw moves from the transitory position and is made available. At the same time a successive straw is selected from the inventory and held in the staged position. The person need not touch any other part of the dispenser or touch other straws to be dispensed. A subsequent straw cannot be dispensed until the available straw has been removed from the dispenser.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2012Publication date: November 29, 2012Inventor: Antonio Domit
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Publication number: 20120298684Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2012Publication date: November 29, 2012Inventor: Jacques LAPLANTE
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Publication number: 20120292426Abstract: A bandage strip includes a plurality of flat adhesive bandage packages of conventional configuration, having sealed therein an adhesive bandage comprising a pad and an adhesive substrate for adhering to a patient and holding the pad in place on the patient's skin. The packages are adhered to an elongated substrate in end-to-end, spaced relation to form a flat, elongated bandage strip, with perforations in the substrate between the packages. A user can dispense a length of substrate, sever it at the perforations, and remove the bandage from the substrate for use in the conventional manner. In another embodiment, a flat adhesive bandage strip comprises an elongated substrate with at least one continuous strip of absorbent material on one side extending in the elongated dimension of the substrate and an adhesive portion adjacent each outside elongated edge of the substrate, with a release liner adhered to the adhesive portion and covering the pad.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2011Publication date: November 22, 2012Applicant: Thuban, Inc.Inventor: Rana J. Arefieg
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Publication number: 20120285978Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein relates to systems and methods for providing image projection and entertainment.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2012Publication date: November 15, 2012Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.Inventors: Mark A. Reichow, Thomas Frasier LaDuke, Steve Kosakura, R. Christopher Biggs
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Publication number: 20120285976Abstract: A product dispensing system including a container defining an internal volume and an opening into the internal volume, the container including a weakening feature, the opening and the weakening feature defining an access panel, and a dispenser including a frame having longitudinally opposed first and second ends, and including a support deck and a product display area, the support deck extending at least partially between the first and second ends, the product display area being positioned below the support deck, and a catch element connected to the frame proximate the first end, the catch element protruding away from the second end such that the catch element engages the opening in the container and at least partially separates the access panel from the container as the container longitudinally moves along the support deck from the first end toward the second end.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2011Publication date: November 15, 2012Inventors: William J. Bogdziewicz, III, John Gelardi, Aaron L. Bates, Laurel Thomas
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Publication number: 20120285977Abstract: A product dispensing system including a dispenser frame having a front end longitudinally opposed from a rear end, the dispenser frame including a support deck extending at least partially between the front end and the rear end, the support deck having an upper surface and defining a channel below the upper surface, the channel having an entrance opening and an exit opening, and a product display area positioned below the support deck, and a catch element connected to the dispenser frame proximate the entrance opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2011Publication date: November 15, 2012Inventors: Aaron L. Bates, John Gelardi, Laurel Thomas
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Patent number: 8308414Abstract: A medication dispenser provides automation to the steps of locating and acquiring medications to be administered to a patient. The medication dispenser includes an enclosure providing a secure environment for storing medications in multiple sized medication storage bins. The medication storage bins are hung in storage racks located within the enclosure. A robot system is also provided within the enclosure for moving bins between the storage racks and a medication dispensing area. The medication dispensing area includes doors configured to open to define an opening for passing a selected bin through the enclosure. The medication storage bin includes a bulk bin loading drawing for loading medication storage bins into the medication dispensing apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2008Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: Cerner Innovation, Inc.Inventors: Edward J. Schifman, William A. Bedore
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Publication number: 20120279982Abstract: An automatic teller machine (ATM) and a control method for the same are provided. According to the ATM and the control method, stacking of paper mediums being transferred to a stacking space of a carriage may be guided by a medium guide provided to the carriage. Position of the medium guide may be adjusted by a guide adjustment device corresponding to various types of the paper mediums.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2010Publication date: November 8, 2012Applicant: NAUTILUS HYOSUNG INC.Inventors: Jin Hwan Cha, Won Joon Lee, Dong-Sik Lee
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Publication number: 20120279981Abstract: A process of storing and retrieving recloseable storage bags including the steps of purchasing a package of individualized recloseable storage bags from a retailer, removing the recloseable storage bags from the package, optionally providing the recloseable storage bags in a roll form, inserting the roll of recloseable storage bags into a dispenser having compartments. The dispenser has a lid with access slots juxtaposed over the compartments. The process further includes removing the recloseable storage bags from the dispenser through the one or more access slots. The process may also include providing a merchandiser having different types of bags packaged as refills in flexible bags. Instructions with the merchandiser and/or the storage dispenser may direct consumers to replenish the storage dispenser with different types of bags.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2011Publication date: November 8, 2012Applicant: S.C. JOHNSON & SON INC.Inventors: Jamie Grace Thomas, William D. Price, Robert J. Nestle, Randall W. Friebe, Katherine N. Bouchey, Jonathan D. Bellante, Kirsten Jane Climer, Charles Paradise, Brook S. Kennedy, Lauren Argo, Phillip Randolph Hartley, Shailesh H. Patel, Gina Reynolds, Erin L. Myers, Jason P. Grochowski
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Publication number: 20120279893Abstract: An improved dispersing system for dispensing products provided initially in a package that includes an activatable opening structure is disclosed. The dispensing system comprises a frame being configured to support the package of products and an opening tool associated with the frame. The opening tool engages with the activatable opening structure on the package to create an opening when the package is moved longitudinally along the frame of the dispensing system, thus allowing the products to be at least partially dispensed out of the package into the product display area of the frame through the opening formed on the rear panel or on an angular of the rear and side panels of the package.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2011Publication date: November 8, 2012Inventors: John Gelardi, Laurel Thomas
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Publication number: 20120272979Abstract: A novel cigar is provided with an elongated cigar puller device which extends into the interior of the cigar. By removing the cigar puller from the cigar, the tobacco fill material of the cigar is disrupted so as to improve the draw of the cigar. Once the cigar puller is removed from the tobacco fill material, a flavorant and/or aromatic can be infused into the less dense tobacco fill material which is provided upon the removal of the cigar puller.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2012Publication date: November 1, 2012Inventor: Jack B. Cooper
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Publication number: 20120277904Abstract: An automated vending or merchandizing machine includes an elevator sub-assembly which moves a dispensing bin or elevator tray vertically along the fronts of plural vertical levels of product dispensers in the vending machine. A controller tracks the vertical position of the elevator tray. This allows the controller to send the elevator tray to the vertical level of the dispenser of the product selected by a customer, at that level receive and confirm dispensing of the selected product into the elevator tray, and return the elevator tray holding the dispensed product down to a customer delivery or access door or opening in the vending machine that can below the vertical levels of dispensers. Features can include coordination of locking and unlocking of a customer access door and actuating an anti-cheat security baffle with the position of the elevator tray.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2012Publication date: November 1, 2012Applicant: FAWN ENGINEERING CORPORATIONInventors: GRANT PRITCHARD, JEFFREY W. MAYOROS, SANTOSH LAD
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Patent number: 8301458Abstract: Embodiments include systems and methods of delivery DVDs, games, other electronically or computer readable media, or other high value items through the mail or via any other delivery service for return and redelivery to a second customer. For example, in one embodiment, items returned by a first customer are identified during processing of a container or mailer containing the item, the second customer is determined, a new address label is affixed to the container, and the item is delivered to the second customer.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2009Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: United States Postal ServiceInventors: Michael John Amato, Brent Alan Raney, Joseph Anthony Narvaez
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Patent number: 8297471Abstract: A use-activated cup dispenser capable of sensing the manual removal of individual cups therefrom is provided. Manual removal is understood to include physical contact between a hand and a cup and extraction of the cup from the cup dispenser by the user. The invention includes a decorative cover including a housing disposed between first and second covers, at least one switch mechanism, a control circuit, and at least one active element including light elements, motor elements, scent dispensers, and/or audio elements. The decorative cover further includes an opening along one end. One or more switch mechanisms are provided along the first cover adjacent to the opening. The functionality of switch mechanisms includes direct contact, indirect contact, and non-contact between the cup and an optical or mechanical switch. The control circuit could be disposed on a circuit board and controls the functionality of the active elements.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2009Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Inventors: Christopher P. Dooley, Loren Tayior, Paul S Nielsen, Gwen Nielsen, legal representative
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Publication number: 20120267387Abstract: A transformable towel dispenser is presented that can be quickly transformed from a low profile shipping form into full, ready to dispense form in a substantially tool free manner. The transformability of the dispenser allows the dispenser to be shipped and stored in much smaller space than that for ready to dispense units. Alternatively, more dispensers can be shipped in the same volume container.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2010Publication date: October 25, 2012Inventors: Paul Omdoll, Brian Albrecht, Scott Collins