Abstract: A carton for containing and dispensing a plurality of products is disclosed that comprises: a plurality of panels that define an internal volume; a trap door defined in at least one panel of the plurality of panels and separable from the panel along at least one weakened line to form an opening in the panel; and an insert strip positioned in the internal volume at least partially over the trap door. The insert strip retains the plurality of products within the internal volume of the carton after the trap door is separated from the panel. The products may then be dispensed through the opening by at least partially removing the insert strip from the internal volume.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a pill delivery apparatus. The method includes providing an inner core having an outer surface and providing an outer sleeve comprising an opening defined therethrough, the outer sleeve having an inner surface. Further, the method includes defining a passageway on the outer surface of the inner core such that positioning the outer sleeve over the inner core defines a delivery chute for delivering a plurality of pills between the passageway and the inner surface of the outer sleeve.

Abstract: The application relates to money item dispensing apparatus having a money item acceptor and a hopper arrangement. The application further relates to money item dispensing apparatus having sorting means operable to selectively direct a money item to one of a first money item store and a second money item store, to money item dispensing apparatus having two hopper arrangements, to a money item acceptor having a self-clearing mechanism, to a money item conveyor, to a method of purging the money items in a money item dispensing apparatus, to money item dispensing apparatus having means for ejecting a money item from a receptacle through an outlet via a first path to a return tray and via a second path into a cashbox, to a method of filling a money item dispensing apparatus and filling apparatus for filling a money item dispensing apparatus.

Abstract: A hand protection barrier dispenser for dispensing disposable sanitary barriers for temporarily covering the hand and providing complete hand protection is disclosed which dispenses the hand protection barriers in a manner so that they may easily be donned by a user thereof. The hand protection barrier operates to open each of the hand protection barriers into a position to be readily donned and dispensed. The hand protection barrier dispenser dispenses only a single hand protection barrier at a time.

Abstract: A medication dispensing cabinet, a medication dispensing drawer assembly and an associated method are provided to facilitate controlled access to medications in an efficient manner. A medication dispensing cabinet includes a cabinet body, a plurality of drawers disposed within and configured for slidable extension relative to the cabinet body and a plurality of pockets serially positioned within a drawer. Each pocket includes a lid configured to cover the pocket and limit access to medication within the pocket. The medication dispensing cabinet also includes a linkage member configured to operably engage the lids of the plurality of pockets. The linkage member has a first state in which the linkage member prevents one or more of the lids from being opened and a second state in which the linkage member permits the lids to be opened in accordance with a predefined sequential order.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Distribution and dispensing modalities are provided for reusable medical gowns which involves generally loose handling thereof. Dispensing containers have a collapsible sidewall structure extending between opposite ends and defining therebetween an interior when un-collapsed or erected, at least one of the ends defining an opening through which clean, reusable medical gowns can be loaded, a closure repeatably manipulatable to open and close the opening, and a controllable access aperture at least a portion, or all, of which is spaced from the opening through which to selectively remove a clean, reusable medical gown. The loaded dispensing container may be transported to or around a healthcare facility and placed where needed for ready access at the point-of-use to clean, reusable medical gowns through the controllable access aperture.

Abstract: A product dispensing system including a container that defines an internal volume and an access opening into the internal volume, at least one product received in the internal volume and a biasing assembly extendable into the internal volume to urge the product toward the access opening, wherein the container is engaged with the biasing assembly when the biasing assembly extends into the internal volume.

Abstract: A side-grip method of grasping and moving textile items in a vending machine from the storage area to the dispensing chute that does not require the textile item to be packaged comprising: (a) providing a stack of folded and unwrapped textile items; (b) providing an article selection mechanism configured with a gripping element; (c) vertically displacing said gripping element until said gripping element reaches a level of a top textile item in said stack; and (d) closing said gripping element solely on said textile item. Disclosed also is a vending machine configured to implement such a method.

Abstract: A storage and dispensing system including a cabinet having a frame with a plurality of separators, each separator including an opening formed therethrough. The system further includes a plurality of drawers, each drawer having a plurality of compartments configured to store an item therein. Each drawer is positioned adjacent to at least one of the separators and is movable relative to the adjacent separator such that each compartment of each drawer is positionable adjacent to the opening of the associated separator.

Abstract: Provided is a medicine packing apparatus which is capable of packing of medicines so that relations between the medicines and production-history information pieces can be clearly understood even when the medicines prepared as one dose include medicines having different production-history information pieces while being of the same type. Control means (100) is capable of specifying production-history information pieces based on production histories of medicines delivered from medicine feeders (46). Thus, when medicines having different production-history information pieces while being of the same type are delivered from the medicine feeders (46), medicines to be packed as one dose are separately packed based on the different production-history information pieces.

Abstract: A product dispensing system including a container, a plurality of products initially housed in the container and a dispenser, the dispenser including a frame and an opening tool, the frame having a front end and a rear end, and including a support deck and a product display area, the support deck extending between the front end and the rear end, the product display area being positioned below the support deck proximate the front end, the opening tool being positioned to open the container and allow at least one of the products to move from the container to the product display area as the container is moved along the support deck from the rear end toward the front end.

Abstract: A pouch holder provides for convenient dispensing of thin sheets of foil commonly used in the treatment of hair. The holder may be worn about a hair stylist's neck or placed in another location that is easily accessible a stylist. A gripper device, which can be optionally attached to a stylist's comb or other instrument, is used to easily and efficiently pull individual sheets from the holder.

Abstract: 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. In some embodiments, the doors provide a variable-sized opening and, in some instances, the opening matches the size of a bin containing medications selected for dispensing.

Abstract: A dispenser apparatus and associated systems for use in storing and dispensing individual items are provided. The dispenser apparatus may be employed to dispense various items that are detachably adhered to a carrier strip, e.g., bandages, patches and the like, on demand, and has particular utility in dispensing items that are supplied for use in a sterile condition. The dispenser apparatus generally includes a housing and a cover member that is coupled thereto. The travel path of the carrier strip includes an exit path defined within the housing, redirection around a corner region, and return travel external to the housing through a channel. The redirection of the carrier strip, which generally approaches 180°, causes items that are detachably adhered to the carrier strip to automatically peel away therefrom.

Abstract: A pharmacy medication verification system is particularly useful for verifying medications to be dispensed to hospital patients while minimizing or eliminating verification by a pharmacist. Typically, a technician or robot picks the medications from storage bins in accordance with a medical prescription or stocking order and uses various sensors to ensure that the correct medication was picked and enters a medication container. The system typically provides correct and incorrect medication indicators as well as correct and incorrect entry indicators. Error reports may be generated when appropriate to communicate any relevant errors to the pharmacist, who can then verify that the correct medications are in the container. In one aspect, the containers are in the form of patient drawers which fit within a cart for delivery to hospital rooms. A containment device may be used to secure the drawer or other container during the verification process.

Abstract: A container device for storing, singulating and dispensing rigid and semi-rigid strips such as diagnostic test strips. A plurality of strips is contained and protected within a transparent container having an internal capture element for capturing and positioning a single strip adjacent a narrow normally-closed dispensing aperture. The aperture is exposed by rotating a spring-loaded container top cap to an open position. A detachable container base cap contains a desiccant and is replaceable. An optional stand stores the device in an upright position, and incorporates a tool to facilitate removal of the base cap for replenishing the container's contents or replacing the desiccant. A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag can be incorporated for electronic inventory control. The device can also be used as an integrated test strip container/single strip dispensing means for an automated analyte meter module.

Abstract: The present invention is a pipette tip supplying apparatus which comprises: a storing section configured to store a plurality of pipette tips; a supplying section configured to supply at least one of the plurality of pipette tips stored in the storing section outside the storing section; a detector configured to detect a pipette tip assembly in which one pipette tip and another pipette tip are piled up with a distal end of the one pipette tip inserted into the another pipette tip; and a discharging section configured to discharge the pipette tip assembly from the storing section, when the detector has detected the pipette tip assembly in the storing section.

Abstract: A device and method for separating tickets from a roll of raffle tickets having two or more strands, the individual tickets being transversely joined to twin tickets having corresponding identical identifiers. The strands are separated longitudinally into individual strands and at least one strand, the seller's tickets, is further separated transversely into individual tickets for use in a hopper to draw a winning ticket.

Abstract: A tissue dispensing device for use with a standard tissue carton is formed as a helical coil spring that is highly stretchy and has a top coil that is fastened around a dispenser aperture in a top surface of the tissue carton with the remainder of the helical coil spring inserted into a space between the top surface of the tissue carton and top of the stack of tissues within the carton with a bottom coil thereof resting on top of the stack of tissues. The helical coil spring forms an open circular space within its coils under gravity that provides a vertically-extending support structure for supporting a tissue next to be dispensed from the tissue stack in a vertical standing position with a leading part thereof extending through a membrane opening of the dispenser aperture of the tissue carton to enable a user to grasp the leading part to withdraw the next tissue to be dispensed.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing solid articles includes a manifold assembly. The manifold assembly includes a manifold and a door assembly. The manifold has a plenum and an inlet port in fluid communication with the plenum. The door assembly includes a door panel and a shield. The door panel is selectively moveable between a closed position, wherein the door panel restricts airflow through the inlet port, and an open position, wherein the door panel permits airflow through the inlet port. The shield defines a pocket to receive the door panel in the open position and thereby reduce or restrict flow of air behind the door panel.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for object destruction. An object is detected in a receptacle and identified. Based on the type of object identified, the object may be destroyed in a shredder and a confirmation of the destruction of the object is recorded for reference. The object may also be directed to a secure bin where it will not be destroyed.

Abstract: A hand protection barrier dispenser for dispensing disposable sanitary barriers for temporarily covering the hand and providing complete hand protection is disclosed which dispenses the hand protection barriers in a manner so that they may easily be donned by a user thereof. The hand protection barrier operates to open each of the hand protection barriers into a position to be readily donned and dispensed. The hand protection barrier dispenser dispenses only a single hand protection barrier at a time.

Abstract: A label dispenser assembly for individually dispensing labels from a pad is disclosed. The label dispenser assembly includes rotatably accommodated retention members urged towards a surface of the dispenser for securing a pad of labels in place.

Abstract: A multiple eye paintball loader motor controller having a container and an outfeed tube to direct paintballs to a marker. Ball sensors are in the loader outfeed tube to predict incoming paintballs and the rate of supply. A controller is connected to the ball sensor to sense the incoming balls to control or adapt the operation of the loader in accordance with the supply rate. Secondary sensors may also be utilized to provide additional information. Secondary sensors may be placed in the outfeed tube, placed to provide supplemental side information, or a combination of these placements. Various placements provide feed rate information and may also detect jammed ball positions in the transition area at the end of the outfeed tube.

Abstract: The present invention provides a blister package including a blister tray having a plurality of upwardly opening blister depressions. A plurality of consumable products are provided where each blister depression supports one of the plurality of consumable products. A blister cover overlies and encloses the blister depression. The cover is sealed to the tray at a depression boundary about each depression. Each blister depression includes a tapered wall for urging the consumable product out from the blister depression at a location at the blister boundary upon manual exerted on the depression.

Abstract: An apparatus for writing data to and dispensing one or more of solid-state devices may comprise a write port engageable with a solid-state storage device within the one or more solid-state storage devices to write the data to the solid-state device; a chamber for holding the solid-state storage device as the solid-state storage device engages with the write port; and a transfer assembly for moving the solid-state storage device from the chamber to dispense the solid-state storage device.

Abstract: A media presenter is described that includes a carriage moveable forwards and backwards along a linear presenter track between a first purge position, a stacking position, and a present position. The media presenter includes a sensing system that comprises: an inductive sensor; a resonant target mounted on the moveable carriage for co-operating with the inductive sensor to provide positioning information about the target relative to the inductive sensor; and an optical sensor mounted on the moveable carriage in the vicinity of the presenter track. The sensing system further comprises: a first purge target having a first optical property and mounted on the presenter track in the vicinity of the first purge position; and a present target having a second optical property and mounted on the presenter track in the vicinity of the present position.

Abstract: A vending machine system for stackable goods such as vehicle air fresheners includes a hopper and a reciprocating arm. The hopper is configured to hold a stack of the stackable goods. The hopper has an aperture formed in a base of the hopper for dispensing the stackable goods from the hopper. The reciprocating arm is disposed adjacent the aperture. The reciprocating arm is linearly movable between a retracted position and an extended position. One of the stackable goods is received by the reciprocating arm when the reciprocating arm is in the retracted position, and is pushed from the stack of stackable goods by the reciprocating arm when the reciprocating arm is in the extended position.

Abstract: A product dispensing system including a container that defines an internal volume and an opening into the internal volume, and a dispenser that includes a frame including an upper support deck having a front end and a rear end longitudinally opposed from the front end and a catch element including a base connected proximate the front end and a protrusion extending from the base toward the rear end such that the protrusion engages the opening when the container longitudinally moves along the upper support deck from the rear end toward the front end.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing cutlery may include a housing configured to contain a plurality of utensils for dispensing, a dispensing mechanism comprising at least one pair of indexing members configured to separate a utensil from a stack of utensils, and a receptacle configured to receive the utensil separated from the stack of utensils. A dispensing mechanism may alternatively include a plurality of linked members configured to separate a utensil from a stack of utensils.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing cutlery may include a housing configured to contain a plurality of utensils for dispensing, a dispensing mechanism that includes at least one belt configured to be driven and separate a utensil from a stack of utensils, and at least one drive mechanism configured to drive the at least one belt. The dispenser may further include a receptacle configured to receive the utensil separated from the stack of utensils.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing cutlery may include a housing configured to contain a plurality of utensils for dispensing, a dispensing mechanism that includes at least one threaded separating member configured to be driven and separate a utensil from a stack of utensils, and at least one drive mechanism configured to drive the at least one threaded separating member. The dispenser may further include a receptacle configured to receive the utensil separated from the stack of utensils.

Abstract: A device provides connection elements such as rivets or the like from a storage unit via at least one outlet for at least one connection element application, and a connection element is provided at an inlet by a further device for providing connection elements, to pass through to the outlet.

Abstract: A media cassette comprises: a cassette body defining a picking end and a handle end opposite the picking end, and a removable lid coupled to the cassette body. The handle end includes an engagement portion. The removable lid defines a locking portion complementary to the engagement portion and configured to interlock therewith so that when the removable lid is removed and interlocked with the cassette body, the removable lid is maintained in an upright position and the cassette body is maintained at an angle to facilitate replenishment with media.

Abstract: A media cassette comprises: a base on which a stack of media items may be placed, a pusher plate biased towards the base and a plurality of drive rollers located beneath the profiled surface and partially protruding through apertures defined in the profiled surface. The base includes a profiled surface extending from a central low region disposed along an axis of the base to higher regions on opposing sides of the central low region. The pusher plate is operable to urge a stack of media items onto the profiled surface. The plurality of drive rollers are operable to drive a media item in contact with the profiled surface out of the media cassette.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus may permit the storage of flexible sheet materials in a space-efficient manner and may provide a continuous point-of-use dispensing capability of such sheet materials at such stored location. Serially joined sheet materials may be separated from one another at sheet materials separation zones utilizing interference tabs having yieldable configurations, intra-planar configurations, trans-axial configurations, movement resistive configurations, and projective configurations. Such interference tab configurations may permit the simplified design and construction of a sheet materials dispensation apparatus, and multiple flexible sheet materials may be serially joined for use with such configurations. A substantially rigid enclosure for storing such serially joined sheet materials and incorporating an interference tab having one or more of such configurations may be dimensioned to dispense sheet materials from within an open-ended receptacle, for example a refuse container.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to a dispenser (1) for dispensing tissue and/or nonwoven products (100), preferably wet wipes, the dispenser comprising a containing body (2) defining a volume (200) for receiving the products to be dispensed and a covering body (3), wherein the containing body comprises a main section (20) and a connecting section (22), the connecting section having dimensions to be at least partly received in the covering body, and wherein the containing body and the covering body are connected to one another by the connecting section such that the covering body is movable with respect to the containing body from a closed configuration to a dispensing configuration, wherein a dispensing opening (24) is present in the connecting section for dispensing in the dispensing configuration the products from the volume, wherein covering body covers the dispensing opening in the closed configuration.

Abstract: Provided are a device, system, and method for storing and/or transporting a munition and then efficiently accessing the stored munition, even when under stressful combat conditions.

Abstract: Herein are disclosed methods for liberating one or more packaged devices from a packaging web, and a dispenser for performing such methods. The packaging web is separated into first and second waste webs which are co-wound onto a common collection spool.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods operate to receive a request to access a selected one of a plurality of tangible storage media held in substantially rectangular tangible storage media storage racks. Each rack has first and second opposing sides substantially parallel to a media insertion axis of the rack in a horizontal plane. Operations may include rotating a vertical spindle about its longitudinal axis, the spindle coupled to the plurality of racks with a corresponding plurality of arms having substantially equal length. Rotation provides access to grippers located to extract the selected media along the media insertion axis. A side axis coinciding with the first opposing side of a first one of the racks intersects the second opposing side of a second one of the racks, the first one of the racks being adjacent the second one of the racks. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A product dispensing system including a support structure, a product in rolling engagement with the support structure, the product having a first end and a second end spaced from the first end along a rolling axis, and a catch member positioned to engage the first end of the product and reorient the rolling axis as the product moves along the support structure.

Abstract: A low cost compact kiosk for media disc vending or rental is described. Reduced height and an effective disc drop arrangement allow gravity fed dispensing of media discs simplifying design by eliminating complex robotics requiring trained personnel for maintenance. One such kiosk is approximately 76 cm (30 inches)×58 cm (23 inches)×15 cm (6 inches) and can hold at least 375 standard 1.2 mm thick by 12 cm diameter DVDs.

Abstract: Systems and methods related to dispensing food (e.g., fruit) or other items in a “first-in, first-out” manner are discussed. The system can include a base having one or more cavities therein and a plurality of chutes configured to align within a subset of the cavities. Each of the chutes can include an inlet that can provide access to an open interior for storage of items, and the plurality of chutes can dispense the plurality of items in a “first-in first out” manner. An ice chest capable of cooling the plurality of chutes can be included, as can a drip tray or other mechanism for separating the fruit from its juices to prolong its useful lifespan.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a low stock product display alert system. A system includes a pushing element configured to push one or more products toward a front of a shelf as a unit of the product is removed from the shelf. The system also includes an RFID component, where the RFID component is configured to be in a dormant state when the pushing element is in a first position. The system further includes an activation element configured to activate the RFID component when the pushing element is in a second position, where when activated, the RFID component is configured to emit a signal indicating that the product display is out of product.

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 within a canister, such that screws having channels of various dimensions, corresponding to a particular pill to be dispensed, can be substituted into the canister. Upon rotation of the screw, the articles to be dispensed travel along a sidewall, pass under a singulation ramp, and exit from an aperture on the proximal end of the canister. A rotational driver-coupling is mounted to the proximal end of the screw, allowing for activation of the canister by engaging the screw. The present invention further describes methods of dispensing articles.

Abstract: A storage cartridge for dispensing biosensors used in the determination of an analyte in body fluid comprises a hollow body for housing a stack of biosensors having an open top, a flexible conveying member disposed over the open top of the body, the flexible conveying member having an aperture formed therein for receiving a biosensor from the stack of biosensors, a plate adapted to press the sliding conveying member against the open top to form a substantially moisture-impervious seal around the open top of the body and to permit the conveying member to slide between the plate and the open top, and a biasing mechanism the stack of biosensors towards the open top.

Abstract: The present invention is a pill dispensing method and apparatus wherein a first rotor rotates pills about a rotation axis along a first part of a spiral path at a first rotational speed whereupon the pills move spirally away from the rotation axis. A second rotor receives the pills from the first rotor and rotates the pills about the rotation axis along a second part of the spiral path at a second, greater rotational speed whereupon the pills move spirally away from the rotation axis toward a discharge chute which dispenses the pills into a pill bottle or a storage container.

Abstract: A patient-portable medication event monitor is disclosed which is capable of detecting the dispensing of doses of a particular medication from the monitor, comparing the dispensing detected with information concerning the desired dosing regimen for the certain medication and displaying graphically to the patient at least one feedback indication of the patient's degree of compliance or deviation with the desired regimen.

Abstract: A product dispensing container including a plurality of walls that define an internal volume, at least one of the walls including an access door panel, a priming area and a severance line, and a plurality of products received in the internal volume, wherein the priming area is displaceable relative to the wall to form a free edge, and wherein the access door panel is at least partially defined by the free edge and the severance line when the priming area is displaced relative to the wall.