Abstract: A container-filling machine for placing discrete articles within at least one container. The container filling machine comprises at least one vibration tray comprising a discrete article receiving end, a discrete article drop-off end and a plurality of channels extending from the discrete article receiving end to the discrete article drop-off end. Each channel includes two discrete article receiving paths at the discrete article receiving end. The two discrete article receiving paths combine into a single discrete article-depositing path in proximity to the discrete article drop-off end. The vibration tray is operative for moving discrete articles from the discrete article-receiving end to the discrete article drop-off end along the plurality of channels. The container filling machine further comprises a plurality of sloped paths for receiving the discrete articles from the discrete article drop-off end of the at least one vibration tray.

Abstract: A container adapted for dispensing a product is provided. The container includes an outer casing body for receiving a dispensing tray. The dispensing tray has an internal storage compartment for storage of a plurality of units of a product to be dispensed, and includes a cover portion defining at least one dispensing aperture through which a stored unit of product is accessible when the outer casing body is in a dispensing position. A sealing member is engaged with one of the outer casing body and the dispensing tray, and is configured to interact with the other of the outer casing body and the dispensing tray to form a seal about an outer peripheral portion of the dispensing tray when the outer casing body is in a closed and locked position. The container includes a locking mechanism that releasably locks the outer casing body in the closed and locked position.

Abstract: An automatic dispensing apparatus system and method for dispensing predetermined objects is disclosed. More particularly, the invention is an automatic bottled water dispensing apparatus system and method having a housing which houses various sizes of bottled water and a conveyor system for transporting the bottled water to a dispensing member for a customer. The dispensing apparatus system also includes a return machine for returning empty bottles, a plurality of selection members, a payment member and an inventory monitoring member.

Abstract: A system for storing and dispensing game cartridges and a method for the same. A housing system that requires a user to store a game cartridge in the apparatus before another game cartridge in the apparatus can be dispensed. Thus, insuring that game cartridges will be returned to a storage apparatus before another game cartridge is removed thereby preventing game cartridges from being lost and keeping all game cartridges not being played in one storage container.

Abstract: A carton with an improved dispenser at one of the carton which preserves the integrity of the carton when the carton is opened by permitting a bottom end flap attached to the bottom panel to remain in place and also a portion of each side end flap that is adjacent to the bottom end flap. This dispenser may also provide a safety net for the first container that is automatically dispensed when the carton is opened.

Abstract: A medical glove dispensing device includes a panel having a plurality of differently sized ports, wherein each of the ports is sized to provide indicia about a size of a medical glove adapted to be disposed behind and dispensed through the port. A holder is disposed adjacent the panel and provides a plurality of storage spaces sized and adapted to support a plurality of medical glove containers holding differently sized medical gloves. The plurality of storage spaces are aligned respectively with the plurality of ports, with each of the storage spaces having substantially the same width. A medical glove dispensing assembly, and a method of dispensing medical gloves, are also provided.

Abstract: A method for ejecting a test strip from a test meter includes initiating activation of a test strip ejection mechanism that is in a pre-ejection state. In the method, the test strip ejection mechanism includes a shape memory alloy strip that exhibits a solid state transition temperature and has a programmed configuration and a deformed configuration. In the test strip ejection mechanism pre-ejection state, a test strip has been received within a test strip receiving port of the test meter and the shape memory alloy strip is in the deformed configuration. The method also includes heating, in response to the initiation step, the shape memory alloy strip from below the solid state transition temperature to above the solid state transition temperature. The heating results in the shape memory alloy strip undergoing a transformation from the deformed configuration to the programmed configuration.

Abstract: A pill management apparatus and related methods are disclosed herein. In various aspects, the pill management apparatus may include a housing with a disc rotatably received therein. The disc may be divided into a plurality of compartments, and a compartment of the plurality of compartments may be in communication with the passage. A gate may be slideably disposed about the passage and positionable between a closed position, wherein the gate generally seals the passage, and an open position, wherein the gate unseals the passage sufficiently to dispense a pill from the compartment to the exterior therethrough. The gate cooperates mechanically with the disc such that the disc advances as the gate is positioned from the closed position to the open position, in various aspects.

Abstract: A pill dispensing cap that secures to a conventional pill container. The pill dispensing cap has a lower cap, a pill discharge port, and a spring loaded rotatable and slidable upper cap. Pills are dispensed one at a time, and the remaining pills are isolated from external contamination. A child resistant lock prevents small children and/or mentally handicapped individuals from easily accessing medicine inside the container. The child resistant lock uses a vertically slidable upper cap that is slidably and rotatably attached to the lower cap. A child safety lock uses a key in the upper cap that must be aligned with a slot in the lower cap to allow a pill to be dispensed. When the key and slot are aligned, the upper cap is vertically compressed against the lower cap. As the upper cap moves toward the base cap, a gravity fed pill discharge port is exposed which releases a single pill.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide currency solutions for the visually impaired by, for example, providing automated teller machines (ATMs) or other cash dispensers configured to dispense folded bills to the customer. The bills are folded based on denomination to allow the customer receiving the bills from the cash dispenser to be able to identify the denomination of each bill. In some embodiments, the cash dispenser is configured to automatically identify whether the customer prefers to receive folded bills and, in some embodiments, the cash dispenser is configured to fold and dispense bills according to customer preferences.

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

Abstract: There is provided a medicine dispensing device including: a device body 1; a container 2 containing a plurality of blister packs 4 with medicines packaged individually as arranged one behind another and being attached to the device body 1 such that the blister packs are horizontally arranged one behind another; a dispensing member 3 movably provided in the device body 1 and being moved up to the container 2 to dispense the blister pack 4 contained in the container; a gripping member 35 gripping and carrying the blister pack 4 dispensed by the dispensing member 3; and a cutting member 36 cutting off a fraction from the blister pack 4 gripped and carried by the gripping member 35. Depending upon the opened positions of an opening/closing door 10, one sheet of the blister pack 4 is dispensed as it is or the fraction thereof is dispensed.

Abstract: A dispenser 1 for use with a medicament carrier 2. The medicament carrier 2 contains a at least one medicament product 8 which can be released therefrom. The dispenser 1 comprising a body 12, a collecting conduit 18 and a dispensing aperture 16. The body 12 includes a holding portion 14 for holding a medicament carrier 2. The holding portion 14 includes at least one inlet aperture 32 arranged to receive a medicament 8 released from a medicament carrier 2 held thereon. The collecting conduit 18 connects the at least one inlet aperture 32 and the at least one dispensing aperture 16. The dispenser 1 is configured such that a medicament 8 dispensed from a medicament carrier 2 thereon passes through the inlet aperture 32 and into the collecting conduit 18 from which it can be dispensed through the dispensing aperture 16.

Abstract: In healthcare scenarios, medication may be provided to an individual by a caregiver delivering a prescription to the individual or to a medication source (e.g., a pharmacist), the medication source providing the medication to the individual in a simple container, and the individual self-managing the medication. However, many opportunities for miscommunication, misunderstanding, or simple errors may arise in these human interactions, resulting in noncompliance with the medication regimen. Instead, the caregiver may provide the medication regimen to the medication source, who may (possibly with the assistance of automated processes) insert the medication into a medication reminder device that regulates the administration of medication doses according to the medication regimen, and send the medication reminder device to the individual.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for controlling dispensing of medication are provided. A dispenser device used, for example, in the systems and methods can include a housing for storing units of medication. A dispensing well can reside within the housing with the dispensing well having an opening therein to permit removal of units of medication therefrom. The dispenser device can include a first slide having an opening therein that is configured to funnel a unit of medication toward the opening in the dispensing well. The dispenser device can also include a second slide disposed between the opening in the dispensing well and the first slide. The second slide can have an opening therein that is alignable with the opening in the dispensing well and the opening in the first slide.

Abstract: An improvement to a dispenser of pressure-sensitive notes or marking flags includes the addition of an adhesive layer and a backing layer to protect the adhesive layer. The adhesive layer allows the temporary adhesion of the dispenser to books, desks, folders or other devices in which such notes or flags are applied by the user, resulting in increase convenience.

Abstract: A label for a prescription pharmacy bottle includes a panel, a tab, and a flange. The panel defines a first side edge, a second side edge, and an aperture extending through the panel and positioned adjacent the second side edge. The tab extends from the first side edge away from the panel and rotates about the first side edge to selectively move between a first position, in which the tab substantially covers the panel, and a second position, in which the tab extends away from the panel. The flange is initially formed to extend from the second side edge away from the panel and defines a substantially planar surface coated with an adhesive. The flange is folded about the second side edge to extend behind the panel such that the adhesive on the flange extends across and is exposed through the aperture. Other labels, combinations, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: In a vending machine, in which products are arranged on a tray and are movable along the tray, by a conveyor device, towards an outlet controlled by a release device movable between a closed position and an open position, the conveyor device is reversed, after one product is dispensed and before and during closure of the release device, to detach the remaining products from the release device.

Abstract: An entertainment media rental and return system comprises a rental terminal at which a customer can either rent entertainment media or return entertainment media which has been previously rented from the rental terminal, a return terminal at which a customer can only return entertainment media which has been previously rented from the rental terminal, and a removable storage bin interchangeable between the terminals and arranged to (i) receive entertainment media which has been returned by a customer at the return terminal when the bin is installed in the return terminal, (ii) receive entertainment media which has been returned by a customer at the rental terminal when the bin is installed in the rental terminal, and (iii) provide entertainment media which is available to be rented to a customer at the rental terminal when the bin is installed in the rental terminal.

Abstract: An assembly offering to consumers a choice between two types of closure systems for a wipes flexible container is provided. The assembly comprises at least one flexible container and a reusable closure element.

Abstract: Provided is a medication supporting apparatus, which includes an output unit providing an alarm and a warning according to a medication situation of a user, an input unit receiving a medicine discharge instruction from the user, a medicine storage box cartridge storing a plurality of medicine storage boxes in a stacked fashion, and a discharge module discharging a lowermost one of the medicine storage boxes of the medicine storage box cartridge to an outside according to the medicine discharge instruction. Thus, when the user requests the discharge of medicine, the medicine to be taken at a time according to a corresponding schedule can be discharged without a discharge error.

Abstract: A wipes dispenser includes a container having an interior holding a plurality of wipes. A grip orifice provides communication between the interior and the exterior of the container, and the grip orifice serves to prevent wipes from falling back into the interior. The dispenser also includes a rip fence, and a lead end of a lead wipe of the plurality of wet wipes within the container extends through the grip orifice and then through the rip fence such that pulling on the lead end to pull the lead wipe against the rip fence causes the remainder of the lead wipe to be removed from the container and become disassociated with the remaining wipes of the plurality of wipes. As the lead end is pulled against the rip fence, the following wipe of the plurality of wipes is pulled through the grip orifice to provide its lead end outside of the interior of the container, and the grip orifice prevents this lead end of the following wipe from falling back into the interior of the container.

Abstract: A volatile material dispenser includes a housing, a retention mechanism coupled to the housing, and a compatible volatile material refill that includes a first set of dimensions and a wick extending therefrom. An adapter is removeably attached to a portion of the compatible volatile material refill. The retention mechanism non-removeably retains the adapter to the housing when the compatible volatile material refill and adapter combination are inserted therein. Further, when the compatible volatile material refill is removed from the adapter, the adapter prevents incompatible volatile material refills having a second set of dimensions different from the first set of dimensions from being attached to the housing.

Abstract: A grenade dispensing system having a magazine for retaining and dispensing grenades that is removably coupled to a holder for retaining the magazine in a predetermined location, such as on a combat vest. The magazine includes a spring and an associated follower positioned within the cavity for urging additional grenades toward the opening when a grenade is removed by a user. The magazine includes a pivoting latch for releasably engaging and mating with a receiving slot formed into the holder and the holder includes a clip for attaching to a conventional combat vest systems.

Abstract: A wipe includes a generally flat piece of material (10) made of paper, cloth or the like. The generally flat piece of material (10) is formed into a non-planar form having a three-dimensional shape, for example conical, for storage and dispensing.

Abstract: A device for dispensing pills includes a set of pill canisters, each having a machine-readable canister identifier. The device for dispensing pills further includes a reader adapted to read the machine-readable canister identifier and a selector interfaced to the reader. An active pill canister from the plurality of pill canisters is selected by the selector using data from the reader to determine which of the plurality of pill canisters is at a target location. A control is provided for releasing a desired quantity of pills from the selected pill canister at a target location into a target package.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for dispensing products provided initially in a package. The system includes a frame and an opening tool. The frame has longitudinally opposed front and rear end sections and includes an upper support deck extending at least partially between the front and rear end sections and below which a product display area is provided. The opening tool is associated with the frame and is arranged to open the package when the package is moved longitudinally on the upper support deck and relative to the opening tool thereby allowing the products to be at least partially dispensed from the package into the product display area.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for dosing products, a predefined amount of which is fed to a package. The dosed amount is defined by opening and closing at least one valve (1). A sleeve-type blocking element (4, 5) is arranged in a housing (3) of said valve (1). By placing said at least one blocking element (4, 5) in a manner that can be controlled or regulated, at least one recess (9, 10) located in the zone of lateral surfaces (7, 8) of the blocking element (4, 5) is disposed in such a way as to create an open or closed position and define a cross-section of an outlet 12). Preferably, the blocking elements (4, 5) are coaxially arranged relative to one another.

Abstract: A dispensing device deposits cream onto a strip of gauze by housing a roll of gauze that is unrolled and pulled through a user-fillable reservoir of cream. The amount of cream deposited on the gauze is regulated by applying pressure to various parts of the device. Cream laden gauze is then used in the conventional manner.

Abstract: A memory card includes a non-volatile memory, a connector configured to enable the memory card to be operatively coupled to a host computer, and a housing enclosing the non-volatile memory. The housing has a customized physical contour that is determined according to a user-selected value.

Abstract: A dispensing method and vending machine (1) for products (2), whereby a drawer (7), defining a pickup compartment (8) for a selected product (2) in the vending machine (1), is maintained by a first force (F1) in a stable closed position to receive the selected product (2), and is then moved into an open position, in which the pickup compartment (8) is accessible from outside the vending machine (1), by imparting a work movement to an actuator (24), which simply moves into contact with the drawer (7) to exert on the drawer (7) a second force (F2) in opposition to and greater than the first force (F1).

Abstract: A cabinet for storing and dispensing an inventory of items, the cabinet comprising: at least one drawer having a plurality of criss-crossing row slats and column slats arranged along its bottom and a plurality of corresponding bins. The row slats have a plurality of flexible appendages and the column slats have a plurality of notches corresponding to the appendages. Slat movement actuators axial move the slats. Each bin has a pivotal lid; a lid lock and release element and a lid lock and release element adapted to hold the lid closed until actuated by one of the appendages, whereby bins of various sizes can be arranged abutting each other in the drawer and the bins are openable by actuating the row slat(s) and column slat(s) related to the bins to be accessed.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing apparatus is shaped like the torso of a sports figure with appropriate head gear. The head gear pivots between an open and closed position. Opening the head gear permits access to beverage containers stacked in rows in a dispensing chamber within the apparatus. A mechanical lifting mechanism is coupled to the head gear. The lifting mechanism lifts a new row of beverage containers upward for access as the head gear is pivoted closed.

Abstract: A lid dispenser includes a housing, shaft assemblies and a lid dispensing mechanism. Each shaft assembly includes a shaft that extends from a base of the housing, a lid shelf that supports at least a bottom-most lid in the lid stack area and a drive gear about its shaft so that rotation of the drive gear causes rotation of the associated shaft and lid shelf. A common gear is positioned so as to mesh with each of the drive gears such that rotation of the common gear causes corresponding rotation of each of the drive gears. Manual operation of the lid dispensing mechanism causes the common gear to rotate each of the shafts sufficient to allow the lid shelves to dispense the bottom-most lid. Release of the lid dispensing mechanism rotates the common gear back to a default position, rotating each of the shaft assemblies back to their default position.

Abstract: A compliance packaging system and method for dispensing tablets to the vision impaired is described. The compliance packaging system comprises a dispenser and compliance indicia. The dispenser has a plurality of tablet containers wherein each of the tablet containers contains at least one tablet associated with a dosage regimen. The compliance indicia are associated with the plurality of tablet containers and are configured to allow a visually impaired person to verify that a particular tablet container has exited the dispenser.

Abstract: A card extracting device for use with a plurality of cards may include a card storage, a gate through which the cards pass toward an outside of the card storage, an extracting tab to engage with and extract one of the cards, a tab-moving mechanism to move the extracting tab, an extracting roller outside the card storage to further forward the extracted card, a motor to drive the tab-moving mechanism and the extracting roller, a card-extraction detecting section to detect that card extraction is completed, and a control section to control the motor. An engaging section may be formed in the extracting tab to abut a rear end portion of the card and extract the card. The control section may drive the motor forward to extract the card or drive the motor in reverse based on a detection result from the card extraction detecting section.

Abstract: A paper dispenser includes a casing for housing a roll of paper, the casing having a front face, with a dispensing nozzle through which the paper is dispensed, wherein the front face has a hatch for access to the inside of the casing, through which a free end of the roll can be extracted.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a container for shipping, storing, dispensing, and receiving units for storing, dispensing, and receiving medical sharps, wherein the container includes a plurality of compartments, said compartments each being capable of containing one unit for storing, dispensing, and receiving medical sharps and to a method of using said container to store, dispense, receive, and ship said units.

Abstract: Two robotic arms roam in separate, non-overlapping areas of a test station, avoiding collisions. A traveling buffer moves along x-tracks between a front position and a back position. In the front position, a first robotic arm loads IC chips from an input tray or stacker into buffer cavities in the traveling buffer. The traveling buffer then moves along the x-tracks to the back position, where a second robotic arm moves chips from the traveling buffer to test boards for testing. After testing, the second robotic arm moves chips to a second traveling buffer, which then moves along tracks to a front position for unloading by the first robotic arm. Two traveling buffers may move on the same tracks in a loop. The buffer cavities in the traveling buffer move on internal tracks to expand and contract spacing and pitch between the front and back positions to match test-board pitch.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing solid articles includes a dispensing channel, a housing and an article supply regulation system. The dispensing channel has an inlet and an outlet and defines a dispensing path therebetween. The housing defines a hopper chamber to hold the articles. The hopper chamber is in fluid communication with the inlet of the dispensing channel. The housing includes a floor. The article supply regulation system includes a first divider wall, a second divider wall and a third divider wall configured and positioned in the hopper chamber to define, in combination with the housing: a front region between the inlet and the first divider wall; a first rear region between the first divider wall and the second divider wall; a second rear region between the second divider wall and the third divider wall; and a third rear region on a side of the third divider wall opposite the second rear region.

Abstract: A product discharge and delivery system for a vending machine includes a product delivery cup including a carriage portion and a shroud portion having an open bottom section and a discharge element. After receiving a selected product, the product delivery cup is shifted toward a dispensing chamber causing the discharge element to engage with a discharge member mounted within the vending machine. Engagement of the discharge element and discharge member causes the shroud portion to pivot relative to the carrier portion exposing the open bottom section allowing a selected product to release into a dispensing chamber. A delivery port is mounted in the dispensing chamber that rotated between a product receiving position and a product delivery position.

Abstract: Provided are a medication supporting apparatus and method. In the medication supporting apparatus, a storage section stores a strip of dosage bags that are continuously connected. A carrier section carries the dosage bag strip in the storage section. A sensor section generates a detection signal detecting a position of the dosage bag strip on the carrier section. A circuit section determines the position of the dosage bag strip according to the detection signal of the sensor section, and controls the carrier section. The dosage bag strip packed in continuous dosage bags is recognized in a unit of one dosage bag, is adjusted to a start position thereof, and is dispensed by a size of one dosage bag, so that the dosage bag strip can be accurately dispensed.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for dispensing magnetic stripe cards, smart cards, other cards, and/or other items from kiosks and other structures are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a card dispensing apparatus includes at least a first card hopper and a card transport assembly. The first card hopper is configured to hold a stack of cards that includes at least a first card stacked on a second card. The card transport assembly includes a card carrier configured to lift the first card off the second card and transfer the first card toward a card outlet. Methods are also disclosed for monitoring card stacks in a card dispensing apparatus and for prereading cards prior to sale to expedite dispensing operations. Devices are also disclosed for maintaining the alignment or levelness of top cards in stacks of cards having embossing or other raised features that cause uneven stacking.

Abstract: A simple, inexpensive, reliable and maintenance-free dispenser in which the stored products are offered automatically on the outside of the dispenser where they can be grasped by a hand without further manipulation. The dispenser includes housings in which the products, stacked in a column, are stored and moved by gravity and, at the base of each housing in front of the first product of the column, outlet orifices are closed by a closing membrane with slits. A slope is provided, in the lower rear part of each housing, to automatically advance the first product a predetermined distance through the outlet orifice so that the product partially emerges and can be grasped by hand on the outside of the dispenser. The dispenser can be used to automatically dispense consumable products, such as drinks, without prepayment, and for all types of industrial, commercial, home and other applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides machines, methods and apparatus for automatically vending, damping, delivering and returning large heavy product containers such as 5-gallon water bottles. In some embodiments, damping methods and apparatus are provided to gently transfer large heavy product containers from one level to another inside a vending machine. In some embodiments, methods and apparatus including adjustable support rails are provided for handling different sized large heavy product containers inside a vending machine. In some embodiments, delivery methods and apparatus are provided for use with large heavy product containers. In some embodiments, methods and apparatus for returning large product containers are provided. Some or all of these features may be provided in a single vending machine, or in multiple machines, and multiple features or machines may be controlled by a single computer processor.

Abstract: A disposable cup dispenser designed to be mounted on an existing wall-mounted cup holder. The cup dispenser is comprised of a hollow tube and gasket ring wherein the gasket ring is attached to the bottom of the hollow tube and serves as the means of mounting the dispenser to the cup hole of the wall-mounted cup holder. The hollow tube or the gasket ring contains means for ensuring that only one cup is dispensed at a time. Cups are then dispensed downwardly out of the hollow tube and through the gasket ring and cup holder. The dispenser may also have a hinged or removable top.

Abstract: Fastener delivery apparatus for automatically selecting and delivering fasteners such as rivets to a setting tool. The fasteners are pre-loaded in a package and dispense via at least one fastener delivery tube that interconnects the setting tool to a fastener feeder device. The fastener feeder device releases selected fasteners from the package into the delivery tube. The fasteners are transportable individually or in groups in the tube from the feeder device to the tool.

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.