Cover Controlled Ejector Patents (Class 221/229)
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Patent number: 11391721Abstract: The cartridge comprises a housing, a plurality of test sensors, a mechanical mechanism, and a pusher assembly. The housing forms at least one opening therethrough. The plurality of test sensors is stacked in the housing. The plurality of test sensors is adapted to assist in testing at least one analyte. The mechanical mechanism is adapted to urge the plurality of test sensors in a first direction. One of the plurality of test sensors is positioned for extraction from the cartridge. The pusher assembly is adapted to push one of the plurality of test sensors from the cartridge. The pusher assembly includes a ferromagnetic material or a magnet.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2020Date of Patent: July 19, 2022Assignee: Ascensia Diabetes Care Holdings AGInventors: Jeffery S. Reynolds, John P. Creaven
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Patent number: 10730686Abstract: A confectionary item dispenser include a dispenser housing having a dispenser housing opening, a reservoir within the dispenser housing having a reservoir chute aligned with the dispenser housing opening, and a dispenser shield disposed within the dispenser housing and movable so that a dispenser shield opening can align with the dispenser housing opening and the reservoir chute at a dispensing position to dispense a confectionary item. An indeterminate outcome actuation mechanism with an actuation mechanism input device causes the dispenser shield to move between the dispensing position and a non-dispensing position when the actuation mechanism input device is displaced such that the dispenser shield may be disposed in one of the dispensing position and the non-dispensing position when the actuation mechanism input device is displaced so that a confectionary item may or may not be dispensed each time.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2019Date of Patent: August 4, 2020Assignee: My Favorite Company, Inc.Inventors: Neil Wright, Mark Eisenberg
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Patent number: 10648753Abstract: A firearm magazine assists loading of a housing with ammunition. The ammunition inserts into an opening in the top of the housing against a follower. The follower creates tension on the ammunition to direct the ammunition towards the opening. An adjustable plate contacts the spring to load the spring against the follower. The adjustable plate adjusts between a use position and a load position. The use position provides appropriate force to load the ammunition into the chamber. The plate adjusts away from the follower to decrease the tension of the spring and the follower to load the magazine.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2018Date of Patent: May 12, 2020Inventor: Hugh Mills Jarratt
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Patent number: 10407235Abstract: A candy dispenser include a dispenser housing having a dispenser housing opening, a candy reservoir within the dispenser housing having a candy reservoir chute aligned with the dispenser housing opening, and a dispenser shield disposed within the dispenser housing and movable so that a dispenser shield opening can align with the dispenser housing opening and the candy reservoir chute at a dispensing position to dispense a candy piece. An indeterminate outcome actuation mechanism with an actuation mechanism input device causes the dispenser shield to move between the dispensing position and at least one non-dispensing position when the actuation mechanism input device is displaced such that the dispenser shield may be disposed in any one of the dispensing position and the non-dispensing positions when the actuation mechanism input device is displaced so that a candy piece may or may not be dispensed each time.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2017Date of Patent: September 10, 2019Assignee: My Favorite Company, Inc.Inventors: Neil Wright, Mark Eisenberg
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Patent number: 10113820Abstract: A firearm magazine assists loading of a housing with ammunition. The ammunition inserts into an opening in the top of the housing against a follower. The follower creates tension on the ammunition to direct the ammunition towards the opening. An adjustable plate contacts the spring to load the spring against the follower. The adjustable plate adjusts between a use position and a load position. The use position provides appropriate force to load the ammunition into the chamber. The plate adjusts away from the follower to decrease the tension of the spring and the follower to load the magazine.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2017Date of Patent: October 30, 2018Inventor: Hugh Mills Jarratt
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Patent number: 10052750Abstract: A T-bar type hand tool includes a first part, a second part, a rotary member, a cap and a bearing. The second part is movably extending through a through hole of the first part. The rotary member is connected to the first part. The bearing is mounted to the rotary member and the cap. When rotating the rotary member, the first part is rotated quickly.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2016Date of Patent: August 21, 2018Inventor: Chang-Sheng Huang
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Patent number: 9932166Abstract: A portable tablet dispensing device is provided for dispensing tablets to an athlete. The dispensing device includes: an elongate magazine body, a tablet follower positioned within the magazine body, the tablet follower being slidable along a vertical length of the magazine body and a spring positioned between the tablet follower and lower end of the magazine body, the spring configured to urge the tablet follower towards the upper end of the magazine body; a dispensing head slidably mounted to the top elongate body and having a tablet pickup shaped to contact a tablet within the cavity of the dispensing head and urge the tablet towards a front of the tablet dispensing device when the tablet pickup moves from the first position to the second extended position.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2016Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Inventor: Michael Marqua
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Patent number: 9815584Abstract: A package has a tray slidably mounted in a carton. The carton has a front access port and at least one catch. The tray has a pair of stops positioned to successively engage at least one catch in order to restrict outward movement of the tray. The tray can be positioned with the pair of stops located inwardly of, and locked in place by, at least one catch. The catch on the carton can be manipulated to clear one of the pair of stops and allow it to move outwardly past the catch.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2017Date of Patent: November 14, 2017Inventor: Charles Schwester
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Patent number: 9314600Abstract: A delivery system for delivering an implant to a first space within a body of a patient including an elongate delivery member having a proximal portion, a distal portion, a lumen and a receiving area, the receiving area dimensioned for receipt of the implant. A deforming member is movable with respect to the delivery member from a first position to a second position to apply a force to the implant to deform the implant positioned in the receiving area of the delivery member.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2013Date of Patent: April 19, 2016Assignee: Bioconnect Systems, Inc.Inventors: Michael Paris, Adam Dakin, Jr., Todd Polk, Mahesh Krishnamoorthy, Stephen Paris
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Patent number: 8747782Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an efficient and effective technique for storing and dispensing reagent beads. In one embodiment, 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: March 25, 2013Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: CepheidInventors: Ronald Chang, Douglas B. Dority, Steven Montgomery
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Patent number: 8657155Abstract: A cap for a container configured for dispensing single items, such as pills, held in said container. The cap channel extends from an upper surface to a lower end providing a passageway through the cap to allow for a predetermined quantity of items to be transferred through a port in an upper portion of the cap. The cap has a lid moveable from a closed position to an open position. In its closed position dispensing of items is prevented; in its open position at least one item is dispensed through the port. A gate is operable, in a first orientation to partially block the passageway and, in a second orientation, to unblock the passageway to allow a preset number of items, to pass through. Alternatively, a diverter is incorporated to control flow of the contents.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2011Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Inventors: Joshua Dwork, Hubert Yeung, Paul Dwork
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Patent number: 8567640Abstract: A portable carousel assembly for storing and facilitating access to medicine containers, such as plastic bottles commonly used for prescription or over-the-counter medications. Each medicine bottle is housed in a station that includes an aperture formed in a top plate of a rotatable receptacle. The rotatable receptacle is coupled to a stationary base. An ejection mechanism, such as a lever, cam track or ramp is operable to partially eject a selected medicine bottle from the receptacle so that it can be viewed or removed from the receptacle. The medicine bottle is maintained in the partially ejected condition by grasping means, such as flaps, gaskets, or webbing, or by operation of the cam track or ramp, so that the user need only use one hand to operate the carousel assembly and remove the medicine bottle.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2010Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: LJC Therapy Services. Inc.Inventor: Connie Johnson-Lofton
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Patent number: 8523011Abstract: The present invention relates to a dispenser, particularly a refillable single-hand dispenser, having a sleeve (13) comprising an opening (23) at the top thereof, and a base part (27) opposite the top. A receptacle (15) for receiving tablets (22), lozenges, or the like is accommodated in the sleeve (3) such that it can be displace in the longitudinal direction. The receptacle (15) can be pulled out of the sleeve (15), the base being biased in the direction of the receptacle top by a zigzag spring (19). The zigzag spring (19) passes through the receptacle (15) through an opening in the base and is supported at the base (27) of the sleeve (13). A tablet package (20) comprising a tubular packaging (65) is disposed in the receptacle (15). The package wall (65) encloses the tablets (22). The sliding base (21) has exterior dimensions that correspond at most to the interior dimensions of the tubular packaging (65).Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2007Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Inventors: Eduard Haas, Otto Ziegler
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Patent number: 8485391Abstract: Systems for deterring theft of retail products. Systems of this invention provide theft deterrent dispensing modules for dispensing products and may incorporate theft deterrent measures including mechanical deterrents, time delays and sound. The dispensing modules may include one or more pusher assemblies for dispensing product. Certain systems of this invention may also include a lockout feature, so that only one pusher assembly may be activated to dispense a product at one time.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2009Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: Rock-Tenn Shared Services, LLCInventors: Kirk A. Vlastakis, Roger K. Miller, Thomas A. Lockwood
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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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Patent number: 8409530Abstract: 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: 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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Patent number: 8215520Abstract: Systems for deterring theft of retail products. Systems of this invention provide theft deterrent dispensing modules for dispensing products and may incorporate theft deterrent measures including mechanical deterrents, time delays and sound. The dispensing modules may include one or more pusher assemblies for dispensing product. Certain systems of this invention may also include a lockout feature, so that one only pusher assembly may be activated to dispense a product at one time. In some embodiments, a door assembly may be provided as an additional theft deterrent mechanism so that access to additional product not yet dispensed by the pusher assembly is restricted.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2008Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Rock-Tenn Shared Services, LLCInventors: Roger K. Miller, Paul Dowd, Patrick Davey Shealey
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Patent number: 8066957Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a test strip container which provides easy access to test strips. The test strip container includes a lower housing, an upper housing, and a retaining member configured to releasably retain the test strips in a nested configuration. The nested configuration of the test strip container provides easy access to test strips by arranging the test strips so that they extend radially outward from the retaining member. The radial arrangement of the test strips operates to separate the test strips so that test strip users may easily select a single test strip from a plurality of test strips. Alternatively, the test strip container includes a lower housing, an upper housing, and a retaining member configured to releasably retain the test strips in a longitudinal configuration.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2009Date of Patent: November 29, 2011Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.Inventors: Frank A. Chan, Chris Wiegel
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Patent number: 7823731Abstract: A cigarette package, in some embodiments, can comprise a tray, a cover coupled to the tray, and a cigarette holder secured to the tray and adapted to move between a first position substantially inside the tray and a second position substantially outside the tray. In some embodiments, a cigarette package can comprise a tray, a cover adapted to slide on the tray between a closed position and an open position, and a cigarette holder coupled to a first wall of the tray and adapted to move between a first position and a second position as the cover slides on the tray. In some embodiments, a consumer can operate a cigarette package of the present application with one hand to dispense at least one cigarette.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2005Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: R. J. Reynolds Tobacco CompanyInventor: Xuan Fei Wu
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Patent number: 7721914Abstract: The invention relates to a medicaments dispensing container (e.g., a cassette or tray), which hold one or more types of medicaments, and configured for secure and intelligent dispensing of the medicaments. In one embodiment, a container for dispensing medicaments includes: a housing for storing an aggregate of medicament units stored loosely with respect to one another; an outlet defined in the housing to dispense the medicament units; and a compressible medium located within the housing and configured to expand so as to move the medicament units toward the outlet for dispensing.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2006Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Inventors: Michael Handfield, Helene Laliberte
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Patent number: 7641072Abstract: Systems for deterring theft of retail products. Systems of this invention provide theft deterrent cabinets for dispensing products and may incorporate theft deterrent measures including mechanical deterrents, time delays and sound.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2006Date of Patent: January 5, 2010Assignee: Rock-Tenn Shared Services, LLCInventors: Kirk Vlastakis, Roger K. Miller, Thomas A. Lockwood
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Patent number: 7575721Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an efficient and effective technique for storing and dispensing reagent beads. In one embodiment, 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: June 6, 2005Date of Patent: August 18, 2009Assignee: CepheidInventors: Ronald Chang, Douglas B. Dority, Steven Michael Montgomery
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Publication number: 20080217354Abstract: In one aspect, a method of dispensing a test strip is provided in which the dispensed test strip remains stationary while the inner housing moves within an outer housing. In another embodiment, a test strip dispenser is provided that dispenses one test strip at a time. The test strip dispenser includes a movable inner housing nested inside an outer housing. A test strip dispensing system is also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2007Publication date: September 11, 2008Inventors: Michael John Newman, Edwin Paul Earnshaw, Yannick Pierre Hourmand, Andrew Macleod, Benjamin Erland Impey, Barry Weber
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Patent number: 7404500Abstract: A pill dispensing cap for a bottle has an inner sleeve with a divider panel and a first base panel rotatable within an outer sleeve having a second base panel. First and second window openings are defined in the first and second base panels. A plate moveable across and within the two sleeves defines a third window opening and a fourth window opening is defined in the divider panel. The plate can be held in an initial position wherein the first and second windows are aligned, whilst the third and fourth windows are not aligned. The outer sleeve is rotatable to a condition wherein the first and second windows are not aligned and the plate can then be slid across to a condition wherein the third and fourth windows are aligned to allow pills in a bottle to enter the inner sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2004Date of Patent: July 29, 2008Assignee: Owen Mumford LimitedInventors: Dennis Marteau, Steven Mark Rolfe
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Patent number: 7246720Abstract: A condom dispensing device (10) including an outer hollow sleeve member (20) that slidably receives a feed unit (12) that includes a three sided feeder body member (30) having a spring biased elevator element (34) supporting a stack of condoms that are delivered to a dispensing unit (13) including a cap member (43) provided with a rack gear (44) that is pivotally connected to the feeder body member (30) and engageable with a pusher plate member (40) that delivers condoms through a feeder aperture (35) wherein, the cap member (43) and the outer hollow sleeve member (20) have a complementary appearance that disguises the purpose and the function of the condom dispensing device (10).Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2005Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Inventor: Gregory F. Montoya, Jr.
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Patent number: 7204391Abstract: A one-at-a-time pill container and dispenser having a mechanism that allows for dispensing pills. Said pills are stored safely inside the device until dispensed preferably by actuating a plunger mechanism that operates by engagement to a helical cut or thread in a tube, and is maintained in place by a longitudinal cut or groove in a concentric tube. The pill is dispensed via an orifice fitted with an element-resistant septum that protects said tube contents pre-, intra-, and post-delivery. The plunger mechanism is actuated via rotation of the inner tube using a control switch. The dispenser is primarily intended for administering ergogenic substances to athletes.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2006Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Inventor: Jonathan David Toker
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Patent number: 7074390Abstract: A single use capsule containing dentifrice is disclosed. It includes toothpaste or other dentifrice enclosed in a shell or coating. The dentifrice may include miswak fibers, which acts as a natural brush, therefore obviating the need for a traditional brush. The coating may include choline and albumin. In use, a capsule is placed in the mouth, burst with the teeth, and then distributed throughout the mouth with the tongue. The teeth can then be brushed with a traditional brush, or the tongue can rub the miswak fibers over the teeth in lieu of using a brush.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2003Date of Patent: July 11, 2006Inventor: Carol L. MacKinnon
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Patent number: 6923365Abstract: A carton and blank for forming a carton for accommodating one or more articles which carton is provided with an access structure for the removal of articles from within the carton. The access structure comprises a closure panel hinged to a carton wall for forward and backward pivotal movement and a movable platform hinged to the closure panel for moving the contents of the carton forward for their removal in response to the forward pivotal movement of the closure panel.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2003Date of Patent: August 2, 2005Assignee: MeadWestvaco Packaging Systems, LLCInventors: Jean-Michel Auclair, Alain Saulas
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Patent number: 6564967Abstract: A child resistant tablet dispenser is disclosed wherein the dispenser is comprised of a body portion and a release mechanism. The body portion may be hollow and cylindrical and contain therein a plurality of tablets in a tablet magazine. The tablets may be individually dispensed through the release mechanism which has a child resistant dispenser requiring multiple actions before an individual tablet may be dispensed. The multiple actions required on the release mechanism may be in two different planes thereby requiring movement in a horizontal plane and movement in a vertical plane in order to release a slide actuator and then depress a release button for opening of the release mechanism lid. Upon opening of the lid, an individual tablet is forced outward from the cylinder of the body portion and dispensed.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2001Date of Patent: May 20, 2003Assignee: Brown & Williamson Tobacco CorporationInventors: Don Stringfield, John F. Salazar
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Patent number: 6543639Abstract: An animated candy dispenser for tablet candy pieces including a magazine for storing the candy in a columnar manner, a finger actuated button mechanically linked to a dispensing assembly that includes a movable character with candy gripping extensions to grab and retain a piece of candy and withdraw it from the dispenser.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2000Date of Patent: April 8, 2003Assignee: A & A Global Industries, Inc.Inventor: Brian Kovens
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Patent number: 6311867Abstract: Equipment is provided for issuing IC cards packed in transparent films, etc. without damaging the card or the packaging. The equipment includes a dispenser which can be loaded with s large number of cards in simple and at short time. An elevator for the card bodies is provided with a flexible rack a driving mechanism for moving the rack in up and down directions, a movable base which arranged at the bottom end, for carrying card bodies. The dispenser includes the elevator with the movable base as well as a fan for taking up the top most card body on the movable base and a tire or wheel for sending out the card body which is taken up at the fan.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 1999Date of Patent: November 6, 2001Assignee: Asahi Seiko Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takahito Yamamiya
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Patent number: 5960989Abstract: The lid dispenser of the present invention has four rods which extend from the front to the rear and which support and guide the lids. The rods are connected at the front to individual lid dispensing pagers, and are supported at the rear in arcuate tracks in an adjustment ring. The front pagers are also mounted in an adjustment ring with arcuate tracks. Both adjustment rings have serrated or ridged cylindrical edges, which allow the click-positioning of the rings at a desired position to force the rods and pagers into an evenly spaced radial position. Three plastic claws are flexibly supported on a support member which is mounted for front-to-back movement on cover guide rods. Each claw member is connected by flexible bands to positionable fasteners which are fixed in radial slots in the support member which allow some radial movement of the claws as they engage a cover. By use of such a dispenser in convenience stores and the like contact by customers with lids other than those dispensed is avoided.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 1997Date of Patent: October 5, 1999Assignee: Acry Fab, Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey E. Gunderson
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Patent number: 5735433Abstract: A bread dispensing apparatus has a rigid hollow body (10) in which bread slices can be placed, an upper inlet (11), a lower outlet (14) which is associated with a pull down dispenser. When the dispenser is pulled down, bread can be removed from the body. Hold back blades are provided to allow only the desired number of pieces of bread to be dispensed, the hold back blades being connected to the dispenser such that pulling down of the dispenser operates the hold back blades.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 1996Date of Patent: April 7, 1998Inventor: Andrew Harold Power
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Patent number: 5613346Abstract: A packing material removal apparatus for removing a packing material from a package including combined articles herein and supplying the combined articles to a next process by a supplying unit, comprises a cutting unit having a suction opening for sucking the packing material to form a slack section, and a cutter for cutting the slack section, a removal unit having a pair of removal rollers which rotate in opposite directions to each other and on which the package cut by the cutting unit is put, and a drop unit having a transferring board, a shutter board for preventing the combined articles from being transferred to the supplying unit and permitting the combined articles to be sent to the supplying unit, an operation device for moving the shutter board upwardly and downwardly with respect to the transferring board, and side boards for supporting both ends of the combined articles on the transferring board.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 1996Date of Patent: March 25, 1997Assignee: Kirin Beer Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takahiro Yamamichi, Hiroshi Shibata
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Patent number: 5566857Abstract: A dispenser including a container having an open end a mechanism for urging items contained within the container proximate the open end; and a cover including a slot in communication with the open end of the container and also a slidable top portion having a pusher member for dispensing the uppermost item within the container through the slot when the slidable top portion of the cover is extended.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 1994Date of Patent: October 22, 1996Inventor: Michael Rothman
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Patent number: 5531355Abstract: A machine for vending stacked articles, such as newspapers, one at a time. The machine includes a paper feed mechanism, operated through the opening of the door, which disengages when the door is about halfway open. The device also includes a mechanism which automatically adjusts to the thickness of the paper to be vended, which includes an elevated shelf, spring loaded to bring a paper to a position adjacent a slot through which the paper feed mechanism urges the paper. The slot is covered by a one-way flap, allowing the paper to issue outward but prevents a dishonest customer from reaching through the slot to take additional papers.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1994Date of Patent: July 2, 1996Inventors: Ralph J. Ullmann, Harvey G. Kresta
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Patent number: 5366112Abstract: A tablet dispenser comprises a tubular protective housing that has a guide shaft provided with longitudinal tracks for tablets that can be inserted in the form of a columnlike stack. A pressure-loaded ram for one end of the stack of tablets, feeds the tablets along the longitudinal tracks to an ejector that engages the stack adjacent to its other end, by which the tablets, which are guided between lateral guides adjacent to the ejector, can individually be displaced transversely to the longitudinal direction of the stack. In order to simplify the assembling and to increase the reliability in function and/or operation, the spring biasing the ram is accomodated in a spring shaft that is disposed beside the shaft for guiding and accomodating the tablets. The spring biases a guiding member that is guided in the spring shaft and carries the ram on an arm that extends out through a longitudinal slot through which the two shafts communicate with each other.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 1992Date of Patent: November 22, 1994Assignee: Patrafico AGInventor: Ignaz Hinterreiter
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Patent number: 5337897Abstract: A cartridge containing a stack of samplers, dispensed one by one through an end slot in the cartridge and a display case to contain a plurality of such cartridges together with identifying indicia and actual product and a unitized structure constituting a display case formed with a plurality of integral chambers each structured to function in the manner of said cartridge.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 1993Date of Patent: August 16, 1994Inventor: Gerald Yablans
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Patent number: 5314661Abstract: A kit of slide-like articles that includes a stack of slide test elements and a separate stack of containers bearing a sealed liquid, the containers and test elements having substantially the same outside dimensions so that the containers are processable just like a slide test element. The seal of the container is penetratable by a pipette tip.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 1992Date of Patent: May 24, 1994Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventor: Paul J. Mulqueen
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Patent number: 5178298Abstract: The disclosed invention is a candy tablet dispenser shaped to simulate a beverage can, or the like. What would normally be the pop-top region of the can slides laterally outwardly and, at the same time, ejects a tablet from the top of a stack of tablets that is stored internally. The ejector portion is finger-driven back and forth.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 1992Date of Patent: January 12, 1993Inventor: Curtis J. Allina
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Patent number: 5115941Abstract: A newspaper vending machine has a newspaper holder with a dispensing housing that holds the newspaper in the holder. When the door of the vending machine is opened, the dispensing housing is mechanically moved from its closed position to an open position which allows a single newspaper to be dispensed down a delivery chute to a location adjacent the door for access by the customer. The dispensing housing is designed to inhibit more than one newspaper at a time from sliding down the chute. The closure of the door mechanically returns the dispensing housing to its closed position and allows another newspaper to load into the dispensing housing for delivery to the next customer.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1990Date of Patent: May 26, 1992Inventor: Ricardo Gueretta
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Patent number: 5080258Abstract: A tablet dispenser comprises a tubular housing for a drawer, which has a side wall opening through which a stack of tablets can be inserted into the drawer. A pusher is guided in the drawer and has at least one stop, which cooperates with a counterstop of the housing. A compression spring is supported on the bottom of the drawer and on the pusher and by means of the pusher pushes the tablets to the top end of the drawer. An ejector for individually ejecting the tablets is provided adjacent to said top end. Besides, the spring pushes the drawer to its retracted position in the housing. The stop or stops of the pusher is or are adapted to be forced into the housing through the open top end thereof with an elastic deformation of said stop or stops or of the pusher so that the stop or stops will be able to resiliently snap into grooves which are formed in the housing and closed near its open top end.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 1990Date of Patent: January 14, 1992Inventor: Ignaz Hinterreiter
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Patent number: 5071033Abstract: A dispenser for edible tablets having a cylindrical case and a spring biased plunger therein for urging a stack of tablets within the case upwardly. Detents formed around the open end of the case hold the tablets in the spring biased arrangement. A closure cap is pivotally mounted on the case and includes a lifting arm that extends into the case to fit underneath the top tablet in the stack to pivot it upwardly and outwardly while preventing movement of the next tablet out of the case until the cap is reclosed and the lifting arm repositioned relative to the next tablet.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 1990Date of Patent: December 10, 1991Assignees: Practical Products, Co., Market, U.S.A.Inventor: Thomas J. Siwek
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Patent number: 5048720Abstract: A hand-held tablet dispenser provides a housing having first and second vertically oriented chambers defined by bottom and side walls and a panel separating the chambers. Each of the chambers has an opening at the top. The first chamber includes a magazine that is open at the top and removably mounted for holding a stack of tablets. The tablets are yieldably urged upward to the top of the magazine. Adjacent to the top of the magazine is a discharge opening for allowing the tablets to be dispelled from the magazine as well as a hold down bar at the top of the magazine for preventing the tablets from being forced out the top. A cover is pivotally mounted on the magazine for opening and closing the top of the housing and discharge opening. This cover carries a pusher which forces the topmost tablet in the stack out of the discharge opening when the cover is pivoted to open the discharge opening. A slide is mounted in the second chamber and moves upwardly and downwardly.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 1990Date of Patent: September 17, 1991Assignee: TCA Group, Inc.Inventor: Thomas C. Hoke
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Patent number: 4986442Abstract: The tablet dispenser comprises a drawer, which is adapted to be extracted into engagement with a stop from one end of a tubular protective housing and in its extracted position is adapted to be supplied with a columnlike stack of tablets. The tablets can be advanced as far as to an ejector, which is mounted on that portion of the drawer which protrudes from the protective housing. The ejector is operable to eject each tablet transversely to the longitudinal direction of the stack while the tablet is guided between spaced apart side guides. The side guides consist of clamping holders, which protrude beyond the end of the tubular protective housing and which receive one tablet at a time. Each tablet can be pushed between the clamping holders in that the drawer is raised. The drawer is provided near its bottom end with a foot for supporting the tablet stack. A tilting of the tablets in the housing is prevented by longitidinal guides.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 1989Date of Patent: January 22, 1991Inventor: Ignaz Hinterreiter
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Patent number: 4966305Abstract: A tablet dispenser has a sleeve and a magazine for holding the tablet stack. The magazine is guided in the sleeve and has an essentially U-shaped cross-section and a base connecting the limbs. For filling purposes, the magazine can be pushed partially out of the sleeve against the force of a spring arranged between the base of the magazine and a cup-like slide that is displaceable in the magazine and in the sleeve and acts as a plate spring. The slide is guided in the magazine to prevent complete tilting in the magazine and is provided with lateral projections, one of which passes through a slot arranged in the web of the magazine and engages a groove running in the longitudinal direction of the sleeve and the other of which engages a further longitudinal groove of the sleeve, which longitudinal grooves are at least partially closed at the push-out end of the sleeve and form stops for the projections of the slide.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 1988Date of Patent: October 30, 1990Assignee: Centromint Company EstablishmentInventor: Ignaz Hinterreiter
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Patent number: 4875598Abstract: A novel vending machine for sequentially and selectively dispensing and vending in a merchandise dispensing region each one of a plurality of substantially silimarly-shaped flat merchandise objects (usually each of substantially parallelopiped shape, such as that of a newspaper, magazine, or the like, although not specifically so limited) in an object-size-adjustable manner making it possible to quickly and easily initially adjust the apparatus to correspond to a particular thickness of depth-direction dimension of each of the merchandise objects which are to be dispensed so the dispensing apparatus is set exactly for that particular thickness of each of the similar merchandise objects; and conversely, being just as easily differently adjusted for the appropriate sequential dispensing of each one of a plurality of different merchandise objects having completely different thicknesses in each case than in the first-mentioned case; and capable of easy adjustment into any intermediate adjusted relationship suitabType: GrantFiled: July 5, 1988Date of Patent: October 24, 1989Inventor: Frank L. Dahl
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Patent number: 4804107Abstract: A device in a vending machine in which articles are fed stepwise to a position of delivery opposite a delivery opening in the machine to be dispensed therefrom one by one, has a cover which is pivotal between a closed position in which it covers the delivery opening, and an open position in which it exposes the delivery opening to permit dispensing an article fed to the position of delivery. The device has lock in the form of an electromagnet which is adapted to lock the cover in the closed position, and a pusher in the form of an arm which is fixed to the cover and adpated, when the cover is swung from the closed position to the open position, to push the article fed to the position of delivery, at least a certain distance out of the delivery opening. A releaser is adapted to suspend the locking action of the lock when an article has been fed to the position of delivery.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 1988Date of Patent: February 14, 1989Inventor: Henry Bergstedth
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Patent number: 4763815Abstract: A dispenser is provided for dispensing unit doses of a substance, such as tablets, pastes and the like having a tubular casing with a discharge opening at one end and a pressure bottom at the other end for the displacement of the discharge substance in the direction of the discharge opening, the pressure bottom being moved step by step in the direction of the discharge opening by the action of an operating handle positioned near the discharge opening and of at least one transport rack, the pressure bottom being blocked against backwards movement by at least one support rack located at the inner wall of the tubular casing, the transport rack and the support rack being mounted on an insert piece of the tube casing.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 1987Date of Patent: August 16, 1988Assignee: Bramlage Gesellschaft mit beschrankter HaftungInventors: Alfred Von Schuckmann, Herbert Mettenbrink