Rotary Patents (Class 221/265)
  • Publication number: 20130320033
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing sorbent canisters into containers includes a first wheel and a second wheel, disposed to rotate with each other. A first plate is disposed between the first and second wheels and a second plate is disposed on a side of the second wheel opposite the first wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: Multisorb Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Brug, Brian D. Kamas, Jason Kerkeslager
  • Patent number: 8579116
    Abstract: Tamper evident devices and methods including devices that can be used with pill bottles and other packages to provide evidence of tampering by an unauthorized user are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Oneworld Design and Manufacturing Group, Ltd.
    Inventors: Fred Pether, Rich Costa
  • Patent number: 8479476
    Abstract: The unit for supplying and inserting products (2) to and into container elements (3, 3A) advancing along a line of a packing machine (M) comprises a flat element (8) provided with a through-slit (10), and a disc (4) affording through-holes (6). The unit (1) is positionable with respect to the line of the packing machine (M) such that the slit (10) is arranged above the container elements (3, 3a). Products (2) are supplied onto the disc (4) which products (2) are to be inserted in the container elements (3, 3a), each through-hole (6) being of such a size as to be able to receive and house internally thereof a product (2). The disc (4) is mounted above the flat element (8) such that the products (2) housed in the through-holes (6) rest on the flat element (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: IMA SAFE S.r.l.
    Inventor: Ivano Baroncini
  • Patent number: 8469228
    Abstract: A dispenser of containers. A carousel is rotatably mounted to a main frame about a vertical axis of rotation and has a plurality of container compartments arranged around the axis and along the length of the axis. A driver mounted to the main frame rotates the carousel around the axis in a single direction and a lock limits rotation of the carousel in any direction when engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: SLEEGERS Engineered Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph L. Adams
  • Patent number: 8430269
    Abstract: The tablet cassette includes a division block installed to be rotated by a drive motor to discharge tablets introduced from above through transfer passages indented in an outer circumferential surface thereof. Each of the transfer passage includes a separation recess for downward transfer of the tablets, a lower end of which is blocked by a prop, and a supply recess along which the tablets having passed through the separation recess are moved on the outer circumferential surface of the division block to thereby be discharged downward via rotation of the division block. The tablet cassette further includes a bottom ring provided around a lower end of the division block to transfer the tablets located in the separation recess into the supply recess via rotation of the division block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: JVM Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Young Hee Nam
  • Patent number: 8424717
    Abstract: Hand-held placement dispenser element (6) and automated dispenser elements (18) are provided for placement of items such as metal domes or the like onto a placement position (21), such as right-side-up or upside-down, perhaps by allowing only a single item or predetermined number of items to eject from a dispenser element at a time. A dispenser element may include a trigger (7) allowing for non-complication in use. A dispenser element could accept a cartridge (1), such as a slotted cartridge (3). A dispenser element and cartridge may be interchangeable. Once a cartridge is empty, it may be desirable to remove the empty cartridge and replace it with a full one.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Snaptron, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin N. Albertsen, Troy Diaz, Josh Lowery, Earl R. Tatman, Brett A. Tatman
  • Patent number: 8409531
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Cepheid
    Inventors: Ronald Chang, Douglas B. Dority, Steve Montgomery
  • Patent number: 8409530
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Cepheid
    Inventors: Ronald Chang, Douglas B. Dority, Steve Montgomery
  • Patent number: 8397948
    Abstract: A dispensing device may include a main body including a wall having a dispensing mouth defined in the wall; a storage portion, wherein the storage portion is retained by the main body; and a conveyance path providing communication between the storage portion and the dispensing mouth. In addition, the dispensing device may include a conveyor disposed in the conveyance path; a drive motor mechanically coupled to the conveyor; and a sensor, wherein the sensor is directly or indirectly electrically coupled to the drive motor and the sensor is in optical communication with the environment proximate to the dispensing mouth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Brookstone Purchasing, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen B. Mills, Stevenson Tom
  • Patent number: 8186544
    Abstract: A dispensing device may include a main body including a wall having a dispensing mouth defined in the wall; a storage portion, wherein the storage portion is retained by the main body; and a conveyance path providing communication between the storage portion and the dispensing mouth. In addition, the dispensing device may include a conveyor disposed in the conveyance path; a drive motor mechanically coupled to the conveyor; and a sensor, wherein the sensor is directly or indirectly electrically coupled to the drive motor and the sensor is in optical communication with the environment proximate to the dispensing mouth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Brookstone Purchasing, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen B. Mills, Stevenson Tom
  • Patent number: 8141727
    Abstract: A solid dosage preparation is provided with a bottle of water. The solid dosage preparation is housed in a compartment of a closure applied to the bottle of water. The solid dosage preparation is capable of being dispensed in a single-handed manipulation of a roller-like chamber. The roller-like chamber is provided with a means for indicating any tampering of the enclosed solid dosage preparation, which is maintained in a protective environment between the chamber and the compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Inventors: Eric William Gruenwald, Lawrence Lambelet, Patrick James Mulligan
  • Patent number: 8096444
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Crane Merchandising Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Ardern, Dan Bowen, Paul Miller, Charles Wayne Percy, Kevin A. Poyck, Denise Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8061559
    Abstract: A vending machine housing assembly includes a housing body having plural sides assembled one to the next in an end-to-end angular relationship so as to provide the housing body with a polygonal cross-sectional configuration. Each side define a wall portion and a corner portion in a one-piece construction in which the corner portion is rigidly and integrally connected to the wall portion and has an arcuate cross-sectional configuration determining the angular relationship between the sides of the housing body. The housing assembly also has an upper collar and a lower base respectively disposed above and below the housing body and having polygonal cross-sectional configurations like that of the housing body, and elements interconnecting and fixedly clamping the housing body between the upper collar and lower base to provide the housing assembly as a rigid construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Inventor: Kil Jae Chang
  • Patent number: 7988400
    Abstract: A vial conveyance device which includes, in order to hold and release a vial, at least two arms that can be opened and closed, an urging member that urges the arms in an opening direction, a frame body for opening and closing the arms, and a frame body stopper that stops the frame body in a state in which the arms are closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Yuyama Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shoji Yuyama
  • Patent number: 7980419
    Abstract: A device for singulating open-ended caps includes: a housing configured to retain a plurality of open-ended caps, the housing having an open lower end; an outer ring positioned below the housing; a drum fixed to and positioned within the outer ring to form a drum assembly, the drum including a hub having a substantially circular wall and a platform that extends radially outwardly from the wall to contact the outer ring, the hub and outer ring forming a circular gap therebetween, the platform being positioned below much of the gap and including a discontinuity; a mounting structure with an exit aperture fixed relative to the housing; and a rotary drive unit mounted to the drum that rotates the drum assembly about an axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Parata Systems, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Demetris P. Young, George Raymond Abrams, Jr., Joseph C. Moran, Jr., Jeffrey P. Williams
  • Patent number: 7975877
    Abstract: A bead feeder for serially delivering beads to a downstream location comprises a bead supply wheel which rotates about a vertical axis. The bead supply wheel includes a bead supply bowl and a plurality of radially arranged channels below the bowl connected to rotate with the bowl. Discharge openings in the bowl are in alignment with the radially arranged channels to delivery beads to those channels, and a bead receiving pocket is positioned at the outer end of each channel. A transfer wheel picks up beads from the bead receiving pockets and transfers those beads to a delivery wheel by vacuum transfer and release. The delivery wheel serially delivers the beads to the downstream location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Martin T. Garthaffner, Travis M. Garthaffner, George R. Scott, Jeremy J. Straight, James D. Evans, David Goldstein, Martin Heidorn
  • Patent number: 7896195
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment dispenser for dispensing product tablets includes a first disk member, a second disk member, and a third disk member. The first disk member is rotatable and includes a first aperture extending longitudinally through the first disk member. The second disk member is stationary and includes a second aperture extending longitudinally through the second disk member. The third disk member is rotatable and includes a third aperture extending longitudinally through the third disk member. The second aperture is intermittently aligned with the first aperture and the third aperture, the first aperture and the third aperture being positioned at different locations with respect to the second aperture thereby aligning with the second aperture at separate times resulting in an interrupted flow path for the product tablets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Scott R. Limback, Louis M. Holzman
  • Patent number: 7861492
    Abstract: Provided is a tablet filling device capable of continuing an operation without stopping the supply of the tablet container, filling with tablets, etc. even when the prescribed operations cannot be performed at the operating positions. The tablet filling device includes: a tablet supply unit (3) that fills a tablet container (12) with tablets; a carrying member (41) which carries the tablet cassette (12) from the tablet supply unit (3) to a standby position; a container holding member (65) provided at a delivery position and having a plurality of holding parts (67, 68) capable of holding the tablet container (12) according to a difference in outer diameter dimension; and another carrying member (52) which carries the tablet container (12) held by a container holding member (65) to an operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Yuyama Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Yuyama, Hirokazu Chihara
  • Patent number: 7810672
    Abstract: A display device includes a chute supporting products in a stacked arrangement and a cartridge assembly for dispensing a lowermost product. The cartridge assembly includes a movable pocket biased in a closed position. A lever switch has a portion disposed within the pocket. An escapement member has an escapement arm and an escapement shelf disposed over the pocket. A cam body coupled to the lever switch has a cam surface. A timer device is disposed between the pocket and escapement member. As a product is removed from the pocket, the lever switch is raised. As the pocket is closed, the cam surface engages the escapement member, moving the escapement member into a retracted position, and allowing a product to drop from the chute into the pocket. This depresses the lever switch, moving the cam body and returning the escapement member to its forward position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: New Dimensions Research Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy L. Mason, Jeffrey Sherretts, Chet Finkbeiner, Harry R. Burger
  • Patent number: 7810673
    Abstract: One end of the device is connected to a container in which the loose objects are stored, and optionally the other end connected to a cap for receiving the dispensed objects. The inventive device comprises a female and a male parts arranged coaxially. The female part is fixed and is used to collect, organize, and move the objects, and to store the same in a waiting line in one or more chute, while the male part is rotatable and is used to effect a single-unit removal of the objects to be dispensed by means of rotation in one direction of the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Airsec
    Inventors: Didier Lancesseur, Bruno Herrbach, Sebastien Brogly
  • Patent number: 7789213
    Abstract: The invention relates to an article-dispensing machine. The inventive machine comprises: a structure (1), a removable container (2) for articles, and a dispensing mechanism on the base of the container (2), which is actuated by an actuation shaft that is coupled to the shaft of a coin or token selector (6) which is mounted in the structure (1) in order to dispense one or more articles from the container (2) through a delivery outlet (7) following the introduction of one or more coins or tokens. According to the invention, when the door (15) is in the closed position, a single closure device (55), which is associated with said door (15), can be used to lock the container (2), the coin selector (6) and a coin or token collection box (52) in the respective operating positions thereof. When the aforementioned door (15) is open, the container (2) can be refilled or removed, the coin selector (6) can be removed and the collection box (52) can be accessed without the use of tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Discapa, S.L.
    Inventors: Joan Carles Jimenez, Miguel Delgado, Antoni Vilagines, Xavier Clua, Carles Marti
  • Patent number: 7757835
    Abstract: A bead feeder for serially delivering beads to a downstream location comprises a bead supply wheel connected to rotate about a substantially vertical axis. The bead supply wheel includes a bead supply bowl and a plurality of radially and outwardly extending bead passageways connected to rotate with the bowl and dimensioned to receive a single line of beads from the bowl. A plurality of discharge openings in the bead supply bowl is spaced around a lower portion thereof with the openings in alignment with the radially and outwardly extending passageways, and each of the passageways has an outer exit end. A stationary blocking ring is directly below the outer exit ends of the passageways for receiving the lowermost bead from the single line of beads in each passageway. A drop-off on the blocking ring allows the lowermost beads to drop away in a downward direction while a stationary bead retainer above the drop-off of the blocking ring retained the bead adjacent the outermost bead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Philip Moris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Travis M. Garthaffner, Martin T. Garthaffner
  • Patent number: 7735684
    Abstract: A pill bottle that includes a first annular wall disposed within an interior portion of the bottle has an outer surface with a plurality of circumferentially spaced, vertically oriented ribs that project outwardly from that surface. A second annular wall is disposed within the interior portion of the bottle in enclosing relation to the first annular wall. The outer and inner surface of the second annular wall undulate so as to define series of troughs and ridges. An adjacent pair of the ribs is located in spaced confronting relation to each of the troughs so as to define a plurality of pill wells. Each pill is arranged and oriented so as to be “on-end” within the bottle. A method is provided for dispensing pills from a bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: One World Designed & Manufacturing Group
    Inventors: Matthew Coe, Richard Costa, Hung Mach
  • Patent number: 7669733
    Abstract: A cassette device for an automatic medicine packaging apparatus includes a cassette main body that contains medicine, a dispensing block that aligns medicine for dispensing according to a prescription and a partitioning member that blocks medicine from discharging from the cassette main body and allows medicine to be discharged only when the partitioning member is controlled to discharge medicine according to the prescription. The partitioning member includes a non-deforming portion and a deforming portion that is connected to the non-deforming portion. The non-deforming portion contacts medicine aligned in the dispensing block. The deforming portion deforms when as external force is applied whereby the non-deforming portion can be displaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Inventor: Jun Ho Kim
  • Publication number: 20090308884
    Abstract: A dispensing device that can store a plurality of treats and sequentially release a singe treat is provided. The dispensing device includes a housing and a reservoir in the housing for holding treats to be dispensed. A dispenser is moveable from a first position to a second position to sequentially release treats from the reservoir. An actuating mechanism is provided for actuating the dispenser. The dispensing device also includes a receptacle that is accessible from the exterior of the housing. A passageway is provided for treats to travel from the reservoir to the receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventors: Daniel P. Coughlin, Mary C. Coughlin
  • Patent number: 7575721
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Cepheid
    Inventors: Ronald Chang, Douglas B. Dority, Steven Michael Montgomery
  • Patent number: 7562791
    Abstract: To automatically eliminate clogging of tablets, a tablet filling device provides a cassette body including a tablet cassette, having tablets, a rotor having a groove for holding a tablet, and a discharge port for discharging the tablet held by the groove. The cassette body includes a worm gear in mesh with a gear fixed to a shaft of the rotor. A carrying member is adapted to approach the tablet cassette while holding a tablet container. The tablet filling device is equipped with a drive shaft engaged with the worm gear to rotate the rotor via the gear. The tablet container is carried to the tablet cassette by the carrying member and, when a rotation of the rotor stops halfway through dispensing of tablets, the worm gear is moved in the axial direction of the drive shaft of the carrying member to cause the rotor to make a reverse rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Yuyama Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shoji Yuyama, Naoki Koike, Tasuku Minami
  • Patent number: 7556176
    Abstract: A vending machine with adjustable merchandise receiving hole comprises a body; a tank and a rotary disk; a stop plate being installed between the tank and the rotary disk; the stop plate having a notch corresponding to and above the output hole of the tank; a lifting unit being formed by a base and a lifting seat; the base being locked to a bottom of the tank; the base being installed with a buckle; a spring being installed between the buckle and the base; the lifting seat having at least one supporting rod; the supporting rod being formed with a recess for buckling with the buckle; an upper end of the supporting rod extending into the tank to be pivoted to a bottom of the stop plate; at least one reduced hole seat capable of being installed upon the receiving hole of the rotary disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Inventor: Shen-Hao Yao
  • Patent number: 7556177
    Abstract: A slide ejector mechanism for automatically removing a slide from a slide stack is set forth. The slide ejector mechanism comprises an ejector blade adapted to engage a longitudinal edge of the slide and an ejector drive. The ejector drive is connected to rotate the ejector blade through a curved ejection path. During this rotation, the ejector blade engages the longitudinal edge of the slide to remove the slide from the slide stack and place the slide at an output position for subsequent manipulation. In accordance with a further enhancement, the slide ejector mechanism may include structures that render the apparatus self-cleaning of broken slides. Such structures may include a platen having an opening therethrough along at least a portion of the ejection path. The opening has a width that is slightly less than a length of the slide so that the slide spans the opening and is supported at its edges by the platen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas E. Domack
  • Patent number: 7513391
    Abstract: Article retrieval equipment (1) having a portion used by customers arranged at the front of a device body and a portion used by sales persons arranged at the rear of the device body and particularly suitable for use while the sales persons and customers are positioned face-to-face with each other, comprising an article storage chamber (3) for storing articles (A) and a control room (5) for storing a power transmission means (95) and a coin selector (100), wherein a rotary disk (36) for feeding the articles (A) to an article outlet (72) is fitted to the bottom wall (6) of the article storage chamber (3), the article outlet (72), an operation part (81) for rotating the rotary disk (36), and a coin inlet (102) are formed at the front of an equipment body (2), a controlling opening (60) for controlling the power transmission means (95) and allowing a coin storage case (115) to be withdrawn and an access opening (16) for accessing the articles (A) in the article storage chamber (3) are formed at the rear of the eq
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Bandai Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasuyuki Nakanishi
  • Patent number: 7510099
    Abstract: A cassette for dispensing pills whereby the cassette is coupled to a drive motor that operates in continuous revolution and the internal gears of the cassette translate the continuous motion into a stepping motion, whereby at each step, a system of turning members permit one pill to drop from the cassette into a target container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: QEM, Inc.
    Inventors: Norman D. Knoth, Jeffrey A. Johnsey
  • Patent number: 7506780
    Abstract: A medication storing and dispensing cassette is comprised of a housing defining at least a portion of a bulk storage chamber for storing a medication, defining at least a portion of a pick-up area, and defining at least a portion of a discharge chute sized to temporarily store a quantity of the medication. A divider wall is positioned between the bulk storage chamber and the pick-up area. A gate is positioned to control an exit end of the discharge chute. A rotatable conveying wheel having openings proximate to the periphery thereof is positioned such that a portion of the wheel is in communication with the pick-up area while another portion of the wheel is adjacent to an entrance end of the discharge chute. A calibration arm is positioned adjacent the openings of the rotatable wheel. A baffle is positioned to block those openings in that portion of the rotatable wheel adjacent to the discharge chute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: McKesson Automation Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Hutchinson, Anthony Self, Joseph Inabnet, Monroe Milton, Mike Bergeron
  • Publication number: 20080251531
    Abstract: A pill bottle that includes a first annular wall disposed within an interior portion of the bottle has an outer surface with a plurality of circumferentially spaced, vertically oriented ribs that project outwardly from that surface. A second annular wall is disposed within the interior portion of the bottle in enclosing relation to the first annular wall. The outer and inner surface of the second annular wall undulate so as to define series of troughs and ridges. An adjacent pair of the ribs is located in spaced confronting relation to each of the troughs so as to define a plurality of pill wells. Each pill is arranged and oriented so as to be “on-end” within the bottle. A method is provided for dispensing pills from a bottle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: ONE WORLD DESIGN & MANUFACTURING GROUP
    Inventors: Matthew Coe, Richard Costa, Hung Mach
  • Publication number: 20080223872
    Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing small items such as pieces of candy is disclosed herein. The dispenser includes an outer housing and an inner housing slidably coupled to the outer housing, the outer housing and the inner housing defining a main cavity thereinbetween. The dispenser includes a pocket within the inner housing that can be separated from the main cavity by slidable movement of the inner housing with respect to the outer housing. The outer housing includes a divider for at least substantially blocking off the pocket from the main cavity when the inner housing moves from a closed position to an open position such that small items cannot enter the pocket. When the inner housing is in the closed position, a small item can enter the pocket but cannot be accessed from outside the small item dispenser, and, when the inner housing is in the open position, the pocket can be accessed from outside the small item dispenser without small items being able to enter the pocket from the main cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas E. Kramer, Matthew H. Rust, Alan Webb
  • Patent number: 7404500
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Owen Mumford Limited
    Inventors: Dennis Marteau, Steven Mark Rolfe
  • Publication number: 20080173666
    Abstract: A pill bottle that includes a first annular wall disposed within an interior portion of the bottle has an outer surface with a plurality of circumferentially spaced, vertically oriented ribs that project outwardly from that surface. A second annular wall is disposed within the interior portion of the bottle in enclosing relation to the first annular wall. The outer and inner surface of the second annular wall undulate so as to define series of troughs and ridges. An adjacent pair of the ribs is located in spaced confronting relation to each of the troughs so as to define a plurality of pill wells. Each pill is arranged and oriented so as to be “on-end” within the bottle. A method is provided for dispensing pills from a bottle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: One World Design & Manufacturing Group
    Inventors: Matthew Coe, Richard Costa, Hung Mach
  • Patent number: 7395946
    Abstract: A tablet cassette in which a tablet is not discharged during a mounting or dismounting operation of the tablet cassette. The tablet cassette (1) incorporates a rotor (6) having pocket portions (7) for holding tablets (T). When the tablet cassette 1 is mounted on a mount base (2), rotation of the rotor (6) causes the tablets (T) held in the pocket portions (7) to be discharged though a discharge port (8). The tablet cassette (1) includes a press member (16) which is pressed when the tablet cassette (1) is mounted on the mount base (2) and a rotor reversing member (19) for reversing the rotor (6) by a predetermined quantity in conjunction with pressing of the press member (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Yuyama Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shoji Yuyama, Shuichi Inoue, Masaru Kinoshita
  • Patent number: 7392640
    Abstract: In a counting machine, a feeding tray contains articles in bulk to supply the articles to a rotating disc-shaped support with a plurality of through holes. A check station has a transparent plate operating to keep the articles in the holes and cooperating with vision devices provided for checking integrity and presence of articles in the through holes A rejection station has plurality of wings to keep/release articles into/from respective through holes according to signals coming from the vision devices. Also a discharge station has a plurality of wings to release/keep articles from/into respective through holes, according to signals coming from the vision devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Tonazzi Vasquali S.r.l.
    Inventor: Fabio Vasquali
  • Patent number: 7392111
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for efficient dispensing of desiccant canisters into containers is disclosed. The apparatus includes a microprocessor that monitors a plurality of sensors, and applies control signals to a servomotor that controls a rotary disc that transports desiccant canisters from a drop chute to containers. The containers pass through the apparatus via a conveyor system. Control signals determine the position and presence of desiccant canisters and containers to ensure proper operation. Error detection and recovery features are provided to handle the case of a missing desiccant canister, and halt the apparatus upon detection of an unrecoverable error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Omega Design Corporation
    Inventor: Devendra Win Shendege
  • Publication number: 20080116219
    Abstract: An earplug dispenser (10) includes a container (12), a cover (14), and a rotatable member (16). The container (12) is adapted to hold a quantity of earplugs (18) to be dispensed, and has a downwardly opening mouth (20). The cover (14) is attached to the container (12) to close the downwardly opening mouth (20). The rotatable member (16) is carried in the cover (14) for rotation about a vertical axis (22). The cover (14) has a base (24), a dispensing port (26) extending through the base (24), and a facing cylindrical surface (28A) extending up from the base (24) and centered on the vertical axis (22). The rotatable member (16) has a plurality of conduits (29) extending vertically through the rotatable member (16), with each conduit (29) adapted to receive an earplug (18) from the container (12) and align one at a time with the dispensing port (26) to allow an earplug (18) carried in the conduit (29) to be dispensed downwardly through the dispensing port (26).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventor: Michael Paul Lawrence
  • Patent number: 7364051
    Abstract: An electrical motor rotatably drives a motor shaft, and a helical rib radially extends from the shaft. The helical rib supports a number of balls, and forms a channel to accommodate the balls. The balls are dropped from the helical rib when the balls reach the bottom of the helical rib. Several targets are affixed to the shaft. A sensor is located adjacent to and apart from the shaft, and is positioned in close proximity to the targets. The sensor senses each target as each target rotates past the sensor. The number of targets sensed per revolution of the shaft is equal to the number of balls dropped from the helical rib per revolution of the helical rib. A counter in data communication with the sensor displays the number of targets sensed, and thus displays the number or balls dropped from the helical rib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: S.P.M. Flow Control, Inc.
    Inventors: Juan M. Diaz, F. Rand Underwood
  • Patent number: 7360668
    Abstract: A tablet packing apparatus having a tablet feeding section and storage shelves for storing tablet vessels in which tablets fed from the tablet feeding section are packed. The storage shelves include a plurality of container chambers in which the tablet vessels which the tablet fed from the tablet feeding section are inserted; and a vessel holder for hanging and holding the tablet vessel. The vessel holder is provided at an upper portion inside each of the plurality of container chambers. The vessel holder includes a pair of holding members that are opposed to each other in a horizontal direction; and holding lugs formed at the lower ends of the holding members. The holding lugs extend in a direction in which the holding plates are opposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Yuyama Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shoji Yuyama, Hiroyuki Yuyama, Tsuyoshi Kodama, Hidenori Murakami
  • Patent number: 7359765
    Abstract: An electronic pill dispenser includes a container and a cap removably attached to the container. Components of the pill dispenser include a power source, pill dispenser circuitry, a real time clock, a counter, a display, a dispensing mechanism, a sensor, a visual indicator, an audible indicator, an input/output interface, an input output port, and a communication bus electrically interconnecting the components. The pill dispenser may also include a physical indicator, a locking mechanism, a transceiver, an antenna, and a modem. The pill dispenser enhances patient compliance for following through a particular drug regimen by offsetting negative effects of memory loss and other cognitive dysfunctions, attenuation of special senses, poor eyesight, lack of patient education, etc. The pill dispenser also helps the mentally unstable. The pill dispenser reminds users and dispenses pills to authorized individuals at appropriate times, and is economical and convenient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Inventors: Nicholas M. Varvarelis, Joshua Samuelson
  • Publication number: 20080041875
    Abstract: One end of the device is connected to a container in which the loose objects are stored, and optionally the other end connected to a cap for receiving the dispensed objects. The inventive device comprises a female and a male parts arranged coaxially. The female part is fixed and is used to collect, organize, and move the objects, and to store the same in a waiting line in one or more chute, while the male part is rotatable and is used to effect a single-unit removal of the objects to be dispensed by means of rotation in one direction of the other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Inventors: Didier Lancesseur, Bruno Herrbach, Sebastien Brogly
  • Patent number: 7325700
    Abstract: An apparatus for the sanitary dispensing of small stirring straws comprising a dispensing apparatus for dispensing rod-shaped objects comprising a hopper assembly comprised of a hopper bin, and a cylindrical cavity formed beneath said hopper bin; disposed within said cylindrical cavity of said hopper assembly, a conveyor drum for acquiring and indexing at least one rod shaped object; a wheel for accepting and discharging an indexed rod shaped object; and a linkage for triggering said dispensing apparatus to effect the discharge of a rod shaped object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Inventors: R. Michael Masten, William Grant Masten
  • Patent number: 7258248
    Abstract: A tablet cassette for a medicine packing machine is disclosed. The tablet cassette for a medicine packing machine includes a cassette for accommodating tablets and having a passage formed at one side of a lower end thereof, a cassette support with which the cassette is detachably coupled on the upper surface of the cassette support and which has an inclined passage communicated with the passage in one side thereof, and a discharge driver provided in the cassette and the cassette support. The discharge driver includes a conic rotating body provided in the cassette and having divisional protrusions on the outer circumference thereof, and a driving motor provided in the cassette support to rotate the rotating body in a forward direction and to rotate the rotating body in a reverse direction when tablets are lodged such that an overload is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: JVM Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jun-ho Kim
  • Patent number: 7243817
    Abstract: A tablet dispenser for dispensing individual solid objects comprising a lower housing, an upper housing with an elastomeric cover that covers at least a portion of a trigger mechanism, a elastomeric cover of at least a portion of the lower housing and a dispenser mechanism that is dimensioned to fit within the housings, the dispenser mechanism has a container region and a dispenser zone, the dispenser mechanism has a spring element and a lever mechanism pivotally mounted in the dispensing zone, an interior of the lower housing is provided with a pusher bar which extends from a fore wall of the lower housing back towards an upward extending leg of the lever mechanism, the pusher bar, upward extending leg and a hook element are configured so that the pusher bar is not in contact with the upward extending leg and the extending leg is set back from an opening situated on a fore wall of the lower housing and a hook element of the lever mechanism extends into the dispenser zone blocking tablets from being dispensed
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: CSP Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Giraud
  • Patent number: 7175046
    Abstract: A merchandise output device of a vending machine comprises a machine body; a groove body in the machine body; a rotary disk and a rotary disk and a guide plate installed above the rotary disk and being an approximate right-angled triangular plate. The guide plate is obliquely installed above the rotary disk corresponding to the upper side of the outlet at the bottom of the groove body. A first right angle side of the guide plate is obliquely installed to a first wall of the groove body. A first apex between the first right angle side and the hypotenuse is placed near an upper side of the rotary disk. The second right angle side is horizontally installed to a second wall of the groove body adjacent to the first wall. A second apex between the second right angle side and the hypotenuse is placed higher than the first apex.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: Shen-Hao Yao
  • Patent number: 7104035
    Abstract: A blister packaging machine comprises a forming station in which a plurality of cup-shaped depressions can be formed into a bottom sheet, a filing station, in which a product can be filled into the cup-shaped depressions, and a downstream sealing station, in which a cover sheet can be sealed onto the bottom sheet. The filling station comprises a brush box disposed above the bottom sheet, in which several rotatably driven roller brushes are disposed parallel to each other. The roller brushes are connected to a rotary drive which is received in a drive gearbox disposed next to the brush box. A magnetic coupling is thereby provided for transmitting a drive motion of the rotary drive to the roller brushes through a wall of the drive gearbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: IWK Verpackungstechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Bernd Hähnel
  • Patent number: 7100797
    Abstract: A device for dispensing pills one at a time or one dose at a time includes a unit chamber fittable within/integral with the rim of a bottle. The unit chamber includes a plurality of radial projections which project inwardly to define discrete pill holding areas. The distance between adjacent radial projections is slightly larger than the width of the pill sought to be contained and dispensed by the container. As the bottle is inverted, pills will fall into the pill holding areas, one pill or dosage amount per area. A dispensing cap is rotatable relative to the unit chamber. A single pill-width window in the cap is positionable opposite the pill holding areas of the unit chamber. When a pill is meant to be dispensed, the bottle is inverted or angled downward, and a single pill in the pill holding area opposite the window falls out of the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Talisman Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Shaan Kahn, Matthew Curtin, John Cogger, Charles R. Kalina, Jr.