Abstract: This invention provides a holder for a sandwich that covers and protects the sandwich, and that allows an end of the sandwich to be exposed to the user while gripping the shell/housing. The holder includes an advancing mechanism that allows the sandwich end to be variably directed through an open end of the holder's shell/housing so that a portion to be eaten is exposed exclusively, while the remainder of the sandwich remains covered and isolated from the user's hands. In an illustrative embodiment, the holder and advancing mechanism is particularly suited to a small child's hands and associated motor skills. A flexible strip can extend from an actuation mechanism, such as a roller spool with an external knob assembly, around a plurality of guides to form a sling around a sandwich-holding base. Rotating the knob in an advance direction cause the strip to be drawn in, thereby raising the base.

Abstract: A dispensing device includes a rigid coil, a mounting member, and a motor. The rigid coil includes a helical portion, a proximal end, and a connecting portion connecting the proximal end to the helical portion. The helical portion includes a plurality of resilient spiral coils. Each adjacent two of the plurality of resilient spiral coils configured for clamping a product. The mounting member defines a latching slot and an inserting slot along an axial direction, and further defines a securing slot along a redial direction. The motor includes a rotating shaft. The proximal end is engaged in the latching slot. The connecting portion is engaged in the securing slot. The rotating shaft is inserted in the inserting slot. The rotating shaft is rotatable along the axial direction to rotate the rigid coil through the mounting member. The helical portion is rotatable to push the product out of a product channel.

Abstract: Among other things, we describe an apparatus that includes a tubular body elongated along a longitudinal axis and having an interior cavity and a first open end, the interior cavity extending along the longitudinal axis and sized to receive multiple pharmaceutical pills, the interior cavity having a largest cross-sectional dimension perpendicular to the longitudinal axis that is sized to fit a single pharmaceutical pill within the cavity, the first open end sized to admit a pharmaceutical pill into the interior cavity, and a device to selectively allow insertion and removal of pills from the interior cavity.

Abstract: A tray for the display and dispensing of products in blister packages. Side guide elements, of wire or sheet material, are provided in forward portions thereof with retaining elements formed integrally and in one piece therewith. The retaining elements engage side margins of a forwardmost package well below the tops of the packages and preferably below the tops of the blisters thereof. A forwardmost package is gripped by its exposed and unobstructed upper portions and pulled forwardly to remove a package. Integral, one-piece construction of the side guide elements and the retaining elements provides for economical manufacture with superior performance. Optionally, space may be provided in front of the retaining portions to accommodate return of packages by a customer who has changed his or her mind. In one embodiment, a wire retaining portion of inverted U-shaped configuration is positioned with wire ends concealed and protected by the tray side.

Abstract: Containers for contents in a liquid bath, which are resealable and have an elevating lift therein. The lift is preferably operated by an operator that fits within the container. The lift engages both a feature on the operator and a feature on the container. A slope differential exists between the operator feature and the container feature. Rotation of the operator relative to the container results in longitudinal movement of the lift within the container. The lift can be moved toward an upper position to raise at least a portion of the contents out of the liquid bath to facilitate dispensing of the contents.

Abstract: The multiple magazine self dispensing container is designed to dispense a plurality of partially ejected firearm magazines to the operator in proper orientation to facilitate rapid reloading of a firearm. The container is designed to replace a traditional magazine carrying system or supplement one with extra magazine capacity. A constant force member forces the magazines to come into contact with an incline plane opposite a magazine ejection port. The magazine then partially ejects out the port where it can be removed by the operator.

Abstract: A security dispenser for the display and dispensing of merchandise items, having an elongate housing for storing a row of merchandise items, a rear end, a front delivery end, and a lid. An incremental feed device is disposed in the security dispenser, comprising a pusher assembly for advancing merchandise items to the front delivery end, and a stop mechanism allowing the pusher assembly to achieve its travel in a plurality of predetermined increments. When the pusher assembly is engaged with the stop mechanism, an actuator operably connected to the stop mechanism and having an engagable component, must be actuated by a user wishing to dispense a merchandise item, causing the pusher assembly to temporarily disengage the stop mechanism, thereby allowing the pusher assembly to travel in one of the predetermined increments.

Abstract: A package for product pieces includes a housing having a plurality of walls forming an interior adapter to hold a plurality of product pieces. The housing has a dispensing opening in communication with the interior. A resilient member is disposed in the housing interior and is adapted to urge the product pieces toward the dispensing opening. The housing has an aperture formed in one of the plurality of walls disposed adjacent the dispensing opening to permit the product piece to be engaged and moved out of the interior through the dispensing opening.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing incontinence products includes a base defining a base axis and having an internal chamber, and a support disposed within the internal chamber of the base. The support is arranged to support at least two incontinence products in superposed relation. The support is dimensioned and adapted to translate within the internal chamber along the base axis to direct the incontinence products toward an access opening associated with the base to permit individual and/or sequential removal of the incontinence products through the access opening by the user.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing pet training pads includes a base defining a base axis and having an internal chamber, and a support disposed within the internal chamber of the base. The support is arranged to support at least two pet training pads in superposed relation. The support is dimensioned and adapted to translate within the internal chamber along the base axis to direct the pet training pads toward an access opening associated with the base to permit individual and/or sequential removal of the training pads through the access opening by the user.

Abstract: A machine particularly adapted for dispensing light items (19) packaged in symmetrical, frustum-shaped containers. The items are propelled through a tubular cartridge (3) by compressed air, and in the absence of any solid pushing, pulling or carrying device, then individually dispensed. A flow of compressed air generated by a blower (28) is s fed to the back of the cartridge. The items are dispensed under control of a toggling dual-gate mechanism (26, 27) at the front end of the cartridge. The dual-gate mechanism of a removable magazine (2) grouping a number of cartridges can be selectively addressed and activated by means of a solenoid-driven cross-bar assembly (38).

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of a probe cover dispenser includes a storage member for accommodating stacked probe covers and a retaining unit with a pair of supporting arms for holding or releasing one of the stacked probe covers. A slide connects the retaining unit. A linking rod with a protrusion portion and a recess portion connects the slidable access member. The linking rod is moved upwardly or downwardly and the protrusion portion or the recess portion is moved to a position corresponding to the slide such that a force is applied to push or pull the supporting arms to release or hold the one of the stacked probe covers in the storage member, while the slidable access member is moved upwardly or downwardly.

Abstract: A dispenser for packets comprises a plurality of horizontal rows comprising a plurality of side by said dispenser compartments. Each compartment defines a channel for receiving a horizontal stack of packets and comprises a front edge. A movement imparting assembly is mounted within each compartment and comprises a pusher member for engaging the horizontal stack of packets. The movement imparting assembly provides for the pusher member to selectively push forward the horizontal stack of packets so as to push at least one of the packets in the compartment off the edge thereof for retrieval. Sensor are mounted to the dispenser so as to detect dispensing of packets and to communicate this information to a controller.

Abstract: A device for storing and dispensing tobacco products includes a housing configured to store tobacco product packages, a tracking system, and an electronic system. The housing may contain a plurality of chambers, each configured to store a different brand of tobacco product packages. The tracking system is configured to track the number of tobacco product packages in each chamber as tobacco product packages are dispensed from the chambers and to include one or more light emitting elements and one or more light detection elements. The electronic system is configured to enable dispensing of the tobacco product packages from the chambers and to store information related to the dispensing of the packages from the chambers.

Abstract: A cutlery dispenser comprising a front cover, a housing, and a pushing assembly. The front cover further includes an opening and at least stop. The at least one stop is configured to cause a utensil, such as a knife, fork, spork, or spoon, to fan through the opening for retrieval by a user. The pushing assembly urges the utensils forward in the dispenser toward the stop and toward the opening.

Abstract: A spring alignment mechanism utilizes a guide inserted into the rear of a retail-ready display carton. The guide is inserted below merchandise items, so that a spring-driven rear pull member engages the rear-most merchandise item. The pull member travels on the guide so that as items are removed from the carton, remaining items are pulled forward in the display carton. This system facilitates the use of retail-ready packaging, so that cartons of merchandise items may be placed on a shelf without removing the individual items.

Abstract: A media presenter is described. The media presenter comprises: a chassis including a central track; a nose coupled to the chassis at a nose end of the chassis; and a carriage. The nose includes a presenting end distal from the chassis, and a nose track arranged to couple to the central track to provide a presenting track extending from the chassis to the presenting end. The carriage is mounted on the presenting track for movement therealong, and comprises a carriage body and a carriage plate movable between an open position at which media items can be placed on the carriage plate, and a closed position for clamping media items between the carriage plate and the carriage body.

Abstract: A media cassette is described. The media cassette comprising: a media removal window at one end of the media cassette; a handle end at an opposite end of the cassette to the media removal window; and a pusher plate assembly. The pusher plate assembly includes: (i) a finger recess component, (ii) a pawl biased downwards to a low position, and (iii) an actuator coupled to both the pawl and the finger recess component and including a pivot. The actuator is moveable on insertion of a finger into the finger recess component to raise the pawl from the low position to a high position.

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

Abstract: A system for controlled advancement of product. Systems of this invention includes a pushing system having a track, a pusher, and an optional resistance mechanism. The resistance mechanism couples to the track and the pusher, controlling forward movement of the pusher along the track and thereby controlling the speed at which product is advanced for access by the consumer. Certain embodiments of the invention include additional mechanisms to further limit the forward progression of the pusher along the track, such as a stop mechanism or an indexing mechanism.

Abstract: A dispensing container is provided. The dispensing container includes an actuation cover; a dispensing cartridge and an outer shell. The dispensing cartridge includes a storage hopper. The storage hopper includes a first outlet. The storage hopper is configured for gravity feeding product adjacent the first outlet. The outer shell includes a central cavity and a second outlet. The dispensing cartridge is positioned within the central cavity. The dispensing cartridge is transitionable between an open orientation in which the first and second outlets are aligned providing a pathway through both the first and second outlets and a closed orientation wherein the first and second outlets are offset decreasing the size of the pathway.

Abstract: A stacker, dispenser, and carrier for pizza boxes has a rectangular parallelepiped formed with a front opening for withdrawing boxes and a rear opening for temporarily sliding the lowermost box off stops on which the stack is mounted. The lowermost box can be pushed rearward through the opening, have its front lowered, and than be withdrawn through the frontal opening of the box. A resilient band across the rear opening allows passage of the lowermost box therethrough only in response to pressure exerted during removal of the lowermost box from the stack.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dispenser for controlling access to product, such as but not limited to bottles, housed within the dispenser. In some embodiments, the dispenser includes an opening having a contour that generally mirrors the shape and/or dimensions of the product stored within the dispenser plus a relatively small amount of clearance and also includes a tunnel within the interior of the device. The configuration of the opening and/or the tunnel feature prevents a user from accessing product stored behind the opening within the dispenser. In some embodiments, the dispenser includes a pusher system that provides a time delay between the dispensing of products into a receiving area.

Abstract: In a dispensing device for extruding cartridges, with a piston rod and a preferably manually-driven feed mechanism, whereby the feed mechanism has an operating lever, that is moved against a holding lever for squeezing in an extrusion direction (A), and a retaining mechanism that engages with the piston rod to prevent movement of the piston rod against the feed direction (R), it is envisaged that an unlocking mechanism is provided that engages with the retaining mechanism and releases this, whereby the unlocking mechanism may be so selectively coupled with the operating lever that a movement of the operating lever in the extrusion direction (A) releases the retaining mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for picking up, holding and dispensing objects is disclosed. The apparatus has a storing device, a holding device, a retaining device, and an ejection device that enables pick up, holding and dispensing of a plurality of objects. The apparatus provides an improved method of picking up, holding and storing objects that heretofore required extreme dexterity and substantial periods of time. The apparatus can be used to pick up, hold and dispense a variety of objects including, but not limited to, crystals, nuts, confectionary pieces, pills, jewelry, and electronic components. The apparatus may be sold as a kit or as replacement parts.

Abstract: A tray for the display and dispensing of products in blister packages. Side guide elements, of wire or sheet material, are provided in forward portions thereof with retaining elements formed integrally and in one piece therewith. The retaining elements engage side margins of a forwardmost package well below the tops of the packages and preferably below the tops of the blisters thereof. A forwardmost package is gripped by its exposed and unobstructed upper portions and pulled forwardly to remove a package. Integral, one-piece construction of the side guide elements and the retaining elements provides for economical manufacture with superior performance. Optionally, space may be provided in front of the retaining portions to accommodate return of packages by a customer who has changed his or her mind. In one embodiment, a wire retaining portion of inverted U-shaped configuration is positioned with wire ends concealed and protected by the tray side.

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

Abstract: Dispensing devices and systems for oral transmucosal administration of small volume drug dosage forms to the oral mucosa are provided. The dispensing device may be a single dose applicator (SDA), or an electromechanical device comprising a means for patient identification such as a wrist worn RFID tag and annular bidirectional antenna together with a lock-out feature.

Abstract: This invention relates to a goods feeding system for mounting on a goods receiving arm and for orienting goods that are received on the goods receiving arm at an end of the goods receiving arm, with the following features: a feeding means that is guided to slide along the goods receiving arm in a feeding direction (V) to feed the goods, an attaching means that can be attached at the free end, and a spring that acts in the feeding direction (V) between the attaching means and the feeding means, characterized in that the feeding means comprises a first folding section and a second folding section that can be folded together with the first folding section, whereby the goods receiving arm can be received guided to slide between the first folding section and the second folding section in an operating position.

Abstract: A system for controlling advancement of and access to product and for generating data associated with such advancement and access. Systems of this invention include a pusher system having a track, a pusher, and mechanisms for generating data relating to the movement of the pusher. Certain embodiments of the invention include a door assembly, which controls consumer access to product located behind the door assembly, a stop for limiting the forward progression of the pusher along the track, and mechanisms for generating data relating to when and/or for how long the door assembly is open.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic tablet packing apparatus having sliding racks, wherein tablets received in a plurality of tablet cassettes are successively packed on a per dose basis based on a medical prescription. Each of the sliding racks includes a pair of left and right partition walls, a tablet discharge passage to guide the tablets discharged from the tablet cassettes being defined by facing inner surfaces of the left and right partition walls. Cassette pedestals are attached to outer surfaces of the left and right partition walls and in turn, the tablet cassettes are detachably arranged on the cassette pedestals. The left and right partition walls are able to be individually pulled out from a body of the apparatus. As the left or right partition wall is pulled out, the tablet discharge passage is revealed to the outside thus enabling easy cleaning thereof.

Abstract: A medical dispenser for storing and dispensing electrodes includes a housing having a front member and a back member, at least one electrode strip disposed between the front member and the back member of the housing and an actuator mounted to the front member of the housing and adapted to engage the at least one electrode strip. The electrode strip includes a strip member and a plurality of electrodes mounted to the strip member. The actuator is movable relative to the front member such that movement of the actuator results in corresponding movement of the at least one electrode strip to dispense an electrode from the housing. The actuator may be adapted to engage an electrode of the at least one electrode strip. In one embodiment, the actuator is adapted to engage a male terminal of the electrode.

Abstract: 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.

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

Abstract: A sensor-dispensing instrument adapted to handle a sensor pack contains sensors and performs a test using one of the sensors. The instrument includes an outer housing and a mechanical mechanism for rotating the sensor pack and ejecting one of the sensors from the sensor pack and through a sensor slot on the housing. The instrument also includes a sensor actuator to engage with a sensor disposed in the sensor slot, and a sensor release that is movable to disengage the sensor actuator from the sensor disposed in the sensor slot and permit the discharge of the sensor. The sensor release activates a sensor release mechanism that has a sensor release aid arm, a mounting block, and a pivot pin. The sensor release aid arm contacts the sensor disposed in the sensor slot to assist removal of the sensor from the sensor slot.

Abstract: A product dispensing system including a container that defines an internal volume and an opening into the internal volume, the container housing a plurality of products within the internal volume, and a push member extending through the opening, the push member being biased into engagement with the products in the container.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a deployment device that is operative to deploy Special Material (SM) to protect the vehicle when an enemy infrared (IR) threat is present. The deployment device constructed in accordance with the present invention comprises at least one, and preferably a pair of canisters which are each filled or loaded with SM, then factory sealed to prevent oxidation or contamination. Each of the canisters included in the deployment device includes an input shaft which, when rotated, is operative to transmit the rotary motion to each of four threaded rods. The rods have two primary functions, which are to advance a piston thereby preloading the SM within the canister toward the open end thereof, and to turn rotary metering devices which are located at the open end of the canister. The advancing piston maintains consistent compression in the SM stack within the canister.

Abstract: A merchandise dispensing apparatus for providing theft deterrence includes a housing defining an interior space adapted to hold a plurality of associated products. A vending door is mounted to the housing for selectively allowing access to the interior space. A bar is provided on which the associated products are supported, the bar extending in the interior space of the housing. An advancing assembly is disposed in the housing for urging product supported on the bar in a direction towards the vending door.

Abstract: A retail merchandise dispensing system is provided. The retail merchandise dispensing system includes at least one dispensing unit. The dispensing unit has an input interface to facilitate the purchase of items from the retail merchandise dispensing system. The dispensing unit or groups of dispensing units can be fixedly mounted in a retail environment using various mounting bracket configurations. The dispensing unit or groups of dispensing units also communicate with an inventory management system. The inventory management system is configured to track inventory levels, communicate with various security systems, and communicated remotely with store employees via a mobile device.

Abstract: A media presenter is described. The media presenter comprises: a chassis including a nose coupled thereto, and including (i) a presenting end distal from the chassis, and (ii) a presenting track extending from the chassis to the presenting end. The media presenter also includes a carriage mounted on the presenting track for movement therealong, and comprising a carriage body coupled to a carriage plate by a linkage, the carriage plate including a cam follower. The media presenter also includes a cam block defining a cam track and being operable to engage with the cam follower to move the carriage between an open position at which media items can be placed on the carriage plate, and a closed position for clamping media items between the carriage plate and the carriage body.

Abstract: Disclosed is a biased paper dispensing device for dispensing paper. The dispensing device has a housing with an elongated body for containing paper. The housing has a lift system which may include a tray for holding the paper, a pulley system having pulleys, and elastic tubing. The tray holds the paper horizontally in the housing, and is moved vertically within the housing to dispense the paper. The lift system is used to lift or lower the paper and to bias the paper within the housing toward the lid or opening. A paper guide device for guiding paper into alignment with the opening may be provided. The opening may include at least one lateral opening portion permitting paper exposed in the opening to be withdrawn laterally therefrom. Flanges for holding the paper within the opening, and for allowing easy insertion of paper into the housing, are also provided.

Abstract: A dispenser comprises a housing defining a chamber to receive a charge of smoking articles coupled by a belt and such that the longitudinal axis of each smoking article extends between first and second ends of die housing. The dispenser includes a mechanism to advance the belt in a lateral direction so as to move a smoking article of the belt into alignment with an aperture in said first end of the housing. The mechanism is also operable to push said aligned smoking article from the belt and eject it in a longitudinal direction from the housing through said aperture. A belt for use in such a dispense!, and a method of filling such a dispenser.

Abstract: A machine particularly adapted for dispensing light items packaged in pliable pouches or packets having a machine graspable crowned carrier. The items are propelled in a queue through a tubular cartridge along a track having a ratcheting mechanism to be individually dispensed. A motorized reciprocation bolt engages the mechanism at the back of the cartridge. Multiple cartridges can be grouped together in an expandable array using an interlocking bar and T system to form a removable magazine. Each cartridge can be selectively addressed and activated by its dedicated motorized bolt. In a preferred embodiment of the ratcheting mechanism, the heads of the package carriers are held within a C-shaped track and propelled by the alternating back-and forth motion of a crenelated drive rack successively pushing a sled at the rear of the package queue. A self-engaging brake impedes backward movements of the sled and packages during a return stroke of the drive rack.

Abstract: A system for dispensing ammunition magazines. The system includes a housing for holding the magazines with an open region defined in the housing; a spring-loaded follower imparting a force against the magazines to move a first magazine into a dispensing position for removal from the housing through the open region. A user can access the first magazine through the open region, exerting a force on the first magazine and withdrawing the first magazine through the open region.

Abstract: A method for dispensing and detecting solid pharmaceutical articles includes: forcing an article through a dispensing channel and past a sensor configured and positioned to detect the article passing through the dispensing channel, wherein the article includes one of the solid pharmaceutical articles; generating a detection signal using the sensor responsive to the article passing through the dispensing channel, wherein the detection signal indicates a time that the article takes to traverse the sensor; and determining whether the article is a complete article or an article fragment responsive to a comparison of the time indicated by the detection signal and an article fragment travel time representing an expected travel time for a complete article to traverse the sensor that is determined independent of physical attributes of the solid pharmaceutical articles.

Abstract: A system for controlling advancement of and access to product housed within a device. Systems and devices include a pushing assembly having a track, a pusher, and a stop for restricting forward movement of the pusher when the stop is engaged. The device also includes a door assembly that has an open position and a closed position, an engaging mechanism that engages the stop when the door assembly is in the open position, and a blocker mechanism that restricts consumer access to product located behind the door assembly.

Abstract: An automatic teller machine includes a box and a cash dispensing device received in the box. A positioning members is located on one side of the cash dispensing device. A sliding mechanism is secured to the box and the positioning members, to slidably secure the cash dispensing device to the box. The positioning mechanisms includes a locking member located on the positioning member. The locking member includes a first state, in which the locking member is stably fixed to the positioning member, and a second state, in which the locking member is slidable relative to the positioning member.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods of supplying needle covers to be used to cover or shield the sharp and contaminated ends of used syringe-needles. The devices, systems and methods can include a delivery mechanism sized and configured to supply a plurality of needle-shielding members arranged to automatically advance into a preferred position as each individual needle-shielding member is engaged and subsequently removed from the delivery mechanism.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a medicine dispenser, which can detect the number of medicines such that an accurate number of medicines can be discharged for packing, a medicine discharging method, and an automatic packing machine including the medicine dispenser. The medicine dispenser includes a frame and a medicine transfer unit attached to the frame and transferring medicines one pill at a time to an outside of the medicine dispenser. The medicine transfer unit includes a detection unit that detects the number of medicines dropping from a medicine container to be packed, and a transfer unit that pushes the medicines, the number of which is detected by the detection unit, into a packing passage connected to a packing unit to transfer the medicines to the packing unit.