Abstract: An ear cap supplying device, an ear cap and an ear cap set are provided. The ear cap supplying device includes a movable containing device and an output device. The movable containing device is used for containing at least one ear cap. The output device is used for exporting the ear cap(s). When the movable containing device is moved to a predetermined position, the movable containing device activizes the output device to export the ear cap(s). Whereby, problem that the ear cap(s) is/are obstructed during exporting process can be improved.

Abstract: Dispensing systems and methods are disclosed that provide controlled advancement of product and provide controlled access to product stored within the system. Embodiments include a product pushing device having a track and a pusher that urges product stored on the track forward. Certain embodiments include mechanisms to limit the forward progression of the pusher along the track, such as a brake mechanism, and certain embodiments include mechanisms to block access to product located on the track. Some embodiments include mechanisms for providing a time delay in between the vending of products.

Abstract: A product hold down unit has a vertical column of a carousel and a vertical row of spaced-apart engageable elements on the column. The column has a compartment open at opposite top and bottom ends and adapted to receive product items in a vertical stack. The row of engageable elements extends between the top and bottom ends of the column, enabling restriction of items in the compartment to moving from top to bottom ends of the compartment but not vice versa. The unit also has an anchor resting on top of, and supported by, the stack in the column compartment as the anchor engages adjacent ones of the engageable elements on the column so as to prevent it from moving upwardly in the compartment while allowing it to move downwardly by gravity as product items are dispensed from the stack thereof at the bottom end of the column.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical product dispensers (e.g., in the shape of a common ink pen) are operable to indicate information regarding a dosing schedule of a pharmaceutical product dispensable from the dispenser. Embodiments of the dispensers may include a plurality of dosing segments, each corresponding to a different dose of the pharmaceutical product. Actuation of an actuator may result in interaction between the actuator and the pharmaceutical product storage area such that a dose of pharmaceutical product contained in the pharmaceutical product storage area is dispensed, along with a corresponding advancement of the plurality of dosing segments. The dispenser may also include one or more locks to prevent unauthorized access to the pharmaceutical product (e.g., by a child or the like). Furthermore, the pharmaceutical product dispenser may include a disabling mechanism to permanently disable actuation of the actuator of the dispenser.

Abstract: A device and method for dispensing a bag from a stack of bags, the device including a plate having a frame, a rotatable shaft coupled to the frame, at least one roller non-rotatably affixed to the shaft and arranged to engage a bag of the stack of bags, means for rotating the shaft, and means for automatically stopping rotation of the shaft after a single bag has been dispensed, wherein the stack of bags is held against one side of the plate, and the single bag is dispensed to an opposite side of the plate.

Abstract: A device for handling workpieces. The device has a magazine (12) for holding at least one workpiece, and a delivery location (10). The device is retainable in the magazine by a retainer (s) (43) in the delivery location and displaceable to a position in which the workpiece because of its shape releases the retainer (s) so that the workpiece is free for being removed from the magazine. The device may provide for easy handling of workpieces and may be manufactured cost effectively.

Abstract: To reliably bias drugs to a rotor side without upsizing a device, with little layout limitations, and without damaging the drugs. Biasing means that biases drugs stored in a cassette 3 to a rotor 23 side to arrange the drugs includes: a casing 35; a constant load spring 36 provided in the casing 35 and having a spring part 41 fixed to the rotor 23 side of the cassette 3 at its tip; a locking plate 42 provided in the casing 35 and having a gear part 46 that engaged with and disengaged from a locking rack 26 formed in the cassette 3; and a pressing block 43 projected so as to be pressed from the contact surface of the casing 35 in contact with the drugs and rotating the locking plate 42 by pressing to release the gear part 46 from the locking rack 26.

Abstract: A dispensing device for beverage cup lid which prevents excessive human contact with the lid prior to insertion upon the beverage cup, the device providing an externally threaded central rotary rod attached to a direct drive bidirectional electrical motor and suspended within a lid cabinet with a stacked plurality of lids retained upon the rotary rod through a central bore in each lid, the lids urged downward by a traveling press plate having a central threaded hole engaging the external threads of the rotary rod, the rotation of the rotary rod causing the press plate to move up and down the rotary rod, pressing against the uppermost lid on the rotary rod against the stacked plurality of lids in increments programmed to release only the lowermost lid from the end of the rotary rod in a receiving area below the retaining rod. The device is operated by the activation of a presence sensor, either a beverage cup or a clean hand, which causes the incremental dispensing of a single lid.

Abstract: An assembly for holding cup-shaped objects. The assembly includes an outer retaining tube, an inner retaining tube having a diameter smaller than that of the outer retaining tube, wherein the inner retaining tube engages the outer retaining tube in a telescoping manner, a spring positioned inside the tubes, a piston positioned at a first end of the spring, and a head assembly that engages the outer retaining tube, the head assembly containing a ring assembly operably connected to a plurality of flippers that, in response to rotation of the ring assembly, provide a varying diameter within the head assembly. The telescoping feature provides for adjustable length of the assembly while the varying diameter of the head assembly provides for cups of various diameters to be used in the assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are electrochemical sensor dispensing methods and apparatus. The sensors dispensers can include an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal, the elongate body including a proximally positioned dispensing surface with an opening for dispensing a sensor. A storage chamber having a series of connected sensors is positioned distally and can feed a proximally positioned sensor feeder mechanism. The feeder mechanism includes an elongate member having a first end and second end, the second end adapted to pivot between a sensor engaging position and a sensor feeding position.

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

Abstract: A pellet gun feeder aligns at least one pellet with the breech of a pellet gun, such as a pellet pistol or a pellet rifle, and places at least one pellet in the pellet gun for use or to be discharged therefrom.

Abstract: A merchandise dispensing apparatus providing theft deterrence includes a product support defining a pathway for supporting a plurality of products in at least one column, and a dispenser mounted to an accessible portion of the product support for selectively presenting an associated lead product in the at least one column for removal from the product support. The dispenser is moveable between a first position blocking access to the product support, and a second position permitting access to the associated lead product in the at least one column while restricting access to any remaining associated products in the at least one column. The dispenser, when moved from the first position to the second position, is configured to move the associated lead product in a direction away from the product support.

Abstract: A wound dressing applicator (10) for applying hydrocolloid dressings, compositions for tissue regeneration and the like to a patient's skin. Known wound dressing applicators do not effectively protect against contamination of the wound dressing and/or can be fiddly and difficult to operate and be rendered unusable by unwanted premature separation of the various layers of material adhered to one another. The present applicator comprises a rigid body (20) having a rigid body enclosure (30) for receiving a wound dressing, and an ejector (40) for ejecting the wound dressing from the rigid body enclosure and onto a patient's wound. This enables effective and aseptic handling of a wound dressing and application of the wound dressing onto a patient's wound.

Abstract: A golf ball dispenser is disclosed comprising a cavity for storing a plurality of golf balls. The dispenser comprises an exit opening through which the balls are dispensed and an ejection lever for ejecting a golf ball through the exit opening when activated. The dispenser and lever are configured so that as the lever is moved towards the exit opening so as to dispense a first ball the lever clamps the next ball to be dispensed within the dispenser so as to prevent the next ball from moving towards the exit opening.

Abstract: A revolver cartridge assembly storing device, that sequentially delivers cartridge assemblies to a consistent point for extraction. The device consists of a guide rail suspended by its ends on a mainframe which is mounted to a user's torso. The cartridge assemblies sit on said guide rail where they are propelled by a means of force to either a left or right extraction point. There they may be freely retrieved to augment the reloading of the revolver.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of determining a status condition of a medicament container having a memory contained therein for storing medicament effect data, such as, for example, drug interaction, side effect, and other information for determining the status condition of the container.

Abstract: A compactable display is presented using a compactable pusher system constructed from folded sheet material using an elastic band as a biasing element. A unique polygon construction is described for generating increased tension on an elastic band as the polygon is compressed to generate forward biasing of objects in the compactable display. Construction and assembly of the unit is described with a two part construction that is held together by the elastic band using easily accessible connection points for quick assembly with additional access apertures provided for removal of the elastic band for easy disassembly of the display.

Abstract: A magazine for spot welding electrodes that stores mini chips and can feed the mini chips one by one. A mini chip storage portion and a cap chip storage portion slidably aligning and storing a plurality of mini chips and a plurality of cap chips are formed such that the mini chip storage portion and cap chip storage portion communicate with each other at one of their ends, where they open to the outside to serve as a supply port. When an arm is inserted into the supply port, a cap chip is mounted to the arm, as well as the cap chip presses the mini chip so that the mini chip is also mounted to the chip base. When the mounting operation is complete, a push-out member pushes the mini chips and cap chips so that the mini chips and cap chips are automatically fed to the supply port.

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: A dispenser for packets comprising a housing defining a channel, an outlet opening in communication with the channel and a platform movably mounted to the housing through the outlet opening. The channel provides for receiving a vertical stack of packets. The platform comprises lower and upper level portions thereof and is movable between an outward position and an inward position. In the outward position, the lower level portion is positioned outwardly of the housing and the upper level portion is positioned in the channel. In the inward position, the lower and upper level portions are positioned in the channel. When the platform is in the outward position, the vertical stack rests on the upper level portion. When the platform is moved to the inward position, the vertical stack drops on the lower level portion and when the platform is returned to the outward position, the lower level portion moves the lowermost packet of the vertical stack outwardly of the housing therewith through the outlet opening.

Abstract: A pill dispenser includes a housing having front, rear, and side walls defining a hollow interior. A pill holding member is removably coupled to the housing front wall and defines a frontward bore configured to receive a pill and being in operative communication with the housing front opening. An elongate plunger shaft having proximal and distal ends is positioned extends through the housing. The shaft is movable between a retracted configuration in which the distal end extends from the housing rear wall and an actuated configuration in which the distal end is adjacent the housing rear wall. A spring is positioned in the dispenser housing and operatively connected to the plunger shaft for selectively moving the plunger shaft between the retracted and actuated configurations so as to eject a pill from the holding member. The shaft may be retracted to selected positions before being spring actuated to dispense a pill.

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 magazine dispensing and housing apparatus for firearms incorporates a housing and a biasing apparatus. The housing comprises a first side wall, a second side wall, a front wall, a rear wall, a top wall, and a bottom wall. The biasing apparatus is disposed at the rear wall of the housing. The biasing apparatus is comprised of a biasing member and a biasing element. The biasing member is affixed with the biasing element.

Abstract: A jar dispenser includes a housing defining a row that accommodates multiple jars of baby food in single file atop a planar floor. A pushplate is configured for movement along the row. A biasing member is in communication with the pushplate to bias the pushplate from a housing back side toward a housing front side. The device includes a door adjacent the row at the housing front side, the door being pivotal to restrict access to the row when at a closed position and to allow access to the row when at open and load positions. A first biasing member biases the door toward the closed position. A door catch is positioned to interact with the door when the door is at the load position. A second biasing member biases the door to bias the door to interact with the door catch when the door is at the load position.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system of dispensing merchandise packaged with a hole at the top. An inventory of merchandise packaged with a hole at the top to be vended are supported on a horizontal surface. The horizontal surface is selectively actuated to provide controlled movement of each item to a dispensing location. The surface is a helically shaped member contained within a dispensing module. An electrical system operatively connects each dispensing module to a controller. The controller can be programmed to actuate movement of the surface. It can also optionally require an authorization input and/or identification input, and keep track of each dispension. This information can be stored in a manner to track usage to individuals and control inventory in the dispenser.

Abstract: A positioning mechanism for a vending machine is provided to properly align product containers for vending purposes. The vending machine includes a cabinet that establishes a product storage zone, a product delivery zone and a dispensing chamber. Arranged within the product storage zone are a plurality of shelves which include dividers that separate the shelves into a plurality of product queues. Each product queue includes an dispensing mechanism that releases a selected product from the product queue for delivery to the dispensing chamber. In addition, each product queue includes a positioning mechanism to align products in the product queue. The positioning mechanism includes a support member secured to the divider and a spacer bar pivotally secured to the support member. The spacer bar automatically adjusts to a width of a product container placed in the product queue in order to assure proper alignment of the product for dispensing.

Abstract: A unitary extractor system of products for vending machines, which products are to be found stored in compartments or ducts of different trays, includes a traction belt mounted in the open central part of the base of each compartment or duct, to which belt are joined a diversity of separator pieces for the products. The traction belt (5) incorporates a plurality of small pieces (6), with a slight inclination towards the rear part, joined to respective teeth, and a support body (7) for the last product (2) to dispense, with its support surface slightly inclined towards the rear part. The body (7) is secured to the teeth of the traction belt (5) as it advances, and in such a way that it is pulled on the lateral surfaces (4) making up the base of the compartment or duct (1).

Abstract: The invention relates to a dispenser or similar discharging container, particularly for tablets or similar bulk material (3), having a housing (1) and a gate (2) disposed in the housing (1) in a movable fashion, a dispensing opening (4) for individual pieces of material (3) being released by activating the gate (2), and a ramp (9) for conducting the material (3) in the direction of the dispensing opening (4) being established on part of the dispenser 92), wherein the dispenser is characterized in that the ramp (9) is movable relative to the part (2) of the dispenser for changing the position of the material (3).

Abstract: A shotgun shell storage and dispenser device in the form of a hollow elongated housing to hold the shotgun shells in vertical array, the housing adjusted for loading and dispensing shotgun shells through a loading end of the housing. Shotgun shells are positioned by structural elements on a rear wall of the housing and constant force springs in conjunction with a follower to urge the shotgun shells toward a loading and discharge end of the housing.

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 hold down mechanism includes a shaft, ring-shaped member, latch device fixed to the member and latchable with teeth thereon to permit unassisted movement of the member and latch device downward along the shaft due to the influence of gravity on the member but not upwardly along the shaft by manually lifting the member without unlatching the latch device from the shaft, support arms fixedly spaced apart on and extending inwardly from the member, platens independently reciprocally mounted below support arms, and a spring mounted between platens and support arms exerting a weak downward force on platens independently so as to bias platens to move downwardly away from support arms and against items in stacks aligned under platens while at the same time yieldable to permit platens to move upwardly toward support arms to accommodate differences in stack heights as items are successively dispensed therefrom. Optionally, the mechanism may be used without the shaft.

Abstract: An assembly for dispensing sterile lancets one at a time from a clip holding a plurality of lancets is described. The assembly is configured to dispense the lancets easily and conveniently under laboratory conditions where the lancet user is gloved and must manipulate the dispenser using only one hand while holding the animal being bled in the other. The assembly and its components are made of polycarbonate and rubber and are therefore capable of being sterilized by steam autoclaving methods or by other means of sterilization.

Abstract: A vending machine includes first and second integrated dispensing systems mounted at front portions of adjacent product shelf dividers establishing at least first, second and third product queues. Each of the first and second dispensing systems includes first and second release mechanisms having a plurality of hinged plates supported by a frame. The plurality of hinged plates are selectively shifted into and out of corresponding ones of the first, second and third product queues, such that each product queue has associated therewith two opposing release mechanisms. Preferably, at least one of the first and second release mechanisms for each dispensing system includes a queue spacing member which is mounted to one of the hinged plates and projects into the product queue to establish a desired spacing between the release mechanisms.

Abstract: A protective cover for a stethoscope head and an apparatus for quickly and easily interconnecting the protective cover with the stethoscope head. The apparatus includes a cover-positioning device that positions the protective cover so that it can be quickly and easily interconnected with the stethoscope head. The cover positioning device includes a base having a planar portion and an upstanding rim connected to the planar portion. Following examination of the patient using the stethoscope with the protective head covering, the protective covering can be quickly and easily removed from the stethoscope head and suitably disposed of so as to prevent skin bacteria and like contaminants that may have contaminated the protective cover during patient examination, from undesirably being transmitted to the next patient.

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 cutlery utensil dispenser has a dispensing tray with a floor and a region housing a cutlery utensil. The cutlery utensil has first and second portions and is moved by an engagement portion of an actuator from a first orientation to a second orientation. In the first orientation, the cutlery utensil rests on the floor in the region and is within the cutlery utensil dispenser, inaccessible to a user. In the second orientation, the second portion of the cutlery utensil projects from the cutlery utensil dispenser and is accessible to the user. A wall of the region has a fulcrum end dimensioned to engage the cutlery utensil. The cutlery utensil rotates about the fulcrum end responsive to the engagement portion toward an exit of the dispenser.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A cigarette case includes a cigarette casing including a corner outlet; a double-layer hinged cover including a first slit proximate the outlet and a second slit proximate the adjacent other corner; and a spring biased ejection means within the cover and including a pivotal L-shaped ejector, a pivotal trigger, a pivot bar, a link moveable in the first slit and including an end pusher extending through the first slit, the link having the other end pivotably secured to one portion of the ejector, and a sliding member moveable in the second slit and pivotably secured to the other end of the pivot bar, the sliding member including a door extending through the second slit to block the outlet when the case is closed. Pivoting the trigger will pivot the pivot bar to move the sliding member and the link to cause the pusher to eject a cigarette from the outlet.

Abstract: A protective cover for a stethoscope head and an apparatus for quickly and easily interconnecting the protective cover with the stethoscope head. The apparatus includes a cover-positioning device that positions the protective cover so that it can be quickly and easily interconnected with the stethoscope head. The cover positioning device includes a base having a planar portion and an upstanding rim connected to the planar portion, the upstanding rim defining an opening for receiving the stethoscope head therethrough. Following examination of the patient using the stethoscope with the protective head covering, the protective covering can be quickly and easily removed from the stethoscope head and suitably disposed of so as to prevent skin bacteria and like contaminants that may have contaminated the protective cover during patient examination, from undesirably being transmitted to the next patient.

Abstract: A tray for a product vending machine including a flat base upon which product to be vended may be placed. A plurality of walls are attached to the base which define rows into which product is organized. A channel within the flat base houses a threaded shaft. The threaded shaft threadingly attaches to a product drive member.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A self-facing merchandise pusher system for use in stores. Numerous products in a store are merchandised on shelves and a biased pusher is used to urge products toward the front edge of the shelf. The pusher includes ends that may be independently biased. The pusher system also includes removable dividers that separate product channels and also limit the amount of product that may be removed at a time from the shelf.

Abstract: A merchandising and product display system includes a space defined between a pair of generally parallel dividers. At a rear end of each divider, a rear loading gate is mounted to permit product containers to be inserted through the rear into the opening and to prevent products from being pushed from within the space through the rear of the space. The loading gate includes a pair of wings extending less than halfway across the width of the opening. The wings are hingedly mounted to a central portion permitting the wing to be deflected forward and rearward, and include a rearward extending bulkhead that engages the central portion. The engagement of the bulkhead and the central portion prevents the wings from being deflected sufficiently to permit a product container from passing the gate.

Abstract: A system of retail store fixtures having downwardly mounted spring feeding pusher devices for pushing products toward the front of shelves. In one embodiment, the pusher devices extend downward from shelves and push products in open tray type of bulk product shipment containers on a lower shelf forward toward the consumer. In another embodiment, the pushers and product trays are in a self-contained module for placement on shelves.

Abstract: A shotgun shell storage and dispenser device in the form of a hollow elongated housing to hold the shotgun shells in vertical array, the housing adjusted for loading and dispensing shotgun shells through a loading end of the housing. Shotgun shells are positioned by structural elements on a rear wall of the housing and constant force springs in conjunction with a follower to urge the shotgun shells toward a loading and discharge end of the housing.

Abstract: The invention concerns a reliable, simple, economical and ergonomic dispensing machine requiring little maintenance, for example of bottled mineral water sold in pack or carboy, enabling a novel dispensing circuit to be set up which combines the practical aspect for the consumer by being closer to his residence with the ecological aspect for centralized recycling of empty packs, while promoting sales for water producers.

Abstract: A magazine for holding a quantity of blind rivets ready for use in an automatic rivet setting tool. The rivets are connected together in spaced relation along the length of an elongated rivet carrying strip or ribbon of flexible material by having a distal portion of each mandrel inserted or pierced therethrough. The magazine includes longitudinal panels connected together in a preferably even, spaced, radially extending arrangement forming a spool. The longitudinal panels each define an outer distal longitudinal edge, all of which are preferably substantially parallel one to another and to a central spool axis. Each rivet carried on the flexible strip, when the flexible strip is spiral-wound around said longitudinal distal edges, is positioned in somewhat radially oriented fashion between adjacent longitudinal panels with the head of each rivet positioned inwardly toward the spool axis.

Abstract: An improved chip dispensing container for distributing, storing and serving tube-stacked chip articles includes a rigid tubular case, a sling inside the case, a, handle outside the case and cables connecting the sling to the handle. The cables pass in contact with bearings near the rim of the container on their courses between sling and handle such that moving the handle downward from an initial position near the rim, pulls on the cables and thereby hoists the sling upward from an initial position near the bottom of the container. Conversely the sling is lowered by moving the handle upward. The stack of chips resting on the sling can thus be raised or lowered by manipulating the handle to controllably access all of the chips in a tube-stacked chip array.

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.