Abstract: An apparatus for selectively elevating objects stored in a container, the apparatus comprising a lift that includes a base, at least one guide having a first end coupled to the base, and an outer ring, wherein the at least one guide includes a second end coupled to the outer ring, whereby the outer ring may be vertically adjusted along a container sidewall surface resulting in vertical adjustment of the base within the container interior.

Abstract: A gravity-feed dispenser includes an internal blocker assembly to prevent folded sheet from falling away from the dispensing aperture. A preferred embodiment includes a spring biased blocker arm which cooperates with a spring biased guide plate to maintain the napkins in position throughout dispensing of the stack, especially when the stack is depleted and of insufficient weight to urge the remaining sheets into position. In a preferred embodiment, the dispenser is provided with a convertible support, suitable for mounting the dispenser on either a wall or a countertop with a quick release mounting bracket.

Abstract: A magazine (3) for a tablet dispenser (1) for receiving and sequentially dispensing tablets (T) consists of a housing (4) which is substantially cuboid and is open on the longitudinal side (5), receives a longitudinally guided slider (6) and a helical spring (8) supported between the slider (6) and the housing floor (7) and comprises an output device (10) at the housing head (9) which is opposite of the housing floor (7), with the helical spring (8) engaging with its floor-side end (11) of the winding in a clamping gap (12) in the region of the floor of the housing.

Abstract: The golf ball positioning dispenser for putting practice comprises a hollow tube for holding golf balls. A stop mechanism attached to a body block near the bottom end of the tube dispenses balls one at a time. The stop mechanism includes a pivotally attached biased lever that controls movement of a ball release pin and a ball retention pin into the tube in alternating cycles. The body block is attached to a travel wheel for circumferential travel around a practice hole. A telescoping radial arm is provided to keep travel of the travel wheel a predetermined user selected radial distance from the hole. Cams attached to the wheel engage the biased lever to dispense the golf balls from the tube at predetermined intervals of arc along a circumference of travel. A stand is included to stabilize the tube in an upright position.

Abstract: An apparatus for selectively elevating objects stored in a container, the apparatus comprising a lift that includes a base, at least one guide having a first end coupled to the base, and an outer ring, wherein the at least one guide includes a second end coupled to the outer ring, whereby the outer ring may be vertically adjusted along a container sidewall surface resulting in vertical adjustment of the base within the container interior. The base may be configured to provide for insertion of objects through an opening in the base, allowing objects to be inserted into the container through the opening and prior to closing the opening.

Abstract: A display apparatus for displaying and dispensing a plurality of items, the apparatus including a box having a front wall, a back wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, and a bottom wall. A dispensing mechanism is slidably disposed within the box and moveable along a longitudinal axis between the box front wall and the box back wall. A biasing device has a first portion secured adjacent the box front wall and a second portion secured adjacent the dispensing mechanism such that the biasing device biases the dispensing mechanism toward the box front wall as the items are removed from between the dispensing mechanism and the box front wall.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a housing defining a chamber with a first chamber end and a second chamber end, the chamber configured to hold food components. A pressure mechanism is in communication with the chamber and is configured to push the food components toward the second chamber end. The apparatus includes a cutting mechanism coupled to the housing and configured to cut the food components.

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: 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: A dispenser is provided for dispensing stacked folded sheets. The dispenser includes a housing configured to hold the stack of sheets within an internal storage space. A cover member is pivotally attached to the housing and is movable between an open position wherein access is provided to the storage space, and a closed position wherein the cover defines a front panel of the dispenser. A dispensing opening is provided through which the folded sheets are dispensed when the cover is in its closed position. An overfill prevention device is configured within the housing. This device includes a stop member that is movably configured with a back wall of the housing and is movable between a restricting position when the cover is in its open position, and a relief position when the cover is closed. A latch mechanism is disposed in the housing in a position so as latch the stop member in its restricting position when the cover is in the open position.

Abstract: A food and beverage article dispenser is provided which is adapted to be surface mounted. The apparatus is adapted to dispense disposable or nondisposable cups and plates. The apparatus includes a paper towel roll holder, a storage drawer, and a fold-away utensil organizer.

Abstract: A gravity-feed dispenser includes an internal blocker assembly to prevent folded sheet from falling away from the dispensing aperture. A preferred embodiment includes a spring biased blocker arm which cooperates with a spring biased guide plate to maintain the napkins in position throughout dispensing of the stack, especially when the stack is depleted and of insufficient weight to urge the remaining sheets into position. In a preferred embodiment, the dispenser is provided with a convertible support, suitable for mounting the dispenser on either a wall or a countertop with a quick release mounting bracket.

Abstract: A device for dispensing medicine includes a dispensing device body (1), a cassette (2) fixed removably to the dispensing device body in order to contain medicines while arranging, and a pushing mechanism (18) for pushing out the medicines in the cassette (2) toward one end side. The cassette (2) includes a cover (6) and a stopping/receiving part (17) disposed internally in the longitudinal direction. The pushing mechanism (18) includes an abutting part (19a) contained in the cassette (2) and abutting against the medicines, a biasing part (20) for biasing the abutting part (19a) against the medicine, and a stopping part (21) stopping at the stopping/receiving part (17) of the cassette (2) only when the cover (6) is opened. Consequently, the cassettes (2) can be arranged at a high density and a desired number of medicines can be dispensed surely.

Abstract: A medicine supply apparatus to discharge a medicine into packing paper having a nozzle for discharging a medicine from a tablet case and a shutter rotatably provided in the nozzle for opening/closing a medicine drop path. The shutter includes a first rotatable shutter plate of a size capable of closing the inside of the nozzle, a second shutter plate swingably connected to the tip of the first shutter plate, and a guide for swinging the second shutter plate in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the first shutter plate in a final stage of the medicine discharge while the first shutter plate is opened. The tip of the second shutter plate is located in a position to narrow an outlet of the medicine drop path when the first shutter plate is opened.

Abstract: A tubular golf ball-dispensing container holds multiple golf balls for individual distribution. The container includes a biased lid for selectively loading and unloading of golf balls. A spring loaded compression system presses the stack of golf balls into the lid for continuous dispensing of individual balls. Upon removal of a ball from the container, the biased lid closes and the next ball is forced into the dispensing cup in the lid. The container may be attached to other gold equipment including golf bags, golf carts, and pull carts. With the addition of a support structure, the container may stand alone, a usefully configuration for use at a driving range.

Abstract: An improved coin and token organizing, holding and dispensing apparatus comprises a lower housing for organizing, holding and dispensing a pre-determined number of coins and tokens of varying sizes and denominations. The lower housing has a substantially rectangular shape having a taper along its length so that the apparatus fits conveniently in pocket or purse and is comfortable to hold. The apparatus is well suited for visually and physically impaired individuals as it permits the ready identification and handling of coins based on the tapered shape of the apparatus and the ability to distinguish by touch one coin from another. The lower housing has a substantially open top surface, a closed flat bottom surface; and, closed vertical sides. Within the lower housing is a plurality of linearly disposed cylindrical wells. Each well is adapted to receive a coin or token of a predetermined size.

Abstract: A carton is disclosed. In this carton, a first connection plate is connected to an upper plate, a second connection plate is connected to the first connection plate, and a partition plate is connected to the second connection plate. When the partition plate is pulled outward from the opening, the partition plate moves in the same direction, and is pulled out.

Abstract: A tape dispenser/applicator device for dispensing and applying tape to packages. The tape dispenser/applicator device includes a housing member having side walls and open top and bottom ends; and also includes a tape cartridge being removably disposed in the housing member and being adapted to store a stack of strips of adhesive tape therein; and further includes a plunger assembly being removably mounted to the housing member and being adapted to dispense the strips of adhesive tape from the tape cartridge and to apply the strips of adhesive tape selectively; and also includes a holder member being removably mounted upon the bottom end of the housing member.

Abstract: An animal reward dispensing apparatus for attaching to an animal trainer's forearm, the apparatus having a dispensing tube defined about a longitudinal axis, the dispensing tube having at least a first and second attaching straps for attaching the dispensing tube to the animal trainer's forearm. The dispensing tube also having a first and second spaced apart ends defining an interior cavity, and a spring located inside the interior cavity of the dispensing tube and positioned between the first and second ends of the dispensing tube.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a gel-form lipstick dispenser which may discharge gel-form lipstick materials with very high viscosity safely.

Abstract: A carton and blank for forming a carton for accommodating one or more articles which carton is provided with an access structure for the removal of articles from within the carton. The access structure comprises a closure panel hinged to a carton wall for forward and backward pivotal movement and a movable platform hinged to the closure panel for moving the contents of the carton forward for their removal in response to the forward pivotal movement of the closure panel.

Abstract: Device for handling, transporting and storing capillaries, method for the production thereof and individual capillary dispenser therefrom.

Abstract: A probe cover dispenser comprises a main body, an elastic component, and a separation board. The main body has a receiving groove therein. A groove is disposed at the top end of the main body. The elastic component is disposed in the receiving groove. One end of the elastic component is fixed at the bottom of the receiving groove, and the other end thereof is connected with a separation sheet. A plurality of probe covers are stacked in the receiving grooves above the separation sheet. The separation board is disposed in the groove at the top end of the main body. One end of the separation board is pivotally connected with the top end of the main body so that the separation board can be screwed into the groove at the top end of the main body to separate the first probe cover from the second probe cover.

Abstract: A self-facing merchandise pusher system for use in retail stores. Numerous products in a retail store are merchandised on shelves and a biased pusher is used to urge products toward the front edge of the shelf. The width of the pusher corresponds generally to the width of the narrowest product to be pushed. A removable divider extends vertically between each pusher. When pushing products that are multiples of the width of the narrowest product, dividers may be removed to create a larger pushing surface. Removing a divider locks two adjacent pushers together thereby causing the two pushers to push in unison and prevents product from slipping between the adjacent pushers.

Abstract: A dispensing device is provided for sanitary napkins of various shapes and sizes. The device is conveniently and efficiently packaged for optimal placement and utility within the private facilities of a home. The device includes a hinged lid allowing ready placement of the sanitary napkins within the device housing. When closed, a latch secures the lid. On one or more sides of the housing, a door is provided near the bottom that allows the user to retrieve a sanitary napkin from the bottom of the housing. The door or doors are hinged with a spring providing a bias to the closed position. Attached to the lid is a spring, the spring having an attached compression plate. When the lid is closed, the spring forces the compression plate against the sanitary napkins within the housing, thus maintaining the sanitary napkins in the proper position and orientation for grasping by the user, through the door. Hooks are provided to support a disposal bag.

Abstract: A blade dispenser assembly includes a housing and an integrally formed shuttle mechanism which functions to dispense one blade at a time from the bottom of a stack of blades held within the housing. The shuttle mechanism is configured to engage a bottommost blade in the stack when in a closed position and to carry the engaged blade with it when the shuttle mechanism is moved to an opened position. In the opened position, the shuttle mechanism is partially extended from the housing and securely holds and displays the withdrawn blade. An exemplary preferred shuttle mechanism is pivotally coupled to the housing and includes an arm portion that allows a person to pivot the shuttle mechanism away from the housing while keeping the person's hand safely away from the blade being withdrawn.

Abstract: A medical device dispenser as disclosed wherein the medical device is typically cylindrical in shape, and contains a stent on a platform. The stent is maintained in a sterile position prior to release from the medical device dispenser. The stent on the platform is held in place by a release mechanism which prevents a spring mechanism from activating. Once activated, the spring mechanism forces the stent out of the package so it may be used in conjunction with a catheter. Other types of medical devices are also contemplated, such as filters, distal protection devices and other cylindrical elements.

Abstract: A cup dispenser includes a blow-molded plastic storage tube and a blow-molded plastic cup pushing member or follower positioned within the tube. The pushing member is optionally spring-biased toward an open first end of the tube away from a closed, second end of the tube. A resilient diaphragm is positioned over the open end of the cup storage tube or another suitable cup retainer is employed for releasably retaining a telescopically interfitted stack of cups in the storage tube. An annular collar is arranged coaxial with and fitted to the storage tube in the region of the open end. The cup storage tube and the cup pushing member are preferably blow-molded together in a single operation as a one-piece construction. The cup pushing member is separated from the cup storage tube for use.

Abstract: An elevating dispenser to lift and suspend fragile foodstuffs from within an upright canister for serving. A column of wafers (13) rest on an elevating dispenser (10) inside a canister (11). When wafers have been removed to the point that they are no longer easily obtainable from the canister aperture, the user lifts the dispenser and engages notches (10c) integral to the dispenser on the canister rim (11b), thus suspending wafers nearer the canister aperture to make them more easily obtainable.

Abstract: A tubular golf ball-dispensing container holds multiple golf balls for individual distribution. The container includes a biased lid for selectively loading and unloading of golf balls. A spring loaded compression system presses the stack of golf balls into the lid for continuous dispensing of individual balls. Upon removal of a ball from the container, the biased lid closes and the next ball is forced into the dispensing cup in the lid. The container may be attached to other gold equipment including golf bags, golf carts, and pull carts. With the addition of a support structure, the container may stand alone, a usefully configuration for use at a driving range.

Abstract: An improved vending machine having a plurality of vertically inclined racks therein for dispensing products is disclosed. Each rack within such vending machine has an open end and closed end, wherein the open end thereof is provided with a mechanical stop or gate having essentially no mechanical moving parts, for control of the dispensing of products from such racks in response to customer demand for product from such rack. In the preferred embodiments of this invention, the mechanical stop or gate is formed of a resilient deformable material (e.g. natural or synthetic rubber or an equivalent elastomer), and includes means for engagement of a complimentary recess or slot at the end of the product dispensing rack.

Abstract: A golf tee holder and dispenser in a rectangular form holds a vertical stack of tees lying one on another horizontally, with successive tees alternating the orientation of their heads and their points. The golf tee holder and dispenser housing includes inner chambers that encase springs that allow straight-line movement as well as an inner center chamber to prevent tees from becoming disarranged while dispensing. A pusher plate maintains even pressure from dual spring movement against a snub point to hold golf tees in a stationary position until release through a top aperture using a teeter action once a downward pressure is applied to small end of tee by user. A molded element that has a memory retentive factor allows user to attach golf tee holder and dispenser to belt, pocket, golf bag, or golf cart.

Abstract: An improved product holding and dispensing a container for housing and dispensing products is provided. The container having a moveable product frame, wherein a consumer is enabled to move the frame, as product units are removed, to maintain the product in its packaged order. The container comprises: a base having a front wall, a back wall and side walls a moveable frame adapted to support the products inside the base. The frame includes a back wall and a member, wherein an area of the member extends through the base to allow the member to be grasped and pulled to cause the back wall of the frame to move away from the back wall of the base.

Abstract: An automatic product advance mechanism for dispensing merchandise on vending machines shelves is presented. A combination of electronic and mechanical components enables the disclosed system to automatically adjust for dispensing different product packaging formats and dimensions. Protected by a front clear gate-shield the products are loaded on an upright position on top of a base-rack, escorted by interchangeable column dividers and supported by a sliding carrier back-sled. The system operates by energizing a gear motor pivot ably connected to a crank-slider mechanism driving eccentrically a ratcheting pawl assembly that pushes the carrier back-sled towards the front end of said base-rack and simultaneously opens the clear gate-shield until the first product loaded to the furthermost position is dispensed.

Abstract: A medicine storage apparatus includes a cassette having an inlet-outlet opening for delivering/receiving items of medicine therethrough and adapted to store items of medicine arranged in array while a force is applied to the items of medicine toward the inlet-outlet opening; a support mechanism for supporting the cassette while the inlet-outlet opening is exposed; and a counting mechanism for counting the number of items of medicine stored in the cassette. A user takes out items of medicine stored in the cassette from the inlet-outlet opening in an arrayed sequence when the medicine is to be used. Among the delivered items of medicine, unused items of medicine are pushed back into the cassette from the inlet-outlet opening.

Abstract: A golf tee holder and dispenser in a rectangular form holds a vertical stack of tees lying one on another horizontally, with successive tees alternating the orientation of their heads and their points. The golf tee holder and dispenser housing includes inner chambers that encase springs that allow straight-line movement as well as an inner center chamber to prevent tees from becoming disarranged while dispensing. A pusher plate maintains even pressure from dual spring movement against a snub point to hold golf tees in a stationary position until release through a top aperture using a teeter action once a downward pressure is applied to small end of tee by user. A molded element that has a memory retentive factor allows user to attach golf tee holder and dispenser to belt, pocket, golf bag, or golf cart.

Abstract: An improved vending machine having a plurality of racks therein for dispensing products is disclosed. Each rack within such vending machine comprises a vertical, rectilinear, product dispensing channel equipped with an elevator assembly for support of product and means for elevating said support within said channel in response to consumer demand for the product. The preferred elevator assembly of this invention comprises a product cradle of unique design, which design imparts improved stability of the cradle within the channel and simplified operation as to the number and type of springs needed to effect its upward movement within the vertical channel of the dispensing rack. The unique angular slope of the cradle permits presentation of a product selection at the open end of the rack in a manner to facilitate removal of such product by a consumer.

Abstract: A bread storage device for keeping bread fresher for longer periods of time. The bread storage device includes a container having top, back, bottom and side walls, and also having an open front; and also includes a door being removably closed over the open front of the container; and further includes a bread support assembly including a board member, a plurality of rollers being attached to a bottom side of the board member, and a handle being attached to the board member for the movement thereof in and out of the container through the open front; also includes a bread retaining member being disposed in the container and being adapted to engage a loaf of bread to allow a user to slice the loaf of bread; and further includes a freshness seal being disposed in the top wall of the container.

Abstract: A magazine (3) for a tablet dispenser (1) for receiving and sequentially dispensing tablets (T) consists of a housing (4) which is substantially cuboid and is open on the longitudinal side (5), receives a longitudinally guided slider (6) and a helical spring (8) supported between the slider (6) and the housing floor (7) and comprises an output device (10) at the housing head (9) which is opposite of the housing floor (7), with the helical spring (8) engaging with its floor-side end (11) of the winding in a clamping gap (12) in the region of the floor of the housing.

Abstract: A land marking device is disclosed. The land marking device is capable of physically marking a point on the ground for the air.

Abstract: A chewing gum stick dispenser includes a generally box-shaped container having a slot therein for dispensing a single stick of gum. A scissoring pair of swing arms utilizes tensioning means for urging the contained sticks of gum toward an operator wall. The operator wall retains a slidable operator having a seat adapted to engage a single stick of gum and push it partially through the dispensing slot. The container further includes a pivoted cap which can be opened to provide easy refilling of the container.

Abstract: A self-facing merchandise pusher system for use in retail stores. Numerous products in a retail store are merchandised on shelves and a biased pusher is used to urge products toward the front edge of the shelf. The width of the pusher corresponds generally to the width of the narrowest product to be pushed. A removable divider extends vertically between each pusher. When pushing products that are multiples of the width of the narrowest product, dividers may be removed to create a larger pushing surface. Removing a divider locks two adjacent pushers together thereby causing the two pushers to push in unison and prevents product from slipping between the adjacent pushers.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for storing and dispensing articles, one at a time, from the bottom of a stack of like articles. The articles are yieldably supported in at least one upright stack above an outlet, e.g., a resilient choke, sized to pass the articles if forced therethrough. Articles are dispensed by pressing downwardly on the stack with sufficient force and for sufficient duration to overcome the yieldable supporting force and move the lowest article through the outlet. Sensors may be provided for sensing when an article is dispensed, when the tube is empty, and the type of article in the holder. The method and apparatus are especially useful in a vial-based automated system for processing multiple specimens of biological fluid, wherein a filter assembly must be dispensed into a filtration chamber associated with each specimen vial.

Abstract: Book Organizing Device with A flat, horizontally disposed shelf like member, a fixed, vertical end panel attached to one end of the shelf member, a slidable vertical panel having a constant force spring centrally attached under the shelf member, the slidable vertical panel exerting approximately one pound of force inwardly towards the fixed end panel, the constant force spring having an encoder ring mounted to the spring reel, a photo diode placed to read said encoder ring that provides a signal any time said ring is rotated, said signal triggering one of a plurality of short recorded messages to be broadcast from a speaker located on the underside of said book shelf, said messages being stored and selected by a digital programmable microprocessor designed for such purposes, and Said shelf member also having a rear book retaining bracket to prevent books from being pushed too far to the rear of the shelf.

Abstract: A washer supply device includes a retaining tube connected to a side of a power nailer and a slot is defined longitudinally through the retaining tube. A pile of washers are received in the retaining tube. A washer supply device is connected between a lower end of the retaining tube and a nose of the power nailer. A first member is movably received in the tubular tube and a second member is fixedly connected to an inner periphery of the retaining tube. A biasing band is connected between the first member and the second member. A pressing member is connected to the first member and presses the washers by the biasing band.

Abstract: A washer supply device includes a retaining tube connected to a side of a power nailer and a slot is defined longitudinally through the retaining tube. A pile of washers are received in the retaining tube. A washer supply device is connected between a lower end of the retaining tube and a nose of the power nailer. A first member is movably received in the tubular tube and a second member is fixedly connected to an inner periphery of the retaining tube. A biasing band is connected between the first member and the second member. A pressing member is connected to the first member and presses the washers by the biasing band.

Abstract: A lid dispenser for storing and dispensing plastic drink lids. The dispenser has an elongated body within which the lids are stacked upside down and a dispensing slot in a sidewall facing a user. A gravity biased finger rides in a vertical trackway in a sidewall opposite the dispensing slot. The finger contacts the stack of drink lids, clamping the uppermost lid against the next-to-uppermost lid and tilting the uppermost lid at an angle towards the user. The uppermost lid can be grasped by the user and snapped through the dispensing slot.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dispensing machine for printed publications. The vending machine allows to dispense one copy at a time by providing a metering break next to a dispensing channel. The vending machine has a hollow housing, within which a detachable module is slidably mounted. An operational portion of the machine includes a motor controlled by a microchip that constantly adjusts the speed of the motor depending on the thickness of the dispensed publication. A paper speed sensor sends a signal to the motor to facilitate adjustment in the speed control. Printed publications rest in an upright position on moving endless belts that are connected to the motor for advancing the publications toward the dispensing channel. One or more torsion springs support the front face of the forwardmost publication immediately prior to dispensing to prevent premature opening of an unfolded edge of the publication and jamming of the dispensing channel.

Abstract: An article of manufacture has a base plate, a bias pusher plate for supporting at least one object thereon and a stripper plate having a removed section. A source of fluid is provided for urging a top most object from the support plate and through the removed section of the stripper plate.

Abstract: A quick-release device for a pneumatic nail gun with a magazine has a base, a pusher plate, a spring and a button. The base has a through hole defined in the top of the base. The pusher plate has a first end that normally extends into the channel of the magazine and a second end. The spring abuts the second end of the pusher plate. The button is moveably mounted in the base and extends out from the through hole. The button abuts the second end of the pusher plate, such that the pusher plate can be pivoted by pressing the exposed button. The finger of the user does not extend into the device. Consequently, the operation of the quick-release device is simplified, and the finger of the user will not be injured during the process of clearing jammed nails.