With Separate Inlet For Replenishment Or Access Patents (Class 221/281)
  • Patent number: 12154406
    Abstract: An assembly for product support and deployment for a vending machine includes a product chute, a pusher, a pusher drive assembly, and a controller. The product chute is configured to receive a plurality of products stacked on one another. The product chute includes an exit opening through which a respective product of the plurality of products is dispensed. The pusher drive assembly is operatively connected with the pusher and is configured so as to move the pusher in at least two mutually perpendicular axes. The controller is in communication with the pusher drive assembly. The controller is configured to control operation of the pusher drive assembly such that the pusher pushes the respective product being dispensed towards the exit opening and supports or lifts the remaining products in the chute against the force of gravity prior to the respective product fully exiting the product chute through the exit opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2024
    Assignee: Automated Retail Technologies. LLC
    Inventors: James Edward Deaton, Linda H. Wu, John C. Serieka, Lynn Warren Hamrick, Sean Raymond Lucas, William Warrenburg, Brent Joseph Clafferty
  • Patent number: 12122587
    Abstract: A card storage box is disclosed. The card storage box includes a housing having a cavity, where the housing is provided with an opening at a top, a clamping plate is slidably connected to a side wall of the housing and partially extends out of the opening, a card pushing member is rotatably connected to the housing and positioned at a bottom of the cavity. The card storage box further includes a cover body, where the cover body is rotatably connected to the housing, and the cover body can cover the opening. A limiting groove is provided in an inner wall of the cover body, when the cover body covers the housing, the clamping plate is clamped with the limiting groove, and the clamping plate abuts against a groove wall of the limiting groove to limit a rotation of the cover body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2024
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2024
    Inventor: San Hon Yu
  • Patent number: 11986704
    Abstract: A sports ball easy loading and unloading apparatus assists a user loading, unloading, and sorting balls in a container by selectively elevating the container holding the balls, which minimizes stooping repeatedly to access the sports balls. The apparatus provides a first container configured to contain sports balls. The first container is disposed inside a second container having a larger diameter. The first container can elevate and lower in relation to second container. A spring-loaded elevator is disposed inside the second container, and beneath the floor wall of first container. The spring-loaded elevator comprises a spring that biases to expand, and turntables configured to lock the spring at desired positions. In this manner, the spring-loaded elevator enables selective elevation, lowering, and positional locking of the first container for easy loading/unloading of balls. A user can also sit on a lid atop the first container when fully compressed inside second container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Inventor: David Cales
  • Patent number: 11964784
    Abstract: A sealing machine and method for sealing a preformed tray (2) with a plastic film (26), the method comprising a cooling step in which, by acting on the outside of the tray (2), heat is removed at least from the bottom wall (3) of the tray (2) while the heated plastic film (26) is applied over the tray (2) and a food product (25), and the sealing machine (1) comprising a supporting element which defines a housing (7) which has a fixed bottom surface (9) suitable for making contact, in use, with the bottom wall (3) of the tray (2), a plurality of ducts (19) which define a flow path (20) for a cooling fluid in the supporting element, and a cooling system (17) configured to cool the cooling fluid bringing it to a temperature equal to or less than 10° C., and preferably equal to or less than 6° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: MONDINI S.P.A.
    Inventor: Giovanni Mondini
  • Patent number: 11910937
    Abstract: A secure product dispenser assembly comprises a base portion having a first end and a second end, and being configured to hold a plurality of units of product. The base portion comprises a bottom, a first divider coupled to the bottom, and a second divider positioned opposite the first divider and coupled the bottom. A top portion is configured to adjustably couple to the base portion and a dispenser portion is coupled to the top portion and positioned at the first end of the base portion. The dispenser portion is configured to rotate between an open position to enable removal of one unit of product from the first end of the base, and a closed position inhibiting removal of the one unit of product from the first end of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Scorpion Security Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Franklyn W. Gulick, Jr., John Farinola, Eric Henry, Gary R. Page
  • Patent number: 11857506
    Abstract: A system for adaptably collecting pharmaceuticals into various containers is provided. The system includes an automated pharmaceutical counting device with a loading portion for accepting the pharmaceuticals for counting, an exit portion for dispensing the pharmaceuticals, and a receiving area configured to interchangeably accommodate a bulk collection vessel and an adapter for an individual container for an individual prescription. The automated pharmaceutical counting device dispenses the pharmaceuticals through the exit portion and into an inserted one of the bulk collection vessel and the adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Capsa Solutions LLC
    Inventors: John David St. Pierre, Pablo Arias Martinez, Rasmey Yim, Tomasz Adam Michalski, David Alan Bickel
  • Patent number: 11851263
    Abstract: A dental material container includes a cylindrical body that stores a dental material including a pair of opposing primary surfaces, and a rotatable cap covering the body. The cap includes an internal space capable of housing the dental material. The body includes a pair of first holders that are formed on an inner surface of the body to movably hold the primary surfaces of the dental material; the cap includes a pair of second holders formed inside of the cap to movably hold the primary surfaces of the dental material. When the cap is rotated in the circumferential direction relative to the body, a continuous space where the dental material is movable is formed by the first and second holders, the dental material located closest to the opening in the body moves into the cap, and the dental material moved into the cap is housed in the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: GC Corporation
    Inventor: Verstraeten Guy
  • Patent number: 11505397
    Abstract: A sterile glove dispensing assembly includes a container for storing a plurality of sterile gloves. The container has a dispensing opening and the plurality of sterile gloves is strategically oriented that a cuff of each of the sterile gloves extends outwardly through the dispensing opening. In this way a user can draw the sterile gloves outwardly from the container without touching fingers of the sterile gloves for retaining sterility of the fingers. A box is included for insertably receiving the container and a dispensing slot is integrated into the box. The dispensing opening in the container is aligned with the dispensing slot when the container is positioned inside of the box thereby facilitating the sterile gloves to be drawn outwardly from the dispensing slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Inventor: William Carter
  • Patent number: 11412862
    Abstract: A storage and dispensing system for beverage accessories is provided. The storage and dispensing system for beverage accessories has a planar base, a single-serve beverage pod storage container, and a plurality of drinking accessory dispensing channels. The pod storage container includes at least one sidewall disposed orthogonally to a top surface of the planar base. The pod storage container also includes a channel that is sized to receive a single pod at a time. A gate is disposed on a terminal end of the channel which prevents pods from sliding out of the channel. Each of the plurality of accessory dispensing channels is sized to receive at least one drinking accessory such as a cup or lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Inventor: Sabrina Brison
  • Patent number: 11187372
    Abstract: The back wall for a web material dispenser having first and second web material support arms configured to support a web material supply. The back wall includes a fastening portion configured to mount the back wall to a supporting surface; a first support arm portion for the first web material support arm to be mounted thereto; and a weakness-providing junction at least partially circumscribing the first support arm portion from the fastening portion for the first support arm portion to be tiltable with respect to the fastening portion. Also, a web material dispenser including such a back wall and a method for securing a web material dispenser to a supporting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: CASCADES CANADA ULC
    Inventors: Richard Paré, Antoine Dallaire, Marc-André L'Heureux
  • Patent number: 11173098
    Abstract: Magazines that include a supporting member such as a strap, rod or chamber and one or preferably a plurality of portable medicament cases that each include a medicament provided in a package. Each case has first and second housing members that are configured to form a medicament package receiving cavity when joined together. The housing members mate together in a sealed configuration that prevents moisture or contaminants from entering into the cavity. The magazines are configured for containing a plurality of medicament cases for administration of medicaments to a group of people. Also included is a method of administering medications to mass casualties of multiple persons that are in need thereof. The medicaments are rapidly disintegratable and can include a dye that stains the person's mouth so that medical personnel can determine who has been treated with the medicament.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: GRAM TACTICAL LLC
    Inventors: James William Staggs, Scott Gordon Rhodes, Brian Cummings
  • Patent number: 10676009
    Abstract: A transportable system for dispensing and boxing items is mounted to and enclosed by a truck. The system comprises at least two dispensing carts. Each cart includes a body, a set of wheels disposed on a bottom surface of the body, a set of bearings disposed on the top surface of the body, and an outlet defined by the body. At least one of the at least two dispensing carts is adapted to store a first set of items vertically and dispense the first set of items using an unpowered escapement and at least another one of the dispensing carts is adapted to store items horizontally. The system further comprises a box dispenser configured to dispense boxes and a conveyor system disposed beneath the outlets of the at least two dispensing carts. The conveyor system defines a continuous path for boxes from the box dispenser to an end location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: OTG Experience, LLC
    Inventors: Eric J. Blatstein, Ronald M. Falocco, Thomas A. Hillerich, Jr., Gabriel A. Difurio
  • Patent number: 10045642
    Abstract: A guide assembly for a displaying a plurality of products is disclosed. The guide assembly includes a base, a first lateral wall and a second lateral wall. The base includes a product-supporting surface defining a longitudinal axis. Each lateral wall includes a plurality of support members and a rail. The support members extend upwardly from a lateral side of the base. The rail is spaced above the base and extends along portions of the support members. A proximal-most support member of the first lateral wall is longitudinally offset from a proximal-most support member of the second lateral wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Display Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Howard, Stephen J. Cress
  • Patent number: 9723933
    Abstract: A guide assembly for a displaying a plurality of products is disclosed. The guide assembly includes a base, a first lateral wall and a second lateral wall. The base includes a product-supporting surface defining a longitudinal axis. Each lateral wall includes a plurality of support members and a rail. The support members extend upwardly from a lateral side of the base. The rail is spaced above the base and extends along portions of the support members. A proximal-most support member of the first lateral wall is longitudinally offset from a proximal-most support member of the second lateral wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Display Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Howard, Stephen J. Cress
  • Patent number: 9327298
    Abstract: Femtoliter to milliliter volumes of one or a plurality of different fluids of varied properties, semisolids or solids are energized electrically in an inductive or optionally an inductive-conductive manner, with one or a plurality of either analogue or digital energy sources of uni or multi-polar nature using high or optionally low DC, AC or RF voltage or energy supplies in programmed, coordinated manner with other devices (e.g., pumps or all types, syringes, pipettes, capillaries, scientific instruments, etc.) using special hardware to energize and direct matter from gaussian surfaces or multiple nested gaussian surfaces to produce and optionally fly drops or optionally sprays, to targets of all types, yielding matter directed with high precision and accuracy in volumetric, spatial and temporal terms, as the matter is optionally treated, measured, metered via current, optical, thermal or other measurement technologies with feedback, one or N channels at a time creating a digital record.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Inventor: Andrew Daniel Sauter, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9251638
    Abstract: A bracket supporting apparatus includes a side plate, two fixing brackets, a first mounting bracket defining a first through hole, and a second mounting bracket defining a second through hole. Each of the two fixing brackets includes a connection portion defining a fixing hole. Two supporting portions extend from two sides of the connection portion. A mounting portion extends from one side of each of the two supporting portions. The two supporting portions of each of the two fixing brackets are substantially parallel to the first mounting bracket and the second mounting bracket. The mounting portions are fixed to the side plate. A first fastener passes through each of the first through holes, the second through holes, and the fixing holes to fix the first mounting bracket and the second mounting bracket to each of the two fixing brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignees: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (WuHan) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chao Liu, Zhi-Ping Wu
  • Patent number: 9101531
    Abstract: The disclosed pill bottle allows for timed dispensing of medicine, as programmed by a doctor, pharmacist, or caregiver. The device has a slot for pill entry in any one of the walls, the slot being sealable and lockable. In an unlocked and open condition, the slot is a portal from the outside of the bottle into an inner cavity, the cavity being adapted for pill storage and extending between the slot/opening for pill entry and an exit tube. The exit tube is sized for single-file passage of a plurality of pills. A spring-loaded member is adapted to apply pressure in the exit tube on a single pill of the plurality of pills such that the pressure prevents exit of the single pill and the single pill blocks other pills of the plurality of pills from exiting. A button extends through a wall, such as the side wall, and is configured to release the pressure (defined as changing the static nature of the pill and spring placement) on the single pill, allowing it to fall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Inventor: Michael Song
  • Patent number: 9016516
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Mallinckrodt LLC
    Inventors: Vernon D. Ortenzi, Robert J. Ziemba, Frank M. Lewis, Geoffrey S. Strobl
  • Patent number: 8960435
    Abstract: A stackable and linkable container system that includes a container having a cavity; an entry slot formed in at least an upper portion of the front wall; an exit slot formed in at least a lower portion of the front wall; a cover; one or more vertical stack aligning tabs extending from a top surface of the cover; one or more ribs extending from an outer surface of the bottom wall; at least one horizontal aligning dovetail extending from the first side wall; at least two, spaced apart, horizontal aligning pins extending from the second side wall, wherein at least one horizontal aligning dovetail socket is defined between the spaced apart horizontal aligning pins, and wherein the horizontal aligning dovetail is formed so as to be at least partially received within the horizontal aligning dovetail socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: Caleb D. Rideout
  • Patent number: 8955714
    Abstract: An apparatus for containing, transporting, dispensing and keeping an inventory of a plurality of same size cleco type fasteners has a tubular housing with an interior bore dimensioned to receive the plurality of cleco type fasteners through a proximal opening on the housing that is closed by a removable closure device. The distal end of the housing has a retention device that retains the forward most cleco type fastener inserted into the housing interior bore with a sufficient force that prevents the forward most cleco type fastener from being unintentionally removed from the housing distal end, but allows the forward most cleco type fastener to be manually grasped and pulled from the housing distal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Mark Brzon, Brian Louis Trimmell
  • Patent number: 8827111
    Abstract: A set of panels having chutes therebetween. The chutes being defined by curvilinear rails on such panels. The curvilinear rails having stops thereon for stopping the products for viewing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Gamon Plus, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry J. Johnson, Travis O. Johnson, John Schoemer
  • Patent number: 8770438
    Abstract: A container for carrying and dispensing at least one zip tie includes a housing having an outer wall and opposing upper and lower walls defining a substantially hollow interior. An inner wall is formed inside the housing to divide the housing interior into an inner cavity and an outer cavity, and the inner wall has at least one slot formed therein to define a passage between the inner cavity and the outer cavity. A flexible orifice is provided in the upper and lower walls. Another embodiment provides a container for zip ties that also includes a housing having an outer wall and opposing upper and lower walls defining a substantially hollow interior. A dispensing slot formed in the outer wall, and a friction fit passage formed on the outer wall adjacent to the dispensing slot. Yet another embodiment provides a container that combines the features of the first two embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Inventor: Daniel A. Cahill
  • Patent number: 8727178
    Abstract: A condiment packet dispenser that includes a cylindrical shaped housing containing an open top with a plurality of radially partitioned chambers. Each chamber contains a cylindrical shaped container that stores individual condiment packets in a radial manner. The dispenser is operated by pushing a button which sends a signal to a motor control board. The motor control board powers a motor having a spur gear which turns the selected condiment container until the condiment packet is aligned with a drop chute. The packet then falls thru the drop chute and is available for picking up by the customer. There is also a cylindrical shaped top lid which is removable when new condiments need to be loaded to replenish the dispenser. The condiment dispenser sits on top of a base stand that may either be rigidly mounted or may be rotated to choose a condiment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Inventors: Irene Carter, Roger Henry Gagnon
  • Patent number: 8523011
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a dispenser, particularly a refillable single-hand dispenser, having a sleeve (13) comprising an opening (23) at the top thereof, and a base part (27) opposite the top. A receptacle (15) for receiving tablets (22), lozenges, or the like is accommodated in the sleeve (3) such that it can be displace in the longitudinal direction. The receptacle (15) can be pulled out of the sleeve (15), the base being biased in the direction of the receptacle top by a zigzag spring (19). The zigzag spring (19) passes through the receptacle (15) through an opening in the base and is supported at the base (27) of the sleeve (13). A tablet package (20) comprising a tubular packaging (65) is disposed in the receptacle (15). The package wall (65) encloses the tablets (22). The sliding base (21) has exterior dimensions that correspond at most to the interior dimensions of the tubular packaging (65).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventors: Eduard Haas, Otto Ziegler
  • Patent number: 8517214
    Abstract: Systems and methods related to dispensing food (e.g., fruit) or other items in a “first-in, first-out” manner are discussed. The system can include a base having one or more cavities therein and a plurality of chutes configured to align within a subset of the cavities. Each of the chutes can include an inlet that can provide access to an open interior for storage of items, and the plurality of chutes can dispense the plurality of items in a “first-in first out” manner. An ice chest capable of cooling the plurality of chutes can be included, as can a drip tray or other mechanism for separating the fruit from its juices to prolong its useful lifespan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Inventors: Deborah J. Lowry, Roberta Royak, Paul Royak, Lawrence Hudson
  • Patent number: 8490828
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Global, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Kaiser, Francis G. Schiro, Allen Aldridge
  • Patent number: 8397948
    Abstract: A dispensing device may include a main body including a wall having a dispensing mouth defined in the wall; a storage portion, wherein the storage portion is retained by the main body; and a conveyance path providing communication between the storage portion and the dispensing mouth. In addition, the dispensing device may include a conveyor disposed in the conveyance path; a drive motor mechanically coupled to the conveyor; and a sensor, wherein the sensor is directly or indirectly electrically coupled to the drive motor and the sensor is in optical communication with the environment proximate to the dispensing mouth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Brookstone Purchasing, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen B. Mills, Stevenson Tom
  • Patent number: 8365950
    Abstract: A medicine dispensing device has a device body (1), shelf members (2) arranged in the vertical directions in the device body (1), and a medicine conveyance member (3) for conveying medicines (D), received in the shelf members (2), on one by one basis from the front face side of the device body (1). A shelf member (2) has cassettes (26) in which medicines (D) are received in line, a pusher (31) for pushing the medicines in the cassettes (26) toward the front face side of the device body (10), and a constant load spring (32) for applying a constant load to the medicines (D) received in the cassettes (26) through the pusher (31). To fill the cassettes (26) with the medicines (D), the shelf member (2) can be pulled out from the front face side of the device body (1) and then positioned by pivoting the shelf member (2) so as to face obliquely downward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Yuyama Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shoji Yuyama, Hiroyuki Kanda
  • Publication number: 20120318273
    Abstract: A method of making a face mask is disclosed. The method includes providing an elastic nonwoven web continuous in a machine direction, the elastic nonwoven web having a central lane extending in the machine direction; bonding a filtering web to the central lane of the elastic nonwoven web to provide a layered web, the filtering web being continuous in the machine direction and having a cross-web width that is substantially the same as the cross-web width of the central lane; and stamping a face mask into the layered web. A face mask and a continuous layered web having a plurality of face masks disposed thereon are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventor: Alexander C. Tsuei
  • Patent number: 8308026
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Rapko Corporation
    Inventors: Darin Rapko, Norma Rapko
  • Patent number: 8261939
    Abstract: A dual-reservoir canister for dispensing pills includes a dispensing reservoir and a backup reservoir. Pills (solid medications such as pills, capsules and caplets) are stored in both reservoirs but dispensed only from the dispensing reservoir until the dispensing reservoir is empty, at which time, the dual-reservoir canister is tilted to pour the pills from the backup reservoir into the dispensing reservoir. An access door is provided to refill the backup reservoir and, in some embodiments, the access door includes an extension that prevents pills from accidentally falling into the dispensing reservoir while the backup reservoir is refilled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: QEM, Inc.
    Inventor: Norman D. Knoth
  • Patent number: 8256614
    Abstract: Interconnected and on-site severable deck clips with cooperating installation tool for joining two adjacent decking planks to an underlying support structure. The deck clips are interconnected and on-site severable, are attached to the underlying support structure, and engage the two adjacent decking planks so as to fasten the two adjacent decking planks to the underlying support structure without a need for nails or screws to pass through the two adjacent decking planks. The installation tool is hand-held, removably receives a number of the deck clips, and feeds the deck clips one at a time to fasten to the underlying support structure, and when a deck clip is fastened to the underlying support structure, the deck clip is severed from the other deck clips in the installation tool and a next deck clip is feed by way of the installation tool and attached to the underlying support structure to engage the two adjacent decking planks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Inventor: Keven R. Wadsworth, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20120138624
    Abstract: A device provides connection elements such as rivets or the like from a storage unit via at least one outlet for at least one connection element application, and a connection element is provided at an inlet by a further device for providing connection elements, to pass through to the outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventor: Mathias Voelz
  • Patent number: 8186544
    Abstract: A dispensing device may include a main body including a wall having a dispensing mouth defined in the wall; a storage portion, wherein the storage portion is retained by the main body; and a conveyance path providing communication between the storage portion and the dispensing mouth. In addition, the dispensing device may include a conveyor disposed in the conveyance path; a drive motor mechanically coupled to the conveyor; and a sensor, wherein the sensor is directly or indirectly electrically coupled to the drive motor and the sensor is in optical communication with the environment proximate to the dispensing mouth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Brookstone Purchasing, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen B. Mills, Stevenson Tom
  • Publication number: 20120080444
    Abstract: A configuration of disposable cutlery comprises a plurality of disposable cutlery pieces suitable for loading in a disposable cutlery dispenser, wherein the plurality is not constrained by a cartridge when loaded into the cutlery dispenser, wherein the plurality is in a substantially unfanned orientation after loading of the plurality into a cutlery dispenser, and wherein each piece comprises a solid handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: DIXIE CONSUMER PRODUCTS LLC
    Inventors: Patrick J. Smith, Andy L. Kirkpatrick, Michael R. Kilgore, David G. Honan
  • Patent number: 8113381
    Abstract: A pet waste bags dispenser provided for dispensing animal waste bags, having a collapsible container, a dispenser cavity cover and a dispensing means, wherein the dispensing means allows waste bags placed within the waste bags dispenser to be dispensed to a user easily and conveniently. The collapsible waste bags dispenser is made of a collapsible material, such that the dispenser is easy to store, light in weight, simple to manufacture, and has the flexibility to contain different amounts of waste bags within the collapsible container, wherein rolls of or individually wrapped waste bags are allowed to be dispensed. The collapsible waste bags dispenser further has external connecting means for connecting the waste bags dispenser to a foreign object, so as to facilitate the user to easily obtain a waste bag from the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Inventor: Peter H Che
  • Patent number: 8104640
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Inventor: Michael D. Selvetti
  • Patent number: 8100292
    Abstract: A vending machine includes a plurality of column walls that collectively define an associated plurality of stack areas for storing product containers. The column wall includes various, vertically spaced and fore-to-aft extending stiffeners embossed into the column wall. The integral stiffeners eliminate the need for any additional discrete stiffener parts and fasteners. In addition, the integral stiffeners advantageously permit thinner material to be employed in forming the column walls, thereby improving the entire manufacturing process. Preferably, one of the stiffeners constitutes a decoupling member which isolates a bottom portion of the column wall from a top portion and substantially prevents bow forces from transferring into a dispensing region of the column wall. Furthermore, each of the column walls is integrally formed with an alignment member or louver structure in the form of a guide element or flange which provides for proper product positioning through a vending area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Crane Merchandising Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Hayward Kelly, Edmund Scott Richardson, Terring M. Ware
  • Patent number: 8055380
    Abstract: The daily pill dispensing apparatus has a front section connected to a back section, a top hinge disposed on the top between the front section and the back section, a dispenser lid connected to the top hinge and pivotally covering the front section, a septet of top doors disposed atop the back section, each top door pivotally covering a separate compartment of the back section via the top hinge, a day indicia disposed atop each top door, a dispensing door hingedly separating each compartment from the front section, each dispensing door opening into the front section, a display disposed atop the dispenser lid, a controls disposed in the front section bottom, the controls in communication with the display and with each dispensing door, whereby each dispensing door sequentially opens, each dispensing door opening only one day per week, and battery power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Inventors: Vandana Verma, Ravindra Kumar
  • Patent number: 8025180
    Abstract: The present invention refers to an apparatus for dispensing capsules, preferably single-use, disposable capsules for the production of beverages, brews and the like, intended for use in connection with automatic food-product vending machines. The inventive capsule dispensing apparatus includes a plurality of receptacles adapted to accommodate capsules in a stacked arrangement, at least a rotary pick-up device provided with two or more compartments distributed about the axis of rotation thereof for removing the capsules from the receptacles, and a conveyor. The capsule dispensing apparatus is characterized in that between the at least a pick-up device and the conveyor there is arranged a distribution tray including a plurality of guide partitions adapted to enable the capsules to undergo a rotary motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: N & W Global Vending S.p.A.
    Inventor: Alessandro Magno
  • Patent number: 7975875
    Abstract: An entirely mechanical gas bottle dispensing machine that allows to either only dispense by gravity a filled bottle upon insertion of a first token or dispense a filled bottle with return of an empty bottle upon insertion of a second token.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Andrzej Borzym
  • Patent number: 7931170
    Abstract: A pet waste bags dispenser includes a pouch body, a pouch cover, means for detachably attaching the front cover edge of the pouch cover on the front wall of the pouch body, and a bag dispenser, wherein the bag dispenser allows waste bags placed within the waste bags dispenser to be dispensed to a user easily and conveniently. The pet waste bags dispenser is made of a collapsible material, such that the dispenser is easy to store, light in weight, simple to manufacture, and has the flexibility to contain different amounts of waste bags within the pouch body, wherein rolls of or individually wrapped waste bags are allowed to be dispensed. The pet waste bags dispenser further includes a pouch carrier for the pouch body to be carried around, so as to facilitate the user to easily obtain a waste bag from the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Inventor: Peter H. Che
  • Patent number: 7905370
    Abstract: A simple, inexpensive, reliable and maintenance-free dispenser in which the stored products are offered automatically on the outside of the dispenser where they can be grasped by a hand without further manipulation. The dispenser includes housings in which the products, stacked in a column, are stored and moved by gravity and, at the base of each housing in front of the first product of the column, outlet orifices are closed by a closing membrane with slits. A slope is provided, in the lower rear part of each housing, to automatically advance the first product a predetermined distance through the outlet orifice so that the product partially emerges and can be grasped by hand on the outside of the dispenser. The dispenser can be used to automatically dispense consumable products, such as drinks, without prepayment, and for all types of industrial, commercial, home and other applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Inventor: Philippe Leonetti
  • Publication number: 20100230432
    Abstract: A forward leaning, hinged-lid storage and dispensing box is described, suitable for use with flat, stacked articles such as index or playing cards, dry stiff articles and pads such as cleaning or burnishing pads, or the like. Minimally the box of the present invention comprises in combination; a back panel; side panels; a bottom panel; a front panel; a top panel; and, a lid hinged to the front panel that forms at least a portion of both the front and top panels of the closed box, and wherein the lid drops and opens forward on at least one hinged connection, and wherein the front panel is angled forward from vertical at least a few degrees. In this way, stacked flat articles loaded into the box will necessarily lean against and parallel to the inside surface of the front wall, ready for easy reach and removal one-at-a-time by the consumer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: The Dial Corporation
    Inventors: Keith Cardinal, Mark Snyker, Dan Perez, Susan Ng Williams
  • Publication number: 20100193541
    Abstract: Disclosed is a dispenser for items such as disposable cup closures that maintains a high degree of protection from air borne disease, contamination from adjoining surfaces or from contact with the hands of other patrons. The wide acceptance of clean technology depends on uncompromised convenience, productivity and cost as well as satisfying other needs of the store or restaurant proprietors including both dispenser appearance and low use of counter space. The present invention therefore provides clean dispensing of items like cup closures and packaged condiments in a device that is easy to maintain, clean and keep filled, mounts anywhere in a small space is aesthetically pleasing and can be customized to match any décor. Disclosed is a unique combination of a number of small details that together can play a crucial role in protecting the patrons from the spread of a pandemic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventors: Harvey James Tester, Lynn Ward Salts
  • Patent number: 7757890
    Abstract: A system for dispensing cylindrical containers is disclosed. In an embodiment, a housing with an upper opening and a lower opening includes a track that connects the upper and lower openings. A drawer is mounted in the lower opening so that containers placed in the upper opening may travel along the track until they reach the drawer. In an embodiment opening the drawer allows a single container to be removed. A plurality of tracks connecting a plurality of upper and lower openings may be provided so that different types of containers may be dispensed. In an embodiment the drawer may be lockable and a cover that may include a lock may be mounted to the housing so as to cover the upper opening. In an embodiment, a sensor may be included to detect the opening of the drawer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Alton E. Alford, Randall G. Singer, Lance Mastalka, Guillermo Bangit, Jeff Fridrich, John Ward
  • Patent number: 7648044
    Abstract: A sheet product dispenser includes a housing adapted to house sheet products therein, the housing having an arching wall, a first planar wall disposed in contact with the arching wall, and a second planar wall disposed in contact with the arching wall and the first planar wall; an opening disposed in the first planar wall or the second planar wall, the opening having a size sufficient to allow dispensing of the sheet products there-through; and an access panel forming a portion of the arching wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products LP
    Inventors: Christopher M. Reinsel, Michael R. Kilgore, Rachel DeSmidt, Frances Alexay
  • Publication number: 20090236952
    Abstract: A single hand paper towel dispenser and towel is disclosed having a plurality of generally flat longitudinally stacked paper towels. The stacked paper towels include a first paper towel, a second paper towel, and a securing element. The first paper towel has a first end portion, an opposing second end portion, a first side, and a second side. The second paper towel is a completely separate paper towel having a first end portion, an opposing second end portion, a first side, and a second side. The securing element secures one end of the first paper towel to one end of the second paper towel in order to form a bond therebetween. The paper towel dispenser is sized to house the plurality of paper towels. The dispenser includes a slot having a width sized such that a single paper towel may extend therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventor: Michael De Giulio
  • Publication number: 20090212066
    Abstract: A product holding, displaying and dispensing assembly includes a dispenser housing having a feed channel and a dispensing location together with a pre-packed, shipping cartridge holding a plurality of product units. The cartridge is inserted and held within the dispenser housing as the product units move within the cartridge to the dispensing location where a consumer can access and remove one or more product units. Unlike more conventional dispensers, the assembly of the present invention is configured so that the pre-packed cartridge is loaded into and remains within the housing as the product units are dispensed and advance forward within the dispenser. After insertion, the cartridge is locked in place by an arrangement of the feed track when one or more cans remain in the cartridge, but can be removed easily when the cartridge is empty. A forward facing surface also provides an additional advertising medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventor: Jamie Bauer
  • Publication number: 20090178942
    Abstract: The present invention provides a golf tee container and dispenser having an elastomeric body with a plurality of apertures through which golf tees can be dispensed. Also provided by the invention are ready-packs of dispensable golf tees, as well as methods for containing and dispensing golf tees.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventor: John Balazs