Abstract: A bead feeder serially delivering beads to a downstream location comprises a bead supply wheel connected to rotate about a vertical axis. The bead supply wheel includes a bead supply bowl and a plurality of radially and outwardly extending bead passageway connected to rotate with the bowl and dimensioned to receive a single line of beads. A plurality of openings in the bead supply bowl is spaced around a lower portion thereof with the openings in alignment with the radially and outwardly extending passageways each of which has an outer exit end. A metering plate is connected to rotate about the same vertical axis as the bead supply wheel, and metering plate has a plurality of equally spaced apart openings directly below the outer ends of the passageways for receiving the lowermost beads in the passageways.

Abstract: A single-dose package for transdermal therapeutic systems or film-shaped administration forms, in the form of a tear-open sealed-edge pouch with a completely surrounding and continuous non-peelable sealing surface. The single-dose packages are provided with two packaging material elements, which are arranged one lying on top of the other and form the upper side and underside of a pouch that contains the product. At least one packaging material element is a tear-resistant film laminate with an at least three-layer structure, wherein at least one layer of the packaging material elements is a metal layer. The single-dose package also has a linear weakening, which lies in the sealing area, does not touch the edge of the package and extends in the direction of the weaker tear resistance of the upper side and underside and the linear form of the anisotropically tear-resistant plastic.

Abstract: A ticket dispensing module comprising an elongate ticket dispensing aperture provided within a face of the ticket dispensing module, the elongate ticket dispensing aperture being a hole elongate in a plane parallel to the face when a door of the ticket dispensing module closed; and a housing body having opposed first and second faces with complementary slideable engagement elements, the first slideable engagement element of a first housing body engageable with the second slideable engagement element of a corresponding, second housing body, by relative displacement of the housing bodies along a direction of elongation of their slideable engagement elements, wherein at least one of the slideable engagement elements is tapered along its direction of elongation, wherein the slideable engagement elements of the first and second faces of the housing bodies are configured to prevent separation of the housing bodies transverse to the direction of relative displacement when they are engaged.

Abstract: The tower display and dispenser of shaped stacked sugars is a food and beverage apparatus that serves to provide a more elegant and functional way to store, display, and consume sugars in coffee, tea, alcoholic beverages and other such items. The invention consists of an acrylic display of base, cover, and dispenser enclosing custom-molded sugars with holes in their respective centers so can be securely stacked. The base and cover provide cover for infrequent access and may be removed to allow the dispenser to stand independently for more frequent access.

Abstract: A label dispenser having a body and a hinged lid attached thereto. The lid is held in a closed position by way of magnets. The interior of the body has guides that hold label packs in a vertical arrangement. The labels and liner are passed between the body of the dispenser and the lid.

Abstract: A container for storing personal care articles comprising a lid structure attached to the container is disclosed. The lid structure has a top lid portion connected to a base lid portion. The base lid portion includes a rigid port surrounding a unitary dispensing partition extending in an x and z direction to the rigid port, the unitary dispensing partition having a dispensing slit formed therethrough. The unitary dispensing partition forms an arc extending a first depth into the interior of the container in a z-direction. The depth of the dispensing partition allows for the personal care article to be stored in a pop-up dispensing position with a larger portion of the personal care article extending from the dispensing slit. This allows for easier retrieval of the product by a consumer and less dispensing failures.

Abstract: A dispenser having a base extension manoeuvrable between a retracted position and an extended position is provided. In the retracted position, the base extension is contained within a foot print of the dispenser when the dispenser is viewed from above. In the extended position, the base extension projects from the footprint formed by the rest of the dispenser when the dispenser is viewed in plan. The base extension is manoeuvrable into the extended position in a sliding motion akin to opening a drawer. The dispenser includes a removable face piece that has a bulging top portion, a recessed medial portion and a toe portion projecting as compared to the recessed portion. Between the bulging top portion and the projecting toe portion, the recess provides a finger receiving space for grasping a tissue in a dispensing opening and dispensing it from the dispenser.

Abstract: A dispenser is described for dispensing sheeted cleaning media, such as disposable hand towels, in a residential or household setting using the existing towel bar for a means of placement.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for gravity feeding of a dispensable product includes containing means and dispensing means. The containing means is adapted to contain the dispensable product and is operatively connected to the dispensing means whereby the dispensing means includes a chute means. Rotation of the chute means can cause the dispensable product to be able to be dispensed.

Abstract: A holder assembly is provided for safely storing a package of disposable wipes and securely mounting the package of wipes to a wall or table. In one embodiment, the holder assembly has a front wall, a rear wall, and two side walls extending from a base and thereby forming a cavity for receiving the package of disposable wipes. The front wall has a guide channel for slidably receiving a lid assembly connected to the package of wipes. The base of the holder has a plurality of openings for receiving fasteners, such as button head screws or suction cups, for securing the holder to a wall or table. A rear surface of the guide channel has a plurality of ovaloid protrusions configured to engage a tab on the lid and thereby secure the lid to the holder.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing solid articles includes a manifold assembly. The manifold assembly includes a manifold and a door assembly. The manifold has a plenum and an inlet port in fluid communication with the plenum. The door assembly includes a door panel and a shield. The door panel is selectively moveable between a closed position, wherein the door panel restricts airflow through the inlet port, and an open position, wherein the door panel permits airflow through the inlet port. The shield defines a pocket to receive the door panel in the open position and thereby reduce or restrict flow of air behind the door panel.

Abstract: An automatic vending machine includes a chassis and a switch module. The chassis includes a bottom plate. The bottom plate defines four latching holes, and a protrusion being located on the bottom plate. The installation bracket includes an installation board, four latching tabs and a knob. The four latching tabs and the knob are located on the installation board. Each of the four latching tabs is engaged in each of the four latching holes, to prevent the switch module from moving along a first direction, and the knob is engaged with the protrusion, to prevent to the switch module from moving along a second direction opposite to the first direction so that the switch module is assembled to the chassis without screws.

Abstract: A battery operated smoke detector with a system for lowering the battery of the smoke detector is disclosed. The smoke detector is of the type that is mountable from the ceiling of a structure. The battery of the smoke detector is part of a battery pack that is connected to a battery wire that is mounted on a spool. An engagement mechanism that allows the lowering of the spool and battery pack in response to a low-voltage condition controls the lowering of the battery pack. An electric motor is connected to the spool, and is used for raising the battery pack once a battery that is charged is connected to the system.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a mobile and self-contained sanitizing wipe dispensing system that dispenses discreet sheets of sanitizing wipes for hand or surface sanitization. The system is configured to facilitate the consistent dispensing of individual wipes, preferably from a roll of perforated but attached wipes, such that each wipe is separated at the point of perforation and the leading edge of the following sheet for easy access of each successive wipe. Means are provided to dispense wipes from a wall that is incorporated into the system, a plurality of walls forming an enclosure. The enclosure functions as a storage device for its own wipe refills and provides an integrated receptacle for used wipes. One embodiment comprises walls that are like-configured for ease in production and assembly and for reducing the cost of production.

Abstract: A vending machine has a base, a securing member, and a rail for supporting merchandise as a motor-driven coil rotates to push out merchandise. The rail is supported at the motor-driven end of the coil by a single screw from which the rail can be simply lifted and pulled away, and supported at the other end of the coil by a spring-loaded clip, enabling rapid assembly and disassembly of the rail without demounting any other component of the vending machine.

Abstract: A product receiving structure is located in a vending machine and includes a cabinet. The cabinet includes a bottom plate and a plurality of shelves located on the bottom plate. Each adjacent two of the plurality of shelves are configured for receiving a plurality of products. A plurality of strengthening pieces is located on the bottom plate and arranged in a substantially wave shaped for strengthening the bottom plate. Each of the plurality of strengthening pieces extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plurality of shelves.

Abstract: A dispenser applies objects to a receptacle from a column of objects. The dispenser comprises a support defining a bore in which a vertically displaceable dispensing tube is positioned. The dispensing tube is prevented from excessive upward or downward displacement by physical impediments. The dispensing tube defines one or more notches that cooperate with one or more metering members and one or more channels in the support. The metering members displace outward when the notches and channels are aligned to permit objects to fall into a receptacle positioned below the dispensing tube. The metering members displace inward when the notches and channels are not aligned to prevent objects from falling into the receptacle.

Abstract: A container for a product includes a substantially cylindrical body. The body includes two end portions and a tubular sidewall surface disposed between the two end portions. The sidewall surface includes a removable sidewall portion that, when removed, defines a sidewall opening in the sidewall surface to remove a product from the container. A method of dispensing a product from a container includes removing a removable sidewall portion of the container. The removable sidewall portion is located at a tubular sidewall surface located between two end portions of the container, thereby defining an opening in the tubular sidewall surface. A product is removed from the container via the opening.

Abstract: Among other things, we describe an apparatus that includes a chamber elongated along a longitudinal axis and shaped to receive pharmaceutical pills arranged along the longitudinal axis in a row, in which any cross-section of the chamber perpendicular to the longitudinal axis intersects a maximum of one pharmaceutical pill.

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

Abstract: Disclosed is a container comprising a lid and a base. The lid has a top surface and a side wall all about the perimeter of the top surface. The side wall has a lip which may be formed from a rolled edge. The base has a bottom surface and a side wall. The side wall further includes a plurality of tapered sections, a plurality of retention bumps, and a plurality of pivot bumps. The lid is adapted to fit over the base such that the rolled edge abuts underneath the retention bumps and pivot bumps securing the lid in place when the container is closed. The rolled edge of the lid pivots about and slides along the pivot bumps when the container is in an open position to create an opening for accessing contents of the container.

Abstract: A system and method for directing a consumer through a vending machine transaction. The system and method include a UI guide comprising visual cues to direct a consumer to insert a minimum amount of money, make a production selection and confirm the product selection. The system and method provide for the consumer to cancel the transaction and request that return of inserted coins.

Abstract: A combined dispenser for cigarette rolling papers and filters is described. In one embodiment, the dispenser includes a substantially box-shaped container for cigarette rolling papers that is defined by a plurality of panels including a top panel with a cut-out dispensing slot for dispensing sheets of the rolling papers. The dispenser also includes a cover panel with an outer surface and an opposite, inner surface. The cover panel is connected to the container at a hinge line. When pivoted about the hinge line into a closed position with the inner surface facing the top panel of the container, the cover panel substantially covers the top panel. The dispenser also includes a plurality of individually detachable cigarette filter strips stacked on the inner surface of the cover panel. The filter strips have a material composition that is different from the material composition of the cover panel.

Abstract: A confectioneries dispenser including a magazine for carrying a number of the confectioneries for dispensing and a head mounted for movement from a closed position to a dispensing position dispensing the outermost of the confectioneries from the magazine. For returning the head from the dispensing position to the closed position a spring is integrally formed as part of the magazine. To carry spherical confectioneries the magazine is integrally molded with a partially cylindrical enclosure of greater than one hundred and eighty degrees having a semi-cylindrical portion with a pair of straight tangential edge extensions, and a wedge shaped track inside of each extension. An outer case which receives a lower portion of the magazine has an upper projection corresponding and cooperating with a projection on a lower part of the head to simulate the lower and upper parts of a character's mouth.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a dispenser configured for storing one or more items and dispensing the stored items to authorized users. According to various embodiments, the dispenser generally includes a housing defining an interior portion dimensioned to receive one or more items and a laterally sliding access door comprised of a flexible barrier configured to provide restricted access to items stored within the dispenser. In various embodiments, the dispenser also includes a biasing system configured bias the access door to a closed position.

Abstract: An animal waste bag dispenser wherein a roll of waste bags with the leading waste bag protruding from the center is inserted into a holder with an aperture on one end, and the holder is inserted into a plush animal with a second aperture aligned with the first aperture so that waste bags may be dispensed therefrom.

Abstract: A dispenser includes a housing; and an adapter within the housing and configured to be removably coupled to a container, the adapter having a base having a substantially planar surface and an arm extending from the surface; a collar on the aim and movable with respect to the arm; and a sleeve on the arm and contacting the collar, wherein the adapter can be moved between an insertion orientation in which the sleeve has a first outer diameter and a coupling orientation in which the sleeve has a second outer diameter that is greater than the first outer diameter.

Abstract: Systems for deterring theft of retail products. Systems of this invention provide theft deterrent dispensing modules for dispensing products and may incorporate theft deterrent measures including mechanical deterrents, time delays and sound. The dispensing modules may include one or more pusher assemblies for dispensing product. Certain systems of this invention may also include a lockout feature, so that only one pusher assembly may be activated to dispense a product at one time.

Abstract: A self-sterilizing pass-through medications cabinet is built into a wall of a hospital room and can be accessed from the room interior or from the hallway. A frame mounted in the wall supports a rack or box containing patient drawers or bins, arranged in a vertical stack parallel to the wall or in a horizontal row. A hall-side door can be opened by pharmacy staff to place pre-loaded bins into respective compartments, and one or more room-side doors or drawers are opened by nurse staff for administering the medications to patients. The hallway door and room doors interlock to prevent their being opened at the same time to safeguard patient privacy. An ultraviolet germicidal illumination system bathes each bin in sterilizing radiation to destroy pathogens that may be present from handling or transport of the bins.

Abstract: A vending machine, and an operating system and an operating method thereof are provided. The vending machine includes a cabinet and a transparent touch display. The cabinet accommodates a plurality of physical commodities for vending. The transparent touch display is configured in the cabinet and located in front of the physical commodities. The transparent touch display has a transparent area for revealing the physical commodities. A user selects the physical commodities by touching a position corresponding to each of the physical commodities at the transparent area. The transparent touch display is adapted for displaying corresponding commodity information according to touch information applied by the user on the transparent touch display.

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

Abstract: A battery pack includes: a plurality of unit batteries each having a rectangular-solid sealed metal unit battery case and two voltage terminals protruding from a terminal surface of the unit battery case; a spacer arranged between two main surfaces of adjacent unit batteries opposing to each other so as to maintain a gap between the main surfaces; and a connection portion which electrically connects the voltage terminals of different unit batteries. The spacer has a plurality of protrusions for supporting the corner portions of the unit battery cases and through holes formed at positions opposing to the main surfaces which can receive expanded portions when the main surfaces of the unit battery cases are expanded by inner pressure of the unit battery cases.

Abstract: A controlled access pharmaceutical storage cabinet has at least one pull-out drawer that is divided into a number of locked compartments, arranged in rows. A slide bar lock is positioned between rows of the compartments, and has a series of slots along each edge which align with lock pins on hinged lids or covers for the compartments. Only one compartment can be opened at a time. A gear-motor is provided for each slide bar to move the slide bar to a position for access to a given compartment.

Abstract: The present invention concerns apparatus for efficiently dispensing and applying a wristband identification bracelet that is meant for attachment around an extremity of an animal or person. The apparatus is provided with a supply of identity bands that are adapted to become a bracelet by having a first portion of the band affixed to a second portion to form a continuous loop around the extremity. The extremity is positioned within a receptacle in the apparatus, permitting the identification band to be wrapped closely around the extremity by the band fixing mechanism of the apparatus. The identification band is fixed to itself to form a bracelet, so as to prevent its removal from the extremity without damaging the integrity of the bracelet.

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

Abstract: A product dispenser including a housing for housing dispensable products in a product reservoir defined by the housing and a cover member defining a dispensing opening through which the products are dispensed. The cover member includes a lid member and a support member and the lid member is openable relative to the support member about a hinge. The cover member is removably mountable to the housing by at least one engagement member of the support member engaging at least one complementary engagement member of the housing. A strength of connection of the hinge to the support member and a strength of connection of at least one engagement member of the support member for removably mounting the support member to the housing is such that when the lid member is opened to a stop position and further opening force is applied to the lid member, at least one engagement member dismounts between the housing and the support member before the force gets so great as to break the hinge.

Abstract: A dispensable product system including a product housing for a product dispenser that defines a product reservoir. The product housing being mountable to a counter top or wall member having an opening for receiving the product housing through the wall member and opposed major surfaces that are substantially planar. The system includes an opening through a side wall of the housing and a protrusion member positionable from a non-blocking position to a blocking position in that the protrusion member is positionable through the opening from an inside of the side wall of the product housing to project from an outside of the side wall of the product housing for seating against one of the major surfaces of the counter top or wall member to block movement of the product housing with respect to passing through the opening in the wall member in a first direction.

Abstract: A fixing mechanism to fix a battery to a main body of an electronic device includes a channel defined in the main body, the channel comprising two opposite openings at two ends thereof, a first fixing member fixed to one end of the channel, an electrically conductive second fixing member fixed to the other end of the channel, an insulated protector slidably positioned in the channel between the battery and the first fixing member; an electrical conductive member partially received in the insulated protector, and a resilient member. One end of the resilient member is fixed to the first fixing member, and the other end of the resilient member resists the electrical conductive member with the insulated protector toward the battery so that the electrical conductive member is electrically connected to an electrode of the battery.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing, transporting and dispensing balls, specifically golf balls. The apparatus has a tube with a spring at one end to force balls towards the second end, the second end having an opening and a restraint to keep the golf balls from inadvertently exiting the apparatus. The apparatus further has a cap that is selectively secured to the apparatus over the opening, thereby enclosing the golf balls within the apparatus. In an alternate embodiment, the apparatus is dimensioned to store soda cans, and the apparatus comprises insulating material to keep the soda cans in a temperature-controlled environment.

Abstract: A stacker, dispenser, and carrier in the form of a container for pizza boxes has a rectangular parallelepiped formed with a front opening for withdrawing boxes, a front support and a rear support on which the boxes are rested and a fulcrum for tilting the lowermost box to separate it from the box immediately above for reducing friction as the lowermost box is withdrawn. In one embodiment, the container has a rear opening for sliding the lowermost box off the front support as it is pushed rearward through the opening, the rear support serving as a fulcrum for lowering the front of the box which can then be withdrawn through the front opening of the container. In another embodiment, the container has a ramp in the rear for urging the lowermost box onto the rear support and partially extended through the opening in the container. Here the front support serves as a fulcrum for lowering the front of the box which can then be withdrawn through the front opening of the container.

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

Abstract: A stacker, dispenser, and carrier for pizza boxes has a rectangular parallelepiped formed with a front opening for withdrawing boxes and a rear opening for temporarily sliding the lowermost box off stops on which the stack is mounted. The lowermost box can be pushed rearward through the opening, have its front lowered, and than be withdrawn through the frontal opening of the box. A vertical window shows the height of the stack so that there is no room to add more boxes.

Abstract: A napkin dispenser has a body and a stand that supports the dispenser on a horizontal surface. The body has two main sections, a first upstream section that is straight and extends over the majority of the length of said body, and a second downstream section that extends at an angle relative to the first section and communicates with a dispensing opening. When the dispenser is supported by the stand on a horizontal surface, each of the first and second sections forms an oblique angle relative to the horizontal surface, with the first section forming an angle that is more nearly vertical, and the second section forming an angle that is more nearly horizontal.

Abstract: A gumball machine includes a gumball container that holds a plurality of gumballs, a neck portion coupled to the gumball container, the neck portion having a coin slot for receiving a coin, and a gumball dispensing assembly that releases a gumball from the gumball container when a coin is inserted into the coin slot. The gumball machine further includes an elongated housing having an upper end coupled to the neck portion, the housing holding coins that have been inserted through the coin slot. A base is coupled to the lower end of the housing and has a bottom portion that is seated on a surface. A spiral ramp has a mouth coupled to the neck portion, the spiral ramp connected around the housing for allowing a dispensed gumball to roll downwardly.

Abstract: A product dispensing system including a container defining an internal volume and an opening into the internal volume, the container including a weakening feature, the opening and the weakening feature defining an access panel, and a dispenser including a frame having longitudinally opposed first and second ends, and including a support deck and a product display area, the support deck extending at least partially between the first and second ends, the product display area being positioned below the support deck, and a catch element connected to the frame proximate the first end, the catch element protruding away from the second end such that the catch element engages the opening in the container and at least partially separates the access panel from the container as the container longitudinally moves along the support deck from the first end toward the second end.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a kiosk that dispenses products with no moving parts. The kiosk can dispense a rental product, and the rental product can be returned via a mail service, or it can be retained for a purchase price. The kiosk comprises a removable cartridge containing the products, and the cartridge can be readily replaced with a new cartridge to replenish the inventory of products in the kiosk.

Abstract: A carton for containing and dispensing a plurality of products is disclosed that comprises: a plurality of panels that define an internal volume; a trap door defined in at least one panel of the plurality of panels and separable from the panel along at least one weakened line to form an opening in the panel; and an insert strip positioned in the internal volume at least partially over the trap door. The insert strip retains the plurality of products within the internal volume of the carton after the trap door is separated from the panel. The products may then be dispensed through the opening by at least partially removing the insert strip from the internal volume.

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.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a pill delivery apparatus. The method includes providing an inner core having an outer surface and providing an outer sleeve comprising an opening defined therethrough, the outer sleeve having an inner surface. Further, the method includes defining a passageway on the outer surface of the inner core such that positioning the outer sleeve over the inner core defines a delivery chute for delivering a plurality of pills between the passageway and the inner surface of the outer sleeve.