Abstract: A carton for dispensing consumable wrapped products, such as cereal bars, power bars, granola bars or other snacks. The carton may include a front panel, a back panel, opposing side panels, a top panel and a bottom panel. The carton may include a perforated opening portion that is removable from the carton and defines an opening through which one or more products may be dispensed. The carton may also include an inventory window that allows visual access to one or more products within the carton.

Abstract: Distribution and dispensing modalities are provided for reusable medical gowns which involves generally loose handling thereof. Dispensing containers have a collapsible sidewall structure extending between opposite ends and defining therebetween an interior when un-collapsed or erected, at least one of the ends defining an opening through which clean, reusable medical gowns can be loaded, a closure repeatably manipulatable to open and close the opening, and a controllable access aperture at least a portion, or all, of which is spaced from the opening through which to selectively remove a clean, reusable medical gown. The loaded dispensing container may be transported to or around a healthcare facility and placed where needed for ready access at the point-of-use to clean, reusable medical gowns through the controllable access aperture.

Abstract: Device and method for making ice cubes, comprising a supplying device for supplying a liquid substance to at least one elongated mould (1) and a refrigerating device for freezing said liquid substance, which at least one mould defines a space for an ice column which is at least substantially closed at least while said liquid substance is being refrigerated. The at least one mould comprises two mould halves (Ia, Ib) which are movable relative to each other, so that the mould halves can be moved apart once the ice column has been formed. Method for making ice cubes, comprising the steps of a) supplying a liquid substance to a mould, b) freezing the liquid substance in the mould, and c) removing the ice cubes thus formed from the mould, wherein the liquid substance is supplied in step a) to a mould comprising an at least substantially closed space. Metering device for ice cubes.

Abstract: A dispenser includes an upper member having a slot and a lower member attached to the upper member thereby forming a housing, the lower member having an outer surface; a stack of sheets assembled in a fan-fold configuration disposed in the housing; and a polymeric holding film having a first surface attached to the outer surface of the lower member. The holding film having a flexural modulus less than about 50 MPa, as measured according to ASTMD790 standard, and a roughness parameter, Ra of less than about 1 micrometer, as calculated according to ASME B46.1 standard.

Abstract: Generally, the present disclosure relates to a carton for dispensing compressed tissue sheets comprising a carton having an oversized carton opening and a compressed stack of tissues, such as facial tissues. The compressed carton can significantly reduce costs associated with shipping such low density products. The oversized carton opening permits the compressed stack of tissues to expand, releasing the compression of the tissue stack and allowing the tissues to be dispensed normally.

Abstract: Combination compositions and kits comprising an analgesic and an antihistamine are provided as well as methods of use in treating sunburn.

Abstract: An intravenous (IV) site tape secures a portion of a patient to an inflexible object to thereby facilitate secure maintenance in position of an IV line. The IV site tape includes a mid-portion having a first end and an opposed second end, a proximal side and a distal side. A first tape end portion having a proximal side and a distal side, and a second tape end portion having a proximal side and a distal side extend contiguously from the first end and second ends of the mid-portion, respectively. The mid-portion is capable of being placed on a patient so as to pass over the patient's body portion and the first tape end portion and the second tape end portion are capable of being placed at least partially around and removably secured to such inflexible object, to thereby secure such portion of a patient to such inflexible object.

Abstract: A battery cover latching mechanism includes a housing member, a cover, and a latching assembly. The cover is detachably assembled to the housing member, and the latching assembly is mounted on the housing member and the cover. The cover includes two positioning blocks, and the latching assembly defines two latching holes located at opposite sides of the latching assembly. The positioning blocks are received within or removed out from the latching holes to lock or unlock the cover, respectively. Thus, the battery cover latching mechanism has simple structure and is easy to operate.

Abstract: A product dispensing system including a container having a plurality of walls that define an internal volume, at least one of the walls defining a pivoting panel that is partially separable from the wall along a weakened severance line, and a dispenser frame having a front end and a rear end, the dispenser frame including a support deck extending between the front end and the rear end, and a stop positioned proximate the front or the rear end to engage the pivoting panel and urge the pivoting panel into the internal volume as the container is moved along the support deck into engagement with the stop.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for a disposable fabric hand cover. The disposable fabric hand cover includes a first layer, a second layer, an opening and a sealed perimeter. The opening is adapted to accommodate insertion of a user's hand into the opening and into a cavity between, and formed by, the first layer and the second layer. The first layer, the second layer, or both may comprise a disposable fabric moistened with a cleaning solution and/or skin moisturizer. The disposable fabric may include a flushable fabric that is safe for disposal in a toilet emptying into conventional septic systems and/or sewage treatment facilities. Embodiments of the disposable fabric hand cover may resemble a rectangle, a thumbed-mitten, and/or a five-fingered glove. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: A container device for storing, singulating and dispensing rigid and semi-rigid strips such as diagnostic test strips. A plurality of strips is contained and protected within a transparent container having an internal capture element for capturing and positioning a single strip adjacent a narrow normally-closed dispensing aperture. The aperture is exposed by rotating a spring-loaded container top cap to an open position. A detachable container base cap contains a desiccant and is replaceable. An optional stand stores the device in an upright position, and incorporates a tool to facilitate removal of the base cap for replenishing the container's contents or replacing the desiccant. A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag can be incorporated for electronic inventory control. The device can also be used as an integrated test strip container/single strip dispensing means for an automated analyte meter module.

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: A pin dispensing apparatus including a dispenser configured to present a pin to a user, a transfer member configured to convey the pin to the dispenser, and a delivery mechanism configured to provide the pin to the transfer member.

Abstract: Systems for deterring theft of retail products. Systems of this invention provide theft deterrent dispensing modules for dispensing products and may incorporate theft deterrent measures including mechanical deterrents, time delays and sound. The dispensing modules may include one or more pusher assemblies for dispensing product. Certain systems of this invention may also include a lockout feature, so that one only pusher assembly may be activated to dispense a product at one time. In some embodiments, a door assembly may be provided as an additional theft deterrent mechanism so that access to additional product not yet dispensed by the pusher assembly is restricted.

Abstract: A label dispenser assembly for individually dispensing labels from a pad is disclosed. The label dispenser assembly includes rotatably accommodated retention members urged towards a surface of the dispenser for securing a pad of labels in place.

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 dental floss dispensing unit includes a housing, a supply spool, and a metering element. The supply spool is coupled to the housing and has a length of floss wound thereabout. The length of floss has a free end extending from the housing and a plurality of alternating and distinct first and second floss segments. The metering element engages the length of floss and provides resistance to removal of the length of floss from the housing. A magnitude of the resistance changes as each floss segment moves into engagement with the metering element, thereby providing a tactilely detectable indication to the user that one of the first or second segments is emerging from the housing. The dispensing unit is configured to allow the supply spool to be manually rotated without manipulation (e.g., disassembly) of the housing for rewinding floss onto the spool.

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 product dispensing system including a container that defines an internal volume and an opening into the internal volume, and a dispenser that includes a frame including an upper support deck having a front end and a rear end longitudinally opposed from the front end and a catch element including a base connected proximate the front end and a protrusion extending from the base toward the rear end such that the protrusion engages the opening when the container longitudinally moves along the upper support deck from the rear end toward the front end.

Abstract: An entertainment media rental and return system comprises a rental terminal at which a customer can either rent entertainment media or return entertainment media which has been previously rented from the rental terminal, a return terminal at which a customer can only return entertainment media which has been previously rented from the rental terminal, and a removable storage bin interchangeable between the terminals and arranged to (i) receive entertainment media which has been returned by a customer at the return terminal when the bin is installed in the return terminal, (ii) receive entertainment media which has been returned by a customer at the rental terminal when the bin is installed in the rental terminal, and (iii) provide entertainment media which is available to be rented to a customer at the rental terminal when the bin is installed in the rental terminal.

Abstract: A 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. There is a hall-side door that can be opened by pharmacy staff to place pre-loaded bins into respective compartments, and one or more room-side doors or drawers that may be 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. The system maintains an audit trail of access to the bins.

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.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide a technique to further increase protection performance for a battery pack of power tool. A representative power tool may include a tool body to which a tool bit is coupled to perform a predetermined operation, a driving motor that is disposed within the tool body, a battery pack that supplies driving current to the driving motor, the battery pack being removably mounted to the tool body and placed on the outside of the tool body in an exposed state, and a protector that is removably mounted to the tool body to protect the battery pack. The protector may include a battery pack protection area that protects the battery pack mounted to the tool body when the protector is mounted to the tool body. The battery pack protection area is dosed on at least part of the outer surface of the battery pack with a clearance and prevents transmission of external force upon the battery pack protection area to the battery pack.

Abstract: A product dispensing container including a plurality of walls that define an internal volume, at least one of the walls including an access door panel, a priming area and a severance line, and a plurality of products received in the internal volume, wherein the priming area is displaceable relative to the wall to form a free edge, and wherein the access door panel is at least partially defined by the free edge and the severance line when the priming area is displaced relative to the wall.

Abstract: A product dispensing system including a container having a plurality of walls that define an internal volume and an opening into the internal volume, and a dispenser including a frame configured to support the container and a catch element connected to the frame, the catch element being positioned to engage the opening when the container is loaded onto the frame.

Abstract: Combination toothpick/mint dispensers are rendered tamper proof by incorporating irreversible fasteners for joining the two halves of the housing to one another. Any tampering with the dispenser, for example opening the dispenser to substitute its contents with unauthorized items, necessarily results in an alteration of the appearance of the housing so as to alert the user that the dispenser may have been tampered with.

Abstract: A disposable sleeve. The sleeve includes: a main body fabricated in a generally cylindrical shape from a material suitable for catching fluids associated with a sneeze or cough; a first opening and a second opening, wherein each opening includes an elastic member for holding the disposable sleeve in place on an arm; and a grasping member located proximate each opening for facilitating installation and removal of the disposable sleeve.

Abstract: A carton includes a tubular body for receiving a stack of articles is disclosed. The articles in the carton are movable toward the lower end of the tubular body along the tubular axis of the tubular body. The tubular body includes a front panel and a rear panel. A removable portion is formed from the front panel of the tubular body and is disposed proximate the lower end of the tubular body. The removable portion when removed defines an exit opening through which a first one of the articles is forwardly movable so that the articles are removable one at a time from the carton through the exit opening. An access assisting feature defines a relief opening in the rear panel through which a second one of the articles is backwardly movable to allow a finger space to be created next to the first one of the articles.

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.

Abstract: A system for storing and dispensing discrete doses of pharmaceuticals includes: a housing with an internal cavity having a front wall with first and second windows; multiple storage locations positioned within the housing; and a carrier assembly positioned and movable within the housing. The carrier assembly is configured to receive a pharmaceutical dose package loaded into either the first or second window and convey the pharmaceutical dose package to one of the storage locations for storage therein, and is further configured to retrieve a pharmaceutical dose package from one of the storage locations and return the pharmaceutical dose package to the first or second window for dispensing therefrom.

Abstract: A pet toy with an adjustable treat dispensing lid is disclosed. The lid is connected to a body of the pet toy, and a treat holding enclosure receives treats. The enclosure has an open area which communicates with a treat dispensing opening of the lid enabling treats to be selectively dispensed. The lid may be placed at selected positions with respect to the body thereby changing the size of the exposed treat dispensing opening to thereby selectively change the rate at which treats are dispensed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to adhesive strips for reversibly resealing open bags, such as food bags. More particularly, the preferred strips comprise a decorative motif and/or a textured surface, which may be provided in a dispenser.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing tissue paper, in particular kitchen paper, kitchen towels, facial tissues, toilet paper and/or napkins. The dispenser includes an inner core for receiving the tissue paper to be dispensed. The inner core has a dispensing opening for dispensing the tissue paper. The dispenser includes an outer shell arranged to receive the inner core. The outer shell has a dispensing opening which is aligned with the dispensing opening of the inner core when received in the outer shell. The outer shell has at least one long side and at least one short side. The outer shell has at least one open side situated perpendicular to the wall carrying the dispensing opening of the outer shell and is situated in the long side. The inner core is insertable into the outer shell in a direction perpendicular to the long side.

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

Abstract: For safe storage and simple and safe administration of tablets T by a user, a cartridge 900 is provided that can be inserted into a medicament dispenser 1 for solid medicament portions T and that is designed with a reservoir for receiving the medicament portions T, and a medicament dispenser 1 containing this cartridge 900 is also provided. According to the invention, the cartridge 900 comprises a transport safety mechanism for preventing movement of the medicament portions T during storage and transport of the cartridge 900. This transport safety mechanism is in particular a tolerance compensation plug 970 that sits with a frictional fit in the reservoir and that is movable in the axial direction.

Abstract: A vending machine housing assembly includes a housing body having plural sides assembled one to the next in an end-to-end angular relationship so as to provide the housing body with a polygonal cross-sectional configuration. Each side define a wall portion and a corner portion in a one-piece construction in which the corner portion is rigidly and integrally connected to the wall portion and has an arcuate cross-sectional configuration determining the angular relationship between the sides of the housing body. The housing assembly also has an upper collar and a lower base respectively disposed above and below the housing body and having polygonal cross-sectional configurations like that of the housing body, and elements interconnecting and fixedly clamping the housing body between the upper collar and lower base to provide the housing assembly as a rigid construction.

Abstract: A blister dispenser for unitary dosage forms such as tablets having a housing formed of side walls and a bottom and having a closeable lid with a plurality of cavities to hold the unitary dosage forms. The unitary dosage forms can be sealed into the cavities by a breakable film. The housing has a dispensing opening, and a unitary dosage form may dispensed by pressing the cavity to force the unitary dosage form through the film into the enclosed area defined by the housing and closed lid and then manipulating the housing to direct the unitary dosage form through the dispensing opening.

Abstract: Storage cabinet for the storage of flat batches of male hygienic wipes, consisting of a potentially wall-mounted stationary component with a vertical rear plate and a rotating front panel and an accessible storage space between the two, with a central bottom aperture for dispensing the wipes one at a time, wherein the stationary component (2) has vertically oriented ribs (4, 5, 6) on the inside, with the narrow outside edges of at least the fins in the middle (4) parallel to each other and at an acute angle with the vertical, preferably between 6° and 25°, while the bottom plates (18, 19) of the stationary component (2) and the front panel (3), which are in the same plane, are perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the above-mentioned edges, and the aperture mentioned (20) is formed by the central edges of the bottom plates (18, 19), and the bottom of the front panel (3) has hinge consoles (7, 8) connecting the front panel (3) to the stationary component (2).

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

Abstract: The dispenser is comprised of a first hollow body and a second hollow body. The second hollow body fits into the first hollow body. The second hollow body has a closure at the open end. The second hollow body is maintained in the first hollow body by means of an interference fit. There also is at least one vent between the first hollow body and the second hollow body. The second hollow body will contain a medicament. In use the first hollow body and the second hollow body are separated, the lid on the closure of the second hollow body opened and a tablet dispensed into the first hollow body. A liquid such as water is added to the first hollow body to dissolve the tablet. This dissolved medicament is ingested in the usual way and the second hollow body placed back into the first hollow body.

Abstract: A box for containing a plurality of products includes top, bottom and lateral walls, and an exterior panel extending adjacent the bottom wall thereby forming a slot. A mounting assembly is combined with the box to form a system for dispensing a plurality of products. The mounting assembly includes a base, a flap hingedly connected to the base, and a closure mechanism for releasably connecting the flap to the base. The flap is sized and shaped to fit through the slot between the panel and the bottom wall.

Abstract: A product housing for use with a vacuum breaker, a solid product dispenser, and a solid product having a bottom surface comprises a product holder, an overflow outlet, and a flood plane. The product holder has a bottom and is configured and arranged to receive the solid product with the bottom surface proximate the bottom. The bottom of the product holder is positioned proximate above the solid product dispenser and proximate below the vacuum breaker. The overflow outlet is proximate the bottom, and the flood plane is proximate the overflow outlet.

Abstract: An octahedral product dispenser for dispensing discrete product portions and a corresponding blank for constructing the product dispenser are described. The product dispenser includes two opposing hexagonal end panels, and six integrally connected rectangular side panels extending between the two end panels, wherein a first and a last of these six side panels are not integrally connected to each other but connected to one another with a flap portion. An opening is formed in one of the end or side panels for allowing access to product portions within the product dispenser, and these product portions can be arranged vertically.

Abstract: A money handling apparatus for performing at least depositing includes: a casing; a depositing unit; a recognition unit configured to at least count or recognize money fed from the depositing unit; an inner storage unit from which the money stored therein is unremovable directly from the outside of the casing; an outer stacking unit from which the money stacked therein is removable directly from the outside of the casing; a transport unit configured to transport the money among the above-described units; and a controller configured to allow selective transport of the money handled by the recognition unit to the inner storage unit, or the outer stacking unit. The controller transfers the money to the inner storage unit when a first deposit mode is selected by a selection signal, or transfers the money to the outer stacking unit when a second deposit mode is selected.

Abstract: A portable tablet dispenser includes a plurality of cartridges including a first cartridge including a first plurality of ingestible tablets housed therein and a second cartridge including a second plurality of ingestible tablets housed therein. A main housing includes a first cartridge port that receives a dispensing end of the first cartridge and a second cartridge port that receives a dispensing end of the second cartridge. A dispensing mechanism is located in the main housing. The dispensing mechanism is configured to selectively dispense an individual ingestible tablet from one and simultaneously both of the first cartridge and the second cartridge where selection is based on a user input.

Abstract: A sheet product dispenser includes a body portion defining an inner cavity, and an impeding element arranged in the inner cavity operative to exert a compressive force on a first sheet product disposed on a second sheet product in the inner cavity, the compressive force is operative to reduce a load exerted by the first sheet product the second sheet product.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for controlling dispensing of medication are provided. A dispenser device used, for example, in the systems and methods can include a housing for storing units of medication. A dispensing well can reside within the housing with the dispensing well having an opening therein to permit removal of units of medication therefrom. The dispenser device can include a first slide having an opening therein that is configured to funnel a unit of medication toward the opening in the dispensing well. The dispenser device can also include a second slide disposed between the opening in the dispensing well and the first slide. The second slide can have an opening therein that is alignable with the opening in the dispensing well and the opening in the first slide.

Abstract: An entertainment media rental and return system comprises a rental terminal at which a customer can either rent entertainment media or return entertainment media which has been previously rented from the rental terminal, a return terminal at which a customer can only return entertainment media which has been previously rented from the rental terminal, and a removable storage bin interchangeable between the terminals and arranged to (i) receive entertainment media which has been returned by a customer at the return terminal when the bin is installed in the return terminal, (ii) receive entertainment media which has been returned by a customer at the rental terminal when the bin is installed in the rental terminal, and (iii) provide entertainment media which is available to be rented to a customer at the rental terminal when the bin is installed in the rental terminal.

Abstract: A package is disclosed comprising a shell and a slidable tray received therein, and having at least two access modes for dispensing contents from the package.

Abstract: It is provided a vending machine (1) for dispensing foods and the like, comprising at least one food dispenser (2) adapted to hold and dispense foods to a user, and an evaluation system (3) suitable to evaluate the user's body condition and select one of the foods, based on said evaluation.