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: Disclosed is a dispenser for dispensing a continuous strip of pouches. The dispenser comprises a box with right (14a) and left (14b) side panels wherein one of the side panels includes a tuck flap insert (24), a rear panel (18a) and a rear panel glue flap (18b), a pair of bottom closure panels (16a, 16b) and bottom closure flaps (16c, 16d), a pair of top closure panels (12a, 12b) and a top closure flap (12c) wherein one of the top panels includes a top tuck flap (22) adapted to fit into the tuck flap insert (24), and a front section (20). The front section includes lower and upper front panels and a gate flap (26). The gate flap touches one of the top closure panels such that the strip of pouches within the box can be dispensed out the front section and held in place by the gate flap.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for dispensing magnetic stripe cards, smart cards, other cards, and/or other items from kiosks and other structures are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a card dispensing apparatus includes at least a first card hopper and a card transport assembly. The first card hopper is configured to hold a stack of cards that includes at least a first card stacked on a second card. The card transport assembly includes a card carrier configured to lift the first card off the second card and transfer the first card toward a card outlet. Methods are also disclosed for monitoring card stacks in a card dispensing apparatus and for prereading cards prior to sale to expedite dispensing operations. Devices are also disclosed for maintaining the alignment or levelness of top cards in stacks of cards having embossing or other raised features that cause uneven stacking.

Abstract: A standalone portable dispenser assembly for sanitary items includes a base portion that provides resistance to the dispenser assembly against being tipped from an upright condition, an extension portion extending upwardly from the base portion, an upper cover portion attached to the extension portion above the base portion and a dispensing unit below the upper cover portion. One or more dispensing devices are disposed upon or within the dispensing unit for dispensing at least one sanitary item, such as hand towels and liquid hand soaps. The dispensing unit is at least partially shielded from weather by the upper cover portion, and the assembly is provided in a modular configuration for the convenient replacement of damaged components.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the dispensing of gloves from a dispenser. The dispenser (1) comprises a container (2) and a plurality of disposable gloves (22). The container (2) has a plurality of faces (3, 4, 5), and each glove (22) has a cuff portion (36) and a finger portion (34), the cuff portion having a cuff (40) and the gloves being stacked one on another with the cuffs of the gloves being aligned on one side (42) of the stack (20) of gloves held within the container (2). The container (2) has in use a dispensing aperture (24) in at least one face (3, 5) of the container through which gloves (22) can be dispensed. The gloves (22) are oriented in the container (2) so that the gloves are positioned for dispensing cuff-first through the aperture (24), and the finger portion (34) of each glove (22) is folded back against the cuff portion (36) of the same glove to protect the finger portion from user contact and contamination during dispensing of the glove.

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.

Abstract: A sandwich container is disclosed comprising: a housing having a base, a rear wall, a top wall, and sidewalls, the housing being at least partially enclosed and defining an interior for containment of a sandwich, the housing defining a dispensing end of the sandwich container; a push tab, formed in one or both of the base and the rear wall of the housing, adapted to hinge from a base end of the push tab into the housing toward the dispensing end for manual advancement, in operation, of the sandwich from the rear wall towards the dispensing end.

Abstract: Packages, and more particularly packages having a dispensing opening through which articles, such as sanitary tissue products, may be dispensed are provided.

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

Abstract: Automatic feeding machines are commonly used for filling blister packs with items of product such as pharmaceutical dosage forms. These machines are usually designed for the handling of a specific shape and sized product item. Handling of different shaped items requires expensive re-tooling of all the product item contact components. The invention allows a single feeding machine to be quickly configured for use to handling a wide variety of item sizes/shapes. A machine (21) has a tray (36) defining a series of tapered channels (40) and a container (22) slideably mounted above the tray. A wall of the container and the channels together define apertures into each channel through which items of product pass out of the container. Sliding movement of the container across the planar tray surface (38), along and over the channels, allows the size of the apertures to be adjusted depending upon the size of the item of product to be handled, using the same components.

Abstract: A dispenser automatically dispenses beverage cans. A housing has a conveyor along which cans are conveyed by gravity to a removal opening. A dispensing flap is on the removal opening and can be pivoted between a closed position, in which it prevents the removal of products through the removal opening, and a removal position. The dispensing flap has two trough-shaped receptacles lying at right angles to the conveyor section for one can, and is pivotal such that in the closed position a can is conveyed from the conveyor section into the first receptacle positioned to the inside of the housing, removal of the can from the first receptacle being prevented. In the removal position the can rolls from the first receptacle into the second receptacle, at the same time a new can is prevented from being conveyed from the conveyor into the first receptacle.

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: Disclosed is a pill dispenser. In one embodiment, the pill dispenser includes a housing defining an interior. The dispenser may also include a holder for receiving a plurality of pills, a movable barrier positioned at one end of the holder, and a retainer capable of moving at least one of the pills in the holder. At least a portion of the holder and barrier may be positioned within the interior of the housing. Related methods are also disclosed.

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 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 vending-machine has one or more displays that inform the customer regarding available vendable selections and that facilitate the purchase of a selected item. By one approach this display can comprise a touchscreen display. Such an approach can support a highly intuitive interaction between the purchasing context and the customer. A display of dynamic content serves to attract a potential customer, provide the customer with a wealth of information regarding available selections, offer the customer a variety of ways to consider and assess available vendable items, support the building of a customer relationship between the customer and one or more marketing brands, and effect the successful conclusion of a vending transaction.

Abstract: A shoe-cover dispenser is described, including, for example, features that facilitate the simultaneous loading of multiple shoe covers and/or features that prevent incomplete release of shoe covers. The shoe-cover dispenser can include a shell and a removable shoe-cover cartridge sized to fit within the shell. The removable shoe-cover cartridge can be configured to releasably hold a plurality of shoe covers, such as by releasably holding three or more clips attached to an elastic element of each shoe cover. These clips can be preloaded into the removable shoe-cover cartridge prior to delivery to an end-user. Release of a shoe cover can be initiated by downward movement of a foot pad. To prevent tilting of the foot pad, the shell can include a guide plate substantially abutting a substantially vertical side of the foot pad and/or an alignment rod positioned within a substantially vertical hole in the foot pad.

Abstract: A pacifier dispenser for pacifiers has a nipple portion, a flange portion, and a handle. The dispenser includes a body portion of sufficient size to hold a plurality of pacifiers. A longitudinal nipple slot is adapted and constructed to hold the nipple portions of pacifiers in the holder. A main chamber is adapted and constructed to retain the flange portion of the pacifier, and a longitudinal slot adapted and constructed to allow the handles of the pacifiers to extend outside of the dispenser. A user grasps the handle portion of a pacifier in the dispenser to remove the pacifier therefrom.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a combination vend operation. The system and method include a first (parent) vending machine operable to discount a product when an associated product is selected. The combination vend operation may be performed when the discounted product and the associated product are in different vending machines. The same of first (parent) vending machine directs a second (child) vending machine to dispense the discounted product during the combo vend operation. A consumer may purchase the discounted product at the discounted price after or while purchasing the associated product.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a satellite vend operation. A first (parent) vending machine is operable to dispense a product from a product storage display area located in a second (child) vending machine. The first (parent) vending machine can control or interact with the functions of the second (child) vending machine. A programming menu on the first (parent) vending machine is automatically configured for a satellite vend operation when the first (parent) vending machine pairs with the second (child) vending machine. An operator is provided, in the programming menu located on the parent vending machine, relevant information associated with the child vending machine and relevant information associated with the parent vending machine.

Abstract: A medication storage and dispensing unit is provided which includes a support platform and a vial dispenser supported by the support platform. The vial dispenser may include a chute configured to store a plurality of vials of medication and a gate configured to be alternately positioned in a closed position in which the vials remain within the chute and an open position in which a vial is dispensed from the chute. The medication storage and dispensing unit may be computer controlled so as to include a computing device configured to receive user input regarding dispensation of a vial. The computing device may be further configured to actuate the gate to thereby permit the gate to move to the open position such that the vial is dispensed from the chute.

Abstract: A vent mountable tissue dispenser includes a tissue receptacle and one or more clips for attaching the receptacle to an air vent. Each clip includes first and second clamping elements bias by a spring and may be used to clamp the tissue dispenser to a vane of the air vent.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus, kit and method for dispensing lids one at a time in a sanitary and effective manner. A stack of lids is placed inside a tube and substantially held in the tube by a cover piece. Preferably the cover piece is concave in shape and is opposed by a concave platform that biases the stack of lids towards said cover piece. The bottommost lid of the stack is available for dispensing while the next lid in the stack is restrained in place, preferably by elements associated with the cover piece.

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

Abstract: A system and method for extracting active elemental iodine from the contact of water with stored crystal iodine and for introducing the extracted elemental iodine into a water supply line and/or otherwise making the extracted elemental iodine available for an intended use. The system operates by allowing a portion of the water entering from a water supply line to be redirected to a first housing where it makes contact with stored crystal iodine causing to extract active elemental iodine. The iodinized water leaves the first housing and enters a second housing where it makes contact additional stored crystal iodine to help stabilize the elemental iodine concentration. The system can be designed to provide the elemental iodine in more than one potency concentration through the use of a metering valve and different travel routes for the elemental iodine out of the second housing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a medicine discharge device of an automatic medicine packing machine, which is used to discharge a medicine, fed from a medicine cassette based on a medical prescription, into a medicine packing device. The medicine discharge device includes a medicine input unit installed under a medicine cassette mount to receive the medicine fed from the medicine cassette, a frame provided with a gate unit, the gate unit including gate members to be opened or closed by a drive unit so as to control movement of the medicine discharged from the medicine input unit, a plate installed under the frame and having an accommodation portion to receive the medicine and a recess to allow the medicine to be moved from the gate members to a discharge passage, a vibrator to vibrate the plate, and a medicine transfer unit to discharge the medicine, having passed through the recess, into a hopper.

Abstract: A multi-drawer and doored vending system in which each drawer has one or a plurality of compartments each holding an items to be vended, and each doored compartment contains at least one item for vending. Drawer control is provided by a drawer opening and position control system comprising an array of spaced apart control tabs on each drawer, a drawer lock and release assembly, and a progressively movable drawer position control bar to control drawer opening in conjunction with the control tabs. Each doored compartment also employs a lock and release assembly. A control system is provided to control user interface, to maintain product inventory counts and to control the vending process. This involves verifying the identity of a user seeking to obtain a vended item, verifying any other system or pre-vend requirements, and permits limited access to a drawer and compartment corresponding to an approved vend selection.

Abstract: Discussed herein are methods and devices for storing, handling, loading or dispensing of pipette tips. Some embodiments allow repetitive loading of an array of multiple pipette tips that are stored in a nested configuration.

Abstract: A stamped bucket for a vending machine having an elongated body with opposing first and second ends, a first end wall integrally formed on the body along the first end and a second end wall integrally formed on the body along the second end. The first and second end walls extending in generally transverse relation to the body. The first end wall has one or more tab portions extending therefrom that are secured to the body adjacent the first end. The second end wall also has one or more tab portions extending therefrom that are secured to the body adjacent the second end. An axis of rotation extends between the first and second end walls substantially longitudinally along the body.

Abstract: Disclosed is a package for storing a product, such as smokeless tobacco, which includes, inter alia, a container that has opposing upper and lower surfaces, and a container sidewall that extends between the upper and lower surfaces to define an interior for storing a plurality of products. The upper surface of the container has an apex intermediate a first region and a second region and the container sidewall defines an opening sized and configured to release at least one of the products. The package also includes an outer cover having an upper section and a cover sidewall depending from the upper section. The outer cover is configured to retain the container and selectively seal the opening. The container pivots about the apex to transition between open and closed positions.

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 device is disclosed for discharging elongate, coarse bulk products—such as bottle preforms—from a product hopper. The device includes a product hopper with a discharge opening and a rotating disc that is configured to receive bulk products passing through the discharge opening.

Abstract: A pill dispensing cap that secures to a conventional pill container. The pill dispensing cap has a lower cap, a pill discharge port, and a spring loaded rotatable and slidable upper cap. Pills are dispensed one at a time, and the remaining pills are isolated from external contamination. A child resistant lock prevents small children and/or mentally handicapped individuals from easily accessing medicine inside the container. The child resistant lock uses a vertically slidable upper cap that is slidably and rotatably attached to the lower cap. A child safety lock uses a key in the upper cap that must be aligned with a slot in the lower cap to allow a pill to be dispensed. When the key and slot are aligned, the upper cap is vertically compressed against the lower cap. As the upper cap moves toward the base cap, a gravity fed pill discharge port is exposed which releases a single pill.

Abstract: A sheet product dispenser is provided. The sheet product dispenser includes an enclosure having a hollow interior sized to receive sheet product. A cover having a dispensing opening encloses the hollow interior. A lid having a cavity encloses the dispensing opening. The dispenser has a bottom portion that is sized to fit in a vehicle cup-holder receptacle. In one embodiment, the dispenser includes an enclosure coupled for rotation to a container. The container includes a hollow interior for receiving discarded sheet product.

Abstract: A control apparatus having an assembly adapted to house an object to be controlled; a first member mounted on the assembly for selective movement between a closed position, disposed in covering relation to the assembly, and an opened position, providing access to the assembly; and a second member mounted on the assembly for selective movement between a closed position, disposed in covering relation to the first member when the first member is in the closed position, and an opened position, disposed selectively to permit the first member to be moved between the closed position and the opened position thereof.

Abstract: A product, such as a wipes dispenser, having an oblong housing. The product may have sidewalls that taper inward from the top to the bottom. The product may contain a u-shaped stack of wipes. The product may have a lid with one or more openings through which a user accesses the wipes.

Abstract: A dispensing container (12, 212) for housing and sequentially dispensing packets (124) is taught. Also taught are the carton blanks (10, 210) for erecting the respective containers. A length of packets created by severably attaching sequential packets (124) along respective tear lines (129) is rolled or folded then positioned within the container for later dispensing. Child-resistance features that impede removal of each packet (124) include routing the length of packets between opposing panels (16, 24) or between opposing panels and an edge of folded panels (224, 239) that exert a lateral pressure on the packets (124). In some embodiments the panels (16, 24) include apertures (64, 92) that catch or otherwise engage a feature of a packet, such as a blister, to further impede removal of each packet (124). To further impede removal of a packet (124), access notches (56, 256, 290) that allow the user to grasp the packet are narrowly constructed.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing solid articles includes a housing and a gate system. The housing defines a dispensing channel and a portal through which articles can flow along a dispensing pathway. The gate system includes a gate member positioned in the dispensing pathway. The gate member is selectively positionable between an open position and a closed position. When the gate member is in the open position, the gate member permits the articles to pass through the portal and, when the gate member is in the closed position, the gate member blocks the articles from passing through the portal. The gate system is configured such that the gate member is passively transitionable between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: A gravity fed dispensing and display box has separate partition inserts therein dividing the interior into a plurality of compartments for stacking articles to be dispensed. A dispensing opening at the bottom of each compartment has a width less than the width of the compartment and of articles to be dispensed to prevent unintentional movement of an article through the opening. A yieldable retaining panel overlies the articles in each compartment to prevent loss of articles through the top during shipping, but flexes downwardly to enable an article to be placed in the compartment through the top. A lid is convertible from a shipping closure to a display panel for display at a point of sale. The box and the inserts are each held assembled by interlocking tabs and slots, avoiding the need for adhesive.

Abstract: A container for dispensing a product is provided, the container including an outer casing body having a cavity; a dispensing tray adapted for sliding movement within the cavity of the outer casing body between a closed and locked position and a dispensing position, the dispensing tray having an internal storage compartment for storage of a plurality of units of a product to be dispensed, a dispensing window, and a stop for engaging the outer casing body to prevent removal of the dispensing tray from the cavity; and a locking mechanism for releasably locking the dispensing tray in the cavity, the locking mechanism including protrusions projecting from the outer casing body into the cavity and positioned adjacent to a moveable flap formed in the outer casing body, and recesses carried by the dispensing tray and positioned to engage the protrusions when the dispensing tray is in the closed and locked position.

Abstract: A vending machine with a stereoscopic three-dimensional display and a method for vending wares in conjunction with a video presentation shown on the display. The video presentation is divided into left and right views for the left and right eyes, respectively. A face plate with left and right ocular apertures is disposed on an exterior surface of the vending machine in an optimal position for viewing. A divider plate is centered between the left and right views and the left and right ocular apertures so that a viewer's left eye can only see the left view of the video presentation and vice-versa. When a purchaser buys a product from the vending machine, the purchaser may view a short video presentation through the stereoscopic display, which depicts something of interest to the viewer.

Abstract: A washing- or cleaning agent delivery system for washing—or cleaning agent shaped elements is described. The shaped elements are well suited for spot treatment, for example on textiles but also on hard surfaces. The shaped elements are also suitable for the preparation of washing baths.

Abstract: A vial dispensing mechanism for dispensing oblong or other non-cylindrical shaped vials. The vial dispensing mechanism includes at least one spirally-disposed guide wall that defines a vial delivery chute for guiding a plurality of vials; a rotatable platter positioned below the guide wall; a motor coupled with the rotatable platter; and a control system for selectively directing the motor to rotate the platter in a first direction to load the vials into the vial dispensing mechanism or in a second direction to dispense the vials from the vial dispensing mechanism.

Abstract: An automatic dispensing device of orientable capsules for preparing hot beverages is described, comprising at least one storage compartment adapted to accommodate the capsules in open order, the storage compartment being provided with at least one inlet for capsules and at least one plurality of apertures adapted to the oriented exit of capsules. The device comprises means for rotating the storage compartment about a rotation axis in order to facilitate the oriented exit of capsules.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus for distributing at least one product to consumers includes a housing and a plurality of belt conveyors for storing a predetermined quantity of such product. A serving tray is positioned externally to the housing for incrementally receiving one of the predetermined quantity of such product. Another belt conveyor is provided for incrementally obtaining such one of such product and for delivering it to the serving tray. A controller for selectively operating storage and delivery conveyors. A manually operable switch activates the controller to operate the delivery conveyor in order to deliver such one of such product. The apparatus is capable of capturing consumer personal data. Various methods contemplate use of these devices for delivering targeted marketing information, distributing product samples and for cross-marketing products.

Abstract: A storage hopper temporarily stores articles supplied from above and then discharges the articles downward. The storage hopper includes a holding member of an article holding change mechanism in a storage portion. The holding member changes a state in which the articles are held in the storage portion according to a state of the articles.

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: An apparatus is used to dispense radiopharmaceuticals from an open vial into capsules. The apparatus is particularly well suited for volatile radiopharmaceuticals such as I-131 radioiodine. The method used with this apparatus enables the operator's hands to remain at a distance from the radiopharmaceutical to reduce extremity exposure which also allows use of highly concentrated stock solutions.

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.