Plural Sources, Stacks Or Compartments Patents (Class 221/92)
  • Patent number: 8365949
    Abstract: A canister for removable attachment to a dispenser is formed as a hollow shell defining a cavity into which wet or dry paper can be fitted and removed from the canister through a dispensing opening therein. The shell is formed with a part-cylindrical shape and has a outwardly projecting rim at its bottom for detachable mounting on the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Inventor: Armand Serfaty
  • Publication number: 20130026173
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems for dispensing multiple types of materials, such as packing materials. According to various embodiments, the systems include a dispensing bin with multiple compartments configured to receive and dispense different types of materials, such as air-filled dunnage cushions and air-filled protective material. In certain embodiments, the dispensing bin is configured to receive materials from one or more supply machines and dispense the materials such that more than one type of material is provided to numerous packing stations for use in packaging items.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventor: Jason Renjilian
  • Patent number: 8360271
    Abstract: A sliding surface having a gentle slope for carrying pharmaceutical products such as infusion bottles (20) is formed by a row of rollers (15) extending in the direction of slope. An ejecting member (14) for sequentially ejecting the products (20) is formed as a series of a flat plate (14a) and a curved plate (14c). The flat plate (14a) is pivotably supported such that the pivot center is on an extension of the sliding surface. The curved plate (14c) is provided below the flat plate (14a), maintaining a constant distance from the pivot center. An actuator such as an electric motor (12) for pivotally moving the ejecting member (14) is provided beneath the sliding surface. Since the pharmaceutical product at the head of a queue assists the pivotal movement, it is ensured that a small actuator serves the purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Tosho Inc.
    Inventors: Shiro Omura, Yoshihito Omura, Hideaki Hirobe, Shunji Ogaya
  • Patent number: 8315733
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Inventors: Walter Hales, Jr., Michael Panson, Leonid Foshansky
  • Publication number: 20120285981
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pilfer-proof dispenser for storing first aid items that may comprise a kit. The dispenser comprises a support and at least one cassette securely attached to a first aid item, said cassette being removably attached to said support by attachment means and being further provided with first locking means distinct from said attachment means. The dispenser further comprises a locking bar having second locking means to lock the cassette into a non-movable position on the support, said bar being moveable with respect to the support between a first position wherein said second locking means cooperates with said first locking means of said cassette to lock said cassette in said non-movable position and a second position wherein said first and second locking means do not lock said cassette. The support is further provided with means to restrict movement of the locking bar from said first position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventor: Giovanni Benedetti
  • Publication number: 20120261435
    Abstract: A container for carrying and dispensing at least one zip tie includes a housing having an outer wall and opposing upper and lower walls defining a substantially hollow interior. An inner wall is formed inside the housing to divide the housing interior into an inner cavity and an outer cavity, and the inner wall has at least one slot formed therein to define a passage between the inner cavity and the outer cavity. A flexible orifice is provided in the upper and lower walls. Another embodiment provides a container for zip ties that also includes a housing having an outer wall and opposing upper and lower walls defining a substantially hollow interior. A dispensing slot formed in the outer wall, and a friction fit passage formed on the outer wall adjacent to the dispensing slot. Yet another embodiment provides a container that combines the features of the first two embodiments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventor: Daniel A. Cahill
  • Patent number: 8281553
    Abstract: Disclosed is an automated medicine storage and medicine introduction/discharge management system, which includes a main body in which a plurality of receiving shelves is arranged, the main body having a door to enable user access, a medicine introduction/discharge unit installed in one side region of the main body to introduce or discharge a medicine product into or out of the main body, a robot transfer unit installed in the main body to transfer the medicine product, introduced via the medicine introduction/discharge unit, to each receiving space of the main body, or to discharge the medicine product received in the receiving space, and a control unit to control operations of the main body, the medicine introduction/discharge unit, and the robot transfer unit. The system is able to store a variety of medicine in a single main body and to achieve enhanced security for special medicine and efficient management of stock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: JVM Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jun-Ho Kim
  • Publication number: 20120248134
    Abstract: A medication dispensing cabinet, a medication dispensing drawer assembly and an associated method are provided to facilitate controlled access to medications in an efficient manner. A medication dispensing cabinet includes a cabinet body, a plurality of drawers disposed within and configured for slidable extension relative to the cabinet body and a plurality of pockets serially positioned within a drawer. Each pocket includes a lid configured to cover the pocket and limit access to medication within the pocket. The medication dispensing cabinet also includes a linkage member configured to operably engage the lids of the plurality of pockets. The linkage member has a first state in which the linkage member prevents one or more of the lids from being opened and a second state in which the linkage member permits the lids to be opened in accordance with a predefined sequential order.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventors: Paul Santmyer, Todd Kijowski, Ben Tylenda, Pat Braun
  • Patent number: 8274363
    Abstract: A system and/or method to control access to medication and/or medical supplies may be implemented by providing secured compartments for the medication spread through a medical facility, such as in or adjacent patient rooms and/or connecting locking mechanisms to the secured compartments. Computers positioned throughout the facility are interfaced to respective locking mechanisms to operate the locking mechanism in response to access codes, which may be transmitted over the network. Additional steps may involve programming an authorization computer for providing access codes in whole or part for use with the computers. One or more access points may be functionally coupled to a computer system and/or to the locking mechanism and accessible to users for entry of requests for access to the secured compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Inventor: Roger Goza
  • Patent number: 8269599
    Abstract: A system and/or method to control access to secured compartments in a facility. Computers positioned throughout the facility are interfaced to respective locking mechanisms to operate the locking mechanism in response to access codes, which may be transmitted over the network. Additional steps may involve programming an authorization computer for providing access codes in whole or part for use with the computers. One or more access points may be functionally coupled to a computer system and/or to the locking mechanism and accessible to users for entry of requests for access to the secured compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventor: Roger Goza
  • Publication number: 20120228167
    Abstract: A device dispenser for at least two different types of paper or nonwoven products is provided. The dispenser is adapted to be mounted in a holder for a roll of absorbent paper provided with a core, and includes a first compartment adapted to contain a first type of paper or nonwoven product, and a second compartment adapted to contain a second type of paper or nonwoven product. The dispenser has a substantially cylindrical shape and includes a substantially cylindrical outer shell, a first end wall and a second end wall, wherein the outer shell is connected to the first and second end walls. Also an arrangement including such a dispenser and two different paper or nonwoven products in two compartments of the dispenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventor: Dirk Sembritzki
  • Patent number: 8261939
    Abstract: A dual-reservoir canister for dispensing pills includes a dispensing reservoir and a backup reservoir. Pills (solid medications such as pills, capsules and caplets) are stored in both reservoirs but dispensed only from the dispensing reservoir until the dispensing reservoir is empty, at which time, the dual-reservoir canister is tilted to pour the pills from the backup reservoir into the dispensing reservoir. An access door is provided to refill the backup reservoir and, in some embodiments, the access door includes an extension that prevents pills from accidentally falling into the dispensing reservoir while the backup reservoir is refilled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: QEM, Inc.
    Inventor: Norman D. Knoth
  • Patent number: 8260456
    Abstract: An inventory shelf monitoring system includes a plurality of track systems located on at least one shelf of a retail or warehouse establishment. Each track system includes a sensor and actuator that determines the position of a product pusher. The identity and location of the product pusher, for each track system on the at least one shelf, is sent to a data acquisition and transmitter circuit that assembles, formats, and transmits pusher position data to a central receiver, which receives corresponding data from all shelves employing the system in the retail or warehouse establishment. The data is then transmitted to a central processing unit in a user device that maintains data corresponding to product count, availability, and activity associated with each track unit of each shelf employing the system in the retail or warehouse establishment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Fasteners For Retail, Inc.
    Inventors: Norman L. Siegel, Gregory M. Bird, Kenneth G. Rhineberger, James Bacnik, Paul Mueller, Daniel Kump, William H. Walker
  • Publication number: 20120203377
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide medication dispensing carts and methods. The medication dispensing carts may include a base having wheels that allow the carts to be transported within a facility, a computing device configured to receive input from a user, a display device communicatively coupled with the computing device for displaying information to the user, a post that couples the display device with the base, and a plurality of cassettes that have one or more bins within which medical supplies are stored. The plurality of cassettes may be coupled with the post and the post may include a plurality of communication ports that communicatively couple one or more of the cassettes with the computing device to perform or provide various functions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: Omnicell, Inc.
    Inventors: Akbar Paydar, Stanley Kim, Chris Richardson, Gerardo Moreno, Victor Santini, Nathaniel Moody, Laszlo Virag, Len Hom
  • Patent number: 8235248
    Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic tablet packing apparatus having sliding racks, wherein tablets received in a plurality of tablet cassettes are successively packed on a per dose basis based on a medical prescription. Each of the sliding racks includes a pair of left and right partition walls, a tablet discharge passage to guide the tablets discharged from the tablet cassettes being defined by facing inner surfaces of the left and right partition walls. Cassette pedestals are attached to outer surfaces of the left and right partition walls and in turn, the tablet cassettes are detachably arranged on the cassette pedestals. The left and right partition walls are able to be individually pulled out from a body of the apparatus. As the left or right partition wall is pulled out, the tablet discharge passage is revealed to the outside thus enabling easy cleaning thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: JVM Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jun-Ho Kim
  • Publication number: 20120175381
    Abstract: A gumball machine includes a gumball container having a housing that contains a plurality of gumballs, and a dispensing section that has a knob for controlling the dispensing of a gumball. The gumball machine also includes a base having a bottom portion that is seated on a surface, the base having a body with an opening through which a gumball is dispensed. A plurality of novelty modules are removably connected to each other, with each module having a different novelty feature. The plurality of novelty modules includes an upper module that is removably connected to the dispensing section, and a lower module that is removably connected to the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventor: Hoi Wai Fu
  • Patent number: 8214077
    Abstract: A medication dispensing system and method where the patient can have his personal console capable of receiving an insert having a tray with an array of medication compartments corresponding to respective times and dates at which the medication is prescribed to be taken. A database in the console can be set with the specified times and dates at which the medication is to be taken. When the console determines the time to dispense medication in one of the compartments has been reached, a visual and/or audible indicator can be triggered. Membranes which are to be hand-removed by the patient cover the respective compartments. A detector provided under the insert can detect across the tray whether or not the membrane corresponding to the selected medication compartment has been removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Groupe Domedic Inc.
    Inventors: Jocelyn Bertrand, Denis Faucher, Etienne-Vincent Hardy, Camille Lapierre, Sylvain Piché, Christian Rouleau, Christian Vailles
  • Patent number: 8204622
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Rafael Yepez, Jason A. Mastry
  • Publication number: 20120104016
    Abstract: A wiping material system including a plurality of dispensers (10) of different shapes and/or sizes, the dispensers each having at least a first (12) and a second component (14) which are visible to a user. To assist in recognizing the fact that the dispensers of different sizes are all dispensers, the first component (12) is of a colour distinct from the second component (14) and the colour of the first component and the colour of the second component are identical for all dispensers (10) of the plurality of dispensers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventors: Giovanni Benedetti, Malin Andersson, Björn Larsson
  • Publication number: 20120091163
    Abstract: Systems and methods related to dispensing food (e.g., fruit) or other items in a “first-in, first-out” manner are discussed. The system can include a base having one or more cavities therein and a plurality of chutes configured to align within a subset of the cavities. Each of the chutes can include an inlet that can provide access to an open interior for storage of items, and the plurality of chutes can dispense the plurality of items in a “first-in first out” manner. An ice chest capable of cooling the plurality of chutes can be included, as can a drip tray or other mechanism for separating the fruit from its juices to prolong its useful lifespan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventors: Deborah Lowry, Roberta J. Royak, Paul Royak, Lawrence Hudson
  • Patent number: 8160741
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: S&S X-Ray Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Norman A. Shoenfeld
  • Patent number: 8146777
    Abstract: There is provided a medicine feeding device which can apply uniform tension to wrapping paper wound in a roll state to wrap a medicine. The medicine feeding device comprises a tablet case which stores a medicine, and the wrapping paper wound in the roll state, wraps a medicine discharged from the tablet case in wrapping paper 72, and comprises a tension application mechanism 113 which applies predetermined tension to the continuously pulled-out wrapping paper. This tension application mechanism is constituted to freely move up-and-down, and to apply tension to the pulled-out wrapping paper by its own weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Atsuo Inamura
  • Patent number: 8132691
    Abstract: A dispensing system for a vending machine includes a vend motor, a cradle, a load bar and a push arm. Upon selection of a particular product, the vend motor rotates the cradle, causing the product to emerge from the vending machine. The cradle is designed to accommodate a wide array of container sizes. The dispensing system incorporates a rotation sensor, a position sensor, and a lift arm. The sensors enable accurate rotation of the cradle through a plurality of vend angles depending upon the particular product being vended, while the lift arm cooperates with the push arm and load bar to refill the cradle after a series of product containers have been dispensed. In addition, the vend motor includes a soft start control that prevents instantaneous rotation of the output shaft so as to prolong an overall operational life of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Crane Merchandising Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Talbert James Black, Jr., Thomas Roger Meinardi, Edmund Scott Richardson, Terring M. Ware
  • Publication number: 20120055950
    Abstract: A vending machine for dispensing convenience food products, picked up from a special refrigerated storage compartment, and delivered to an appropriate manual pick-up area. Its structure defines isolated areas communicating by a door; the first area being designed for containment of the products to be dispensed, the second area being designed for handling, picking up and dispensing of the product picked up from the area. The pick-up and delivery area includes a turret having an element for supporting a door adapted to seal and close a corresponding opening of a partition between the areas and; the door rotating with the structure of the turret, as it moves away from the opening, and at least one element for containing the product to be delivered, which is adapted to longitudinally slide along the turret and be opened by a loading and unloading door; the enclosure being displaced by a translating element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventor: Edo Borghi
  • Publication number: 20120029690
    Abstract: A vending machine is provided that includes optional modules. A first module includes a plurality of bins, each sized to contain a consumable product, each bin including a pivotable product container. An optional capsule dispensing apparatus is sized to fit on a side of the first module, the optional capsule dispensing apparatus including a plurality of capsules, each containing either a consumable product or a non-consumable product. An optional second module includes a second plurality of bins, each also sized to contain a consumable product, each bin also having a pivotable product container, the optional second module sized to be removeably attachable to the first module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventors: Robert Bruck, Christopher Gerding
  • Patent number: 8100292
    Abstract: A vending machine includes a plurality of column walls that collectively define an associated plurality of stack areas for storing product containers. The column wall includes various, vertically spaced and fore-to-aft extending stiffeners embossed into the column wall. The integral stiffeners eliminate the need for any additional discrete stiffener parts and fasteners. In addition, the integral stiffeners advantageously permit thinner material to be employed in forming the column walls, thereby improving the entire manufacturing process. Preferably, one of the stiffeners constitutes a decoupling member which isolates a bottom portion of the column wall from a top portion and substantially prevents bow forces from transferring into a dispensing region of the column wall. Furthermore, each of the column walls is integrally formed with an alignment member or louver structure in the form of a guide element or flange which provides for proper product positioning through a vending area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Crane Merchandising Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Hayward Kelly, Edmund Scott Richardson, Terring M. Ware
  • Publication number: 20120012606
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventors: Mark Longley, Bradley Kenneth Smith, Craig Steven Davis, Matthew P. Daniels, George Raymond Abrams, JR., Mark I. Perisich, Jeffrey J. Schedel, Gerald Cooper Ushery, JR., Michael Richard Floyd, Weldon Curl, JR., Nanette Kirsch, Craig Hooker, Timothy Ulm, Daniel Gardiner
  • Patent number: 8061561
    Abstract: A product hold down unit has a vertical column of a carousel and a vertical row of spaced-apart engageable elements on the column. The column has a compartment open at opposite top and bottom ends and adapted to receive product items in a vertical stack. The row of engageable elements extends between the top and bottom ends of the column, enabling restriction of items in the compartment to moving from top to bottom ends of the compartment but not vice versa. The unit also has an anchor resting on top of, and supported by, the stack in the column compartment as the anchor engages adjacent ones of the engageable elements on the column so as to prevent it from moving upwardly in the compartment while allowing it to move downwardly by gravity as product items are dispensed from the stack thereof at the bottom end of the column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Inventor: Kil Jae Chang
  • Patent number: 8048379
    Abstract: An air freshener includes a housing having at least a first compartment and a second compartment, each of the first and second compartments having vents. The air freshener includes a first fan unit disposed within the first compartment and a second fan unit disposed within the second compartment. The air freshener also includes a first fragrance emitting substance disposed within the first compartment proximate the first fan unit and a second fragrance emitting substance disposed within the second compartment proximate the second fan unit. A programmable processor is operatively connected to a power source and the first and second fan units and configured to drive at least one of the first and second fan units so as to promote discharge of one of the first and second fragrance emitting substances from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Hyso Technology LLC
    Inventor: Simon Sassoon
  • Patent number: 8038059
    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 moveable between a first position proximate to the first card hopper and a second position spaced apart from the first card hopper. The card carrier is configured to lift the first card off the second card when the card carrier is in the first position. The card carrier is further configured to release the first card toward an outlet when the card carrier is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Coinstar, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas A. Martin, Patrick E. Morford, Gregory P. Winters
  • Patent number: 8033375
    Abstract: Methods and systems for exchanging various forms of value, including coins, currency, credit, debit, and/or bank account funds, for prepaid cash cards, credit cards, phone cards, and the like. In one embodiment, a value exchange machine includes a coin input region, a coin sorting/counting apparatus, a card reader, and a communications facility configured to communicate with a remote computer network. In another embodiment, a value exchange system includes one or more of the value exchange machines connected to one or more remote computers via a communications link. A user wishing to purchase, for example, a prepaid cash card can visit one of the value exchange machines, select the desired transaction, and pay for the card with coins, currency, a credit card, a debit card, and/or bank account funds. After confirming payment, the value exchange machine dispenses the card to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Coinstar, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Doran, Douglas A. Martin, Scott A. Dean, Jessaca Jacobson, Kim P. Hanson, Kerry Smith
  • Publication number: 20110226798
    Abstract: Essentially this invention, the Vita-Spence will aid the consumer in tracking the consumption of vitamins or pills each day for one or two week intervals. It will also eliminate the daily drudge of opening and closing of two to ten jars daily as well as the aforementioned benefits to large number vitamin and pill takers, especially among the elderly people with slightly diminished capabilities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventor: Jozsef Sternbach
  • Publication number: 20110226794
    Abstract: The present application provides a product vending module for vending a number of products. The product vending module may include a product row, a product gate positioned about the product row, and a product locking system in communication with the product gate. The product locking system may include a latch and a biased base such that releasing the latch allows the product gate to be opened and one of the number of products to be removed therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: THE COCA-COLA COMPANY
    Inventors: Bart Carpentier, Jurgen Roekens, Antonio Feltrin, Willy Van Esch, Jacobus Petrus Maria Dessing
  • Publication number: 20110231006
    Abstract: A medication cassette uses a slidable core having a series of open top medication receiving cells extending in a length thereof. The core slides in an outer sleeve and includes a releasable locking arrangement for maintaining the core in a lock position with the sleeve closing the cells and movable to a release position allowing the core to slide relative to the sleeve. The re-lease position allows the cells to be progressively exposed beyond the sleeve to allow medication to be removed. Both the slidable core and the sleeve are preferably made of a plastic material. The core is preferably a single component made by injection molding and the sleeve is preferably made as an extruded component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventor: Leon Saltsov
  • Patent number: 8011533
    Abstract: A fluid-containing system includes an enclosure that houses a fluid that is contained in a bladder coupled to a spigot and houses a sleeve that is inclined relative to the bottom of the enclosure. The spigot protrudes through a spigot opening in the enclosure, while the sleeve contains dispensable items that can be fed through a dispensable item opening in the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Teresa A. Reineccius, Gary L. Sotebeer
  • Publication number: 20110204076
    Abstract: An adhesive container for containing an instantaneous adhesive and used to apply the instantaneous adhesive to an object to be attached. The adhesive container is provided with small containers (2) in each of which the instantaneous adhesive is sealed, and also with a holding mechanism (1) which integrally holds the small containers (2) and is configured in such a manner that one of the small containers is provided in a use region (F) in which the small container can apply the instantaneous adhesive to an object to be attached and that the remaining small containers are provided in a retreat region (R) connecting to the use region (F).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventors: Shogo Kobayashi, Hideto Shima
  • Publication number: 20110192863
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventors: Paul Leslie Barrass, Paul Alfred Cimiluca
  • Patent number: 7987768
    Abstract: A dispensing system for injecting a fluid into a number of containers. The dispensing system may include a turret plate for holding the containers and an injection system positioned about the turret plate. The injection system may include a piston for contacting a container. The piston may include an injection surface in communication with an internal spring such that the internal spring forces the injection surface against the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Charles Bradley Green, Paul A. Phillips
  • Patent number: 7987845
    Abstract: Dry powder inhalers include: (a) a first generally planar spiral travel path in an inhaler body, wherein the first spiral travel path has a plurality of adjacent curvilinear channels forming lanes with upstanding sidewalls, including an inner lane and an outer lane; and (b) a plurality of discrete sealed microcartridges with substantially rigid bodies disposed in the first travel path, each comprising a pre-metered (typically dose) amount of dry powder, the microcartridges being configured to slidably advance along the first travel path toward an inhalation chamber that merges into an inhalation output port. In operation, at least one microcartridge is held in the inhalation chamber to release the dry powder therein during inhalation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Oriel Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael King, Jeffrey Alan Warden, John Kim, Benjamin Finney, Nicholas Oxley
  • Patent number: 7988015
    Abstract: A vending machine includes at least one width-adjustable storage rack, the storage rack having a fixed wall and a movable wall connected to the fixed wall by at least one connecting link; and an adjustment mechanism constructed and adapted to position the movable wall relative to the fixed wall and to thereby vary an interior width between the fixed and movable walls. Two movable walls can be connected to a single fixed wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Automated Merchandising Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Paul L. Mason, II, David A. Sprankle
  • Publication number: 20110172815
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides medicine management apparatuses that stores various kinds of medicines and permits the stored medicines to be dispensed according to prescriptions. More particularly, the present disclosure provides medicine management apparatuses that ensure stable medicine management and security while providing efficiency in stock management and preparation of medicines. The medicine management apparatus includes a plurality of shelves rotatably coupled to a vertically disposed circular rotary carousel and a plurality of bins seated on the shelves and accommodating medicines. The apparatus further includes a main door that opens and closes an inlet/outlet port formed at a front side of a housing of the medicine management apparatus; and a shelf assistant door that opens or closes an opened front part of each of the shelves exposed through the inlet/outlet port and is provided with a lock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: JVM CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jun Ho Kim
  • Publication number: 20110130873
    Abstract: A self-service kiosk apparatus is presented that has a plurality of secure service areas. Access to the plurality of secure service areas and the components of the kiosk system contained within each area is controlled. Authorization to access each secure service area is based on a person's level of training and security level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2009
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventors: Rafael Yepez, Jason A. Mastry
  • Patent number: 7938928
    Abstract: A method and device are described for the reproduction of a certain image, previously digitalized and separated into a number of pixels and optimized into a number of colors below a certain limit, with the help of a specific software application. The method includes the construction of individual colored elements that correspond to each of the colors selected for the image, where these elements or pixels consist of small cubic parts made of glass or similar. The method and the device include the means for extracting said pixels from the individual containers and positioning them sequentially for the formation of successive rows which, placed next to each other, form the desired image. The desired image or mosaic is completed with the support for the pixels made of an appropriate material, where the pixels are bound to each other and/or to the support by means of a process of adhesion or the application of heat in an oven up to the temperature at which the material softens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Alzaba, S.L.
    Inventor: Luis Torres Candela
  • Patent number: 7926681
    Abstract: An apparatus for storing and dispensing a test strip includes a container configured to store a radial array of test strips. The container maintains appropriate environmental conditions, such as humidity, for storing the test strips. The container has a plurality of radially extending slots formed by a plurality of dividing walls, and each slot is sized to receive a single test strip. A rotatably positionable cover is carried by the container for covering the plurality of radially extending slots. The cover includes an opening, which, when the cover rotates, aligns with one of the slots at a time to allow removal of a single test strip located within the respective slot. Accordingly, the unused test strips remain free of contaminants such as naturally occurring skin oils on a user's hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Robert E. West, John Lovell
  • Publication number: 20110079604
    Abstract: An open merchandise, multi-cubicle display, vending kiosk, custom fabricated from a plurality of visually open materials and sizes to suit the products being sold which provides a self-service customer purchase via either a barcode scan, or touch selector, payment facilitators, receipt printer and integrated computer assembly with special software programming. Also incorporated are audio components which attract customers to the kiosk and webcam video devices which observes the kiosk environment, serve the kiosk's security and can provide customer inquiries to a remote manager via VoIP communication features. Wireless internet components connect the kiosk functions whenever necessary, to process financial transaction services, or to a remote manager for the kiosk's inventory, records management and programming functions. In addition to its vending attributes, the kiosk also has a full closure curtain with a tubular motor which secures the kiosk after business hours.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventor: DONALD B. DELUCIA
  • Publication number: 20110079603
    Abstract: The invention relates to a dispenser (1) for wipes. A dispenser (1) comprises a bridging member (10) adapted to be secured to a support member, a first chamber (20) adapted to receive a container of wipes (‘X’), and first releasable connection means (23,11,12) adapted to connect the first chamber (20) to the bridging member (10). Dispenser (1) also comprises a second chamber (30) adapted to receive a container of wipes (‘Y’) or a soiled wipe storage device, and a second releasable connection means (33,13,14) adapted to connect the second chamber (30) to the bridging member (10). In use a dispenser can be created by connecting the first and/or second chamber to the bridging member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventor: Michael John Gordon
  • Patent number: 7917327
    Abstract: Two robotic arms roam in separate, non-overlapping areas of a test station, avoiding collisions. A traveling buffer moves along x-tracks between a front position and a back position. In the front position, a first robotic arm loads IC chips from an input tray or stacker into buffer cavities in the traveling buffer. The traveling buffer then moves along the x-tracks to the back position, where a second robotic arm moves chips from the traveling buffer to test boards for testing. After testing, the second robotic arm moves chips to a second traveling buffer, which then moves along tracks to a front position for unloading by the first robotic arm. Two traveling buffers may move on the same tracks in a loop. The buffer cavities in the traveling buffer move on internal tracks to expand and contract spacing and pitch between the front and back positions to match test-board pitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Kingston Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Ramon S. Co, Tat Leung Lai, Calvin G. Leong
  • Patent number: 7909773
    Abstract: A media-dispensing apparatus for testing body fluids and a method of using the same are disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing having a lower portion and an upper portion, and an elongated tubular member having a distal opening adjacent a distal end thereof. The elongated tubular member includes a first lumen within the elongated tubular member extending from the lower portion of the housing to the distal opening and includes a second lumen within the elongated tubular member extending from the upper portion of the housing to the distal opening. A media strip is dispensable from the lower portion of the housing, through the first lumen, out the distal opening of the elongated tubular member, through the second lumen and into the upper portion of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: Frank J. Viola, Michael A. Soltz, Robert J. Beetel, Katherine Jordan, Alicia Joy Farrell, Emily Grace-Anne Gumkowski
  • Publication number: 20110062180
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: PolyJohn Enterprises Corporation
    Inventors: Rodney M. Mullett, Vaughan D. Smith, II, Jamie P. Kostelyk
  • Patent number: 7896192
    Abstract: A medication on demand dispenser. The dispenser provides patient access to medications prescribed to be available on an as-needed basis but with a prescribed minimum time interval between doses. The dispenser permits access to a single medication dose after each minimum time interval has elapsed. After a drug dose is presented to the patient, the dispenser prevents access to the next dose until the minimum time interval has elapsed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Avancen MOD Corp.
    Inventors: N. Sharon Conley, Bernie Boydston, Rob Grillo, Mike Keefe, Ross Mayfield