With Non-dispensing Compartment Patents (Class 221/97)
  • Publication number: 20100193541
    Abstract: Disclosed is a dispenser for items such as disposable cup closures that maintains a high degree of protection from air borne disease, contamination from adjoining surfaces or from contact with the hands of other patrons. The wide acceptance of clean technology depends on uncompromised convenience, productivity and cost as well as satisfying other needs of the store or restaurant proprietors including both dispenser appearance and low use of counter space. The present invention therefore provides clean dispensing of items like cup closures and packaged condiments in a device that is easy to maintain, clean and keep filled, mounts anywhere in a small space is aesthetically pleasing and can be customized to match any décor. Disclosed is a unique combination of a number of small details that together can play a crucial role in protecting the patrons from the spread of a pandemic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventors: Harvey James Tester, Lynn Ward Salts
  • Publication number: 20100176146
    Abstract: A physical distribution system for distributing prescribed medications ordered by physicians from a storeroom via a pharmacy to patients in a hospital department in a secure and reliable manner. The physical distribution system comprises a container with compartments, and dispensers. Each of the compartments is associated with an electronic lock associated with an opening code uniquely associated with a physician, a patient and prescription data. Each of the plurality of dispensers is associated with a unique patient related code. Each electronic lock is arranged to enable entering the prescribed medications into the associated compartment upon identification of the associate opening code. Each electronic lock is arranged to enable disposing prescribed medications from compartments into the dispenser upon identification of a patient related code on the dispenser corresponding to patient data in the opening code. The prescribed medications are associated with their prescription data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventor: Shimon Ben-Dor
  • Publication number: 20100170914
    Abstract: A novel apparatus for storing, managing and rapidly dispensing one or more energy cells (such as batteries), that comprises a generally elongated housing with an internal chamber for storing the cells in one or more substantially parallel stacked positions, a dispensing section configured to enable and facilitate quick and convenient removal of one or more of the cells from the housing by a user (preferably utilizing only a single hand), and that also includes a retention/feeding mechanism for retaining the cells in the internal chamber during storage, and, after each cell is removed through the dispensing section, for automatically advancing the remaining cells, and readying the next cell for rapid and easy retrieval.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: THE BATTERY CLIP, LLC
    Inventor: Robert C. Hogg
  • Publication number: 20100147868
    Abstract: A medicine dispenser of the present invention includes a plurality of medicine storage portions, in which medicines are stored by type, and a medicine recovery portion, which moves to the medicine storage portions having target medicines based on prescription data, retains and transfers the medicines dispensed from the medicine storage portions and then feeds the medicines at a predetermined position. The medicine recovery portion includes a plurality of medicine reservoir chambers, and the medicines dispensed from the medicine storage portions can be retained in each of the medicine reservoir chambers in arbitrary storage patterns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: YUYAMA MFG. CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shoji Yuyama, Yasuhiro Shigeyama, Hiroyuki Kanda
  • Publication number: 20100133290
    Abstract: A vending machine includes a product compartment, a duct opening into the product compartment, and a self-contained refrigeration system. The refrigeration system includes a housing having a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber includes first and second openings. The second chamber includes third and fourth openings. An evaporator coil and evaporator fan are mounted in the first chamber. The evaporator fan moves air from the first opening, through the evaporator coil, to the second opening. A condensing coil, compressor, and compressor fan are mounted in the second chamber. The compressor fan moves air from the third opening, through the condensing coil, over the compressor, to the fourth opening. The housing thermally insulates the first chamber from both the second chamber and an exterior of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: Dixie-Narco, Inc.
    Inventors: James G. Luntz, James Robert Mathis, Randy Gooch, William P. Stewart, Jose G. Avendano, Joseph C. Fontecchio, Martin Shawn Egan
  • Publication number: 20100133291
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of a probe cover dispenser includes a storage member for accommodating stacked probe covers and a retaining unit with a pair of supporting arms for holding or releasing one of the stacked probe covers. A slide connects the retaining unit. A linking rod with a protrusion portion and a recess portion connects the slidable access member. The linking rod is moved upwardly or downwardly and the protrusion portion or the recess portion is moved to a position corresponding to the slide such that a force is applied to push or pull the supporting arms to release or hold the one of the stacked probe covers in the storage member, while the slidable access member is moved upwardly or downwardly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventor: Chu-Yih Yu
  • Publication number: 20100116840
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of a probe cover dispenser includes a bottom base. A slidable access member with a first opening for accessing probe covers is disposed on a first position of the bottom base. A storage member with a second opening thereunder for accommodating stacked probe covers is disposed on a second position of the bottom base. A retaining member holds one of the stacked probe covers. And a linking member connects the slidable access member to the retaining member. The linking member is induced for driving the retaining member to release the one of the stacked probe covers and cause it to fall into the first opening from the second opening and/or hold a further one of the stacked probe covers in the storage member, while the slidable access member is moved upwardly or downwardly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventor: Chu-Yih Yu
  • Publication number: 20100100237
    Abstract: Present invention discloses a dispenser having means to dispense desired number of pills from a bulk supply of pills contained in the dispenser. The dispenser comprises of storage compartment having bulk supply of pills and having a discharge port emptying into counting compartment. The counting compartment contains first and second conveyors moving at first and second speed; wherein the second speed is greater than the first speed thereby enabling pill separation; the second conveyor discharges pills into dispensing compartment. Sensors are strategically placed along the conveyors to count pills discharged into dispensing compartment. A pill recovery system and apparatus is disposed inside the dispenser having means to recover pills remaining on conveyors upon completion of a dispensation cycle and deposit recovered pills back into the storage compartment for use in future dispensation cycles. A docking station having receptacles to accommodate dispenser is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: NOVATION SCIENCE HOLDING, LLC
    Inventor: Nitesh Ratnakar
  • Publication number: 20100084420
    Abstract: Dispensers for successive release of tablet-like or pill-like products, such as for instance sweets, sweeteners, medication, lozenges and so on are already known. A drawback of the known dispenser is that only tablet products of the same shape can be successively dispensed. The invention relates to an improved device for dispensing such products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicant: INDUSTRIEEL ONTWERPBUREAU HSM B.V.
    Inventors: Lucas Karel Johannes Van Den Broek, Roeland Johannes Thomas Van Den Broek
  • Publication number: 20100084421
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicant: CRANE CO.
    Inventors: Ray Melton Lazalier, Jack Edward Anderson, Martin Shawn Egan, David Aguirre, Gerald Joseph Podgorny, Sachin Gopal Nagane, Ignacio Santa Cruz, Ronald Henry Krob, JR.
  • Patent number: 7669731
    Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing healthcare products comprising at least one dispenser section having at least one dispensing orifice and one disposal section having a disposal opening. The disposal section has fully compressed and fully uncompressed positions and is capable of remaining positioned in any position between the fully compressed and uncompressed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Inventor: Christopher B. Hewett
  • Patent number: 7513391
    Abstract: Article retrieval equipment (1) having a portion used by customers arranged at the front of a device body and a portion used by sales persons arranged at the rear of the device body and particularly suitable for use while the sales persons and customers are positioned face-to-face with each other, comprising an article storage chamber (3) for storing articles (A) and a control room (5) for storing a power transmission means (95) and a coin selector (100), wherein a rotary disk (36) for feeding the articles (A) to an article outlet (72) is fitted to the bottom wall (6) of the article storage chamber (3), the article outlet (72), an operation part (81) for rotating the rotary disk (36), and a coin inlet (102) are formed at the front of an equipment body (2), a controlling opening (60) for controlling the power transmission means (95) and allowing a coin storage case (115) to be withdrawn and an access opening (16) for accessing the articles (A) in the article storage chamber (3) are formed at the rear of the eq
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Bandai Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasuyuki Nakanishi
  • Patent number: 7424960
    Abstract: A chip dispenser for dispensing a plurality of poker chips has a base with upper and lower surfaces and an outer wall through which extend a plurality of slides. Extending upward of the base is a plurality of tubular members for retaining chips. The thickness of each of the slides is chosen to be approximately equal to the number of chips to be dispensed with the actuation of each such slide. Upon actuation of a slide, the chips are moved to a cavity within the base and allowed to fall through a centralized hole in the bottom surface thereof and into a retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Inventor: Thomas J. Vokac
  • Publication number: 20080121647
    Abstract: A modular dispensing machine for dispensing at least one product including at least one control unit for controlling the dispensing of the at least one product and at least one dispensing unit, the at least one control unit and the at least one dispenser unit each housed in its own housing which are removably attachable relative to one another such that one or more dispensing units can be removably attached to a single control unit to control the at least one dispensing unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2005
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Applicant: Vend-Tech Solutions Holding PTY Ltd
    Inventor: Stephen W. Erwin
  • Patent number: 7357274
    Abstract: A bathroom dispenser for dispensing bathing supplies comprising a body having front, back, side and bottom walls defining the dispenser and having at least one dispenser station and at least one disposal station. The dispenser station has a dispensing orifice in one of its walls for dispensing bathing supplies and the disposal station has a receiving orifice in one of its walls for disposing of said bathing supplies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Inventor: Christopher B. Hewett
  • Publication number: 20080035664
    Abstract: A food dispensing device having a frame with first and second sidewalls in spaced parallel relation that house a heating board and a slant board. The slant board is positioned below the heating board and both slope downwardly. Specifically, the heating board has a plurality of slots therein such that juice from a food product flows through the slots and onto the slant board. Adjacent and below the heating board and slant board is a flange that is positioned such that when a food product is placed on the heating board the food product rolls toward the flange and simultaneously juice flows from off the slant board into a juice tray disposed below the flange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicant: BENCHMARK USA, INC.
    Inventor: Tom S. Berger
  • Patent number: 7234609
    Abstract: An article dispensing machine and article transport storage unit are shown that permit articles slated for inventory to be delivered in secure manner from a centralized inventory supply center to an article dispensing machine forming part of an article distribution system. The article transport storage unit is locked during transport from the supply center to the machine and does not become unlocked until fully installed within the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Redbox Automated Retail, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Michael DeLazzer, Franz Kuehnrich
  • Patent number: 7222747
    Abstract: A sanitization system (10) for storing and dispensing a variety of sanitizing and cleaning supplies such as paper towels (70), tissues (80), anti-bacterial liquids (60) and spray bottle cleaners (90) wherein, the system (10) includes a housing member (20) having a rear panel (21) and a base (23) connected to a pair of side panels (24) (25) wherein, one of the side panels (25) is provided with an apertured pivoted front panel (26) and the rear panel (21) has a pivoted cover element (28) that overlaps the front cover (26). Furthermore, the housing member (20) has an interior vertical panel (30) having inwardly directed segments that form upper (32) and intermediate (31) shelves wherein, the intermediate shelf (31) cooperates with an elongated vertical opening (27) in the other side panel (24) to form a pair of side storage compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventor: Doreen Savran
  • Patent number: 6959890
    Abstract: A combination holder to be used by a person when the person is using a toilet. The preferred embodiment includes an openable container to retain objects such as premoistened wipes. Beneath the openable container is an openable ring for retaining a roll of toilet paper from which sheets of toilet paper may be dispensed as needed. Beneath the openable ring is a tray for retaining objects such as an air freshener or any other toiletries which are useful for the person while the person is using the toilet. The tray is on an adjustable wall so that the distance between the tray and the openable ring can be increased to facilitate providing more vertical room above the tray. The preferred adjustable means is a ratchet mechanism so that any multiplicity of adjustable distances can be achieved between the openable ring and the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Inventor: Peter Breitinger
  • Patent number: 6863192
    Abstract: This invention is a facial tissue dispensing and disposing system which includes an expanding container having a dispensing opening on the top and a disposing opening on the bottom. A tissue clip is enclosed in flaccid plastic with a cardboard floor and adhered to the underside of the dispensing opening. The clip is elevated and the side walls are expanded by inserting used tissues in disposal openings in the bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Inventor: Larry Neal Tumlinson
  • Patent number: 6854910
    Abstract: A portable window/windshield cleaning device is self contained with washing liquid and a squeegee.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Inventor: Gilles Leblanc
  • Patent number: 6726055
    Abstract: The combination of a door and a dispenser for storing hand shields including a door for a generally enclosed area with a front side and a back side and the dispenser including a plurality of housings is disclosed. The dispenser is mounted in the vicinity of the back side of the door. A plurality of hand shields are stored within each of the housings and each of the housings has an opening through which the shields are dispensed. A disposal passage extends from inside the enclosed area to outside the enclosed area and has an opening in the vicinity of the front side of the door. A receptacle is in communication with the disposal passage and has a vacuum source for collecting and housing used shields. In one embodiment the receptacle is mounted to the door. In another embodiment the receptacle is positioned at a location remote from the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Inventor: Horace L. Jackson
  • Patent number: 6702147
    Abstract: A bedside butler unit dispenses hypoallergenic, antibacterial wet wipes and accommodates their disposal, following use. In one embodiment, the unit provides a safe, quick and discrete means for freshening up and readily disposing of clean-up materials. The unit is adapted to be placed on a vanity table or other easy to reach location near the bedside. It contains a sealed inner unit having a plurality of compartments. One of the compartments contains the hypoallergenic, antibacterial wet wipes, and another of the compartments serves as a disposal unit into which the wipes are conveniently placed after use. Additional compartments may be provided for dispensing dry wipes, and storing personal effects. In another embodiment, the unit is especially suited for use in hospitals, nursing homes and other patient care facilities to minimize the care provider's contact with soiled wipes, and thereby prevent the spread of infectious disease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Inventor: Samantha Ashford
  • Patent number: 6644499
    Abstract: A reversible cartridge holding a plurality of paper products and for dispensing a controlled amount of the same from a dispenser housing. The cartridge includes a cartridge body having cartridge walls, the cartridge being insertable into an interior area of a dispenser housing. The cartridge may further include removable sections defined in the cartridge body, removal of at least a portion of the removable portions creating openings in the cartridge. The exterior walls define an interior surface and an interior area within the interior surface for receiving a cartridge holding a plurality of paper products. The cartridge further includes two dispensing throats, a first dispensing throat for dispensing multiple paper products, and the second dispensing throat for dispensing single paper products one at a time. Additional openings could be provided for controlling the dispensing and alignment of the paper products within the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark, Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Francis Tramontina
  • Publication number: 20030189059
    Abstract: A combination tissue dispenser and waste collector for dispensing clean tissues or towels and collecting and compacting the waste material. The tissue dispenser and waste collector comprises two compartments, one for dispensing clean tissues or towels and the other for receiving the compacted waste paper. The dispenser slides within the waste collector compartment, thus compacting the waste paper. The two compartments remain attached during use by the abutment of stops on the sides thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventors: Robert C. May, Christopher S. Ayers
  • Patent number: 6604651
    Abstract: A storage and dispensing package for wipes comprising a non-rigid container having sides which define a cavity. A collapsible-expandable baffle structure having a width is positioned within the sides of the container and divides the cavity into a storage portion for wipes and a dispensing portion. The baffle structure includes a dispensing orifice through which wipes can pass and communicate with the dispensing portion. A resealable mechanism can also be included at an end of the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: John David Amundson, Dennis Edward Fryer, Peter Booth, Martin Christopher Bunce
  • Patent number: 6508383
    Abstract: A door sanitation system for reducing the transmission of potentially harmful organisms, bacteria and viruses through physical contact with a door. The door sanitation system includes a base, a dispenser attached to the base for receiving a supply of towels, and a trash receptacle attached to the base. The towels within the dispenser are preferably saturated with a disinfecting solution. When preparing to leave a room through a door such as a restroom, the user removes at least one towel from the dispenser and positions the towel within the interior portion of their hand. The user then engages a portion of the door with their hand having the towel positioned in between thereof. As the towel engages the portion of the door such as a door handle, the disinfecting solution disinfects the surface of organisms, bacteria, and viruses. After the door is opened, the user then deposits the towel within the trash receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Inventors: Tom R. Lidahl, Mary J. Lidahl
  • Publication number: 20030006244
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing new diapers and disposing of used diapers. The apparatus comprises a container having a base, a plurality of outer walls, an enclosed area, and a partition wall. The partition wall divides container into a diaper compartment for storing new diapers, and a waste compartment for storing used diapers. One of the outer walls includes a slot extending to the diaper compartment. The slot is for dispensing of individual diapers. An outer lid can be positioned over the container to enclose both of the diaper compartment and the waste compartment. An inner lid is provided inside the container covering the diaper compartment to prevent odor from permeating diapers in the diaper compartment. A wipe receptacle is mounted to the container adjacent the diaper slot. The wipe receptacle is adapted to contain wet baby wipes in a convenient location for use during diaper changes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventor: Brian Silvers
  • Publication number: 20020121451
    Abstract: A tissue-dispensing device in combination with a discarding receptacle comprising a first housing unit having an aperture formed therein for dispensing unused facial tissue hingably connected to a second housing unit designed for receiving used tissues through an aperture formed therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Inventors: Narayanan Subramanian, Giridhar Subramanian
  • Patent number: 6431399
    Abstract: A pill dispenser allows for alternating removal of two or more solid forms of pharmaceutical medications, such as tablets, film tablets, coated tablets, or capsules. The pill dispenser has a housing, a baseplate, at least two storage containers for receiving and storing a solid form of medication, and a dosing slide. The baseplate is attached to the bottom end of the housing and has at least one ejecting opening. The storage containers are adapted for receiving and storing solid forms of medications. Each storage container has a bottom opening. A dosing slide is movably mounted between the storage containers and the baseplate and has receiving openings arranged in the dosing slide so that each of the receiving openings can be positioned under a bottom opening of a storage container and above an ejecting opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics GmbH
    Inventors: Rolf-Dieter Gabel, Jörn Möckel
  • Patent number: 6398071
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus for storing fresh, edible seeds in a lower container having an upper container attached thereto for receiving the shells from the used or shucked seeds. The upper portion of the top chamber is a dome-like member with an aperture therein for the disposal of shells. Further, the top chamber has a dome-like lid that rotates being spill-proof when not in use. The bottom chamber is cylindrically shaped for receiving and storing fresh seed. The top and bottom chambers are removably attached. An access means is disposed on the outside of the lower container and enables seeds to be dispensed therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventor: Lisa Ann Fellers
  • Patent number: 6230928
    Abstract: An automated merchant banking apparatus (10) is operative to carry out banking transactions commonly required by merchants. The apparatus includes a user interface (18) which includes a plurality of input and output devices. The apparatus further includes a rolled coin dispenser (40) for dispensing various denominations of rolled coin. The rolled coin dispenser includes a coin roll presenter and retraction unit (42) which is operative to retract coin rolls which have been dispensed into holding areas (177) into a storage area (176) in the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Diebold, Incorporated
    Inventors: J. Richard Hanna, Greg W. Fockler, Randall W. Jenkins, Scott A. Mercer, Paul Jerry Cox, Michael A. Suteu, John D. Christie, Michael Hoover
  • Patent number: 6155455
    Abstract: There is disclosed a vending machine in which a plurality of article columns are slant to be directed to a plurality of vending mechanisms, respectively. Each of the article columns is composed of a plurality of shelves for accommodating a row of articles. Each of the article columns is provided with a vending mechanism, so that articles of different kinds can be sold dependent on the number of the article columns. For this structure, at least one vending mechanism is set for an arbitrary one of article selection buttons. Thus, when the number of the article columns for accommodating the same kind of articles is set in accordance with the sales amount of the articles, different kinds of articles are sold out at an approximately same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidekazu Yajima, Akira Sugawara, Seiji Ebukuro, Takeo Igarashi, Masaki Nakayama, Hiroshi Ogomori
  • Patent number: 6129238
    Abstract: A coin-operated vending machine includes a cabinet defining a game area and a reservoir for receiving pieces of product. A transparent front panel may be vertically slidably received in the cabinet to form a front boundary of the game area. A propelling mechanism is configured to propel a product piece through the game area to an output mechanism. The output mechanism may include a slot having a V-shaped cross-section and a hole defined by a front surface of the cabinet opening to the slot. A rod may be vertically received through a coin mechanism to retain the coin mechanism in the cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Ken S. Rumminger
    Inventor: Ken S. Rumminger
  • Patent number: 5782379
    Abstract: A device for dispensing and holding artificial fingernails for decoration includes a housing having an upper work platform, and a plurality of magazine assemblies disposed within the housing. Each of the magazine assemblies includes a body for storing a plurality of artificial fingernails in stacked relation, and a spring biased plunger disposed in the body for urging the artificial fingernails upwardly within the body. The device further includes a slide having a plurality of slide members which are slidable through the respective magazine bodies for engaging the rear edge of the uppermost fingernail in each of the magazine assemblies and advancing the fingernail outwardly through an exit opening in the body of each of the magazine assemblies. The exit openings are disposed on the upper work surface of the work platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventors: JoAnn M. Traub, Craig C. Selvage
  • Patent number: 5782378
    Abstract: A gumball machine which has a transparent support column supporting a partially transparent gumball housing. The support column encloses several individual plates. The plates are spaced apart and arranged in a descending manner. Each of the plates has an opening located thereon so that a gumball can gravitationally descend from one plate to another and eventually ends up in a dispensing aperture for removal by a customer. The plates can also be manually manipulated by an exterior handle for additional customer amusement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Suncloud Inc.
    Inventors: Don Hart, Guy Hart
  • Patent number: 5752622
    Abstract: A light weight vertically disposed plastic storage and dispenser which can store and dispense both toilet paper and feminine protection articles such as tampons or napkins. Both dispensers are in the same housing which is mounted to a vertically supported base. Flexible support arms rotatably mounted the toilet paper roll above the feminine article dispenser. Upper and lower openings in the feminine article dispenser allow articles to be placed in it in the upper opening and dispensed one at a time by gravity feed from the lower opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Inventor: Lonna Abell
  • Patent number: 5743430
    Abstract: An automatic drinking straw dispensing device to be mounted within a vending machine and dispense a drinking straw in a generally horizontal configuration, the device including a primary receptacle structured to contain a plurality of the drinking straws therein for individual dispensing through a generally elongate slot formed at a bottom of the primary receptacle. The dispensing device further includes a dispensing platform positioned in dispensing communication with the elongate slot such that the drinking straws which pass through the elongate slot are directed onto the dispensing platform and are retained in an accessible, retrievable orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Inventor: Oscar Freixas
  • Patent number: 5605249
    Abstract: A miniature, battery operated vending machine for dispensing products includes a rotating carousel for holding stacks of products and a plunger assembly for dispensing products from the carousel into a dispensing area. A plurality of columns are disposed along a circumference of the carousel. A carousel rotation device aligns a column with the plunger mechanism. The plunger mechanism dispenses product from a column until the column is depleted of products. A controller senses product depletion and rotates the carousel to align another column with the plunger assembly. After all products have been dispensed, the controller blocks a coin insertion slot, displays a "sold-out" sign, and shuts the machine off. The vending machine also includes a device for allowing refilling of the carousel and a device for resetting the coin slot and "sold-out" sign. The vending machine also incluces a separate currency slot for accepting donations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Inventor: Gerald Gonyea
  • Patent number: 5570587
    Abstract: This invention relates to a multifunction refrigerator for transmitting cool air into a cereal storage room and kimchi storage room, comprising an evaporator 700 for generating cool air from a wall face of the refrigerator and a first partition 400 for conducting the cool air generated from said evaporator 700 into a cold storage room 100 and cereal storage room 200, and dividing the refrigerator into two parts of the cold storage room 100 and the cereals custody room 200. And, this refrigerator also comprises an evaporator 700 for generating cool air from a wall face of a refrigerator and a second partition 500 for transmitting compulsorily cool air generated from the evaporator 700 and thereby maintaining kimchi storage room 300 at low temperature, and inhalation fan for inhaling cool air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Goldstar Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Kyeong-Taek Kim
  • Patent number: 5562328
    Abstract: A novelty dispenser for solid objects, such as condoms. The novel features are specifically based on a spring loaded movement of a dispensing element, which element moves an object such as a packaged condom from inside a compartment out through an opening. The dispenser is an everyday entertainment device that conceals a condom therein. It uses a spring, such as a coil spring, which feeds the condom from a magazine compartment and through a shutter to be released for use. The spring is returned to its original position once it has been used. Pulling a tab of the dispenser causes the spring to release within the magazine, forcing the condom through the shutter, such as miniature doors. The spring opens the magazine and doors, allowing the spring to advance the condom into the dispensed position for delivery to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Inventor: Barbara Schottenfeld
  • Patent number: 5544784
    Abstract: A vending machine (10) for vending a rechargeable battery pack has a interface unit (12), new battery reservoir (14), battery dispensing unit (16), and a control unit (18). A customer interested in purchasing a new battery insets a payment in the money handling unit (30). A display (32) is provided and prompts the customer for a response. The customer responds by use of an entry pad (3), and the machine dispenses a new battery. Alternatively, if the customer is interested in exchanging a discharged battery for a fully charged one of similar condition, a battery pack received unit (20) is provided with a receiver port (42) for the customer to insert the spent battery. The spent battery is quickly analyzed by a battery test unit (22) and assigned a grade. If the spent battery is in usable condition, it is passed to a battery recharger, and the customer is prompted to choose between a new battery and one of similar grade to that deposited. If a new battery is selected, one is dispensed, as before.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventor: Francis P. Malaspina
  • Patent number: 5469987
    Abstract: A container with a built-in bag dispenser having one box comprising a bottom, four walls and a top. The first box has an opening for dispensing bags. Another box which also has four walls, a top and a bottom is attached to the interior of the first box. This second box contains bags and an opening for dispensing bags. A nozzle is used for dispensing the bags. A cover is attached to the nozzle in order to keep the bags sealed and clean.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: Roll International Corporation
    Inventor: Bryan K. Honkawa
  • Patent number: 5458259
    Abstract: A magazine for dispensing liner bags from a supply roll through an aperture in the bottom of a trash receptacle includes an upwardly open base having a horizontal cross-sectional shape adapted to receive the trash receptacle, a hinge for connecting the base to the trash receptacle along a horizontal pivot axis extending along one side of the base, whereby the receptacle can be tilted away from the base to provide access to the base. The base has a seat formed by an inwardly protruding flange to limit the depth of penetration of the trash receptacle into the magazine, so that it does not bear against or otherwise interfere with the liner bag supply. Two parallel dividers in the base form three compartments. The outer compartments are useful for storing addition supply rolls or supplies, while the central one contains the active supply roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Inventor: Lee R. Falk
  • Patent number: 5441165
    Abstract: A stand-alone drug dispensing system suitable for a nursing station at a health care facility is described. A microprocessor controlled secure system makes it particularly suitable for dispensing narcotics and other controlled substances. The system comprises a cylinder having a plurality of stacked carrousels, each having plurality of drug slots. Each carousel holds a different drug and it is the rotation of these carrousels over a hole or chute that runs the entire length of the cylinder that allows the dispensing of a particular drug under the control of a programmed microprocessor. The system provides accurate accounting as well as advisory information about the drug being dispensed. A plurality of peripherals such as a Video Display Terminal, an alphanumeric printer, and an alphanumeric keyboard are integrated into the system. Also included are an alarm system, a back up power source and a slot for returning unused drugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Inventors: Vivian Kemp, Janie Nichols, Martha Brushwood, David Hullender
  • Patent number: 5439038
    Abstract: An apparatus for repressurizing a partially emptied carbonated beverage bottle, comprises a stationary pumping station mountable against a wall or under a kitchen cabinet, and a set of bottle caps adapted for use on the pumping station. The station includes a pump operated by pushing a movable front panel section, a filling slot equipped with a air-supplying cannula, and a slot for holding the set of caps. Each cap has a resiliently self-sealing opening designed to be penetrated by the cannula when the bottle is inserted into the filling slot, and a pouring orifice closed by a thumb-activated and spring-biased stopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: Consumer Product Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Garrett W. Lewis, Jeffrey M. Jablon, James L. Labelle
  • Patent number: 5395011
    Abstract: A mountable beverage cooler and dispenser system comprising a housing with a vertically positioned cylindrical wall. The housing has a circular planar roof and floor, and a diameter which exceeds the height. The housing wall includes a generally rectangular large aperture. The large aperture also includes a small aperture which extends downward,toward the floor further than the majority of the large aperture. A generally rectangular shaped sliding door is contoured to follow the perimeter of the housing. The door is positioned between the tray discussed below and the wall of the housing so that it may be maneuvered to cover the large and small apertures. A generally cylindrically shaped tray consists of a circular planar floor with upstanding sidewalls forming a hollow central section therebetween. The height of the tray sidewalls is approximately the height of the housing sidewalls beneath the large aperture. The diameter of the tray and planar floor are slightly smaller than that of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Inventor: Kevin E. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 5392953
    Abstract: A cold drink container vending machine having a front window panel through which cold drinks in serpentine tracks can be viewed for selection. Pre-cooled cold drink container holding racks are aligned with the serpentine tracks so that the pre-cooled containers can be viewed when vendable containers in the serpentine tracks are depleted. Continuous advertisement is provided in the form of the cold drink containers themselves which are viewed through the transparent front window panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Assignee: Rowe International, Inc.
    Inventors: Algert J. Maldanis, Robert I. Courts, George E. Alcorn
  • Patent number: 5322187
    Abstract: An automatic dispenser for ice cream cakes having a taking unit mounted in a shop window on a movable structure with respect to the product being dispensed. The unit includes a shovel on a structure movable in three orthogonal directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1994
    Assignee: Fadis, S.r.l.
    Inventor: Corrado Zizola
  • Patent number: 5238144
    Abstract: A mechanical vending machine for vending paper tablets or the like, one at a time. The machine comprises a cabinet housing the unvended paper tablets, a tablet delivery apparatus, a coin receptor mechanism for receiving the coins, and a coin box to retain the coins. The coins are deposited in a coin deposit box located in the interior of the cabinet thereof for storage until the service personnel retrieve the coins and restock the paper tablets in the cabinet. The paper tablet vending machine has a simplified design, a low initial cost of manufacture, is easy to install and maintain, is totally independent of an outside power source, and will allow paper tablets to be vended in locations considered impractical because of the operating labor and the power requirements of vending machines heretofore. The machine comprises a cabinet having a top panel, a base, a removable lockable side panel for restocking the machine, and an interior storage tray for storing unvended paper tablets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Inventor: Bob I. Kornegay