Reciprocating (including Oscillating) Patents (Class 221/268)
  • Patent number: 11993433
    Abstract: A container is provided comprising: a bottom panel, at least one top panel, a first side panel, a second side panel, a plurality of front flanges and a plurality of back flanges, wherein the panels and flanges are connected together to define the container. Back lines of separation are formed in the first and second side panels, the at least one top panel and at an interface between the bottom panel and one of the back flanges such that a removable back portion can be separated from a remainder of the container via the back lines of separation so as to create a product exit opening. Front lines of separation are formed in one of the front flanges to define a tab, which is partially separable from a remainder of the one front flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL PAPER COMPANY
    Inventor: Alex Dean Bevier
  • Patent number: 11986298
    Abstract: Arrangements are provided including a base having a bore disposed therein extending from a first surface of the base through a second surface of the base, a fluid transport tube having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a lumen having an inner diameter, at least the second end of the tube being received within the bore of the base, and at least one fluid transport enhancing groove having at least a first section disposed in the second surface of the base and in fluid communication with the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignee: Intuity Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Raul Escutia, Jeffrey L. Emery
  • Patent number: 11861968
    Abstract: A boxed battery dispenser configured to hold a plurality of battery trays. Each battery tray of the plurality of battery trays is configured to hold a plurality of batteries, and each battery tray can be independently removeable from the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Inventor: Stephen James Wilson
  • Patent number: 11700835
    Abstract: A system and method for providing small animal veterinary care is provided. The system and method includes providing an enclosed garage adjacent to a veterinary exam room and the garage includes entry and exit garage doors at opposite ends of the garage. A vehicle holding a small animal is received into the garage through the entry garage door. Without going outside the small animal receives veterinary care, such as outpatient veterinary care, which may occur in the adjacent exam room. Following the provision of care, the vehicle exits the garage through the exit garage door. The garage and the veterinary exam room are located under a common roof, such that the small animal is able to be moved from the vehicle directly into the exam room without going outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Innovative Veterinary Practices LLC
    Inventor: Marthina Lee Greer
  • Patent number: 11583143
    Abstract: A coffee grinder-loser apparatus has a removable grinding chamber that is extractable with a fast release. Grinding adjustment is independent of access to the grinding chamber. An interface flange is interposed between an adjusting ring nut and a fixed chamber of the grinding chamber. The flange makes an indirect coupling of the ring nut and of an extractable group of components to the fixed structure. A locking system includes levers with a cam tooth mounted externally on the interface flange. The cam tooth hooks a head of tie-rod assemblies with an elastic spring so as to place them in traction and joined to the fixed structure of the grinding chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Inventor: Luca Lissandron
  • Patent number: 11576842
    Abstract: A contents passing device according to the present invention includes a passing operation part configured to guide movement of contents, a passing movement part rotatably disposed in the passing operation part and configured to move so that the contents are passed, and a sensing part disposed in the passing operation part and configured to sense contents discharged due to free rotation of one end of the passing movement part, wherein the sensing part detects information on the sensed contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: COLEDY INC.
    Inventor: Kyungdo Park
  • Patent number: 11400023
    Abstract: Mechanisms for dispensing items such as medications and medical supplies. Different mechanisms may be tailored to dispensing different kinds of items, for example medications in single dose packages, vials, syringes, or other similarly-shaped items. The dispensers may be placed in a dispensing unit that includes a lockable restock drawer and a dispense drawer into which items are dispensed by the dispensing mechanisms. The various kinds of dispensing mechanisms may be installed in the restock drawer in any workable proportion and arrangement. The dispensing mechanisms include multiple sensing technologies for tracking and inventory of items and for accurate sensing of items as they are dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: OMNICELL, INC.
    Inventors: Edith Wilson, Gerardo Moreno, Guillermo Trejo, Vikram Mehta, Herbert Lawson Fisher
  • Patent number: 11226327
    Abstract: A test sensor container for use with an analyte measuring system may include a cartridge that includes a base, two opposite sidewalls extending away from the base, and a plurality of compartments each dimensioned to hold a test sensor. At least one of the two opposite sidewalls is oriented at an acute angle relative to a reference axis that is perpendicular to the base. The test sensor container may further include at least one foil cover sealing the plurality of compartments and an ejection mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: Ascensia Diabetes Care Holdings AG
    Inventors: Daniel Brown, Martin Antoine Mathelier, Sung-Kwon Jung
  • Patent number: 9141562
    Abstract: The present application provides an automated beverage dispenser using a number of cups and a number of lids. The automated beverage dispenser may include a lid stack with the number of lids, a lidding mechanism, and a positioning device for maneuvering the lidding mechanism so as to remove one of the number of lids from the lid stack and to attach the lid to one of the number of cups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Sean Pickett, Kenneth Andrew Nicoll, Mark David Rob, Andrew Mark Angus, Mark Brian Dockrill, Ravisha Sellahewa, Stephen Houghton, Scott Alexander Anderson
  • Patent number: 9113729
    Abstract: A stirrer dispenser for beverage dispensing machines includes a first channel for containing a stack of stirrers. The first channel includes a first opening from which single stirrers are extracted and ejected by an ejector provided with an alternating movement. The ejector includes an engagement member where single stirrers are engaged and ejected from the first opening at each stroke of the ejector. The dispenser further includes a second channel with a second opening. The second channel is located next to the first channel. The first and second openings are side by side along the movement direction of the ejector. In addition, the dispenser includes a stroke delimiter that limits the stroke of the ejector when at least one stirrer is present in the first channel, so that the ejector picks up the stirrers from the second channel only when the first channel is empty.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Marco Righetti, Marco Talini
  • Publication number: 20150136801
    Abstract: Disclosed is a rubber band dispenser suitable for use in homes, offices and industrial settings which is capable of repeatedly dispensing single rubber bands from a multiplicity of rubber bands. A version is disclosed in which a queue of rubber bands is continually pressed against a flange by means of a spring mechanism or the force of a weight with one or more gaps in an outer housing placed over the core of rubber bands. A guide may be used in the areas of the gap to urge distortion of one or more sections of the rubber band and cause it to form a graspable portion. In another variation, a mechanical ejector is actuated by the user to push against one rubber band, causing it to flex and form a graspable portion protruding from an orifice in a housing. Actuation may be by direct mechanical linkage to an operator-moved element, or by an electric powered actuator. Sequential queuing of rubber bands may be accomplished by means of a spring mechanism or using a weight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Paul Cary Fisher, JR., Jeffrey L. Kelsoe
  • Patent number: 9033184
    Abstract: A blade dispenser (100) has a blade supply container (110), a blade disposal container (120), and a detachable and reconnectable connecting means (130, 131, 132) that is embodied to connect the blade supply container (110) and blade disposal container (120) detachably to one another. The blade supply container (110) has a blade supply container upper side and a blade supply container underside, and is embodied to receive a blade stack (111) made up of multiple mutually abutting blades (112, 115). The blade supply container (110) also has a removal opening (116) through which at least one blade (112, 115) of the blade stack (111) is removable from the blade supply container (110). The blade disposal container (120) has a blade disposal container upper side and a blade disposal container underside, and is embodied to receive blades (120) to be disposed of.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: LEICA BIOSYSTEMS NUSSLOCH GMBH
    Inventor: Roland Walter
  • Patent number: 9010570
    Abstract: A container adapted for dispensing a product is provided. The container includes an outer casing body for receiving a dispensing tray. The dispensing tray has an internal storage compartment for storage of a plurality of units of a product to be dispensed, and includes a cover plate defining at least one dispensing aperture through which a stored unit of product is accessible when the outer casing body is in a dispensing position. The container includes a locking mechanism that releasably locks the outer casing body in the closed and locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: John A. Gelardi, Ryan A. Bailey
  • Patent number: 9010571
    Abstract: Disclosed is a packaging system (10) for containing and dispensing loose filled product units. An inverted tray (20) is sealed to a backer board (40) with a guide insert disposed there between defining an interior chamber that is also filled with product units. The guide insert may include a base flange (38), a pair of side flanges for funneling product units into the truncated area that defines a next dispensing position. A flexible bridge (34) includes at least one high point and a fence portion that can descend into the base flange upon application of sufficient pressure to the at least one high point. This allows a product unit to advance to a dispensing position such that product units can be dispensed one at a time through user manipulation of the flexible bridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: MeadWestvaco Corporation
    Inventor: Ryan A. Bailey
  • Patent number: 8985387
    Abstract: In order to provide a card case in which cards can be automatically and promptly discharged one by one, the case has a case body capable of accommodating more than one cards inside, a card discharging plate mounted so as to proceed from and retreat into the case body via a card discharging opening provided on a side portion of the case body, with a card being placed on its upper surface, and an elastic piece for movably urging the card discharging plate in one direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Katoh Electrical Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinichi Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 8960492
    Abstract: A gumball machine includes a gumball container that holds a plurality of gumballs, a neck portion coupled to the gumball container, the neck portion having a coin slot for receiving a coin, and a gumball dispensing assembly that releases a gumball from the gumball container when a coin is inserted into the coin slot. The gumball machine further includes an elongated housing having an upper end coupled to the neck portion, the housing holding coins that have been inserted through the coin slot. A base is coupled to the lower end of the housing and has a bottom portion that is seated on a surface. A spiral ramp has a mouth coupled to the neck portion, the spiral ramp connected around the housing for allowing a dispensed gumball to roll downwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Sweet N Fun Ltd.
    Inventor: Chi Yin Yeung
  • Patent number: 8794482
    Abstract: Dispensers for packaging solid unit dosage forms, e.g., tablets, are described herein, the dispensers employing a deformable elastomeric wiper seal between a cover and a base. The cover is linearly or rotatably slidable relative to the base to seal and/or expose the compartments of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: AndersonBrecon Inc.
    Inventors: Ryen Sack, Curtis A Knutson, Thomas Moyer
  • Patent number: 8758700
    Abstract: A disposable cartridge adapted to be used with a sensor-dispensing instrument comprises a housing, test sensors, a mechanical mechanism and moveable seals. The housing forms at least one opening therethrough. The test sensors are stacked in the housing. The test sensors are adapted to assist in testing at least one analyte. The mechanical mechanism is adapted to urge the test sensors in a first direction. One of the test sensors is positioned for ejection from the cartridge. The moveable seals is adapted to be in a closed position that seals the at least one opening so as to provide a substantially moisture-proof and a substantially air-tight cartridge, and one of the moveable seals is adapted to be in an open position that allows one of the test sensors to be moved therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Bayer HealthCare LLC
    Inventors: Mohammad A. Kheiri, D. Glenn Purcell
  • Patent number: 8757433
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Gastro-Cool GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Christian Machers
  • Publication number: 20140166690
    Abstract: A containing device is used for receiving a disc. The containing device includes a holding member to receive the discs; and an ejecting assembly to eject the discs out of the holding member. As a result, the disc is automatically driven out of the containing device without being taken off from the containing device manually.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: TA-TUNG LIN
  • Publication number: 20140158705
    Abstract: A shotgun shell dispenser is disclosed including a main body having at least a front, a back, and a bottom, the bottom having an opening. An interior blocking portion which, with the interior of the main body, at least partially defines an opening is provided. A dispensing tray is also provided having an opening configured to receive and dispense a shotgun shell, the tray configured to slide inwardly from a lower portion of the front.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventor: Carl Mark Wid
  • Publication number: 20140150959
    Abstract: An apparatus for transferring decorative rigid bodies from a carrier strip onto a substrate includes a reciprocator adapted for individually bringing the decorative rigid bodies into contact with the substrate, and a tractor mechanism operatively coupled to the reciprocator such that an outward motion of the reciprocator is registered with transportation of the carrier strip such that one of the decorative rigid bodies is brought between the reciprocator and the substrate. The carrier strip has pockets accommodating decorative rigid bodies, and right and left side rims, the right and/or left side rims having engagement features adapted to receive one or more bosses of the tractor mechanism of the apparatus. A method is performed for transferring the decorative rigid bodies from the carrier strip onto the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: GRATZER! TECHNOLOGIES GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Roland F. Gratzer
  • Patent number: 8695962
    Abstract: A device for generating a controllable reciprocal movement of a moveable mechanical element between a first stop point and a second stop point. At least one drive element is moved continuously with reciprocal movement between two turning points. A coupling device with a controllable coupling serves for the selective coupling of the mechanical element to the drive element. The coupling device further features a freewheel and is arranged such that in the active state of the coupling the mechanical element is coupled to the at least one drive element during a first half-cycle of the movement of the drive element and is moved from the first stop point to the second stop point, and during a second half-cycle of the movement of the drive element is substantially uninfluenced by the drive element due to the action of the freewheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Ferag AG
    Inventor: Claudio Berni
  • Patent number: 8672181
    Abstract: A dispenser for administering strip-shaped substances, includes a housing having a chamber to store a stack of the strip-shaped substances and forming a removal opening for the strip-shaped substances that can be opened and closed again with a lid, said lid being joined to the housing, and being joined to a transport bar that can be moved together with the lid in order to transport the strip-shaped substances. The objective of designing and refining a dispenser of the above-mentioned type in such a manner as to allow a contamination-free and reliable transport of one single strip-shaped substance from the inside of the housing merely by moving the lid is characterized in that the transport bar is elastically pre-tensioned and mounted in the housing in such a way that it is at a distance from the stack when the removal opening is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: SANNER GmbH
    Inventor: Matthias Schneider
  • Patent number: 8651325
    Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a dispensing apparatus for dispensing individual tissue cassettes from a stack of cassettes, the apparatus includes a hopper for receiving a stack of tissue cassettes, the hopper having an aperture through which cassettes are dispensable; ejection means for ejecting a cassette through the aperture; and retention means for retaining all but one of the cassettes in the stack as an individual cassette is ejected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Thermo Shandon Ltd.
    Inventors: Ian Kerrod, Richard Clarkson, Basil Gaynor
  • Patent number: 8646651
    Abstract: An automated Braille inserter for inserting a Braille element into a surface including a container for containing a plurality of Braille elements; a drive pin in operative juxtaposition with respect to said container and adapted for movement along a drive axis between a receiving position and a driving position, and having a driving face for driving a Braille element from said Braille inserter; a Braille element passage operatively associated with said drive pin and providing operative passage of a Braille element from said container to a deployment position in operative alignment with said driving face of said drive pin; the drive pin being arranged in operative juxtaposition in respect of the container such that the Braille element passage is closed to receiving Braille elements from the container when the drive pin is the driving position, but may receive a predetermined number of Braille elements into said Braille element passage when the drive pin is in the receiving position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Braille-Oz Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Edward James Tapscott
  • Patent number: 8640917
    Abstract: A multiple-use dispenser (1) for articles contained in blister-type packages (100), in particular for pharmaceutical products such as pills, tablets, capsules and like articles, comprising a housing (2) with at least one opening for dispensing an article from a blister-type package contained therein, The housing (2) comprises a front and a rear sheet (3,4) which are interconnected with each other along their longitudinal edges and have a closed end (5) and an open end (6) on opposite longitudinal ends thereof. The front and rear sheets (3, 4) each are provided with at least one opening (30,40) which are in permanent registry with one another. A shutter sheet (9) is provided within the housing (2) and adapted to be moved longitudinally from a first end position, in which the openings (30, 40) are closed by the shutter (9) to a second end position, in which an aperture (90) of the shutter sheet (9) is in registry with the openings (30, 40) in the front and rear sheets (3, 4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventor: Andreas W Kracke
  • Patent number: 8632730
    Abstract: In one aspect, a diagnostic test system includes a receptacle, optical detectors, and a logic circuit. Each of the optical detectors has a corresponding view in the receptacle and produces an electrical signal at a respective detector output in response to light from the corresponding view. The logic circuit includes logic inputs that are respectively coupled to the detector outputs and that produce an output logic signal corresponding to a logical combination of signals received at the logic inputs. In another aspect, respective detection signals are produced in response to light received from respective ones of multiple views of the test strip, and at least one output logic signal corresponding to a respective logical combination of the detection signals is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Alverix, Inc.
    Inventors: John F. Petrilla, Daniel B. Roitman
  • Patent number: 8609037
    Abstract: A disposable cartridge adapted to be used with a sensor-dispensing instrument comprises a housing, test sensors, a mechanical mechanism and moveable seals. The housing forms at least one opening therethrough. The test sensors are stacked in the housing. The test sensors are adapted to assist in testing at least one analyte. The mechanical mechanism is adapted to urge the test sensors in a first direction. One of the test sensors is positioned for ejection from the cartridge. The moveable seals is adapted to be in a closed position that seals the at least one opening so as to provide a substantially moisture-proof and a substantially air-tight cartridge, and one of the moveable seals is adapted to be in an open position that allows one of the test sensors to be moved therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Bayer HealthCare LLC
    Inventors: Mohammad A. Kheiri, D. Glenn Purcell
  • Patent number: 8608024
    Abstract: A dispenser (10) is disclosed for dispensing a single object (22, 24) at a time, such as a tablet or the like. The dispenser includes a reservoir (26) to contain tablets and an opening in the reservoir sized to pass the tablets. A chute (30) is defined by a wall adjacent to the opening in the reservoir, and defines a dispensing path (39). The movable dispensing guide (32) has a retracted position that does not prevent the advance of tablets along the dispensing path, and an advanced position that intersects the dispensing path between the first and second tablets (22, 24) in the dispensing path. When advanced, the movable dispensing guide allows the first tablet in line to be dispensed from the path, and prevents the second tablet in line from advancing. An actuator is operable to move the movable dispensing guide from its retracted position to its advanced position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: CSP Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Giraud, Michel Zbirka
  • Patent number: 8588968
    Abstract: A system and method for remotely dispensing a pet treat using an Internet-accessible treat dispensing apparatus includes: (1) providing a dispensing apparatus including: a treat dispensing unit with a mechanism for sliding a delivery plate over a stationary base plate; a control circuit electronics portion in communication with the sliding mechanism and with a router or a local computer, which is in communication with at least one remote Internet-accessible electronic device; and video camera portion(s); (2) providing a webpage or website that can be viewed using the local computer or the Internet-accessible electronic device; (3) displaying a prompt on the webpage for inputting user information; (4) displaying a control block with a treat button for dispensing the treat; (5) initiating a video camera view; (6) displaying a delay button for delaying the treat; and (7) sending a signal to initiate the sliding mechanism, followed by automatically dispensing the treat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Inventors: Dominic Anthony Carelli, Dominic Matthew Carelli
  • Patent number: 8588967
    Abstract: An Internet-accessible apparatus for dispensing a pet treat using a remote Internet-accessible electronic device includes: (a) a treat dispensing unit including a treat rack, a delivery plate, a base plate, and an actuator or other mechanism for sliding the delivery plate over the base plate; (b) a control circuit electronics portion in communication with the sliding mechanism and with a local computer or router with a built-in Domain Name System client, which is in communication with at least one remote Internet-accessible electronic device; and (c) at least one video camera portion in communication with the local computer or router; wherein the treat dispensing unit includes a dispensing position in which cutouts in the plates are substantially aligned, and a parked position in which the plate cutouts are not aligned. This simplified abstract is not intended to limit, and should not be interpreted as limiting, the scope of the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Inventors: Dominic Anthony Carelli, Dominic Matthew Carelli
  • Publication number: 20130299510
    Abstract: Provided is a nut feeding system for feeding a nut smoothly and efficiently without the occurrence of nut clogging or the like. A posture alignment device 2 of the nut feeding system 1 repeats an advance and retreat motion of an insert pin 19. After the insert pin 19 is inserted into a screw hole of the nut N, the nut N is raised and transferred from the posture alignment device 2 towards a supply placing unit 5.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tomohiro Sugimoto, Ryo Nakajima, Shinji Sawada, Shinji Yonehana, Koichi Matsumoto, Hideari Kamachi
  • Patent number: 8548623
    Abstract: Dispensing devices and systems for oral transmucosal administration of small volume drug dosage forms to the oral mucosa are provided. The dispensing device may be a single dose applicator (SDA), or an electromechanical device comprising a means for patient identification such as a wrist worn RFID tag and annular bidirectional antenna together with a lock-out feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: AcelRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Poutiatine, Bruce Edwards, Charles Rampersaud, Pamela Palmer, Bradley Blackwood, Benjamin K. Yaffe
  • Patent number: 8523011
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a dispenser, particularly a refillable single-hand dispenser, having a sleeve (13) comprising an opening (23) at the top thereof, and a base part (27) opposite the top. A receptacle (15) for receiving tablets (22), lozenges, or the like is accommodated in the sleeve (3) such that it can be displace in the longitudinal direction. The receptacle (15) can be pulled out of the sleeve (15), the base being biased in the direction of the receptacle top by a zigzag spring (19). The zigzag spring (19) passes through the receptacle (15) through an opening in the base and is supported at the base (27) of the sleeve (13). A tablet package (20) comprising a tubular packaging (65) is disposed in the receptacle (15). The package wall (65) encloses the tablets (22). The sliding base (21) has exterior dimensions that correspond at most to the interior dimensions of the tubular packaging (65).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventors: Eduard Haas, Otto Ziegler
  • Patent number: 8505771
    Abstract: A golf ball dispenser is disclosed comprising a cavity for storing a plurality of golf balls. The dispenser comprises an exit opening through which the balls are dispensed and an ejection lever for ejecting a golf ball through the exit opening when activated. The dispenser and lever are configured so that as the lever is moved towards the exit opening so as to dispense a first ball the lever clamps the next ball to be dispensed within the dispenser so as to prevent the next ball from moving towards the exit opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Inventor: Tony Read
  • Publication number: 20130168406
    Abstract: A feeding device for a balls-sorting machine serves to guide balls to a rotary ball-carrying disc disposed in a housing, the ball-carrying disc is formed with a plurality of ball-falling hoes. The feeding device comprises: a feeding hoper, a dividing device, and a control unit. The feeding hopper includes a feeding hole and a feeding passage connected to the housing. The dividing device is abutted against the ball-carrying disc and formed with a receiving space, and a sub-inputting hole and a sub-outputting hole which are in communication with the receiving space, the sub-inputting hole is connected to the feeding passage, and the sub-outputting hole is located corresponding to the ball-falling holes of the ball-carrying disc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Inventors: YA-CHEN HSU, Fang-Chih Tien, Yi-Ji Chen
  • Patent number: 8464900
    Abstract: A machine particularly adapted for dispensing light items packaged in pliable pouches or packets having a machine graspable crowned carrier. The items are propelled in a queue through a tubular cartridge along a track having a ratcheting mechanism to be individually dispensed. A motorized reciprocation bolt engages the mechanism at the back of the cartridge. Multiple cartridges can be grouped together in an expandable array using an interlocking bar and T system to form a removable magazine. Each cartridge can be selectively addressed and activated by its dedicated motorized bolt. In a preferred embodiment of the ratcheting mechanism, the heads of the package carriers are held within a C-shaped track and propelled by the alternating back-and forth motion of a crenelated drive rack successively pushing a sled at the rear of the package queue. A self-engaging brake impedes backward movements of the sled and packages during a return stroke of the drive rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Inventor: Anton K. Simson
  • Patent number: 8444009
    Abstract: A magazine having compartments for receiving cassettes has an outer housing having an open top and an open front side. An inner housing within the outer housing encloses an interior space and defines a plurality of compartments. The inner housing has opposing sidewalls, and spring elements form the compartments. A generally U-shaped feed element is mounted on the inner housing movably reciprocally in the longitudinal direction over a depth of the compartment so that the feed element moves a cassette from one compartment to an adjacent compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventor: Christoph Schmitt
  • Patent number: 8439225
    Abstract: The invention relates to a dispenser or similar discharging container, particularly for lump form food (5), having a housing (1), the bottom side (2) of which determines an installation plane, and having a gate (6) disposed in the housing (1) in a movable fashion that, when activated, is moved with a circumferential region (17) past an edge (8) of the housing (1), characterized in that said dispenser comprises an appendage (9) connected to the gate (6) via at lest one target breaking section (10); upon the activation of said gate, said appendage impacts the edge (8). The dispenser further comprises at least two feet (11) extending downward through the installation plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Poppelmann Holding GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Werner Schick
  • Patent number: 8418881
    Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a dispensing apparatus for dispensing individual tissue cassettes from a stack of cassettes, the apparatus includes a hopper for receiving a stack of tissue cassettes, the hopper having an aperture through which cassettes are dispensable; ejection means for ejecting a cassette through the aperture; and retention means for retaining all but one of the cassettes in the stack as an individual cassette is ejected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Thermo Shandon Ltd.
    Inventors: Ian Kerrod, Richard Clarkson, Basil Gaynor
  • Patent number: 8397945
    Abstract: A container adapted for dispensing a product is provided. The container includes an outer casing body for receiving a dispensing tray. The dispensing tray has an internal storage compartment for storage of a plurality of units of a product to be dispensed, and includes a cover portion defining at least one dispensing aperture through which a stored unit of product is accessible when the outer casing body is in a dispensing position. A sealing member is engaged with one of the outer casing body and the dispensing tray, and is configured to interact with the other of the outer casing body and the dispensing tray to form a seal about an outer peripheral portion of the dispensing tray when the outer casing body is in a closed and locked position. The container includes a locking mechanism that releasably locks the outer casing body in the closed and locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: John A. Gelardi, Ryan A. Bailey
  • Publication number: 20130048665
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a shot applicator device and, more particularly, to an automatic shot applicator device including a housing with a shot storage/delivery chamber, a tip structured to deliver the shot into tubing attached to various fishing tackle/equipment including fishing rigs, line, hooks, leaders, fly fishing tippet, and/or inserting directly into lures and baits, thereby changing the density (add or decrease weight) of the fishing tackle/equipment, and a mechanism structured to apply a force to the shot thrusting it through the tip and into such material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventor: Bryan Alguire
  • Patent number: 8308026
    Abstract: An apparatus for picking up, holding and dispensing objects is disclosed. The apparatus has a storing device, a holding device, a retaining device, and an ejection device that enables pick up, holding and dispensing of a plurality of objects. The apparatus provides an improved method of picking up, holding and storing objects that heretofore required extreme dexterity and substantial periods of time. The apparatus can be used to pick up, hold and dispense a variety of objects including, but not limited to, crystals, nuts, confectionary pieces, pills, jewelry, and electronic components. The apparatus may be sold as a kit or as replacement parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Rapko Corporation
    Inventors: Darin Rapko, Norma Rapko
  • Patent number: 8297473
    Abstract: A cutlery dispenser comprises a storage chamber adapted to retain a plurality of cutlery therein; an ejector for sequentially ejecting the plurality of cutlery from the storage chamber; an actuator for driving the ejector; and a sensor for triggering the actuator in response to an event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Dixie Consumer Products LLC
    Inventor: Patrick J. Smith
  • Patent number: 8263019
    Abstract: A measurement system is provided which comprises an analysis device with at least one of a measurement function and a sample collection function, and also at least one magazine configured to receive at least one consumer element therein. The magazine comprises a magazine housing having a pair of openings. The magazine is designed as an exchangeable magazine that can be selectively operatively connected to the analysis device. The analysis device further comprises a closure mechanism having at least one sealing element which is designed to convey at least one consumer element from one of the openings. The sealing element is further configured to sealingly close the openings of the magazine when the sealing element is disposed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Hans List, Stephan-Michael Frey, Volker Zimmer
  • Patent number: 8261516
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for inserting food products into packages are disclosed, and in particular apparatus and methods for inserting generally thin or planar food products from a stack of such food products into a package. A stacker assembly includes a pusher mechanism for advancing a bottommost food product or products from the stack toward an opening or edge disposed above a package so that the food product or products can fall into the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Global Brands LLC
    Inventor: Christian Laplace
  • Publication number: 20120181299
    Abstract: A pin dispensing apparatus including a dispenser configured to present a pin to a user, a transfer member configured to convey the pin to the dispenser, and a delivery mechanism configured to provide the pin to the transfer member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventors: Jilene A. Repp, David H. Weaver
  • Publication number: 20120152971
    Abstract: A vending machine system for stackable goods such as vehicle air fresheners includes a hopper and a reciprocating arm. The hopper is configured to hold a stack of the stackable goods. The hopper has an aperture formed in a base of the hopper for dispensing the stackable goods from the hopper. The reciprocating arm is disposed adjacent the aperture. The reciprocating arm is linearly movable between a retracted position and an extended position. One of the stackable goods is received by the reciprocating arm when the reciprocating arm is in the retracted position, and is pushed from the stack of stackable goods by the reciprocating arm when the reciprocating arm is in the extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventor: Kenneth F. Flower
  • Patent number: 8192516
    Abstract: Disclosed is a filter cassette magazine and an apparatus for sequentially gathering fine particles using the same, in which a ‘filter cassette not having gathered fine particles yet,’ is received from a first magazine and the received filter cassette is transferred to a lower portion of an upper filter holder, the ‘filter cassette not having gather fine particles yet’ is pushed up toward the upper filter holder by lifting a lower filter holder so as to gather fine particles from outside, the ‘filter cassette having gathered fine particles’ is transferred to a lower portion of a second magazine, and the ‘filter cassette having gathered fine particles’ is pushed up and stored into the second magazine by lifting a push rod. Therefore, it is possible to implement simple maintenance and management, reduction in malfunction, and reduction in parts for machines and equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: APM Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Gwan Hoon Yoon, Won Sik Chae