Patent US5117977A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5117977A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Small battery dispensing, insertion and removal apparatus
Assignee: ME Manufacturing and Services Inc
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Filing: 1991-05-24
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Granted: 1992-06-02
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Expires: 2011-05-24
Abstract
Abstract A novel way to package and dispense small batteries which provides an easy means for installation and ejection of batteries from their host device. The invention relates to devices for the insertion and removal of miniature batteries in electronic devices. More particularly, the invention relates to a single device which dispenses and provides insertion and removal capability for individually installing and deinstalling batteries in hearing aids. The invention is a multi-battery dispensing container which is reusable and stores the removed batteries within the container for recycling or proper disposal.
Inventors
- 👤 Barry Voroba
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 15:35
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65D; B65D83/00; B65D83/04; Y; Y02; Y02W; Y02W30/00; Y02W30/50; Y02W30/80; Y10; Y10S; Y10S206/00; Y10S206/813
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 28
Claim 1
Independent Claim
94 words
A small battery dispenser capable of easily and individually dispensing each of a plurality of small batteries into an electronic device with battery holding means, the battery dispenser comprising: a substrate; a plurality of chambers formed in said substrate, each of said chambers comprising: a channel for securely holding at least one of said small batteries for dispensing, and a depression for receiving a portion of said electronic device; and at least one battery located in each of said channels in a position so that said battery can be inserted into said electronic device.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
94 words
A small battery dispenser capable of easily and individually dispensing each of a plurality of small batteries into an electronic device with battery holding means, the battery dispenser comprising: a substrate; a plurality of chambers formed in said substrate, each of said chambers comprising: a channel for securely holding at least one of said small batteries for dispensing, and a depression for receiving a portion of said electronic device; and at least one battery located in each of said channels in a position so that said battery can be inserted into said electronic device.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
The dispensing device of claim 1 further comprising: a cover rotatably connected to the substrate; said cover having a portal formed therein so that when rotated only one chamber is exposed.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
The dispensing device of claim 2 wherein said cover and said substrate have cooperating detent means formed therein for precisely aligning said portal with each of said chambers.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
The dispensing device of claim 2 wherein said cover has corrugated sides so that said cover may be easily grasped and rotated with human hands.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
70 words
A device for dispensing batteries into a hearing aid, the hearing aid having a battery holding means into which a battery may be inserted, the dispensing device comprising: a substrate for holding at least one battery; at least one channel formed in the substrate; and at least one battery located in the channel in a position so that the battery can be inserted into the hearing aid battery holding means.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
70 words
A device for dispensing batteries into a hearing aid, the hearing aid having a battery holding means into which a battery may be inserted, the dispensing device comprising: a substrate for holding at least one battery; at least one channel formed in the substrate; and at least one battery located in the channel in a position so that the battery can be inserted into the hearing aid battery holding means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
33 words
The dispensing device of claim 5 further comprising: at least one depression formed in the substrate which is connected to the channel and is shaped to receive a portion of the hearing aid.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
The dispensing device of claim 6 wherein the depression is shaped to receive a portion of a hearing aid for a right ear.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
The dispensing device of claim 6 wherein the depression is shaped to receive a portion of a hearing aid for a left ear.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
12 words
The dispensing device of claim 5 wherein the substrate is disk shaped.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
11 words
The dispensing device of claim 5 wherein the substrate is rectangular.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
16 words
The dispensing device of claim 5 further comprising: means for retaining the battery within the channel.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
18 words
The dispensing device of claim 11 wherein the battery retention means is constructed from a soft pliable material.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
28 words
The dispensing device of claim 5 for use with oxygen sensitive batteries, the dispensing device further comprising: means for preventing air contact to portions of oxygen sensitive batteries.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
36 words
The dispensing device of claim 5 further comprising a platform connected to bottom of said substrate, said platform having a skirt with an aperture formed therein whereby the device may be hung on a store display.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
22 words
The dispensing device of claim 14 wherein said platform has means for connecting to a similar platform of a similar dispensing device.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
47 words
The dispensing device of claim 5 further comprising at least one chamber formed in the substrate for removing spent batteries from the hearing aid prior to inserting batteries; and means positioned in the chamber for removing a spent battery out of the hearing aid battery receiving means.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
16 words
The dispensing device of claim 16 wherein the removal chamber is centrally located on the substrate.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
54 words
A device for removing a battery from a hearing aid, the hearing aid having a battery holding means in which a battery is held, the battery removal device comprising: a substrate having at least one chamber formed therein; and removal means positioned in the chamber for removing a battery from the battery holding means.
Claim 21
Independent Claim
54 words
A device for removing a battery from a hearing aid, the hearing aid having a battery holding means in which a battery is held, the battery removal device comprising: a substrate having at least one chamber formed therein; and removal means positioned in the chamber for removing a battery from the battery holding means.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
14 words
The removal device of claim 18 wherein the removal means comprises a removal edge.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
16 words
The device of claim 19 wherein the removal edge has at least one step formed therein.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
31 words
The removal device of claim 18 further comprising: means within the substrate to receive the batteries removed from the battery receiving means; and means for retaining the batteries within the substrate.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
18 words
A device of either claim 1 or 5 wherein the battery is inserted with a single downward motion.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
18 words
A device of either claim 1 or 5 wherein the battery is inserted with a single inward motion.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
105 words
A small multi-battery dispenser capable of easily and individually dispensing each of a plurality of small cylindrical batteries into an electronic device with battery receptive means, the battery dispenser comprising: a circular disk; means for securely holding said cylindrical battery along the outer circumference of said circular disk; wherein said battery holding means comprises a flexible holder which rests against at least one flat side of said cylindrical battery and assists in holding said cylindrical battery in place through friction; and wherein said battery holding means maintains said cylindrical battery in a position in which said cylindrical battery can be inserted into said electronic device.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
105 words
A small multi-battery dispenser capable of easily and individually dispensing each of a plurality of small cylindrical batteries into an electronic device with battery receptive means, the battery dispenser comprising: a circular disk; means for securely holding said cylindrical battery along the outer circumference of said circular disk; wherein said battery holding means comprises a flexible holder which rests against at least one flat side of said cylindrical battery and assists in holding said cylindrical battery in place through friction; and wherein said battery holding means maintains said cylindrical battery in a position in which said cylindrical battery can be inserted into said electronic device.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1995-06-02 | 1995-12-02 | 1996-06-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-06-02 | 1999-12-02 | 2000-06-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-06-02 | 2003-12-02 | 2004-06-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |