Abstract: A method and apparatus for vending products, and particularly beverage containers, of varied sizes, shapes and configurations. The products to be vended are aligned in selectable ordered queues within a vending machine that can include a transparent front panel. A container release assembly is positioned at the end of the vend queue to vend a container upon activation. The container release assembly acts on the first-in-line container to be vended and on the second-in-line container, by retaining the second-in-line container while the first is being released. The container release assembly acts on the containers from two opposite sides of the containers.

Abstract: An automated method for dispensing pharmaceuticals particularly tablets and capsules, and other small discrete objects, includes: receiving prescription information, selecting a container, labeling the container, dispensing the tablets or capsules into the labeled container, applying a closure to the filled, labeled container, and offloading the container to a designated location. Preferably, the tablets are dispensed with high speed dispensing bins that employ forced air to agitate and singulate the tablets. The other functions within the system are typically carried out at stations designed to offer speed, flexibility and precision to the dispensing operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for enabling a user to follow a detailed schedule for taking a plurality of medicines/supplemdents at various times. The apparatus includes a set of containers, one for each medicine, a release mechanism for each container and a computer programmed to open any one of its containers at a time according to the schedule of events. An event is defined as taking of a dosage at a scheduled time. An “alert” signal alerts the user to prepare for each event. A “take” signal indicates that the dosage has actually been taken, A warning signal; is activated after a ‘take period indicating that the user has not taken his dosage. A form is initally filled out by the user listing “events” according to the schedule. Events shown on the screen are underlined as they occur and the daily form with underlines of executed events is saved as a history with later evealuation. A “fresh” form (without uderlines) is programmed to appear with the days date to start the next day's program.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to improvements in article dispensing, such as in a vending machine, and more particularly to improvements in product containment systems which improve product storage capacity, as well as the ease and efficiency of product handling, access and loading into the storage area of the article dispensing apparatus. A product containment system in accordance with the invention includes a plurality of first-type of alignment structures for facilitating alignment of the articles to be dispensed into a plurality of columns, and a second-type of alignment structure for facilitating alignment of a plurality of the first-type of alignment structures, where the second-type of alignment structure is movable from fully inside to at least partially outside of the storage area to facilitating reloading of the first-type of alignment structure with the articles to be dispensed.

Abstract: A toothpick and tablet dispenser has two housing halves force-fitted together and guide walls in at least one of the halves to guide toothpicks and tablets to different outlets to dispense a single toothpick or tablet at a time. A gate at each outlet provides manual access to the outlets and insure sanitary interior conditions.

Abstract: An automatic tablet dispensing and packaging system includes a tablet packaging unit and a tablet dropping unit that have door cabinets and slider cabinets. The packaging system comprises a front hopper for the door cabinets, and rear hoppers detachably mounted in the base plate to minimize the rebounding of the released tablets, and kinetic force of the tablets being dropped via the corresponding channel.

Abstract: A multi-well microfiltration apparatus and method are provided and feature a manual touch-off system for transferring pendent drops hanging from discharge-conduits of a discharge-conduit array to respective receiving wells or receiving holes of a corresponding receiving array, with minimum or no cross-contamination between the discharge conduits, or the receiving wells or receiving holes. The manual touch-off is achieved by manually shifting a carriage that supports one of the arrays, into a position whereat pendent drops of fluid hanging from the distal ends of the discharge conduits contact the inner sidewalls of the corresponding receiving wells or receiving holes of the receiving array.

Abstract: A storage and dispensing system (10) for storing and dispensing pre-packaged pharmaceutical products (12) and other products. The system includes a cabinet (14); a plurality of product conveyors (16) mounted within the cabinet and each configured for holding at least one product; an infeed conveyor (18) for receiving products that are to be stored in the cabinet; an outfeed conveyor (20) for receiving products that are to be dispensed from the cabinet; and a transporter (22) moveable within the cabinet for transporting products between the product conveyors and the infeed and outfeed conveyors for storing products in or dispensing products from the cabinet.

Abstract: An automatic single object dispenser has storage elements provided with a drum with a horizontal axis on the periphery of which are formed receptacles radially oriented to receive each an object through an opening and a delivery zone whereat the user can collect the selected object, the drum being driven in rotation to bring the selected object to the delivery zone. The dispenser includes elements for ejecting the selected object when it reaches the delivery zone. The dispenser is useful for selling or renting out articles and in particular video cassettes or compact discs.

Abstract: Dispensable objects are loaded into a portable case for transport to a dispensing site by connecting a reload controller with a case to be reloaded. Latchable and unlatchable object retainers arrayed in the case are relatched, and the reload controller is activated to respond to a reloading request to unlatch some of the retainers in locations suitable for receiving reloaded objects. A person then reloads the chosen objects in the array locations opened up by the unlatched retainers and relatches those retainers. The controller then acts upon another reloading request to unlatch more retainers in locations suitable for receiving additionally loaded objects, as the loading sequence repeats.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to the actions and/or functions of an apparatus for the vending of goods, and for shifting influence among entities with an interest in the vending of goods, which methods and apparatus facilitate the distribution of the risks and rewards involved in the operation the vending apparatus.

Abstract: A delivery device (5) for cassettes and/or specimen slides for histological preparations in a printing system (11) is described. The cassettes and/or specimen slides are in each case arranged one above another in stack magazines (6), a control device (1) being provided for removal of a cassette and/or specimen slide from the stack magazines (6). The improvement comprises a drive shaft (12) having a motor (13) for at least two stack magazines (6), and the motor (13) is connected to the control device (1).

Abstract: A vending machine has capabilities for moving an elevator and a product bucket so the product bucket faces a given product column containing products, then moving forward a conveyer belt of the given product column to carry a foremost product of the products placed in line on the conveyer belt into the product bucket. This vending machine has a product position adjustment apparatus for moving the conveyer belt of the given product column forward or backward to adjust a position of the front edge of a next foremost product on the conveyer belt to a given position after the foremost product in the given product column is carried into the product bucket.

Abstract: A vending machine adopts a storing tray capable of storing a plurality of commodities in an upright state as storing means, and adopts means including a hand unit capable of gripping the commodity located at a taking-out portion of a predetermined storing tray as remaining in an upright state and a mechanism capable of moving the hand unit up and down, left and right, and back and forth as a common carrying-out means by a plurality of storing means. This allows the constitution of the storing means to be simplified, and the necessity of providing the carrying-out means for every storing means is eliminated so that the manufacturer's cost of the vending machine can be reduced.

Abstract: An equipment for the management of hospital activities as medical tests and pharmacological treatment in conditions of certainty against the mistaking of patients is described. The equipment comprises a bed unit (1) associated with the bed of each patient, at least one cabinet unit (2) associated with every ward and a computerised tray cart (3) that is movable among said units (1, 2). The computerised tray cart (3) comprises a computer (10) provided with display, a reader (11) of computer data connect with said computer (10) and approachable to the bed of the patient for the reading of computer data and their transfer to said computer (10), a plurality of drawers (14-16) with opening controlled by said computer (10), and a printer (17)controlled (10). The bed unit (1) comprises a display (18) connected with a computer for the visualisation of data relative to the patient.

Abstract: A vending machine comprising a cabinet having a front wall fitted with a dispensing opening, a plurality of conveyer racks parallely disposed within the cabinet, each for storing and conveying a plurality of boxes and each extending between a rear end adjacent a rear wall of the cabinet and a front end facing the front wall, and an elevator assembly vertically displaceable along a path extending within the cabinet between the front ends of the conveyer racks and the front wall and being displaceable between a plurality of collecting stations adjacent each front end and a vending station adjoining the dispensing opening.

Abstract: A vending machine for the sale of both food and non-food products has a plurality of adjustable shelves and adjustable product dividers. Products are dispensed from the shelves by the action of a computer controlled transporter mounted on carriages permitting movement of the transporter both horizontally and vertically in an X-Z plane across the face of the product shelving. Rotation of the transporter in front of a selected product engages a product delivery mechanism which gently and safely slides the product off the shelf onto the transporter. A movable wall within the transporter pushes the delivered product aside, thereby clearing the way for the dispensing of additional products. Multiple products may safely be collected in each cycle. Products are carried to a delivery station for retrieval by the customer. After product delivery, the transporter is discharged of any residual items.

Abstract: The present invention provides a utensil dispenser for dispensing a utensil. The dispenser includes a base, which defines at least one dispensing opening. At least one utensil is positioned on or adjacent to a top surface of the base. The dispenser includes a dispensing mechanism capable of moving the at least one utensil. The utensil is dispensed by the dispensing mechanism moving the utensil to fall through the dispensing opening.

Abstract: A medication dispensing system comprising an on-site medication dispensing unit and a central monitoring facility. The on-site medication dispensing unit holds bulk amounts of medication in a plurality of separate receptacles from which it selects a desired medication dosage according to an entered and stored prescription regimen and then notifies the patient by an audible or other sensory signal. If the patient presses a button within a prescribed time, the unit dispenses the dosage. If the patient does not press the button within the prescribed time, or if the unit detects a failure to dispense the selected canister, the unit makes the receptacle inaccessible and contacts a predetermined list of caregivers and the central monitoring facility.

Abstract: The system for conveying a selected product to a collection compartment in automatic vending machines is especially suitable for automatic tobacco vending machines, in which a unitary extraction from a storage unit is carried out once a product has been selected so as to deliver the product to the collection compartment. The system comprises a pair of elastic conveyor belts (4, 5) guided by certain cylindrical bodies (6), which can be aided by some freely rotating rods (7), with one of the cylindrical bodies (6) acting on each one of the elastic belts as a drive element for transmitting independent movement to them. A first elastic belt (4) is fitted in order to define an initial horizontal section (8) under the storage units (2) with a second section (9) in a vertical position on one side of the machine, while the second conveyor belt (5) is fitted in a position backing onto the vertical section (9) of the first belt (4).

Abstract: An article handler having an article storage area and an article dispensing opening at a top portion thereof, with a hinged lid mounted so as to have at least a predetermined range of arcuate movement thereover. The lid has a lifting portion thereon adapted for engagement with a lid opening/closing mechanism, and a lid opening/closing mechanism mounted adjacent the cooled article storage area.

Abstract: A medication storing and dispensing cassette is comprised of a housing defining at least a portion of a bulk storage chamber for storing a medication, defining at least a portion of a pick-up area, and defining at least a portion of a discharge chute sized to temporarily store a quantity of the medication. A divider wall is positioned between the bulk storage chamber and the pick-up area. A gate is positioned to control an exit end of the discharge chute. A rotatable conveying wheel having openings proximate to the periphery thereof is positioned such that a portion of the wheel is in communication with the pick-up area while another portion of the wheel is adjacent to an entrance end of the discharge chute. A calibration arm is positioned adjacent the openings of the rotatable wheel. A baffle is positioned to block those openings in that portion of the rotatable wheel adjacent to the discharge chute.

Abstract: An article handling apparatus embodied, for example, as a vending machine, includes a controllably positioned hose dispenser for retrieving articles from an article storage area. A hose is continuous from a first end located within a hose storage area, where the hose receives article securing energy (e.g., suction), to a second end adapted to secure to and extract a selected article from the storage area. A hose positioning mechanism coupled to the hose controllably positions the second end of the hose so as to be aligned with a given article stored in the storage area, for controllably contacting and extracting the selected article from the storage area, and controllably positioning the second end of the hose so as to transport the article to a dispensing area. The hose positioning mechanism imparts both a storage requirement and a retraction requirement on the hose as a result of the controllable positioning.

Abstract: A machine for vending articles, the machine including a housing, a storage area disposed within the housing and having a thermal barrier which separates the storage area from the remainder of the interior of the housing, a dispensing area having an access port disposed within the housing which allows a user of the machine to retrieve a dispensed article, a vertically oriented opening in the thermal barrier of the storage area, the opening dimensioned for allowing articles stored in the storage area to pass from the storage area to the dispensing area, and an article retrieval device nominally located in the storage area for moving articles from the storage area to the dispensing area via said opening. A door aligned with the opening is displaceable in response to movement of articles toward the opening by the article retrieval device.

Abstract: A vending machine for dispensing a first number of products and a second number of products. The vending machine may include a product compartment. The product compartment may include a first column with the first products and a second column with the second products. A dispensing path may be positioned about the product compartment so as to dispense the first products without heating. A heating device may be positioned adjacent to the product compartment for heating the second products. A positioning device may be positioned about the second column to maneuver the second products to the heating device and the dispensing path so as to dispense the second products as heated.

Abstract: An article handling apparatus embodied, for example, asa head (224) adapted to engage and secure to an article (223); a vending machine, includes a controllably positioned hose-type dispenser for retrievingthe first portion of the first positioning device comprises a carriage (218) which carries the feeder, and articles from an article storage area. A first end of the hose receives article securing energy (e.g., suction), and a second end is adapted to secure to and extract a selected article from the storage area. A hose positioning mechanism controllably positions the second end of the hose for retrieving articles from the article storage area. In order to maximize the height of the article storage volume, as well as provide other advantages, the following aspects of the invention are provided :1. the hose positioning mechanism maintains a constant height during hose positioning, 2.

Abstract: The present invention provides a commodity carrying-out apparatus of an automatic vending machine capable of reliably carrying out a commodity one by one without causing falling down or clinging of the commodities, and efficiently housing even commodities having no definite shape.

Abstract: A mobile vending machine for transporting and vending a number of products. The mobile vending machine includes a storage compartment for storing the products, a dispensing mechanism for dispensing the products, and a drive mechanism. The storage compartment is positioned about the drive mechanism for movement therewith.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for dispensing cards and other items. In one embodiment, a card dispensing apparatus includes at least first and second card hoppers and a movable card carriage. The card carriage is movable between a first position proximate to the first card hopper and a second position proximate to the second card hopper. The card carriage is configured to receive a first card from the first card hopper when in the first position and a second card from the second card hopper when in the second position. In one aspect of this embodiment, the card carriage can dispense at least the first card into a card outlet chute when the first card has been sufficiently read by a card reader. Alternatively, the card carriage can dispense the first card into a card escrow chute when the first card has not been sufficiently read by the card reader.

Abstract: The above objects are achieved in an illustrated embodiment of an article dispensing apparatus embodied, for example, as a vending machine, including a controllably positioned suction hose dispenser for retrieving articles from a storage area. In one embodiment, the article dispenser comprises a storage area for storing articles along at least one longitudinal axis in a stack, an article dispensing device for moving the end article from the stack of articles in the storage area along a path to a retrieval area, and an article identification device, mounted within the article retrieving apparatus. The article dispensing device moves the article in a predetermined pattern past the article identification device, so as to provide identification of the article being moved.

Abstract: An article handling apparatus embodied, for example, as a vending machine, includes a controllably positioned hose dispenser for retrieving articles from an article storage area. A hose is continuous from a first end located within a hose storage area, where the hose receives article securing energy (e.g., suction), to a second end adapted to secure to and extract a selected article from the storage area. A hose positioning mechanism coupled to the hose controllably positions the second end of the hose so as to be aligned with a given article stored in the storage area, for controllably contacting and extracting the selected article from the storage area, and controllably positioning the second end of the hose so as to transport the article to a dispensing area. The hose positioning mechanism imparts both a storage requirement and a retraction requirement on the hose as a result of the controllable positioning.

Abstract: A vending system is disclosed suitable for providing beverage products to consumers. In particular, the vending system is accessible to consumers from a vehicle. The vending system is well suited for providing beverages to consumers in multi-use sized containers, such as half-gallon or gallon sized containers. In one particular embodiment, the system can provide a variety of dairy products, such as a variety of milk products, to consumers. The vending system may be a freestanding, self-enclosed system which may be conveniently located in a parking lot.

Abstract: An article storage container, comprising a bin for storing in an a columnar manner, articles to be dispensed from a dispensing end of the bin. A plurality of article supporting intrusions positioned in a spaced manner along at least a portion of the length of the bin function to provide load bearing support for articles stored in the bin.

Abstract: A high capacity document sheet processor combines significant speed and efficiency enhancing improvements in existing approaches to stack feeding particularly in the stack loading, feeding and singulating functions with novel operational arrangements adaptable to a universal paper handling and envelope inserting system.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to improvements in article handling, such as in vending machines, and more particularly, to improvements in:

Abstract: A pill dispensing system includes a shelving unit in array form that holds a number of bulk containers, each holding a bulk amount of a pill to be dispensed. A computer controlled robot removes a selected bulk container and places it on a counter that also dispenses pills. The robot has an arm with a free end portion that can grip a bulk container or a single pill bottle to be filled. The robot is computer controlled to retrieve an empty pill bottle, place it on a label printing and applying unit, then place it next to the counter/dispenser to receive the selected number of selected prescription pills, then place the filled, labeled bottle on a conveyor. In an alternate embodiment, pill bottles are dispensed from a dispenser that holds bottles on inclined plates and feeds them to a vertical dispensing channel. Gates prevent the flow of bottles from an inclined position until the plate above has been emptied.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to the actions and/or functions of an apparatus for the vending of goods, and for shifting influence among entities with an interest in the vending of goods, which methods and apparatus facilitate the distribution of the risks and rewards involved in the operation the vending apparatus.

Abstract: The present inventions relates generally to improvements in article handling, such as in vending machines, and more particularly, to improvements in methods and apparatus for handling articles using a vacuum-type product lifting/dispensing mechanism, to improvements in article display panels which enhance sales of primary products, and to improvements in product containment systems which improve product storage capacity, as well as the ease and efficiency of product handling, access and loading into the article handling apparatus.

Abstract: A mechanism for removing selected food containers from a carousel situated in the refrigerated food storage compartment of an automatic hot food vending machine consisting of a rotatable selector plate which forms the bottom of the carousel and food containers can be removed from the refrigerated food storage compartment.

Abstract: In a casing, a grasp means and a movement means are provided. The movement means is driven and controlled by a control means with a container box being positioned in a specified position based on coordinate data of an injection drug housing member preinstalled in a coordinate data table for moving the injection drug housing member to a graspable position by the grasp means. Next, after grasped by the grasp means, the injection drug housing member is automatically transported to a desired position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a product carry-out apparatus for a vending machine, adapted for carrying a product, which has been delivered downward from a product housing within a vending machine body at the time of selling, in a diagonally upward and forward direction and then carrying out the product to a product take-out port. The apparatus comprises: a conveyor which is rotatable about the rear end between a forward and upward inclined position for selling and a substantially horizontal position for maintenance and, at the time of selling, at the position for selling, receives, on its upper surface, the product delivered from the product housing and carries the product in a diagonally upward and forward direction; and a support for holding the conveyor at the position for selling or at the position for maintenance.

Abstract: An apparatus for automated key retrieval and deposit includes a housing and a key storage rack assembly positioned within the housing. The automated key retrieval and deposit apparatus also includes a key holder for holding a key to be retrieved positioned on the key storage rack, and a key holder actuating mechanism operatively connected to the key holder, for actuating the key holder between an extended position and a retracted position. The automated key retrieval and deposit apparatus further includes a cover pivotally connected to the key storage rack and actuatable between a closed position and an open position, wherein the cover, in the closed position, exerts a force on the keyholder to retain the key on the key holder.

Abstract: A coordinate selectable vending machine assembly for dispensing articles from a plurality of article storage compartments, including horizontally arranged helical coils, comprises a single dispenser, movable between the plurality of storage compartments for vending a selected article. The single dispenser is movable between the plurality storage compartments in response to an electronic signal sent by a micro control panel after a user has inserted money into the machine and used the coordinate section to identify the type of article to be dispensed. The dispenser moves, utilizing a pair of stepping motors, until aligned with the selected storage compartment. Once in position, the dispenser is urged from a normal position out of engagement with the storage compartment to a second position in engagement with the storage compartment for actuation of the vending selected article, which it then actuates resulting in dispensing of the article.

Abstract: The automatic dispenser comprises at least one rack (10) provided with inclined shelves (14) containing the items (26). A manipulator (18) is controllably movable at the front side of the rack for gripping under the first item and take it out of the inclined shelf. The manipulator (18) conveys the item (26) to one of at least two dispensing locations (22A, 22B). From each dispensing location an individual conveyor path leads to a place of destination. The dispensing locations (22A, 22B) are positioned at the front side of the rack (10). The rear side (27) of the rack opposite to the free space (17) is accessible for filling the inclined shelves (14) without the dispensing operation being impeded.

Abstract: An automatic medicament dispensing machine (10) that does not remain idle while medicaments are transferred to a vial and counted and that therefore dispenses medicaments at a much faster rate. The machine includes a cabinet (12); a plurality of medicament dispensing cells (14) arranged in the cabinet for holding and dispensing medicaments; a plurality of medicament counting units (18) each including a vial gripper for holding a vial and a transfer mechanism for transferring medicaments from one of the medicament dispensing cells to the vial; and a transporter (20) for transporting the counting units to the cells for filling the vials held by the counting units.

Abstract: A vending machine for vending articles such as cassettes or boxes is disclosed which has a touch screen (18) for receiving user input commands, a key pad (26) and credit card or coin payment devices (22, 24). A control system (FIGS. 11 to 13 and 23) controls operation of the machine. A vending unit (14) has a carriage (70) mounted for movement below a storage compartment (46) which is divided into a plurality of sections (74). The compartment (46) stores cassettes or boxes which can be stacked one above the other and released into the carriage (70) so that the carriage (70) can move to dispense the article through an outlet (58). A latch (80) controls movements of the cassettes or boxes (75) into the carriage (70). The latch (80) is pivotally mounted and movable from a position where abutment (196) engages a cassette or box (75) or releases the cassette or box.

Abstract: The operation of selecting one cup delivery section from a plurality of cup delivery sections is performed based on the rotation of a barrel in one direction. On the other hand, the operation of driving the selected one cup delivery section to feed a cup is selectively performed based on the rotation of the barrel in another direction. Thus, a cup feeding apparatus can be provided which can feed various cups without providing a plurality of drive sources and can realize excellent working efficiency of the assembly and the maintenance and inspection without increasing the apparatus cost.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device for dispensing items such as money, preferably rolls of coins. The invention includes at least one magazine for stocking the items and has at least one discharge device for dispensing items. A movable receiving device, which is preferably movable up and down, is provided. The receiving device may further include at least one take-out device wherein the take-out device(s) is extensible for operative engagement with the item and can take an item out of one of the at least one magazine and deposit the item into a removal tray of the receiving device.

Abstract: A system and apparatus are described in which modular receptacles are filled and transported to automated dispensing machines for later retrieval and distribution. A system of the present invention includes the loading, refilling, and replacement of the modular receptacles at various stages in the process of the invention. The present invention results in a more efficient and easier to manage system for distribution of such items as medical supplies and drugs.

Abstract: A coin operated device for the distribution of items includes a target array of tubular members containing items. A ram attached to and extending from a support member. The support member providing for movement of the ram within a plane. The ram is employed to force the items from the selected tubular member of the target array.