Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a basket processing apparatus that includes a basket storage portion in a form of a horizontal load rail (2). A plurality of slide storage baskets (4) can be located in series on the rail (2). Each basket is “side loading” and the side loading aperture of each basket can be selectively covered by a slide retaining bar (6). When the baskets (4) are placed on the load rail (2) (e.g. by hooking or clipping the baskets onto the rail), the basket can be moved along the horizontal rail by a basket moving means. The arrangement of the rail and the basket moving means is such that the baskets can be pushed together and move as a “train”. Baskets moved to the pick-up end (12) of the rail can then be removed from the rail and processed. A vertical lift mechanism can be used to remove the basket and transport it to a processing device, for example a coverslipper.

Abstract: A dispenser is described for dispensing sheeted cleaning media, such as disposable hand towels, in a residential or household setting using the existing towel bar for a means of placement.

Abstract: Apparatus including a vending machine compartment including a dispensing door openable to permit removal of merchandise from the compartment, the compartment being pivotedly connected to a box assembly, and wherein the dispensing door includes a link element that is constrained to move along a track formed in the box assembly such that the dispensing door is not openable at a first portion of the track and is openable at a second portion of the track.

Abstract: An exemplary fastener feeder includes a pair of guiders, a slot cover and a blocker. The guiders define a sliding slot therebetween. Each guider includes a sloped part and a level part, bodies of the fasteners are capable of being received in the sliding slot, and a head of each fastener is capable of sliding down from the sloped parts and stopping on the level parts. The slot cover defines an opening for providing a path through which a fastener pickup device can pass through and engage with a fastener located on the level parts. The blocker is located below the level parts. When the fastener pickup device moves the fastener head engaged therewith away from the opening and a length of the fastener is greater than a distance between the blocker and the level parts, the fastener is blocked by blocker and disengaged from the fastener pickup device.

Abstract: A simplified wiring system for an electronically controlled vending machine of the type capable of vending multiple products out of columns, trays or other queuing means, wherein by employing DC motors and various novel circuits, one may reduce controller complexity and assembly time. Selector button sensing and motor drives are connected in a matrix configuration. Sold-out switches are connected in series with the motors. Home switches are connected in series and only momentary continuity interruption is sensed. Separate sold-out switch outputs are eliminated. Interconnect wiring is reduced by mounting both the Home switch and Sold-out switch for each motor on a motor interface board permitting operation of up to 16 motors from a 10-wire ribbon cable.

Abstract: This apparatus operates with disposable strips which are inserted therein by a user. It comprises a circulation passage (29) for the strips (34) wherein a cursor (35) is able to slide, each strip being able to be coupled to the cursor. A mechansim is provided so that the cursor (35) is able to move in the passage (29) only if it is coupled to a strip. Moreover, the cursor (35) remains blocked in the vicinity of the opening (28) of the circulation passage when no strips (34) are present. This invention can be applied in particular to objects dispensing devices such as medical tablets or to blood sugar level measuring devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary magazine distributor apparatus (16) comprising a plurality of vertical channels (20) containing piles of respective different articles (6). The apparatus is arranged in order to dispense automatically articles selected by a buyer and which may have different prices. The rotary magazine (16) is provided with a powered driving system (24). A powered distribution mechanism (30) occupies a stationary location under the magazine and comprises an ejection finger (34) intended to push horizontally the lower article of the pile. A side casing (10) contains an electronic unit which controls all the distribution functions on the basis of information received from an electronic coiner, from a selection keyboard (15) and from stationary detectors (43) indicating the position of the magazine, the identity of the channels (20) and the presence of articles (6) in the channels.

Abstract: A newspaper vending machine. The machine has a housing receiving a stack of newspapers which are secured and protected within the housing and which are dispensed consecutively in a secured manner without opening the machine. An operating handle is rotated and by linkage causes a newspaper gripping and feeding member to pivot in a cyclical and repetitious manner forwardly in a newspaper gripping and feeding operation and rearwardly in a retracting movement for consecutive vending operations. A gripping and feeding member is employed comprising a stiff toothed newspaper engaging element which can flex somewhat while engaging a newspaper adjacent the centerfold and slide it as a unit in the direction of the side fold. A lock comprised of a cam connected to a handle shaft is provided to lock the handle and feeding mechanism against operation until freed by operation of conventional coin acceptor mechanism.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing stamps having a housing including therein magazine means for containing and positioning stamps, suction means for releasably attaching to and withdrawing a stamp from the magazine means, means for actuating the suction means, means for releasing a stamp from the suction means and chute means for receiving the stamp upon release thereof from the suction means.