Abstract: A badge and credit card holder that is used to place a plurality of credit cards. The badge and credit card holder defines a badge that is permanently affixed to the badge and credit card holder. The badge and credit card holder defines an open top wherein credit cards can be dispensed from. The bottom of the credit card holder defines a linear slide spring mechanism that swivels an inner L-shaped lever. The L-shaped lever is designed to dispense credit cards in a staggered manner when the linear slide spring mechanism is used to push a lower end of the L-shaped lever. When the linear slide spring mechanism is pushed, the L-shaped lever pushes the plurality of credit cards upwards. The linear slide spring mechanism returns to a rest position after the user eliminates the force used to push the lower end of the L-shaped lever.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a capsule containing a liquid substance for the preparation of edible/drinkable products, said capsule comprising: a) a body defining a filling cavity filled with the liquid substance, said body having i) a liquid discharging portion, provided at a first end of said body, through which said liquid substance can be discharged from said body, and ii) an accessing region provided at a second end of said body! and b) at least one separator slidably mounted in said body, wherein said separator can be actuated to slide in a liquid discharging direction in order to discharge said liquid substance through said liquid discharging portion, wherein the actuation of said separator is applied through the accessing region.

Abstract: The present invention is a toy projectile and launcher system. The lightweight projectile has an exterior surface symmetrically disposed about an imaginary longitudinal axis. The launcher has planar leaves or holding pins, for receiving and holding the projectile. Within the launcher is a spring-loaded element that moves between cocked and released positions. The spring-loaded element contacts a first planar leaf or a first holding pin as the spring-loaded element moves from cocked to released position. Contact with the spring-loaded element causes the leaves or pins to pinch the projectile and launch the projectile into flight in a direction perpendicular to its longitudinal axis. In an alternate embodiment, rotational and linear velocities are imparted to a projectile by action of a ribbon held against the projectile's exterior surface by parallel members. Contact with the spring-loaded element causes the ribbon to translate along the length of said parallel members and into flight.

Abstract: A feeding device includes a support assembly, a holding plate rotatably mounted on the support assembly, a guiding member mounted on the holding plate, a pushing mechanism, and a first unloading mechanism. The holding plate defines an unloading groove. The guiding member defines an outlet corresponding to the unloading groove. The pushing mechanism includes a first driver and a pushing member connected to the first driver. The pushing member is positioned above the holding plate. The first driver drives the pushing member to move towards the unloading groove. The first unloading mechanism includes a blocking member for blocking the unloading groove, and a second driver connected to the blocking member. The second driver drives the blocking member to move away from the unloading groove.

Abstract: A vending machine to dispense purchased goods includes a frame, a dispensing member, a controlling member, a blocking member and a driving member. The controlling member can slide a limiting shaft between a latched position and a releasing position. The driving member is a spring which is partly uncoiled and which constantly pulls the dispensing member, and thus a line of goods, towards the blocking member. When the limiting shaft is in the latched position, the limiting shaft prevents the blocking member rotating, so holding back the line of unpurchased goods. When the limiting shaft is retracted to the releasing position, the pressure of the line of goods rotates the blocking member through ninety degrees to allow one of the goods to pass out of the goods channel.

Abstract: A method for processing application forms comprising extracting content from filled first forms of consumers, each of the first forms comprising one or more fields, arranging the extracted content of one or more fields of the plurality of fields of the plurality of filled first forms in a first matrix; encoding the content of each of the rows of the first matrix to define a second matrix; and disposing the encoded content of the second matrix in multiple empty second forms such that content of one column is disposed on only one of the empty second forms, each of the second forms includes the same type and number of fields as that of one of the filled first forms, further wherein the number of the filled second forms is based on the number of the one or more fields in the filled first forms.

Abstract: A RISC data processor in which the number of flags generated by each instruction is increased so that a decrease of flag-generating instructions exceeds an increase of flag-using instructions in quantity, thereby achieving the decrease in instructions. An instruction for generating flags according to operands' data sizes is defined, and an instruction set handled by the RISC data processor includes an instruction capable of executing an operation on operands in more than one data size. An identical operation process is conducted on the small-size operand and on low-order bits of the large-size operand, and flags are generated capable of coping with the respective data sizes regardless of the data size of each operand subjected to the operation. Thus, a reduction in instruction code space of the RISC data processor can be achieved.

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.

Abstract: A card extracting device for use with a plurality of cards may include a card storage, a gate through which the cards pass toward an outside of the card storage, an extracting tab to engage with and extract one of the cards, a tab-moving mechanism to move the extracting tab, an extracting roller outside the card storage to further forward the extracted card, a motor to drive the tab-moving mechanism and the extracting roller, a card-extraction detecting section to detect that card extraction is completed, and a control section to control the motor. An engaging section may be formed in the extracting tab to abut a rear end portion of the card and extract the card. The control section may drive the motor forward to extract the card or drive the motor in reverse based on a detection result from the card extraction detecting section.

Abstract: A card dispenser can include a planar sleeve, an actuator, and a lifter assembly. More specifically, the planar sleeve can be shaped to receive a plurality of cards within a card chamber. A dispense opening within the planar sleeve can be shaped to pass the plurality of cards edgewise. The actuator can extend along an edge of the planar sleeve. The actuator can be pivotable about an actuator pivot located between a retaining end and an actuation end of the actuator. The actuator pivots from a retaining position to a dispense position. The retaining position orients a card contact surface of the retaining end against the plurality of cards to prevent removal of the plurality of cards. The lifter assembly can be associated with the actuation end and can be oriented adjacent a bottom edge of the card chamber.

Abstract: A package for product pieces includes a housing having a plurality of walls forming an interior adapter to hold a plurality of product pieces. The housing has a dispensing opening in communication with the interior. A resilient member is disposed in the housing interior and is adapted to urge the product pieces toward the dispensing opening. The housing has an aperture formed in one of the plurality of walls disposed adjacent the dispensing opening to permit the product piece to be engaged and moved out of the interior through the dispensing opening.

Abstract: A machine particularly adapted for dispensing light items (19) packaged in symmetrical, frustum-shaped containers. The items are propelled through a tubular cartridge (3) by compressed air, and in the absence of any solid pushing, pulling or carrying device, then individually dispensed. A flow of compressed air generated by a blower (28) is s fed to the back of the cartridge. The items are dispensed under control of a toggling dual-gate mechanism (26, 27) at the front end of the cartridge. The dual-gate mechanism of a removable magazine (2) grouping a number of cartridges can be selectively addressed and activated by means of a solenoid-driven cross-bar assembly (38).

Abstract: A system and apparatus for dispensing lumber is described. The apparatus includes a pusher, such as a chain driven lug, which pushes against the side of a row of lumber, thus sequentially pushing the top row of a lumber pack into a transport system. The apparatus also includes a hydraulic lift which enables the lumber pack to be moved upwards for the dispensing of subsequent rows.

Abstract: A vending machine retrofitted with digital signage has a door with a window in the door, where the door closes to form an interior compartment and where the vending machine has a top surface. A display panel is affixed to the window by double stick tape from the interior compartment so that images displayed on the display panel are visible through the window. A media player is coupled to the display panel to play video content on the display panel. A cellular wide area network (WAN) radio coupled to the media player to receive video content via the cellular WAN. A cellular antenna is coupled to the cellular WAN radio and affixed to the top surface of the vending machine. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a deployment device that is operative to deploy Special Material (SM) to protect the vehicle when an enemy infrared (IR) threat is present. The deployment device constructed in accordance with the present invention comprises at least one, and preferably a pair of canisters which are each filled or loaded with SM, then factory sealed to prevent oxidation or contamination. Each of the canisters included in the deployment device includes an input shaft which, when rotated, is operative to transmit the rotary motion to each of four threaded rods. The rods have two primary functions, which are to advance a piston thereby preloading the SM within the canister toward the open end thereof, and to turn rotary metering devices which are located at the open end of the canister. The advancing piston maintains consistent compression in the SM stack within the canister.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods of supplying needle covers to be used to cover or shield the sharp and contaminated ends of used syringe-needles. The devices, systems and methods can include a delivery mechanism sized and configured to supply a plurality of needle-shielding members arranged to automatically advance into a preferred position as each individual needle-shielding member is engaged and subsequently removed from the delivery mechanism.

Abstract: An automated freezer stores food items stacked in a removable cartridge. The food items are dispensed from the automated freezer in response to a request for the food items. The food items are loaded into the cartridge outside of the automated freezer. When the cartridge is inserted into the automated freezer, the upper end of the cartridge is inserted into a buffer, pushing a plurality of arms in the buffer upwardly to allow food items to pass through the buffer. When the cartridge is removed from the freezer for reloading of food items, a resilient member biases the arms downwardly to retain any food items in the buffer and to prevent any food items in the buffer from falling.

Abstract: To reliably bias drugs to a rotor side without upsizing a device, with little layout limitations, and without damaging the drugs. Biasing means that biases drugs stored in a cassette 3 to a rotor 23 side to arrange the drugs includes: a casing 35; a constant load spring 36 provided in the casing 35 and having a spring part 41 fixed to the rotor 23 side of the cassette 3 at its tip; a locking plate 42 provided in the casing 35 and having a gear part 46 that engaged with and disengaged from a locking rack 26 formed in the cassette 3; and a pressing block 43 projected so as to be pressed from the contact surface of the casing 35 in contact with the drugs and rotating the locking plate 42 by pressing to release the gear part 46 from the locking rack 26.

Abstract: A dispensing device for beverage cup lid which prevents excessive human contact with the lid prior to insertion upon the beverage cup, the device providing an externally threaded central rotary rod attached to a direct drive bidirectional electrical motor and suspended within a lid cabinet with a stacked plurality of lids retained upon the rotary rod through a central bore in each lid, the lids urged downward by a traveling press plate having a central threaded hole engaging the external threads of the rotary rod, the rotation of the rotary rod causing the press plate to move up and down the rotary rod, pressing against the uppermost lid on the rotary rod against the stacked plurality of lids in increments programmed to release only the lowermost lid from the end of the rotary rod in a receiving area below the retaining rod. The device is operated by the activation of a presence sensor, either a beverage cup or a clean hand, which causes the incremental dispensing of a single lid.

Abstract: A dispensing device for beverage cup lid which prevents excessive human contact with the lid prior to insertion upon the beverage cup, the device providing a central stationary lid retaining rod suspended from a lid cabinet upon which a stacked plurality of lids are retained through a central bore, the lids urged downward by a traveling press plate engaging a rotating threaded shaft, the threaded shaft moving the press plate against the uppermost lid on the retaining rod pressing the stacked plurality of lids down along the retaining rod in increments programmed to release only the lowermost lid from the end of the retaining rod onto the top of a beverage cup positioned below the retaining rod. The device is operated by the activation of a presence sensor, either a beverage cup or a clean hand, which causes the incremental dispensing of a single lid.

Abstract: A drug dispenser which can push a drug package in a stable state and discharge it. The drug dispenser includes a drug case (1) for containing a plurality of drug packages (100) stacked in a vertical direction, each of the plurality of drug packages (100) is packed in a rectangular package with a flange (100a), and a pushing mechanism (3) for pushing out the lowermost drug package (100) in a horizontal direction. A guide member (35) for supporting and guiding the flange (100a?) of the second drug package (100?), when the lowermost drug package (100) is pushed out, is provided in a pushing direction of the drug package (100).

Abstract: To dispense an article in a limited space within a tray appropriately with no useless operation, the present invention provides an article dispensing device, including a control means (61) which calls, from a storage means (64), an article map of an article (D) to be dispensed by a dispensing means (3) and a container map of a container (5) for accommodating the article (D), which searches for a vacant region by searching each container virtual region of the container map in a predetermined order, which specifies a dispensing position for the article (D) according to the article map, and which drive-controls the dispensing means (3) based on the specified dispensing position for causing the article (D) held to be accommodated in the container (5).

Abstract: During operation of a vending machine, an image is obtained of an area of interest in the vending machine. As a product selected by a customer moves toward a product retrieval location, images of the area of interest are obtained and transmitted to the data base. Images in the data base are compared to determine whether or not the selected product has moved to the area of interest.

Abstract: A vending machine includes first and second integrated dispensing systems mounted at front portions of adjacent product shelf dividers establishing at least first, second and third product queues. Each of the first and second dispensing systems includes first and second release mechanisms having a plurality of hinged plates supported by a frame. The plurality of hinged plates are selectively shifted into and out of corresponding ones of the first, second and third product queues, such that each product queue has associated therewith two opposing release mechanisms. Preferably, at least one of the first and second release mechanisms for each dispensing system includes a queue spacing member which is mounted to one of the hinged plates and projects into the product queue to establish a desired spacing between the release mechanisms.

Abstract: A snap-ring supplying device includes a magazine (10) containing C-shaped snap rings (S) piled together each of which has a gap, an extrusion member (25) that pushes out a snap ring occupying the lowest position in the magazine so that the gap (S1) of the snap ring is directed forwardly in an extruding direction, a conveying path (23) that conveys the snap ring pushed out by the extrusion member to an area in which the snap ring is contracted to reduce the diameter of the snap ring, a projection-strip guide wall (26) formed to stand upwardly in a substantially vertical direction with a width that is defined by forming a pair of concave parts (28) and that can enter the gap of the snap ring in a termination area of the conveying path, and an oscillating member (31) and urging members (32, 33) serving as a restricting mechanism (30) that restricts the gap of the snap ring so that the gap is directed in a direction from the magazine to the projection-strip guide wall.

Abstract: A tray for a product vending machine including a flat base upon which product to be vended may be placed. A plurality of walls are attached to the base which define rows into which product is organized. A channel within the flat base houses a threaded shaft. The threaded shaft threadingly attaches to a product drive member.

Abstract: A gravity-feed dispenser includes an internal blocker assembly to prevent folded sheet from falling away from the dispensing aperture. A preferred embodiment includes a spring biased blocker arm which cooperates with a spring biased guide plate to maintain the napkins in position throughout dispensing of the stack, especially when the stack is depleted and of insufficient weight to urge the remaining sheets into position. In a preferred embodiment, the dispenser is provided with a convertible support, suitable for mounting the dispenser on either a wall or a countertop with a quick release mounting bracket.

Abstract: A commodity column for a vending machine in which commodities are arranged in a front-rear direction, a plurality of the commodity columns being placed in a left-right direction in a commodity accommodation chamber, the commodity column having commodity passage members each having a side wall extending in the front-rear direction and a bottom extending from the side wall in one direction along the left-right direction, the commodity passage members being capable of being connected to each other through an extending end of the bottom, and a passage side member capable of being connected to the extending end of the bottom of the commodity passage member. A plurality of the commodity passage members are placed one after another in one direction along the left-right direction, each adjacent pair of the commodity passage members being connected to each other through the extending end.

Abstract: A pill dispensing cap for a bottle has an inner sleeve with a divider panel and a first base panel rotatable within an outer sleeve having a second base panel. First and second window openings are defined in the first and second base panels. A plate moveable across and within the two sleeves defines a third window opening and a fourth window opening is defined in the divider panel. The plate can be held in an initial position wherein the first and second windows are aligned, whilst the third and fourth windows are not aligned. The outer sleeve is rotatable to a condition wherein the first and second windows are not aligned and the plate can then be slid across to a condition wherein the third and fourth windows are aligned to allow pills in a bottle to enter the inner sleeve.

Abstract: An automatic flat-article dispensing apparatus which can dispense a relatively large and heavy flat articles without damaging the articles and without increasing the size of the apparatus and significantly increasing the energy consumption. The apparatus for dispensing a flat article, has a table which supports stacked flat articles and suction ports disposed over the table and facing the flat articles. A suction device provides suctions to hold the top flat article of the stacked flat articles by sucking air through the suction ports. A conveyance device conveys the flat article sucked via the suction port in a lateral direction with respect to the direction of the stack. The suction ports are a first suction port and a second suction port which are disposed in the lateral direction.

Abstract: A machine particularly adapted for dispensing light items packaged in symmetrical, frustum-shaped container. The items are propelled through a tubular cartridge and individually ejected by a flow of air generated by a blower under control of a toggling dual-gate mechanism at the dispensing end of the cartridge. The dual-gate mechanism of a removable magazine grouping a number of cartridges can be selectively addressed and activated by means of a solenoid-driven cross-bar assembly.

Abstract: A new and improved food product dispensing mechanism incorporates structure therewithin for enabling one to serially dispense individual portions of food products from a predetermined number of food product portions which are disposed in a stacked array or arrangement contained within a food product container. The structure comprises complementary members defined upon inner peripheral wall surface portions of the food product container and upon the piston member movably disposed within the food product container so as to pre-determinedly define stepwise movements of the piston member with respect to the food product container.

Abstract: A one-at-a-time pill container and dispenser having a mechanism that allows for dispensing pills. Said pills are stored safely inside the device until dispensed preferably by actuating a plunger mechanism that operates by engagement to a helical cut or thread in a tube, and is maintained in place by a longitudinal cut or groove in a concentric tube. The pill is dispensed via an orifice fitted with an element-resistant septum that protects said tube contents pre-, intra-, and post-delivery. The plunger mechanism is actuated via rotation of the inner tube using a control switch. The dispenser is primarily intended for administering ergogenic substances to athletes.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a tablet dispenser comprising an elongate container (10) for tablets (12) and a dispensing device for discharging tablets out of the container (10). The dispensing device includes an operating unit (11) for manual action, a joint mechanism (14) connected to the operating unit (11), and a slide (15) projecting from the joint mechanism (14) for accommodating and dispensing a tablet (12). The operating unit (13), the joint mechanism (14) and the slide (15) are of one piece manufacture.

Abstract: Device for handling, transporting and storing capillaries, method for the production thereof and individual capillary dispenser therefrom.

Abstract: A probe cover dispenser comprises a main body, an elastic component, and a separation board. The main body has a receiving groove therein. A groove is disposed at the top end of the main body. The elastic component is disposed in the receiving groove. One end of the elastic component is fixed at the bottom of the receiving groove, and the other end thereof is connected with a separation sheet. A plurality of probe covers are stacked in the receiving grooves above the separation sheet. The separation board is disposed in the groove at the top end of the main body. One end of the separation board is pivotally connected with the top end of the main body so that the separation board can be screwed into the groove at the top end of the main body to separate the first probe cover from the second probe cover.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dispenser for a plurality of articles, such as lids, for preferably dispensing the endmost article from a stack of articles.

Abstract: This invention relates to a transfer module for transporting mailpieces between an exit of a folding/inserting machine delivering a mailpiece at a first upper level in a transverse direction and an entry of a franking machine receiving this mailpiece at a second upper level in a longitudinal direction, this module comprising means for receiving the mailpieces ejected via the folding/inserting machine exit and conveying means for transporting, in a direction D of displacement, these ejected mailpieces towards the franking machine entry, the receiving means and the conveying means being considerably inclined towards this franking machine entry from a low supporting plane of the folding/inserting machine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dropping device, preferably borne by a carrier aircraft, for distributing interference medium and especially electronic raspberry. The device according to the invention represents in principle an improvement to the device known through SE 8302508-0 and it is characterized firstly in that it has been provided with separately rotatable accelerator shafts (14, 15), which have the dual function firstly of acting as locks for an unwanted feed-out of interference medium packs (4) and secondly, when a feed-out has been activated, of executing this and giving the fed-out interference medium pack (4′) an increased feed-out speed, partly due to the device having been provided with a totally new, specially configured indexing mechanism.

Abstract: A single vend newspaper vending machine includes a machine housing and a newspaper elevator system mounted in the machine housing, the newspaper elevator system including a slide track mounted in the machine housing. The newspaper elevator system further a fixed toothed rack, a movable toothed rack and a newspaper support trolley movably mounted on the slide track. First and second clutch-equipped gear wheels are included, the first clutch-equipped gear wheel operative to engage the fixed toothed rack and restrict downward movement of the trolley, the second clutch-equipped gear wheel operative to engage the vertically movable toothed rack. Upwards movement of the vertically movable toothed rack causes the newspaper support trolley to be moved upwardly therewith. A newspaper thickness sensing device is operative to determine the thickness of the topmost paper.

Abstract: An article dispensing apparatus with a novel structure is provided for lifting and taking out articles such as candies, stored in a stack within a case body, one by one from the top one. The article dispensing apparatus has a case body for storing articles in a stack. A dispensing opening that can take out the stored articles one by one from the top one is formed in the upper part of the case body, and an elastic member for biasing the stored articles toward the dispensing opening is provided in the lower part of the case body. A pair of engaging members are provided in the vicinity of the dispensing opening of the case body for engaging the both sides of the top article among a plurality of articles biased by the elastic member to prevent the plurality of articles from being dispensed from the dispensing opening. A rotating body is rotatably provided in the upper part of the case body, and a pair of holding pieces are provided in the rotating body for holding the both sides of the.

Abstract: The invention provides a three-dimensional card case including a cavity surrounded by two sidewalls, a rear wall and an opening on the side opposite the rear wall. The cards are inserted into slots at the opening of the cavity until they flush with an ejector tab at the rear wall. This allows a card to be individually ejected by the tab mechanism, which is linked to actuator buttons located on the exterior of the case. Each button is labeled to identify and select a specific card.

Abstract: A lid dispenser for storing and dispensing plastic drink lids. The dispenser has an elongated body within which the lids are stacked upside down and a dispensing slot in a sidewall facing a user. A gravity biased finger rides in a vertical trackway in a sidewall opposite the dispensing slot. The finger contacts the stack of drink lids, clamping the uppermost lid against the next-to-uppermost lid and tilting the uppermost lid at an angle towards the user. The uppermost lid can be grasped by the user and snapped through the dispensing slot.

Abstract: A tissue roll dispenser apparatus is provided for attachment to a tissue roll holder which includes a first spindle end receiver and a second spindle end receiver. The tissue roll dispenser apparatus includes a plurality of tissue rolls to be used in succession. The tissue roll dispenser apparatus includes a first support plug assembly for engagement with the first spindle end receiver and for receiving a first spindle end of a roll spindle. A second support plug assembly engages with the second spindle end receiver and receives a second spindle end of the roll spindle. A first housing extension is connected to the first support plug assembly, and a second housing extension is connected to the second support plug assembly. A tissue roll retention housing, which includes a first housing wall, is connected to the first housing extension. A second housing wall is connected to the second housing extension, and a housing floor extends between the first housing wall and the second housing wall.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dispensing machine for printed publications. The vending machine allows to dispense one copy at a time by providing a metering break next to a dispensing channel. The vending machine has a hollow housing, within which a detachable module is slidably mounted. An operational portion of the machine includes a motor controlled by a microchip that constantly adjusts the speed of the motor depending on the thickness of the dispensed publication. A paper speed sensor sends a signal to the motor to facilitate adjustment in the speed control. Printed publications rest in an upright position on moving endless belts that are connected to the motor for advancing the publications toward the dispensing channel. One or more torsion springs support the front face of the forwardmost publication immediately prior to dispensing to prevent premature opening of an unfolded edge of the publication and jamming of the dispensing channel.

Abstract: Equipment is provided for issuing IC cards packed in transparent films, etc. without damaging the card or the packaging. The equipment includes a dispenser which can be loaded with s large number of cards in simple and at short time. An elevator for the card bodies is provided with a flexible rack a driving mechanism for moving the rack in up and down directions, a movable base which arranged at the bottom end, for carrying card bodies. The dispenser includes the elevator with the movable base as well as a fan for taking up the top most card body on the movable base and a tire or wheel for sending out the card body which is taken up at the fan.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved container which may be used to store ten parcels arranged end to end and in two rows, one on top of the other. The container includes a top wall, a bottom wall, opposing side walls, and opposing front and rear walls respectively. The container also includes an advancement mechanism for advancing the rearmost parcels in the container so as to fill the void created by the removal of the foremost parcels. The advancement mechanism includes an enlarged end portion located behind the rearmost parcels and an intermediate portion located intermediate to the two rows of parcels.

Abstract: A cassette for storing and dispensing objects arranged in a stack, such as end disks, has a base plate, a plurality of standoffs attached to the base plate, and a stripper plate having a removed concentric section attached to ends of the standoffs. A hub member is centrally positioned in the base plate and extends towards the central opening of the stripper plate. A biased support plate attached to base plate is in slidable contact with the hub member for supporting a portion of the loading side of an end disk resting thereon. End disks are removed for independent processing one at a time through a removed section in the stripper plate by a stream of air directed between the loading side of the top most end disk and the unloading side of the nearest adjacent end disk in the stack.

Abstract: A method for storing and dispensing thin, flimsy objects such as end disks that form the ends of light-tight packages for photosensitive materials. The thin, flimsy objects are loaded onto a hub member and supported by a biased pusher plate that urges the objects one at a time through a stripper plate that has a removed section slightly smaller in dimensions than the object.

Abstract: There is provided an article storage device for an automatic vending machine, which is capable of properly storing and dispensing articles without causing any deformation or breakage thereof and, compact in construction, and at the same time capable of reliably detecting whether articles are sold out.