Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to methods, apparatus, and systems for actuating a soft robot. An actuation system includes a camshaft, a motor configured to drive the camshaft to rotate around a rotational axis, and an air bladder configured to expel fluid from the air bladder during compression and draw fluid into the air bladder during decompression. The system further includes a cam coupled to the camshaft that is configured to rotate around the rotational axis when the camshaft is driven and compress or decompress the air bladder based on a physical profile of the cam as the cam rotates around the rotational axis. The system also includes a soft robot coupled to the air bladder, wherein the soft robot is actuated to move based on the fluid inserted into the soft robot during compression or the fluid removed from the soft robot during decompression.

Abstract: Systems and methods for ATM fraud detection are presented. ATM fraud detection may be provided in the context of including a currency sensor in the ATM to count currency notes. ATM fraud detection may be obtained by using a currency sensor, such as a scanner, to image and count any currency notes that remain after being dispensed to a user, and determining if the count is correct for the currency notes dispensed. A count discrepancy resulting from removal of some but not all dispensed currency notes would indicate attempted theft or fraud.

Abstract: A gem applicator assembly including a dispenser supporting a plurality of gems and an applicator. Each gem has an adhesive backing. The applicator includes a body with a support assembly supported by the body and configured to receive and support the dispenser with one of the gems alignable with an application target area. A plunger is supported relative to the body and movable relative thereto between an initial position and an application position wherein the push rod engages the aligned gem and pushes the gem such that the adhesive backing of an aligned gem moves toward the application target area. The gem dispenser may include a disk configuration with a plurality of spaced apart gem openings extending through the disk. Each gem is aligned with a respective gem opening.

Abstract: An expandable socket for attachment to a mobile electronic device. The expandable socket includes a platform adapted to engage a portion of the portable media player, a skin coupled to the platform, wherein the skin is deformable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. The expandable socket includes a button coupled to the skin opposite the platform. The expandable socket also includes a biasing element arranged within the skin between the platform and the button, the biasing element configured to bias the skin into the expanded configuration.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus for dispensing paper product, such as folded towels, and having a dispensing mechanism that restricts the movement of the product holding platform during replenishment (e.g., when the dispenser lid is open) and allows free movement of the platform when dispensing (e.g., when the dispenser lid is closed).

Abstract: A system for controlling advancement of and access to product and for generating data associated with such advancement and access. Systems of this invention include a pusher system having a track, a pusher, and mechanisms for generating data relating to the movement of the pusher. Certain embodiments of the invention include a door assembly, which controls consumer access to product located behind the door assembly, a stop for limiting the forward progression of the pusher along the track, and mechanisms for generating data relating to when and/or for how long the door assembly is open.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic cigarette box including a box body. The box body dispose cigarette slot for accommodating an electronic cigarette and an ejecting device to eject the electronic cigarette. The ejecting device includes an ejecting mechanism and a lever mechanism. The ejecting device is disposed at a lower end of the cigarette slot along an in-and-out direction of the electronic cigarette and resists between the electronic cigarette and the box body. The lever mechanism and the ejecting mechanism are correspondingly and engagingly disposed. The electronic cigarette is capable of being inserted into the cigarette slot for storage or ejected out from the cigarette slot for use repeatedly.

Abstract: Unitary extractor system for products in dispensing machines for food and drinks, the products being deposited in corresponding compartments of a series of trays, which present a centrally open laminar base, with a belt provided with a plurality of toothed projections being fitted in relation to the open central part of the laminar base, the unitary extractor system for the product to dispense being defined by a single pusher (10) secured to a belt (5) provided with a plurality of projections, this securing being materialized by means of a rotary arm of the pusher restrained by a spring, with its lower end being positioned between two curved projections of the belt (5), the pusher (10) remaining in its initial position backed on to the product (11) that is most internal of all the products aligned in the corresponding compartment (3) of a tray (2), each of the compartments (3) presenting in its upper part a pair of lateral strips (6) converging towards the center.

Abstract: A dispenser unit for countermeasures. A magazine for the countermeasures is removably arranged on the dispenser unit. A dispensing nozzle dispenses the countermeasures out of the magazine. A movable seal is arranged within the magazine. The seal in a first position covers the dispensing nozzle and in a second position opens the dispensing nozzle, such that the countermeasures may be dispensed through the dispensing nozzle when the seal is in the second position.

Abstract: Dispensing systems and methods are disclosed that provide controlled advancement of product and provide controlled access to product stored within the system. Embodiments include a product pushing device having a track and a pusher that urges product stored on the track forward. Certain embodiments include mechanisms to limit the forward progression of the pusher along the track, such as a brake mechanism, and certain embodiments include mechanisms to block access to product located on the track. Some embodiments include mechanisms for providing a time delay in between the vending of products.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are electrochemical sensor dispensing methods and apparatus. The sensors dispensers can include an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal, the elongate body including a proximally positioned dispensing surface with an opening for dispensing a sensor. A storage chamber having a series of connected sensors is positioned distally and can feed a proximally positioned sensor feeder mechanism. The feeder mechanism includes an elongate member having a first end and second end, the second end adapted to pivot between a sensor engaging position and a sensor feeding position.

Abstract: A system for controlled advancement of product. Systems of this invention includes a pushing system having a track, a pusher, and an optional resistance mechanism. The resistance mechanism couples to the track and the pusher, controlling forward movement of the pusher along the track and thereby controlling the speed at which product is advanced for access by the consumer. Certain embodiments of the invention include additional mechanisms to further limit the forward progression of the pusher along the track, such as a stop mechanism or an indexing mechanism.

Abstract: A medicine cart (1) is provided which includes a plurality of cassettes (10) which are upwardly open and each accommodate a plurality of medicine containers in an upright state in a row. The plurality of cassettes (10) are placed on a shelf plate (8) which can be drawn out of a main body (3) of the medicine cart (1). A pressing member (47) is provided in each cassette (10) and forwardly presses a rearmost medicine container in its respective cassette (10). Each cassette (10) has a locking means (61) for locking the pressing member (47) at a predetermined position in the cassette (10), and an unlocking means (62, 63) for canceling the lock of the pressing member (47) by the locking means (61) if the shelf plate (8) is pushed in or drawn out of the main body (3) of the medicine cart (1).

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 device for singulating open-ended caps includes: a housing configured to retain a plurality of open-ended caps, the housing having an open lower end; an outer ring positioned below the housing; a drum fixed to and positioned within the outer ring to form a drum assembly, the drum including a hub having a substantially circular wall and a platform that extends radially outwardly from the wall to contact the outer ring, the hub and outer ring forming a circular gap therebetween, the platform being positioned below much of the gap and including a discontinuity; a mounting structure with an exit aperture fixed relative to the housing; and a rotary drive unit mounted to the drum that rotates the drum assembly about an axis of rotation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vending machine that converts a force applied from a manual operation means into an electric power, and operates by utilizing the electric power as a source of power. A drive force generation/transmission mechanism includes a generator (45) that generates the electric power by utilizing the force applied from the manual operation means (9) and motors (49-55) driven by the electric power generated by the generator (45). Article moving mechanisms (63-69) are constructed to operate by utilizing the output of the motors (49-55) as the operation source.

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: A device for dispensing medicine includes a dispensing device body (1), a cassette (2) fixed removably to the dispensing device body in order to contain medicines while arranging, and a pushing mechanism (18) for pushing out the medicines in the cassette (2) toward one end side. The cassette (2) includes a cover (6) and a stopping/receiving part (17) disposed internally in the longitudinal direction. The pushing mechanism (18) includes an abutting part (19a) contained in the cassette (2) and abutting against the medicines, a biasing part (20) for biasing the abutting part (19a) against the medicine, and a stopping part (21) stopping at the stopping/receiving part (17) of the cassette (2) only when the cover (6) is opened. Consequently, the cassettes (2) can be arranged at a high density and a desired number of medicines can be dispensed surely.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a canister and an indexing apparatus that provides for automatic positioning of items in predetermined indexed positions when items are added or removed therefrom, without need of an external tab or positioning member to be adjusted by a user's hand. Merely by adding or removing the items to or from the canister, the items are automatically positioned. A pole having a track with positioning members receives a finger of a platform that rides in the track and automatically adjusts the platform's position when items are placed on or removed from the platform.

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: A paper feed device includes a setting plate, a support unit, a driving unit, a power transmission mechanism, a link mechanism, and an operation lever. The support unit elevatably supports the setting plate, and elevates the setting plate when the support unit receives a driving force. The driving unit drives the support unit. The power transmission mechanism transmits the driving force from the driving unit to the support unit. The operation lever is switched between a first state and a second state. When the operation lever is in the first state, the power transmission mechanism transmits the driving force to the support unit. When the operation lever is in the second state, the link mechanism cuts off the transmission of the driving force to the support unit.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment proof of delivery system for use with a solid product dispenser includes an outlet conduit and a sensor mechanism. The outlet conduit is light transmissive and includes an interior surface and an exterior surface. The interior surface is exposed to humid conditions. The sensor mechanism is proximate the exterior surface of the outlet conduit, and the sensor mechanism senses delivery of a solid product through the outlet conduit. The outlet conduit provides a barrier to the humid conditions thereby protecting the sensor mechanism from exposure to the humid conditions.

Abstract: A coin hopper is provided with a disk for dispensing petals-shaped coins smoothly. Particularly the discharging of coins for 20 Euro cents occurs with a smooth pay out using the disk in rotation, accepting a plurality of coins which are stored in a bulk condition. The disk has an opening for accepting and for releasing these coins one by one. The disk has a primary protrusion (23) which is formed on an underside of this disk (21), near the axis line of rotation and at a trailing side edge of the opening (22). A curved second protrusion (24) is formed near this primary protrusion and formed from the trailing side edge of said opening toward a further trailing position. A large curved third protrusion is formed from near trailing position of this second protrusion along the fringe area of the disk.

Abstract: A washer supply device includes a retaining tube connected to a side of a power nailer and a slot is defined longitudinally through the retaining tube. A pile of washers are received in the retaining tube. A washer supply device is connected between a lower end of the retaining tube and a nose of the power nailer. A first member is movably received in the tubular tube and a second member is fixedly connected to an inner periphery of the retaining tube. A biasing band is connected between the first member and the second member. A pressing member is connected to the first member and presses the washers by the biasing band.

Abstract: A follower mechanism is provided for use in a system for feeding flat articles, such as mixed mail, which follower mechanism includes a paddle assembly connected to a mount so as to be pivotable between a feed position and an inactive position, and mechanism for permitting the paddle mount to be freely moved in either direction when the paddle assembly is in its inactive position, but to be drivable only in the forward direction when the paddle is in its feed position. A counterbalance mechanism is provided to control downward movement to the paddle and to assist in the lifting of the paddle. A mechanism may also be provided for positively disengaging the mount for the paddle from the drive mechanism.

Abstract: A top card feeder feeds cards into a receiving device from the top, the top card feeder having a card holder for holding a stack of cards, a door pivotally mounted near the bottom of the top card feeder, an elastic means adapted to pull the card holder upward, a locking mechanism adapted to lock the door and to rotate a pulley assembly in response to the movement of the door, the pulley assembly being coupled to the card holder for moving the card holder vertically within a chamber of the top card feeder.

Abstract: A part-conveying apparatus allows parts to align and slide down a sloped chute without stacking therein. The part-conveying apparatus has a chute sloped to align and slide down parts, and a first mobile blade for slidably supporting the parts in a bottom section of the chute in the direction of the chute 9. The lower end section of the chute is connected to a horizontal guide path, and a second conveying blade movable forward and backward is provided in a bottom section of the guide path. The second conveying blade reciprocates in a manner so as to move backward faster than to move forward, thereby conveying forward the parts placed thereon. A projection in the lower end of the first mobile blade engages with a groove of the second mobile blade so as to cause fine movements of the first conveying blade in the direction of the chute in synchronous with back and forth movements of the second conveying blade 26. This allows the parts to side down.

Abstract: A dispensing package for substantially flat items, such as razor blades, gum and mints. The dispensing package contains a hollow container having a slot on one side and a dispensing door on one end adjacent to the slot. An elevator is located within the track for supporting and lifting the confectionery items. An elevator button is located on one end of the elevator and protrudes through the slot to allow the user to manually raise the elevator and the items located thereon. On the inside of the package and adjacent to the slot is a ratcheting track which corresponds with ratcheting protrusions on the elevator button. The ratcheting track and ratcheting protrusions allow the elevator to move upward in a manner such that only one item at a time is dispensed. Upon the exertion of manual force to lift the elevator button in an upward direction, the elevator is raised via the ratcheting track and protrusions and the top item contacts and pushes open the dispensing door.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus module for a vending machine is provided that enables stacked articles to be lifted off of the stack and translated from a loading station to a discharge station. An elevator apparatus is provided for progressively moving articles to a load station. A conveying apparatus with a linkage assembly for supporting a section nozzle can contact the uppermost article and lift it off the stacked array. The conveying apparatus can move the article to a discharge station for releasing the article to the user. A self-contained suction source is provided in the dispensing apparatus to provide low atmospheric pressure to the suction nozzle.

Abstract: Flanged musket percussion caps are stored and dispensed from a portable hand held capper which has a linear channel defined in a housing formed of sheet material. The housing has a through channel which has a floor which is parallel to two partial top walls with a central slot. The top walls are connected to the floor by side walls which are inclined outwardly from the floor. By this inclined wall shape of the housing, the flanged caps are accommodated, while at the same time the narrow flanges of the caps are prevented from binding against any structure of the capper. The user presses a pusher forward to position a single cap through an outlet between a flexible steel spring and a dispensing wall, where the cap can be dispensed onto a black powder firearm nipple. The housing has a T-shaped hole in one side wall, through which caps can be loaded into the dispensing channel. Musket caps without a flange may also be dispensed from the capper.

Abstract: An apparatus dispensing articles such as tickets and cards includes a cabinet and a plurality of article dispensing assemblies inside the cabinet. Each article dispensing assembly includes a base and a frame for enclosing the articles to be dispensed in a stack. The bases are mounted on a pair of vertical support plates. A gate is disposed behind each frame for receiving articles from its associated frame and allowing only one article at a time to pass through. A toothed blade is disposed underneath each frame and a motor driven rack and pinion is coupled to the toothed blade for bringing the toothed blade into engagement with the lowermost article in the stack, moving said toothed blade so that the lowermost article is transported from the stack into the gate, bringing the toothed blade out of engagement with the article and then moving the toothed blade back to engage the next article in the stack. In one embodiment of the invention each frame is hingedly mounted on its base.

Abstract: The invention relates to vending machines for dispensing of a single copy of a printed publication one-at-a-time. The vending machine is self contained, is provided with a power source, a driving motor and a control unit for operation of the vending machine. An inclined platform plate mounted within the vending machine carries a plurality of media units, while a push plate forces the media units toward a dispensing channel located adjacent a forward edge of the platform plate. When a single copy of the media unit moves through the dispensing channel, a light sensor sends a signal to the control unit which causes reversal of movement of the push plate, thereby preventing accidental dispensing of the next copy of the media unit by gravity. After an entire inventory of the media units resting on a platform plate has been dispensed, a limit switch sends a signal to the control unit allowing vending of a display copy.

Abstract: In a chemical analysis element cartridge, chemical analysis element pressing mechanism is inserted into a cartridge body to press a stack of chemical analysis elements in the cartridge body toward an element take-out port formed in one end of the cartridge body. The element pressing mechanism includes a stopper to be engaged with an engagement teeth formed on an inner wall surface of the cartridge body and a pressing member which presses the stack of the chemical analysis elements toward the element take-out port under the force of a coiled spring. The stopper has a slider member which is slidable relative to a shaft portion of the pressing member and the coiled spring is disposed around the slider member with its one end in abutment against the pressing member and its the other end retained by a spring retainer portion formed on one end of the slider member.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for loading the cassette into an operative relationship with a machine for dispensing contents of the cassette for use by the machine. The loading mechanism includes a base adapted for being fixedly mounted on the machine. The loading mechanism also includes a holder for releasably holding the cassette. The holder has one end pivotally connected to the base for pivoting about an axis for moving the cassette between a first position at which the holder releasably receives the cassette and a second position at which the cassette is placed in an operative relationship with the machine. The loading mechanism further includes a linkage mechanism coupled between the base and the holder for translating the holder along the axis as the holder is pivoted between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A coffee filter storage and dispensing canister includes a container body having an interior compartment storing an inverted stack of coffee filters and one end with a dispensing opening for dispensing coffee filters therefrom, a cover removably fitted on an opposite end of the container body, a hold-down member disposed over the inverted stack of coffee filters, and a plurality of biasing elements disposed between the cover and hold-down member causing the hold-down member to exert a hold-down force on the inverted stack of coffee filters biasing the stack toward the dispensing opening of the container body. The canister also includes a filter separator crank and a filter retainer arm installed adjacent to the dispensing opening of the container body and extending within the interior compartment thereof.

Abstract: A cassette for storing and dispensing cuvettes and comprising an enclosable frame defining an interior volume for storing cuvettes. The frame includes a removable cover to aid in loading a plurality of cuvettes into the cassette. The frame also includes a side wall having a pivotally mounted door for pivoting between a closed position and an open position for dispensing the cuvettes from the cassette. And, the frame includes a locking mechanism for locking the door in the closed position to avoid an inadvertent dispensing of cuvettes. According to another aspect of the invention, a mechanism is provided for loading the cassette into an operative relationship with a machine for dispensing contents of the cassette for use by the machine. The loading mechanism includes a base adapted for being fixedly mounted on the machine. The loading mechanism also includes a holder for releasably holding the cassette.

Abstract: A fastener feeding mechanism in a fastener driving device is provided for feeding fasteners from a fastener support rail formed in a magazine to a fastener drive track formed in a driver guide for reciprocal movement of a driver and connected to a forward portion of the fastener support rail. The fastener feeding mechanism includes an operation member operable by an operator and slidably movable in a longitudinal direction of the fastener support rail. A biasing mechanism biases the operation member in the forward direction of the fastener support rail. A pusher is movable in the longitudinal direction of the fastener support rail and includes an abutting portion for abutting on the rear end of a row of the fasteners. The abutting portion is movable between a first position within the fastener support rail and a second position away from the fastener support rail.

Abstract: A doll includes a plurality of attachment pads distributed over the doll surface each having one portion of a conventional fabric attachment structure such as a hook and loop attachment means. A plurality of ornaments such as simulated jewels include undersurfaces bearing cooperating attachment pads intended to grasp the attachment pads upon the doll surface. A wand is configured to receive and support a plurality of jewel ornaments each having individual attachment pads. A dispensing mechanism is supported within the wand and is operative in response to an actuating button to provide sequential dispensing of the jeweled ornaments in a one at a time fashion to simulate a magical touch upon the selected surface.

Abstract: A clinical analyzer moves a stack of slide or cup-like test elements into position for dispensing by a plunger and a driver featuring a housing around the plunger, a spring for biasing the plunger to project beyond the housing, a connection between the housing and the driver, and two sensors. The first sensor senses the initial movement of the housing and plunger toward the stack, and the second sensor senses movement of the plunger against the spring back into the housing upon contact with the stack.

Abstract: A sub-assembly for use in a medication dispenser station for controller actuated dispensing of pharmaceutical items in single quantities from locked storage and allowing rapid reloading of more items all under extreme security and heightened accountability, comprising a chassis for insertion into the cabinet for secure mounting therein, including an unlockable front reloading access door, pharmaceutical retrieval tray depending therebelow and a discharge chute opening from interior the access door down into the tray, at least one narrow stock-supporting magazine slidably mounted in the chassis extending rearward from inside the front access door for retaining a stock of pharmaceutical items in vertically oriented, front-to-rear alignment therein, an ejector interconnected the magazine for moving the forward-most pharmaceutical item in the magazine into position over the discharge chute for dispensing into the retrieval tray upon command while retaining the other items in locked storage in the magazine, a bi-s

Abstract: Granular body discharge containers for holding granular bodies, such as oral conceptives, vitamin tablets or candies in a line so that the granular bodies can be discharged have an operating member for discharging the granular bodies is urged in the direction of a linear arrangement of the granular bodies. A side wall of a storage portion is open and releasably receives a storage tube. A granular body receiving member is disposed the a resilient member for urging the granular bodies in a discharging direction. A spring receiving member can be formed unitarily and separably with the granular body receiving member. Indications showing the order of use of the granular bodies are provided on a granular body receiving member serving as an index for these indications. The indications can be provided on a rotary member adapted to be turned at a predetermined angle every time an operating member is pressed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a single paper dispenser. An enclosure has a transverse aperture at one end and a discontinuous transverse member near the aperture. A horizontal stack of papers is located within the enclosure and a mechanism is provided to bias the papers against the transverse member. A cam system is located within the enclosure and rotates about an axis parallel to the transverse aperture. Tongues on the cams move upwardly through the discontinuities in the transverse member and then forwardly as the cam system is rotated. While the cam system is rotated, the mechanism for biasing the papers against the transverse member is disabled. The forwardmost paper is dispensed by rotating the cam system while the remainder of the stack is immobilized to separate it from the remainder of the stack and drop it to the transverse aperture.

Abstract: A golf ball storage and dispensing device for transport in a golfer's bag that is operated to dispense, on demand, a single golf ball into a golfer's hand and consists of a tubular housing, that can be straight or cane shaped, and is for containing a column of golf balls that are supported on a spring biased platform therein to urge that column towards an open ball dispensing end of which tubular housing. A dispenser is provided across the dispensing end of the tubular housing that involves in one embodiment, a pivoting cup and, in another embodiment, a piston that is arranged to slide in a cylindrical sleeve, the piston to pickup and dispense a single golf ball when moved across the open tubular housing end. Both embodiments provide for depressing and locking the platform to load a column of golf balls therein, whereafter the platform is released, the spring biasing urging the column of golf balls against the dispenser.

Abstract: Feeding apparatus for feeding articles, such as electrical devices, from a tube magazine comprises a frame for supporting the tube with a first end of the tube adjacent to a delivery station. The articles are fed by a flexible feeding member which has a first feeding member and located, at the beginning of an operating cycle, adjacent to the second end of the tube. The feeding member extends away from the second end and then in the reverse direction back towards the first end of the tube. The feeding member is moved through the tube by an actuator which comprises a resilient flexible tape or band. The actuator has a coiled portion adjacent to the second tube end and an end portion which extends from the coiled portion towards the first tube end. The end portion is secured to the trailing end of the feeding member.

Abstract: A sheet feed arrangement is provided in an image forming apparatus such as a printer or the like and is comprised of a sheet cassette for accommodating a plurality of sheet materials, a lifting mechanism disposed below the sheet cassette for lifting end portions of the sheet materials only when the sheet materials are fed from the sheet cassette, a level detector disposed above the sheet cassette for detecting that an upper end surface of a topmost sheet material has been lifted up to a predetermined level, and a control system for stopping an upward movement of the sheet materials when the level detector detects that the upper end surface of the topmost sheet material has reached the predetermined level and for subsequently lowering the end portions of the sheet materials by a predetermined vertical length.

Abstract: A drop marker system 10 is disclosed including a drop marker dispenser 20 and a reloading magazine 70. Drop marker dispenser 20 is provided with a yieldable stop means 40 at a dispensing and reloading opening 23. The yieldable stops are provided to allow loading of a stack of drop markers along the longitudinal axis of the dispenser chute 21 while preventing discharge of the marker stack along the chute axis. The dispenser 20 and reloading magazine 70 together provide a connecting means 92 that facilitates engagement of the dispenser 20 and magazine 70 in a longitudinal aligned orientation. Spring-biased push plates are provided within both dispenser 20 and magazine 70 to urge received drop markers towards respective dispensing and discharged ends 28, 73. A movable stop bar 75 is provided on the reloading chute 71 to prevent unintentional discharge a replenishing supply of drop markers through the discharge end 73 of the reloading magazine 70.

Abstract: The present invention provides a single paper dispenser. An enclosure has a transverse aperture at one end and a discontinuous transverse member near the aperture. A horizontal stack of papers is located within the enclosure and a mechanism is provided to bias the papers against the transverse member. A cam system is located within the enclosure and rotates about an axis parallel to the transverse aperture. Tongues on the cams move upwardly through the discontinuities in the transverse member and then forwardly as the cam system is rotated. While the cam system is rotated, the mechanism for biasing the papers against the transverse member is disabled. The forwardmost paper is dispensed by rotating the cam system while the remainder of the stack is immobilized to separate it from the remainder of the stack and drop it to the transverse aperture.

Abstract: The vending machine comprises a housing (17) with a dispensing slot in its front panel (2,3). A table (24) is vertically displaceable and pulled upwards by spring urged chains on either side passing over interconnected sprockets (26). A stack (36) of newspapers (37) is placed on the table (24) and abuts adjacent one of its front corners against a post. An arm (57) containing a pivotable gripper element with gripper needles is pivotable about the vertical axis of the post. The needles are kept retracted until the correct amount has been inserted into a coin slot (7). Then they are released and engage the topmost newspaper (37). When now a handle (12) is operated it pivots the arm (57) about its axis. The newspaper (37) swings about the post until one corner extends through a dispensing slot where it can be pulled out. The machine is particularly constructed to prevent tampering.

Abstract: A vending machine for dispensing single copies of newspapers or the like by the operation of a pull and push handle that is linked to a plate carrying needles that draw one copy of a newspaper outwardly from a tray through a dispensing door. The newspapers are carried on a spring biased tray that advances newspapers upwardly. The tray is controlled by a brake lock mechanism that allows the tray to be moved upward to a sufficient distance relative to the dispensing door so that only a single copy is drawn outwardly and wherein the brake lock locks the tray at the same respective vertical location for the next paper to be dispensed. A safety ratchet mechanism is arranged with a cable pulley system that is driven by a tension spring arrangement whereby the delivery person may load incremental amounts of newspapers on the tray and safely advance the tray downwardly against the spring loading.

Abstract: A device in a vending machine in which articles are fed stepwise to a position of delivery opposite a delivery opening in the machine to be dispensed therefrom one by one, has a cover which is pivotal between a closed position in which it covers the delivery opening, and an open position in which it exposes the delivery opening to permit dispensing an article fed to the position of delivery. The device has lock in the form of an electromagnet which is adapted to lock the cover in the closed position, and a pusher in the form of an arm which is fixed to the cover and adpated, when the cover is swung from the closed position to the open position, to push the article fed to the position of delivery, at least a certain distance out of the delivery opening. A releaser is adapted to suspend the locking action of the lock when an article has been fed to the position of delivery.