Abstract: A medicine feeding device is configured by providing a first rotor that rotates around a first shaft, a second rotor that rotates around a second shaft, a partition wall extending from the second rotor towards the first rotor, a medicine discharge port provided on the outside of the second rotor, a medicine guide section located in the downstream of a movement section in the medicine transport direction, and a height regulator disposed between the movement section and medicine guide section. In addition, the width regulator that is disposed between the medicine guide section and the height regulator is further provided. Also, a medicine counting device is further provided with a medicine detection means for detecting the medicine that is supplied from the medicine discharge port, and a counting means (central control unit) for counting the medicines based on the detection performed by the medicine detection means.

Abstract: A medicine feeding device is configured by providing a first rotor that rotates around a first shaft, a second rotor that rotates around a second shaft, a partition wall extending from the second rotor towards the first rotor, a medicine discharge port provided on the outside of the second rotor, a medicine guide section located in the downstream of a movement section in the medicine transport direction, and a height regulator disposed between the movement section and medicine guide section. In addition, the width regulator that is disposed between the medicine guide section and the height regulator is further provided. Also, a medicine counting device is further provided with a medicine detection means for detecting the medicine that is supplied from the medicine discharge port, and a counting means (central control unit) for counting the medicines based on the detection performed by the medicine detection means.

Abstract: A medicine feeding device is configured by providing a first rotor that rotates around a first shaft, a second rotor that rotates around a second shaft, a partition wall extending from the second rotor towards the first rotor, a medicine discharge port provided on the outside of the second rotor, a medicine guide section located in the downstream of a movement section in the medicine transport direction, and a height regulator disposed between the movement section and medicine guide section. In addition, the width regulator that is disposed between the medicine guide section and the height regulator is further provided. Also, a medicine counting device is further provided with a medicine detection means for detecting the medicine that is supplied from the medicine discharge port, and a counting means (central control unit) for counting the medicines based on the detection performed by the medicine detection means.

Abstract: A refrigerator is shown having a dosing unit for dispensing ice pieces one by one from an icemaker.

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: Article retrieval equipment (1) having a portion used by customers arranged at the front of a device body and a portion used by sales persons arranged at the rear of the device body and particularly suitable for use while the sales persons and customers are positioned face-to-face with each other, comprising an article storage chamber (3) for storing articles (A) and a control room (5) for storing a power transmission means (95) and a coin selector (100), wherein a rotary disk (36) for feeding the articles (A) to an article outlet (72) is fitted to the bottom wall (6) of the article storage chamber (3), the article outlet (72), an operation part (81) for rotating the rotary disk (36), and a coin inlet (102) are formed at the front of an equipment body (2), a controlling opening (60) for controlling the power transmission means (95) and allowing a coin storage case (115) to be withdrawn and an access opening (16) for accessing the articles (A) in the article storage chamber (3) are formed at the rear of the eq

Abstract: A cassette for dispensing pills whereby the cassette is coupled to a drive motor that operates in continuous revolution and the internal gears of the cassette translate the continuous motion into a stepping motion, whereby at each step, a system of turning members permit one pill to drop from the cassette into a target container.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to systems and methods for delivering products-on-demand to individuals and, more particularly, to delivery via vending machines. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the method of the instant invention is initiated when a customer makes an initial product selection. Based the customer's product choice, a determination is made as to whether or not that product qualifies for an alternate product offer. If it does not so qualify, the customer's original selection will be dispensed and the transaction ends. On the other hand, if the product does so qualify, the customer will be presented with an offer message that suggests that he or she should try an alternative product. Typically, the product that is offered as an alternative will be the one whose sale is most beneficial to the vending machine operator, e.g., the one yielding the greatest profit. If the customer accepts the alternate offer, the alternate product will be dispensed.

Abstract: A dispensing machine for elongated containers has a plurality of clusters arranged within a housing. The clusters each have an actuator and comprise four tubes that are bound together with an interstice along a central axis of the cluster. The actuator is mounted in the interstice and each cluster is supported by a first bracket. A plurality of clusters are mounted from front to rear in the housing with the first brackets being removably mounted in a retainer. The clusters in the retainer form a set and can be tilted forward to replenish the tubes with containers. There are several sets side by side within the housing. The clusters of each set are held in place by one attachment that can be opened without tools to remove the clusters of that set.

Abstract: A pill delivery and packing apparatus having a feeder tube for delivering pills is provided. The feeder tube has a helical delivery chute that extends between an inlet side and an exit side of the tube. The delivery chute has a helical inner contour and a rectangular cross section that corresponds to the shape of the pills. The helical delivery chute is configured such that each of the pills rotates while proceeding through the delivery chute, whereby such rotation of the pills prevents jamming of the pills in the delivery chute. Independently extendable pins are used to alternately block and open the delivery chute, thus providing an escapement mechanism for dispensing pills. The tube also has an outer surface defining a helical outer contour that guides a rotatable tray on which pills are disposed. Associated apparatuses and methods are also provided.

Abstract: Devices and methods for holding a tray stack having a plurality of trays configured to carry and store microelectronic devices. Several devices in accordance with the present invention are particularly applicable to carrying a stack of JEDEC trays that have been loaded with a plurality of microelectronic devices. In one embodiment, the device is a tray retainer including a guide structure configured to allow the tray stack to move in a direction of a load/unload path, and to restrict lateral movement of the tray stack with respect to the load/unload path. The guide structure can have a first end, a second end, and an opening at least proximate to the second end. The guide structure, for example, can have first and second channel sections extending in the direction of the load/unload path. The second channel section can also face the first channel section. The tray retainer can also include a cross-member and a moveable retaining element.

Abstract: Devices and methods for holding a tray stack having a plurality of trays configured to carry and store microelectronic devices. Several devices in accordance with the present invention are particularly applicable to carrying a stack of JEDEC trays that have been loaded with a plurality of microelectronic devices. In one embodiment, the device is a tray retainer including a guide structure configured to allow the tray stack to move in a direction of a load/unload path, and to restrict lateral movement of the tray stack with respect to the load/unload path. The guide structure can have a first end, a second end, and an opening at least proximate to the second end. The guide structure, for example, can have first and second channel sections extending in the direction of the load/unload path. The second channel section can also face the first channel section. The tray retainer can also include a cross-member and a moveable retaining element.

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: A device for feeding sheets to a sheet-processing machine includes a feeding table. Front lays are disposed at a front end of the feeding table, as viewed in a sheet-conveying direction. A first guide device is disposed immediately upstream from the front lays, as viewed in the sheet-conveying direction, and above the feeding table, and is adjustable vertically with respect to the feeding table. A second guide device is disposed upstream from the vertically adjustable first guide device, as viewed in the sheet-conveying direction. The second guide device is disposed in a position oriented parallel to the first guide device. A method of operating the sheet-feeding device is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-connected ampoules dispensing apparatus which is compact and have a high operation reliability. The dispensing portion 3 comprises a pair of rotors 8a, 8b each of which has a substantially C shape of cross section and is formed with a cutting edge 10 on one side edge. The rotors 8a, 8b are disposed in a vertical direction with a predetermined distance. The rotors 8a, 8b are synchronized to rotate from a receiving position to a cut-off position and return to the receiving position, whereby in the receiving position the rotors 8a, 8b can receive the first ampoule 4a and then cut off and dispense it. The second ampoule 4b adjacent to the first ampoule 4a is positioned in the waiting position by the positioning member 9 synchronized with the dispensing portion 3.

Abstract: A container dispenser having a lid and a case housing is disclosed. The dispenser includes an outlet at a bottom portion of the case housing and communicating with a vertical passage, a wing rotating within the case housing and dropping articles into the vertical passage, a cylindrical framework receiving the article through the vertical passage and dropping the same into the outlet while making a rotation in the vertical transfer passage, a rotational means formed in an external portion of the case housing and sequentially rotating the wing and the cylindrical framework; and a sealing means for sealing the framework to prevent the ambient coming in through the outlet from being flowed into the housing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tablet vessel feed apparatus comprising a stock container for storing a plurality of tablet vessels, a vessel takeout section for taking out the tablet vessels from the stock container, and a conveyor for conveying the tablet vessels taken out from the stock container. The apparatus further comprises an auxiliary conveyor for conveying the tablet vessel taken out from the stock container toward the conveyor; a delivery table for receiving the tablet vessel conveyed by the auxiliary conveyor to retain and then deliver the tablet vessel to the conveyor; a tablet vessel sensor for detecting the tablet vessel on at least any one of the auxiliary conveyor and the delivery table; and a controller. The controller allows the vessel takeout section to stop taking out the tablet vessels from the stock container while the tablet vessel sensor detects the tablet vessel.

Abstract: A dispensing machine is used to dispense rectangularly shaped containers including milk cartons and the like, preferably of a size ranging from approximately one-half liter to approximately two liters or even larger. The machine can be used to dispense various products including juices, soft drinks, milk, candy and virtually any product that can be suitably contained in a square rectangular container. The machine has a vertical channel containing paddles where each paddle supports only some of the containers in the channel when the channel is filled with containers. Since the containers have flexible side walls, the paddles move simultaneously to gently lower the containers one space at a time when the machine is activated. Also, when the containers are in the vertical channel, the lowermost container is not subjected to the weight of all of the containers above it when the channel is filled with containers.

Abstract: A particulate object conveying device is provided, and the conveying device includes a stagnating portion. A rotor has an outer circumference having a plurality of grooves formed equidistantly about the outer circumference, the grooves being of a size and shape to hold a single one of the particles of predetermined size. The rotor rotates within the stagnating portion. A discharge path is provided for discharging the particles from the rotor.

Abstract: A dispensing machine is used to disperse plastic water bottles and the like, preferably of a size ranging from approximately one liter to approximately two liters or even larger. The machine can be used to dispense other products in containers as long as the containers are shaped to roll along a shelf. The machine has a vertical channel containing paddles where each paddle supports only some of the containers in the channel when the channel is filled with containers. The paddles move simultaneously to gently lower the containers one space at a time when the machine is activated.

Abstract: A dispenser is provided comprising a housing, a plurality of storage trays, a retriever module, a user interface, and a controller in communication with the user interface. The controller is operative to cause the retriever module to move towards a selected storage tray in response to a selection signal. Further, a dispensing module is provided comprising a housing arranged to permit insertion of the housing into an existing storage system.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing granules from a container having a circular mouth, includes a body having first and second cylindrical components joined together by an axial spindle, a cylindrical roundel including a radial slit which is adapted to clip onto the axial spindle, and a receptacle. The first and second cylindrical components of the body have a plurality of circumferential notches adapted to receive granules from the container. The cylindrical roundel has a radial slit which receives a single granule from the first cylindrical component, for passage to the second cylindrical component. The receptacle includes driving means adapted to rotate the body for dispensing the granules.

Abstract: A supporting member feeding device utilized for manufacturing a construction panel of three dimensional structure, has gears whose teeth partially extend into an interior of an inclined wall of a hopper containing supporting members and rotating in an opposite direction from the direction of the ascending supporting members to smoothly discharge the supporting members toward a chute, and the supporting members discharged from the outlet of the hopper are kept at a predetermined distance by a spiral conveyor whose teeth extend into the chute through a hole of the chute forming member so as to forcibly and exactly feed the supporting members toward an inclined discharging outlet of the chute.

Abstract: Packaged products dispenser device, consisting of a compartment situated on the lower part of a vertical loader (1) equipped with a base-plate (2) bearing the pile normally perpendicular with respect to it, and capable of turning downwards around a lower axis (3) such that, together with a retaining element (5) which holds the second product of the pile, the product situated underneath towards one side and in downward direction is expelled.

Abstract: A coin payout system for a currency validator is presented. The system includes a bulk coin hopper having a pair of rotating discs at the bottom thereof. The discs each have a hole passing therethrough, with the holes of the two discs being in periodic registration with each other to pass coins from the bulk hopper to a dispensing area. One of the discs is caused to rotate at twice the speed of the other disc to accommodate the transfer function.

Abstract: A rotating disk is rotated about an upright axis to feed coins placed thereon toward a rotating body. The rotating body is formed with a spiral groove in which the periphery of each coin is inserted and a guide barrel is disposed in such a manner as to maintain the rising coins in the groove in the rotating body. The coin, the periphery of which are engaged in the spiral groove, are received by the guide barrel and lifted in a generally horizontal posture by the rotation of the rotating body and then discharged outside from a discharge port formed at an upper portion of the guide barrel. A rubber-surfaced roller is disposed opposite the rotating body. The roller is adapted to press against the periphery of coins thereby to ensure the insertion of the coins into the spiral grooves.

Abstract: A seed dispensing apparatus includes an upper grain flute housing which mounts a grain flute type seed dispensing system, as well as a lower seed plate housing which mounts a seed plate type dispensing system. Both the flute type dispensing system and the seed plate type dispensing system include respective drive shafts. By selecting and rotating the appropriate one of the drive shafts, the disclosed seed dispensing system can be used either to dispense relatively small seeds via the flute type dispensing system, or relatively large seeds via the seed plate type dispensing system.

Abstract: Apparatus for feeding balls one by one from a cylindrical reservoir in which a rotary saw blade disposed at the bottom of the reservoir is driven to move balls resiliently fed to the intertooth recesses of the blade into the entrance of a passage out of which the balls are fed. Balls are biased into the intertooth blade recesses for reliable high-speed operation by a helical coil spring disposed over the blade in one embodiment or by a plurality of permanent magnets fixedly disposed below the blade recesses in another embodiment.

Abstract: A speed drill apparatus has a seed storage box SB with seed inlet manifold 2 to convey seeds to a rotatable collector wheel 5 having a number of peripheral seed receiving cavities 6. The seeds are ejected singly, assisted by a blade edge 11 running in a groove 5a joining the centers of the cavities, through an aperture B in casing 1 to fall into a groove 8 around the periphery of a distributor wheel 7. The groove 8 is subdivided by stops 9 into arcuate sectors each of which receives a seed. A retardation device 12 catches a seed in the groove 8 and holds same until carried on by a stop 9. The seed falls to the ground through outlet 13. The wheel 7 has a peripheral speed equal to the linear speed of motion over the ground and wheel 5 rotates more slowly with a reduction dependent on the ratio between the number of cavities 6 and number of stops 9. The retardation device 12 ensures accuracy of spacing by providing for discharge of each seed only when in abutment with a stop 9.

Abstract: The device for the high speed feeding of cigarette filter rods from a magazine, through a vertical chute, to a rotary pick-up drum arranged at the bottom end of the vertical chute, comprises an endless suction belt which defines one side wall of the vertical chute and an adjoining portion of the bottom wall of the magazine. In this manner, the filter rods are positively pushed downwardly through the chute.

Abstract: Linear objects are removed from a processing drum, one at a time and are deposited to form groups or bundles of said objects in the slots of a transfer drum. Then the groups or bundles of said objects are pushed out of the slots in the transfer drum for feeding same to another apparatus.

Abstract: A plurality of lengths of wires in a hopper are fed to a drum having spaced slots which receive the wires and advance them to a station at which a terminal is attached to the end. Difficulty is experienced when moving a length of wire from the group in the hopper and delivering it to a slot in the drum. A driven belt forms the wall at the rear of the hopper for rolling the lengths of wire downwardly about a feed wheel which has a passage thereabout defined by a face of a pawl. The bottom and outer surfaces of the pawl are urged by the ends of spring pressed plungers toward the feed wheel so as to be full-floating in the plane of the belt and laterally thereof.

Abstract: A high capacity device for reliably sorting pieces of fruit from a bulk supply into individual cups for processing. The fruit is received in bulk in a hopper, a side of which is open to a center hub of a connected pair of feed wheels revolving coaxially in spaced horizontal relation. Each feed wheel carries a plurality of radially-extending through passages about its periphery. Each passage carries at least two individual pieces of said fruit simultaneously. An outward, exit end of each passage is normally blocked by cammable gate fingers. The feed wheels are rotatably synchronized with a pair of chains engaged with sprockets attached to the feed wheels and carrying therebetween a conveyor carrying the fruit cups. The speed of revolution of the feed wheels is sufficient to keep an outermost one of the fruit pieces lodged adjacent the gate fingers.

Abstract: A coin-operated machine for dispensing heated sausage from a cold storage compartment where the sausages are kept in a frozen condition. Two superposed rollers being rotated step by step in synchronism about a horizontal axes in a vertical portion of a chute and each roller being provided with a peripheral recess to receive one sausage with the top roller sealing the chute and segregating one sausage which it drops into the recess of the bottom roller. The sausage in the bottom roller recess is then exposed to a source of radiation of micro-waves for heating. While so exposed, a secondary rotor element rotates the sausage. The heated sausage is then dropped from the bottom roller into a dispensing chute.

Abstract: A seed pickup mechanism for a vacuum wheel type seed planter including provision for arranging the seeds into a relatively thin stable seedbed which is suitably carried through a seed pickup chamber at a spaced distance below the vacuum wheel. The stable seedbed is converted into an unstable or fluidal state as it passes through the seed pickup chamber by an upwardly directed blast of air which is effective to expand the seedbed or slightly lift and separate the seeds thus the seeds are raised upwardly to facilitate engagement thereof with the vacuum wheel.

Abstract: An improved seed planter; improvements in planting devices adapted to plant individual seeds one by one, at spaced intervals in a prepared furrow; improved mechanism for individually receiving seeds one by one each in a moving receptacle, retaining each seed in its receptacle as it is moved to planting position and then ejecting the seeds from the receptacles one by one in timed and spaced sequence; improved seed feeding apparatus for continuously receiving seeds for planting from a source (i.e. a hopper), arranging them individually in sequence and feeding them in sequence to individual receptacles of a planting device; an improved seed planter module incorporating a furrow cutter, seed storing, feeding and planting apparatus, furrow closing apparatus and furrow tamping apparatus.

Abstract: A planting unit for a seeding machine having a seed meter with a metering member that moves seed sequentially along a first path to a release position at which the seed is moving in a first direction and a delivery system adapted to take seed from the metering member at the release position and control movement of the seed from the seed meter to a discharge location adjacent a seed furrow formed in soil beneath the seeding machine. The delivery system, at the release position, moves seed in a second direction along a second path. A blocking member located adjacent the first path immediately preceding the release position prevents movement of the seed in the second direction until the seed has passed the blocking member.