Abstract: A separator for rivet elements, having an entrance and an exit for the rivet elements to be separated and having a guide extending along a center line from the entrance to the exit, through which the rivet elements can be delivered along a delivery direction, wherein the separator comprises a first blocking element, especially a first pin, and a second blocking element spaced apart from the first blocking element along the center line, wherein the first blocking element and the second blocking element are movable independently of each other between a blocking position blocking the guide for a rivet element and a releasing position releasing the guide for a rivet element. It is proposed that at least one blocking element is arranged such that the direction of movement of the blocking element or elements is oriented at a slant to the delivery direction of the rivet elements.

Abstract: A compact dual palletizer including a skeleton and a subassembly. Components of the skeleton are constructed of aluminum, which provides advantages over the prior art in terms of strength, rigidity, weight, and cost. The aluminum may be pre-tensioned or prestressed to provide these advantages. The subassembly is preferably mounted to the side of the skeleton. The compact dual palletizer is readily portable, and control system elements of the compact dual palletizer do not need to be reprogrammed after transport, so installation time is substantially reduced compared with prior art palletizers and depalletizers.

Abstract: The present invention employs air pressure to suspend golf balls practice tees. A supply of golf balls is provided by a weather-resistant funnel connected to a pipe leading underground towards the fan. A sensor is used to determine if a golf ball is currently suspended in air and when to dispense a new ball.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an installation method and apparatus for installing a resilient ring-shaped clip into engagement with a recess of a recipient channel. The apparatus generally comprises a clip delivery structure having a delivery channel formed therein and comprising an input for receiving the clip, a converging portion for radially biasing the clip, and an output for delivering the radially biased clip to the recipient channel. A clip stabilization mechanism may also be present for stabilizing the clip in the delivery channel, and for disengaging the clip upon application of an axial force to the clip that results in its passage through the delivery channel. Also disclosed is a clip delivery mechanism for displacing a clip through such a delivery channel and the recipient channel until engagement of the clip with the recess, wherein the clip stabilization mechanism disengages upon axial displacement of the clip by the clip delivery mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing elongated articles such as straws, including: a container for holding the elongated articles; a hopper to receive some of the elongated articles, where the hopper is reversibly movable between a closed state and an open state; and a manipulator for performing a cycle to release a single elongated article by isolating a single article and then moving the hopper from the closed state to the open state, thereby releasing only the single elongated article.

Abstract: A dispensing device for a vending machine includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and output plate. A product channel and an outlet are defined between the first sidewall and the second sidewall. The outlet is located on bottom of the product channel. The output plate is located on the outlet. The output plate is movable from the outlet. A first damping board extends to the product channel and is located on top of the outlet to dampen at least one vertically moving product.

Abstract: A product delivery device includes a receiving tray. The receiving tray includes a bottom plate, a pushing plate, and a shielding plate. The pushing plate is toward the shielding plate, and the shielding plate is rotatably attached to the bottom plate. A product exit is defined in the bottom plate and is covered by the shielding plate. The pushing plate pushes a product onto the shielding plate. The shielding plate rotates to allow the product to drop out of the receiving tray via the product exit.

Abstract: A tray for product vending machines, the tray having at least one channel with an outlet; a conveying device extending along the channel to support a column of products and feed the products to the outlet; and a release device for selectively allowing the products through the outlet, and having an independent passive retaining member, which extends across the channel to intercept a top portion of the first product in the column, and is moved by the first product from a normal withdrawn position to a forward position, in which the passive retaining member is located at least partly past the outlet in the travelling direction of the conveying device.

Abstract: A vending machine allowing the restocking of goods without the detachment or use of any fasteners includes a goods rack, a positioning piece, and a restricting strip. The goods rack defines a goods channel and includes a flange. An engaging piece comprising a wide piece and a narrow piece is formed on the flange. The positioning piece defines a slot comprising a wide portion and a narrow portion and a receiving hole. The restricting strip includes a pivoting shaft. The engaging piece is inserted into the wide portion. The positioning piece slides on the flange to insert the narrow piece into the narrow portion. The wide piece blocks the positioning piece. The pivoting shaft housed in the receiving hole pivotally mounts the restricting strip on the goods rack to cover the goods channel.

Abstract: A separating tool for separating out objects one by one from a stack of objects includes a support base, an assembly plate positioned on the support base, a vertical sliding assembly slidably positioned on the assembly plate, and two opposing clamping members connected to the vertical sliding assembly. Each clamping member includes an engaging plate, a connecting shaft fixed to the engaging plate, and a cam base positioned on the support base. The cam base defines a cam slot, and the connecting shaft slides in the cam slot. A distance from a top end of the cam slot to the engaging plate is less than that from a bottom end of the cam slot to the engaging plate, such that the engaging plates of the two clamping members move together when the engaging plates are moved upwards with the connecting shaft.

Abstract: A merchandise display hook for displaying items of merchandise includes a support rod and a helix disposed about the support rod and extending along at least a lengthwise portion of the support rod. The support rod includes mounting structure for mounting the display hook to a display fixture and has a first end adjacent the mounting structure and a second end opposite the first end adjacent the helix for loading the items of merchandise onto the support rod and for dispensing the items of merchandise from the support rod. The merchandise display hook further includes a time delay mechanism attached to the helix adjacent the second end of the support rod so as to define a space therebetween for loading and dispensing the items of merchandise. The time delay mechanism includes a gear assembly configured for permitting the items of merchandise to be loaded onto the support rod at a rate that is faster than the rate at which the items of merchandise can be dispensed from the support rod.

Abstract: A medicine dispensing device capable of appropriately dispensing medicines independent of their form and having a compact structure. The medicine dispensing device has a device body (1) and a medicine conveyance member (3) for conveying, on one by one basis, medicines (D) arranged in rows in the device body (1). The medicine conveyance member (3) has a medicine holding member (40) reciprocatingly moving in the horizontal and vertical directions. The medicine holding member (40) has a support member (42), a forwardly/backwardly moving member (43) reciprocatingly moving in the forward and backward direction of the device body (1) while being supported by the support member (42), and a holding member (44) supported by the forwardly/backwardly moving member (43) so as to swing between a vertical position and a horizontal position and having a pair of holding sections (54) capable of holding a medicine (D).

Abstract: In order to provide a card case in which cards can be securely discharged one by one to the last one, it comprises a storage case which has a card insertion inlet and a card discharging opening, can accommodate several cards inside and comprises a lower case and an upper case; a card push-up piece for pushing up the stored cards as a whole toward the upper case; a card discharging unit with a component with a locking part for locking the uppermost one of the several cards and provided on the upper case so as to be slidable toward the card discharging opening; a guide part provided close to the card discharging opening so as to incline the tip of the card obliquely downward; and a stopper provided close to the card discharging opening so as to prevent the second and lower cards (from the uppermost one) of the several cards from being pushed out of the card discharging opening.

Abstract: A merchandise display hook has a time delay mechanism for increasing the amount of time required to dispense items of merchandise from a display arm, while permitting bulk loading of the items of merchandise onto the display arm. The time delay mechanism includes a housing, a helix extending from the housing in a rearward direction, and a rotatable handle extending from the housing in a forward direction. Rotation of the handle causes the helix to rotate about the display arm to thereby dispense the items of merchandise from the display arm in the forward direction. The time delay mechanism further includes a lock mechanism having a secured position for attaching the time delay mechanism to the display arm and an unsecured position for allowing the time delay mechanism to be detached from the display arm to permit bulk loading.

Abstract: A fastener delivery apparatus includes a nose assembly to releasably hold a fastener. The nose assembly includes a plurality of balls or rollers and associated biasing members to provide a biasing force which biases the balls or rollers such that they engage with the fastener. Each biasing member exerts force in a first direction and an associated ball or roller moves in a second direction which is different from the first direction. A force transfer surface is provided between the ball or roller and the biasing member, the force transfer surface acting to convert at least a component of the force exerted by the biasing member in the first direction into force exerted on the balls or rollers in the second direction.

Abstract: A tablet dispenser having a lower housing (12), an upper housing (14) with an elastometric cover (16) that covers at least a portion of a trigger mechanism. The dispenser mechanism (120) has a spring element (130) and a lever mechanism (142) pivotally mounted in the dispensing zone (124). An interior of the lower housing (12) is provided with a pusher bar (149) which extends from a fore wall (103) of the lower housing (12) back towards an upward extending leg (145) of the lever mechanism (142).

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: An apparatus for storing, transporting and dispensing balls, specifically golf balls. The apparatus has a tube with a spring at one end to force balls towards the second end, the second end having an opening and a restraint to keep the golf balls from inadvertently exiting the apparatus. The apparatus further has a cap that is selectively secured to the apparatus over the opening, thereby enclosing the golf balls within the apparatus. In an alternate embodiment, the apparatus is dimensioned to store soda cans, and the apparatus comprises insulating material to keep the soda cans in a temperature-controlled environment.

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: An apparatus for picking up, holding and dispensing objects is disclosed. The apparatus has a storing device, a holding device, a retaining device, and an ejection device that enables pick up, holding and dispensing of a plurality of objects. The apparatus provides an improved method of picking up, holding and storing objects that heretofore required extreme dexterity and substantial periods of time. The apparatus can be used to pick up, hold and dispense a variety of objects including, but not limited to, crystals, nuts, confectionary pieces, pills, jewelry, and electronic components. The apparatus may be sold as a kit or as replacement parts.

Abstract: In order to provide a card case in which cards can be securely discharged one by one to the last one, it comprises a storage case which has a card insertion inlet and a card discharging opening, can accommodate several cards inside and comprises a lower case and an upper case; a card push-up piece for pushing up the stored cards as a whole toward the upper case; a card discharging unit with a component with a locking part for locking the uppermost one of the several cards and provided on the upper case so as to be slidable toward the card discharging opening; a guide part provided close to the card discharging opening so as to incline the tip of the card obliquely downward; and a stopper provided close to the card discharging opening so as to prevent the second and lower cards (from the uppermost one) of the several cards from being pushed out of the card discharging opening.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for inserting food products into packages are disclosed, and in particular apparatus and methods for inserting generally thin or planar food products from a stack of such food products into a package. A stacker assembly includes a pusher mechanism for advancing a bottommost food product or products from the stack toward an opening or edge disposed above a package so that the food product or products can fall into the package.

Abstract: A device for handling workpieces. The device has a magazine (12) for holding at least one workpiece, and a delivery location (10). The device is retainable in the magazine by a retainer (s) (43) in the delivery location and displaceable to a position in which the workpiece because of its shape releases the retainer (s) so that the workpiece is free for being removed from the magazine. The device may provide for easy handling of workpieces and may be manufactured cost effectively.

Abstract: A dispenser assembly for dispensing cups in a beverage vending machine, the assembly having a dispensing device for releasing one cup at a time from a stack of cups; and a belt conveyor, which defines a store for two parallel, staggered lines of stacks, communicates with the dispensing device via an outlet, and is connected to a wall, for pushing the stacks, by a friction coupling, so as to draw the wall, in use, towards the outlet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic product dispenser, i.e. vending machine featuring improved product delivery ability. The vending machine according to the present invention comprises at least one tray (5) for supporting the products (2) to be dispensed, which is arranged in a substantially horizontal manner and is subdivided into a plurality of compartments (6), at least a conveyor belt (9) for handling the products (2) within said compartments (6) and conveying said products (2) towards a release section (35); the inventive vending machine further comprises delivery means (17) provided close to said release section (35). The inventive vending machine is characterized in that at least one of said compartments (6) is so configured as to be able to receive products (2) arranged along two rows, and in that it comprises selection means (19) adapted to arrange said products (2) into a single row in proximity of said release section (35).

Abstract: A cup dispenser includes a body defining a storage region adapted for receiving for an associated stack of cup-shaped articles. The body includes an open end that provides access to the storage region. Multiple fingers are connected to the body for restricting the open end of the body. An adjustment ring is connected to the body and is movable relative to the body. Movement of the adjustment ring relative to the body alters a position of each of the fingers relative to the body. The adjustment ring includes a plurality of adjustment slots and the fingers each include an adjustment stud located in one of the adjustment slots. When the adjustment ring is rotated, the adjustment slots act as cams and the adjustment studs act as cam followers such that the fingers are simultaneously and uniformly adjusted in terms of their radial position relative to the body wall.

Abstract: An analyte test strip vial having a restrictor to dispense analyte test strips in a controlled manner. In general, the restrictor includes one or more openings (e.g., central and/or arc-shaped openings) that are appropriately sized to facilitate the dispensing of a manageable number of analyte test strips from the vial container. The restrictor may also include one or more surface features (e.g., tabs, cavities, and/or tapered surfaces) to facilitate in the removal of analyte test strips, and the matting and/or removal of the restrictor from the vial container.

Abstract: A beverage container lid separator and dispenser is provided which allows individual beverage container lids to be dispensed in a neat and sanitary manner. The invention generally includes a vessel and an actuator, wherein a stack of lids is maintained in the vessel optionally within a housing. The vessel has an aperture at its lower end for dispensing the lids therefrom. The actuator is positioned below the vessel and extending up through a horizontal floor below the vessel, the floor supporting the lids thereon. In operation, the vessel preferably pivots to allow a bottom-most lid within the vessel to be pulled from underneath the vessel by the actuator. The vessel catches and maintains the remaining stack of lids for later dispensing by a subsequent user.

Abstract: A specification-attaching apparatus includes a transferring unit for transferring a specification fed from a specification-feeding unit to an attaching unit that includes a suction member movable, in response to rotation of a pivot rod, in sequence among angularly spaced sucking, standby and releasing positions. The suction member is operable so as to switch from a non-sucking state to a sucking state when at the sucking position, thereby sucking the specification transferred from the transferring unit and to switch from the sucking state to the non-sucking state when at the releasing position, thereby releasing the specification sucked thereby. A container sprayed with glue by a glue-spraying unit is conveyed by a motor-driven container conveying unit to move in synchronization with and contact the suction member during movement of the suction member from the standby position to the releasing position so that the specification is attached to the container.

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 system for dispensing cylindrical containers is disclosed. In an embodiment, a housing with an upper opening and a lower opening includes a track that connects the upper and lower openings. A drawer is mounted in the lower opening so that containers placed in the upper opening may travel along the track until they reach the drawer. In an embodiment opening the drawer allows a single container to be removed. A plurality of tracks connecting a plurality of upper and lower openings may be provided so that different types of containers may be dispensed. In an embodiment the drawer may be lockable and a cover that may include a lock may be mounted to the housing so as to cover the upper opening. In an embodiment, a sensor may be included to detect the opening of the drawer.

Abstract: Semi-automatic dispenser for disposable cups, comprising a semi-automatic dispensing mechanism (1-50), defined by a box (2-51) having in its upper section a tubular drawer (4-43) for the accommodation of several common disposable cups (C), arranged as a stack with their mouths facing downwards, and further, each cup is expected to be dispensed in a bottom drawer (6-62).

Abstract: A medicine tray storage member (100) capable of storing medicine trays (7) in a stacked condition includes: a tray support member (101) for supporting the medicine trays (7); a tray transport member (102) having a transport mechanism for transporting the medicine trays (7), the tray transport member constituting a part of the tray transport line (3); and a control portion for allowing the tray support member (101) to move down to put the stacked medicine trays (7) on the tray transport member (102), thereby allowing the tray support member (101) to support and move up the next medicine tray (7) positioned above the lowermost one, and allowing the tray transport member (102) to supply the medicine tray (7) situated at the lowermost position to the tray transport line (3). The tray transport member (102) includes cut out portions (11) receiving movable leg portions (125) of a carrier (123) on which the medicine trays (7) in a stacked state are loaded.

Abstract: A medicine dispensing device capable of appropriately dispensing medicines independent of their form and having a compact structure. The medicine dispensing device has a device body (1) and a medicine conveyance member (3) for conveying, on one by one basis, medicines (D) arranged in rows in the device body (1). The medicine conveyance member (3) has a medicine holding member (40) reciprocatingly moving in the horizontal and vertical directions. The medicine holding member (40) has a support member (42), a forwardly/backwardly moving member (43) reciprocatingly moving in the forward and backward direction of the device body (1) while being supported by the support member(42), and a holding member (44) supported by the forwardly/backwardly moving member (43) so as to swing between a vertical position and a horizontal position and having a pair of holding sections (54) capable of holding a medicine (D).

Abstract: An apparatus for picking up, holding and dispensing objects is disclosed. The apparatus has a storing device, a holding device, a retaining device, and an ejection device that enables pick up, holding and dispensing of a plurality of objects. The apparatus provides an improved method of picking up, holding and storing objects that heretofore required extreme dexterity and substantial periods of time. The apparatus can be used to pick up, hold and dispense a variety of objects including, but not limited to, crystals, nuts, confectionary pieces, pills, jewelry, and electronic components. The apparatus may be sold as a kit or as replacement parts.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for separating objects from a quantity of objects located in a receptacle. In order to keep the constructional and technical effort of said device low while allowing for great tolerance regarding the dimensions or diameters of the objects, a pivotable flap is provided at the outlet of the receptacle for releasing an object that is to be separated while an element for retaining the remaining objects in the receptacle is provided above the flap in the direction of movement of the objects.

Abstract: A vending machine including a dispensing door openable to permit removal of merchandise from the vending machine, and a one-way stopper positioned relative to the dispensing door, such that upon removal of merchandise from the vending machine, the one-way stopper is deployed to a position that prevents placing the merchandise back in the vending machine.

Abstract: A toilet paper storage and dispenser container in which to store and manually dispense rolls of toilet paper. The container comprises a convex container front in the form of a slidable face plate and a removable lid, an access door in which to extract a roll and a finger access slot in which a finger is inserted to remove a spare roll of toilet paper, a viewing aperture to visually see the number of spare rolls available. The holding container fits snugly into a bathroom corner crevice where two walls meet or could come in a form that can be mounted flush on a wall. The container comprises a strap and track mechanism that holds upper rolls in the container from falling down while the door is opened.

Abstract: The present invention provides an article-dispensing machine or a vending machine, which includes a main body, one or more tracks for holding articles, one or more selection elements for selecting at least one article and one or more dispenser-controlling assemblies for controlling the release of at least one article in response to the operation of the one or more selection elements. According to the present invention, the tracks slope downwards along a releasing direction relative to horizontal direction, and the bevel angle of the tracks to horizontal direction is configured to ensure at least one article thereon able to move downwards by gravity. The article-dispensing machine employs a pure mechanical dispenser system, and can achieve the function of dispensing articles without electric power supply, which broadens its applications and saves power.

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

Abstract: A medication filling apparatus for filling a predetermined container with medications, such as tablets, provide improved assemblability and maintainability, and permits safe and reliable filling operations, while maintaining a compact size. The medication filling apparatus is equipped with a plurality of tablet cases for accommodating medications of respective types, a plurality of hoppers provided side by side below the respective tablet cases in a corresponding manner to receive the medications dispensed therefrom, and charging means for guiding the medications dispensed from a dispensing port formed at the bottommost portion of each hopper to a predetermined container and for charging them, and is further equipped with retaining members on which the hoppers are hung, wherein the hoppers are detachably installed to the retaining members.

Abstract: A self-attaching fastener installation head and feed mechanism including a spring-biased L-shaped feed pawl which feeds a first nut in the feed passage adjacent the plunger passage on the upstroke of the die press. The feed pawl is pivotally supported on a slide bracket which includes a roller in the longitudinal axis of the feed passage which is biased against a central cam surface on the base and the base is interconnected to the nose member by removable pins. A spring biased nut restrictor is pivotally supported on the nose member, simplifying removal of a nut strip from the head and the installation head is more rugged in design and has fewer parts, reducing costs.

Abstract: Medicine containers 4 received in a vertical row in a cassette 1 are successively fed from below. A holding means 6 for holding at leas the medicine container 4 positioned in the bottom of the cassette 1 is provided. A transfer means 20 disposed below the cassette 1 and adapted to be vertically movable to downwardly transfer the bottom medicine container 4 held by the holding means 6 is provided. A driving means 20 for upwardly moving the transfer means 20, lifting the bottom medicine container 4 held by the holding means 6, canceling a held state established by the holding means 6, holding a second medicine container 4 from the bottom while downwardly moving the transfer means 20 by a predetermined distance and stopping the same, and downwardly moving the transfer means 20 after the holding means 6 has held the second medicine container 4 from the bottom. This reliably prevents the medicine containers 4 from being damaged ruing feeding or an error in the feeding number being creeping in.

Abstract: A support member (7) is positioned at a lower part of a storage container (3). The support member (7) supports a second medicine container (10, 16, 17) placed on the lowermost medicine container so that the lowermost medicine container falls off by its own weight. The discharge member (8) discharges the medicine container which fell off from the support member (7). The collecting mechanism (24) conveys the medicines containers discharged from the discharge member (8) to one position.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for applying temporary raised pavement markers (TRPM) to roadway surfaces comprises a conveyor upon a wheeled vehicle wherein an upstream end portion of the conveyor is able to extend, for example, over the rear bed portion of a roadwork vehicle so as to permit an operator, stationed upon the bed portion of the roadwork vehicle, to deposit pavement markers upon the conveyor. A pair of wheel applicators are used for applying the temporary raised pavement markers (TRPMs) onto the roadway surface. A hitch mechanism is also used to provide hinged movement between the tow bar of the towed wheeled vehicle and the mounting bar of the towing roadwork vehicle so as to permit independent elevational movement of the towed wheeled vehicle relative to the towing roadwork vehicle.

Abstract: A double-acting or lift and force pump for ejecting a product from a container, with a housing in which a piston with an axial bore is axially slidable and sealed by a first housing portion, with a hollow piston rod which extends the axial bore of the piston and is slidable in an opening of a piston rod has at its free end a tightly fastened actuating head, wherein, when the actuating head is actuated, the piston builds up a pressure against the force of a restoring spring in a pressure chamber of the housing, wherein an outlet duct connected to the bore extends through the actuating head and through a check valve up to an ejection opening for the product, and with at least one opening in a second housing portion between the first housing portion and the closing cap.

Abstract: The present invention is a machine for dispensing articles, such as a vending machine, wherein the bottom article in a stack of articles is dispensed. To solve the problem of frictional resistance and excessive weight on the bottom article as it is being dispensed, the present invention provides a lifting mechanism to raise a portion of the stack of articles while the machine dispenses the bottom article. The lifting of the stack of articles above the bottom article relieves the weight of the stack from the bottom article, thereby reducing the frictional force as the machine slides the article out of a gate. In a preferred embodiment, a pair of lifting mechanisms operated by a common driving source cooperate to lift the portion of the stack of articles during the sliding operation and return the stack automatically once the bottom article has been dispensed.

Abstract: A tablet sheet removing apparatus in which tablet sheets (S) are contained in a stacked state within a tablet sheet containing portion (1). Among the tablet sheets (S), at least two tablet sheets (S1, S2), forming the discharge side, are supported separately. A discharge portion (3) sucks and holds only the first tablet sheet (S1) from the discharge side among the tablet sheets (S) supported by an elastic support portion (2) to move and discharge it. Thus, in spite of the stacked direction of the tablet sheets, only one tablet sheet (S1) can be discharged.

Abstract: A self-attaching fastener installation head and feed mechanism including a spring-biased L-shaped feed pawl which feeds a first nut in the feed passage adjacent the plunger passage on the upstroke of the die press. The feed pawl is pivotally supported on a slide bracket which includes a roller in the longitudinal axis of the feed passage which is biased against a central cam surface on the base and the base is interconnected to the nose member by removable pins. A spring biased nut restrictor is pivotally supported on the nose member, simplifying removal of a nut strip from the head and the installation head is more rugged in design and has fewer parts, reducing costs.

Abstract: A loader for a conveyorized cooking apparatus having a transverse partition spaced from an endless loading belt. The loader may include several longitudinal partitions defining a plurality of dispensing stations for loading hamburger patties and like food items. The transverse partition is spaced above the endless loading belt by a distance slightly greater than the typical thickness of a patty to be cooked. The endless loading belt has at least one transverse outwardly extending cleat. As the loading belt travels, the outwardly extending cleat comes into contact with the lowermost patty of each stack of patties on the loading belt and pushes the lowermost patty through the space between the transverse partition and the endless loading belt and into the cooking apparatus. A conveyorized cooking apparatus and a method of loading food patties into a conveyorized cooking apparatus are also disclosed.