Abstract: A marking instrument having a plurality of removable writing nibs serially aligned so that an operator can remove a spent or fluid-affected writing nib and, thereby, access a fresh writing tip.

Abstract: An apparatus for containing, transporting, dispensing and keeping an inventory of a plurality of same size cleco type fasteners has a tubular housing with an interior bore dimensioned to receive the plurality of cleco type fasteners through a proximal opening on the housing that is closed by a removable closure device. The distal end of the housing has a retention device that retains the forward most cleco type fastener inserted into the housing interior bore with a sufficient force that prevents the forward most cleco type fastener from being unintentionally removed from the housing distal end, but allows the forward most cleco type fastener to be manually grasped and pulled from the housing distal end.

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: An apparatus for dispensing solid articles includes a housing and at least one vacuum source. The housing defines a hopper chamber to hold the articles and a dispensing channel fluidly connected to the hopper chamber. The dispensing channel has an inlet and an outlet defining a dispensing flow path therebetween. The vacuum source is adapted to provide a vacuum pressure and induce a gas flow in the housing. The apparatus is configured to generate a forward drive gas flow from the vacuum pressure and induced gas flow, and the forward drive gas flow conveys articles through the dispensing channel along the dispensing flow path in a direction from the inlet to the outlet to dispense the articles.

Abstract: A container dispenser includes structure to support a nested stack of containers. The dispenser includes a crossbar at the lower end of the structure and a pair of spaced apart upright posts to which a retention wire clip may be removably mounted. The wire clip is designed to engage the exterior side wall or lip of the outermost cup of the nested stack, and in effect, hold the outermost container against the cross bar. This not only keeps the outermost container from falling away from the dispenser but also retains the nested stack in the dispenser. The retention wire clip is preferably formed of spring steel.

Abstract: A dispenser (10) is disclosed for dispensing a single object (22, 24) at a time, such as a tablet or the like. The dispenser includes a reservoir (26) to contain tablets and an opening in the reservoir sized to pass the tablets. A chute (30) is defined by a wall adjacent to the opening in the reservoir, and defines a dispensing path (39). The movable dispensing guide (32) has a retracted position that does not prevent the advance of tablets along the dispensing path, and an advanced position that intersects the dispensing path between the first and second tablets (22, 24) in the dispensing path. When advanced, the movable dispensing guide allows the first tablet in line to be dispensed from the path, and prevents the second tablet in line from advancing. An actuator is operable to move the movable dispensing guide from its retracted position to its advanced position.

Abstract: An oral care kit comprising an oral care implement and a dispenser. In one aspect, the invention can be an oral care kit comprising at least one toothbrush and a dispenser. The dispenser (300) comprises a housing (309) having an internal chamber (321) containing a plurality of capsules (310) containing an oral care material; a dispensing conduit (322) extending from the internal chamber to an exterior of the dispenser; a valve (325) positioned in the dispensing conduit and biased into a sealed state that prevents moisture from entering the internal chamber; and a dispensing subassembly (302, 315, 316, 317) configured to dispense one of the capsules from the internal chamber through the valve. The valve is forced into an open state that allows the one capsule to pass therethrough when the one capsule is subjected to a dispensing force imparted by the dispensing subassembly and automatically returns to the sealed state after the one capsule passes therethrough.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing solid articles includes a housing and at least one vacuum source. The housing defines a hopper chamber to hold the articles and a dispensing channel fluidly connected to the hopper chamber. The dispensing channel has an inlet and an outlet defining a dispensing flow path therebetween. The vacuum source is adapted to provide a vacuum pressure and induce a gas flow in the housing. The apparatus is configured to generate a forward drive gas flow from the vacuum pressure and induced gas flow, and the forward drive gas flow conveys articles through the dispensing channel along the dispensing flow path in a direction from the inlet to the outlet to dispense the articles.

Abstract: A towelette dispenser is provided with an integrally molded lid. The lid has a central aperture for allowing access to a roll of towelettes maintained within a tub receiving the lid therein. The separation bar bridges the aperture, and provides a rip fence in the form of a fingered thimble that is angled with respect to the lid as a whole. The thimble is offset near one edge of the annular opening so that a user may access the back side thereof to thread an edge of the leading towelette through the thimble without having to remove the lid from the tub. A well is provided in the smaller portion of the aperture and a cap for the lid is provided with a stuffer tab to urge the leading edge of the next towelette into the well when the cap is closed. Barrier caps are also provided to seal the interior of the tub during shipment and storage before the first use of the towelette dispenser.

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: An apparatus for dispensing pharmaceutical articles includes a housing assembly and an adjustment system. The housing assembly includes a first inlet wall and a second inlet wall that is moveable relative to the first inlet wall. The housing assembly defines a hopper chamber that houses pharmaceutical articles, and a dispensing channel fluidly connected to the hopper chamber. The dispensing channel has an inlet and an outlet and defines a flow path. The inlet is defined at least in part by the first and second inlet walls. The adjustment system is operable to adjust the position of the second inlet wall relative to the first inlet wall to adjust the size of the inlet to singulate the pharmaceutical articles passing through the inlet. The adjustment system includes an input mechanism and an operator feedback mechanism. The input mechanism is selectively operable by an operator to selectively move the second inlet wall relative to the first inlet wall.

Abstract: A stamped bucket for a vending machine having an elongated body with opposing first and second ends, a first end wall integrally formed on the body along the first end and a second end wall integrally formed on the body along the second end. The first and second end walls extending in generally transverse relation to the body. The first end wall has one or more tab portions extending therefrom that are secured to the body adjacent the first end. The second end wall also has one or more tab portions extending therefrom that are secured to the body adjacent the second end. An axis of rotation extends between the first and second end walls substantially longitudinally along the body.

Abstract: A dispensing container is provided, including an outer casing having an open end, a top, a bottom, sidewalls extending between the top and bottom, and an interior compartment; an inner tray slidably received within the interior compartment of the outer casing and including a storage compartment configured to store a plurality of units of product to be dispensed, and a dispensing trough in communication with the storage compartment, the inner tray extending outwardly from the open end of the outer casing and configured for sliding movement between a closed and locked position and a dispensing position, wherein the dispensing trough includes an aperture sized to allow a single unit of product exit the dispensing trough at one end thereof and a slot at the opposing end thereof, and the outer casing further includes a rib extending into the interior compartment and positioned to enter the slot of the dispensing trough.

Abstract: A golf ball dispenser which attaches to the exterior surface of a golf bag that is upright, rectangular, and capable of holding a plurality of golf balls, is herein disclosed. The dispenser is made of a durable yet flexible plastic material. Stored balls are added through the top of the dispenser through an upper opening. The balls can either be inserted one (1) at a time or in “as-purchased” quantities. In use, to remove a golf ball, the lowest ball is forced upward through a flexible retaining tab, thus releasing the ball through a bottom aperture. The dispenser is attachable to a golf bag with a fastening means.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing pharmaceutical articles includes a housing assembly and an adjustment system. The housing assembly includes a first inlet wall and a second inlet wall that is moveable relative to the first inlet wall. The housing assembly defines a hopper chamber that houses pharmaceutical articles, and a dispensing channel fluidly connected to the hopper chamber. The dispensing channel has an inlet and an outlet and defines a flow path. The inlet is defined at least in part by the first and second inlet walls. The adjustment system is operable to adjust the position of the second inlet wall relative to the first inlet wall to adjust the size of the inlet to singulate the pharmaceutical articles passing through the inlet. The adjustment system includes an input mechanism and an operator feedback mechanism. The input mechanism is selectively operable by an operator to selectively move the second inlet wall relative to the first inlet wall.

Abstract: A pellet gun feeder aligns at least one pellet with the breech of a pellet gun, such as a pellet pistol or a pellet rifle, and places at least one pellet in the pellet gun for use or to be discharged therefrom.

Abstract: A compact biosensor cartridge in which biosensors can be so set with simple operation that they can be tested one by one and which protects the biosensors from moisture until they are set. A biosensor dispensing device is also disclosed. A biosensor cartridge (6) to be installed in a biosensor dispensing device (1) has therein a pushing member (31) and a pushing rotating member (34) both used as sensor send-out means for sending out the biosensors (10) stacked in a case one by one and ejecting the sensor (10) through a sensor ejecting port (26) opened at the case. With this, the biosensors (10) are discharged to outside the case when the sensor sending out means is driven by a sensor sending out mechanism outside the biosensor cartridge (6). The biosensor cartridge (6) is made small and thinner.

Abstract: A dispenser includes a base and a storage sleeve which contains a quantity of dental flossers. The dental flossers are maintained without any mutual entanglement. The base includes a dispenser slot, an operating arm and an operating button. Pressing the operating button causes the operating arm to engage a single dental flosser and push the single dental flosser through the dispensing slot.

Abstract: A cup lid dispenser is characterized by a cylindrical housing for containing a stack of relatively flexible cup lids in vertical orientation with a lip of the bottommost lid supported at points around its circumference on a plurality of shelves within and around a base of the dispenser at a lower end of the housing. The base has a forward opening that exposes just a front portion of the lip of only the bottommost lid of the stack for being gripped by a user. To dispense the bottommost lid, a user grips the exposed lip and pulls the lid downward to flex it away from the overlying stack and forward to move it off of the shelves and release it from the overlying stack of lids for downward movement into an underlying pocket in the base, with continued forward pulling of the lid then moving it through and out of a forward dispense opening from the base.

Abstract: A device for dispensing oblong objects comprising: (i) a main dispensing opening for allowing the objects to be dispensed to pass therethrough one by one; (ii) at least one other opening of elongate shape, one of whose sides opens into the main dispensing opening, the elongate opening having an opening width equal to or greater than a minimum thickness of the object to be dispensed; and (iii) guide surfaces for guiding the objects to be dispensed. The guide surfaces lie along front sides of the elongate opening and face the objects to be dispensed, so as to collect and guide the objects toward at least one of the elongate openings.

Abstract: The rivet injector system includes a set of grasping spring-loaded rivet fingers which are mounted on a rivet ram portion of an automatic riveting machine. The rivet injector assembly receives a rivet from a feed tube into a chamber in the assembly. A stopper pin and a moveable forward end stop within the chamber are operated to hold the rivet axially, the rivet being supported on a rivet pad in the chamber. A tower portion of the injector assembly is slidably mounted to raise the rivet, forcing it between the spring-loaded rivet fingers, which firmly grasp the rivet. The forward end stop and the stopper pin are then retracted and the tower portion lowered, leaving the rivet grasped by the rivet fingers, permitting the rivet to be moved forwardly into a hole in the workpiece.

Abstract: A disc dispensing apparatus operatively mounts to a disc passageway and includes a moveable guide hole member having a guide hole of an elongated shape and a guiding unit operatively mounted in the guide hole. A resilient unit biases the guiding unit against the movement of the discs and a moving unit is operatively attached to the moveable guide hole member for positioning the elongated guide hole at an angle to an axis of the disc passageway on one side of the disc passageway whereby a disc to be dispensed contacts the guiding unit and displaces the guiding unit along the elongated hole while receiving a counter force from the resilient unit to force the disc to be directed away from the guiding unit to one side of the disc passageway.

Abstract: A golf ball dispensing and retrieving system for efficiently assisting a golfer in practicing putting. The golf ball dispensing and retrieving system includes an elongated tube having a lower opening, a clamp extending from a side of the tube for removably attaching to a shaft of a putter, a retrieval member attached within the tube near the lower opening, and an ejector member movably positioned within the tube for ejecting a lower golf ball from the lower opening. A bias member is attached to the ejector member for applying a return force to the bias member.

Abstract: The new invention allows for easy retrieval of fall backs and eases the initial threading process upon initial opening/use of the package. Threading is done without removing the cap. Several of the embodiments allow refills to be inserted into the canister without removing the lid/cap. The layout of the dispensing system and the geometry and shape of the dispensing orifice/aperture minimize and mitigate product fall backs. The new invention improves performance of the orifices/apertures through unique geometry and shape as well as using different materials from existing products or the combination of multiple materials. Varying orifice diameter, co-molded density and stiffness or geometry of the actual lobes defining the dispensing aperture allows the precise amount of friction to be created in the dispensing opening for selectively grabbing or releasing the towelette, thereby tearing the towelette connecting perforations at just the right time.

Abstract: The invention concerns a dispenser of objects comprising a body forming a reservoir (2) for storing objects to be dispensed (8), an outlet passage (22) for said objects, arranged at one end of the body (2), and returned translation means (12) capable of performing a reciprocating movement relatively to the body (2) so as to release a predetermined number of objects (8) at each out and in stroke of the translation movement. The invention is characterized in that said returned translation movement are arranged in the form of a flexible membrane with shape memory (12) perforated with a calibrated opening (17), exerting both a spring force enabling said reciprocating movement and, by co-operation with thrust means (18), to control the dispensing of said objects.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing solid objects comprising a reservoir for retaining solid objects that is in communication with dispensing zone having a reusable opening and an ejector positioned opposite a space for retaining a solid object, wherein the dispensing zone is positioned under the reservoir, the dispensing zone is defined on an upper side by a first wall of positive slope and a second wall of negative slope, and the reusable opening is on a first side of the dispensing zone and the ejector is on a second side of the dispensing zone that is opposite the first side.

Abstract: A golf tee holder and dispenser in a rectangular form holds a vertical stack of tees lying one on another horizontally, with successive tees alternating the orientation of their heads and their points. The golf tee holder and dispenser housing includes inner chambers that encase springs that allow straight-line movement as well as an inner center chamber to prevent tees from becoming disarranged while dispensing. A pusher plate maintains even pressure from dual spring movement against a snub point to hold golf tees in a stationary position until release through a top aperture using a teeter action once a downward pressure is applied to small end of tee by user. A molded element that has a memory retentive factor allows user to attach golf tee holder and dispenser to belt, pocket, golf bag, or golf cart.

Abstract: A coin dispensing apparatus includes a storage interior for storing bulk coins, a coin passageway extending along a vertical longitudinal axis upward from the storage container to an exit aperture, and a coin selector for selectively sending coins upward along the coin passageway. A lever is pivotably mounted for contacting the coin as it exits the exit aperture, and a sensor unit operatively connected with the lever can count the coins as they exit. The lever and the sensor unit can be appropriately aligned in a fixed relationship and a mounting assembly that is mounting the lever and the sensor unit adjacent the exit aperture can be adjusted traverse to to the longitudinal axis to accommodate different size coins.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for dispensing or releasing a porous carrier wherein the apparatus comprises: a supply chamber for the porous carrier; and ejection means for causing the carrier to move gradually outside the supply chamber. According to another preferred embodiment the ejection means comprise an outlet opening which is arranged in the end wall of the supply chamber and the dimension of which is such that the porous carrier moves through the outlet opening only when the ejecting body is operated. Thus is achieved that the carrier is not accidentally moved outward to an excessive degree. According to a particularly important embodiment the porous carrier is divided into separate elements in lengthwise direction and the elements move through the outlet opening one by one when the ejecting body is operated. This enables use of separate elements in the form of the cotton wool pads typical in this field.

Abstract: A solder preform with predisposed flux to be located adjacent to a gap formed between multiple solderable surfaces such that upon heating, the flux wicks into and prepares the solderable surfaces prior to the solder melting and wicking into the freshly prepared gap. In plumbing applications, this invention can be located inside a pipe fitting adjacent to the end of an inserted pipe. Upon heating, this invention will make a sound solder joint by wicking into the annular region formed between the fitting and the pipe. This invention includes a dispenser for solder preforms that has features to align a solder preform with the centerline of the receiving pipe fitting into which it is to be inserted. In addition, the dispenser has features to insure the solder preforms are released one-at-a-time into the receiving fitting.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for high speed, reliable and repeatable delivery and reflow of solder material onto a substrate are disclosed. The apparatus has a repositionable capillary to direct individual solder material to a specific location on the substrate. An energy source is directed through the capillary onto the solder to reflow the solder to the substrate. The apparatus provides for individual introduction of the solder material into the capillary and urging of the solder material from a reservoir to the capillary while preventing unintended jams and blockage of the solder material.

Abstract: A coin elevating device for elevating a stream of coins from a coin collecting reservoir to a delivery location. The device includes a coin elevating channel which has an elongated base plate with two sidewall plates extending therefrom which are spaced apart a distance substantially corresponding to the diameter of a coin. Flexible bristle elements extend into the coin elevating channel so as to engage coins sliding therethrough and to maintain the coins in sliding contact with the base plate.

Abstract: A receptacle for a feed mechanism comprises a receiving body having a receiving chamber connected to a feed duct and a conveying duct extending substantially perpendicularly to the feed duct. At least one blocking means is arranged in the aperture region of the feed duct and reduces a cross section of the feed duct. The blocking means clears the cross section of the feed duct in the direction of the receiving chamber and blocks it in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A device is set forth for dispensing circular plate bodies such as coins which has a channel to push the coins in an end-to-end relationship from to an outlet. A roller is biased to engage the coin emerging from the channel and to be pushed by the emerging coin as it exits. A gear on the shaft mounting the roller and a fixed rack rotates the roller to eject to coin.

Abstract: A system and method for dispensing tokens in a Point-Of-Sale ("POS") transaction. The system and method include sensing errors in the token-dispensing operation whereby a POS terminal operator can be notified if a token is jammed in the token dispenser or if the token dispenser is empty.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing disks comprising a disk passage having an outlet in which the disks are arranged edge-to-edge for storage and dispensing. A closure member, such as a rotatable spherical member, is provided for closing the outlet. The closure member is arranged to apply force to a face of a disk in the region of the outlet whereby the disk is dispensed from the outlet through a guide assembly. The closure member is opened by the camming action of the disk in the region of the outlet. A spring plate is provided to bias the closure member towards a closed position wherein the outlet is normally closed.

Abstract: A coin escalator assembly has coin guide plates adjustably mounted in slots. Slots positioned in the upper end of the escalator assembly allow the coin guide plates to be adjusted for variation in coin diameter. By making the escalator assembly adjustable, within a predetermined range, a single escalator may be used to cover a range of coin sizes.

Abstract: In a coin conveying device, a second coin outlet is provided nearby a first coin outlet and an outlet switching mechanism is provided between the first and second coin outlets so that coins can be ejected from either of the coin outlets selected by the outlet switching mechanism.

Abstract: An assortment of objects is dispensed from a plurality of object holders onto a conveyor for loading into a container at an end of the conveyor. The objects are dispensed onto discrete sections of the conveyor with like objects occupying like sections. Since like objects are grouped together on the conveyor, damage due to any impact between objects is reduced because, when objects impact objects of the same class, less damage occurs than when disparate objects impact each other. Discrete sections with heavier objects are located upstream of discrete sections with lighter objects. When the lighter and heavier objects are discharged from the conveyor into the container, the lighter objects are loaded on top of the heavier objects, thereby reducing any damage which occurs through impact. Gaps on the conveyor between different groups of objects reduces the likelihood of impacts on the conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for inserting workpieces such as electrical components into a workpiece holder. The apparatus includes a housing with push pins mounted on a press plate for engaging and inserting the workpieces into receptacles in the workpiece holder. The pins are mounted in such a manner that if the entire housing is pushed downward in the direction of the exposed pin shafts and perpendicular to the plane of the bottom surface of the press plate, and if a given pin shaft encounters a restrictive force greater than or equal to a predetermined safe resistance, that pin shaft will be allowed to travel upward vertically through the plate frame. This escape release feature thus has the effect of a vertical "clutch," preventing damage to the pins, the loading plates, and the components whenever the pin shaft encounters excessive resistance.

Abstract: A device has a plurality of push pins for inserting workpieces into a device for securely retaining the workpieces. The push pins are resiliently biased to prevent damage to the components or the pins themselves. The pins may be mounted by springs which are stressed to a predetermined force, and the displacement of the pins may be sensed by mechanical or optical sensors. Alternatively, the pins themselves may be compressible to prevent damage to the device.

Abstract: A coin handling apparatus for transporting coins from a hooper location through a transfer station to an ejection site. The apparatus has a first rotatable disc assembly with a coin inlet filter for filtering out oversized or bent coins. An undersized coin slot located along a transport path permits smaller coins than the desired denomination to pass therethrough out of the coin transport path. The coin transfer station includes a knife edge for directing the coins into the inlet of a coin tower in such a manner that the coins are forced upwardly toward an outlet. Along the transport path the coin are constrained both in a radial direction and a lateral direction to prevent jamming. A coin interlock mechanism located in the escalator prevents theft of the coins via the outlet. The interlock mechanism includes a sliding and pivoting interlock member which can only be successfully operated from below by an advancing coin.

Abstract: An automated order system (AOS) having an arrayed matrix of product dispensers oriented at a compound angle with respect to an underlying gathering conveyor belt. Each dispenser includes a flexible belt ejector mechanism for dispensing products stored therein. The flexible ejector mechanism includes an L-shaped guide track that is mounted adjacent to the dispenser to minimize the amount of space required for each dispenser in the matrix. Thus, more product dispensers may be installed in the AOS over a given fixed conveyor length. Furthermore, the compound angle facilitates resupply of the dispensers and minimizes the likelihood of damage to an ejected product upon impact with the conveyor. A cartridge is also included in each dispenser having a trough and adjustable product shelf for aligning the product stack and properly positioning the bottom-most product for positioning.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a coin counter for use with a coin handling apparatus for receiving coins at a first location and discharging the coins at a second location through a coin discharge slot remote from the first location. The coin handling apparatus includes a coin transport channel extending from the first location to the second location and dimensioned so that coins can move therein in a single, edge-to-edge file. The channel terminates at the coin discharge slot at the second location. A sensor is located proximate to the coin discharge slot for sensing the passage of each coin as it leaves the channel through the coin discharge slot. A counter means is coupled with the sensor for counting the total number of coins passing through the coin discharge slot.

Abstract: A tube and plunger assembly for dispensing disc shaped game chips to a game board. The tube is elongate and cylindrical in nature and has opposing ends, with one end for loading the chips into the tube and the other end for dispensing the chips individually to a game board. The end that receives the game chips has a funnel to aid in loading and aligning the chips along the longitudinal central axis inside of the tube. The other opposing end of the tube has a resilient chip interference on the inside diameter and close to the end of the tube, and the tube terminates in a game board abutment surface. A slot is formed having a first portion extending axially along the longitudinal center line of the tube and intermediate the opposing ends and a second slot portion extending radially outwardly from the center line of the tube, with the second portion located on the receiving end of the tube.

Abstract: A stripper assembly for unloading parts from an accumulating conveyor. The parts are moved by the conveyor between pivoting lever arms which hold the part as a push blade advances the part downward to a gravity release position.

Abstract: An outlet device for a coin payout hopper including an outlet chute having a curved outlet chute passage for upwardly pushing coins out of an upper outlet by trailing coins pushed into a lower inlet in the horizontal direction from the coin payout hopper. The outlet chute includes an outside edge plate having an outside coin guide track positioned at the outside with respect to the center of the radius of curvature of the curved outlet chute passage with the outside coin guide track being inclined to an acute angle to a coin supporting surface of a coin supporting back plate and an inside edge plate having an inside coin guide track positioned at the inside with respect to the center of the radius of curvature of the curved outlet chute passage.

Abstract: A coin conveyor for successively transporting coins comprises an elongated back plate and a plurality of tapered guide rollers arranged at respective opposite side edge portions of the back plate so as to guide and retain coins transported on the back plate.

Abstract: A coin hopper is provided with a rotary pin wheel for feeding coins to a pay out mechanism. A wiper member is mounted adjacent the rotary pin wheel slightly removed from the position at which the rotary pin wheel feeds coins to the pay out mechanism. The wiper member functions to wipe extra coins off the rotary pin wheel and return them to the hopper basket so that each location on the rotary pin wheel is occupied by only a single coin. A guide member is provided adjacent the position at which the rotary pin wheel feeds coins to the pay out mechanism. The guide member aligns the coins being fed into the pay out mechanism to ensure that the coins enter the pay out mechanism in a flat upright, on edge orientation.

Abstract: A coin hopper and dispenser is provided for receiving coins in bulk and singularly and reliably dispensing them. A rotating disc is received within a housing bore below the hopper, the disc having a number of coin receiving bores passing therethrough. On a bottom surface of the disc, riding upon a bottom plate surface within the housing bore, is a dispensing wheel having a thickness slightly greater than the thickness of the coins to be dispensed. The dispensing wheel has arms thereon extending between the coin receiving bores of the disc, the arms urging coins against a deflection spring which directs them through a coin slot. A spring retention plate is provided at the exterior of the coin slot to assure that the coins are overtly dispensed by rotation of the disc.