Abstract: A tablet packing apparatus arranged to prevent tablets from bouncing in a tablet drop guide path so that dropping time of the tablets can be shortened so as to be ready in time for packing. The tablet packing apparatus is provided with a tablet drop guide path (12) that guides tablets to a packing unit. The tablets drop obliquely downward from each of tablet outlets (10) of tablet feeders (8) provided in an up and down direction in a manner of a multistage shelf, wherein a bounce preventing member (14) is provided in a position opposing the tablet outlets of the tablet drop guide path, and the bounce preventing member (14) is obliquely provided so that it recedes from the tablet outlets 10 toward the lower end.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system for dispensing medication in a personal health management system are described. The apparatus for dispensing medication is shown. The apparatus includes one or more storage compartments for storing-one or more medications, an input device for inputting data related to the medications, a data storage device configured to store at least the data, an output device operable to message information related to the medications, and a computing device configured to respond to the data, select one or more of the storage compartments for dispensing of the medication, provide information for the output device, and record quantity and frequency of the dispensing in the data storage device. A method is also provided for dispensing medication in accordance with an aspect of the invention. A system utilizing the apparatus in a personal health management system is also shown.

Abstract: A sensing arrangement (12) is described. The arrangement comprises: a moveable object (80) including a plurality of marker portions (112) disposed in a calibrated configuration, each marker portion (112) being capable of emitting light in response to stimulation. The arrangement also includes a light source (42) directed towards the marker portions (112) and for causing light emission therefrom. An imaging device (44) is directed towards the marker portions (112) and includes an array of light-detecting elements for sensing light emitted from the marker portions (112) to generate image data. A processor (52), in communication with the imaging device (44), analyses image data received from the imaging device (44) to determine the location of the moveable object (80) based on the calibrated configuration.

Abstract: A dispenser has an upper loading chamber (38), a dispensing chamber (40) located beneath the loading chamber, first and second openable covers (24, 34) for the loading chamber (38) and a dispensing chamber (40) and a gate means (32) mounted in the housing between the two chambers and forming a lower wall of the loading chamber (38). The gate means (32) is movable to allow selective communication of a loading chamber (38) and the dispensing chamber (40) to allow the contents of the loading chamber to fall into the dispensing chamber (40). Opening of the gate means (32) to an extent sufficient to allow the contents to fall into the dispensing chamber generates a signal from a limit switch (59) indicative that the loading chamber (38) is empty.

Abstract: A dispenser (10) for dispensing medical items (68, 70, 72) includes dispenser modules (28, 30) movably mounted thereon. The dispenser modules are selectively operative to dispense medical items therefrom into a path (54) which is connected to a delivery area (20) of the dispenser. The dispenser and the dispenser modules therein are configured to provide security against unauthorized access thereto. However an authorized user is enabled to readily access the dispenser modules and the medical items therein by unlocking a lock (22), opening a door (16) and extending the dispenser modules through an opening (18). With the dispenser modules in the extended position the medical items therein may be replenished. Alternatively, the dispenser modules may be disconnected from the dispenser and replaced with substitute dispenser modules.

Abstract: Inventory maintenance is improved for a system of one or more vending machines by providing one or more vending machines with unique identifiers, and means for collecting and transmitting information concerning goods dispensed and other status to a remote location where processing means provide an efficient service schedule.

Abstract: An interactive vending machine which enables a consumer to view customized products before they are purchased and thereafter enables the consumer to purchase the customized products. The machine also keeps track of inventory so that if a particular item or accessory is out of stock, it will not be displayed on the screen for purchase.

Abstract: An apparatus for selecting, monitoring, and controlling electrically powered devices is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an electrically powered device having a key operating line and switching control circuitry to control usage of the electrically powered device by interrupting continuity of the key operating line. In another embodiment, the apparatus monitors usage of an electrically powered device. The apparatus includes a circuit which is coupled to the device to provide a power output of the device, an analog to digital converter coupled to receive the power output and convert the same to digital form, and a controller to receive a user input, process the user input by establishing communication with a remotely located device to request approval of a financial transaction, and generate control signals in response to receiving approval. The controller receives the digital form of the power output and monitors the operation of the electrically powered device.

Abstract: A cassette (10) for storing media in sheet form is described. The cassette (10) has urging means (26) for urging a stack of media items (34) to one end (24) of the cassette (10), such as a media pick area (22). The cassette (10) also has sensing means (52) for determining the size of the stack of media items (34) remaining in the cassette (10). The cassette (10) includes display means (50) for displaying to an external viewer, such as a replenisher, an indication of the size of the stack of media items (34) remaining within the cassette (10).

Abstract: A dispenser (10) for dispensing medical items (68, 70, 72) includes dispenser modules (28, 30) movably mounted thereon. The dispenser modules are selectively operative to dispense medical items therefrom into a path (54) which is connected to a delivery area (20) of the dispenser. The dispenser and the dispenser modules therein are configured to provide security against unauthorized access thereto. However an authorized user is enabled to readily access the dispenser modules and the medical items therein by unlocking a lock (22), opening a door (16) and extending the dispenser modules through an opening (18). With the dispenser modules in the extended position the medical items therein may be replenished. Alternatively, the dispenser modules may be disconnected from the dispenser and replaced with substitute dispenser modules.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a dispensing apparatus and method for dispensing product from a vending machine. The invention employs a product vend detector to sense when products are dispensed. A controller compares the occurrences of products actually dispensed to the product depth setting assigned to a product dispensing assembly. When vend-completed signals do not match the assigned product setting, the controller initiates a learning mode to determine the actual product depth of the product dispensing assembly and resets the product depth setting to the correct value. The present invention eliminates the need for manual adjustments and eliminates the need to use additional electromechanical components, such as timing cams and switches that are normally used by prior product dispensing systems.

Abstract: The present invention describes various methods and apparatus to increase efficiency and sales of a Newspaper Rack. Several sensors are positioned throughout the Newspaper Rack to monitor when the remaining inventory reaches a predetermined quantity or is depleted. A logic circuit monitors the sensors and when the sensors change state, a signal is transmitted to a central location. The central location may add time-stamping, reference the location, and compile the information into a database. The central location notifies the proper party to service the Newspaper Rack. The Newspaper Rack can include various mechanisms to stimulate customers into purchasing a Newspaper, such as a visual display or audible means. The stimulating information can be obtained and/or changed using wireless transmission to a receiver. The Newspaper Rack can include external monitoring devices to gather information for traffic flow, weather, or other desirable information.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a vending machine for engraved medals and a method of automatically engraving medals wherein an engraver is contained in the vending machine, and if a coin or a note is inserted into the vending machine and a starting button is pushed according to messages displayed on a monitor, a desired type of medal is selected and loaded on a bed of the engraver to be engraved according to a selected image, and the engraved medal is taken out outside the vending machine.

Abstract: A device for dispensing awards includes a housing having a set of compartments, the contents of which are visible from the outside. Each compartment contains a small but valuable award, such as a diamond. The housing is part of, or connected to, a gaming machine. When a player wins a game which entitles the player to select a tangible award, the device signals this fact to the player. The player then selects a compartment by pressing a input device located on the housing. An attendant opens an external door, and inserts an electronic key into a receptacle associated with the selected compartment, and enters a required code into the key. The compartment then opens, and the player obtains the award. The device provides enhanced security, because the compartment will not open unless the player has won the required game and has pressed the input device, and the attendant has properly opened the external door and has entered the correct code with the electronic key.

Abstract: A high capacity document sheet processor combines significant speed and efficiency enhancing improvements in existing approaches to stack feeding particularly in the stack loading, feeding and singulating functions with novel operational arrangements adaptable to a universal paper handling and envelope inserting system.

Abstract: An information panel that is easily installed on a vending machine spiral in order to identify the product associated with the spiral. The invention comprises a convex channel, that nests with the concave surface at the end of a vending machine spiral, and a graphics surface integral to the convex channel and oriented in the vertical plane for viewing by a consumer of the vending machine. The invention can also incorporate a prior art kicker.

Abstract: A dispenser (1) for dispensing strip elements (4), having a supply chamber (3) for accommodating a strip-element stack (St), and having a discharging pusher (14) with a nose (16) for interacting with a first strip element (4′) of the strip-element stack (St), via a discharging slot (15) which is adapted to the thickness (y) of a strip element (4). In order to achieve a more functionally advantageous solution, the discharging pusher (14) has a pusher nose (16) which is made of elastically compliant material and, in the uninfluenced state, projects by more than the thickness (y) of the strip element (4).

Abstract: It includes a microwave oven (3) with a front door (31) that can slide vertically and a conveyor band (6) with a horizontal section extending as far as the interior of the oven; the products fall on the band by gravity from storage means (5). The oven may also have a tilting bottom (32) for expulsion of the products. The storing devices (5) are attached to a frame (4) hinged to the housing (1) and are provided with a ramp (57) for the extraction of the products through an outlet opening (55) arranged above the band (6). The machine is compact, mechanically simple and has a reduced cost.

Abstract: The invention is a business card dispenser that dispenses a single card using a sliding button which has a card counter and a means of indicating when the business card dispenser is empty.

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: There is disclosed a medicine supply apparatus which can improve the efficiency of a dispensing operation. The medicine supply apparatus comprises a plurality of tablet cases 3 stored in a main body case storage part, each tablet case including a container 51 for containing medicines, and a discharge drum 53 for discharging the medicines one by one from the container 51, and the container 51 is provided with a residual amount sensor 58 for detecting that the residual amount of medicines in the container 51 is lowered to indicate a predetermined value.

Abstract: There is disclosed a medicine supply apparatus which can improve the dispensing operation efficiency. The medicine supply apparatus is constituted by storing a plurality of tablet cases in a main body case storage part, each tablet case comprising a container for containing a medicine and a discharge drum for discharging the medicine from the container, comprises a motor for driving the discharge drum and a controller for controlling the operation of the motor, and the controller comprises means for rotating forward the motor to discharge the medicine and for detecting medicine sticking, so that when the medicine sticking occurs, the motor is rotated backward and then rotated forward.

Abstract: The system comprises at least one cabinet (A) having several compartments for containing bottles, each compartment consisting of a generally half-cylindrical gutter part (5) and an access part (6) that converges toward the gutter part and opens at the front of the cabinet, where it can be closed by a door (13) fitted with a bolt (15) controlled by a transaction module (B).

Abstract: An apparatus for tracking the movement of a number of products. The apparatus includes a shelf with the products positioned thereon. The shelf has a fit end with an optical sensor positioned thereabout. The optical sensor tracks the movement of the products. A guard is positioned about the first end of the shelf adjacent to the optical sensor so as to prevent exterior light from interfering with the optical sensor.

Abstract: A monitoring system monitors a plurality of remote product dispensers. Vends are detected indicating that products have been dispensed from the dispenser during a given time period. Vend data indicative of the products dispensed is stored. The vend data is communicated to a base unit and a base unit provides a display indicative of products dispensed and a service schedule based on the vend data received.

Abstract: A vending machine is provided with a cabinet having a plurality of inclined, vertically spaced shelves. The shelves are able to selectively feed a beverage container to an elevator which is located adjacent an interior, right side wall of the cabinet of vending machine. A beverage container is dispensed by an escapement block of a shelf onto the elevator. The elevator vertically moves the beverage container, and then dispenses the beverage container to a delivery mechanism which gently lowers the beverage container to a delivery port which communicates with the exterior of the vending machine. The shelves in the cabinet are readily reconfigurable such that their vertical spacing within the cabinet can be easily altered. The escapement blocks of the shelves are mechanically activated to dispense a beverage container by an activation device on the elevator. Thus, electrical power and control signals for the individual shelves are not necessary.

Abstract: Change dispensing apparatus having multiple columns for storing and vending tubes containing change in coin or in currency. The denominations being vended by a particular machine, the unit value of that denomination, and the value of a tube containing a predetermined quantity of that denomination, are user-programmable for each machine, and any combination of denominations can be user-assigned to the columns. The tube locations in each column are monitored to detect tubes in each column, providing a running indication of the amount of change remaining for each denomination in the safe, and for the total value of change in the safe. An ejector is positionable at the lower end of each column and contains a member for selectably extracting the lowermost tube in each column. The change safe on request prints reports of change usage and other factors associated with the safe, and also predicts the amount of change required for future usage.

Abstract: A vending machine is provided with a cabinet having a plurality of inclined, vertically spaced shelves. The shelves are able to selectively feed a beverage container to an elevator which is located adjacent an interior, right side wall of the cabinet of vending machine. A beverage container is dispensed by an escapement block of a shelf onto the elevator. The elevator vertically moves the beverage container, and then dispenses the beverage container to a delivery mechanism which gently lowers the beverage container to a delivery port which communicates with the exterior of the vending machine. The shelves in the cabinet are readily reconfigurable such that their vertical spacing within the cabinet can be easily altered. The escapement blocks of the shelves are mechanically activated to dispense a beverage container by an activation device on the elevator. Thus, electrical power and control signals for the individual shelves are not necessary.

Abstract: An identification system for articles in manual free automatic vending apparatus for hotel rooms is provided. Electric or electronic sensors detect the presence or absence of a stored article in an individual location. Means are provided to detect the presence or absence of a ferromagnetic metal wire that holds a cork in place on a valuable article, especially a champagne bottle.

Abstract: A dispenser 100 for dispensing a chemical product that is dissolved by diluent. The dispenser includes a package 170 having a diaphragm, or fingered collar 180 attached to its opening. The diaphragm 180 has a plurality of flexible members or flexible fingers 185. The dispenser may utilize an injection manifold 109 that is sized and configured to be positioned on a washing machine top proximate the gap between the washing machine's top and lid. Still further, the invention includes a low level chemical product indicator. The indicator includes a focused light source 98a and 98a. The focused light source is a high intensity light emitting diode having a viewing angle of less than 6.degree. and an intensity of above 10,000 mcd. The dispenser also includes an apparatus and method in which a dispensing time of a dispenser is dynamically varied in response to diluent temperature during operation of the dispenser.

Abstract: A large product vending system which allows for the dispensing of large diameter product from a vending machine is presented. The system includes a dispense mechanism associated with the existing column walls and columns defined therebetween of a machine used for smaller diameter product. A motor and a link arm are associated with each column and control the operation of a cradle which holds the product within the column while positioning one of the products for dispensing upon actuation of the dispense mechanism. The cradle includes opposed end plates which are connected at each end thereof by a blocking bar and a dispense rod. When the cradle is cycled, the dispense rod releases the lowest product while the blocking bar engages the next product to be dispensed. After the cycle of the motor allows the product to be dispensed to clear the dispense rod, the blocking bar is moved out of the way of the next product which is then held in place by the dispense rod and one of the column walls.

Abstract: Dispensing apparatus for dispensing individual articles (50) at a dispensing station (A) from a line of the articles stored one-behind-another on a trackway (10) comprises a conveyor belt (16) on which the articles rest. Belt (16) is connected at one end to variable force springs (19) beneath the trackway (10) and at its other end to a follower or pusher plate (13). When the springs (19) are tensioned by moving the plate (13) away from the dispensing station to load the device the conveyor (16) exerts traction on the articles stored thereon tending to move them toward stop means (20,34) at the dispensing station. When an article (51) is removed from the dispensing station (A) the conveyor (16) moves up the remainder so that a next article is positioned at the dispensing station (A) against the stop means (20,34). Ramps (22) at the dispensing station project the article thereat from the dispense to facilitate its removal.

Abstract: A method of supplying ampules, stored in a container, to any of a plurality of feeders of an ampule dispenser which has run out or is short of ampules in stock. The ampules are supplied only after confirming that the ampules in the storage container are the kind to be supplied into the intended feeder. When any feeder of the ampule dispenser runs out or is short of ampules, a bar code on the ampule storage container is read by a bar code reader and compared with an identification code provided on the intended feeder. If they coincide with each other, the ampules in the container are supplied into the intended feeder.

Abstract: The present invention is disclosed to provide a power saving apparatus and a method for reducing an electric power of the automatic vending machine when goods stored or provided at an inner part of the automatic vending machine is maintained at a goods sold out state or when an error occurs due to some trouble at a predetermined load(s) of the inner part of the automatic vending machine. In the automatic vending machine, with an operating time of a heater and a compressor being reduced power consumption to be used at the sales stop state of the automatic vending machine can be reduced according to reduced operating time of the inner load at a predetermined ratio.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus comprises a try-like housing having recesses in an upper surface each for accommodating an item to be dispense. A non-return mechanism is located in the housing adjacent to each recess and has a member movable between a first position wherein the member is retracted to a position substantially flush with the recess sidewall and a second position (as seen in the figure) wherein the member projects into the recess to prevent re-insertion of an item. The movable member is retained in the first position by an item accommodated in the recess and is spring-biased to assume the second position when the item is removed. A microswitch is responsive to the movement of the member to signal when the member moves from the first to the second position and thus when an item is removed from the recess.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus for dispensing cylindrical objects, the apparatus having a dispensing device comprising a device housing having a dispensing opening, a storage magazine disposed within the device housing for storing the objects, and a dispensing drum rotatably borne in the device housing and having a recess for accepting the objects, the recess communicating with the storage magazine and the dispensing opening. The drum has an axis of rotation substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the objects, and teeth disposed at the recess to push objects seating on the drum away from the drum. The apparatus is particularly well-suited for dispensing rolls of coins without damage to same and without jamming.

Abstract: A Numerical Inventory Control Device for holding and then dispensing one or more items contained within the device wherein the items are gradually moved from the back toward the front of the device by a moving slideable pusher which is biased against a constant force coil spring contained in a dispenser housing attached at the back end of the pusher and wherein one end of the coil spring is affixed to the dispenser housing wherein, when product, near the front of the housing, is removed the constant force spring will cause the pusher to advance the next product toward the front for dispensing purposes. An inventory indicator sheet, essentially in the form of an endless belt, is attached at one end to the front side of the pusher and at the other end to the rear of the pusher and has one or more rows of numbers thereon, which indicate, at the front of the device, the quantity of units remaining in the dispensing device.

Abstract: A tablet dispenser having a control unit which can eliminate the possibility of erroneously putting tablets in a wrong tablet storage space. The tablet dispenser has a tablet storage unit and a packing unit. Tablets designated by drug information are dropped from the tablet storage unit. When tablets in any of a plurality of tablet storage cells in the tablet storage unit run short, tablets are manually supplied into this cell by opening its cover. Before supplying tablets, the control unit reads a code on the tablet container with a bar code reader, compares this code with a code that represents tablets to be supplied into the above particular cell, and indicates on a display if these codes coincide. An operator checks the display to see if the codes coincide, and if they do, the operator then supplies tablets in the tablet container into the particular cell.

Abstract: The invention relates to vending machines for dispensing of a single copy of a printed publication, such as a newspaper or a magazine. The vending machine is self-contained, enclosing a power source, a driving motor and a control unit for operation of the dispensing mechanism. A stack of folded newspapers, or magazines, is placed in an upright position on a platform bearing plate and is retained in an upright orientation by a support plate which slides along the top surface of the platform bearing plate, moving the newspapers closer to a dispensing chute formed in a front part of the vending machine housing. One or more metering breaks are mounted on a top surface of the platform plate adjacent to the dispensing edge of the platform bearing plate to facilitate separation of a single copy of the newspaper prior to dispensing.

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

Abstract: A dispensing device has a photovoltaic vending actuator including a light source coupled to a currency collector, supplying a beam of light at a first wavelength when proper currency is inserted in the currency collector. A light modifying device is positioned to receive the beam of light from the light source and to transmit a beam of light at a second wavelength. A light detector is sensitive to light at the second wavelength and positioned to receive the beam of light from the light modifying device. A circuit is coupled to the light detector for dispensing an item when actuated by the light detector.

Abstract: A system for dispensing medicaments such as pills and capsules includes a plurality of medicament dispensing cells, a manipulator arm for moving to a cell and receiving medicament dispensed therefrom into a vial, and a controller for controlling the operation of the manipulator arm. In one embodiment of the invention, each cell includes indicia thereon such as a bar code indicating the medicament contained therein and the system includes an indicia reader such as a bar code reader attached to the manipulator arm. When the system receives dispensing instructions such as a prescription to be filled, the controller moves the manipulator arm to a selected cell location of a cell having the medicament to be dispensed, as indicated by cell data included in the controller memory. The indicia reader reads the indicia on the cell at the selected location and the controller determines whether the medicament indicated by the indicia matches the medicament of the prescription.

Abstract: A sheet feeding system for an imaging system with a sheet input tray into which sheets are loaded onto the upper surface to be fed downstream, with a sheet sensing system for automatically providing different electrical control signals in response to different sheet sizes and different orientations of the sheets loaded into the tray, with sensor actuators projecting into the tray at different preset positions, each actuator being movably mounted to normally project upwardly through an aperture in the tray until operatively engaged by the sheets loaded onto the sheet input tray extending over the preset position of the actuator. Each actuator has an operative shape tapering upwardly from a relatively large base to a relatively small tip to provide laterally angled sheet engagement surfaces on at least three lateral sides thereof, preferably pyramid shaped.

Abstract: A spring to operate a merchandise dispenser used for storing and dispensing a plurality of like items of merchandise. The dispenser utilizes a metal spring having indicia imprinted or engraved thereon to provide both a biasing force to the merchandise and inventory information. A method is provided for producing a metal spring having indicia printed in ink or paint.

Abstract: A manual inventory control device and method of utilizing it is disclosed. The inventory control device includes a strip member and a method of attaching the strip member. The strip member has one or more sets of numbers positioned to coordinate with items of inventory held in a storage area for later distribution. The strip member is located such that the stored items block the view of a portion of the strip member, and as items are removed from storage a portion of the strip member containing numbers corresponding to the quantity of items remaining in the storage area is exposed. The exposed portion of the strip member may also contain a set of numbers indicating the quantity of items required to fill the storage area. The strip member may be utilized in vending machine applications and other product distribution applications where the inventory is sequentially removed.

Abstract: A drug storing apparatus for an automatic drug dispensing machine includes a frame provided with a multiplicity of inclined supports arranged one on top of the other or in rows for supporting a multiplicity of drug cases, and the supports may also be configured into rails. The drug cases are detachably connected to a multiplicity of drive boxes which may be mounted onto the frame along the inclined rails. The drug cases are arranged in such a manner that their outlets are oriented towards a central portion of a hopper. Each drive box is also provided with guide rails and contains therein a motor which has an axle oriented towards its corresponding drug case. When a drug case slides along the guide rails to fit onto its corresponding drive box, a coupling of a feeding element of the drug case just fits onto the axle of the motor.

Abstract: A compact and lightweight ball bearing feeding device for use in connection with a production process. The device is easily adapted to be mounted at any point along such production process and includes a canister for maintaining a supply of ball bearings, a loading tube for transferring ball bearings from the canister to a two-position loading device, the loading device which places an individual ball bearing in an ejecting position and a delivery tube through which a ball bearing may be delivered to a desired production point. The device does not require any electrical power, employs pneumatic actuation for its operation, automatically senses when a supply of ball bearings is running low and minimizes the introduction of contaminants and magnetism into the ball bearings.

Abstract: A shelf aid dispensing device for periodic inventory control of commodity units in a displayed row. A rectangular panel with an elongated groove forms part of the device, the panel being adapted to be supported in horizontal condition over a flat bed. A draw bar is slidingly engaged into the groove for sliding displacement axially thereof, and is adapted for grasping engagement by an operator's hand. A slider plate is, slidingly carried to the panel and defines a flat abutment face for abutment by a rearwardmost commodity unit in the row. The slider plate may include ears in axial register with the draw bar rear rear portion, wherein the slider plate and the draw bar releasably interconnect and slidingly move together whenever the slider plate and the draw bar rear enlarged member come in abutting contact.

Abstract: A miniature, battery operated vending machine for dispensing products includes a rotating carousel for holding stacks of products and a plunger assembly for dispensing products from the carousel into a dispensing area. A plurality of columns are disposed along a circumference of the carousel. A carousel rotation device aligns a column with the plunger mechanism. The plunger mechanism dispenses product from a column until the column is depleted of products. A controller senses product depletion and rotates the carousel to align another column with the plunger assembly. After all products have been dispensed, the controller blocks a coin insertion slot, displays a "sold-out" sign, and shuts the machine off. The vending machine also includes a device for allowing refilling of the carousel and a device for resetting the coin slot and "sold-out" sign. The vending machine also incluces a separate currency slot for accepting donations.

Abstract: A compact, battery-operated vending machine dispenses cylindrical and tetrahedron-shaped objects. More specifically, the inventive vending machine may be placed in public bathrooms for dispensing feminine articles such as cylindrical and pad-type tampons. The vending machine includes at least one rotary dispensing mechanism for dispensing cylindrical objects. A product stack of cylindrical objects feeds into the rotary dispensing assembly, which feeds the cylindrical objects into a dispensing area for access by the consumer. The vending machine also includes at least one plunger dispenser assembly for dispensing tetrahedron-shaped objects into the dispensing area. The vending machine also includes a sensor for sensing product depletion of product stacks above each dispenser, actuators for displaying "sold-out" signs for each dispenser upon product depletion, and a mechanism for blocking a coin slot upon product depletion in all dispensers.