Abstract: A coin mechanism having a plurality of coin storage and dispensing assemblies (2, 4; 2', 4'), each one of the assemblies being provided with a plurality of detectors (6, 8; 10; 12, 14) each for detecting a respective parameter of that assembly, characterized by a plurality of output lines (01, 02) one for each assembly, each of which output lines is coupled to all the detectors of its assembly, a plurality of activation lines (A1, A2, A3), each of which is coupled to a group of said detectors comprising a detector for each assembly, and control circuitry connected to the activation lines, wherein the control circuitry drives the activation lines one at a time to activate the detector groups one at a time, whereby to produce sequentially on the single output line of each assembly signals indicative of all the parameters for that assembly as its detectors are sequentially activated by the driving of the activation lines.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is a wet indexer for receiving a cassette of wafers from a previous processing station that have not been allowed to dry. The wet indexer then keeps the wafers submersed in processing solution before and during indexed transmission to later cleaning stations.

Abstract: An improved carousel-type magnetic tape library system including a pivotable cartridge-receiving door for facilitating the insertion and removal of cartridges into the system and a cylindrical magazine carried by a turntable rotatably mounted to a turntable plate secured to a base casting. The turntable includes a sprocket wheel that is engaged by a drive belt or chain connected to a stepper motor affixed to the base plate. Affixed to the sprocket is a shutter plate having a plurality of notches in its perimeter for detection by an optical-indexing sensor. The apparatus also includes a carousel-indexing sensor and a cartridge-in-carousel and cartridge-orientation sensor. Disposed within the central cavity of the carousel magazine unoccupied by cartridges is a cartridge-onloading/offloading mechanism which is rotatably mounted concentric with the carousel turntable. Disposed on a side of the carousel opposite the door is a dual tape drive assembly including modular tape drive units mounted to the base plate.

Abstract: Gate mechanism for a data cartridge library system including an upstanding lever arm having a laterally extending tab formed at its upper end and a generally Z-shaped member extending from its lower end, the distal end segment of the Z-shaped member forming a light-breaking flag disposed between an optical switch. The lever arm is pivotally attached proximate its lower end to a pivot member that allows the lever arm and its appendages to be rotated about orthogonal axes. An actuator is attached to the lower end of the arm so as to rotate it about one of the axes, and a spring is attached to the lower end of the lever arm to return the arm to a neutral position following its rotation about either axis. The gate mechanism is useful in blocking entry to a drive unit, limiting ejection distance of a cartridge ejected from the drive unit, and indicating when a cartridge extends out of the drive unit.

Abstract: A low cost high speed counter and dispenser of tickets includes a feed roll and a hopper for feeding cards tangentially onto the feed roll. A pair of nip rolls rotating at a higher peripheral speed than the feed roll opens a gap between the trailing edge of one ticket and the leading edge of the next ticket that is detected by a photodetector cell providing an input for a digital counter. A D.C. motor drive is used which is dynamically braked when a desired count is reached. A collector bin includes a detector for determining if the bin is empty to automatically initiate a new dispensing cycle, if desired.

Abstract: A push button coupon dispenser comprises a housing having a roll of coupons, a coupon ejection slit, a battery, a motor and a push button electrically connected to the battery and the motor for activating the motor. The housing further includes a coupon advancing means having a guide means to guide the coupon to the ejection slit, and a timer to provide a time delay between each coupon ejection. A coupon sensor detects the presence or absence coupons at the exit slit. The coupon dispenser is mounted on a smooth surface at the point of purchase by means of a suction-cup mount plate.

Abstract: Device for reheating and dispensing cooked meals arranged on a meal tray and stored on stand-by in a refrigerated enclosure. Each tray may contain different foodstuffs, and can therefore be selected by the consumer. Reheating is carried out by a sliding oven on an endless ballscrew, assisted by two slide rails. The oven moves in front of the selected tray. In the refrigerated enclosure, trays are stacked on shelves with slide rails, and an endless screw slides a camshaft provided with snugs so that it triggers the tray-moving mechanism, and a detector determines which snug corresponds to the selected tray. Once the snug is engaged in the mechanism the camshaft rotates from left to right and vice-versa to activate the mechanism's rocker bars which slide the tray into or out of the oven.

Abstract: An imprinting mechanism includes a sheet tray and comprises a housing and a spring bias device within the housing. A sheet stack support is positioned within the housing and in contact with the spring bias, the spring bias forcing the sheet stack support towards a first position, the sheet stack support being forced (against the spring bias) to a second position when a stack of sheets is positioned thereon. A pivotally mounted indicator is positioned within the housing and includes first and second arm portions, a first portion being in contact with a surface of the sheet stack support and a second portion movable between visible and invisible locations, as viewed by a user. The first portion is movable about the pivot to position the second portion to the visible location when a predetermined size stack of sheets remain in the sheet stack support.

Abstract: Tape cartridges are stored in guides within a plurality of open slots arrayed in a carousel which is mounted for rotation around a tape drive assembly. The cartridges are retrieved and returned with respect to their storage positions by a slider arm extendable from the drive. Cartridges are loadable and removable from the carousel via an access door. The controlling computer or controller detects presence of a jam because of a cartridge not fully nested in its storage position by actuating selected operations of the carousel so as to nudge the cartridge into its fully nested storage position. An air flow pattern is created so as to isolate the data exchanging elements of the tape drive and carousel while cooling all elements not sensitive to contamination from air flow. Light source and photocell detectors are maintained in a relatively rigid relationship so as to reliably detect tape cartridge presence in each storage slot.

Abstract: An electronic parts mounting method for taking out from a parts supply device having a plurality of electronic parts at least one of the electronic parts, and mounting the part at a predetermined position of a substrate to be manufactured, includes steps of storing quantity of parts, which is held by each parts supply device, in a storing section provided in each parts supply device, rewriting the quantity of parts according to number of parts taken out from the parts supply device by a calculating section provided in each parts supply device, reading out an initial value of the quantity of parts held by each parts supply device, by a control section provided in an electronic parts mounting machine, calculating one of the quantity of parts required for the substrate and period of time required for mounting the part on the substrate by a calculating section provided in the electronic parts mounting machine, and carrying out, in advance, a parts shortage advance notification in each parts supply device based on

Abstract: A large inventory vending machine with monitoring system comprises a plurality of compartments for storing articles to be dispensed, user activated dispensing apparatus connected to respective ones of the compartments for dispensing individual ones of the articles, circuitry for detecting the number of articles in respective ones of the compartments, and circuitry for communicating the number of articles in respective ones of the compartments to a remote location, whereby inventory status of the vending machine is maintained at the remote location, a blockage detector in the vending machine, a blockage release member moveable to release a blockage of articles, and a power system for operating the blockage release member when a blockage is detected.

Abstract: A dispenser for folded sheet products including a housing accommodating a stack of the products, a dispenser element disposed at the lower end of the housing and having an opening through which the products are serially dispensed, and a blocking member which obstructs the interior of the housing above the stack after the stack has shortened to a predetermined degree to prevent an upward force exerted against the stack from moving the stack from dispensing position.

Abstract: A storage chamber large enough to store a predetermined number of probe covers is formed into a dispenser body. A spring biases the probe covers toward one end of the chamber at which is located a slide. The slide has an indentation used to retrieve a single probe cover from the chamber at a time when aligned with the chamber. Located in the indentation is an aperture tube for receiving a probe of the instrument to be covered. The probe is pressed into the probe cover and into the aperture thus causing the probe cover to stretch and cover the probe. A flange formed on the slide is pressed by a user to align the indentation of the slide with the chamber. The slide is spring loaded so that releasing the flange will result in the slide moving such that the identation is located outside the chamber and the retrieved probe cover can be applied to the instrument. A door in the dispenser is raised to allow access to the chamber for the insertion of a stack of probe covers.

Abstract: A self-powered, compact intelligent device senses the proximity of a consumer and draws their attention by emitting either a low level beeping sound or a 5-15 second or longer "audible commercial" or other audio/visual signal while simultaneously presenting promotional material. This point-of-purchase coupon dispenser POP-CD offers the consumer the convenience of individual, point-of-purchase coupons for immediate use.

Abstract: A vend space allocation apparatus and method for use with a vending system capable of vending from among a plurality of classes of selectable vendable products a product from a selected product class, which vending system has a plurality of product storage areas and an established vend space allocation configuration allocating the product storage areas to the classes of selectable vendable products, the vend space allocation apparatus including a vend selection monitoring portion for monitoring over a period of time the historical demand for the various classes of selectable vendable products, a determining portion for determining, based at least in part upon said historical demand, space allocation information indicative of a preferred vend space allocation configuration for the vending system, and a display for communicating to authorized personnel such space allocation information.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for storing and dispensing comestibles, such as ice cream, has a cabinet defining an interior for holding a plurality of stacked ice cream containing magazines. A refrigeration system for cooling the interior of the cabinet below the freezing point of the ice cream is connected thereto. An X-Y picker assembly is positioned in the cabinet interior to transport ice cream from the selected magazine without heating the selected ice cream container or any other ice cream containers stored therein. The ice cream is carried by the X-Y picker assembly to a dispensing opening in the cabinet from which it can be accessed by the consumer. A nonvolatile information storage device is associated with the plurality of magazines and contains product characteristic information therein related to the flavors of ice cream in the magazines. A mapping system maps switch closures from product selection switches with the product characteristic information.

Abstract: A roll coin dispenser is extremely narrow and occupies a vacant space between adjacent slot machines. The dispenser changes paper bills into coinage. Loading and access to all internal components of the changer are through the front of an enclosing cabinet which is unobstructed by adjacent slot machines. A coin storage section of the changer includes a multi-cartridge loading and dispensing mechanism in order to permit fast and accurate reloading of the machine by someone who is physically capable of lifting only small weights.

Abstract: An improved printing apparatus for printing pre-selected indicia on an envelope or other documents to be placed on a transport raceway of an insertion machine.

Abstract: There is disclosed a sold-out detecting device for a vending machine for dispensing articles from a vertical stack in which there is a detecting plate pivotally supported and biased for movement against the stack, and a switch adapted to be closed by the detecting plate. The detecting plate extends along and is in contact with all of stacked articles to guide the same downwardly as articles are dispensed and to distribute contact pressure along the individual articles in the stack.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing articles, particularly video tape cassettes, comprising a plurality of containers (26) for the articles and arranged in columns and having a transparent front panel to allow a user to identify the article therein. Each container being pivoted (42) and held closed by a latch (34, 47). Operation of the apparatus by a user selecting a container releasing the latch and allowing the container to be moved to an open position by a spring (53).

Abstract: A machine for renting articles, e.g. video cassettes, which stores individual articles in containers (26) from which they may be rented by the user and wherein an opto-electronic emitter and sensor cobination (55) is provided to sense whether an article is in a container when the latter is in its closed state, a further opto-electronic emitter and sensor combination (56) may be provided to sense whether or not a container is in its closed state, a microprocessor (61) is arranged to permit the container to remain in its closed state if the article is sensed in the container and to re-open the container if it is not so sensed, and when the container is closed a predetermined number of further times without the article being sensed, disabling action is taken.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the supply of cap members from a magazine or supply bin, via a channel, to the capping mechanism of a capping machine. At least one signal emitter, which is provided at the channel, generates an emitted signal that changes as the cap members move past, with a disruption signal being derived from the emitted signal if this emitted signal does not change during a specified time interval. A cycle signal is derived from the working or machine cycle of the capping machine. If no change of the emitted signal is determined in two successive cycles, the sum of which correspond to a full period of the cycle signal, the disruption signal is generated.

Abstract: The dispenser includes a bin which is adjustable for width, and a release mechanism attached to the bin externally of its outlet. The mechanism comprises a sliding shutter and a baffle, vertically disposed and breasted in mutual contact. The shutter is provided with a slot of adjustable height and moves vertically between a raised receiving position and a lowered knockout position at which the packet of coins is ejected from the slot. The baffle is urged against the shutter by the weight of the packets of coin emerging from the outlet of the bin and thus accompanies the shutter at least through part of its vertical travel.

Abstract: Apparatus for stacking conical objects includes right hand and left hand side walls which are joined by divergent walls to define a tapering horizontal cross-section column in which the spacing between the opposite walls is shorter than the length of any one of the conical objects. The conical objects can be placed manually in the top of the column 1 but only in a given orientation (thanks to the tapering horizontal cross-section of the column) and only when hooked on a retaining finger projecting into the column through the side wall. The conical object at the top of the stack thus settles into an inclined orientation which it retains when the retaining finger is released to drop the cone down the column, thanks to an inertia brake to retard the wider diameter end of the falling cone and preventing the cone from becoming vertical. The retaining finger at the foot of the column releases only the bottom cone and allows any cones above it to become indexed downwardly into the bottom-most position.

Abstract: The status corresponding to the presence or absence of articles at their reserved locations is detected by means of an optical switch comprising an emitter which sends infra-red rays toward a receiver. The article obstructs these rays and hence its presence is detected. The information obtained from the optical switches is processed and used for servicing or billing.

Abstract: A device for dispensing conical objects to form a stream of generally horizontal side-by-side conical objects with alternate conical objects having one orientation and intervening conical objects having the reversed orientation. The stacks having a first orientation have release cams driven from a common cam shaft while the intervening stacks have release cams driven from a common cam shaft, the timing of the two cam shafts being such that the conical objects are released successively starting from stack and ending at stack.

Abstract: A rack for display of articles comprises a plurality of trays for holding the articles. Each tray comprises upper and lower courses connected at opposite ends. At one end, an upper course communicates with the lower course by means of a gate. The gate is controlled by the presence of objects in the lower course so that objects from the upper course are transmitted to the lower course only after the lower course is empty. The gate includes a flag for indicating when the objects are being supplied from the upper gate. Trays are moveable between dispensing and loading positions. In the loading position, objects may be easily placed in the upper course so that they are passed to the lower course when the upper course becomes full. The objects are preferably cylindrical, and the course are arranged to allow the objects to roll along the courses to facilitate dispensing and loading.

Abstract: A vending machine includes a plurality of selection switches corresponding to a plurality of items to be sold respectively, and in response to insertion of coins and the subsequent operation of any of selection switches, the item corresponding to the selection switch is vended. A RAM is installed associatedly with a microcomputer, and this RAM contains memory areas for storing the sales quantity and the sales amount on item basis, and these data are renewed at every vending. The RAM further contains a price memory area for storing the sales price of each item. When any of selection switches is operated in ready state of the machine, the price of the item corresponding to that selection switch is read from the RAM and is displayed on the inserted-amount display. Furthermore, when a selection switch is depressed in the state when the management mode is set up, the price of the item corresponding to that switch is displayed likewise.

Abstract: An apparatus for individually depositing articles comprises a cylinder with a plurality of accommodating apertures, each of which is adapted to accommodate a single article only from a supply. The apparatus is adapted to retain the articles in the apertures and comprises nozzles for removing superfluous articles from the cylinder. Moreover, the apparatus is adapted to release the articles from the apertures. In order to secure that the articles are deposited one by one without any interruptions in the depositing pattern, the apparatus comprises a supplementary cylinder having accommodating apertures corresponding to the accommodating apertures of the cylinder. Also each of the accommodating apertures of the supplementary cylinder is adapted to accommodate a single article only from a supply, the supplementary cylinder also comprises nozzles for removing superfluous articles and is also adapted to retain the articles in the accommodating apertures.

Abstract: A sold out detector for an article storage and dispensing device includes a detecting plate which is pivotally supported on the device and normally pushed toward one side plate of the device by the stored articles and an empty switch controlled by the movements of the detecting plate. A movable element extends within the clearance between the side plate and the detecting plate to contact with the plates. The movable element is operatively connected with a drive source to enable the rotating motion of the drive source to transmit movement to the detecting plate through the movable element. As a result, frozen water which tends to fill the gap between the side plate of the device and the detecting plate easily falls away.

Abstract: An automatic mounting apparatus mounts chip-type electronic components on a printed circuit board. A plurality of chip-type electronic components are held at nearly equal intervals in the longitudinal direction of a tape, and this tape is drawn out from a tape reel to a feedout unit accommodated in a reel cassette together with the tape reel. The chip-type components are picked up one by one in sequence from the tape at the position of the feedout unit by a vacuum chuck, being placed on a predetermined position on the printed circuit board by this vacuum chuck. In the vicinity of the end of the tape holding the chip-type electronic components, a residual quantity indicator capable of mechanical detection is formed. When this residual quantity indicator is detected, the controller drives an alarm device such as, for example, a buzzer or a light emitter to inform that the chip-type electronic components on the tape will soon run out.

Abstract: A disc playing system for playing discs selected from a plurality of stored discs in succession, includes a disc storing part in which a plurality of disc storing slots are provided, a transportation means movable along a direction of arrangement of discs in the disc storing part, for transporting a selected disc from a disc storing slot to a playing position and vice versa, in which the disc storing part is provided is a plurality of guide members for guiding the disc transportation means into each of the disc storing slots, and a swingable member is provided to the transportation means, so that the selected disc is surely picked up from the storing slot and returned thereto. Due to this feature, the spaces between each disc stored in the disc storing part are reduced, and in turn the time required for changing the disc is reduced.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing machine provided with the ability to alter machine characteristics and to diagnose machine faults without additional fault indicating displays through use of beverage select buttons normally used to select a variety of beverage selections offered by the machine.

Abstract: Magazine dispensing apparatus has a housing with a delivery opening disposed in a lower region of a front wall of the housing. A number of selectively actuatable dispenser units are disposed within the housing. Each has a lower platform and a supporting structure for supporting and retaining a stack of magazines. The platform is formed with a forwardly and rearwardly extending slot through which runs the upper flight of an endless conveyor on which an ejector bar is connected. When the conveyor is actuated, it sweeps the ejector bar forwardly along the platform, displacing the lowermost magazine forwardly until it is free of the stack and falls freely downwardly to a chute which passes it to the delivery opening.

Abstract: A coin operated vending machine is provided for delivering the uppermost of a stack of generally horizontally disposed article such as newspapers, out a delivery opening or vending slot. The machine employs an upright pedestal with a top wall for supporting a stack of the articles to be dispensed, and an enclosing cabinet shell is telescopingly received over the upper end of the pedestal and has an article engaging dispensing slot. The pedestal supports the cabinet shell in telescopic position which changes incrementally each time a newspaper is vended. The article is rotated through an arc in the dispensing of the newspaper and a latch bar associated with the dispensing mechanism is movable to latched or unlatched position, dependent on whether or not proper coins have been inserted.

Abstract: An automatic disc playing system for playing selected ones of a plurality of discs stored therein in succession, includes a disc storing part for holding the discs, having a plurality of slots juxtaposed in a predetermined direction, a detection means for detecting the presence or absence of a disc in each of the slot, and a memory means for memorizing the number of vacant slots in accordance with the output signal of the detection means. The detection means is made up of a plurality of members provided to each of the slots, to be shifted when a disc is put in the slot, and a sensor means to be moved along the direction of the arrangement of the slots for detecting the position of each of the members provided to the slots.

Abstract: An automatic bank note transaction system according to the present invention is provided with a center CPU and a plurality of automatic bank note transaction apparatuses. The plurality of bank note transaction apparatuses is divided into a plurality of groups, and the system comprises a remaining bill monitor for producing data indicating from whcih apparatus of a group surplus bills are to be removed and which apparatus of the given group is to be replenished with the surplus bills.

Abstract: A machine for vending flat articles, such as newspapers, magazines and the like comprises an enclosed cabinet having a merchandise storage magazine with an inclined bottom wall and an inclined outlet chute substantially aligned with the magazine bottom wall and having a discharge opening communicating with the exterior of the cabinet, a series of connected vertically movable telescoping members forming a bar between the storage magazine and the outlet chute, endless chains extending vertically at both sides of the storage magazine and mounted at their opposite ends on sprockets mounted on shafts journaled in the magazine side walls, the uppermost of said telescoping members being connected at its sides to the respective chains, motor drivingly connected to one of said shafts for lowering the uppermost telescoping member to release individual articles from the storage magazine and permit them to slide over the uppermost telescoping member and onto the outlet chute, coin-actuated command module for energizing t

Abstract: A machine for vending flat articles such as newspapers, magazines and the like comprises an enclosed cabinet having a merchandise storage magazine with an inclined bottom wall and an inclined outlet chute substantially aligned with the magazine bottom wall and having a discharge opening communicating with the exterior of the cabinet, an upright vertically movable bar between the storage magazine and the outlet chute, power actuated means for lowering the bar to release individual articles from the magazine and permit them to slide over the bar onto the outlet chute, coin actuated means for energizing the power means, and means responsive to movement of a released article across the top of the bar for de-energizing the power means and interrupting downward movement of the bar after each article has passed from the magazine onto the outlet chute.

Abstract: An automated food dispensing system is disclosed which uses microwave energy to rapidly heat precooked food items, including complete meals, from low storage temperatures to elevated serving temperatures. Mechanical means are provided to almost instantaneously transport any one of several selectable food items from refrigerated storage compartments into a microwave heating chamber upon insertion of proper coinage or other validation and for automatic delivery of the heated meal or other food item through a delivery chute upon completion of a predetermined heating interval. Container means are provided to prevent the heating of certain food components, such as salads and cold desserts, while rapidly heating other items. Microwave transparent thermal insulation of the food container is provided to permit transportation of the refrigerated food contents with limited spoilage prior to its use and which maintains food items heated therein at elevated temperatures for prolonged periods after dispensing.

Abstract: A device for detecting and indicating a depletion of the supply of sheets in a sheet feeder of the type having a lifting arm used to lift the sheets toward a feeding member. The device utilizes the increased movement of the lifting arm due to the depleting stack to energize an indicator. The device also has the capability of utilizing magnetic members to latch the indicator in an energized condition until the supply of sheets is replenished, which then automatically de-energize the indicator.

Abstract: A remote depository for receiving bank transaction deposits in envelopes at an unmanned location under conditions of security. The depository has a belt conveyor having entry and exit ends, one of which is closed at all times. The conveyor discharges into a locked deposit receiver such as a container which may be locked when removing it from association with the conveyor. The container may be a sealed, tamper-indicating container latched to the conveyor when unlocked upon being connected with the container. The conveyor has a probe which enters the deposit receiver to sense when the receiver is filled to capacity. If the receiver is completely full, the probe disables the conveyor so that it will not accept additional deposit envelopes.

Abstract: A vending apparatus comprising (1) a storage area comprising a plurality of vertical chutes for storing rectangular boxes or chutes stacked vertically therein, each chute having a fixed ledge at one side of the lower end of the chute and a pivotally mounted ledge opposite to said fixed ledge and biased toward said fixed ledge, for holding and releasing boxes stacked in said chute; (2) a box retrieval mechanism comprising a carriage mounted on a guide and movable below said vertical chutes and in operational association therewith, a motor to drive said carriage, a release member mounted on said carriage for releasing a box from a chute onto said carriage; (3) a delivery area associated with the carriage guide whereby said carriage may approach said delivery area; (4) an arm to move a box from said carriage into said delivery area, and (5) electronic control circuit comprising a detector to sense an empty chute, a circuit arrangement to price each chute individually and alterably, an input to receive currency,

Abstract: In a vending machine, where the items are stored in separate, vertical compartments from the lower ends of which items are removable, one by one, by a selector mechanism comprising a displaceable frame, which embraces three sides of the battery. A front member of the frame carries a sensor, which reacts if a selected compartment should be emptied down to a predetermined level, and a rear member includes a feeding-out finger connected to an actuating mechanism. This is operated by an electric motor, and a governing circuit comprising two switches, which are operated by the position of the frame in relation to the battery, and by the reaction of the sensor at the selected compartment, respectively.

Abstract: An advertising display assembly having a plurality of modular card holder-ejector units each having a specific ad, mounted in an easily viewable face of a display cabinet. Each modular card holder-ejector unit having a holder for a stack of advertising cards and a single card ejector, illuminated advertising space, and an actuating button for the card ejector. Each modular unit is arranged for a quick and easy plug-in type replacement of a module in the display cabinet.

Abstract: Invention herein is an alarm system for product distribution systems. This system is designed to alert the operator of the distribution system in the event there is a blockage in the system or that the system may be empty and further simultaneously indicate at which distribution point the malfunction occurred.

Abstract: Banking equipment money dispensers wherein a bill picker removes paper money bills one at a time from stacked bills at a dispenser station. The stack of bills is delivered with maximum security in a sealed, loaded container from a central bank loading station. Bills are dispensed at the dispenser station through an access opening by a bill picker. The locked container delivered to the dispenser station is mounted on and locked to a retainer. Unlocking the container access and entry opening closure lock permits loading with a stack of bills and dispensing bills from the stack. The closure lock has duplicate keys for locking and unlocking the lock, one maintained protectively at the bank loading station and the other held captive by the dispenser retainer. The captive key can unlock the container lock only when the container is in retained position. The locked container during delivery cannot be opened without physical damage.

Abstract: A seed level sensor for automatic seed planting apparatus is provided with connecting plugs for connecting the seed level sensor to electrical leads presently existing between a seed dispensing sensor and a seed planter monitor. The seed level sensor includes a switching device connected in one of the lines of the electrical leads between the seed dispensing sensor and the seed planter monitor and which interrupts the operation of the seed dispensing sensor when the level of seeds within the hopper is below a predetermined level. An indicator associated with the seed planter monitor is energized for a given period of time when seeds are below the predetermined level, to alert the operator that a low seed level exists in the hopper.

Abstract: An article storage unit device for use in a vending machine used for discharging an article at one time. A housing of the unit device defines at least one vertically extending article storing space and has a bottom opening. The housing is provided with a first stop adjacent the bottom opening by which an article is held in the space. A predetermined number of articles are stacked on the lowermost article within the space. The housing is also provided with a second stop for holding an article adjacent to and above the lowermost article. The first stop is releasable to discharge the lowermost article through the bottom opening by the gravity. The second stop is normally released and operates to hold the article for at least a time period during which the first stop is released. For the first and second stop, a cam may be used which is mounted on a drive shaft. The article storing space is adjusted by moving a movable plate within the space.

Abstract: A monitor for use in a multi-row seed planting apparatus is provided for detecting seeds passing from a seed bin to a plurality of seed dispensers and for indicating by row number an improperly operating dispenser. A seed sensor is placed in the seed flow path of each dispenser to provide an output signal indicating that seeds are continuously flowing along the seed flow path through the dispenser. A two-digit seven-segment readout display is provided on the monitor and is coupled to the seed dispenser through logic circuitry which energizes the readout display to indicate the row number of an improperly operating seed dispenser.