Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an exemplary cigarette case for receiving electronic cigarettes. The cigarette case includes a housing and a cover assembly pivotally coupled to the housing. The housing defines a chamber for receiving the electronic cigarettes, and includes an end surface. The cover assembly is rotatable around an axis perpendicular to the end surface between a first position where the chamber is covered by the cover assembly and a second position where the chamber is exposed.

Abstract: An instrument configured to determine the concentration of at least one analyte in a fluid is disclosed. The instrument comprises a display, a user-interface mechanism, and a body portion. The body portion houses a test-sensor cartridge and includes an opening configured to receive a test sensor from the test-sensor cartridge. The body portion further includes an indexer and an excise mechanism positioned within the body portion. The indexer includes an indexer face, a retention pin, a flexible pawl, and a user-accessible tab. The indexer is configured to rotate about the retention pin, which extends through a first aperture in the indexer face. The excise mechanism includes a push rod configured to extend through a second aperture in the indexer face and a bar coupled with and generally parallel to the push rod.

Abstract: In the separation of a cover tape 15e from a carrier tape 15 performed by a cover tape separating mechanism 50, a cover tape 15e, which is separated from a base tape 15a by a separating blade edge 51f, comes into contact with a concave conical surface 52c, so that one side portion of a cover tape 15e is bent toward the other side portion; and the bent cover tape 15e is pressed against a guide surface 32s from below while the carrier tape 15 is guided to a pick-up position. Accordingly, the cover tape 15e is folded on the base tape 15a in a flat shape.

Abstract: A tape feeder includes a guide part that guides a carrier tape and is detachably attached to a main body. The guide part includes: a lower member guiding the carrier tape and attached to and detached from the main body; an upper member pressing down the carrier tape from above; a tape introduction part guiding the carrier tape into the upper member at an upstream side thereof in a tape feed direction; a confirmation opening part disposed in the upper member for visually confirming that the carrier tape arrives at a pin engagement range; an open/close mechanism opening and closing the upper member with respect to the lower member; and a positioning mechanism fitting a positioning pin into a feed hole of the carrier tape in the guide part, thereby positioning the carrier tape relative to the guide part in the tape feed direction.

Abstract: A tape feeder includes a guide part that guides a carrier tape and is detachably attached to a main body. The guide part includes: a lower member guiding the carrier tape and attached to and detached from the main body; an upper member pressing down the carrier tape from above; a tape introduction part guiding the carrier tape into the upper member at an upstream side thereof in a tape feed direction; a confirmation opening part disposed in the upper member for visually confirming that the carrier tape arrives at a pin engagement range; an open/close mechanism opening and closing the upper member with respect to the lower member; and a positioning mechanism fitting a positioning pin into a feed hole of the carrier tape in the guide part, thereby positioning the carrier tape relative to the guide part in the tape feed direction.

Abstract: In a structure that exfoliation is performed in the pitch sending of a carrier tape (15) by making a cover tape exfoliating mechanism (50) intervene between joining surfaces of a base tape (15a) and a cover tape (15e), in an exfoliation start position where an exfoliating knife tip (51f) of an acuminate shape, which is provided at a front end, starts to exfoliate the joining surface, a lower guide member (40), which guides the carrier tape (15) from below, is pushed up from the bottom side by a lever member (44), and when the carrier tape (15) is installed, the carrier tape (15) is pushed up together with the lower guide member (40) to make the exfoliating knife tip (51f) in the exfoliation start position to be aligned to the joining surfaces and enter between the joining surfaces.

Abstract: A method of operation of a micro device feeder system includes: adjusting a distance between a movable drive plate and a mounting plate for aligning a carrier tape carrying a micro device to a center line for pick-up of the micro device by external device handling equipment; and configuring a tape handling mechanism, having a sprocket assembly, to accommodate a predetermined width of the carrier tape.

Abstract: A positioning mechanism, which determines the relative position of a carrier tape 15 in a tape feed direction by fitting alignment pins 37 to feed holes 15d in a lower member 31, and a cover tape separating mechanism 50, which is provided on an upper member 32 and exposes electronic components 16 stored in component pockets 15b by separating a cover tape 15e from a base tape 15, are provided at non-interference positions that do not interfere with each other when the upper member 32 is closed to the lower member 31. Accordingly, when the cover tape 15e is separated from the carrier tape 15, the carrier tape 15 is aligned with the guide section 30.

Abstract: A method for transferring an electronic component supported by a carrier to a desired position on a substrate include moving the carrier supporting the component relative to the substrate while the component is present on a side of the carrier facing towards the substrate, with the component is positioned opposite the desired position on the substrate. Then, a light beam is directed at the carrier, at the location of the component, from a side remote from the substrate, as a result of which a connection between the component and the carrier is broken and the component is transferred from the carrier to the substrate.

Abstract: A dispensing system and associated method provides a turnkey solution for dispensing pharmaceutical products such as solid medications and nutritional supplements to be taken orally in health care settings, including but not limited to long term care (LTC) and assisted living settings.

Abstract: The system includes a bin hopper which temporarily stores a plurality of small elements, such as medications. The elements are moved out of the bin and singulated into a one-by-one sequence by a series of singulating conveyors. The resulting sequence of elements is moved onto a main system conveyor where the element is identified and then moved to a loading mechanism which arranges the item so it is ready to be gripped and stored. The system includes a mass storage apparatus comprising a series of four upstanding cylindrical drums, each having a plurality of individually accessible and addressable cell storage locations for the elements. A gripping apparatus removes the elements from the loading mechanism and transfers them to a selected location in a cylindrical drum. When an article is to be dispensed, the drum is rotated so that an ejection arm comes adjacent the desired location in the drum.

Abstract: An article dispensing machine and article transport storage unit are shown that permit articles slated for inventory to be delivered in secure manner from a centralized inventory supply center to an article dispensing machine forming part of an article distribution system. The article transport storage unit is locked during transport from the supply center to the machine and does not become unlocked until fully installed within the machine.

Abstract: A method and a device for removing an analytic consumable product, in particular a test element, from a storage container having chambers which are sealed by foils from which the consumable product is pushed out by means of a plunger (7) can be optimized in that the magnitude of the thrusting force exercised by the plunger (7) during its forward motion can be controlled in dependence on the plunger (7) position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to device for quantitative and/or qualitative determination of the presence/absence of a substance in a body liquid comprising a rotatably arranged magazine containing a number of test electrodes intended to be brought into contact with a body liquid to be determined, an arm arranged to influence a test electrode to a relative movement relative to said magazine, whereby the arm comprises contact sheet metals arranged to releasably be fixed to said test electrode and arranged to return said test electrode to the magazine after a finished testing, as well as an arm contained in said device.

Abstract: A tray to tube manual exchanger is disclosed herein. The manual exchanger includes a tray-fastening module and a bi-axle-rotating module. The tray-fastening module includes a tray-fastening member, a buffer-rail substrate, and a tube-inserting member. The buffer-rail substrate having a plurality of rails is disposed under the tray-fastening member, and the tube-inserting member is disposed at the outlets of the plurality of rails for respectively receiving tubes. The bi-axle-rotating module is pivotally connected to the tray-fastening module. The tray-fastening module clips a tray carrying a plurality of packaged semiconductor devices at a horizontal position, followed by rotating 180 degrees around a second rotating axle of the bi-axle-rotating module, thereby falling the packaged semiconductor devices of each row of the tray onto each rail.

Abstract: A programmable item dispensing device is provided to assist in managing one's personal life. The device includes an enclosed housing having an access opening. A dispensing structure is movably mounted within the enclosed housing and provided with a series of dispensing compartments holding items used in managing one's personal life. A drive assembly is connected to the housing for driving the dispensing structure within the enclosed housing to move certain of the dispensing compartments into alignment with the access opening so as to enable dispensing of the items therethrough. A programmable control arrangement is attached to the housing for periodically controlling the drive assembly to move certain of the dispensing compartments into alignment with the access opening.

Abstract: A vehicle body clinch nut feeder (22) includes a dispensing head (54) having an inlet passage (60) through which oriented clinch nuts (26) are fed single file. The leading clinch nut is moved laterally to between clamping portions (64a, 66a) of a pair of clamp members (64, 66) of a clamp (62) where a second feed actuator (80) subsequently moves the clamped clinch nut downwardly to an opening (78) in a delivery member (76) where a robot end effector (32) receives the clinch nut in preparation for a clinching operation. An alignment mount (58) supports the dispensing head (54) on a support (56) for a horizontal movement in perpendicular horizontal directions to insure alignment of the robot end effector (32) with the clinch nut (26) to be received.

Abstract: Provided are tape feeding and recovering modules for a tape feeder, and a tape feeder including the tape feeding module and the recovering module. The tape feeding module feeds a tape storing a plurality of electronic components in a predetermined pitch by driving a sprocket which inserts its teeth into the tape. And the recovering module exposes the plurality of electrical components by removing a top cover from a top surface of the tape and discharges the top cover from the tape feeder.

Abstract: A container (100) for holding sterile goods (10) is described, including a container body (20) with at least one continuous receiving channel (21) having a cover (30) at least at one end, wherein a pushing ram is displaceably arranged in the receiving channel (21), whose ram length is shorter than the channel length of the receiving channel (21) so that a cavity (23) is formed in the receiving channel (21) to receive the sterile goods (10), which is closed towards the outside by the cover (30). A dispenser for sterile goods is also described which has an actuating device and the container (100).

Abstract: A carrier tape for a tape and reel machine includes at least one edge having a plurality of sprocket openings therein. The carrier tape also includes a first row of aperture cavities and a second row of aperture cavities. Electrical components are contained in the first and second row of aperture cavities. In some embodiments, the electrical components carried are the same, and in other embodiments, the electrical components carried in the first row differ from the electrical components carried in the second row.

Abstract: The system includes a bin hopper which temporarily stores a plurality of small elements, such as medications. The elements are moved out of the bin and singulated into a one-by-one sequence by a series of singulating conveyors. The resulting sequence of elements is moved onto a main system conveyor where the element is identified and then moved to a loading mechanism which arranges the item so it is ready to be gripped and stored. The system includes a mass storage apparatus comprising a series of four upstanding cylindrical drums, each having a plurality of individually accessible and addressable cell storage locations for the elements. A gripping apparatus removes the elements from the loading mechanism and transfers them to a selected location in a cylindrical drum. When an article is to be dispensed, the drum is rotated so that an ejection arm comes adjacent the desired location in the drum.

Abstract: The system includes a bin hopper which temporarily stores a plurality of small elements, such as medications. The elements are moved out of the bin and singulated into a one-by-one sequence by a series of singulating conveyors. The resulting sequence of elements is moved onto a main system conveyor where the element is identified and then moved to a loading mechanism which arranges the item so it is ready to be gripped and stored. The system includes a mass storage apparatus comprising a series of four upstanding cylindrical drums, each having a plurality of individually accessible and addressable cell storage locations for the elements. A gripping apparatus removes the elements from the loading mechanism and transfers them to a selected location in a cylindrical drum. When an article is to be dispensed, the drum is rotated so that an ejection arm comes adjacent the desired location in the drum.

Abstract: A vend mechanism for transferring articles, or prizes, to a receiving area of a vending machine accessible from outside the machine, including an amusement game machine, has a plurality of conveyors arranged radially on each of a plurality of spaced plates. A first drive mechanism is provided to rotate an assembly of the plates so that a selected column of conveyors is in alignment with the receiving area and, for each plate, a second drive mechanism is provided to operate the conveyor that is in the transferring orientation so that an article, or prize, on the conveyor is transferred to the receiving area.

Abstract: An automatic single object dispenser has storage elements provided with a drum with a horizontal axis on the periphery of which are formed receptacles radially oriented to receive each an object through an opening and a delivery zone whereat the user can collect the selected object, the drum being driven in rotation to bring the selected object to the delivery zone. The dispenser includes elements for ejecting the selected object when it reaches the delivery zone. The dispenser is useful for selling or renting out articles and in particular video cassettes or compact discs.

Abstract: Storage device with variable storage capacity. The storage device includes an input area, an output area, a continuous conveying element connecting the input area to the output area. The continuous conveying element is guided by guide elements in a looping manner from the input area to the output area, whereby the continuous conveying element defines a multi-layered storage area adapted to store products and a multi-layered return area adapted to be free of products. The multi-layered storage and return areas are arranged side by side and change in length depending on a state of fullness of the storage device while an overall length of the continuous conveying element remains generally constant. At least one storage layer of the multi-layered storage area and at least one storage layer of the multi-layered return area is arranged on a common horizontal plane. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A system for accessing small items that are stored in a secure manner for controlled access thereto by access mode or access code, which system is based upon a series of modules having a plurality of storage cartridges therein, which modules are disposed in a box and a plurality of boxes are housed in a cabinet. The cabinet and specific cartridge are accessed by an access mode such as a coin, bill, credit card, access code as by keypad or computer generated among others. A signal is sent to a solenoid which impacts a latch which moves downwardly and releases from engagement with the cartridge. A latch spring returns the latch to its original position. An ejection spring kicks the cartridge forward for the user to gain access to the contents thereof. Reinsertion of the cartridge reverses the procedure to re-engage the latch with the cartridge's down hanging metal strip.

Abstract: A product dispenser is provided that enables product to be released from an adhesive attachment and transition from the interior of the dispenser to the exterior of the dispenser using a single rotation motion. The dispenser comprises a product platform, product adhesively secured to a strip and a base. The product platform comprises an upper surface and a lower surface and an opening through the platform. The adhesive strip comprises two major surfaces, one of which is free of adhesive and one with adhesive located on at least a portion thereof. The base comprises an upper surface and a lower surface and an opening through the base. The adhesive strip is threaded through both the product platform opening and the base opening and one end of the strip is attached to the lower surface of the base. The product platform and the base are fitted together so as to be rotatable with respect to each other about a common axis, with the lower surface of the product platform facing the upper surface of the base.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for supplying electronic components to a pick-up position, for example for automatically picking up and mounting said components on a printed circuit board by means of a mounting device, at least two supply carriers (8a,8b) being movable towards said pickup-position (7) by transport means, which carriers are each provided with recessed portions (9a,9b) containing respective electronic components, while said recessed portions are shielded off by means of a covering (10a,10b) which is removable during use. The invention aims to provide a tape-feeder of this kind with multiple tape supplies, wherein the mounting device can handle more electronic components whilst maintaining the width of the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing articles is provided which comprises a housing for retaining a circular, or substantially circular, medicament container, wherein the housing comprises a dispensing aperture registerable with a single medicament cell of the medicament container; and means for locking the medicament container in a locked, non-rotating dispensing position; wherein the medicament container comprises a plurality of medicament cells containing contents to be dispensed, and is moveable between a freely rotatable, non-dispensing position and the locked, non-rotating dispensing position such that when the medicament container is in the freely rotatable, non-dispensing position, the single medicament cell is out of registry with the dispensing aperture of the housing, and when the medicament container is in the locked, non-rotating dispensing position, the single medicament cell and the dispensing aperture of the housing are in registry, such that only contents contained in the single medicament cell may be

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing pills packaged in a pack comprising a base and a top rotatably mounted on the base and defining a housing for the pill pack, a plunger mounted in the housing operable between inner and outer limit positions and having means for discharging one of the pills in the pack during cycling of the plunger between limit positions, means for rotating the pack only one pill increment at a time and child resistant means normally preventing cycling of the plunger between limit positions.

Abstract: A product dispenser comprising a cover, a slidable push element, a base and a landing is provided. The cover and the base are rotatable with respect to each other about a common axis. The cover comprises a roof opening in which the push element slides in opposing directions, advancing product from the interior of the cover onto the landing. In a preferred embodiment, the dispenser houses miniature zinc air batteries, secured to the base using an adhesive layer. When a cell is advanced from the interior of the cover onto the landing, the cell is separated from the adhesive layer, allowing air to pass into the cell and the cell to be activated. The landing preferably comprises a magnet for releasably securing product. The dispenser is then used as an inserter for orienting and placing the product in position in a device. The product is not directly handled during its removal from the dispenser or during its insertion into a device.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlled dispensing of a plurality of objects, the apparatus comprising a housing and frame assembly, a track assembly comprising a pair of parallel spaced apart tracks shaped in a convoluted closed loop shape to optimize space and volume, and a plurality of tubes disposed within the track assembly and able to move within the tracks. A dispensing assembly has a pneumatic ram for ejecting an object placed in the tube, and an indexing assembly for advancing the tube after ejection of its object. A ratchet assembly permits one directional movement of the tubes and prevents tubes from moving backward to the dispensing assembly. At least one assist advancing assembly has a pneumatic ram for pushing the tubes within the track in one direction. Photosensors used in conjunction with a microprocessor controller enable the apparatus to detect low object load, speed and system error. A user display provides for control of the apparatus.

Abstract: A system for dispensing pill- or capsule-form medications (61) in desired doses (60). The system comprises a dispensing device (35), which includes a cartridge (20, 40) rotatable relative to a housing or frame (10) and provided with discrete dosage compartments (27, 47) for desired doses of medication. The cartridge (20, 40) is manipulated by elements (18, 18a, 18b; 14a, 14b, 15, 18, 19), whereby each separate dosage compartment (27, 47) is rotatable relative to the housing or frame (10) to a dispensing point (4, 12) for the dose of medication (60). A signalling device (75, 76) producing a sound and/or light signal activates at pre-programmed times. An electronics unit (19, 55) containing a dispensing program is reprogrammable by means of an external programming device (36, 66, 101, 102).

Abstract: A quick-change roll-fed labeling machine system includes a conveyor for moving articles to be labeled, an infeed screw assembly for spacing and stabilizing the articles, a rotatable starwheel assembly having a plurality of spaced pockets for receiving individual ones of the articles therein, a rotatable vacuum drum assembly, and a supply of roll fed labels, wherein the labels are dispensed singly onto a label receiving face of the rotatable vacuum drum assembly. Both the starwheel assembly and the vacuum drum assembly comprise a plurality of segments for convenient change-out when necessary.

Abstract: A storage container for holding analytical devices, the storage container being made of a rigid material and containing separate chambers in each of which at most one analytical device can be accommodated, wherein the chambers are in a regular geometric arrangement in relation to one another and each of the chambers has at least two opposite openings each sealed by a foil, wherein at least one of the chambers comprises a means for fixing the position of an analytical device in the chamber. In addition the invention concerns a system for storing analytical devices containing a storage container according to the invention and two or more analytical devices.

Abstract: A method and a device for removing an analytic consumable product, in particular a test element, from a storage container having chambers which are sealed by foils from which the consumable product is pushed out by means of a plunger (7) can be optimized in that the magnitude of the thrusting force exercised by the plunger (7) during its forward motion can be controlled in dependence on the plunger (7) position.

Abstract: A method and a device for removing an analytic consumable product, in particular a test element, from a storage container having chambers which are sealed by foils from which the consumable product is pushed out by means of a plunger (7) can be optimized in that the magnitude of the thrusting force exercised by the plunger (7) during its forward motion can be controlled in dependence on the plunger (7) position.

Abstract: A storage container for holding analytical devices, the storage container being made of a rigid material and containing separate chambers in each of which at most one analytical device can be accommodated, wherein the chambers are in a regular geometric arrangement in relation to one another and each of the chambers has at least two opposite openings each sealed by a foil, wherein at least one of the chambers comprises a means for fixing the position of an analytical device in the chamber. In addition the invention concerns a system for storing analytical devices containing a storage container according to the invention and two or more analytical devices.

Abstract: A product dispenser comprising a cover, a slidable push element, a base and a landing is provided. The cover and the base are rotatable with respect to each other about a common axis. The cover comprises a roof opening in which the push element slides in opposing directions, advancing product from the interior of the cover onto the landing. In a preferred embodiment, the dispenser houses miniature zinc air batteries, secured to the base using an adhesive layer. When a cell is advanced from the interior of the cover onto the landing, the cell is separated from the adhesive layer, allowing air to pass into the cell and the cell to be activated. The landing preferably comprises a magnet for releasably securing product. The dispenser is then used as an inserter for orienting and placing the product in position in a device. The product is not directly handled during its removal from the dispenser or during its insertion into a device.

Abstract: A method and a device for removing an analytic consumable product, in particular a test element, from a storage container having chambers which are sealed by foils from which the consumable product is pushed out by means of a plunger (7) can be optimized in that the magnitude of the thrusting force exercised by the plunger (7) during its forward motion can be controlled in dependence on the plunger (7) position.

Abstract: A method of planting field seeds in rows with different varieties of seeds involves determining the variety of the seeds to be planted; placing the seeds for rows of predetermined length in different groups in elongated cell pack strips for each variety, with each cell pack strip including individual cells with individual seeds. A plurality of subgroups of cell pack strips are selected sequentially from the groups of cell pack strips in chronological order that they are to be planted in a single row in a field. The subgroups are then placed in magazines to maintain the order of the subgroups for the subsequent planting. The locations in a field are determined where the varieties are to be planted. The magazines are mounted on a field row planter with the magazines being associated with rows in the field to which the respective magazines correspond. The planter is moved longitudinally through the field.

Abstract: An improved card feeding apparatus and associated method for feeding plastic cards to a printer. The apparatus can be used in any system where plastic cards are fed into a printer, but has particular use in a self-service, automated card issuance kiosk. The apparatus includes a support structure, and a card cassette is mounted on the support structure for holding a plurality of cards. The card cassette is moveable relative to the support structure, with the card cassette defining a discrete position for each card. A card picker is mounted on the support structure, with the card picker being capable of picking any one of the plurality of cards from the card cassette. Since each card has a discrete position within the card cassette, the card cassette can be moved past the card picker and any one of the cards within the card cassette can be picked by the card picker, and subsequently fed to a printer to personalize the card.

Abstract: The invention provides a child-resistant apparatus for dispensing articles which comprises a housing for retaining a blister package wherein the, housing comprises a dispensing aperture; optionally, but preferably, a blister package comprising at least one blister cell containing an article to be dispensed; and a substantially rigid backing sheet substantially co-extensive with, and substantially blocking, the dispensing aperture wherein the backing sheet comprises exposed end portions, such that pressure applied on either exposed end portion individually, or on both exposed end portions simultaneously of the backing sheet, imparts arcuate flexure thereto and dislocation thereof from the substantially co-extensive, and substantially blocking position, to a position where the dispensing aperture is unblocked permitting the article contained in the blister cell to be dispensed.

Abstract: A product dispenser comprising a cover, a slidable push element, a base and a landing is provided. The cover and the base are rotatable with respect to each other about a common axis. The cover comprises a roof opening in which the push element slides in opposing directions, advancing product from the interior of the cover onto the landing. In a preferred embodiment, the dispenser houses miniature zinc air batteries, secured to the base using an adhesive layer. When a cell is advanced from the interior of the cover onto the landing, the cell is separated from the adhesive layer, allowing air to pass into the cell and the cell to be activated. The landing preferably comprises a magnet for releasably securing product. The dispenser is then used as an inserter for orienting and placing the product in position in a device. The product is not directly handled during its removal from the dispenser or during its insertion into a device.

Abstract: A lock mechanism for a hook in which a premium suspended in a hook can be taken out at a predetermined drop position within a casing is provided. The mechanism comprises a base member (40), a hook (10) fixed to the base body (40), and a lock portion (20) for closing an open portion in the hook (10) at the portion other than the predetermined drop position, the lock portion (20) comprises a support point portion (21) axially supported to the base body (40), a rotating piece (22) capable of rotating to both of normal and inverse directions around the support point portion (21) and an operating portion (50) for rotating the rotating piece (22), and the rotating piece (22) is structured such that an end portion thereof is brought into contact with the hook (10) at the position other than the predetermined drop position and at the predetermined position, the rotating piece (22) is rotated so that the premium (60) can move.

Abstract: A tape feeder for a part mounter including a guide frame into which first through third guide portions and a stripper are incorporated, a driving motor installed on the rear surface of the guide frame, first through third gears for transmitting the power of the driving motor, a sprocket coaxially installed on the third gear, the sprocket having teeth formed on the outer circumferential surface to be inserted into grooves formed on the tape having parts attached thereto and a plurality of slots formed along the circumference of the sprocket, a cover take-up apparatus assembly having a first pulley installed on one gear among the first and second gears, a belt hung on the first pulley, a second pulley which rotates by a driving force transmitted via the belt, and a take-up reel installed coaxially with respect to the second pulley, a cover tension apparatus assembly having an axle gear interlocked with the third gear, a peel roller which is installed coaxially with the axle gear and rotates, and a pinch roller

Abstract: A unit for orienting and supplying bottom shells, the unit having a drum rotating about a vertical axis and in turn having a number of seats, each for housing one bottom shell at a time; the unit also having a hopper for successively feeding a bottom shell into each seat on the drum; and an ejecting pin for successively ejecting each bottom shell from the respective seat so that the bottom shell drops inside an unloading conduit connected to the seat; the bottom shell being positioned indifferently, inside each seat, with the concavity facing inwards or outwards of the seat; and each seat being so formed that the bottom shell transferred into the unloading conduit is always oriented the same way; a pocket conveyor also being provided to pick up the succession of equioriented bottom shells issuing from the unloading conduits.

Abstract: An electronic component feeder is provided for feeding electronic components in their stable position into an electronic component mounting apparatus and allowing the taking up of a top tape with high stability thus increasing the speed of component mounting action. As the top tape (4) is being taken up on a reel (42), a shutter (34) moves backward together with a slit (51) provided integral on the shutter (34). The turning in the tape take-up direction of the reel (42) is driven by the restoring force of a return spring (39). When the reel (42) has completed its take-up motion, the electronic component (1) can be picked up at a component pick-up location with the shutter (34) staying backward. A stationary roller (31) is provided between the slit (51) and the reel (42) and a movable roller (32) is provided for keeping the length of the top tape (4) between the slit (51) and the stationary roller (31) substantially constant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic transplanter. More specifically, the invention relates to a mechanism for transferring seedlings or plants from plant trays or flats in which they have been grown or propagated onto a conveyor for delivering to means for effecting transplanting into a field.

Abstract: An article packaging system for an automated article dispensing mechanism includes a plurality of clamshell-like containers attached together by side support rails. Each clamshell includes two semi-cylindrical halves pivotably mounted together and pivotable between open and closed positions. Resilient elongated bands bias the cylindrical halves in the direction of closure. When two adjacent pairs of rails are pivoted in one direction with respect to one another, the clamshells are maintained closed. Conversely, when two pairs of side support rails are pivoted in another direction with respect to one another, the cylindrical halves pivot with respect to one another to open a clamshell. The dispensing mechanism may be guided through the use of a sprocket or sprockets or, alternatively, side supports with guide slots receiving pins extending laterally from the side support rails may be employed.