Abstract: Methods of dispensing small piece goods include storing one or more small piece goods in a storage container for a storage and dispensing station, engaging a positioner of a retainer with a separating device to fix the retainer above a dispensing opening, securing, by a holder, the retainer against a concurrent rotation with the separating device. Also, aligning, by the holder, the retaining section with the dispensing opening, rotating the separating device within the housing to situate a first channel above the dispensing opening, preventing, via the retaining section, additional small piece goods from entering the first channel containing a first small piece good and dispensing the first small piece good through the dispensing opening. Methods of using a system for storage and dispensing of drug portions are also provided.

Abstract: Mechanisms for dispensing items such as medications and medical supplies. Different mechanisms may be tailored to dispensing different kinds of items, for example medications in single dose packages, vials, syringes, or other similarly-shaped items. The dispensers may be placed in a dispensing unit that includes a lockable restock drawer and a dispense drawer into which items are dispensed by the dispensing mechanisms. The various kinds of dispensing mechanisms may be installed in the restock drawer in any workable proportion and arrangement. The dispensing mechanisms include multiple sensing technologies for tracking and inventory of items and for accurate sensing of items as they are dispensed.

Abstract: A battery package includes a card, a cover attached to the card, a tray positioned between the card and the cover, batteries, and tabs. The cover includes an opening and a door. The door is movable between an open position to provide access to the opening and a closed position. The tray includes a plurality of receptacles in which are positioned the batteries. Each tab is removably attached to one of the batteries and is positioned between the cover and the battery. The tray is rotatable relative to the card and the cover about an axis of rotation to selectively align one of the receptacles with the opening in a battery removal position. With the door in the open position, the tab attached to the battery in the receptacle in the battery removal position is accessible through the opening from the front of the cover and the peripheral edge of the cover.

Abstract: A battery package includes a card and multiple battery packs. Each battery pack includes a cover attached to a portion of the card, and a tray positioned between the portion of the card and the cover. The cover includes an opening and a door. The door is movable between an open position and a closed position. The tray includes multiple receptacles. Each battery pack further includes multiple batteries and multiple tabs. Each battery is positioned within one of the receptacles. Each tab is removably attached to one of the batteries. The tray is rotatable relative to the portion of the card and the cover to selectively align one of the receptacles with the opening in a battery removal position. With the door in the open position, the tab attached to the battery in the receptacle in the battery removal position is accessible through the opening.

Abstract: Position-indexed storage device comprising a support and a basket installed on the support, the basket comprising a plurality of compartments distributed around a longitudinal axis, the basket comprising a central passage with a longitudinal axis, the support comprising a shaft with a longitudinal axis, the shaft being housed in the passage such that relative displacement is possible between the basket and the support along the longitudinal axis, and mechanical means for displacement of the basket relative to the support by a given angle about the longitudinal axis are supported by the internal surface of the passage and the external surface of the shaft, said mechanical displacement means being actuated in each cycle, each cycle comprising a relative separation or approach displacement along the longitudinal axis of the basket and the support.

Abstract: A medicine feeder configured to feed solid medicines with an elongated shape, the medicine feeder including: a medicine container having a medicine outlet; a medicine delivering part having a plurality of medicine receiving spaces that are arranged at intervals and contain the medicines one by one; and a medicine entry preventing part that is provided in the medicine container and is configured to prevent the medicines from entering one of the plurality of medicine receiving spaces that coincides with the medicine outlet by covering over the medicine receiving space. A bulkhead portion partitioning between each two of the medicine receiving spaces has a shape such that an upper surface of a portion close to a rear side in the rotational direction of the medicine delivering part rises toward a direction opposite to the rotational direction of the medicine delivering part.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for emptying a load carrier loaded with articles, in particular in the form of packages, which has a lateral outlet opening for removal of the articles. The apparatus includes a mount for the load carrier, a conveyor for carrying the articles away, and a conveyor ramp arranged upstream of the conveyor. The conveyor ramp and lateral outlet opening of the load carrier can be brought into contact with each other. The mount and conveyor ramp are pivotable into a position which is inclined with respect to the horizontal and in which the conveyor ramp is in contact with the lateral outlet opening of the load carrier. The mount and conveyor ramp are moveable relative to each other in the inclined position in such a way that the mount and the conveyor are moved toward each other.

Abstract: A machine having a machine housing and a machine base defining a housing axis. The machine housing has a top cover and a bottom cover including a hub with a shaped hole. A removable carousel is disposed within the machine housing along the machine axis with a plurality of tubes oriented parallel to the housing axis. The machine base has an interior and an exterior, and is operatively connected to the machine housing proximate the bottom cover. A mechanical mechanism is disposed partially in the interior of the machine base having an internal actuator cam, and a cam follower assembly, wherein the internal actuator cam and the cam follower are operatively connected to one another. The machine includes an ejector arm operatively interfaced with the mechanical mechanism, and a discharge chute disposed within the machine base including a first end and a second end.

Abstract: A medicament dispensing device comprises a first compartment, a second compartment and at least one opening accessible by a consumer and adapted to allow the consumer to retrieve a medicament package dispensed from one of the compartments. The first compartment receives and dispenses a corresponding first type of medicament package and has an internal configuration adapted to receive the first type of medicament package. The second compartments receives and dispenses a corresponding second type of medicament package and has an internal configuration that differs from the first compartment and that is adapted to receive the second type of medicament package but not the first type of medicament package.

Abstract: The present application provides a merchandiser. The merchandiser may include an ambient compartment with at least one ambient product therein, a temperature controlled compartment with at least one temperature controlled product therein, and a vending module in communication with the temperature controlled compartment such that the vending module dispenses a temperature controlled product in response to an ambient product being placed in the vending module.

Abstract: When a tablet housed in a groove is transported below the cover portion, the tablet falls downward from the dispensing hole. A main body portion includes a first fulcrum which serves as a fulcrum for a movement in which a part of the cover portion, which is in contact with the tablet when the cover portion and the tablet begin to contact each other, moves as a result of being pressed by the tablet, and a second fulcrum which serves as a fulcrum for a movement in which the part of the cover portion, which is in contact with the tablet, moves as a result of being pressed by the tablet after the movement of the main body portion and an extending portion supported by the first fulcrum is finished.

Abstract: A dispenser (200) and method for dispensing pills to patients from cartridges (224) featuring downloadable remotely programmable timer (1B) and network communications links (504), alerting timer, databasing, printer, and battery (60).

Abstract: The tablet cassette includes a division block installed to be rotated by a drive motor to discharge tablets introduced from above through transfer passages indented in an outer circumferential surface thereof. Each of the transfer passage includes a separation recess for downward transfer of the tablets, a lower end of which is blocked by a prop, and a supply recess along which the tablets having passed through the separation recess are moved on the outer circumferential surface of the division block to thereby be discharged downward via rotation of the division block. The tablet cassette further includes a bottom ring provided around a lower end of the division block to transfer the tablets located in the separation recess into the supply recess via rotation of the division block.

Abstract: A cartridge based dispensing system includes a cartridge having a rotatable compartmentalized receptacle for supporting a plurality of items in separate compartments along with a housing for removably supporting the cartridge. The housing includes an opening for enabling dispensing of an item from an aligned separate compartment and a mechanism is provided for rotating the receptacle within the cartridge in order to align compartments with the housing opening. The mechanism may be configured for causing different discrete angular rotations of the receptacle corresponding to compartment size.

Abstract: A vertical position and an entrance depth of a partitioning member are easily adjusted in accordance with the size of a tablet to be dispensed. Further, a rotor is easily demounted from a securement member fixed to a drive shaft. A side wall of a cassette body is formed with a plurality of slits, through which at least one elastic bristle penetrates, along a circumferential direction of the rotor. The slits extend in an axial direction of the rotor. A partitioning member is movable along the slit with the elastic bristle penetrating through the slit. When a cap is downwardly pressed, a pressing portion presses a flexible portion to thereby release the engagement between the flexible portion and an engagement portion and an elastic force of an arm portion urges a rotor upwardly.

Abstract: The invention is a button cell battery dispensing package (10) including a display card with front panel (12) and rear panel (30) and a flanged cover rotatably disposed with its flange (60) between the front and rear panels (1230). The cover (50) has blisters forming cavities (54) in which the batteries are disposed, with the blisters (56) protruding through an opening in the front panel. The cover (50) has one or more rearward projections (52) that can project into the cutouts (48) in the rear panel (30), to prevent free rotation of the cover (50) and hold a cavity in position adjacent to a battery access opening (36) to facilitate removal of a battery from the cavity (54). The cover (50) can be manually rotated by the user to sequentially index cavities into position adjacent to a battery access opening. The package (10) can include a door that can be closed to retain a cell in a cavity (54) adjacent to the battery access opening or opened to allow removal of the battery.

Abstract: An improvement in a gravity-feed display and dispensing apparatus and method in which rolling articles are advanced by gravity along an upper chute from a loading location to a transition chute where the rolling articles are transferred to a lower chute located vertically below the upper chute, with a concomitant reversal of the direction of travel of the rolling articles, and then along the lower chute to a dispensing location. A plurality of retarding members are placed in position serially along the transition chute to engage a rolling article and bump the rolling article so as to gradually retard the speed of movement of the rolling article as the article traverses the transition chute, thereby limiting the magnitude of forces generated by the reversal of the direction of movement of the rolling article as the rolling article traverses the transition chute and avoiding excessive speed of movement of the rolling article upon arrival of the rolling article adjacent the dispensing location.

Abstract: A tablet feeder including a tablet accommodating section (4) capable of accommodating a multiplicity of tablets A; a tablet array member (8) which is disposed in the tablet accommodating section (4) and which, while being driven and rotated, retains the tablets A one after another in pockets (11) formed in an outer periphery thereof and discharges the tablets at a discharge position; and a partitioning member (13) whose partitioning portion (14) having a shape of a brush partitions the pocket (11) so that the upper tablets A do not fall into the lower pocket (11). Thereby, the tablets A that are retained in the pocket (11) of the tablet array member (8) are discharged in a predetermined number. The partitioning member (13) includes a plurality of brush elements (15a, 15b) constituting a partitioning portion (14). At least part of the brush elements (15a) each has a tip that is bent in a U-shape. Thus, deformation of the brush elements (15a), constituting the partitioning member (13), can be surely prevented.

Abstract: An inventory control and prescription management and dispensing system including a dispensing vault for storing and dispensing prescriptions in communication with a central computer system which communicates with prescription providers, insurance companies and other third parties. The vault includes robotic means for dispensing pre-filled prescriptions with the aid of RFIDs, barcodes or other means for verifying the medication to be dispensed. The vault uses patient biometrics, a patient registration system, insurance information and doctor information to process the transaction and dispense a specifically labeled pre-filled prescription to the patient.

Abstract: The present invention provides a computer-readable storage medium containing computer executable code for instructing a computer to first display a field selection screen which includes selection indicators for a plurality of label fields. Then there is displayed a field content screen responsive to the label fields previously selected with the field content screen allowing editing of at least one label field. A bar code corresponding with one of said label fields is then selected and a print preview screen containing a plurality of said label fields is displayed. Then a print command for printing a label substantially as displayed on the print preview screen and including the bar code (regardless of whether or not said bar code is included on said print preview screen) is transmitted.

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 cassette device for an automatic medicine packaging apparatus includes a cassette main body that contains medicine, a dispensing block that aligns medicine for dispensing according to a prescription and a partitioning member that blocks medicine from discharging from the cassette main body and allows medicine to be discharged only when the partitioning member is controlled to discharge medicine according to the prescription. The partitioning member includes a non-deforming portion and a deforming portion that is connected to the non-deforming portion. The non-deforming portion contacts medicine aligned in the dispensing block. The deforming portion deforms when as external force is applied whereby the non-deforming portion can be displaced.

Abstract: An automated personal pill dispenser has one or more chambers for holding a supply of pills. A feed mechanism is associated with each chamber and is selectively operable to dispense an incremental number of pills from each respective chamber. A programmable controller is coupled to control and operate the feed mechanism. The controller has a timer, a memory and an input means and is programmably operable by the user and/or by remote input from a smart card, PDA or various networks such as one having access to data from a pharmacy. The programming presets at least one of a time and a number of pills to be dispensed from each chamber. The controller operates an alarm to alert the user and operates the feed mechanism to dispense pills at the preset time and number, also detecting the user's access to obtain the dispensed pills.

Abstract: A dispensing system dispensing items includes a dispensing station and a first conveyor for transporting containers to the dispensing station. The dispensing station includes a dispenser for dispensing items to the containers, a mechanism for spacing the containers to a predetermined pitch, a transfer wheel for removing the containers from the first conveyor, a star wheel for receiving the containers from the transfer wheel and for transporting the containers in synchronization with the dispenser, and a turret for removing the containers from the star wheel.

Abstract: An automated Meds dispenser system including a staging station for systematic loading of Meds into vials and an automated Meds dispenser for receiving and for subsequent distribution of Meds containing vials at multiple times over a period of multiple days. User friendly on-board circuitry and controls are provided to set the desired Meds distribution times. A positionable indexer plate accommodates the vials containing Meds which are loaded by the user or health care professional and subsequently distributed and presented by the automated Meds dispenser on a timely basis one vial at a time for use by a patient. The positionable indexer plate is advanced one position at a time as specified and stored in an onboard programmable microprocessor.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for removing tablets from a blister pack including formations for receiving the tablets and a rupturable foil member which seals the formations. The foil member is rupturable to allow removal of the tablets from the blister pack. The de-blistering apparatus works essentially by using an adhesive coated tape to mount and draw the blister pack through a depressing station and a foil removal station. In the depressing station, the foil which seals the tablet within the formations is ruptured and in the foil removal station the ruptured foil is removed from the blister pack to free the tablet.

Abstract: An arcade merchandise dispensing game delivers one or more visibly displayed articles from one of a plurality of pivotally mounted trays if a player causes a moving tripper to strike a portion of the tray so as to lift it far enough that one or more of the articles falls off the tray into a delivery chute. The strikable portion of the tray may be a tab that protrudes forward from the tray towards the player, where the width of the tab influences the probability of the tray's being struck. The tripper may be moved horizontally to and fro at a constant rate beneath the lowest of a number of rows of trays, and moved upwards in response to the player closing a momentary contact switch at an instant that the player believes is most likely to result in delivery of a desired one of the articles.

Abstract: A programmable vitamin and pill dispenser that is capable of storing multiple pill groups. The dispenser provides reminders to an individual when it is time to ingest the next serving. The serving is dispensed into a cup upon depressing a dispenser button. By loading the individual compartments specific to each serving, an individual does not have to create the serving each time.

Abstract: A portable medication cartridge allows for both manual and automated dispensing of tablets or capsules of virtually all sizes through a radial dispensing apparatus. The cartridge may be sealed and encoded with medication and patient identification. A microprocessor controlled medication dispensing apparatus includes a cartridge magazine capable of holding a plurality of cartridges for the same or different patients. The portable medication dispensing apparatus and method detects patient identification data and activates a radial dispensing medication cartridge in response to verification of patient identification data. The radial dispensing medication cartridge may include, for example, a tablet tray having a plurality of tablet stalls with at least a partially open top and side. The tablet and tray accommodates different sizes and types of tablets or capsules.

Abstract: An electronic drop-shelf vending device used within the vending industry to dispense packaged products. The device is a fully automatic and trouble-free electronic dispensing system that includes a micro-switch, a terminal block, a transformer, a solenoid, an electronic accumulative timing control module, an electronic multi-coin and/or multi token acceptor, and wiring interconnects. All of these components are operable together with one or more drop-shelf magazines in order to control the dispensing of the given packaged product by the action of the drop-shelf magazine via electronic triggering and electromechanical actuation.

Abstract: A feed device (10) for feeding blocks (40) of adhesive into a glue melt tank (6), comprising a magazine (12) divided into a plurality of segments (14), each segment (14) adapted to contain a block (40) of hot-melt adhesive; a plate (16) below the magazine (12) having an aperture (18) substantially the size of a segment (14); an side wall (24) surrounding the magazine (12); drive means (37) for moving either the magazine (12) of the plate (16); and indexing means (36) to control the drive means (37) so that each segment (14) is brought in turn into alignment with the aperture (18) in the plate (16).

Abstract: An article dispenser for individually dispensing a plurality of articles on a timed basis. A plurality of modules, each containing a magazine having a plurality of circumferentially spaced, open top and bottom ended article storage compartments and a rotatable disk having an aperture successively alignable with each storage compartment in the magazine, are vertically stacked in a column. A drive motor and timing dial rotates the disks through interlocking timed lugs mounted on each disk in a staggered, angular offset, timed relationship in which the apertures in each disk are angularly offset through the stack so that the articles in the storage compartments are successively transferred through the storage compartments of each successive module to the next lower module and from the lowermost module to a circular track disposed below the lowermost module.

Abstract: A squirrel cage-type article dispenser includes a tube having an upwardly open slot. The slot leads to an angled ramp within the tube leading to a semi-cylindrical dispensing chamber. A pivotable flap adjacent the ramp deters tampering. A ring-like plate has a circular periphery and a central opening slidable over the tube. A rotary squirrel cage includes an outer cylindrical wall to which the circular periphery of the plate may be releasably attached, and a plurality of radially inwardly extending ribs have respective inner extents configured such that the inner edges of the ribs slidably engage the outer surface of the tube when the squirrel cage is assembled thereover. Adjacent ribs define, with the inner surface of the cylindrical wall and the outer surface of the tube, individual sub-chambers sized and configured to store articles to be dispensed.

Abstract: A central motor-driven disk is formed with a row of open-bottomed pill-receiving virtually contiguous tubes about its border. The disk is surrounded by a first and second ring also having rows of pill-receiving open-bottomed tubes, the tubes come in to registry one-by-one with dispensing openings in a housing which supports these elements. Pills drop through a dispensing opening into a delivery drawer in the housing. Tab portions on the disk and the rings effect the driving by the disk of the first ring and then also the second ring as the pills in the previous ring or disk are dispensed.

Abstract: A method for removing parts from socketed tape sealed with sealing tape. The method comprises placing the socketed tape sealed with sealing tape in a channel with the socket openings facing the lower surface of the channel, stripping the sealing tape from the socketed tape through an orifice in the lower surface of the channel, and collecting the parts as the parts fall free from the socketed tape.

Abstract: A tablet feeder has a partitioning member that allows tablets to be separated properly without causing any faults such as cracking in the pockets of the tablet array board. Tablets A accommodated in the tablet accommodating portion 2 are retained one by one into the pockets of the tablet array board 8, divided into two by the partitioning member 14, and thereafter discharged out at a discharge position. The partitioning member 14 has its partitioning portion 15 made up from a plurality of elastic bristles 17 in a comb-like shape.

Abstract: A merchandise dispenser for dispensing merchandising prizes which are used in conjunction with coin operated amusement games. It includes a conveyor belt that follows a continuos path of travel within a housing, a control cabinet having an interface device which is connected to a remote coin operated device which offers an award based upon a score, points or achievement, a prize retrieval space contained within the housing, and an access door formed in the front of the housing to retrieve a prize.

Abstract: A single, traveling actuator services multiple medication dispensing carousels to selectively dispense medication. The traveling actuator carries a tray that receives the dispensed medication. The tray flips to discharge the medication for patient use. The single actuator simplifies operation and reduces drop distance, thereby leading to a compact, low profile assembly.

Abstract: A vending machine (10) is comprised of a platform assembly (110) encased by a transparent envelope (150) and supported by a anti-pilfering base (80) received within a housing (20). The platform assembly (110) includes a plurality of platforms (142) disposed about a helical path (260), and upon which articles to be vended are placed. A linkage assembly (170) includes a trigger means (210) and is operatively coupled between a latching mechanism (66) located within the housing (20) and at least one platform (142) to move the platform from a substantially horizontal plane to a substantially vertical downward position to discharge the article to be vended.

Abstract: An automatic golf ball dispenser wherein a hopper containing a large number of golf balls, which rest upon a rotary disc that is driven by a motor. To operate the dispenser, a customer deposits a form of currency into a control box, thereby actuating the rotary disc that will then dispense the desired number of golf balls to the customer. Controls contained within the control box govern various functions such as, how many balls are to be dispensed, ensuring that adequate safety features are in place, and checking that the dispenser is operating in a proper manner. The present invention also has an alternative wherein a signal is transmitted from the control box to a separate receiver indicating when the dispenser is in need of service.

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.

Abstract: The use of medication is common and many times is small but potent and should be taken on a timely basis. However, some people have a tendency to forget this and this creates medical and psychological problems. This unit is designed to prevent such occurrences. This unit is a machine that will allow a person to receive his or her medication on a timely basis. The machine will hold the medication in a series of small spaces and will rotate to allow the proper dose to be picked up via a fixed window.

Abstract: An automatic pill dispensing apparatus is provided having a plurality of cartridges supported in guide slots within a housing. The apparatus is integrated with a microprocessor operating according to an algorithm, which receives, stores and processes prescription schedule data. Each cartridge has a plurality of compartments disposed about its periphery for containing medication to be dispensed at proper intervals at a dispensing position. An alarm is sounded for the user when the cartridges are ready to be positioned for dispensing medication according to the prescription schedule. A dispense bar is manually actuated by the user to eject scheduled medication into a tray for user access. If the user fails to dispense scheduled medication, it is withheld to prevent double dosing at subsequent dispensing times. The plurality of cartridges enable filling by a pharmacist of independent multiple prescriptions.

Abstract: A device designed to attach to the side of a pool table. The device includes a plate which screws onto the side of the pool table and has a hole cut out of the center of it. One or more depressible stop members are mounted about the perimeter of the hole in the middle of the plate.A ticket dispensing wheel is rotatably mounted within the hole. The ticket dispensing wheel has a center aperture, or hub, and the wheel is enclosed by a cover. The cover includes a disc with a sleeve extending perpendicularly from the center thereof. The sleeve is capped on the end of the sleeve opposite the disc so that the cover can be mounted on the pool table. The sleeve fits within the center aperture of the ticket dispensing wheel and the wheel has an opening in the upper portion of it communicating with the axial cavity of the sleeve.The ticket dispensing wheel is generally pie-shaped and has a thickness proximating the thickness of the axial length of the sleeve.

Abstract: A medication dispensing and monitoring system of the present invention includes a housing containing a plurality of pill dispensing compartments for dispensing medication to a patient at a desired time. The invention is programmed to dispense medication at the desired time and activates alarms if the proper procedure is not completed. The invention also contacts the emergency personnel through phone lines and initiates two-way hands free communication between the patient and emergency personnel. The invention further includes a pendent transmitter worn by the patient to contact emergency personnel.

Abstract: A centrifuge instrument and a rotor therefor which is loaded with sample containers automatically by gravity through an opening in a cover located over a core and, subsequent to centrifugation, is unloaded automatically, again assisted by gravity, through an opening in a floor disposed beneath the core. A sample container loading arrangement is provided to hold a plurality of sample containers and to individually present sample containers to the rotor.

Abstract: A medication dispenser station is provided for automatic dispensing of medication in accordance with a prescription schedule for a patient. The station receives and supports a plurality of medication-containing cassettes in a vertical stack, with the cassettes having aligned discharge openings defining an open discharge chute. The cassettes, which may contain different medications to be administered at different times, includes scannable data identifying the medication and prescription schedule applicable to each cassette. A station read head scans the data to input information regarding the medication and administration schedule for each cassette to a station control unit. The control unit thereafter operates a station dispense head to engage the cassettes in a manner dispensing the medication via the discharge chute at the prescribed times. The thus-dispensed medication falls through the chute to an externally accessible receiver from which the medication can be removed by the patient.

Abstract: An automatic pill dispensing apparatus is provided having a plurality of cartri An au Vb pV:support in guide slots within a housing. The apparatus is integrated with a microprocessor operating according to an algorithm, which receives, stores and processes prescription schedule data. Each cartridge has a plurality of compartments disposed about its periphery for containing medication to be dispensed at proper intervals at a dispensing position. An alarm is sounded for the user when the cartridges are ready to be positioned for dispensing medication according to the prescription schedule. A dispense bar is manually actuated by the user to eject scheduled medication into a tray for user access. If the user fails to dispense scheduled medication, it is withheld to prevent double dosing at subsequent dispensing times. The plurality of cartridges enable filling by a pharmacist of independent multiple prescriptions.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing both plastic leaded chip carrier and small outline package electronic components from carrier tapes includes a platform which supports the carrier tape and a drum which receives the cover tape which is peeled away from the carrier tape thereby releasing the electronic components. The electronic components slide under the influence of gravity along an adjustable guide into a collecting tube which has been clamped to the adjustable guide. The adjustable guide is capable of a position substantially perpendicular to the platform and a position substantially parallel to the platform thereby facilitating detaping of both plastic leaded chip carrier components and small outline package components.

Abstract: A centrifuge instrument and a rotor therefor which is loaded with sample containers automatically by gravity through an opening in a cover located over a core and, subsequent to centrifugation, is unloaded automatically, again assisted by gravity, through an opening in a floor disposed beneath the core. A sample container loading arrangement is provided to hold a plurality of sample containers and to individually present sample containers to the rotor.