Abstract: A method of installing and removing a rotation mechanism within a plurality of pill dispensing assemblies, the method including installing the rotation mechanism in a first pill dispensing assembly of the plurality of pill dispensing assemblies, removing the rotation mechanism from the first pill dispensing assembly, and installing the rotation mechanism in a second pill dispensing assembly of the plurality of pill dispensing assemblies.

Abstract: Provided is a dispensing box for a drug-containing ampoule. The dispensing box for the drug-containing ampoule includes a partition member including a partition wall for partitioning a plurality of unit cells in which ampoules are stored, a shutter opening or closing a lower portion of each of the unit cells partitioned by the partition member, a driving unit operating the shutter, a conveyer on which a dropping ampoule is seated when the lower end of each of the unit cells is opened, and a discharge hole defined in an end of the conveyer to dispense the ampoule seated on the conveyer when the conveyer is operated. A drug storage matrix in which the drug-containing ampoule is stored may be provided, and a shutter device for dispensing the drug-containing ampoule may be provided to easily dispense the drug-containing ampoule.

Abstract: The invention relates to a golf ball dispenser having an upper container which houses the golf balls and a flange which receives the balls from the container and which supplies the balls individually to a dispensing arm. The dispensing arm, which is disposed such that it is essentially vertical in the rest position, includes structure for pivoting around a horizontal axis when a golf ball is being dispensed, the pivot structure is disposed in the upper part thereof close to the above-mentioned flange.

Abstract: A dispenser comprising a first barrier, and a second barrier that is spaced apart from the first barrier. These two barriers define a first item-receiving space between the barriers, and the second barrier at least partially defines a second item-receiving space behind the second barrier. The first barrier is adapted to move between: (A) a first-barrier-closed position in which the first barrier restricts access to the first item-receiving space, and (B) a first-barrier-open position in which the first barrier permits access to the first item-receiving space. Similarly, the second barrier is adapted to move between: (A) a second-barrier-closed position in which the second barrier restricts access to the second item-receiving space, and (B) a second-barrier-open position in which the second barrier permits access to the second item-receiving space. The dispenser may comprise a third barrier, and the first, second, and third barriers may be positioned in a substantially horizontal array.

Abstract: A pill dispensing package that includes a circular base having a pill dispensing opening adjacent to its periphery. A circular package disk has a peripheral array of frangible elements containing pills to be dispensed disposed for selective alignment with the base dispensing opening, and indicia for indicating dosage periodicity. A circular cover overlies the package disk, and is moveably secured to the base. The cover has a window for observing the periodicity indicia on the package disk, and a button for manual urging against the package disk to dispense a pill through the base opening from the frangible element aligned with the opening. The cover is resiliently urged axially away from the base and circumferentially with respect to the base, and is constructed to permit limited axial and circumferential movement with respect to the base.

Abstract: A portable electrically operable and tamper resistant medication dispenser for supplying multiple daily medications to a patient on a predetermined schedule and which includes a programmable assembly for indexing a plurality of containers which are filled with the medications to a dispenser outlet.

Abstract: A chip feeder for feeding chips stored in bulk in a case thereof, one by one, from a chip-supply portion thereof, the chip feeder including a partition plate which parts an inner space of the case into a plurality of rooms, the partition plate having an opening which extends in a direction intersecting a horizontal plane and which communicates the respective rooms on both sides of the partition plate, with each other, a movable partition member which extends across the opening of the partition plate and which is movable relative to the opening in the direction intersecting the horizontal plane, and a movable-partition-member control device which controls the movable partition member so that a lower portion of the movable partition member sinks in an upper portion of a mass of the chips stored in bulk in the case and an upper portion of the movable partition member projects upward from the mass of the chips.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tablet dispenser for consecutive administering of tablets, the dispenser having a circular container (21) in which tablets are stored in a number of compartments (24) along the perimeter of the container, and a circular lid (22) concentric with the container, which lid (24) covers the compartments (24) and has a dispensing opening allowing access to one compartment at the time when the lid is rotated relative to the container. A cylindrical surface on the container part forms a pawl wheel provided with teeth (32) each having a ramp shaped and a steep edge and the lid (22) is provided with elongated, flexible pawls (30) which are at one end fixed to the lid (22) and follows a chord of the circular device to engage the teeth (32) of the pawl wheel by its other free end.

Abstract: A portable electrically operable and tamper resistant medication dispenser for supplying multiple daily medications to a patient on a predetermined schedule and which includes a programmable assembly for indexing a plurality of containers which are filled with the medications to a dispenser outlet.

Abstract: This invention relates to a substantially circular tablet dispenser component system which may be adapted for a variable day start of a prescribed periodic tablet regimen. Also provided are a tablet dispenser kit, a tablet package adapted for filling the tablet dispenser system, methods of filling the tablet dispenser of the invention and methods of administering a prescribed regimen of medication using the tablet dispenser system of the invention, with both "any day start" (i.e., start of the therapy on any day of the week) and "any therapy package" (i.e., not only contraceptives).

Abstract: A component carrier assembly includes component holders each for holding a component therein and connected to one another in a form of a tape carrier. Each holder is provided with a cavity to accommodate the component, a closure for shutting an opening of the cavity, and a device for securing the lid structure in a closed position. An apparatus for feeding the component carrier includes a device for transferring the component carrier, a device for forcibly opening a closure of a component holder transferred to a predetermined position, and a device for forcibly closing the closure of the component holder after a component is removed from the cavity.

Abstract: This invention relates to a substantially circular tablet dispenser component system which may be adapted for a variable day start of a prescribed periodic tablet regimen. Also provided are a tablet dispenser kit, a tablet packge adapted for filling the tablet dispenser system, methods of filling the tablet dispenser of the invention and methods of administering a prescribed regimen of medication using the tablet dispenser system of the invention.

Abstract: This invention relates to a substantially circular tablet dispenser component system which may be adapted for a variable day start of a prescribed periodic tablet regimen. Also provided are a tablet dispenser kit, a tablet packge adapted for filling the tablet dispenser system, methods of filling the tablet dispenser of the invention and methods of administering a prescribed regimen of medication using the tablet dispenser system of the invention.

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 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 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 present invention is directed to a self-actuating dispenser for a regimen of pills satisfying the needs discussed herein above. A self-actuating dispenser having the features of the present invention comprises a base, a pill container, and a means for cyclically indexing the pill container with respect to the base. The base has a pill exit aperture. The pill container, which houses the pills in individual compartments or cells, is movably attached to the base such that any pill cell can be aligned with the pill exit aperture. The pill cells are provided with open bottoms for loading and dispensing which are covered over by the base when attached thereto. The means for cyclically indexing provides that each pill cell in turn is brought into alignment with the pill exit aperture thereby singly dropping the resident pills in a series of dispensing cycles.

Abstract: A machine for dispensing individual copies of a periodical. The inventive device includes a housing having a dispensing aperture extending through a front wall thereof. A hopper is mounted within the housing and includes a plurality of separate receiving bins for receiving an individual periodical. A coin changer receives coins to open an individual receiving bin to dispense a periodical through the slot in the housing to a customer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a substantially circular tablet dispenser component system which may be adapted for a variable day start of a prescribed periodic tablet regimen. Also provided are a tablet dispenser kit, a tablet package adapted for filling the tablet dispenser system, methods of filling the tablet dispenser of the invention and methods of administering a prescribed regimen of medication using the tablet dispenser system of the invention.

Abstract: This invention relates to a substantially circular tablet dispenser component system which may be adapted for a variable day start of a prescribed periodic tablet regimen. Also provided are a tablet dispenser kit, a tablet package adapted for filling the tablet dispenser system, methods of filling the tablet dispenser of the invention and methods of administering a prescribed regimen of medication using the tablet dispenser system of the invention.

Abstract: This invention relates to a substantially circular tablet dispenser component system which may be adapted for a variable day start of a prescribed periodic tablet regimen. Also provided are a tablet dispenser kit, a tablet package adapted for filling the tablet dispenser system, methods of filling the tablet dispenser of the invention and methods of administering a prescribed regimen of medication using the tablet dispenser system of the invention.

Abstract: A lollipop dispenser apparatus having a main support housing assembly with a dispenser housing assembly mounted thereon, both constructed of a transparent material for customer appeal. A product support and dispensing assembly has a product support and display assembly within the dispenser housing assembly and a product dispensing assembly within the main support housing assembly and interconnected to each other. The product support and display assembly has a plurality of product support and anchor assemblies operable to have various vertically spaced dispensing levels, each having a plurality of lollipop members supported by an outer end of respective lollipop support sticks and presented in a radial wheel fashion. The product dispensing assembly includes a plurality of spaced motor drive assemblies, each connected to a respective gear drive assembly to selectively rotate the product support and anchor assembly to dispense a lollipop member therefrom under the force of gravity.

Abstract: Dispenser for selectively dispensing contents includes a first element having a base portion and a peripheral sidewall that defines a cavity, and a second element rotatably mounted within the cavity. A number of compartments are provided along a peripheral portion of the upper surface of the second element. Each compartment is marked by indicia, and includes a sloped bottom wall, an open top, and an open outer end facing the peripheral sidewall so the contents loaded within the dispenser are contained within the compartments by the peripheral sidewall. An outlet is formed through the peripheral sidewall, and a tray member extends from the peripheral sidewall proximate to the outlet so the contents contained within a selected compartment are dispensed onto and retained by a retaining portion of the tray member when the second element is rotated relative to the first element. A transparent cover member that is moveable between a closed position and an open position is attached to the second element by hinges.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tablet dispenser, including a dispenser housing, a replaceable tablet package to be accommodated in the housing, an adjustable periodicity indicator and a single tablet dispensing aperture in the dispenser cover. The tablet package includes a cover, rotatably connected to the bottom portion of the package and provided with an opening which, upon use of the dispenser, is in alignment with the tablet dispensing aperture. The dispenser further includes a locking device to compel joint rotational movement of periodicity indicator and package bottom portion, and an operating member to effect stepwise rotation of the package bottom portion relative to said package cover.

Abstract: An automatic pill dispensing apparatus is provided having a plurality of cartridges mounted on a common rotatable shaft within a housing. Each cartridge has a plurality of compartments disposed about its periphery for containing medication to be dispensed at proper intervals. An alarm is sounded for the user when the cartridges are in position for dispensing medication. A dispense bar is manually actuated by the user to eject medication into a tray for user access. The plurality of cartridges enable filling by a pharmacist of independent multiple prescriptions. The use of a manually automated dispensing bar eliminates the possibility of overdosage by taking accumulated, unused medication. A dislodging wire sweeps through each compartment as the dispense bar is depressed, thereby dislodging the medication from the compartment for user access.

Abstract: A soft-throw machine is disclosed that dispenses softballs or baseballs or other articles one at a time (or alternatively, a selected plurality or multiplicity at a time) from a reservoir onto a chute for delivery to a hitting area where a person may strike the ball. In addition to its automatic dispensing, soft-throwing capability, the machine is specially designed for quiet operation to decrease the possibility that the striker or batter can anticipate delivery of the ball.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the sequential treatment of immersed objects with dissolved reagents which is particularly suitable for the treatment of contact lenses. The invention further relates to a kit consisting of the above-mentioned device and a container in which unit doses of reagents are stored.

Abstract: A linear magazine for storing and automatically dispensing objects (10) disposed in stacks or in lines within juxtaposed bins (1) includes an extractor cartridge (20) associated with each bin and co-operating with a cog belt (50) which is common to all of the bins. The invention is applicable to dispensing cassettes, books, cigarettes, spare parts, etc.

Abstract: An automated delivery system includes a unitary wheel assembly having a plurality of horizontally disposed tiers each supporting a plurality of radially extending product bins. Electronic control components including customer interfacing devices, regulate the operation of a motor to rotate the wheel assembly to position a specific bin juxtaposed a single, fixed delivery chute, at which point one stationary discharge assistant as provided for each tier is actuated to manipulate a gate assembly associated with each bin to cause the discharge of its product, by gravity, into the chute. Input keyboard, monitor, credit card and currency processing devices connected to the control components permit varied types of transactions by customers of the system.

Abstract: The disclosed pill dispenser is of the disc or carousel type and has a base provided with a flat top over which the disc is superimposed so that the bottom face of the disc is so closely proximate to the top face of the base as to prevent the gravitational escape of pills, tablets, capsules, etc. from vertical pill containing pockets in the disc except via a controlled radial slot having a gate timed with rotation of the disc on the basis of a predetermined number of dosage periods per day and a predetermined number of days according to a power source in the form of a clock motor, for example. In a preferred form of the invention the gate-controlled slot depends upon the spirally arranged pattern of the dosage pockets and the gate moves in the slot in accordance with a like spiral track. Each pocket is capable of containing a plurality of pills; e.g., in instances in which multiple pills of different types are prescribed.

Abstract: An improved medication dispensing system is provided for controlled preprogrammed dispensing of medication to a patient and for creating a retrievable patient medication record. The system includes a dispensing unit located, for example, at patient bedside within a hospital room or the like and adapted to receive a pair of medication canisters having magazines with individual cassettes which have been preloaded in a preprogrammed manner in the hospital pharmacy or the like respectively to contain scheduled and unscheduled medications for administration to the patient. The dispensing unit is programmed according to individual patient needs to signal a nurse or other personnel at selected times when scheduled medication is prescribed, whereupon the scheduled medication can be accessed for dispensing only after entry of valid nurse or other personnel identification code into a dispensing unit memory.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a series of different pills over a prescribed period. In all embodiments, the pill package disposed in the dispenser is locked in place and cannot be removed therefrom. In one embodiment, the daily indicator employed for designating the period the particular pills are to be taken can be preset to start the regimen on any day selected by the user. Also, after the first pill has been taken and the tray containing the pill package has been moved to dispense a second pill the indicator cannot be repositioned.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for vending newspapers or similar articles is disclosed. The apparatus consists of a horizontally disposed drum mounted on a pedestal. The drum includes an open top and a sliding door on its vertical face. A drive plate is rotatably mounted in the bottom of the drum, and a carousel is detachably secured to the drive plate for rotation therewith. The carousel includes a plurality of open-ended, radial slots. The slots are formed by vertical walls extending from the center of the carousel to the periphery of the carousel. The upper edges of the walls slope downwardly from the center of the carousel to the periphery of the carousel. Various carousels having the same structure but different size slots may be used in a machine. A clear plastic dome is used to cover the open top of the drum. A lock and key arrangement is provided so that the dome may be secured to the drum and easily removed.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing coins is provided with slot-like openings for the insertion and dispensing thereof, as well as for the removal of the overflow. The coins are stored between two concentric rings, each of which has a helical slot on the facing faces thereof. The individual coins are held by the limiting surfaces of these slots. The gap between the two rings is subdivided into individual compartments by the vanes of a rotary impeller and the length thereof corresponds roughly to a coin diameter. As a result of this arrangement, the coins are stored in succession and also in juxtaposed manner. The insertion and dispensing of coins takes place by a corresponding controlled rotation of the impeller, the rotation for insertion taking place in one direction and that for dispensing in the other direction.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for sequential release of articles, particularly suited for aerial reforestation. The apparatus comprises a rotating cylindrical magazine having peripherally arranged receptacles, a stepping selector sleeve with a helical row or row of apertures that align with the receptacles and an outer casing with an opening allowing sequential release of articles as the magazine and selector sleeve rotate.

Abstract: The earth has several subduction zones where the tectonic plate descends, adjacent the nondescending earth crust, into the central region of the earth. Described is a method and apparatus for the disposal of nuclear and other toxic waste materials comprising the placing of the waste materials into bore holes drilled in the tectonic plate at the edge of the subduction zone and allowing the descending tectonic plate to carry the waste material into the center of the earth. Millions of years are required before the waste can return to the earth's environment and, therefore, the decay of the waste material over this time span will render it harmless. The apparatus comprises re-entry towers that are positioned over the bore holes for loading into the bore holes waste materials made in the form of elongated cylinders or waste material made in the form of spheres.

Abstract: A tablet dispensing device comprises a substantially flat support having a single tablet dispensing aperture therein. A tray is adapted to rotate on one surface of the support and has a plurality of openings therein disposed in a circular orientation. The openings are arranged to individually align in registration with the aperture upon rotation of the tray. The tray is adapted to receive a tablet dispensing package containing a plurality of tablets. A tablet is dispensed by pressing it from the package through its corresponding opening in the tray and then through the aperture in the support for collection by the operator thereof. Rotation of the tray sequentially places each opening over the aperture in alignment therewith so that the remaining tablets can be individually dispensed.

Abstract: A rechargeable capsule dispenser suitable for simultaneous but separate use by a plurality of users and intended to dispense multiple and variously shaped capsules selected by the users in a time related sequence also determined by the users. The capsule dispenser is formed with a cartridge having a plurality of annularly disposed chambers to hold the capsules and a receptacle base which supports the cartridge. The receptacle base includes a receiving tray and the cartridge may rotate with respect to the receptacle base.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for selectively dispensing articles is disclosed. The apparatus is especially suited for dispensing pills in hospitals and nursing homes, wherein stringent controls are needed to prevent mistakes in dispensing or misuse of prescribed pills. The apparatus comprises a plurality of magazines or cassettes, each magazine containing a number of doses of a particular pill prescribed for the patient. The pill magazines are locked so that the pills cannot be removed without insertion into the dispensing apparatus, with the dispensing apparatus being operable only by authorized personnel. The magazines contain a plurality of rotatable compartments for storing several days supply of the particular pill, each compartment containing the unit dose prescribed for the particular patient.

Abstract: A vending apparatus includes a plurality of divider members each adapted to advance and discharge individual articles disposed upon a shelf by means of a feeder assembly including a driveable element having advancing means engaging the dividers. Upon actuation, the feeder assembly advances all dividers carried thereby until that divider immediately behind the forwardmost article reaches a discharge point at which time switch means are operated by that divider to cease actuation of the feeder assembly.

Abstract: A vending device for use in article dispensing machines is disclosed wherein a continuous loop conveyor periodically carries a plurality of dispensing units, each unit adapted by means of a biased spring clip member to releasably hold an article to be dispensed, past a stationary cam, whereupon coaction by the dispensing unit with the cam causes the dispensing unit to release and dispense the article.