Abstract: An ice maker includes an ice making tray having an array of individual ice cube compartments. The ice making tray having a transverse axis and at least one pivot axle aligned with the transverse axis. The tray defines a median wall extending parallel with the transverse axis and having a uniform height along the length of the wall. A mechanical oscillating mechanism is coupled to the ice making tray. The oscillating mechanism rotates the tray from a horizontal plane along the longitudinal axis at an angle ? of about 20° to about 40° such that water in the tray cascades over the median wall.

Abstract: A sanitized vending machine includes product and cup dispensing mechanisms and an actuation mechanism. The product dispensing mechanism, holding one or more product items, rotates through a product dispensing cycle to dispense them. The cup dispensing mechanism, holding a stack of cups, rotates through a cup dispensing cycle to dispense a cup to a predetermined position. The dispensing cycles occur in a predetermined sequence so as to enable the dispensed product items to be received in a previously dispensed cup. The dispensing mechanisms respectively include rotatable first and second driven gears drivingly interfaced to rotate during respective product and cup dispensing cycles. The actuation mechanism includes a handle and a rotatable drive gear drivingly interfaced with the first driven gear. When the handle is turned by a user through an actuation cycle the driven gears rotate the respective mechanisms through respective product and cup dispensing cycles.

Abstract: An object storage device and method. The apparatus may include an object housing unit, a candy housing unit, and a candy dispensing unit. The candy housing unit may contain an object inside a concave cap. The candy housing unit may contain a flanged end, a hollow sleeve, and an open end. The candy dispensing unit may include a shaft for the candy to be attached to, a rotatable base, and a candy piece support seat. The method may include placing the object inside the concave cap and attaching the concave cap to the flanged end of the candy housing unit. The candy dispensing unit may also be attached to the candy housing unit. The candy and the candy piece support seat may be stored inside the candy housing unit.

Abstract: The medicine packing machine is equipped with a loading unit that is capable of receiving and delivering vials retrieved from a stocker, and a supplying unit that is capable of delivering the vials from the loading unit in an upright position. A control unit is also disposed between the loading unit and the supplying unit. As a result of the presence of the control unit, the transfer of vials received by the loading unit is controlled by the control unit in such a manner that the vials are not ejected towards the supplying unit. The vials are also controlled so as to be in an upright position once loaded into the loading unit. As a result of these actions, the vials received by the loading unit are reliably delivered to the supplying unit without being ejected or jamming at unanticipated locations.

Abstract: Tamper evident devices and methods including devices that can be used with pill bottles and other packages to provide evidence of tampering by an unauthorized user are provided.

Abstract: A magazine having compartments for receiving cassettes has an outer housing having an open top and an open front side. An inner housing within the outer housing encloses an interior space and defines a plurality of compartments. The inner housing has opposing sidewalls, and spring elements form the compartments. A generally U-shaped feed element is mounted on the inner housing movably reciprocally in the longitudinal direction over a depth of the compartment so that the feed element moves a cassette from one compartment to an adjacent compartment.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for delivering single-dose packages sequentially from a substantially continuous strip having a first dispensing end and a second end. The strip includes a cover layer attached to a base layer to define a plurality of blisters therebetween that have one or more medications therein. The blisters are aligned in single file generally along the longitudinal axis between the first and second ends and/or otherwise arranged in single-dose packages adjacent one another, e.g., at least some of the single-dose packages including a plurality of blisters having different types of medications therein. A first single-dose package at the first dispensing end may be separable from a second adjacent single-dose package such that individual single-dose packages may be removed successively from the first dispensing end.

Abstract: A remote pharmaceutical dispensing system for automatically dispensing medication includes a plurality of packets each containing at least one type of medication for a predetermined hour of administration (HOA). The system also includes at least one cartridge having a housing and a feed mechanism disposed within the housing for advancing at least one of the plurality of packets toward an opening in the cartridge housing. The system further includes a dispenser having a dispenser housing configured to receive the at least one cartridge and a motor that is drivably engageable with the feed mechanism of the cartridge when the cartridge is inserted into the dispenser. The system also includes a controller in operable communication with the motor and configured to actuate the motor to advance at least one of the plurality of packets toward an opening in the dispenser housing at the predetermined HOA.

Abstract: The pill dispenser is a rotary container and dispenser for medications and the like. The pill dispenser includes a base having a lower wall and a plurality of radially extending inner walls mounted on an upper surface of the lower wall. The plurality of radially extending inner walls define a plurality of pill-receiving compartments therebetween. Additionally, a plurality of peripheral walls are mounted on the upper surface of the lower wall, with each peripheral wall partially extending between an adjacent pair of the plurality of radially extending inner walls to define an access opening therebetween. A cover, mounted on the base, includes an upper wall and a circumferential sidewall secured to a lower surface of the upper wall. An opening is formed in the circumferential sidewall. A locking device is further provided for selectively locking rotation of the cover with respect to the base, controlling access to the compartments.

Abstract: A dispenser for housing at least one blister pack (comprising a generally planar face on one side thereof and one or more blisters on the opposite side thereof), the dispenser comprising a base portion, a lid portion, and a hinge portion connecting the base portion to the lid portion and about which the lid portion and/or base portion are movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, e.g. in the form of an openable clamshell. The base portion and/or the lid portion has locating means for locating a blister pack within the dispenser and the locating means are adapted to enable sliding of the blister pack relative thereto in a direction substantially parallel to said planar face thereof between a storage position and at least one dispensing position. Preferred embodiments of the dispenser have ‘senior-friendly’ features and child resistant features.

Abstract: A theft-deterring merchandise dispensing apparatus has a chassis configured to provide limited access to an interior space housing merchandise in a secure manner. A knob is secured to a front panel of the chassis. The knob is secured to one end of an elongate wire coil, the knob and coil rotational about a common axis. An elongate cantilevered rod is mounted on a rear panel of the chassis and extensive therefrom within the coil, the rod terminating at a free end in proximity to the front panel. Units of merchandise are slidingly secured on the rod and positioned between windings of the coil so that rotation of the coil by the knob moves the packages along the rod to exit proximate the front panel. A noise-maker creates a noise when the knob is rotated to alert store personnel that products are being dispensed.

Abstract: A food storing apparatus capable of dispensing a content stored in the apparatus is disclosed. The food storing apparatus includes a button tray composite device configured to function as a switch to control the dispensation of the content, but also configured to function as a tray for receiving a residual content discharged after the content dispensation.

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: Tamper and child proof dispenser for a solid dosage product such as tablets and capsules that may be contained in a blister sheet. Dispenser comprises a dispensing assembly (3) for holding and dispensing the product, a slidably or hingedly connected outercover (1) for covering the assembly to prevent access to the product, and tamper indication means (7) of an elongate removable tag for indicating a prior displacement of the outer cover. The dispenser has an external child proof button (9) supported on a tongue (10). The dispensing assembly has an ejection means of a slide actuation mechanism (57) including an actuation arm (59) upon which is mounted a slidable rider member (61) with an abutment to engage and eject the solid dosage product. The outer cover has four separable portions (67) which are individually removed to enable a particular actuation mechanism (57) to be moved for dispensing a product.

Abstract: A dental hygiene vending machine comprises a housing having multiple dispensing compartments. A dispensing coil is rotatably connected to the housing and is capable of actuation. A cover is hingedly connected to the housing. The cover has multiple cutouts that substantially align with the housing dispensing compartments. An item window is attached to the cover. Multiple dispensing switches are slidably connected to the cover. A change counter is connected to the housing and has a coin slot. The change counter is electrically connected to the dispensing switches and is capable of actuating the dispensing coil when a predetermined value of change is received in the coin slot.

Abstract: A unit dose package formed from the combination of a flexible portion, preferably of paperboard, which houses unit dose materials, and a rigid molded plastic locking mechanism comprising a child resistant trigger release mechanism.

Abstract: A fastener delivery and installation system is provided that comprises an end effector mounted on an automated machine and operable to drill a hole through a workpiece and insert a fastener through the hole, and a fastener feed unit operable with the automated machine to deliver the fasteners through the end effector and into the workpiece. Further, a hand-held tool is operable against a second surface of the workpiece and is aligned with the end effector. Once the hand-held tool is positioned properly, a magnetic field is generated and the workpiece is clamped to enable the end effector to drill a hole through the workpiece and insert a fastener therethrough. Additionally, a detector is located on the hand-held tool for generating guidance information to inform an operator where to move the hand-held tool so as to align the hand-held tool with the end effector.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and dispensing medical items includes a plurality of hook registers (10). Each of the hook registers includes sensors (48, 60, 62, 64) sensing the removal or addition of a medical item to the storage location on the hook register. Each hook register has a microprocessor (66) connected to the sensor which stores a count of the items added or removed from the location. The microprocessor also includes location identifying information specifically associated with the particular hook register. The microprocessor is periodically polled by a controller (72) which reads and stores the count and location identifying information from each of the hook registers. The controller information is periodically read by a data terminal (76) which is connected through a local area network (82) to a remote computer (84) having a processor and data store.

Abstract: The present invention is to make a towel material for forming a wet towel, that is made by a drying, compressing or evacuating manner into compact units having a winding bar shape, or block shape. The units are connected by connecting members into a strap, so that the towel material strap may be stored in the chamber of the manufacturing apparatus. After the user emits the using signal, the towel material strap is serially drawn out by a control wheel member, and the connecting member is wound by the winding roller, so that the units may fall into the output member or the article outlet. The units are wet or immersed in the liquid, so that the units may be expanded into a wet towel.

Abstract: In a commodity discharge apparatus for a vending machine, an endless chain (2) extends on a vertical plane to form an endless loop and is engaged with a first and a second sprocket (1a, 1b) which are spaced from each other in a horizontal direction. The endless chain is adapted to circulate through the first and the second sprockets and through a lower and an upper traveling path each extending between the first and the second sprockets. A hook (3) is unrotatably attached to a part of the endless chain and is for hooking a commodity (100) only when the part is placed at the lower traveling path. In addition, a fall preventing member (7) is provided to extend in parallel to the lower traveling path beside the hook for preventing a fall of the commodity from the hook.

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 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 dispenser having a housing for dispensing candies therefrom and having a rotatable raceway therein with a plurality of turntables disposed within the housing and on the raceway, with each of the turntables including a compartment sized to accommodate a candy to be dispensed, and a drive motor for driving the raceway and coupled to the turntables for rotating the turntables and for revolving the turntables within the housing to transport the candies to a dispensing station.

Abstract: A multiple product merchandising machine having a cylindrical drum mounted within a cabinet and having a plurality of compartments of varying size which pass by at least one access door. The access door is mounted in the cabinet for sliding movement to allow access to a compartment aligned with the access door. The door is motorized so that it will open and close automatically once activated by slight movement of its handle. The size of the compartment aligned with the door when it is opened is known by the control circuit and the motor moves the door only far enough to allow access by a customer to that compartment.

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 dispenser for consecutive dispensing of tablets in a fixed order comprising a cylindrical body defining along its periphery a number of juxtaposed vertical chutes each accommodating a number of tablets piled on edge radially oriented in the body, a cup shaped dispensing part comprising a bottom plate having an upstanding cylindric wall and forming a stop at the lower end of the chutes. An opening in the cylindric wall allows a tablet on edge to pass from the outside of the cup into the inner space thereof. Above the opening a protrusion extends radially outwards from the cylindric wall into the space between a tablet abreast of the opening and a possible overlying tablet in the chute, and a wall adjacent to the opening extends into the lower ends of the chutes. A detent mechanism makes the body and dispensing part stepwise unidirectionally rotatable in relation to each other.

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: Embodiments of a crayon organizer are disclosed which may be used to store, organize, and dispense crayons, chalks, or similar articles. The crayon organizer has a cylindrical cover with an open slot through which one crayon, chalk, or similar article may be removed at a time from the organizer. The crayons, chalks, or similar articles are placed inside vertical holes in a base which fits inside the cover. The crayon organizer has a lock out mechanism which prevents another crayon, chalk, or similar item from being withdrawn from the organizer until the first one removed is returned.

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 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 dispensing apparatus including at least one package having a bottom and at least one opening. A plurality of wrapped articles are disposed within the package. Each of the wrapped articles have a first and second end. A pull-tab is attached to the first end of each of the wrapped articles. An elongated tab having opposed ends is attached at one end to the second end of one of each of the wrapped articles and the other end of each of the elongated tabs is attached to the bottom of the package, wherein when the pull-tab is pulled outwardly the respective article unwraps and is dispensed through the opening of the package. The dispenser, therefore, is capable of delivering and unwrapping an article to the user in a convenient, easy, economical manner.

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: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a dispensing package containing a plurality of objects. The objects are three-dimensional and have a pair of opposing faces connected by peripheral edges. The package includes a container having a top, a bottom and a body, all of which form an interior chamber containing the objects. The objects are stacked within the container in face to face relation, with the body of the container surrounding the peripheral edges of the objects. The stacked objects thereby define an uppermost object, adjacent to said top of the container, and a lowermost object, adjacent to the bottom of the container. The package further includes an interleaving dispenser. This dispenser is made from a bendable member having alternating horizontal and vertical panels connected to each other. The member is disposed within the package with the horizontal panels parallel to the top and bottom of the container.

Abstract: A stand-alone drug dispensing system suitable for a nursing station at a health care facility is described. A microprocessor controlled secure system makes it particularly suitable for dispensing narcotics and other controlled substances. The system comprises a cylinder having a plurality of stacked carrousels, each having plurality of drug slots. Each carousel holds a different drug and it is the rotation of these carrousels over a hole or chute that runs the entire length of the cylinder that allows the dispensing of a particular drug under the control of a programmed microprocessor. The system provides accurate accounting as well as advisory information about the drug being dispensed. A plurality of peripherals such as a Video Display Terminal, an alphanumeric printer, and an alphanumeric keyboard are integrated into the system. Also included are an alarm system, a back up power source and a slot for returning unused drugs.

Abstract: A dispenser, containing sealed or wrapped articles, which dispenses and simultaneously unseals or unwraps the articles as the user pulls a pull-tab on one face of the article's wrapper while an elongated tab connects the wrapper's other face to the dispenser's surface. The dispenser, therefore, is capable of delivering and unwrapping an article to the user in a convenient, facile yet economical manner as the user pulls the article from the dispenser.

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: A mountable beverage cooler and dispenser system comprising a housing with a vertically positioned cylindrical wall. The housing has a circular planar roof and floor, and a diameter which exceeds the height. The housing wall includes a generally rectangular large aperture. The large aperture also includes a small aperture which extends downward,toward the floor further than the majority of the large aperture. A generally rectangular shaped sliding door is contoured to follow the perimeter of the housing. The door is positioned between the tray discussed below and the wall of the housing so that it may be maneuvered to cover the large and small apertures. A generally cylindrically shaped tray consists of a circular planar floor with upstanding sidewalls forming a hollow central section therebetween. The height of the tray sidewalls is approximately the height of the housing sidewalls beneath the large aperture. The diameter of the tray and planar floor are slightly smaller than that of the housing.

Abstract: The present invention involves a tamper-proof apparatus and method for assuring the integrity of containers of consumer goods. A special carton, which becomes part of the retail display, has a plurality of controlled dispensing openings such that once a container has been removed, it cannot be replaced in the carton. Accordingly, a container cannot be removed from the carton, its contents altered, and the container replaced in the carton to be purchased by an unwitting consumer. Several alternative systems are employed for assembling the carton in a secure, tamper-proof manner. Further, if the carton is loaded at the point of manufacture or distribution, once the carton is loaded, the carton is sealed to provide indicia of potential tampering between the point of manufacture or distribution and the ultimate point of sale at a retail location.

Abstract: The present invention is a device for inhibiting removal of a first article from a first blister-type container having at least one blister. The device includes a first member or second blister-type container positioned facing the first blister-type container with at least one opening in the second container in registry with the blister when the second container is in the first position. The first container likewise may include an opening in registry with a second blister of the second container when the second container is in the first position. The openings in the first and second containers are sized to permit passage of the respective articles therethrough. When the second container is in the second position, the second container is positioned to inhibit removal of a first article from the first container and the first container is positioned to inhibit removal of a second article from the second container.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automated key dispenser system that permits keys to be randomly loaded and stored on individual keyholders in horizontal and vertical arrays, as well as in a number of planes, while dispensing keys to a single accessible location. An exemplary system comprises one or more racks containing solenoid-operated pins arranged in columns and rows. The racks may be arranged side-by-side, one on top of another, or stacked in parallel planes. Awning-shaped covers over the pins prevent tampering and dislodgement of keys. The keys which are released when pins are withdrawn by the solenoids are directed by the awning-shaped covers to a chute which in turn directs them to an accessible opening or receptacle.

Abstract: A blister pack (10) comprises a support sheet (12) having a plurality of pockets (14) each of which retains a tablet (25) so that it rests on an edge (24) with its opposing edge (24) adjacent to a frangible cover sheet (20) which closes the pockets. The pockets comprise a support portion (22) which retains the tablets on their edge, and a guide portion (26) for facilitating loading of the tablets (25) into the support portion (22). The blister pack (10) can be mounted on a plate (50) for relative movement therewith, and a tablet (25) ejected from a pocket (14) by pushing the tablet (25) through the frangible cover sheet (20) and then through a dispensing window (67) in the plate (50).

Abstract: The dispenser comprises a feed belt (C) provided with transversely-arranged, equally-spaced tubes (3) receiving the articles to be dispensed which are held therein by stationary boundary walls. While being transferred between two magazines (1-2) in which it is to be stacked, the feed belt is submitted to a slight temporary torsion in the longitudinal direction, so that one end of the tubes will be directed downwards and upon passing in registry with an underlying opening (9) it will permit the articles housed within the tubes to be discharged by the action of gravity. In the upper portion of the guide (F) submitting the charger to said torsion, there is provided an opening (13) with which the top ends of the tubes on the feed belt become aligned during the step-by-step movement of the latter in a direction opposite to the dispensing direction, in order to fill the tubes with new articles to be dispensed.

Abstract: A combination cracker dispenser and entertainment center is provided and consists of a housing that will contain a lazy susan tray near the bottom to hold crackers, a mechanism to dispense one cracker at a time, a dish near the top to hold dip therein to be used for the crackers and a built-in radio placed within a transparent middle portion of the housing.

Abstract: A packaging device for storing, dispensing and collecting a plurality of blood collection units. The packaging device includes a rectangularly shaped container, a first opening for dispensing unused blood collection units and a second opening for receiving the blood collection units after use. The device includes a slidable tape positioned on the upper surface of the container which is in the form of a continuous band mounted on the container. The unused blood collection units are attached to the slidable tape within the container and movement of the slidable tape with respect to the container advances the unused blood collection units into the first opening so that they are then removed from the slidable tape. A bag being initially folded and disposed within the portion of the container for holding the unused blood collection units, the ends of the bag having an open end attached to the container in alignment with a second opening for receiving and holding used blood collection units.

Abstract: A tablet container having a cover and sliding tray is used for dispensing birth control tablets for either a twenty-one-day or twenty-eight-day cycle. Normally, the tray does not slide completely out of the cover and is stabilized with respect thereto when open. The case resembles a cosmetic compact and is reuseable in that once birth control tablets contained in a blister pack are used up, a new blister pack may easily be inserted.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided apparatus for supplying components for insertion into a printed circuit board, which apparatus comprises a component dispenser, the component dispenser having first and second substantially parallel elongate support elements for supporting components at locations spaced-apart along the lengths thereof and structure for allowing relative movement of the first and second support elements both transversely of and parallel to the length of the first support element so that, in use of the apparatus, relative movement of the first and second support elements of the dispenser causes components supported by one of the support elements to be transferred to the other support element and then returned to the one support element at positions which are advanced along the one support element from the previous positions thereof whereby the components may be supplied one by one from the dispenser.

Abstract: There is provided an improved cassette particularly adapted for sowing seeds utilizing a plurality of adjacent stacked plates having a plurality of perforations therein. The perforations are adapted to receive seeds. The seeds in the perforations of each plate are held in place by portions of a lower adjacent plate. Adjacent plates are adapted to be moved relative to one another for a short distance for aligning the perforations thus permitting the seeds from an upper plate to pass through the perforations in the plates below it for planting.

Abstract: A device for dispensing coins into highway toll collection baskets has the general configuration of a hand gun having a barrel, handle and trigger mechanism. When the trigger is pulled rearwardly, coins predisposed in separate compartments within the bore of the barrel are released for downward rolling movement toward the open forward extremity of the bore.

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.