Abstract: Disclosed is a medicine dispensing device and a method for dispensing medicine, wherein the medicine dispensing device includes a tray and a drop plate below the tray in a drop direction, wherein the drop plate is slidable relative to the tray between a hold position and a drop position, wherein the medicine dispensing device further includes one or more retaining members for retaining the drop plate relative to the tray in the drop direction when the drop plate is in a dispensing path, wherein the drop plate is slidable in a release direction into a release position outside of the dispensing path, wherein the one or more retaining members are arranged for releasing the drop plate from the tray in the release position.

Abstract: Fastener delivery apparatus for automatically selecting and delivering fasteners such as rivets to a setting tool. The fasteners are pre-loaded in a package and dispense via at least one fastener delivery tube that interconnects the setting tool to a fastener feeder device. The fastener feeder device releases selected fasteners from the package into the delivery tube. The fasteners are transportable individually or in groups in the tube from the feeder device to the tool.

Abstract: Discussed herein are methods and devices for storing, handling, loading or dispensing of pipette tips. Some embodiments allow repetitive loading of an array of multiple pipette tips that are stored in a nested configuration.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure involve a pill-filtering article that is located and secured inside a pill container. Using one system, an assembly of articles distributes one pill at a time in the form of a single-pill dispensing apparatus that includes a pill-storage container and such a pill-filtering article. The container has an inner wall, an upper portion with a rim region where a cap may be secured, and a lower portion for containing pills. The pill-filtering article has a size and a shape that facilitates securing the article inside the pill-storage container near the inner wall, above the lower portion, and below the upper rim region, and also configured with a plurality of channel-defining regions including a first channel-defining region through which one-pill at a time passes and including a second channel-defining region through which one pill at a time passes.

Abstract: A vending arrangement for computerized vending machines, retail displays, automated retail stores, utilizes a centralized, robotic gantry associated with companion modules for vending a plurality of selectable products. The modularized design enables deployment of half-sized or larger, full sized machines. The robotic gantry is deployed in a centralized module disposed adjacent display and inventory modules. Inventory modules can be fitted to both gantry sides, and doors can be fitted to the gantry front or rear. The gantry comprises an internal, vertically displaceable elevator utilizing a central conveyor for laterally, horizontally moving selected items from associated display and inventory positions to a vending position. Computerized software enables the display and vending functions, and controls elevator movement to dispense products from twin sides of the gantry by appropriately controlling the conveyor.

Abstract: A feeding mechanism and method for feeding minute items, such as capacitors, resistors, or solder preforms. The mechanism is adapted to receive a plurality of the randomly-positioned and randomly-oriented extremely small or minute items, and to isolate, orient, and position the items in a specific repeatable pickup location wherefrom they may be removed for use by, for example, a computer-controlled automated assembly machine. The mechanism comprises a sliding shelf adapted to receive and support the items; a wiper arm adapted to achieve a single even layer of the items; and a pushing arm adapted to push the items into the pickup location. The mechanism can be adapted for providing the items with a more exact orientation, and can also be adapted for use in a liquid environment.

Abstract: A pellet loading apparatus includes a tablet pusher including a support surfaces including a pusher mechanism coupled thereto for vertical movement upon actuation. A tablet holder on the tablet pusher includes locations framed by sidewall members aligned in the vertical direction that form columns having open tops for holding a pellet stacks of mold component pellets. A pellet separator having a solid portion and apertures is sized to fit around a portion of a top mold pellet in the pellet stacks. The pellet separator includes a pellet drive for lateral moving the top mold pellets relative to under pellets so that after lateral movement the top mold pellets are laterally offset from the under pellets. A tablet lifter includes a pellet stopper having receiving positions for receiving top mold pellets upon receipt after a transfer actuation of the pusher mechanism.

Abstract: A vending machine includes first and second release mechanisms mounted to front portions of adjacent shelf dividers extending along a product shelf and establishing a product queue. A product transport system is arranged in the cabinet to carry a selected product container from the product queue towards a delivery chamber. A drive mechanism, operatively connected to each of the first and second release mechanisms, is mounted to an underside of the product shelf to simultaneously shift the first and second release mechanisms in order to release a selected product to the product transport system.

Abstract: Fastener delivery apparatus for automatically selecting and delivering fasteners such as rivets to a setting tool. The fasteners are pre-loaded in a package and dispense via at least one fastener delivery tube that interconnects the setting tool to a fastener feeder device. The fastener feeder device releases selected fasteners from the package into the delivery tube. The fasteners are transportable individually or in groups in the tube from the feeder device to the tool.

Abstract: A vending machine apparatus includes a housing which defines an internal cavity and an article storage area where predetermined groups of stored articles are located at predetermined positions within the housing. An article retrieval device associated with the housing moves articles to be vended from the storage area to a dispensing area. A user interface and control apparatus allows a user of the dispensing apparatus to initiate an article dispensing operation, and generates control signals for causing controlled movement of the article retrieval device so that a user selected article is retrieved from a predetermined location in the article storage area and moved to the dispensing area. The user interface and control apparatus includes a memory for storing therein at least two different groups of position data, each group of position data corresponding to the positions of a plurality of different article storage locations in the article storage area.

Abstract: A pusher-type prize dispensing device in which each of two support plates on which a bonus prize is placed is pivotally supported on one end on an axis of which the axial direction coincides with the horizontal and depth direction, and is locked almost horizontally by allowing the other end to be suspended on a locking member. A suspended string is tied to a bent upper portion, and the other end of the support plate is suspended on the top surface of a lower portion, whereby the locking member locks the support plate. When a weight member falls from a stationary table, the locking member moves rotationally due to the fall of the weight member so that the upper portion moves downward, whereby the support plate falls downward, causing the prize P placed on the top surface of the support plate to fall toward a prize receiving port.

Abstract: A vending machine includes first and second release mechanisms mounted to front portions of adjacent shelf dividers extending along a product shelf and establishing a product queue. A product transport system is arranged in the cabinet to carry a selected product container from the product queue towards a delivery chamber. A drive mechanism, operatively connected to each of the first and second release mechanisms, is mounted to an underside of the product shelf to simultaneously shift the first and second release mechanisms in order to release a selected product to the product transport system.

Abstract: An object of a medicine supply apparatus which fills medicine bottles with medicines from a plurality of tablet cases is to improve a medicine filling performance and remove restrictions on the apparatus, and the apparatus comprises: a plurality of tablet cases which contain the medicines and into which the medicines can be thrown from above; a case storage section in which the respective tablet cases are juxtaposed in one stage on a plane and whose top is openably closed; and a filling device which is disposed under this case storage section and which fills the medicine bottle with the medicine dropping from each tablet case.

Abstract: A vending machine includes first and second release mechanisms mounted to front portions of adjacent shelf dividers extending along a product shelf and establishing a product queue. A product transport system is arranged in the cabinet to carry a selected product container from the product queue towards a delivery chamber. A drive mechanism, operatively connected to each of the first and second release mechanisms, is mounted to an underside of the product shelf to simultaneously shift the first and second release mechanisms in order to release a selected product to the product transport system.

Abstract: A feeding mechanism and method for feeding minute items, such as capacitors, resistors, or solder preforms. The mechanism is adapted to receive a plurality of the randomly-positioned and randomly-oriented extremely small or minute items, and to isolate, orient, and position one or more of the items in a specific repeatable pickup location wherefrom they may be removed for use by, for example, a computer-controlled automated assembly machine. The mechanism comprises a sliding shelf adapted to receive and support the items; a wiper arm adapted to achieve a single even layer of the items; and a pushing arm adapted to push the items into the pickup location. The mechanism can be adapted for providing the items with a more exact orientation, and can also be adapted for use in a liquid environment.

Abstract: Nowadays on commercial aircrafts, meals and beverages are usually served by the on-board personnel on trays that are transported to the respective row of seats with the aid of trolleys. The present application describes a vending machine that comprises a magazine and a selector. The magazine is adapted for accommodating or storing a plurality of products. The dispensing of a product can be triggered by actuating the selector. Such a vending machine allows each passenger to choose the respective meal or beverage, as well as the time of its consumption. In addition, the vending machine according to the invention may simplify the on-board work such that the personnel costs can be reduced.

Abstract: Fastener delivery apparatus for automatically selecting and delivering fasteners such as rivets to a setting tool. The fasteners are pre-loaded in a package and dispense via at least one fastener delivery tube that interconnects the setting tool to a fastener feeder device. The fastener feeder device releases selected fasteners from the package into the delivery tube. The fasteners are transportable individually or in groups in the tube from the feeder device to the tool. A transfer station attached to the tool or the delivery tube transfers a fastener from the delivery apparatus into the tool, the transfer station being moveable between a first position in which an exit of the transfer station is adjacent to the tool so that a delivered fastener may be inserted by the transfer station into the tool and a second position in which it is clear of the tool so as to permit the tool or a portion thereof to move towards a workpiece to insert a loaded fastener. The delivery tube has wear resistant elements.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards improved dispenser mechanisms that can dispense two or more products contained in one or more storage containers. In one embodiment, the dispenser mechanism includes a plate having a first plurality of dispensing apertures positioned a first distance from a central axis of the plate and a second plurality of dispensing apertures positioned a second distance from the central axis of the plate.

Abstract: The invention provides a vending machine for cooling food products. The vending machine includes a housing defining an interior. The vending machine also includes a plurality of holding members substantially thermally isolated from one another and disposed in the interior. Each of the plurality of holding members includes inner and outer hollow members telescopically engaged with one another to define an inner cavity with an opening operable to communicate an individual food product and an outer cavity with an inlet and an outlet spaced from the inlet. The vending machine also includes a refrigeration system disposed outside of the interior and fluidly communicating individually with each of the outer cavities to cool each of the inner cavities.

Abstract: A pipe handling device with an auxiliary pipe loading device for use with a horizontal boring machine is disclosed. The auxiliary pipe loading device includes an auxiliary pipe receiving member that is connected to a pipe handling assembly at a location remote from the boring machine. The pipe receiving member is adapted to receive and support a pipe section when the pipe handling assembly is retracted such that the auxiliary pipe receiving member is positioned beyond the magazine of the pipe handling device. The auxiliary pipe receiving member is pivotally connected to a lockout assembly that is operable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the lockout assembly prevents a pipe section from entering the auxiliary pipe receiving member. Whereas in the open position, the lockout assembly permits a pipe section to be manually placed in the auxiliary pipe receiving member.

Abstract: A vending machine for vending articles, most notably beverage or food containers. More particularly, the present invention relates to a vending machine having a cabinet with a plurality of vertically spaced shelves, and an “X-Y” picker assembly for receiving a packaged beverage from a shelf and for delivering the packaged beverage to a delivery port in a front face of the cabinet, or to another location as desired.

Abstract: An electronic gambling unit for allowing a user to play a gambling game, and for dispensing at least one of a plurality of types of value to the user based on user preference information at the conclusion of the gambling game, may generally include a display unit capable of generating color images or other display mechanisms capable of displaying images associated with the gambling game. The electronic gambling unit may further include an input device that allows the user to input information, a value-accepting mechanism capable of allowing the user to deposit a medium of currency, and a value-dispensing mechanism containing a first item representing a first type of value and a second item representing a second type of value, and being capable of dispensing the items to the user. Moreover, the electronic gambling unit may include a controller operatively coupled to the display unit, the input device, the value-accepting mechanism, and the value-dispensing mechanism.

Abstract: Apparatus for feeding items of pharmaceutical product to pockets in a continuously travelling web for the production of blister packs has a plurality of product delivery chutes mounted on a moving carriage having delivery gates for releasing product from the delivery chutes. The carriage cycles the delivery chutes from a stationary position under stationary metering chutes, where product is transferred into the delivery chutes, accelerating and lowering them into alignment with pockets in the travelling web, where product is released, and raising and returning the delivery chutes to the stationary position to repeat the cycle.

Abstract: An orientation maintained fastener delivery system (10) includes an escapement (14), a transfer system (16), and an injector (18). The escapement (14) regulates the flow of fasteners (20) through the orientation maintained fastener delivery system (10). The escapement (14) also delivers fasteners (20) in a desired orientation to the transfer system (16). The transfer system (16) includes a plurality of tubes (26,30) and a distributor (28). The tubes (26,30) maintain the desired orientation of the fasteners (20) as the fasteners (20) are transported to the injector (18). The distributor (28) aligns a tube (26) coupled to the escapement (14) with a tube (30) coupled to the injector (18). The injector (18) receives fasteners (20) from the transfer system (16) in the desired orientation and delivers the fasteners (20) in the desired orientation to an installation device (22).

Abstract: A vending machine rotor is provided which allows for the holding and subsequent dispensing of two or more bottles from a vending machine. The vending machine rotor provides a reservoir which comprises at least two bottle locations in which bottles may be loaded and then from which the bottles may be dispensed. While loaded in the rotor, cut-outs in the rotor enable the necks of at least two of the bottles to overlap by providing recesses in which the outer surfaces of at least two of the bottles may partially radiate outward from the axis of the vending machine rotor. Finally, a thickened portion of the rotor body may be provided to prevent bottles which exceed a maximum diameter from being used with the rotor of the present invention.

Abstract: An automatic parts feeding system specifically adapted to feed parts having a step difference in shape over any one direction or any one side includes a loading device for receiving parts of this shape. The loading device is located above a base plate having a hole for feeding the parts to a conveyor. A part taking out device located between the loading device and the base plate transfers parts from a bottom of the loading device to the throwing hole, the part taking out device being driven such that it slidably reciprocates between the bottom of the loading device and the throwing hole.

Abstract: A gate assembly, for a dedicated feeder sub-system in a pharmaceutical product packaging system, includes a flexible gating structure. Product feed tubes leading from a product bin to a packaging web loading station carry slots in which flexible bands operate to intercept product within the product feed tubes. A drive mechanism controls the position of the flexible bands to intercept the line of flow product units and to index a single product unit at a time from each feed tube. The indexing of individual product from each feed tube is simultaneous thereby loading a matrix of product onto the packaging web in a single load operation. The operation of the drive is timed in synchronism with the operation of the packaging system. Change over adjustments are available for different product shapes, sizes and characteristics.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for orienting and loading solid compact medicaments, such as solid compact medicaments (A), into a carrier device (C) comprises a feeder (12) having a plurality of elongated first channels (20) through which the solid compact medicaments travel with an acute angle relative to a predetermined orientation of the carrier device (C). An orienting member (32) cooperating with the feeder (12) reorients the solid compact medicaments to the predetermined orientation as they exit the feeder (12). In an alternative embodiment, a pitch changing means (42) in fluid communications with the orienting means (32) provides for final orientation of the solid compact medicaments prior to loading in the carrier device (C).

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for hair dying. The system includes at least two reservoirs containing different hair dying components in predetermined concentrations, the containers including outlets having cross-sectional areas which are sized relative to the concentration of the component contained in the reservoir and the amount of that component needed to react with the remaining components. The measuring device calibrated with respect to the concentrations of the hair dye components and the cross-sectional areas of their respective reservoir outlets, permits rapid and accurate dispensing of the hair dye components in the proper quantities. In a preferred arrangement, the measuring device is provided on a blending board so that the components can be blended together immediately upon dispensing.

Abstract: The system includes a buffer magazine connected to each riveting machine and comprising a bundle of tubes, each of which contains a certain amount of preoriented rivets or like fasteners deliverable one-by-one to the riveting machine, and a stationary main feed station for supplying all of the buffer magazines with rivets. Each buffer magazine contains the entire inventory of rivets used by the riveting machine and quickly satisfies any request for rivets from the riveting machine. The floor-mounted main feed station is activated when the level of rivets in a tube of a buffer reaches a minimum level.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding a plurality of pharmaceutical product simultaneously onto a matrix of formed blister webbing is provided. The dedicated feeder structure is held within a housing which incorporates a plurality of hanger plates for easy manual exchange and replacement of the feeder component subsystems called "change parts". These components include a reciprocating bin carried on a platform for simultaneously delivering a plurality of product in a desired matrix format. A plurality of entrance chutes, assembled into the matrix formation simultaneously feeds the product downward from the bin. A horizontally operated shuttle gate having a plurality of product orifices operates to simultaneously open and close each chute and to transfer the respective matrix of product to a release guide structure which may be implemented as a template or a plurality of release chutes. The release guide structure feeds the matrix of formed blister webbing.

Abstract: A multi-station article dispensing apparatus for use in a "merchandiser" game of skill or chance has a plurality of delivery/display stations juxtaposed along an axle. Each station includes a cradle wheel rotating freely about the axle and loaded from a gravity-fed magazine. Each cradle wheel includes a plurality of drive pins parallel to the axle. The cradle wheel is rotated by a drive rod that nutates along its axis to engage a drive pin. Each drive rod has a solenoid rotatably connected to it and engages its respective drive pin whenever that solenoid is actuated. When the solenoid associated with a given drive rod is not actuated, a bias spring moves the drive rod to a position in which it does not engage a drive pin. Thus, although a single motor and drive train drives all the drive rods in unison, only a selected cradle wheel is rotated.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading devices into a semiconductor tester is disclosed. The tester has an input track for accepting devices. The apparatus includes a number of elongated tracks for holding a plurality of semiconductor devices. Each elongated track has at its input end a stop hinge for connection to a tube for holding the semiconductor devices. Each elongated track has at its output end a gate for controlling the release of devices onto the input track of the tester from the elongated track. A control circuit controls the operation of the gates so that the devices can be loaded from the elongated tracks onto the input track of the tester sequentially.

Abstract: A seed container has a plurality of partition plates for dividing the conner into a plurality of spaces and a brush provided in each space in parallel with the partition plate. A cell plate having a plurality of cells is provided in a bottom of the seed container, and a receiving plate having a plurality of apertures corresponding to the cells is provided under the cell plate. The cell plate is reciprocated so as to reciprocate each row of the cells over the corresponding brush. When each cell coincides with a corresponding aperture, a seed in the cell drops for seeding.

Abstract: A storage magazine for use in coin operated automatic vending machines composed of a plurality of side-by-side vertical storage columns or magazine sections, each having at least two back-to-back aligned serpentine tracks which store a plurality of cylindrical articles and gravitationally feed the same to an underlying discharge ramp common to both tracks. The ramp cooperates with a wedge feed system for operatively integrating articles discharged from each of the tracks into a single column in which the articles from the individual tracks are arranged in alternating order for first-in, first-out vending by a single coin operated vend mechanism.

Abstract: In an apparatus for mounting and/or soldering or cementing electronic components, in particular SMD components, on printed circuit boards, haing a first carrier for at least one circuit board and a second carrier for the component, the first and second carriers being displaceable relative to one another parallel to the plane of the circuit board and transverse thereto, and having a magazine for the components which has chambers to receive the components, mixing up of the components can be largely avoided while ensuring that it is simple to remove the components from the magazine by providing the chambers with a lid that can be opened and closed by means of a fastening mechanism and having the fastening mechanism opened by the second carrier.

Abstract: In a stacking apparatus of the type having tines for pushing one workpiece out of each of the bottoms of a plurality of aligned reservoirs, an improvement is disclosed which comprises a ramp adjacent to the reservoirs and inclined with respect to the bottom line of the reservoirs for stacking the workpieces in stacks of increasing height.

Abstract: In a stacking apparatus of the type having tines for pushing one workpiece each out of the bottoms of a plurality of aligned reservoirs, an improvement is disclosed which comprises a ramp adjacent to the reservoirs and inclined with respect to the bottom line of the reservoirs for stacking the workpieces in stacks of increasing height.

Abstract: An assembly machine is disclosed in which a slug of one metal is inserted and staked in a cup formed of another metal. During the staking operation, the shape of the slug and the cup is altered by forming loads thereon. Cups are fed to an assembly position through a plurality of feed chutes which supply the cups to a shuttle. The shuttle operates to alternately receive cups from one feed chute and then the other and to position such cups at an assembly position. A cutter cuts slugs from wire stock and delivers the slugs to the assembly position, where the slugs are inserted in the cups and staked in place. The shuttle operates at a cyclic speed equal to one-half the cyclic speed of the cutter so that the total output of the apparatus is substantially higher than the cyclic operating speed of the shuttle. A combined stock gauge and staking tool is carried by the cutter and the cutter forcibly removes the assembled cup and slug from the assembly position.

Abstract: The device for automatically replacing defective cigarette packets discarded from a feeding line on which the packets advance in a single row comprises a pair of gravity-feed reserve hoppers, containing each a stack of reserve packets, and a transferring drum, operatively interposed between the said reserve hoppers and the feeding line. The drum is driven in step-by-step rotation in relation to the absence, signalled by suitable sensing and controlling devices, of a discarded defective packet. Upon each step rotation of the transferring drum, a cigarette packet is taken by the drum alternately from one of the said reserve hoppers, and it is progressively transferred onto the feeding line, to take the place of the previously discarded packet.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus which is useful for dispensing simultaneously a plurality of beads into any multi-well container suitable for the performance of diagnostic assays.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and means for combining two merging streams of small parts having heads and shanks comprising progressing each of the streams in the same general direction and with the heads aligned and the shanks transverse to the direction of progression. The streams, or paths, are lead at different levels and in different horizontal positions at the last part of the progression and then the streams or paths are progressively merged at the last part of the progression in at least the horizontal direction so the shanks of the parts in one path become interposed between the heads of the parts in the other path as the paths are merged into a single path without stoppage.