Abstract: Cup selection apparatus in a vending machine of the "in-cup" type consisting of a plurality of cup-storage tubes, in each of which, in use, a stack of cups nested one in another is placed, a selectively-operable cup-dispensing device associated with each cup-storage tube to separate the bottom cup from a stack of nested cups in that cup-storage tube, at least one cup-delivery tube connected to the outlet end of each of at least two of the cup-storage tubes, a cup-guiding chute leading from the or each cup-delivery tube to a cup-filling station at which water is to be added to the dry ingredients in a cup, the cup-storage tubes, the cup-delivery tube or tubes and the cup-guiding chute being positioned so that a cup after release by the cup-dispensing device from a stack of nested cups in a cup-storage tube will travel by gravity to the cup-filling station.

Abstract: This invention provides a container delivery system for vending apparatus for vending containers. The delivery system comprises a container store and dispenser, an arm moveable in to and out of the path of travel of a cup dispensed by the container dispenser for receiving the dispensed container to support it temporarily at an angle to its path of travel and an ingredient dispenser mounted to one side of the container dispenser for dispensing a charge of material into the angled container and a guide to guide the container after it has been released by the arm to a discharge part formed in the body of the vending apparatus.

Abstract: A device for dispensing ingredients, such as the ingredients for a dental amalgam, has a handle portion and a head portion formed of mating parts with the handle angulated to the head and formed for convenient gripping by the user's hand. A slide mounted in the head slides laterally when pushed by the user's thumb to transport measured ingredients to a common aperture for delivery into a container. The container, when put in place, releases a latch that holds the slide normally in measuring position and prevents transport of the ingredients unless the container is in position to catch them.Adjustment of a measuring chamber for liquid mercury, to accurately proportion it, is by a valve having an end projecting, more or less, into a chamber, so as to vary the volume of the chamber. The position of the valve is controlled by a rectilinearly movable cam whose position may be fixed by a lock nut which normally is inaccessible in a recess in the head portion.

Abstract: Individual seeds are electrostatically diverted from a continuously flowing stream of seeds. Each diverted seed is pneumatically conveyed to a seed distributor which sequentially directs each seed it receives to an appropriate delivery tube leading downwardly to a series of laterally spaced dispensers beneath which is positioned a row of fibrous planting blocks. Provision is made for releasing the conveying air just above each dispenser so that for all intents and purposes the seed is gravitationally deposited on its particular planting block. The various planting blocks are arranged in rows on a tray which in turn is carried on a movable transport table. Provision is made for advancing the table row-by-row beneath the various seed dispensers so that all of the blocks in the tray receive seeds.

Abstract: A dispenser for holding and dispensing pills and water is disclosed comprising a tube having a pill chamber and a water chamber, a pill dispensing member being received by the pill chamber and a water dispensing member being received by the water chamber. The water dispensing member is used to seal the water chamber. The pill dispensing member contains a resilient member for biasing pills outwardly of the pill dispenser, a retainer being provided at the top of the pill dispenser to prevent the pills from being forced out of the top of the dispenser. A cap is provided on the pill dispenser having arms that extend through the retainer to grip the uppermost pill resiliently biased towards the retainer so that when the cap is used to seal the end of the pill dispenser and then removed, a pill is taken through the retainer and held in the cap.

Abstract: A housing is attached to a restroom wall. Inside the housing is a first means that can release the bottom cup from a stack of disposable cups stored in the housing. A second means can introduce mouthwash inside the released cup when operated. A conventional tube of toothpaste is supported in a frame inside the housing, in a vertical, downwardly pointed position. Both the first and second means are controlled by push buttons that are located on the front of the housing. Another push button located on the front of the housing can cause the toothpaste tube to be squeezed when pressed, causing toothpaste to be squeezed downwardly out of the tube.

Abstract: A scent dispensing device comprising a container to discharge a quantity of a suitable fragrance, such as a perfume or a deodorizer, a card-like carrier member capable of absorbing a fragrance sprayed onto it from the container, and a holder for the fragrance container and the carrier member which positions the carrier member with respect to the discharge source of the fragrance container.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing machine comprises a rotatable holder having columns for receiving stacks of cups disposed around and equidistant from the axis of rotation of the holder. Different columns of the holder receive stacks of cups containing the dry ingredients for different beverages. A selection indicating means operated by the customer controls a drive motor which rotates the holder, causing it to stop with the column containing the selected beverage in register with a cup separating device. The cup separating device is located to the side of the path of rotation of the columns and separates the lowermost cup from the stack. A transport mechanism moves the cup horizontal to a station where it is filled with hot water to make the beverage.

Abstract: A refill device for a gas operated lighter, which refill device includes a gas container with an outlet valve; a separable cover fitted on the container over the valve; various separate compartments in the cover and each compartment containing a respective outlet valve adapter for different size and style inlet valves on different lighters; the adapter containing cover having a cap thereover rotatable with respect thereto and having an access aperture therethrough for access to each adapter in turn.