Abstract: This invention provides a transport unit that includes driving rollers arrayed in the transport direction of a work, and when the work transported by the driving rollers reaches a predetermined stop position, stops movement of the work. The driving rollers include at least one first driving roller, and at least one second driving roller arranged on the side of the predetermined stop position in the transport direction with respect to the first driving roller. The first driving roller is a roller capable of idling on a driving shaft. The second driving roller is a roller incapable of idling on the driving shaft.

Abstract: An article storage facility includes a measuring jig for measuring an amount of tilt of a support body. A controller for controlling operation of an article transport device performs a tilt measurement control for controlling operation of the article transport device to transport the measuring jig sequentially to each of a plurality of measurement target storage sections which is all or part of the plurality of storage sections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medication dispenser that comprises a first container for holding medication packages to be dispensed, and conveying means for conveying medication packages from the first container to an outlet of the medication dispenser, the conveying means comprising a first conveyor that is arranged in connection with the outlet and is capable of conveying a medication package in a first and a second conveying direction, so that a medication package can be conveyed to the outlet and retracted inside the medication dispenser. The first conveyor comprises two opposing belt conveyors between which a medication package is arranged to be conveyed, both of the belt conveyors comprising an endless belt and a plurality of rollers around which the endless belt is arranged. The invention also relates to a method for dispensing medications.

Abstract: A container denester apparatus for sequentially supplying nested containers, the apparatus comprising an indexer chassis, an indexing assembly and a rotating indexing arm. The rotating indexing arm is configured to extend into the clamshell cavity, which provides for the passage of clamshell containers therethrough. The indexing arm is rotationally coupled to at least one of the at least one rack gear, and has a lower cam profile and an upper cam profile, with the cam profiles extending into the clamshell cavity when properly rotated. In a starting position, a clamshell container is precluded from passage through the clamshell cavity, and, a portion of an underside surface rests upon the upper cam profile. Through rotation of the rotating indexing arm the lower cam profile forces the downward movement of the clamshell container while retaining the other clamshell containers nestedly coupled thereto.

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

Abstract: A cutlery dispenser comprising a front cover, a housing, and a pushing assembly. The front cover further includes an opening and at least stop. The at least one stop is configured to cause a utensil, such as a knife, fork, spork, or spoon, to fan through the opening for retrieval by a user. The pushing assembly urges the utensils forward in the dispenser toward the stop and toward the opening.

Abstract: Conveyor slip detection and control. A controller is operable to receive a first signal from a first sensor, determine a first value for a position of a first portion of a torque limiting device based on the first signal, receive a second signal from a second sensor, determine a second value for a position of a second portion of the torque limiting device based on the second signal, determine a difference between the first value for the position of the first portion and the second value for the position of the second portion, determine an amount of slip between the first portion and the second portion based on the difference, and generate a control signal to control an operation of the conveyor based on the amount of slip.

Abstract: A conveyance system according to the present invention includes a processing station, first to third conveyance apparatuses arranged in a conveying direction of a work piece. The second conveyance apparatus is provided in the station. The system further includes a lifting apparatus disposed below the second conveyance apparatus in the station, and a processing apparatus in the processing station. The first and second conveyance apparatuses perform returning of the pallet that is empty in a direction reverse to the conveyance direction.

Abstract: A dispensable product system including a product housing for a product dispenser that defines a product reservoir. The product housing being mountable to a counter top or wall member having an opening for receiving the product housing through the wall member and opposed major surfaces that are substantially planar. The system includes an opening through a side wall of the housing and a protrusion member positionable from a non-blocking position to a blocking position in that the protrusion member is positionable through the opening from an inside of the side wall of the product housing to project from an outside of the side wall of the product housing for seating against one of the major surfaces of the counter top or wall member to block movement of the product housing with respect to passing through the opening in the wall member in a first direction.

Abstract: The disclosed device increases the accommodation amount of blister packages and enables smooth dispensing even if a blister package is bent or similar. The device is provided with: a device body (1), a storage container (2) which accommodates blister packages (4) in a stacked state, and a dispensing member (3) which can dispense the accommodated blister package (4). The storage container (2) is provided with an outlet (13), which is formed on the base at one end side thereof, and which is for ejecting the blister package (4), and a biasing means (12) for biasing the accommodated blister packages (4) toward one end side. The dispensing member (3) is provided with a guide part (36) for guiding a side edge part of the blister packages (4), and biases the blister packages (4) toward one end side of the storage container (2).

Abstract: By using an automated money dispenser, a patron can “shoot” currency in the direction of a performer from any reasonable distance and can control the rate of dispensing as well as the total amount dispensed. In some embodiments, the dispenser can emit sounds, light or other special effects to further enhance the experience for the dispensing patron, for other patrons, as well as for the performer. The present invention allows for a unique experience both for the user and for the entertainer, allowing for role-play and other types of entertainment not available in the prior art.

Abstract: A conveyor system including: a track comprising a first magnetic element; and a moving element comprising a second magnetic element for interacting with the track to provide a magnetic force that retains the moving element on the track; wherein absent the magnetic force, the moving element is released from the track. In another aspect, a conveyor system includes: a track having at least one guide rail; and a moving element; wherein a magnetic force controls movement of the moving element in a direction of travel and the magnetic force supports the moving element in a second direction perpendicular to the direction of travel; and wherein the at least one guide rail supports the moving element in a third direction perpendicular to both the direction of travel and the second direction.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a conveyor in a mining system. The conveyor includes a sprocket, a chain, a hydraulic cylinder, one or more sensors, and a controller. In one implementation, the method includes sensing a characteristic associated with the conveyor, generating a signal based on the characteristic, determining a tension associated with the chain based on the signal, determining an amount of chain stretch based on the tension, and modifying a position of the hydraulic cylinder based on the amount of chain stretch.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a time-controlled dispensing device comprising at least a tray and a cover, which may be lockable, for example via snap fitting, for consecutive dispensing of doses of medicaments. The device comprises a desired number of storage compartments and/or cartridges, for example disposable cartridges, each containing a predetermined dose of one or several medicaments. The tray is fitted with a transporting means for displacing the tray to a position where a desired compartment and/or cartridge will be in the only dispensing position suitable for removal of the dose, as a response to a signal from a timing means. The timing means is connected to a reminder and/or an alarming means, directed to the person using the device and a person at a distance, respectively. By way of the alarming means, removal of doses is indicated, for example through the manipulation of a lever or a hatch, and a signal may be sent for example via GSM or via the internet.

Abstract: A dispenser arrangement including an elongated strip of packaged safety protection devices disposed at an interior of the dispenser, a drive arrangement configured to advance and rupture the strip of packaged safety protection devices and to release the safety protection devices therefrom at the demand of a user, a waste arrangement configured to receive and retain the strip of packaging after release of the safety protection devices.

Abstract: This invention relates to the re-design of the original Ideal Dispensing apparatus, U.S. Pat. No. 2,174,712, (1939) and U.S. Pat. No. 2,637,612, (1953). Stated patent design was a single serving, slideable type container dispensing apparatus, manually operated horizontally through slideable guideways that were permanently welded fixed, one size, guideways that included a simple pan/tray for containers, cans and cartons. The new design gives the all-around versatility with the new all metal individual interchangeable and adjustable guideway blades and a saw tooth trough tray that accommodates majority of sizes, and shapes cans, cartons and beverage containers to include neck-less, and tapered designs in todays marketplace. This said new apparatus with new trough tray magnifies a novel and unobvious design combining and optimizing the utilization of space and versatility, with ease of installation and adjustment.

Abstract: A belt unit for use with an image forming apparatus includes a belt member, a belt supporting unit, and a cleaning unit. The cleaning unit includes attached portions engaged with attaching portions of the belt supporting unit to mount the cleaning unit in an attached position, a connecting portion connectable with a connected portion on the belt supporting unit, and a contact portion that contacts a horizontal surface when the cleaning unit is placed on the horizontal surface. When the belt supporting unit is in a standing state in which one of its side units is directed downward and a direction of rotation axis of supporting rollers is directed in a vertical direction, the cleaning unit is placed on the horizontal surface and the connected portion, and the connecting portion are connected, the cleaning unit maintains the belt supporting unit in the standing state.

Abstract: A medication dispensing cabinet and an associated medication dispensing drawer assembly are provided in order to controllably convey and dispense medication. A medication dispensing cabinet may include a cabinet body, a plurality of drawers disposed within and configured for slidable extension relative to the cabinet body, a conveyor belt disposed within a first drawer and a plurality of bins operably connected to the conveyor belt and configured to receive medication for movement with the conveyor belt. Each bin may includes an openable support surface which, in one embodiment, is biased to open. In addition, the first drawer may define an opening and the conveyor belt may be configured to move a respective bin into alignment with the opening. The support surface of the respective bin may then be permitted to open and the medication carried by the respective bin may be dispensed through the opening.

Abstract: A device for sorting products having carrier units arranged adjacent to each other and conveying means for supporting and conveying the carrier units. Each carrier unit has a support platform, support means for supporting the support platform, leg members supported by the conveying means and tiltably supporting the support means, and tilting means for tilting the support means relative to each other about a tilt axis extending parallel to the conveying path. The tilting means has at least one cam and drive means having an electric motor supported by the conveying means for rotating the at least one cam relative to the leg members about an axis of rotation, as well as a camway which is rigidly connected to the support means and with which the at least one cam mates upon rotation of the at least one cam about the axis of rotation. The tilt axis is located between the axis of rotation and the support platform.

Abstract: An alignment transfer section (30) transfers measurement containers (60) that align along an alignment rail (32). A step (66) of each measurement container (60) that is formed by a body and a neck comes in contact with an upper side (32a) of the alignment rail (32). The alignment rail (32) is disposed to slope downward toward the end thereof. The alignment transfer section (30) includes an upthrust plate (34) that comes in contact with the bottom of the measurement containers (60) supported by the alignment rail (32), and transfers the measurement containers (60) toward the end of the alignment rail (32) by causing the upthrust plate (34) or the alignment rail (32) to make an upward-downward motion.