Abstract: The present invention is a machine for dispensing articles, such as a vending machine, wherein the bottom article in a stack of articles is dispensed. To solve the problem of frictional resistance and excessive weight on the bottom article as it is being dispensed, the present invention provides a lifting mechanism to raise a portion of the stack of articles while the machine dispenses the bottom article. The lifting of the stack of articles above the bottom article relieves the weight of the stack from the bottom article, thereby reducing the frictional force as the machine slides the article out of a gate. In a preferred embodiment, a pair of lifting mechanisms operated by a common driving source cooperate to lift the portion of the stack of articles during the sliding operation and return the stack automatically once the bottom article has been dispensed.

Abstract: A roller for a roller blind in the shape of a tube (T) comprising a mechanism known per se is braked by means of friction, in that a compression spring (7) is compressed when the blind is pulled down and establishes a force between a collar (6) on the non-rotating rod (2) of the roller blind, and a nut (8) which is rotated by the tube. The nut has a shoulder (8a) which cooperates with a corresponding shoulder (14) at the end of the non-rotating rod. An alternative spring force is obtained by means of a piston in an air cylinder in which a calibrated exhaust opening for the air reduces the braking action when rotation is slow.

Abstract: A roller for a roller blind in the shape of a tube (T) comprising a mechanism known per se is braked by means of friction, in that a compression spring (7) is compressed when the blind is pulled down and establishes a force between a collar (6) on the non-rotating rod (2) of the roller blind, and a nut (8) which is rotated by the tube. The nut has a shoulder (8a) which cooperates with a corresponding shoulder (14) at the end of the non-rotating rod. An alternative spring force is obtained by means of a piston in an air cylinder in which a calibrated exhaust opening for the air reduces the braking action when rotation is slow.