Abstract: An article dispensing apparatus is described. The dispensing apparatus includes a plurality of slats, each having one or more holders for holding and dispensing articles. Each slat has a cavity and an open end. Further, each holder includes an aperture through which a pin may extend into and retract from the cavity to assist in dispensing articles held therein. Each open end may include a curved surface to assist in inhibiting the articles from being dispensed prematurely. Further, each slat may include a tongue on one side and a groove on another side. The tongues of each slat fit within the grooves of adjacent slats, allowing them to ride in close conformity to each other and allowing for relatively unencumbered movement between the slats.

Abstract: An article dispensing apparatus is described. The dispensing apparatus includes a plurality of slats, each having one or more holders for holding and dispensing articles. Each slat has a cavity and an open end. Further, each holder includes an aperture through which a pin may extend into and retract from the cavity to assist in dispensing articles held therein. Each open end may include a curved surface to assist in inhibiting the articles from being dispensed prematurely. Further, each slat may include a tongue on one side and a groove on another side. The tongues of each slat fit within the grooves of adjacent slats, allowing them to ride in close conformity to each other and allowing for relatively unencumbered movement between the slats.

Abstract: An article dispensing apparatus is described. The dispensing apparatus includes a plurality of slats, each having one or more holders for holding and dispensing articles. Each slat has a cavity and an open end. Further, each holder includes an aperture through which a pin may extend into and retract from the cavity to assist in dispensing articles held therein. Each open end may include a curved surface to assist in inhibiting the articles from being dispensed prematurely. Further, each slat may include a tongue on one side and a groove on another side. The tongues of each slat fit within the grooves of adjacent slats, allowing them to ride in close conformity to each other and allowing for relatively unencumbered movement between the slats.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for transferring containers from one moving conveyor to another. The conveyors may be aligned with a common direction of travel. One or more guide rails may be provided to guide conveyed items through a curved transfer section. The conveyors may be supported on a modular support unit. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a transfer table is located between incoming and outgoing conveyor support structures.

Abstract: A transport system for incrementally advancing cartons in a carton processing machine through a series of work stations spaced along a processing line, the transport system including an endless chain carried by at least two rotatable idler gears, the chain having at least one run parallel to the processing line, arm members spaced along and protruding laterally from the chain, with the arm members along the one run extending across the processing line to contact cartons located therealong, a piston-cylinder unit having a reciprocating piston rod longitudinally movable in opposite directions and a connecting device for selectively connecting the piston rod to the chain during movement of the piston rod in one direction causing the chain and the arm members spaced thereon to be incrementally advanced.