Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing articles, particularly video tape cassettes, comprising a plurality of containers (26) for the articles and arranged in columns and having a transparent front panel to allow a user to identify the article therein. Each container being pivoted (42) and held closed by a latch (34, 47). Operation of the apparatus by a user selecting a container releasing the latch and allowing the container to be moved to an open position by a spring (53).

Abstract: Apparatus for use in a vending machine comprises a refrigerated storage chamber mounted over a microwave oven which contains a conveyor. The arrangement is such that containers of food released through apertures in the floor of the storage chamber may fall vertically into the oven and may be discharged laterally by the conveyor once heating is complete.

Abstract: An oven comprises a housing provided with an aperture which is closable by a single movable element. A conveyor is disposed within the housing, the arrangement being such that when the aperture is open articles may enter the oven from above and may be discharged laterally by the conveyor.

Abstract: A seat height adjustment mechanism comprises a seat base frame mounted on a supporting fixture by means of front and rear sets of levers to enable the vertical height of the front and rear ends of the seat base to be adjusted relative to the fixture. Angular adjustment of the front and rear levers is effected by means of respective gear sets at opposite sides of the seat. The gear set associated with the front end of the seat base can be operated directly by the seat occupant and the two gear sets are linked by a selectively operable clutch device so that the rear end gear set can be operated simultaneously with the front end gear set if the clutch is in the operative condition. In this way, the seat is raised or lowered bodily at both ends. When the clutch is inoperative, the rear end gear set is not operated and only the front end of the seat is then raised or lowered.

Abstract: An adjustable reclining mechanism for a vehicle seat is combined with a linkage which translates folding of the backrest into forward or rearward movement of the seat, the reclining mechanism including a rectilinearly displaceable toothed member co-operable with a pawl to hold the seat base and the backrest in selected positions of adjustment, of which the following is a specification.