Abstract: A vendor issuing a single article at a time from a stack of flat articles such as newspapers or magazines. The vendor has a separator to peel an edge of the end article off the stack, a conveyer to be inserted between the peeled edge and the subsequent article, and ejector structure to aid in issuing the article after it is released at least partially to rest on the conveyer. A coin release enables an actuator such as a handle to operate the vendor only after proper coinage has been supplied.

Abstract: A vendor for dispensing a single article at a time from a stack of flat articles such as papers or magazines. The vendor has a separator to separate at least an edge of the top article from the stack, and a conveyor insertable beneath the separated article to convey the separated top article away from the stack. A presser can optionally be provided to press against the separated top article and hold it to the conveyor means while the article is being dispensed. A coin operated release is provided to prevent operation of the device except after some prerequisite condition has been met, for example the insertion of a predetermined number of coins. The invention contemplates the method of lifting the edge, inserting the conveyor underneath it, and issuing the article on the conveyor. Optionally the presser can hold the article firmly to the conveyor to assist the operation.

Abstract: A separator for providing a gap between counted groups of previously overlapped articles of a stream of said articles. The separator includes a counter which counts the articles as they issue from the feed path. A spur path and an output path diverge from one another adjacent to a counting point at the counter. A diverter is adapted to divert articles to the spur path on command. Actuator means responsive to the completion of the count of articles causes the diverter to send articles to the spur path. Retention means is placed in the spur path to receive articles diverted into the spur path. Sensing means in the output path is responsive to the departure of the last article of a previously counted group to cause the retention means to transfer articles retained by it to the output path and to remove the diverter from its diverting position, thereby again to permit the passage of articles directly to the output path until a predetermined count is completed.

Abstract: A device for issuing single copies of flat flexible articles, such as newspapers or magazines. A stripper member comprising a rotatable conveyor has engagement elements which engage an article to be issued near one of the edges of the article. The conveyor is rotated while traversing the face of the article, carrying the edge with it so as to wrap the article upon the conveyor's periphery until the article is stripped (peeled) from the stack. The article is then released and discharged through an exit orifice. The device may be coin-controlled, so as to issue an article only after the necessary coins have been provided, either by permitting the stripper member to be moved with an engaged article only when proper coins have been inserted, or by permitting the engagement elements to engage the article only when a coin has been inserted. The device may be provided with a holder to display one of the articles and issue it as the last article, after the other inventory has been issued.