Abstract: The body of a dispenser includes a compartment (C) configured to receive a stack of pellets (P). A dispensing slot (S) is located at one end of the compartment (C). A spring biases the pellets (P) toward the slot (S). A lever (50) has a rest position in which it blocks movement of pellets (P) into the slot (S), and a cocked position in which it allows a pellet (P) to move into the slot (S). The lever (50) is biased into the rest position by a J-shaped leaf spring (64). The spring (64) has a curved end arcing around the pivot axis (X) of the lever (50) and a straight end (68). A stop (70) engages the straight end (68) to allow translation but prevent pivoting of the straight end (68) when the lever (50) is pivoted away from its rest position.