Abstract: A dispenser for sheet products includes a housing having a space inside for accommodating a stack of sheet products, wherein the housing includes a dispensing opening for dispensing a sheet product from the front of the stack, and an electronic controller configured to receive a pull-out signal indicating the removal of a product from the front of the stack through the dispensing opening and, upon receiving said pull-out signal, to send out a drive signal to transfer a number of sheet products from the front of the stack into a presentation position. The controller is further configured to receive a low-level signal indicating that the amount of sheet products left within the housing has been reduced to below a predetermined level and, upon receiving said low-level signal, to enter into a low-level mode in which the sending of the drive signal in response to the pull-out signal is disabled.

Abstract: A system for automatically dispensing beverages according to a drink order. The system includes a conveyor that conveys a plurality of cup holders in and between a cup receiving location, a dispensing location, and a serving location. A cup dispenser is configured to dispense a cup into each of the plurality of cup holders at the cup receiving location. A plurality of additive dispensers is configured to dispense additives to the cup at the dispensing location. A controller is configured to receive the drink order, create a recipe from the drink order and link the recipe with one of the plurality of cup holders via a marker, dispense a cup to the cup holder via the cup dispenser, and thereafter control the conveyor and the plurality of additive dispensers so that the cup is filled with a beverage according to the recipe and then conveyed to the serving location.

Abstract: A system and method for determining replenishment information for capsules as replenishment for a beverage production machine are provided.

Abstract: An app and associated toy are disclosed that allow a smartphone user to play remotely with a pet by controlling the movement of a remote spot of light. A remote camera allows the user to see and record video of the pet playing. The light spot is controlled by moving a cursor, or by directly moving the light spot on a touch video screen. The viewer also has the option to have the spot follow a predetermined path. By starting the play at the same time as presenting a noise designed to attract a pet, the pet is conditioned to associate that noise with playing. This allows the pet to be summoned to the game. In a more advanced version, the app also controls a treat dispenser for rewarding the pet for playing. An RFID tag on the pet allows the light source to be shone near to the pet.

Abstract: A vending machine for dispensing a number of products. The vending machine may include a transparent panel, a number of visible product columns, a number of non-visible product columns, and a product delivery system.

Abstract: Discussed herein are methods and devices for storing, handling, loading or dispensing of pipette tips. Some embodiments allow repetitive loading of an array of multiple pipette tips that are stored in a nested configuration.

Abstract: The Novel Modular Vending Machine for Packaged Goods allows consumers to purchase packaged goods without an attendant present. The invention uses two or more conveyor assemblies to store and transfer packaged goods and primarily uses gravity to transfer the packaged goods from the storage location to the customer. When a vend is initiated, a dispensing drum rotates and places a packaged item on a delivery system for transportation to the customer. The remaining packaged goods move into position for the next vend. When the lower conveyor assembly is empty, an upper conveyor assembly is lowered into position to transfer the remaining packaged goods to the dispensing drum. The apparatus may be configured in a system comprised of multiple modular units controlled by a single user interface.

Abstract: A dispensing container is provided, including an outer casing having an open end, a top, a bottom, sidewalls extending between the top and bottom, and an interior compartment; an inner tray slidably received within the interior compartment of the outer casing and including a storage compartment configured to store a plurality of units of product to be dispensed, and a dispensing trough in communication with the storage compartment, the inner tray extending outwardly from the open end of the outer casing and configured for sliding movement between a closed and locked position and a dispensing position, wherein the dispensing trough includes an aperture sized to allow a single unit of product exit the dispensing trough at one end thereof and a slot at the opposing end thereof, and the outer casing further includes a rib extending into the interior compartment and positioned to enter the slot of the dispensing trough.

Abstract: A device for applying labels to a label carrier including a movable rack, which defines a plurality of magazine sites, each of the magazine sites being configured for accommodating a label magazine that is suitable for accommodating a large number of labels. The magazine rack further includes docking means with the aid of which the rack can be docked to a labeling unit prepared for applying the individual labels from a selected label magazine to the label carrier. The device further includes a supply unit through which a selected label magazine can be transferred from the magazine site within the rack to an operating position at which the labels are taken hold of by the labeling unit and applied individually to one of the label carriers.

Abstract: A ball feeding device includes a mounting seat with a driving device. The driving device includes a driving shaft defining an axis of rotation. A discharge hole is provided in a top plate of the mounting seat. An annular guiding wall is formed on the top plate and surrounds the axis of rotation. A rotary unit is rotatably mounted on the top plate and includes tubes for containing balls. A blocking member is mounted in each tube. When the rotary unit is rotated, lower ends of the tubes are aligned with the discharge hole in sequence such that the balls in the tubes are fed into a pitching machine one by one. The blocking members hold or release the balls in the tubes under the action of the guiding wall such that the balls to be fed cannot contact with the top plate.

Abstract: Capsule-dispensing cabinet intended for supplying machines with the aim of preparing drinks or other food preparations, comprising: a body, a plurality of buffer storage housings (3, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35) forming a capsule buffer store, intended to be supplied by a plurality of removable tubes (2) containing stacked capsules, each tube and buffer storage housing (3) being arranged relative to one another so as to form an aligned stack of capsules. Each buffer storage housing (3, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35) comprises individual selection means (5) enabling a capsule contained in the stack to be released and collection means (6, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65) enabling the capsule thus released to be collected.

Abstract: An article handling apparatus having an article storage area (215) includes a movable storage structure (219). The movable storage structure (219) has a bin segment guidance structure to form a plurality of axially aligned article storage columns (216). The guidance structure includes a receiving device providing individual coupling to article storage bin segments (1202) so as to allow grouping of bin segments into the plurality of aligned article storage columns.

Abstract: Representative embodiments provide for a fuel activation device including a fuel storage chamber configured to store a plurality of fuel pellets arranged as a stack. A fuel dispensing device is configured to transport a fuel pellet to a fuel activation chamber. A spring is configured to advance the fuel pellets toward the fuel dispensing device as one or more fuel pellets are removed from the stack. A fuel initiator is configured to activate a release of hydrogen gas from the transported fuel pellet. The fuel activation device is configured to provide the hydrogen gas to a fuel cell through a gas vent. A method is provided including providing a plurality of fuel pellets arranged as a spring-loaded stack, transporting a fuel pellet from the stack, activating a release of hydrogen gas from the transported fuel pellet, and providing the hydrogen gas to a fuel cell.

Abstract: A word game includes displaying a first and a second letter from which players form an answer word. A winner is determined when an answer word conforming to an established rule set is submitted. A game-piece dispenser includes a base having two depressions in a top face located closer to a front edge than to a rear edge of the base. The depressions have a depth dimensioned to hold a unitary game piece having an indicium thereon. A game-piece holder having two receptacles with bottom openings is affixed in sliding relation atop the base and is movable between a rear position wherein the receptacle openings are in spaced relation from the depressions and a forward position wherein the receptacle openings are in covering relation to at least a portion of the depressions for depositing a game piece into each depression.

Abstract: An IC package discharge apparatus is constructed to include a machine base, the machine base having pitch-adjustable IC package carrier tube passages arrange din parallel for receiving IC package carrier tubes, a vibrator controlled to oscillate the machine base, a set of contact switches respectively installed in the IC package carrier tube passages and adapted to shut down the vibrator after removal of IC package carrier tubes from the IC package carrier tube passages, and a set of sensors respectively installed in the IC package carrier tube passages and adapted to count the number of IC packages passed into the IC package carrier tubes in the IC package carrier tube passages and to shut down the vibrator when every sensor counted up to a predetermined number.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing sheets, one-by-one, from the top of a stack utilizing a suction conveyor means disposed above the stack and provided with side-blowing means having first blowing nozzles which blow a first air flow directly against the side of the top sheets and a second blowing nozzle which blow an obliquely, upwardly directed air flow against the side of a sheet attracted by the suction conveyor means in order to shake loose sheets sticking to the attracted sheet. Front-blowing means is also utilized to blow air between the sheet to be removed by the suction conveyor means and the rest of the stack in order to press any following sheets firmly to the rest of the stack.

Abstract: A leaflet dispensing apparatus having a main structural body on which is mounted a carousel including a plurality of magazine for storing leaflets and an intermediate chute for transferring the leaflets from the carousel to a dispensing wheel. The dispensing wheel is adapted to remove a leaflet from the intermediate chute and to transport the leaflet to a dispensing area where a dispensing blade pushes the leaflet onto or into a container being transported by a conveyor located adjacent to the leaflet dispensing apparatus. The magazines for storing leaflets are the vehicle for reloading the carousel. The magazines may be discarded after use or may be re-used.

Abstract: A machine for dispensing publications one by one having (a) housing defining an enclosed interior; (b) having an exit opening for dispensing the publications; (c) a platform for receiving a stack of the publications, the platform being supported within the housing for vertical movement between a plurality of positions; (d) a slider which, in an operating mode of the machine, is horizontally movable between fore and aft positions; the slider being disposed within the housing for contacting a topmost publication of the stack with the platform in one of the plurality of positions and for feeding the contacted publication to the exit opening when the slider is moved horizontally; (e) a coin operated mechanism for placing the machine into the operating mode, and (f) a mechanism disposed within the housing for automatically imparting a motion to the slider that pushes the slider against a rear edge of the topmost publication so as to move the topmost publication from the stack to the exit opening when the machine i

Abstract: An injection drug dispensing system which can quickly dispense injection drug includes a control unit and an injection drug dispenser of the type that requires drugs to be stored in order. The dispenser has a plurality of storage units each including a plurality of cassettes in which are stored many drugs. Each storage unit has an intermediate container into which drugs discharged from the cassettes are collected. The control unit creates a table for drug dispensing data, registers the dispensing data by the numbers attached to the data, and creates a queue in a register for determining the order in which drugs are discharged into the intermediate containers. Drugs can thus be concurrently dispensed into the intermediate containers.

Abstract: A labelling machine has an apparatus for the automatic loading of the main magazine of a labelling machine with a label stack including of a number of individual labels. The label stack can be inserted from a supply magazine by means of a feed device into the main magazine, which supply magazine makes possible both a smaller size and a smooth insertion of the label stack into the main magazine, because the supply magazine can be pivoted from a standby position into an insertion position, in which an ejection opening of the supply magazine is flush against the insertion opening of the main magazine.

Abstract: A package merchandiser providing for front and rear stacks of packages resting on a common sloping surface, with a rotating gate positioned between the two stacks to prevent the rear stack to slide to the position of the front stack while packages remain in the front stack. The rotating gate releases when no packages remain in the front stack, allowing the packages in the rear stack to move forward. A control cam associated with the rotating gate to additionally control motion of the rotating gate.

Abstract: A dual pawl, feed mechanism for feeding a strip of fasteners into an installation apparatus. The mechanism includes first and second pawls which are connected together and reciprocate in horizontal synchronism. The dual pawls enable a second strip of fasteners to be loaded into a chute before the first strip of fasteners is exhausted. This permits uninterrupted operation of the fastener installation apparatus irrespective of the transition between strips of fasteners. The dual feed pawl mechanism also prevents a partial feed condition from taking place.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a cup dispenser having an auxiliary cup loading rack for an automatic vending machine. A control circuit enables selective feeding of different drink cup types from said auxiliary loading rack. The disclosed invention is capable of feeding more hot or cold drink cups according to seasonal demands, for example, thereby avoiding lost sales due to a shortage of a more frequently used cup type.

Abstract: An automatic lid dispensing and applicator arrangement for an automated drinkmaker machine. The lidding arrangement automatically separates lids from a stack of lids and applies the separated lids onto cups. A large supply of lids is maintained in a rotatable lid supply carousel. A lid shuttle is positioned adjacent the bottom of a lid dispenser, and is supported for linear translating and reciprocating movement between retracted and extended positions. The lid shuttle supports a lid engaging member designed to engage a first bottommost lid of the stack of lids and to retain the first bottommost lid in a first intermediate position in the lid shuttle while the lid shuttle is moved in translation to its extended position. The lid shuttle is then moved in translation to its retracted position, during which the first lid is moved within the lid shuttle to a second loaded position therein beneath a lid applicator supported by the lid shuttle.

Abstract: To maintain a sufficient stock of blanks (10) in packaging machines, especially for hinge-lid packs to receive cigarettes, there is a magazine (11) with a plurality of magazine shafts (13, 14, 15), from which a stock of blanks (16) is extracted successively in the region of an extraction station (12). A residual stock (23) of blanks is constantly maintained in the extraction station (12), while the magazine (11) is displaced after a magazine shaft (13, 14, 15) has been emptied.

Abstract: Electrical connectors are slidably received in side-by-side serial array in elongated, hollow tubular cassettes. The cassettes are shaped to receive the connectors only in a single orientation, and protect terminals which partly extend from the connector housings in an intermediate assembly stage. Cassettes are vertically stacked in a feed system, and when the bottom cassette is emptied of connectors, it is released from the stack and replaced with a full cassette.

Abstract: A cup dispenser for housing a plurality of stacks of nested cups in side-by-side relationship and including a dispensing device to sequentially dispense cups from one of the stacks in a dispensing column. A pair of helical feed coils are provided to advance the stacks of cups sequentially to the dispensing column. A support in the form of a pivotable platform is provided below the dispensing column to receive and support the stacks as they enter the dispensing column and drop through a dispensing column opening in order to avoid damage to the outwardly extending lip of the lowermost cup by virtue of the weight of the stack. The support is particularly suitable to catch falling stacks of cups that include packaged materials that are provided with the cup, such as seasonings or condiments carried in the recess at the base of the cups.

Abstract: A paper tube supply apparatus to an automatic winder. A paper tube releasing apparatus comprises a paper tube releasing section, a paper tube stock section, and a magazine driver section. The magazine driving device of the present invention includes a paper tube detecting mechanism for detecting the presence of absence of a paper tube in a releasing position and a clutch mechanism for allowing a rotational driving of the magazine to supply paper tubes stored in the successive cylinder.

Abstract: A cap dispenser includes a carousel cap magazine holding a number of cap stacks and a cap delivery assembly for dispensing individual caps on demand. A drive assembly actuates the cap delivery assembly to dispense a cap and indexes the magazine when a low supply of caps are within the cap delivery assembly to supply cap stacks thereto.

Abstract: A cigarette dispenser for placement on top of an automobile dashboard, and including a frame in which a cigarette case is slidable; the case containing two rows of cigarettes, one above the other, and each row containing ten cigarettes; the case having two dispensing outlets, one for each row, and the frame having a push rod for pushing a cigarette out of the case, and each row of cigarettes being spring pushed for aligning the cigarettes in succession with the dispensing outlets.

Abstract: An apparatus in which a stack of sheets is brought into contact with the clamping surface of a fixed stapler head. After the stack is secured against the clamping surface, a staple is driven therethrough.

Abstract: An improved carousel-type can end infeed unit is provided. Can end stacks are supported within carrier members and are indexed to a position adjacent a transfer station for ejectment into a processing unit intake. The carrier members are attached to upper and lower multi-link roller chains through extension members and axially elongated roller chain link pins. A single roller mounted to the bottom of each carrier member permits the weight of the carrier member and any can end stack to be supported directly by the apparatus frame, while the carrier member can be moved easily about the apparatus by the roller chains.