Abstract: Apparatus and method for storing medicaments in bulk and individually dispensing solid medicaments, such as medicine in tablet or pill form, including a rotatable carousel having a plurality of circumferentially spaced-apart upwardly opening storage compartments, each receiving a plurality of identical medicaments in bulk different than the medicaments in each other compartment. Disposed on the carousel between each alternate pair of compartments is a vertical discharge chute which is rotated into alignment with a dispensing station after one of the medicaments is removed from one of the compartments. A vacuum operated probe is pivotally mounted on the frame opposite the dispensing station for swinging movement between a lower position, in which a terminal end of the probe is inside the compartments in engagement with a medicament therein, and a raised position above the carousel, allowing the carousel to rotate to a position in which the adjacent discharge chute is aligned with the terminal probe end.

Abstract: An automated filter changing system comprises a rotatable filter dispensing assembly and a filter clamping assembly. The filter dispensing device receives filter storage magazines in which a plurality of filters are initially stored in the form of connected stacks. The filter dispensing assembly includes a filter separating device having a stationary portion. The filter separating device separates one or more stacks of filters into discrete filter units, such that individual filters are transported sequentially from the filter dispensing device. The filter clamping assembly operates in conjunction with the filter dispensing device to receive one or more individual filter units dispensed therefrom, and provides one or more coupling sites which can fluidly communicate with one or more fluid lines. The filter clamping device couples unused filters to fittings associated with the fluid lines by applying an evenly distributed force to the filters.

Abstract: Spring nail (32, 34, 72, 96) for a sheet feeding device (10). The spring nail (32, 34, 72, 96) has a mounting end (36, 74) for attaching to the sheet feeding device (10) and a free end (38, 78) opposite the mounting end (36, 74), the free end (38, 78) being disposed to engage a top sheet (16) of a stack of sheets (14) to be fed and exert a resilient biasing force thereagainst to form a loop or bow in the top sheet (16) for separating the top sheet (16) from the stack (14) when the top sheet (16) is to be removed from the stack (14). The spring nails (32, 34, 72, 96) are preferably positioned for engaging the respective leading corners (28, 30) of the top sheet (16) and each has a spring arm portion (40, 80) between the mounting end (36, 74) and the free end (38, 78) having properties of a spring for resiliently biasing the free end (38, 78) against the top sheet (16).

Abstract: A drink cup supplying apparatus in which cup replenishing work can be conducted easily in a short time and also maintenance characteristic is improved. In the apparatus, the main body 1 is enabled to be opened and closed in both faces by a pair of the front and back divided doors 2 and 3. Cup holding stands 5, on which vertically piled cup groups are placed, are disposed in a cup holding unit 4 in the main body 1 in a state that they are arranged in connected plural rows and capable of moving circularly and intermittently. Cup take-out mechanisms 6 are disposed inside the orbit X of the cup holding stands 5. And, cup push-out-loading mechanisms 7, which push out the cup groups placed on the cup holding stands 5 to the cup take-out mechanisms 6 for loading, are disposed on the reverse side 3a of one divided door 3.

Abstract: A paper feed apparatus having a pickup mechanism to pick up a plurality of paper sheets stacked on a chute one by one from the bottom and carrying the paper sheets to a predetermined standby position, comprises a gate 2 disposed facing a pickup roller 1 almost vertically with respect to the direction of paper feed to form a predetermined clearance, a paper-sheet separating pad 3 disposed in sliding contact with the pickup roller 1 to pick up the paper placed on the standby position one by one, and a pickup arm 4 that can be driven to be moved upward when setting paper sheets and downward when feeding paper sheets to push from above the paper sheets stacked on a chute 13 near a paper-sheet feed port. The pickup arm 4,when brought into free state as the planetary gear 5 disengages from the drive power transmission system, pushes paper sheets with a pushing force that increases with increases in the number of paper sheets stacked on the chute 13.

Abstract: A mechanism for removing selected food containers from a carousel situated in the refrigerated food storage compartment of an automatic hot food vending machine consisting of a rotatable selector plate which forms the bottom of the carousel and food containers can be removed from the refrigerated food storage compartment.

Abstract: A curvy slide delivery chute for use in a machine for vending products includes an elongated body having a central hole formed therein, a pair of recessed channels formed in the body and provided in a wavy longitudinal configuration in the body on opposite sides of the central hole such that the channels are substantially mirror images of one another and protrude below a remainder of the body and extend from an upper end to an opposite lower end of the body such that a product can slide along either one of the channels in being transferred from the upper end to the lower end of the body, and a pair of side rails each formed on the body and protruding thereabove along one of opposite outer sides of the recessed channels.

Abstract: A unit dose medicine feeder for use in a packaging machine that can receive pills individually from a reservoir has a cylindrical housing having a base with an opening through which a pill may pass. There is a wheel-like component on the base that has a plurality of slots about its outer periphery. The slots are sized to receive a single pill in the form of a tablet, capsule or caplet and are oriented to have walls that are 10° to 45° from vertical. A gear mechanism is provided to connect the wheel-like component to a motor to rotate the wheel-like component. That rotation will sequentially align the slots with the opening in the base allowing a pill within the slot to pass from the slot through the opening. The orientation of the slots enables the wheel to receive a wider range of pill sizes without jamming and without dispensing more than one unit from a slot. Preferably there is a trap door in the medicine feeder that directs a dispensed pill directly to packaging material in a packaging machine.

Abstract: A tablet feeder of the type in which tablets in a storage case are discharged by rotating a rotor. The tablet feeder can prevent tablets, which are about to be discharged by slight rotation of the rotor, from being inadvertently discharged when the storage case is mounted on or dismounted from a support base. The storage case is detachably mounted on the support base. The rotor is mounted in a bottom portion of the storage case so as to be rotatable about a rotary shaft, and is coupled to a motor through rotary gears at its bottom end. A plurality of small magnets are provided on the outer circumference of the bottom portion, and small magnets are provided at a plurality of locations on the outer circumference of the rotor at predetermined intervals.

Abstract: A pill dispensing package that includes a circular base having a pill dispensing opening adjacent to its periphery. A circular package disk has a peripheral array of frangible elements containing pills to be dispensed disposed for selective alignment with the base dispensing opening, and indicia for indicating dosage periodicity. A circular cover overlies the package disk, and is moveably secured to the base. The cover has a window for observing the periodicity indicia on the package disk, and a button for manual urging against the package disk to dispense a pill through the base opening from the frangible element aligned with the opening. The cover is resiliently urged axially away from the base and circumferentially with respect to the base, and is constructed to permit limited axial and circumferential movement with respect to the base.

Abstract: A machine for vending products include a housing, an magazine indexing drive mechanism in the housing and drivingly coupled to a product storage and dispensing magazine at spaced apart lower and upper portions of the magazine, a plurality of ball bearings rotatably supporting the magazine on a product separation fixture in the housing, a resiliently yieldable mechanism supported on the separation fixture and having a spring-biased pivotally-movable flap operable to impart a positive downwardly-directed force on the lowermost product that will push it downward toward an opening in the housing, and portions of the housing and the separation fixture defining a path for passage of products to the opening which is located outwardly of and bypasses the drive mechanism.

Abstract: A device for dispensing pull tab tickets, lottery tickets and other articles and the articles to be dispensed thereby are set forth. The device includes one or more carousels removably retaining magazines containing tickets to be dispensed. The carousels are indexed to position a magazine for dispensing the article. After the patron has paid for the ticket, a dispensing mechanism pulls the article from the magazine and dispenses it. Each article has at its margin a slot which cooperates with a rod in the magazine to hold the articles in the magazine. When dispensed, the article is pulled from the rod.

Abstract: An electronic chip component feeder is provided to prevent continued supply of electronic chip components for mounting which have surface discolorization, deteriorated electrode solderability, or cracks or chips produced by chip collisions. The electronic chip component feeder includes plural feeding units arranged in an array. Each feeding unit has a hopper for holding a plurality of components of a particular kind, and a guide path by which components are transferred from the hopper to a dispensing location. At the dispensing location, the components are picked up by a sucking chuck and then transferred to a substrate for mounting thereon. The plurality of feeding units are capable of being reciprocated in unison so that the dispensing location for the feeding units are successively moved to a fixed position. The electronic chip component feeder further includes a counting unit for counting the number of movements of the each feeding unit.

Abstract: A vending machine for increasing consumer interest in the vending process and vended product includes an internal elevator. This elevator has a conveyor or tiltable bed mounted thereon whereby a vended article is both horizontally and vertically moveable within the machine. A transparent window is provided on the face of the vending machine whereby the dispensing operations can be viewed by a consumer. An alignment device can be provided on the elevator in order to prevent tipping of the articles to be dispensed.

Abstract: An assembly for feeding packed portions of coffee powder to a brewing unit is provided by the present invention. That assembly has a brewing chamber and a magazine adapted to receive the coffee portion to be brewed. The magazine is rotatable and adapted to receive a plurality of cartridges, each containing a coffee portion. Further, there is provided a device for individually feeding the coffee portions into the brewing unit.

Abstract: Device to distribute photographic material, such as photographs, films, negatives, slides, etc.

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 vending machine featuring rotating stacked carousels for the display and sale of floral and plant arrangements is disclosed. The vending machine is capable of carrying out both cash and credit card transactions and includes a certified credit card terminal for connecting to the credit card processing network. The present vending machine includes an integrated microprocessor to control the mechanical motion and position of the stacked carousels, accept payment from either cash or credit cards, maintain accounting records, provide printed receipts, and to control on-line modem communications with credit approval sources as well as dial-up auditing of machine's inventory. A significant feature of the certified credit card terminal is the ability to transact purchases in both an off-line and on-line mode and the ability to enter bad credit card numbers into a credit card file when purchase is attempted with an invalid card number.

Abstract: An automated system for preparing and delivering postmix beverages in response to one or more drink orders being entered from a remote point of sale unit or a local keypad and including: a postmix beverage preparation assembly for dispensing ice and a selected postmix beverage into a cup; an oblong carousel type conveyor assembly including a plurality of upwardly open cup holders which are driven by a motor driven belt so as to pass beneath a cup dispensing station, an ice dispensing station, a beverage dispensing station, and a plurality of pick-up stations; a cup storage and dispenser assembly including a bi-directionally rotatable turret upon which is mounted a plurality of different sized cup supply tubes for holding a respective stack of beverage cups; and a pneumatic vertically driven cup gripper/extractor mechanism having a pair of pneumatically operated gripper arms which operate to remove a cup from a selected supply tube on the turret and placing the extracted cup into an empty cup holder which is t

Abstract: The present invention is an automatic banking system including a cash dispenser and a rolled coin dispenser in a single apparatus. The rolled coin dispensing apparatus includes a rotatable dispensing wheel that holds coin rolls, a rotary drive mechanism for rotating the dispensing wheel to a dispense position, and an ejecting mechanism for ejecting a predetermined number of coin rolls from the dispensing wheel. The dispensing wheel has outer and inner wheel structures that support divider members which receive rolled coin cassettes therebetween. The ejecting mechanism includes pusher arms arranged exteriorly of each dispensing wheel and ejector bars, fixed to each arm, that are located interiorly of the outer wheel structure to be pushed into a cassette disposed at the dispense position to obtain coin rolls therefrom. The ejector bars and cassette located at the dispense position are arranged nonradially with respect to the axial center of their cassette wheel.

Abstract: A merchandise game of chance visually displays a commercially acceptable variety and number of prizes retained in magazines, some of which run along generatrices of a conical rotating body. A second set of magazines is interleaved with the first set of magazines at the base of the body so that prizes in a lower portion of each of the second set of magazines are visible to the player. When a player pushes a button, the rotating body slows to a halt and dispenses a prize if the magazine holding that prize is adjacent a delivery chute. In one version of the game a dummy magazine is used to display the smallest and least valuable prizes. If the dummy magazine is adjacent the chute when the conical surface stops, an equivalent small prize is delivered to the player from a dispensing hopper. The game is housed within a narrow enough enclosure to permit it to be moved through a conventional swinging door.

Abstract: A merchandise dispenser for dispensing merchandising prizes which are used in conjunction with coin operated amusement games. It includes a conveyor belt that follows a continuos path of travel within a housing, a control cabinet having an interface device which is connected to a remote coin operated device which offers an award based upon a score, points or achievement, a prize retrieval space contained within the housing, and an access door formed in the front of the housing to retrieve a prize.

Abstract: A vending machine includes a refrigeration compartment, an oven compartment, structure for transferring a food product from the refrigeration compartment to the oven compartment, and structure for transferring the food product from the oven compartment to a user of the vending machine. The vending machine provides automated handling and cooking of packaged food products that enables a hot cooked food to be delivered to a customer in a cool package sleeve. The vending machine also includes a system for inventory control that enables vertical storage of packaged food products while minimizing crushing of packaged food products at the bottom of a stack. A magazine empty indicator automatically indicates when an inventory magazine is empty. An oven door latch mechanism eliminates the possibility that the oven can be operated while the oven door is open.

Abstract: A single, traveling actuator services multiple medication dispensing carousels to selectively dispense medication. The traveling actuator carries a tray that receives the dispensed medication. The tray flips to discharge the medication for patient use. The single actuator simplifies operation and reduces drop distance, thereby leading to a compact, low profile assembly.

Abstract: A miniature, battery operated vending machine for dispensing products includes a rotating carousel for holding stacks of products and a plunger assembly for dispensing products from the carousel into a dispensing area. A plurality of columns are disposed along a circumference of the carousel. A carousel rotation device aligns a column with the plunger mechanism. The plunger mechanism dispenses product from a column until the column is depleted of products. A controller senses product depletion and rotates the carousel to align another column with the plunger assembly. After all products have been dispensed, the controller blocks a coin insertion slot, displays a "sold-out" sign, and shuts the machine off. The vending machine also includes a device for allowing refilling of the carousel and a device for resetting the coin slot and "sold-out" sign. The vending machine also incluces a separate currency slot for accepting donations.

Abstract: A product-delivery device for an automatic vending machine is designed to deliver products stacked and accommodated in a product-accommodating box sequentially from a lowest position according to a sales command. The produce-delivery device is formed of at least one horizontal conveyer installed on a lower side of the product-accommodating box, and a product delivery opening formed at a lower front port of the box. The products are piled on the conveyer. The opening has a size to allow one of the products to pass therethrough. Thus, the products disposed on the conveyer are delivered forward one by one from the box by means of the conveyer according to the sales command. In the product-delivery device, the thickness of a cabinet can be reduced, and the product accommodation efficiency is improved.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a combination of medications in dose lots at timed intervals comprising the following: a housing (12); a plurality of dose modules (32) rotatably mounted in the housing, each dose module including at least one circular disc (34), each of the discs having a plurality of apertures (36) therethrough, wherein each aperture is sealed on either side with film (38, 39) so as to form a compartment which contains a single dose of a medication; extractor means (110) mounted to the housing for selectively piercing the film coveting the apertures so as to release the medication contained in respective apertures; signaling means (92, 182) mounted to the exterior of the housing for periodically indicating a time medication is to be taken; and dose module index means (150, 152) for indexing each dose module at a predetermined interval and for actuating the signaling means. In an alternative embodiment, the dispenser is controlled by a microprocessor system (188).

Abstract: The invention relates to a tablet dispenser, including a dispenser housing, a replaceable tablet package to be accommodated in the housing, an adjustable periodicity indicator and a single tablet dispensing aperture in the dispenser cover. The tablet package includes a cover, rotatably connected to the bottom portion of the package and provided with an opening which, upon use of the dispenser, is in alignment with the tablet dispensing aperture. The dispenser further includes a locking device to compel joint rotational movement of periodicity indicator and package bottom portion, and an operating member to effect stepwise rotation of the package bottom portion relative to said package cover.

Abstract: A multi-station article dispensing apparatus for use in a "merchandiser" game of skill or chance has a plurality of delivery/display stations juxtaposed along an axle. Each station includes a cradle wheel rotating freely about the axle and loaded from a gravity-fed magazine. Each cradle wheel includes a plurality of drive pins parallel to the axle. The cradle wheel is rotated by a drive rod that nutates along its axis to engage a drive pin. Each drive rod has a solenoid rotatably connected to it and engages its respective drive pin whenever that solenoid is actuated. When the solenoid associated with a given drive rod is not actuated, a bias spring moves the drive rod to a position in which it does not engage a drive pin. Thus, although a single motor and drive train drives all the drive rods in unison, only a selected cradle wheel is rotated.

Abstract: This disclosure specifically discloses a key (or other type of door opening object) dispensing apparatus and method that could be used for hotels, motels, rental car companies, and the like to dispense keys (or other door opening objects) to customers automatically, without a human attendant being present to effect the transaction. One embodiment of the present invention discloses a round carousel with hooks upon which metal keys are placed. The carousel is rotated to a position where the desired or selected key is in position to be dispensed from the apparatus and dispensing means then pushes the key off its hook allowing it to fall into a tray below. A second embodiment discloses the use of a standard 35 millimeter type slide carousel to hold plastic key cards commonly known as VING cards.

Abstract: A coin operated product dispensing machine including a housing with an enclosed main display compartment and an elongate slide plate extending therethrough and attached at one end to the housing with a biasing element, an opposite free end of the slide plate extending outwardly from a front wall of the housing and defining a pull handle, wherein the slide plate is movable between a relaxed position and an extended position by pulling the handle at the free end thereof. A carousel, including vertically oriented chambers for containing a stacked array of individual product units therein, is rotatably supported within the main display compartment such that each of the chambers is selectively positionable in vertical alignment over a drop hole in the slide plate, the drop hole being sized and configured to receive an individual, lower most product unit dropped from the aligned chamber.

Abstract: A general purpose system for the storage and retrieval of articles having nested sets of rotatable platters or of various perimeters such that each set fits inside the perimeter of the next larger sized platter. All platters have storage positions or bins in which articles are stored. Bins are positioned so that one side is adjacent to the perimeter of the platter. All platters are mounted so that a part of their perimeter is adjacent to the perimeter of the platter on which they are mounted. This arrangement makes all storage positions available at the edge of the largest or main platter by rotating a subset of the smaller platters. The main platter can be rotated to a serving window making all storage positions on the platter available at the serving window. The geometry of the circular arrangement make the number of storage positions on a main platter vary with the square of the radius of the main platter whereas the time it takes to fetch a storage location varies with the radius.

Abstract: A mutually operated medicine dispenser having a programmable timer and alarm for indicating when a patient is to take medicine. A plurality of prefilled compartments are formed between a rotatable finned carousel and a basket within which the carousel resides. As the carousel rotates, the individual compartments align with a window in the bottom of the basket allowing the medicines within the aligned compartment to fall through the window, through a spout to be dispensed.

Abstract: An improved article handling system includes an article storage structure for containing articles to be handled, transport structure for transporting articles to a position where they can be delivered to or removed from machine, control devices to identify, remove and deliver article to said storage bins, a record keeping device for recording each transaction of the system including dispensing, retrieval and identification of the article and user. The construction and arrangement of the transport means for transporting articles to the dispense and/or return position is unique in its construction, its two axes of motion is performed using one motor allows this article vending machine to be constructed very efficiently and at a very reliable cost. Further, The article vending machine is capable of identifying articles for return prior to their insertion into the machine.

Abstract: An article dispensing apparatus which comprises a frame having a protective housing mounted thereon and a rotatable turret having a plurality of vertical channels circumferentially arranged about the axis of the turret, each channel holding a stack of articles. A hand-operated handle is mounted on the frame, and means operated by the handle rotates the turret a partial turn to bring a channel into register with an outlet for discharging the article. A reciprocating ram means is operable by the handle to push the bottom article from the channel into the outlet.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for forming a buffer store of articles, including stackable or restable articles such as cups, plate-or disc-shaped objects, or covers. The apparatus includes supply means for feeding the articles, at least one storage tube for receiving the articles, and discharge means for discharging the articles. The bottom end of the storage tube is selectively connectable to the supply means and the discharge means. Preferably, the storage tube is supported by a pivotable suspension so that it can be swung between a first position proximate to the supply means and a second position proximate to the discharge means.

Abstract: A parts loading apparatus comprising a turret structure having one or more passages therethrough for receiving and holding a row of parts to be fed therefrom one at a time, the plurality of such passages being arranged at angularly spaced locations around a central axis, each having an opening adjacent one end from which the parts held therein can pass, and a rotary actuator mechanism operatively connected to the turret structure to rotate the structure to locate different ones of the passages in alignment with a parts receiving fixture adjacent to one end of the passage and with a source of pressure adjacent to the opposite end of the passage. The subject parts loading apparatus may also be constructed to have a single elongated tubular member capable of holding a row of aligned parts therein with the piston positioned therein adjacent one end of the row of parts whereby applying pressure into the passage moves the piston and the row of parts therein and ejects the end most part therefrom.

Abstract: Bacteria in tablet form is introduced into a home sewage treatment system. The system uses ground temperature to promote bacteria activity to aid in sewage denitrification. The tablets are periodically dispensed with a power-driven dispenser that periodically drops a tablet below ground into the system.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing predetermined pills in sequential order has a base with a cylindrical housing removably mounted on the base and has a pill container dispenser opening in the cylindrical housing. A pill container magazine is rotatably mounted inside the cylindrical housing and has a plurality of magazine sections thereon for holding a plurality of vertically stacked pill containers in stacked arrays. The pill container magazine in a manual embodiment has a plurality of shift knobs thereon for rotatably shifting the pill container magazine within the cylindrical housing between dispensing positions. A visual and audible signal system is mounted in the dispenser base and is actuated by a timer or clock mechanism to signal the time for a patient to take the pills in one pill container in the pill container magazine.

Abstract: Product-supporting trays are carried in closed circuit paths by an endless chain engaged with gear members with parallel horizontal axes. Products are extracted from transverse ends of the trays by a pusher which moves parallel to the gear axes and onto an oven hearth located laterally of the discharging station. A tray guide maintains the trays at horizontal orientations at all times. An inner chain guide bears against pins on the chain along their entire continuous paths. The inner chain guide has at least one adjustable part which is movable when the distance between the gear members is adjusted. The pusher has an arm which is perpendicular to the gear axes, and the pusher is slidably mounted on a horizontal guide positioned outside the path of the trays and parallel to the gear axes.

Abstract: An automatic sandwich preparation system including a meat patty and bun storage and delivery system. The patty system includes a number of canisters containing meat patties mounted on a carrousel and tilted inwardly toward the center of the canister. An ejection blade slides the bottom patty from the bottom of a selected canister onto a wire conveyor. Each canister is coded for the size of the meat patties contained in it. The carrousel is mounted in a freezing chamber. The bun system includes parallel shelves holding the bun portions in rows separated by step-driven dividers. The bun portions are delivered from the trays into a bun transport that in turn delivers the bun portions to a toaster.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically dispensing cones and the like, contained in piled-up condition and in upside-down position inside a plurality of container tubes. A carrousel revolves stepwise over a plane above which the cones rest and slide. A pair of stationary circular guides is positioned between the carrousel and the resting/sliding plane. A first cone of each cone stack is fed and made advance. The pair of guides are provided with respective inclined planes acting on the peripheral edges of the second cone of each cone stack to separate the first cone from the overhanging cone stack while the first cone falls by gravity into a dispensing station.

Abstract: A combination cracker dispenser and entertainment center is provided and consists of a housing that will contain a lazy susan tray near the bottom to hold crackers, a mechanism to dispense one cracker at a time, a dish near the top to hold dip therein to be used for the crackers and a built-in radio placed within a transparent middle portion of the housing.

Abstract: An automatic cup dispensing arrangement for separating the bottommost cup from a stack of cups supported in a cup dispenser. The cup dispenser is pivotally mounted about a substantially horizontal pivot, about which the cup dispenser is cyclically pivoted to allow the cup stack to cyclically swing through a dispensing travel arc during a dispensing cycle. A pair of opposed cup separating members are mounted on opposite sides of the stack of cups in the cup dispenser along the dispensing travel arc. The opposed cup separating members are spaced a distance apart substantially equal to the width of a cup just beneath the cup rim, and each of the pair of opposed cup separating members comprises at least one cup separating wedge positioned opposite to a corresponding cup separating wedge in the oppositely positioned cup separating member. The oppositely positioned cup separating wedges cooperate to separate the bottommost cup from the cup stack as the cup dispenser is pivoted along the dispensing travel arc.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for dispensing the bottom cup from a selected stack of cups utilizing a rotatable carriage for supporting a plurality of stacks of cups arranged along the rotary path of the carriage. As the carriage rotates a stack is selected from which a cup is to be dispensed a sensor determines when the selected stack reaches a predetermined position along the rotary path of the stacks. There are separators for separating the bottom cup from the respective stack and a solenoid operated ramp for movement into the rotary path of the separating means to separate the bottom cup from the selected stack. The solenoid operated ramp is operated by a signal from the sensing means.

Abstract: An automated delivery system includes a unitary wheel assembly having a plurality of horizontally disposed tiers each supporting a plurality of radially extending product bins. Electronic control components including customer interfacing devices, regulate the operation of a motor to rotate the wheel assembly to position a specific bin juxtaposed a single, fixed delivery chute, at which point one stationary discharge assistant as provided for each tier is actuated to manipulate a gate assembly associated with each bin to cause the discharge of its product, by gravity, into the chute. Input keyboard, monitor, credit card and currency processing devices connected to the control components permit varied types of transactions by customers of the system.

Abstract: A device for storing and dispensing objects the a plurality of superposed annular magazines constituting a cylindrical structure which is rotatable about an axis by a stepper motor or the like. An object extraction control member is disposed at each level inside or outside the cylindrical structure and serves to co-operate with elements situated within the object-containing housings. Alternatively, the annular magazines may be fixed and the object extraction control members may rotate relative thereto.

Abstract: A device for dispensing medicament capsules is set forth which includes a housing within which are disposed a plurality of vertically spaced and substantially parallel transverse dispensing gates. Each dispensing gate has a like number of apertures extending vertically through the gate and spaced at different radial distances from the housing axis where the radial distances are of equal length in each one of the plurality of gates. Those apertures located at equal radial distances in successive dispensing gates are spaced in a radial sequence of equal angles. Between each successive dispensing gate a removable and reloadable carriage member is located which is contiguous with the dispensing gate and each carriage member has a multiplicity of radially spaced slots extending vertically througth the carriage member for storage of medicament capsules. The slots are sequentially located concentrically about the vertical axis at radial distances equal to those radial distances locating a dispensing gate aperture.

Abstract: A vending machine for dispensing cups comprising a rotatable turret magazine for supporting a plurality of upright columns of cups. A pair of part-circular guide surfaces engage the bottom surface of the lowermost cup in each column, the guide surfaces rising uniformly above a horizontal base plate from a region of minimum cup height to a diametrically opposite position of maximum cup height. A fixed, arcuate cam surface is adapted to engage between the rims of the lowermost and next lowermost cups for stripping the lowermost cup from its column. The guide surfaces and cam co-operate such that, as the magazine is rotated, the lowermost cup from each column is stripped in turn, lowered to a discharge station and then, if that cup is not required, rejoined to its original column. When a desired cup arrives at the discharge station, the rotation of the turret magazine is stopped and that cup is released downwardly to a dispensing station.

Abstract: A machine component installer for installing bearings, pins, bushings, and the like into a machine casting or similar component includes a reloadable carousel for accepting plural component stacks, a pivotally mounted claw-arm for grasping a bearing presented by the carousel and for swinging the grasped bearing into a pre-installation position, and a press for determining that all components are properly positioned and for pressing the bearing into a bore. The carousel includes a rotatably mounted turntable with guides for accepting plural stacks of bearings. The bearings drop, on a one-by-one basis, through an opening in the turntable plate to a presentation position. The claw-arm includes opposed spring biased fingers for grasping each bearing presented by the carousel and for swinging the bearing into position above a ram. The claw-arm is designed to self-tighten about the grasped bearing as the arm is rotated to present the bearing to the ram.