Abstract: A medication dispenser including a container having a bottom, first and second upstanding sidewalls and first and second upstanding end walls with the container or liners positioned therein defining a plurality of open topped medication compartments. A plurality of compartment covers overlie and close the compartments to maintain medication within the compartments. Each of the covers has an outwardly extending tab or extension which assists in the opening of the cover. The upper ends of the sidewalls of the container are provided with a plurality of spaced-apart protrusions which extend outwardly from the associated sidewall beyond the outer ends of the tabs on the covers to shield the tabs to prevent inadvertent opening of the covers.

Abstract: An article dispensing machine and article transport storage unit are shown that permit articles slated for inventory to be delivered in secure manner from a centralized inventory supply center to an article dispensing machine forming part of an article distribution system. The article transport storage unit is locked during transport from the supply center to the machine and does not become unlocked until fully installed within the machine.

Abstract: An automated small items dispensing apparatus is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the invention includes a networked, programmable, automatic medication items dispensing apparatus for use by individual patients who are enrolled in a medication protocol or medication therapy regimen. The device is located separate from the patient's health care provider's facility, such as in the patient's home.

Abstract: A networked items dispenser is disclosed. The device includes a housing having a bulk storage bin for storing items, a temporary storage bin for receiving the items, and a dispensing receptacle for receiving the items from the temporary storage bin. A communications network interface is provided for entering programming instructions. A programmable internal memory device is also included for storing a schedule for dispensing the items, such that the schedule can be automatically adjusted according to a hierarchy of dispensing rules.

Abstract: A vending machine has a support part that has a first support member extending in the right and left direction on the inside of a commodity storage chamber and a second support member extending in the front and rear direction on the inside of the commodity storage chamber, and supports a commodity column so that the commodity column is movable in the front and rear direction on the first and second support members. In the vending machine, when a support receiving part is detached from the first support member, the commodity column can be moved in the front and rear direction via the second support member, so that replenishment of commodities to the commodity column and maintenance of the commodity column can be accomplished. Both of the first support member and the second support members are located under the commodity column, and support the commodity column from the downside. Therefore, spaces for arranging support members at the right and left of the commodity column are unnecessary.

Abstract: A method for operating a coin dispensing device, the coin dispensing device having a plurality of coin dispensing modules, wherein at least one coin tube for holding coins of a predetermined nominal value is assigned to each dispensing module, each dispensing module being adapted to dispense a coin held in the coin tube assigned to the dispensing module in a dispensing cycle and in response to a control signal, wherein at least two coin tubes assigned to different dispensing modules contain coins of the same nominal value and in one dispensing cycle, a plurality of coin dispensing modules are being activated.

Abstract: This invention relates to dispensing apparatus for dispensing a variety of a similar item. The dispensing apparatus includes a cabinet, being adapted to enclose multiple compartments. Each compartment is capable of retaining multiple substantially similar beverage items. The dispensing apparatus also includes dispensing trigger means to trigger release of a preferred item and at least one delivery port where the item is delivered for collection. The dispensing apparatus further includes dispensing control assembly configured to offer at least one service from a range of services as defined. The beverage items dispensed include miniature bottles capable of holding up to or more than 50 millilitres of a beverage.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide vending dispenser assemblies for beverage dispensers. In particular, embodiments of the invention can provide a beverage dispenser with a manually operated vending dispenser assembly that consumes little or no additional electrical power to dispense a beverage container using the assembly. Embodiments of a vending dispenser assembly can be used with a heated or chilled compartment associated with a beverage dispenser. Furthermore, embodiments of a vending dispenser assembly can operate in conjunction with a relatively small dispenser opening to limit heat transfer loss via the dispenser opening. One embodiment can provide a dispenser for dispensing a number of products. The dispenser can include at least one storage column adapted to dispense a number of products, and a product selection device operable to permit one of the number of products to advance from the storage column, wherein the advanced product can be dispensed from the dispenser.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus for the controlled distribution of media. The apparatus includes a plurality of compartments that releasably retain media. The distribution manager may issue a key to a patron. The patron may then take the key to one or more compartment containing media. The media are selectively releasable by the key from the compartments when the patron presents the key to a lock interface located generally proximate the compartments. The present inventions also include methods for the controlled distribution of media from a plurality of compartments.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical tablet dispensing and packaging system comprising a tablet packaging unit and a tablet dispensing unit having door cabinets and a base cabinet with each door cabinet rear portion detachably engaged to the base cabinet rear portion. Each cabinet rear portion is vertically wrinkled to form ridges and furrows so that when the door cabinets are attached to the base cabinet, spatial shafts are formed by the furrows and ridges.

Abstract: An automated system for dispensing condiment packets includes a magazine for storing a stack of condiment packets and a dispenser for metering out those condiment packets. Multiple magazines and dispensers can be combined in a single condiment delivery assembly, thereby providing the means for dispensing a variety of condiment flavors. The delivery assembly can be incorporated into a fast food vending machine or can be designed as a standalone unit.

Abstract: An automated personal pill dispenser has one or more chambers for holding a supply of pills. A feed mechanism is associated with each chamber and is selectively operable to dispense an incremental number of pills from each respective chamber. A programmable controller is coupled to control and operate the feed mechanism. The controller has a timer, a memory and an input means and is programmably operable by the user and/or by remote input from a smart card, PDA or various networks such as one having access to data from a pharmacy. The programming presets at least one of a time and a number of pills to be dispensed from each chamber. The controller operates an alarm to alert the user and operates the feed mechanism to dispense pills at the preset time and number, also detecting the user's access to obtain the dispensed pills.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for storing slides in an angular, offset or fanning arrangement. The apparatus includes a base member and two support members. At least one of the base member, the first support member, and the second support member is arranged at an angle. With this configuration, the plurality of slides are angularly stacked on the base member and between the first and second support members. A bottom slide of the plurality of slides is dispensed through a slot defined between one of the lateral support members and the base member. The fanning arrangement can be a vertical fanning arrangement, a horizontal fanning arrangement, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A carousel-type holder for dispensing tape marker flags and flexible sheet material from a stack including a plurality of sheets disposed one on top of another, each sheet having a band of relatively releasable repositionable adhesive coated along one edge thereof, the sheets being stacked with the adhesive coated edge of each successive sheet disposed along alternate opposite edges to maintain the sheets in the stack. The dispensers include an enlarged body portion having an open ended, tubular neck portion and a supply of tape marker flags in the body portion. A preferred base is adapted to be received and supported on a substantially horizontal supporting surface while a housing is supported for rotation by said base about an upright rotational axis including a plurality of outwardly opening upright holding cavities and an openable side door for each holding cavity.

Abstract: A dental hygiene vending machine comprises a housing having multiple dispensing compartments. A dispensing coil is rotatably connected to the housing and is capable of actuation. A cover is hingedly connected to the housing. The cover has multiple cutouts that substantially align with the housing dispensing compartments. An item window is attached to the cover. Multiple dispensing switches are slidably connected to the cover. A change counter is connected to the housing and has a coin slot. The change counter is electrically connected to the dispensing switches and is capable of actuating the dispensing coil when a predetermined value of change is received in the coin slot.

Abstract: A handkerchief dispensing apparatus for containing and dispensing handkerchiefs for a user. The handkerchief dispensing apparatus includes a housing comprising a base wall and a perimeter wall. The perimeter wall and the base wall define a receiving space of the housing for receiving the handkerchiefs. The perimeter wall comprises a dispensing slot extending through the perimeter wall of the housing for permitting a portion of each of the handkerchiefs to extend through the perimeter wall when the handkerchiefs are positioned in the receiving space of the housing. A lid member is hingably coupled to the housing. The lid member selectively closes the open end of the receiving space when the lid member is positioned over the housing. A dispensing assembly is coupled to the housing. The dispensing assembly is designed for feeding one of the handkerchiefs through the dispensing slot when the dispensing assembly is actuated by the user.

Abstract: A dual station coin-operated vending machine includes a housing, a globe on the housing with a central vertical partition dividing a reservoir of the globe into separate compartments, a pair of coin-operated dispensing mechanisms each disposed in the housing below one globe compartment, a pair of discharge chutes disposed in the housing below and each associated with one dispensing mechanism, and a dual hopper disposed in the housing below the globe and above the dispensing mechanisms. The dual hopper has a downwardly concave shaped top surface leading to spaced apart openings therein, each overlying and aligned with a dispensing wheel of one dispensing mechanism, and a raised ridge formed on the top surface and aligned below the globe partition so as to isolate the dual hopper openings from one another to receive items only from separate globe compartments.

Abstract: An automatic tablet dispensing and packaging system includes a tablet packaging unit and a tablet dropping unit that have door cabinets and slider cabinets. The packaging system comprises a front hopper for the door cabinets, and rear hoppers detachably mounted in the base plate to minimize the rebounding of the released tablets, and kinetic force of the tablets being dropped via the corresponding channel.

Abstract: A storage and dispensing system (10) for storing and dispensing pre-packaged pharmaceutical products (12) and other products. The system includes a cabinet (14); a plurality of product conveyors (16) mounted within the cabinet and each configured for holding at least one product; an infeed conveyor (18) for receiving products that are to be stored in the cabinet; an outfeed conveyor (20) for receiving products that are to be dispensed from the cabinet; and a transporter (22) moveable within the cabinet for transporting products between the product conveyors and the infeed and outfeed conveyors for storing products in or dispensing products from the cabinet.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus a method and apparatus for the refurbishment of a beverage vending machine to enable a can vending machine to be reconfigured for the dispensing of bottles. In particular, the apparatus and process are directed to the modification of certain components of a can vending machine to enable it to be utilized for dispensing of newer, 16- or 20-ounce beverage bottles. The modification includes a change in the spacing and configuration of the container storage rack and the modification of dispensing mechanisms to allow a can-type system to dispense bottles and thereby avoid the need to completely replace the vending machine.

Abstract: A blister pack hook display case with a manual security dispensing system comprised of a display case with a transparent door and lock that has a blister pack dispenser on each hook, wherein the dispenser dispenses a blister pack each time the pulley located in the front is pulled. It will dispense the chosen blister through the transparent door, which will reach the cashier for payment and withdrawal by means of a slide below; the car dispensing the blister packs has a number of blades depending on the space available and the size of the blister pack that oscillates forward only to raise the paddles when the car is released backwards without moving the next blister pack backward. They then fall into position to dispense a new blister pack. The blades do not oscillate backwards so that when it is pulled forward, the first blister pack is moved until it falls off the hook and all others then move one step forward to continue the sequence.

Abstract: Dispensable objects are loaded into a portable case for transport to a dispensing site by connecting a reload controller with a case to be reloaded. Latchable and unlatchable object retainers arrayed in the case are relatched, and the reload controller is activated to respond to a reloading request to unlatch some of the retainers in locations suitable for receiving reloaded objects. A person then reloads the chosen objects in the array locations opened up by the unlatched retainers and relatches those retainers. The controller then acts upon another reloading request to unlatch more retainers in locations suitable for receiving additionally loaded objects, as the loading sequence repeats.

Abstract: A medicine dispensing system for dispensing medicine carriers, wherein each medicine carrier contains medicine which is to be dispensed at an appropriate time of the day and week for that carrier, having a housing. The housing has a patient accessible medicine retrieval compartment. The medicine carriers are placed within tubes located within a housing by a pharmacist, who may access the tubes through a pharmacist access panel. Actuator motors allows the carriers to be moved to the medicine retrieval compartment at the appropriate time of the day and week, as specified by the programming of the pharmacist. Once in the retrieval compartment, the patient can remove carrier and ingest the medicine contained therein. If the medicine carrier is not removed from the retrieval compartment by the patient within a predetermined time, the medicine carrier is moved to a storage compartment which is not accessible by the patient.

Abstract: An easy-to-use automatic distributor machine (100) using rotary discs (103), of the type comprising a fixed structure (170) with at least one product-holding disc (103), rotating about its axis, and with at least one flap (150) for the collection of a product which has been selected. According to the invention, said machine (100) foresees at least one guide (120) for the sliding of a container (116), which collects the product selected near to the corresponding product-holding disc (103) and takes it into a collection position, accessible to the user opening the flap (150).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for vending articles (12) from a machine (10). The machine includes an interior space (102) having at least one compartment (140) for storing articles (12) extending along a horizontal axis (142) between first (144) and second (146) ends. A head (270) is provided to engage the articles (12) when positioned in alignment with a compartment (140) by a positioning mechanism (210). The head (270) is extended into a compartment (140) parallel to the horizontal axis (142) to engage an article (12).

Abstract: A self-facing merchandise pusher system for use in retail stores. Numerous products in a retail store are merchandised on shelves and a biased pusher is used to urge products toward the front edge of the shelf. The width of the pusher corresponds generally to the width of the narrowest product to be pushed. A removable divider extends vertically between each pusher. When pushing products that are multiples of the width of the narrowest product, dividers may be removed to create a larger pushing surface. Removing a divider locks two adjacent pushers together thereby causing the two pushers to push in unison and prevents product from slipping between the adjacent pushers.

Abstract: A system for accessing small items that are stored in a secure manner for controlled access thereto by access mode or access code, which system is based upon a series of modules having a plurality of storage cartridges therein, which modules are disposed in a box and a plurality of boxes are housed in a cabinet. The cabinet and specific cartridge are accessed by an access mode such as a coin, bill, credit card, access code as by keypad or computer generated among others. A signal is sent to a solenoid which impacts a latch which moves downwardly and releases from engagement with the cartridge. A latch spring returns the latch to its original position. An ejection spring kicks the cartridge forward for the user to gain access to the contents thereof. Reinsertion of the cartridge reverses the procedure to re-engage the latch with the cartridge's down hanging metal strip.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing flat articles, which is entirely mechanical, resistant to theft and vandalism and consistently dispenses the correct volume of merchandize. A dispensing mechanism locks out a patron as the last article or item of merchandize is dispensed from the merchandize magazine by arresting rotation of the coin mechanism at a point where a coin cannot be inserted. A novel locking mechanism for the door covering the secure compartment in which collected coins are stored and a novel protective flap for the dispensing slot are also provided.

Abstract: A medication tablet dispenser has an upright casing providing a tower which is subdivided by horizontal partitions into eight compartments which individually contain removable holders each containing a charge of tablets to be dispensed. The holders have framing portions which together provide a funnel opening downwardly into a cavity of a blister sheet. The casing is vibrated back and forth about its vertical axis through a small angle to cause tablets in the holders to progress towards an outlet leading into the funnel and having an associated ejector which discharges selected tablets into the funnel when required by a computer program. Conical vibration of the casing is prevented by a connection located on its vertical axis and held stationary by a fixed arm. The ejectors operate in response to slide-rods individually reciprocated by associated solenoids controlled by the computer program.

Abstract: A vend mechanism for transferring articles, or prizes, to a receiving area of a vending machine accessible from outside the machine, including an amusement game machine, has a plurality of conveyors arranged radially on each of a plurality of spaced plates. A first drive mechanism is provided to rotate an assembly of the plates so that a selected column of conveyors is in alignment with the receiving area and, for each plate, a second drive mechanism is provided to operate the conveyor that is in the transferring orientation so that an article, or prize, on the conveyor is transferred to the receiving area.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical tablet dispensing and packaging system comprising a tablet packaging unit and a tablet dispensing unit having door cabinets and a base cabinet with each door cabinet rear portion detachably engaged to the base cabinet rear portion. Each cabinet rear portion is vertically wrinkled to form ridges and furrows so that when the door cabinets are attached to the base cabinet, spatial shafts are formed by the furrows and ridges.

Abstract: A vending machine employing an electronic control unit which may be easily programmed initially with predefined angles of a cradle corresponding to existing products or vended items. The control unit has the option of setting custom vending angles with a new, previously unknown product package is to be vended from the machine, allowing a user to rapidly set up the machine for a range of package types. Custom angle settings may be used when needed to avoid loading a new control program whenever a new package type becomes available.

Abstract: A dispensing system for a vending machine includes a vend motor, a cradle, a load bar and a push arm. Upon selection of a particular product, the vend motor rotates the cradle, causing the product to emerge from the vending machine. The cradle is designed to accommodate a wide array of container sizes. The dispensing system incorporates a rotation sensor, a position sensor, and a lift arm. The sensors enable accurate rotation of the cradle through a plurality of vend angles depending upon the particular product being vended, while the lift arm cooperates with the push arm and load bar to refill the cradle after a series of product containers have been dispensed. In addition, the vend motor includes a soft start control that prevents instantaneous rotation of the output shaft so as to prolong an overall operational life of the motor.

Abstract: The system for conveying a selected product to a collection compartment in automatic vending machines is especially suitable for automatic tobacco vending machines, in which a unitary extraction from a storage unit is carried out once a product has been selected so as to deliver the product to the collection compartment. The system comprises a pair of elastic conveyor belts (4, 5) guided by certain cylindrical bodies (6), which can be aided by some freely rotating rods (7), with one of the cylindrical bodies (6) acting on each one of the elastic belts as a drive element for transmitting independent movement to them. A first elastic belt (4) is fitted in order to define an initial horizontal section (8) under the storage units (2) with a second section (9) in a vertical position on one side of the machine, while the second conveyor belt (5) is fitted in a position backing onto the vertical section (9) of the first belt (4).

Abstract: A drawer 2c is provided with a collecting mechanism 20 for collecting medicines discharged from the storage containers 3. The body frame 1 is provided with a recovery box 28 for recovering medicines collected by the collecting mechanism 20. The collecting mechanism 20 has a first passage and a second passage which can be used interchangeably. The first passage allows the medicines discharged from the storage containers 3 to be conveyed to the recovery box 28, when the drawers 2c are contained in the body frame 1, while the second passage allows the medicines discharged from the storage containers 3 to be conveyed to the recovery box 28 when the drawers 2c are drawn out of the body frame 1.

Abstract: A blister pack hook display case with a manual security dispensing system comprised of a display case with a transparent door and lock that has a blister pack dispenser on each hook, wherein the dispenser dispenses a blister pack each time the pulley located in the front is pulled. It will dispense the chosen blister through the transparent door, which will reach the cashier for payment and withdrawal by means of a slide below; the car dispensing the blister packs has a number of blades depending on the space available and the size of the blister pack that oscillates forward only to raise the paddles when the car is released backwards without moving the next blister pack backward. They then fall into position to dispense a new blister pack. The blades do not oscillate backwards so that when it is pulled forward, the first blister pack is moved until it falls off the hook and all others then move one step forward to continue the sequence.

Abstract: A personal medication in storage dispensing unit is provided for receiving and storing medication, vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, pills capsules, gel tablets and the like in a manner which is easily accessible and which is conducive to inclusion within a medication regimen system. A medication regimen monitor can be included in this system in order to be programmed to signal proper medication dosage times. The monitor preferably provides non-compliance information, preferably information which persists and which designates which portion of the medication regimen was not complied with. The system also can include a holder for multiple storing and dispensing units in an ordered fashion consistent with daily requirements of the medication regimen.

Abstract: A medication dispensing system for providing a prompting signal for taking medication at a predetermined time. The medication dispensing system includes a main housing with a plurality of walls defining an interior space and a channel which extending from a first end towards a second end opposite of the first end; at least one container portion for temporarily storing medication to be taken by the user which is detachably couplable to the main housing and positionable substantially in the channel; and at least one alarm assembly for providing a signal to the user at a predetermined time prompting the user to take the medication.

Abstract: A machine for dispensing substantially cylindrical items such as bottles, cans and containers of various shapes and sizes without making special adaptations to the machine. The machine includes a storage cabinet having a plurality of storage racks supported therein each of which includes a plurality of storage tracks formed by first and second elongate planar surfaces which are disposed substantially perpendicular to each other and which are inclined in a downwardly direction from the back of the storage rack toward the front of the storage rack. Each of the elongate planar surfaces is disposed at an acute angle to a horizontal plane disposed substantially parallel to the ground and each of the storage tracks is operable to support a plurality of items to be dispensed with the bottom surface of the items supported on one of the first and second elongate planar surfaces and a side cylindrical surface of the item being rollingly supported on the other of the first and second elongate planar surfaces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cigarette vending machine, especially for installing in the checkout area of a market or the like, comprising a housing (12) wherein several shafts (16) are located (16). Said shafts accommodate columns of cigarette packs (18) which are oriented upright with their broad sides resting against each other. A discharge outlet for individual cigarette packs is located at the front of the shafts (16). The aim of the invention is to provide a simple means of discharging a cigarette pack whilst ensuring that the packs are suitably presented to the customer. The pack should not however be removed directly from the supply shaft. To this end, an optionally controllable drive mechanism (36, 38, 40) is allocated to each shaft (16). Each drive mechanism has a pressure piece (42) which exerts pressure acting on the back side of the rearmost cigarette pack (18) of the column of packs, urging frontwards.

Abstract: A tablet supplying and packaging system comprises a tablet packaging unit having an upper portion, a base cabinet on top of the upper portion. The base cabinet defined by front, rear surfaces and side ends. One of the side ends is swingably engaged to the tablet packaging unit. One or more slider cabinets each defined by longer side surfaces and shorter side surfaces are horizontally aligned in rear of the base cabinet such that each longer side surface becomes perpendicular to the rear surface of the base cabinet. The slider cabinets are linearly slidable to move back and forth so the slider cabinet sliding can be effected when the base cabinet is swung open, whereby the slider cabinets are selectively pulled out through a space reserved by opening the base cabinet.

Abstract: A tablet dispensing and packaging system includes a drum unit accommodating tablet cassettes open to tablet channels. A base tray slides in and out underneath the drum unit. First openings are formed through upper and lower surfaces of the base tray and a first membrane having pores is slidably provided on the lower surface. A removable tray has second openings therethrough a second membrane having pores is slidably provided on the lower surface of the removable tray to either keep tablets in the second openings thereby or drop the tablets through the pores thereof when slidably displaced to a predetermined extent. The removable tray is detachably mountable on the slid-out base tray.

Abstract: A high capacity document sheet processor combines significant speed and efficiency enhancing improvements in existing approaches to stack feeding particularly in the stack loading, feeding and singulating functions with novel operational arrangements adaptable to a universal paper handling and envelope inserting system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cup-supplying apparatus for supplying tapered cylindrical cups stored in a stack, which comprises cup dispensers each supplying lowest cup from cups stored in a stack; a unit generating a force for cup-supplying; force-transmitting members each transmitting the cup-supplying force to a corresponding cup dispenser; and means for selecting one of the force-transmitting members to be supplied with the cup-supplying force; whereby the cup-supplying force generated by the force-generating unit is transmitted to the selected force-transmitting member so that the lowest cup is supplied for use by the corresponding cup dispenser, wherein the cup dispenser may be provided with a lever, the force-generating unit may comprise a motor and a cam, the force-transmitting member may be a slider provided between the lever and the cam, and the selecting means may be a mechanism for moving the cam up and down to a position where the slider can transmit the cup-supplying force from the cam to the lever of the corr

Abstract: This invention relates to product vending and relates particularly but not exclusively to product vending apparatus and parts therefor suitable for vending high cost products such as consumables for computer printers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a product carry-out apparatus for a vending machine, adapted for carrying a product, which has been delivered downward from a product housing within a vending machine body at the time of selling, in a diagonally upward and forward direction and then carrying out the product to a product take-out port. The apparatus comprises: a conveyor which is rotatable about the rear end between a forward and upward inclined position for selling and a substantially horizontal position for maintenance and, at the time of selling, at the position for selling, receives, on its upper surface, the product delivered from the product housing and carries the product in a diagonally upward and forward direction; and a support for holding the conveyor at the position for selling or at the position for maintenance.

Abstract: An apparatus for automated key retrieval and deposit includes a housing and a key storage rack assembly positioned within the housing. The automated key retrieval and deposit apparatus also includes a key holder for holding a key to be retrieved positioned on the key storage rack, and a key holder actuating mechanism operatively connected to the key holder, for actuating the key holder between an extended position and a retracted position. The automated key retrieval and deposit apparatus further includes a cover pivotally connected to the key storage rack and actuatable between a closed position and an open position, wherein the cover, in the closed position, exerts a force on the keyholder to retain the key on the key holder.

Abstract: A coordinate selectable vending machine assembly for dispensing articles from a plurality of article storage compartments, including horizontally arranged helical coils, comprises a single dispenser, movable between the plurality of storage compartments for vending a selected article. The single dispenser is movable between the plurality storage compartments in response to an electronic signal sent by a micro control panel after a user has inserted money into the machine and used the coordinate section to identify the type of article to be dispensed. The dispenser moves, utilizing a pair of stepping motors, until aligned with the selected storage compartment. Once in position, the dispenser is urged from a normal position out of engagement with the storage compartment to a second position in engagement with the storage compartment for actuation of the vending selected article, which it then actuates resulting in dispensing of the article.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tablet packing apparatus which is possible to feed specially administrative tablets separately from general tablets. Specially administrative tablets are contained in a feeder vessel. A tablet reserving member 200 is disposed below the feeder vessel 36. A shutter 203 which is movable to open and close the lower opening of the tablet reserving member 200 is provided. When setting the tablet vessel beneath the tablet reserving member 200 and moving the shutter 203 to open the lower opening of the tablet reserving member 200, the specially administrative tablets are fed into the tablet vessel without passing through the common passage.

Abstract: There is disclosed a medicine supply apparatus which improves the cost and operability required for the maintenance of individual tablet cases. In the medicine supply apparatus, a plurality of tablet cases are stored in a main body case storage part, each tablet case includes a container for containing a medicine and provided with a discharge drum for discharging the medicine and a drive table provided with a motor for driving the discharge drum, transmission mechanism for transmitting a motor drive force to the discharge drum and a medicine detection sensor for detecting the medicine discharged from the discharge drum, and the drive table and container are detachably attached to the tablet case.