Abstract: A secure product dispenser assembly comprises a base portion having a first end and a second end, and being configured to hold a plurality of units of product. The base portion comprises a bottom, a first divider coupled to the bottom, and a second divider positioned opposite the first divider and coupled the bottom. A top portion is configured to adjustably couple to the base portion and a dispenser portion is coupled to the top portion and positioned at the first end of the base portion. The dispenser portion is configured to rotate between an open position to enable removal of one unit of product from the first end of the base, and a closed position inhibiting removal of the one unit of product from the first end of the base.

Abstract: A dispenser (100) for medical articles (163), comprising a base (110) and a cover (120), wherein the base (110) comprises at least one stopper arrangement (170) integrated in the main wall of the base (110) and protruding from the inside surface (111b) of the main wall of the base (110), wherein each of the at least one stopper arrangement (170) has at least one cut-out (171) configured to to hold medical articles (163), received in a respective opening in the cover (120) when the dispenser (100) is in a closed configuration, and configured to release receive and hold at least one medical article (163), or a container (160) configured its hold on the at least one medical article (163) or the container (160) when the dispenser (100) is in an open configuration.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for mesh flaps for container capacity detection in sortation systems. In one embodiment, an example system for use with an item sortation machine may include a rotatable flap comprising a mesh grid coupled to a frame, where the rotatable flap is disposed adjacent to a container of items in the item sortation machine, and a sensor disposed adjacent to the rotatable flap, where the sensor is configured to sense an item protruding out of the container. The mesh grid may have a set of metallic wires that intersect to form the mesh grid, where the set of metallic wires form a geometric pattern.

Abstract: A system for packaging dosed quantities of solid drug portions comprises a plurality of dosing stations for dispensing a dosed quantity of solid drug portions, a plurality of guiding ducts, a plurality of collecting containers for receiving drug portions guided through the guiding ducts, and at least one discharge and packaging station for transferring drug portions collected by each collecting container to a packaging and for closing the packaging. The guiding ducts are coupled to a transport means for moving the guiding ducts along the dosing stations, wherein each guiding duct is adapted to receive drug portions dispensed from at least one of the dosing stations when the guiding duct is positioned at the at least one dosing station, and to guide the received drug portions to an passage opening of the guiding duct.

Abstract: An automatic vending machine includes a product housing rack including a plurality of product housing shelves that are disposed in an up-down direction, a plurality of product housing paths corresponding to the plurality of product housing shelves, each product housing path being defined in the corresponding product housing shelf and configured to house products, a plurality of product discharge devices corresponding to the plurality of product housing shelves and the plurality of product housing paths, each product discharge device being configured to separate and discharge, one by one, the products that are housed in the corresponding product housing path. The product housing shelf includes a front side shelf member and a back side shelf member that are divided in the front-back direction, supported by support members, and detachably coupled with each other so that the front side shelf member is sandwiched by the back side shelf member.

Abstract: An automatic vending machine includes a product housing rack including a plurality of product housing shelves that are disposed in an up-down direction, a plurality of product housing paths corresponding to the plurality of product housing shelves, each product housing path being defined in the corresponding product housing shelf and configured to house products, a plurality of product discharge devices corresponding to the plurality of product housing shelves and the plurality of product housing paths, each product discharge device being configured to separate and discharge, one by one, the products that are housed in the corresponding product housing path. The product housing shelf includes a front side shelf member and a back side shelf member that are divided in the front-back direction, supported by support members, and detachably coupled with each other so that the front side shelf member is sandwiched by the back side shelf member.

Abstract: A vending machine and an item dispensing method. The vending machine includes: a storage column used to store items; a bucket used to receive an item from the storage column; a first conveying mechanism disposed at the storage column and used to convey the item in the storage column to the bucket; a second conveying mechanism disposed at the bucket and used to convey the item from the storage column to the inside of the bucket; and a controller. The first and second conveying mechanisms are each electrically connected to the controller. The item dispensing method includes controlling the first conveying mechanism to convey an item to the bucket at a first preset speed and controlling the second conveying mechanism to convey the item to the inside of the bucket at a second preset speed, as the item is entering the bucket, the first preset speed being less than the second preset speed.

Abstract: Devices for discharging bakery goods, to be combined with an upstream continuous baking oven, are described. The device has transfer means for transferring bakery goods from a storage unit to discharging means, wherein the discharging means direct the bakery goods to a discharging compartment. The discharging means include a conveying installation and a dispensing installation, wherein the dispensing installation is suppliable by the conveying installation with bakery goods.

Abstract: A vending machine includes two horizontal lead screws, a vertical lead screw, first and second motors, a shelf, a delivery cup, and a delivery area. The first and second motors drive the horizontal lead screws and the vertical lead screw, respectively. The vertical lead screw moves horizontally along the horizontal lead screws. The shelf contains a product and has a movable gate to hold the product on the shelf. The delivery cup moves vertically along the vertical lead screw and has a solenoid and a plunger. The solenoid activates the plunger, which opens the gate to dispense the product onto the delivery cup. An outer door of the delivery area isolates the delivery area from outside the vending machine when closed and provides access to the product from outside the vending machine when open. A mechanical interaction between the delivery cup and the delivery area opens the outer door.

Abstract: The invention is a system in which containers communicate their specifications to a robot, preferably a robotic arm, in order to teach the robot how to handle the individual contents of the containers. Each container has a controller that stores information about that container's contents. In order for the robot to interact with the container's contents, the robot communicates with the controller of the container to receive instructions for interacting with the contents. Preferably, the system is part of an automated storage and retrieval system, and the robot interacts with the contents of the containers as part of an assigned task, such as food preparation. The system may include feedback sensors and a user interface.

Abstract: A safe, integrated dye sublimation printer apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus is configured to print one or more images. In some embodiments, the apparatus may be incorporated into a fully-enclosed vending machine, equipped with one or more product storage containers, to provide on-demand personalized sublimated products and accessories for a consumer.

Abstract: A container data center includes a container, a cooling room defined in the container, and a cabinet receiving a server. The cabinet includes a fan module opposite to the cooling room. An opening is defined in the cabinet. A box is attached to the cabinet. The box defines an inlet. A blocking plate is pivotably attached to the box to cover or uncover the inlet. An air plate is pivotably attached to the cabinet to cover or uncover the opening. When the server is moved into the cabinet through the inlet, the server pushes the corresponding blocking plate and the corresponding air plate to rotate. When the cabinet operates, the fan module operates to exhaust hot air from the cabinet, the cabinet then becomes negative pressure rooms to let the cooling air enter the cooling room through the inlet and the opening.

Abstract: A bagged ice vending machine where a drive motor is energized causing conveyors to move, the conveyors are designed to move in opposite directions so that the product will move to the end of that conveyor and drop to the conveyor below, which will force the last bag on the bottom conveyor to fall into the vending chute, activating the ice vended sensor, and slide into the vending hopper, the product can then be accessed by the customer through the vended product access door. A drive chain is configured on each conveyor chain sprocket so that when the drive motor is energized the conveyors will move in opposing directions. This movement indexes the product so that as each item reaches the end of the conveyor it will fall to the conveyor below. Each conveyor will only move the product one position for each product dispense cycle.

Abstract: A vending arrangement for computerized vending machines, retail displays, automated retail stores, utilizes a centralized, robotic gantry associated with companion modules for vending a plurality of selectable products. The modularized design enables deployment of half-sized or larger, full sized machines. The robotic gantry is deployed in a centralized module disposed adjacent display and inventory modules. Inventory modules can be fitted to both gantry sides, and doors can be fitted to the gantry front or rear. The gantry comprises an internal, vertically displaceable elevator utilizing a central conveyor for laterally, horizontally moving selected items from associated display and inventory positions to a vending position. Computerized software enables the display and vending functions, and controls elevator movement to dispense products from twin sides of the gantry by appropriately controlling the conveyor.

Abstract: A tablet dispenser includes a device body and a plurality of tablet cassettes disposed on one face of the device body. Each tablet cassette is capable of accommodating a plurality of types of tablets and of dispensing the tablets contained therein in a lateral direction. A plurality of chutes are in communication with the plurality of tablet cassettes. Each chute is disposed on the one face of the device body, adjacent to a corresponding tablet cassette. Each chute retains tablets dispensed from the corresponding tablet cassette and dispenses the tablets in a downward direction into a container.

Abstract: A diaper and wipe dispensing system includes a housing with an upper compartment for accommodating stacked diapers and a lower compartment separated from the upper compartment, for accommodating baby wipes. A diaper slot in the housing facilitates access to diapers within the upper compartment, and a wipe slot in the housing allows access to wipes within the lower compartment. At least one access panel releasably secures with the housing, such that diapers and wipes are loaded into the housing via the at least one access panel. The housing may be formed by a wall plate and a cover that slidably mates with the cover via lock-and-key features.

Abstract: A cartridge of tubulars may be removably positioned with a carriage, and the carriage may move the cartridge transversely, vertically, and/or rotationally to roll tubulars on an adjacent tubular receiving member using only gravity from a selected tier of tubulars without human contact. A single trolley disposed with the tubular receiving member both pushes and pulls tubulars toward or away from the drilling deck.

Abstract: An item storage facility that includes a resident programmable subcontroller, at least one stand, a one circuit board having a plurality of elongated openings therein supported on the stand, and a plurality of connectors resident on the circuit board and in communication with the subcontroller.

Abstract: A tablet dispenser includes a device body and a plurality of tablet cassettes disposed on one face of the device body. Each tablet cassette is capable of accommodating a plurality of types of tablets and of dispensing the tablets contained therein in a lateral direction. A plurality of chutes are in communication with the plurality of tablet cassettes. Each chute is disposed on the one face of the device body, adjacent to a corresponding tablet cassette. Each chute retains tablets dispensed from the corresponding tablet cassette and dispenses the tablets in a downward direction into a container.

Abstract: A system and method for discharging a selected product into a dispensing chamber of a vending machine are provided. In the system and method of this disclosure, a selected product from a vending machine is received in a product delivery cup. The product delivery cup is moved to a dispensing chamber of the vending machine. Near the dispensing chamber, the product delivery cup moves in a horizontal direction which causes or activates a delivery cup sleeve within the product delivery cup to pivot or move from a non-dispensing position to a dispensing position. The dispensing position of the delivery cup sleeve releases the selected product from the delivery cup sleeve to the dispensing chamber where a consumer is able to access the selected product.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for dispensing items. In one embodiment, a magazine defining a channel adapted to store a plurality of items of substantially similar size in a uniform manner is provided. The magazine may also define (a) a rake element path adapted to allow one item of the plurality of items to be engaged and (b) a dispensing opening adapted to allow the engaged item to be urged out of the dispensing opening. In such an embodiment, a receptacle may also be provided. The receptacle may comprise a storage cavity and a rake element, wherein the rake element is adapted to (a) pass through the rake element path of the magazine to engage the item and (b) urge the item out of the dispensing opening of the magazine into the storage cavity of the receptacle.

Abstract: A vending machine includes a product detection system for signaling a vending controller that a selected product has released from a product support shelf. The vending machine includes a product delivery device that, upon initiation of a vending operation, transports the selected product from the product support shelf towards a delivery area. Upon initiation of a vending operation, a motor moves a product delivery device to a position adjacent the selected product. A dispensing mechanism then releases the selected product which falls into the delivery device, imparting a downward force which is sensed at the motor. A sensor detects the downward force and signals the vending controller that the product has been received by the product delivery device. At this point, the vending controller continues with the vending operation.

Abstract: A machine particularly adapted for dispensing light items (19) packaged in symmetrical, frustum-shaped containers. The items are propelled through a tubular cartridge (3) by compressed air, and in the absence of any solid pushing, pulling or carrying device, then individually dispensed. A flow of compressed air generated by a blower (28) is s fed to the back of the cartridge. The items are dispensed under control of a toggling dual-gate mechanism (26, 27) at the front end of the cartridge. The dual-gate mechanism of a removable magazine (2) grouping a number of cartridges can be selectively addressed and activated by means of a solenoid-driven cross-bar assembly (38).

Abstract: Various pop-up bath tissue dispensing devices are described. In one embodiment, the bath tissue dispenser is configured to dispense bath tissues one at a time. In order to educate a child during toilet training on how much tissue to use, the tissue sheets contained within the dispenser have a size sufficient such that only one sheet is necessary for wiping. The dispenser can include an attachment device for attaching the dispenser to a spindle while still permitting the spindle to hold a conventional roll of bath tissue. In various embodiments, the tissue sheets or the dispenser may include designs or other indicia to either encourage a child during toilet training or to help educate the child during toilet training.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dispenser apparatus for goods, said apparatus comprising a storage unit (1) for storing goods in a number of storage passages (7), a unit (8) for conveying one or more goods from the storage unit (1) to a conveyor unit (2, 20), said conveyor unit (2, 20) conveying, via an air pressure, goods to a dispensing station, wherein the storage passages (7) of the storage unit (1) forms an angle to the horizontal which is larger than or smaller than 90°, and wherein the unit (8) in the form of a fetcher mechanism comprises one or more ejectors for pushing one or more goods conveyed into one or more transfer chambers (19) into a conveyor pipe (2).

Abstract: A product dispensing system including a dispenser having an upper support deck that defines a deck opening and a lower support deck that defines a product display area, a container positioned on the upper support deck, the container including first and second walls that define an internal volume, wherein the first wall defines an opening having a longitudinal length that is aligned with the deck opening, and wherein the second wall includes a lower portion proximate the container opening, and a plurality of products initially housed in the internal volume, wherein the dispenser is spaced from the lower portion of the second wall such that the lower portion bows outward and increases the longitudinal length when a product engages the lower portion as it exits the container through the container opening.

Abstract: A medicine dispensing device has a device body (1), shelf members (2) arranged in the vertical directions in the device body (1), and a medicine conveyance member (3) for conveying medicines (D), received in the shelf members (2), on one by one basis from the front face side of the device body (1). A shelf member (2) has cassettes (26) in which medicines (D) are received in line, a pusher (31) for pushing the medicines in the cassettes (26) toward the front face side of the device body (10), and a constant load spring (32) for applying a constant load to the medicines (D) received in the cassettes (26) through the pusher (31). To fill the cassettes (26) with the medicines (D), the shelf member (2) can be pulled out from the front face side of the device body (1) and then positioned by pivoting the shelf member (2) so as to face obliquely downward.

Abstract: A canister for removable attachment to a dispenser is formed as a hollow shell defining a cavity into which wet or dry paper can be fitted and removed from the canister through a dispensing opening therein. The shell is formed with a part-cylindrical shape and has a outwardly projecting rim at its bottom for detachable mounting on the dispenser.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic tablet packing apparatus having sliding racks, wherein tablets received in a plurality of tablet cassettes are successively packed on a per dose basis based on a medical prescription. Each of the sliding racks includes a pair of left and right partition walls, a tablet discharge passage to guide the tablets discharged from the tablet cassettes being defined by facing inner surfaces of the left and right partition walls. Cassette pedestals are attached to outer surfaces of the left and right partition walls and in turn, the tablet cassettes are detachably arranged on the cassette pedestals. The left and right partition walls are able to be individually pulled out from a body of the apparatus. As the left or right partition wall is pulled out, the tablet discharge passage is revealed to the outside thus enabling easy cleaning thereof.

Abstract: A medication cabinet that includes at least one drawer, a drive mechanism, and a drawer latching mechanism, is disclosed. The drawer includes a slider, and a container that includes a receptacle and a lid that moves between an open position and a closed position. The container also includes a fastener to fasten the lid to the receptacle. The slider maintains the lid in the closed position when at least a portion of the wall is coupled with the fastener, and actuates the lid from the closed position to the open position when the fastener passes through an opening in the wall. The drive mechanism controls longitudinal movement of the slider, and is mounted to the chassis, allowing the drawer to be free of electrical connections with the chassis. When the drive mechanism is not used to move the lid into the open position, longitudinal movement of the slider is inhibited.

Abstract: Systems and methods to reduce bioburden on at least a portion of a fluid transfer port include supplying a dose of radiation to the portion in optical communication with at least one source of radiation. In an illustrative example, a medical container, such as a vial or IV bag, receives a dose of ultraviolet (UV) energy substantially at a predetermined region of a fluid transfer site. In some examples, such a sanitization process may precede a fluid transfer operation in which a fluid is transferred into or out of the medical container by passing through the sanitized region. Such fluid transfers may be used in automated or semi-automated pharmaceutical processes, such as drug reconstitution. Various embodiments may further include one or more seal assemblies, each seal assembly having an aperture through which the radiation dose is supplied from the source to a controlled region on the fluid transfer port.

Abstract: Improvements to increase the speed at which a vending machine can dispense articles are disclosed. In various embodiments, the machine defines plural first arrays of receptacles for receiving articles with the first arrays stacked so that adjacent receptacles in the first arrays form second arrays. A separate user door closes each first array of receptacles, a slot door assembly provides a plurality of receptacle doors operative to open a particular receptacle when the user door is unlocked, and a slot access mechanism provides access to a particular receptacle. The machine waits a specified time period after dispensing to detect whether a subsequent user request is received. If a subsequent user request is received, the machine moves the slot access mechanism directly to a receptacle where the articles are available. Additional improvements include procedures for avoiding problems caused by misaligned doors and procedures for providing optimal article stocking.

Abstract: A diaper and wipe dispensing system includes a housing with an upper compartment for accommodating stacked diapers and a lower compartment separated from the upper compartment, for accommodating baby wipes. A diaper slot in the housing facilitates access to diapers within the upper compartment, and a wipe slot in the housing allows access to wipes within the lower compartment. At least one access panel releasably secures with the housing, such that diapers and wipes are loaded into the housing via the at least one access panel. The housing may be formed by a wall plate and a cover that slidably mates with the cover via lock-and-key features.

Abstract: A medicine dispensing apparatus which allows a prescribed quantity of medicines to be reliably taken out based on prescription data.

Abstract: Systems and methods to reduce bioburden on at least a portion of a fluid transfer port include supplying a dose of radiation to the portion in optical communication with at least one source of radiation. In an illustrative example, a medical container, such as a vial or IV bag, receives a dose of ultraviolet (UV) energy substantially at a predetermined region of a fluid transfer site. In some examples, such a sanitization process may precede a fluid transfer operation in which a fluid is transferred into or out of the medical container by passing through the sanitized region. Such fluid transfers may be used in automated or semi-automated pharmaceutical processes, such as drug reconstitution. Various embodiments may further include one or more seal assemblies, each seal assembly having an aperture through which the radiation dose is supplied from the source to a controlled region on the fluid transfer port.

Abstract: A dispenser for storing and dispensing containers has a housing with an inlet opening for loading containers into the dispenser, and an outlet opening for dispensing containers. The dispenser has a passageway connecting the inlet opening to the outlet opening that includes at least one inclined ramp that the containers roll along. The dispenser has a loading mechanism positioned adjacent the inlet opening that is aligned relative to the passageway. The loading mechanism has a contact surface for receiving a container to be loaded into the passageway and maintains the container in a predetermined alignment with the passageway. Movement of the loading mechanism causes the contact surface to urge the container towards the passageway while substantially maintaining alignment of the container with the passageway.

Abstract: A product delivery system for a vending machine includes first and second guide rails and a carriage rail. The guide rails are fixedly mounted in the vending machine spaced from and parallel to each other and extend along respective first and second axes. The carriage rail extends along a third axis and includes first and second ends that are slidably connected to the respective ones of the first and second guide rails. A carrier member is slidably mounted to the carriage rail for movement along the third axis. A first drive belt is coupled to the carriage rail and a first drive motor to selectively shift the carrier member along the third axis. A second drive belt, extending in multiple axes, is connected to each of the first and second ends of the carriage rail and a second drive motor. The second drive motor selectively shifts the carriage rail along the first and second axes upon driving the second drive belt.

Abstract: A thin-part feeding device is provided which is compact and efficient. The device has a funnel portion with a feeding opening at the bottom thereof, a take-out tube for taking out thin parts from the funnel portion, and a receiving portion with separate opening for receiving thin parts from the discharge opening. The receiving portion is movable, and the receiving opening is sized to receive only one thin part. The device is operative to repeat a state where the receiving opening faces the discharge opening, and a state where the receiving opening is away from the discharge opening to enable thin parts to be taken out from the receiving opening. The device also features a novel, posture-correcting portion to correct vertical posture of thin parts, a delivery portion for receiving posture-corrected thin parts, and a transporting portion as described.

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: A machine particularly adapted for dispensing light items packaged in symmetrical, frustum-shaped container. The items are propelled through a tubular cartridge and individually ejected by a flow of air generated by a blower under control of a toggling dual-gate mechanism at the dispensing end of the cartridge. The dual-gate mechanism of a removable magazine grouping a number of cartridges can be selectively addressed and activated by means of a solenoid-driven cross-bar assembly.

Abstract: A tablet packing apparatus having a tablet feeding section and storage shelves for storing tablet vessels in which tablets fed from the tablet feeding section are packed. The storage shelves include a plurality of container chambers in which the tablet vessels which the tablet fed from the tablet feeding section are inserted; and a vessel holder for hanging and holding the tablet vessel. The vessel holder is provided at an upper portion inside each of the plurality of container chambers. The vessel holder includes a pair of holding members that are opposed to each other in a horizontal direction; and holding lugs formed at the lower ends of the holding members. The holding lugs extend in a direction in which the holding plates are opposed.

Abstract: A photographic processing system comprises: a printing unit 3 for forming photographic prints based on image data read out from a negative film; a CD-R writing device 2 for writing the image data in a CD-R; a sorter 14 having numerous trays 14a for collecting the photographic prints and the CD-R in an order unit; a lateral conveyor 13 for transporting the photographic prints formed by the printing unit 3 to the sorter 14; a CD-R transporting unit 20 for transporting the CD-R having the image data written therein to the sorter 14; and a control unit 40 for controlling the printing unit, the CD-R writing device and the sorter 14 in such a manner as to collect the photographic prints and the CD-R of the same order in a specific receiver among the numerous trays.

Abstract: Tablets are delivered from a tablet storage case (3) mounted on a case support table (4), and when the tablets are passed through a delivery passage (9), formed in the case support table (3), quantity of the passed tablets is counted by a counting means (10). A start state of mounting of the tablet storage case (4) on the case support table (3) is detected by case detection means (8, 19), and the counting sensor (10) is kept in off state until the start state of mounting of the photon-electron conversion region is detected by the case detection (8, 19) and is set to On state after the detection. This ensures prevention of erroneous operation due to the mounting and dismounting of the tablet storage case (4) on and from the case support table (3).

Abstract: In a medicine supply apparatus having a plurality of tablet cases equipped in a case accommodating portion of a main body, each tablet case containing medicines, chutes into which medicines discharged from the respective table cases fall, a hopper equipped in correspondence with the lower portions of the chutes, and a charging apparatus for charging a medicine accommodating container with medicines caught by the hopper, a plurality of drawers are equipped in the case accommodating portion, the tablet cases are detachably mounted on each drawer, and each drawer is equipped so as to be freely drawn out from the case accommodating portion.

Abstract: A shelf system with computer-controlled compartment displays, whereby the displays indicate a number of articles to picked out of the compartment. The shelf system has a plurality of sliding shelves in that the shelves have at least one display element in their frontal area for order picking data. The shelf system is configured in such a way that a data exchange between the display elements and the control computer can take place irrespective of the relative position of the shelf vis-à-vis the other components of the shelf system.

Abstract: A vending machine comprises a first product dispensing unit configured for dispensing packaged pizza crust product, a second product dispensing unit configured for dispensing packaged pizza topping product, and an information processing apparatus coupled to the first product dispensing unit and the second dispensing unit. The information processing apparatus is configured for facilitating input and processing of a customer-configured pizza preparation kit order. The first product dispensing unit is a frozen product dispensing unit configured for enabling different types of packaged pizza crust product to be selectively dispensed. The second product dispensing unit is a refrigerated product dispensing unit configured for enabling different types of packaged pizza topping product to be selectively dispensed. The information processing apparatus includes an user interface arrangement, an order processing arrangement and a kit component management arrangement.

Abstract: A tablet cassette for a medicine packing machine is disclosed. The tablet cassette for a medicine packing machine includes a cassette for accommodating tablets and having a passage formed at one side of a lower end thereof, a cassette support with which the cassette is detachably coupled on the upper surface of the cassette support and which has an inclined passage communicated with the passage in one side thereof, and a discharge driver provided in the cassette and the cassette support. The discharge driver includes a conic rotating body provided in the cassette and having divisional protrusions on the outer circumference thereof, and a driving motor provided in the cassette support to rotate the rotating body in a forward direction and to rotate the rotating body in a reverse direction when tablets are lodged such that an overload is generated.

Abstract: A packaged commodity dispensing device in which a package commodity dispensing machine is easily repaired and a packaged commodity is easily supplied and exchanged. The packaged commodity dispensing machine dispenses a packaged commodity; a frame into which the packaged commodity dispensing machine is permitted to detachably fit from forward; and a fixing section to fix the packaged commodity dispensing machine in a state of fitting into the frame.

Abstract: A dispenser has an upper loading chamber (38), a dispensing chamber (40) located beneath the loading chamber, first and second openable covers (24, 34) for the loading chamber (38) and a dispensing chamber (40) and a gate means (32) mounted in the housing between the two chambers and forming a lower wall of the loading chamber (38). The gate means (32) is movable to allow selective communication of a loading chamber (38) and the dispensing chamber (40) to allow the contents of the loading chamber to fall into the dispensing chamber (40). Opening of the gate means (32) to an extent sufficient to allow the contents to fall into the dispensing chamber generates a signal from a limit switch (59) indicative that the loading chamber (38) is empty.

Abstract: Vending machine product is moved by an “X-Y mechanism” having two stationary electronically controlled drive “motors,” which drive tension elements that position horizontally and vertically sliding components. A separation and selection system uses a “rotator” to release a product from a tray and a “gate” to separate the products into two columns on the tray. A “lever” mechanically links these components. Products move off the tray by a spring powered “slider” on the tray. There is only one “rotator-gate-lever” mechanism per pair of product columns in each display tray. When a “cup” engages the “lever” moving to the right, a product from the left side of the display tray is pushed into the “cup” and vice versa. Adjustable side walls in each tray accommodate different sized packages. The delivery mechanism uses the “cup” for transport. A lower surface of the cup engages a sliding “door” to a balanced delivery “port” for delivery of product from the cup to the port.