Abstract: This article supply method comprises: a step for introducing, using a movable block capable of reciprocating between a first position and a second position, a single object to be conveyed into a housing portion formed on the movable block when the movable block is in the first position; a forward step for pressing the movable block from the first position in a range of motion of the movable block while vacuum-sucking the movable block from the second position in the range of motion of the movable block, and then continuing the vacuum-sucking from the second position and moving the movable block to the second position; a step for discharging the object to be conveyed from the housing portion when the movable block is in the second position; and a return step for vacuum-sucking the movable block from the first position and moving the movable block to the first position.

Abstract: A product dispensing system includes: a first product discharging device that is applied to a first product storage passage storing an input product in a vertical direction, regulates downward movement of the product stored in the first product storage passage in a standby state, and discharges a lowest product stored in the first product storage passage downward in an activated state; and a second product discharging device that is applied to a second product storage passage being adjacent to the first product storage passage and storing an input product in the vertical direction thereof, regulates downward movement of the product stored in the second product storage passage in a standby state, and discharges a lowest product stored in the second product storage passage downward in an activated state. The first product discharging device and the second product discharging device are coupled to each other back to back.

Abstract: A product dispensing device includes: one product discharging device; and the other product discharging device. The one product discharging device includes: a DC motor serving as a drive source; and a driving force applying unit configured to apply a driving force from the DC motor when a discharge command is issued. The driving force applying unit includes: an output gear configured to rotate about a central axis of the output gear according to a driving state of the DC motor; an arm member configured to rotate in accordance with a rotation direction of the output gear when the output gear is rotated; and a link lever member configured such that the one product discharging device and the other product discharging device are alternatively driven in accordance with a rotation of the arm member.

Abstract: A bead feeder for serially delivering beads to a downstream location comprises a bead supply wheel which rotates about a vertical axis. The bead supply wheel includes a bead supply bowl and a plurality of radially arranged channels below the bowl connected to rotate with the bowl. Discharge openings in the bowl are in alignment with the radially arranged channels to delivery beads to those channels, and a bead receiving pocket is positioned at the outer end of each channel. A transfer wheel picks up beads from the bead receiving pockets and transfers those beads to a delivery wheel by vacuum transfer and release. The delivery wheel serially delivers the beads to the downstream location.

Abstract: A rack includes a loading chute into which products are loaded in a generally horizontal face-down orientation, and a dispensing chute defining a dispensing aperture at the front side of the rack. A cam is disposed at the rear end of the loading chute to tilt a product into an upright orientation and to position the upright product with the front face facing forward. The cam also slopes downwardly in a lateral direction so as to move the upright product onto the rear end of the dispensing ramp with the front face still facing forward. The product slides down the dispensing ramp and is stopped by a stop positioned adjacent the dispensing aperture. By virtue of the rack's design, facilitated by the specially designed cam, the upright product is positioned with its front face facing forward such that a consumer can view any indica thereon.

Abstract: A vending apparatus for containing and releasing generally box-shaped or flat articles is disclosed. The articles are vertically stacked in a pre-packaged cartridge that removably mounts on top of a fixed housing. The main housing collects coins to account for purchases of each product independently, which is released by a rotating cam after the turning of a knob. A securable door allows limited access to the coin collecting box.

Abstract: A component supply apparatus includes a rectangular cross-sectional component passage which can house a plurality of chip components in a longitudinal direction, and at a first side surface of the tip of this component passage a rectangular-shaped component discharge opening is formed, and at a second side surface opposing the first side surface of the tip of the component passage a rectangular-shaped pusher insertion opening is formed. Inserting the pusher into the component passage through the pusher insertion opening enables a forefront electronic component to be pushed by the pusher and be discharged outside from the component discharge opening in a predetermined direction.

Abstract: A can vending mechanism comprising a module containing three vertically-extending channels arranged front-to-back and dimensioned to vend cylindrical products, such as cans, with their longitudinal axes parallel to the front face of a vending machine to achieve greater product capacity. A sold-out switch is provided in each channel. Each sold out switch is activated when two products remain in escrow at the bottom of its respective channel. The channels are refilled without the use of diverters by dropping new products into the channels. The two products remaining in escrow at the bottom of each channel absorb the shock of the falling products.

Abstract: Apparatus for feeding electric circuit elements includes a plurality of containers or stockers for electric circuit elements, a transfer member connected to a respective stocker for transferring the circuit elements, and a shutter assembly disposed across the feeding path of the transfer member, whereby a plurality of circuit elements are fed at one time by one stroke of the shutter assembly. The shutter assembly may have a cut-out portion at the edge thereof and is adjustably removable in a direction perpendicular to that of the stroke thereof to open the feeding paths which correspond to the cut-out portion. The stocker may include a receptacle, the bottom of which defines an opening to receive a capture member. The capture member has plural through holes extending axially therethrough and is opened at its conical top thereof to receive circuit elements by reciprocal movement of the capture member relative to the receptacle.