Abstract: A money handling machine (for example, a money depositing/dispensing machine 100) includes: a coin-roll storage unit (for example, a coin-roll storage device 180) configured to store a coin roll; an authentication unit 107 configured to authenticate an authority of an operator; and a controlling unit 102 configured to control the coin-roll storage unit so as to dispense the coin roll to replenish a plurality of settlement places 20 at a time only when the authority of the operator authenticated by the authentication unit 107 is a predetermined authority.

Abstract: A device for storage and supply of at least one oral requirement-fulfilling element for an infant and/or a toddler includes a storage unit for storing the oral requirement-fulfilling element, a filling unit for filling the storage unit with the at least one oral requirement-fulfilling element, and an output unit for retrieving the at least one oral requirement-fulfilling element from the storage unit. A conveying apparatus conveys the at least one oral requirement-fulfilling element from the filling unit to the output unit.

Abstract: A device for orienting and feeding capsules in a beverage producing machine includes a container that receives randomly oriented capsules, and a rotor that is rotatable around a rotation axis and is at least partly arranged in the container. The rotor is provided with at least one peripherally arranged capsule-receiving seat that is shaped to pick up a capsule oriented in a univocally determined orientation. Further, a capsule unloading duct with a duct inlet is arranged in the container and extends outside the container. The rotor is arranged to rotate around the rotation axis such to, during use, lift a capsule towards a position above the duct inlet, and the capsule-receiving seat is arranged to release the capsule under an influence of gravity from the position above the duct inlet into the duct inlet.

Abstract: An automatic sensing article/toothpick dispenser with sanitizing capability. The dispenser is configured to store a plurality of toothpicks in a hygienic storage compartment specifically designed to prevent contaminants from entering the storage compartment. The dispenser is further configured to automatically dispense the toothpicks individually in an unwrapped, ready-to-use configuration, wherein the dispenser is configured and adapted to mitigate contact between the user and the dispenser so as to reduce the likelihood that contaminants may be transferred from the user to the dispenser.

Abstract: A dispensed product detection system and method for use in a vending machine where the products are hold on shelves and utilizing an optical light beam crossing the path through which a dispensed product travels.

Abstract: A device (1) for delivering products from a vending machine (100), a vending machine (100) comprising such device and a method for delivering products from a vending machines, wherein the device comprises a base (2) destined to be mounted to the vending machine, a housing body (5) movably mounted to the base and destined to receive, at a first vertical height (11), a first product (10) to be delivered, and delivering members (20) interposed between the base and the housing body and structured for moving the housing body in order to determine the delivering of the product, wherein the delivering of the product is done by means of a launch ejection of the product to outside the vending machine along a launch trajectory which passes through a second vertical height (12) that is higher than the first vertical height.

Abstract: Systems and methods secure, store and/or dispense one or more retail items, and have at least one shelf and at least one product holder having a front portion, a back portion, a pusher paddle, at least one product stop ramp, and a level actuator. The systems and methods have a hinged front panel hinged, a blocker panel locatable in an engaged position or in an unengaged position, and at least one linkage connecting the front panel and the blocker panel, wherein the at least one portion of the level actuator is movable within the opening formed in the front panel to lift the associated forks above the stop ramp of the at least one product holder.

Abstract: A vending machine and associated control system in support of vending one or more items to a passenger in a rear passenger salon of a taxicab includes a computer having a processor and memory and a display arranged for viewing by the passenger. Code modules execute in the processor and provide interactive selection controls on at least a portion of the display. The passenger can cause an item to be vended from a remotely-located machine by interacting with the selection controls. One code module communicates vended item cost information to another module for inclusion in a calculation of a total fare for the taxicab ride and any vended items. The vending machine is preferably located in the taxicab trunk and is arranged to deliver items into the passenger salon through a rear deck of the taxicab. The vending machine can be refrigerated using, in part, the taxicab's air-conditioning system.

Abstract: A combination dispenser for hand wipes and hand gel, configured to be held in a cup holder, is disclosed. Some embodiments of the device are substantially cylindrical in order to fit within a cup holder and substantially prevent shifting. Further, embodiments are partitioned internally to provide at least two separate compartments. The partitioned compartments are uniquely designed to hold and provide access to various products such as, but not limited to, hand wipes, sanitizing gel, lotion, fragrance, liquid soap or the like. In some embodiments, a lid covers the device to prevent the hand wipes from drying out. Also, some embodiments include a pump aspect that is in fluid communication with fluid products contained within a portion of the device.

Abstract: This invention provides a holder for a sandwich that covers and protects the sandwich, and that allows an end of the sandwich to be exposed to the user while gripping the shell/housing. The holder includes an advancing mechanism that allows the sandwich end to be variably directed through an open end of the holder's shell/housing so that a portion to be eaten is exposed exclusively, while the remainder of the sandwich remains covered and isolated from the user's hands. In an illustrative embodiment, the holder and advancing mechanism is particularly suited to a small child's hands and associated motor skills. A flexible strip can extend from an actuation mechanism, such as a roller spool with an external knob assembly, around a plurality of guides to form a sling around a sandwich-holding base. Rotating the knob in an advance direction cause the strip to be drawn in, thereby raising the base.

Abstract: A portable carousel assembly for storing and facilitating access to medicine containers, such as plastic bottles commonly used for prescription or over-the-counter medications. Each medicine bottle is housed in a station that includes an aperture formed in a top plate of a rotatable receptacle. The rotatable receptacle is coupled to a stationary base. An ejection mechanism, such as a lever, cam track or ramp is operable to partially eject a selected medicine bottle from the receptacle so that it can be viewed or removed from the receptacle. The medicine bottle is maintained in the partially ejected condition by grasping means, such as flaps, gaskets, or webbing, or by operation of the cam track or ramp, so that the user need only use one hand to operate the carousel assembly and remove the medicine bottle.

Abstract: Systems for deterring theft of retail products. Systems of this invention provide theft deterrent dispensing modules for dispensing products and may incorporate theft deterrent measures including mechanical deterrents, time delays and sound. The dispensing modules may include one or more pusher assemblies for dispensing product. Certain systems of this invention may also include a lockout feature, so that only one pusher assembly may be activated to dispense a product at one time.

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 pellet loading apparatus includes a tablet pusher including a support surfaces including a pusher mechanism coupled thereto for vertical movement upon actuation. A tablet holder on the tablet pusher includes locations framed by sidewall members aligned in the vertical direction that form columns having open tops for holding a pellet stacks of mold component pellets. A pellet separator having a solid portion and apertures is sized to fit around a portion of a top mold pellet in the pellet stacks. The pellet separator includes a pellet drive for lateral moving the top mold pellets relative to under pellets so that after lateral movement the top mold pellets are laterally offset from the under pellets. A tablet lifter includes a pellet stopper having receiving positions for receiving top mold pellets upon receipt after a transfer actuation of the pusher mechanism.

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: A automated toothpick dispenser includes a chamber for carrying a plurality of toothpicks and a lift system for dispensing a single toothpick to a position outside the dispenser. A drive system is coupled to the lift system and is activated by a sensor that detects the presence of a user.

Abstract: An automatic product vending machine is provided where the user can withdraw the selected product directly from the machine, the storage area for the products is a rack and the dispensing device of the single product is a frame on which a pusher is mounted which causes the selected product to fall into a tray, which positions the product at an opening which permits its withdrawal by the user.

Abstract: A automated toothpick dispenser includes a chamber for carrying a plurality of toothpicks and a lift system for dispensing a single toothpick to a position outside the dispenser. A drive system is coupled to the lift system and is activated by a sensor that detects the presence of a user.

Abstract: A medicament storage and dispensing system (10) operable for storing and dispensing products (12) such as pre-packaged pharmaceutical boxes and/or bottles and broadly includes a cabinet (14); a plurality of product shelves (16) mounted within the cabinet; an infeed conveyor (18) for transporting products into the cabinet; an outfeed conveyor (20) for transporting products out of the cabinet; a transporter (22) moveable within the cabinet for transporting products between the shelves and the infeed and outfeed conveyors; and a control system (24) for controlling operation of the conveyors and the transporter in response to prescriptions received from a host computer (26). The shelves having a plurality of vertical walls (56) upon which the products rest and between which tines (130) of the transporter slide in order to retrieve products from and place products upon the shelves.

Abstract: A machine for storing objects includes a compartment system with a plurality of compartments and having at least one closure mechanism which can be moved relative to a central, predefined access orifice in the machine housing to permit or prevent access to a specific, individual compartment or to a specific group of adjacent compartments. A driving force of the drive system for the closure mechanism is dimensioned or can be set and/or a drive train or a motion transmitting path between the drive system and closure mechanism has a force or torque limiting device such that maximum force or torque transmitting values acting on the closure mechanism are fixed or can be set so that automatic movements of the closure mechanism can not cause serious injuries to a user, and in addition the closure mechanism can be manually held open or pushed open in spite of the active drive system.

Abstract: Systems for deterring theft of retail products. Systems of this invention provide theft deterrent cabinets for dispensing products and may incorporate theft deterrent measures including mechanical deterrents, time delays and sound.

Abstract: The prize acquiring game apparatus has operation unit that is operated by a player, a prize storage section that stores a plurality of prizes therein, prize acquiring that acquires the prizes, an outlet that is provided into the prize storage section and from which the prizes is discharged outside of the prize storage section, control unit that operates the prize acquiring unit in response to an operation signal from the operation unit, a discharged prize storage section that stores the prizes discharged from the outlet by the prize acquiring unit operated according to the control of the control unit, a passage that is constituted so that the prizes discharged from the outlet can reach the discharge prize storage section, and buffer unit that is arranged to the discharged prize storage section and absorbs impact of the prizes falling via the passage.

Abstract: A vial supply apparatus comprises: a vial supply part having a plurality of storage portions which store vials having different heights according to size, each storage portion comprising a rotatable endless member disposed at a predetermined interval from a partition wall, partitioning members disposed at predetermined intervals on the endless member, endless member driving means, and a supply port for dispensing a vial stored between adjacent partitioning members; a chute portion for dropping the vial dispensed from the supply port such that an opening of the vial faces upward; a robot arm for holding the vial supplied from the chute portion; and an adjustment table disposed below the robot arm, for adjusting an opening height of the vial supplied from the chute portion in accordance with the height of the vial.

Abstract: An entirely mechanical gas bottle dispensing machine that allows to either only dispense by gravity a filled bottle upon insertion of a first token or dispense a filled bottle with return of an empty bottle upon insertion of a second token.

Abstract: A medicament storage and dispensing system (10) operable for storing and dispensing products (12) such as pre-packaged pharmaceutical boxes and/or bottles and broadly includes a cabinet (14); a plurality of product shelves (16) mounted within the cabinet; an infeed conveyor (18) for transporting products into the cabinet; an outfeed conveyor (20) for transporting products out of the cabinet; a transporter (22) moveable within the cabinet for transporting products between the shelves and the infeed and outfeed conveyors; and a control system (24) for controlling operation of the conveyors and the transporter in response to prescriptions received from a host computer (26). The shelves having a plurality of vertical walls (56) upon which the products rest and between which tines (130) of the transporter slide in order to retrieve products from and place products upon the shelves.

Abstract: A vending machine for dispensing absorbent articles includes at least one compartment for storing products for individual dispensing in response to selection by a consumer; and a plurality of products disposed within the at least one compartment for individually dispensing thereof to consumers. Each of the plurality of products disposed within the at least one compartment includes therein a volumetrically reduced absorbent article. Furthermore, a size of the product may be substantially smaller than a size of the absorbent article itself when not volumetrically reduced. The volumetrically reduced absorbent article may comprise a vacuum-packed diaper.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing packets particularly, but not exclusively cigarette packets is disclosed. The dispenser comprises a number of magazines for holding a plurality of packets standing in an upright position and a pusher for moving the plurality of packets towards a dispensing end of the magazine. There is a column at the dispensing end of the magazine. An arrangement is provided for lifting the front packet of the plurality upwards out of the magazine and there is a latch for preventing the lifted packet from dropping back down the column. The lifting arrangement comprising an endless element entrained around guides so as to provide a vertical run. There is at least one lifting lug carried by the endless element which is driven so that the lug lifts the front packet into the column. In another form the packets are horizontal and in a vertical stack. The endless element is below the stack and, when driven, strips the lowermost packet off the stack and pushes into the column.

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 vending machine for newspapers has an outer housing, a door, a slot device, an inner housing, a moving plate and a controlling device. The inner housing is secured in the outer housing, and the inner housing is divided into multiple chambers each for receiving one newspaper. The moving plate is moveably attached to the inner housing to close the chamber. The controlling device is attached to the inner housing and controls the moving plate to move relative to the inner housing as the door is opened and then closed. Consequently, the vending machine can limit a buyer to access a quantity of newspapers corresponding exactly to the correct amount of money paid.

Abstract: A newspaper vending machine provides a display newspaper at a height and angle resembling a lectern so that a customer can easily read the display paper from a standing position. The newspaper vending machine comprises a housing having a front wall, a back wall, two side walls, a top, and a bottom, and a storage compartment therein for storing a plurality of newspapers. The top of the housing is generally curved downwardly toward the front wall. A portion of the top in contact with the back wall is higher than the portion of the top in contact with the front wall. A viewing area is provided within the top of the housing through which at least a part of a display newspaper can be viewed. A newspaper display rack is mounted within the top of the housing under the viewing area at an angle from vertical ranging from about 40° to about 70°. The display rack has an upper surface through which at least a part of the display newspaper can be viewed.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing banknote bundles from a multiplicity of banknote magazines (12, 14, 16), which are arranged one above the other in a housing (10) and are equipped with a separating device, and for supplying the banknote bundles at an outlet opening (32), comprises a lift (19) with a receiving container (28) for banknote bundles. The separating arrangement and the lift (19) are driven independently of one another. The receiving container (28) has a single receiving position (29) which is common to all the banknote magazines (12, 14, 16) and is located beneath the lowermost banknote magazine (16), in front of the discharge opening (18) of the same.

Abstract: A product carry-out apparatus for a vending machine is provided which comprises: a chute which is provided below the product housing and is inclined in an upward and forward direction; a pair of left and right drive mechanisms which are provided respectively at left and right both ends of the chute and comprise front and rear sprockets respectively rotatably provided around the front and rear ends of the chute, and each have a chain put and wound on the front and rear sprockets; a drive source, such as a motor, for rotatively driving at least one of the front and rear sprockets; and a product pushing rod which is mounted over a portion between the chains respectively in the pair of drive mechanisms and, in addition, pushes a product, dropped onto the chute, from behind while being moved above the chute along the chute upon the rotation of the chain.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for lifting a dispensed product in a vending machine includes a lift member positioned in the path of a vended item. A control member, manually movable between first and second positions, raises the lift member to in turn raise a vended item.

Abstract: A newspaper vending machines for vending a single copy of a periodical. The newspaper vending machine includes a generally rectangular cabinet with a separate periodical loading door and periodical dispensing opening having a door. A coin controlled latching mechanism controls the operation of the door of the dispensing opening. The periodicals rest on a moveable platform, which can move upward as the periodicals are dispense through the dispensing opening. A carriage assembly, the carriage assembly in operative engagement with the dispensing handle, includes a multiplicity of fingers depending vertically downward from a rearward member on the carriage assembly. The fingers engage the trailing edge of the top periodical and, when the dispensing door is opened, the carriage assembly moves the top periodical to the dispensing opening for receipt by a consumer.

Abstract: A sewing pin dispensing device for placing the head of a stick pin in an upright position. The sewing pin dispensing device includes a housing. A cavity is in the housing. A first opening in the housing allows for the entry of pins to be dispensed into the housing. A pin bin formed in the housing is in communication with the first opening and the cavity. A second opening in the housing for dispensing of the pins extends downwardly into the cavity. A wheel moves the pins from the pin bin to the second opening. The wheel is rotatably mounted in the cavity. The wheel has an exterior surface. A gear is fixed to the wheel. The gear is fixedly coupled to an end of the wheel for turning the wheel. An annular slot in the wheel is in the exterior surface of the wheel and extends around the wheel. The annular slot is generally adjacent to an end of the wheel. A plurality of linear slots in the wheel each receives one of the pins. Each of the linear slots is in the exterior surface of the wheel.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus having a refrigerated compartment for receiving a plurality of bottle cartridges containing bottle container. A bottle latching mechanism holds the bottles within the cartridge as the cartridge and bottle containers are inserted into the refrigerated compartment. A bottle lifting mechanism located proximate the end of the rows of multiple cartridges lifts the bottles upward until the top bottle rolls onto a sloped dispensing platform where a person can remove the bottle from the dispensing apparatus by pressing a lever to allow a bottle to roll past a flexible window and out of the bottle dispenser to a position where a person can pick up the bottle.

Abstract: A pill dispensing system which includes a container constructed to hold a plurality of pills and that container includes a lower aperture and an upper portion. A pill lifting assembly located below the pill container includes a pill platform which lifts a pill into the upper portion of the container. A pill ejector is connected to the pill platform and the pill ejector places the pill into motion as the pill platform approaches the upper portion of the container. An exit passage communicates with the upper portion of the pill container and the exit passage is configured to receive a pill placed into motion by the ejector. A sensor is operatively connected to the exit passage such that the sensor is capable of detecting a pill moving through the exit passage. Finally, a micro-controller is operatively connected to the pill lifting assembly and the sensor.

Abstract: In a coin dispensing apparatus having a plurality of magazines arranged one above another for storing rolls of coins, each magazine having a coin roll outlet at one end and an opposite rear end, said apparatus having a lifting conveyor having a plurality of hods which interact with the outlet of the magazine to receive coin rolls therefrom, said apparatus having a plurality of shelves for supporting the magazines in position with a spacing between them the same as the spacing of the hods along the lifting conveyor, each said shelf having an underside with a bracket attached thereto, each said shelf having an end nearest to the lifting conveyor, said apparatus having a dispensing outlet adapted to receive and dispense coin rolls transported thereto by the lifting conveyor, a lever attached to each shelf, said lever being geometrically arranged to automatically interrelate with a coin roll about to be fed from a magazine into an empty hod position, a coin roll waiting to be fed from the magazine immediately abo

Abstract: A pill dispensing system which includes a container constructed to old a plurality of pills and that container includes a lower aperture and an upper portion. A pill lifting assembly located below the pill container includes a pill platform which lifts a pill into the upper portion of the container. A pill ejector is connected to the pill platform and the pill ejector places the pill into motion as the pill platform approaches the upper portion of the container. An exit passage communicates with the upper portion of the pill container and the exit passage is configured to receive a pill placed into motion by the ejector. A sensor is operatively connected to the exit passage such that the sensor is capable of detecting a pill moving through the exit passage. Finally, a micro-controller is operatively connected to the pill lifting assembly and the sensor.

Abstract: A system for dispensing articles such as candy, lollipops, or other oddly shaped objects is provided. A helix, turned by an electric motor or the purchaser of the article, delivers a single unit from a loading area to one basket in a chain of baskets. The baskets are mounted on a belt that is part of a chute assembly, carried to the top of the chute, and rotated to dump the article onto a dispensing shelf from where gravity delivers it to the purchaser. By introduction of a coin, the lollipop machine will start, and, by way of the belt mechanism a product is carried up and over the top of the chute.

Abstract: An access door provided in a dispenser, for access by a delivery person to an interior of the dispenser where a stack of newspapers are stored. A coin box is provided on a top wall of the dispenser. The coin box operates in a known manner to permit operation of a pull bar after the correct amount of payment has been received into the coin box. The pull bar urges against the top-most one of the newspapers when a customer pulls the pull bar, thus pushing the newspaper onto a dispensing tray and through a slot in the dispenser, thus presenting the newspaper to the customer. The customer may then take the newspaper for his or her use. When the newspaper is pushed forward, a hinged security flap rotates upward to permit the newspaper to pass through the slot. A platform is positioned within the interior of the dispenser.

Abstract: An ampule feeder which can store a necessary number of ampules at the outlet so that ampules can be instantly discharged one by one in response to a discharge signal from the ampule feeder in which are randomly stored many ampules. The ampule feeder has a detachably mounted ampule container having a bottom plate inclinable in one direction. Ampules raised by an ampule receiver are fed by an endless belt of a dispenser and a predetermined number of them are stored in grooves formed in a rotor of a discharge means provided at the outlet. In response to a discharge signal, a necessary number of ampules are discharged.

Abstract: In a beverage vending machine for dispensing beverages contained in containers disposed in beverage container crates, at least two horizontal storage and transport elements are disposed on top of one another in a storage space of the vending machine for supporting beverage container crates adjacent one another and first drive means are provided for moving the beverage container crates horizontally on the storage and transport elements and second drive means are provided for moving the storage and transport elements vertically and further means are provided for moving the beverage container crates into a dispensing structure from a storage and transport element disposed at the level of the dispensing structure.

Abstract: An ampule feeder which is simple in structure and which can discharge ampules one by one with a high degree of efficiency without the possibility of clogging. The feeder includes an ampule container having a bottom plate that is pivotable in one direction. Ampules stored randomly in the container are moved onto an inclined top surface of an ampule receiver and raised. When the ampule receiver rises to its highest level, the ampules slide on its surface and drop onto a conveyor belt of a dispenser provided outside of the side wall of the ampule container. Ampules are thus discharged by the dispenser. As the number of ampules remaining in the container decreases, the bottom plate is inclined in increments to prevent the ampule receiver from rising with no ampules on its top surface.

Abstract: A dispenser for disc-shaped car-park tickets which makes it possible on a permanent basis for the car-park tickets provided for issuing to be made available reliably, as required, from a supply of car-park tickets, and which is of simple design. The dispenser separates car-park tickets coming from a supply container and moves them, in a pushed group, through a transporting duct which bridges a spatial distance between the supply container and the issuing apparatus. In addition to the spatial distance bridged, a vertical ascent is also surmounted, in order that the car-park tickets can be moved into the issuing apparatus and issued from the same under the action of gravity. Further configurations of the invention can be gathered from the claims and from the following description.

Abstract: A vending machine is provided with a cabinet having a plurality of slanted shelves. These shelves will feed to an elevator which can be located in the center of the vending machine, to one side of the vending machine or at the rear of the vending machine. Packaged beverages will feed by gravity from the shelves to the elevator and then be delivered to the delivery port in the face of the cabinet. This delivery port will be at a convenient height for the consumer. The shelves in the cabinet are readily reconfigurable such that their positioning within the cabinet can be easily altered. Gravity release devices are provided on each shelf for discharging the packaged beverages to the elevator. These gravity release devices are powered by an activation device on the elevator. Thus, electrical connections or the like are unnecessary for the individual shelves.

Abstract: A transparent thermoplastic housing has an upper and a lower compartment divided by a ramp. The lower compartment houses a battery, motor and drive mechanism for turning a candy dispensing screw in communication with the upper compartment. The lower compartment is hidden by an outer opaque label. Candy pieces of like dimensions are stored in the upper compartment and fed serially to the screw by a first channel formed with the ramp. A second channel next to the screw along its length maintains the candy received from the first channel aligned serially. The screw displaces the candy from the first channel to the second channel and to a dispensing port at the top of the housing. A clutch in the drive mechanism permits the screw to be turned manually.

Abstract: A bread box for storing and dispensing such sliced bread by means of an inverting action applied to any wrapper in which bread may be packaged resulting in one or more slices dispensed per activation of a sliced bread dispensing unit, as well as the concept of inverting such bread wrappers to accomplish the task of dispensing sliced bread.

Abstract: A filling apparatus for cylindrical containers densely fills the containers with, for example, granularly-shaped fill material by causing a container to be set into a shaking rotation by rotationally oscillating a container retainer.

Abstract: An earplug dispenser to deliver one or two earplugs from a bulk supply which includes a front housing having an access door, a rear housing and a removable cover. Situated inside of the rear housing is a hopper having an opening with a central tab. A chute is located inside the front housing and has a trough which terminates slightly below the lower edge of the access door. A conveyor member, attached to a supporting extrusion member includes a pair of rollers which are journalled one above the other, a belt mounted on the rollers having a series of carriers and a means for rotating the rollers. As the rollers are rotated, the carriers are elevated through the hopper of earplugs picking up an earplug and dispensing it down the chute to the trough. Earplugs are easily removed through the access door.