Abstract: A method of dispensing ferrules onto a work surface without requiring bend motion of the workman. The method utilizes a dispenser which is loaded from the top using a stack of nested ferrules on a retainer which is easily removable to free the ferrules in the dispenser. The dispenser has means for returning the ferrules in the applicator while releasing only the lowermost ferrule. A new universal ferrule is disclosed which allows only one adapter to be required for the stud welding tool. A portable cart can hold an applicator, a box of ferrule clips and means for disposing of the used clips is provided for wheeling the entire unit to and along the work area.

Abstract: A device having means for dispensing a single swab at one time from a rolled inventory of swabs mounted on a continuous strip defines a means for unrolling the inventory and a means for detaching each swab in turn from the strip. A support roll is positioned to provide a rigid backing to the strip so that as the strip passes a chute, an upfacing edge of the chute wedges itself between the swab and the backing, thereby prying the swab from the backing and urging it into the dispensing chute. Transparent walls of the device provide visibility of the inventory.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stacking flat articles into a cartridge. The method and apparatus are adapted for use in connection with output compartments of a sorting machine, robotically transferring filled cartridges from the output compartments to a buffer shelf; and from the buffer shelf to a docking station of a cartridge unloader and automatic feeder to the input of the sorting machine, and for transferring empty cartridges from the docking station to either the buffer or the output compartments of the sorter.

Abstract: A dispenser for storing and dispensing small packages such as individual packages containing, for example, a single dose of a non-prescription medication. The dispenser is designed to hold and dispense a plurality of different packaged products, each of which is visibly stacked in a vertically disposed magazine where each package can be easily removed with the next package dropping by gravity to the dispensing position. The individual packages are initially contained in a disposable tray, each of which slides into one of the magazines of the dispenser with the empty tray being removed from the magazine and discarded once all of the packages have been dispensed.

Abstract: A ticket dispensing device having a braking system for preventing unauthorized removal of tickets. A drive roller advancing the ticket strip through the device is connected to a brake wheel. Pulling on the ticket moves the brake wheel into a braking member to impede the rotation of the drive roller, and thereby prevent removal of tickets. The ticket dispensing device also includes a face plate which can be easily and quickly removed to eliminate ticket jams.

Abstract: A portable canister for holding coin-like objects for ejection from a dispenser has a lid and a substantially box-like base that are either attached pivotally at one or more hinges so that the canister may be opened in a clamshell fashion a full 180 degrees or that come together in a box-like fashion without the use of hinges, the cover being lifted entirely off the base for loading. Inside the canister base is a side-by-side array of columns, each column having sides encircling the column circumference by no more than 180 degrees in order to allow horizontal loading of stacks of coins. The lid operates to trap the coins into the columns of the base. The closed canister has slots in the plane of the lid to permit ejection of coins one at a time from each column. An ejection mechanism mounted in the dispenser chassis employs one solenoid subassembly per column of a removable canister.

Abstract: A vending machine/display unit (10) includes a plurality of articles (14) arranged on a plurality of dispensing paths (20 or 22). A counting mechanism is associated with each dispensing path, and includes an encoder bar (32) positioned adjacent the dispensing path, and encoder head (34) positioned to incrementally advance along the dispensing path. The encoder head (34) includes a plurality of contact members (42a-d) which interact with a plurality of active site contact members (40) disposed on the encoder bar (32) in a pattern which uniquely identifies each incremental position in the dispensing path. The inventory of articles (14) remaining in a dispensing path or the accounting of articles (14) dispensed from the dispensing path is determined from the relative position of the encoder head (34) to the encoder bar (32), and this position is detected from the active contact site points (40) on the electrical information lines (36) on the encoder bar (32).

Abstract: This invention relates to a substantially circular tablet dispenser component system which may be adapted for a variable day start of a prescribed periodic tablet regimen. Also provided are a tablet dispenser kit, a tablet packge adapted for filling the tablet dispenser system, methods of filling the tablet dispenser of the invention and methods of administering a prescribed regimen of medication using the tablet dispenser system of the invention.

Abstract: This invention relates to a substantially circular tablet dispenser component system which may be adapted for a variable day start of a prescribed periodic tablet regimen. Also provided are a tablet dispenser kit, a tablet packge adapted for filling the tablet dispenser system, methods of filling the tablet dispenser of the invention and methods of administering a prescribed regimen of medication using the tablet dispenser system of the invention.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing plastic fasteners having a cross bar at the end of a filament from fastener stock. The apparatus includes a gun shaped casing made of plastic. A hollow needle having an inlet opening and an outlet opening is mounted on the casing. A guide groove is formed on the casing for receiving the fastener stock, the guide groove being in communication with the inlet opening in the hollow needle and being at an angle with the hollow needle. The apparatus also includes an ejector rod for pushing the cross bar of a fastener fed into the hollow needle out through the outlet opening of the needle. The guide groove in the casing includes a front wall that is bevelled. The front wall includes a bottom edge which is bevelled. The corner formed by the front wall of the groove and a sidewall of the casing is also bevelled. The three bevels minimize the likelihood that the cross bar of the fastener will jam as it passes from the guide groove into the hollow needle.

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

Abstract: Refrigerated storage apparatus is primarily intended for storing product which can be removed without significant loss of cold air and is suitable for vertical, upright cabinets. The apparatus has a main access door extending vertically and moveable about a vertical axis. Access openings are provided, usually in the door to gain access to products within the storage compartment, the openings being of relatively small size. The compartment houses storage means for product and there may be storage means for each kind of product. Closure means seal off each access opening.

Abstract: A container which is filled with an array of parallel hollow cylinders of cigarette paper is opened at the top and is overlapped by a retractible temporary cover prior to being partially inverted onto a downwardly sloping top wall of a magazine. The cover is thereupon retracted and the top wall is pivoted to permit entry of cylinders from the interior of the container into a chamber of te magazine. Such cylinders are thereupon caused or permitted to enter the flutes of an indexible drum-shaped conveyor which transports the cylinders seriatim to a station where successive cylinders receive rod-like fillers of particulate material, such as comminuted smokable material.

Abstract: In a machine for loading tape into cassettes, the cassettes to be processed are oriented horizontally and disposed one upon the other to form a stack vertically engaged in a magazine. A collapsible support located at the base of the magazine engages the lowermost cassette in the stack in order to orient it vertically and let it fall into fitting guide pieces associated with a loading station located in the loading machine. A retention element operable by an actuator maintains the positioning of the cassette on the collapsible support while the latter is moving to the dropped position.

Abstract: A coin dispensing apparatus having a cylindrical hopper, the axis of which extends vertically, the bottom of the hopper being closed by a base above which is arranged a rotatable coin disc having circumferentially spaced holes for the receipt of coins, the base being provided with a coin exit slot through which coins are delivered, the base being supported on a plinth containing a driving motor for rotating the coin dis. The base is removable secured to the plinth from which it is readily removably together with the hopper and the coin disc. A device which on removal and replacement of the base from the plinth brings the coin disc automatically into engagement with the driving motor.

Abstract: A device for displaying and dispensing articles having a housing and a plurality of removable cartridges is provided. The housing is provided with a cavity for receiving the cartridges such that they can be inserted, removed, and selectively arranged therein. The cartridges have an inlet opening for receiving articles, a hollow chamber for storing articles, and discharge opening for removal of the articles by a user of the display device.

Abstract: A dispenser for flexible sheets, especially end wrap papers. The dispenser is designed to be worn on the arm of a user or to be strapped to a stand. The dispenser comprises a box for holding a plurality of the sheets. At least one flap is connected to the bottom or at least one of the sides of the box and projects inwardly. Sheets are adapted to be disposed in the box on that side of the at least one flap that faces away from the bottom. Two flaps can also be provided on the top of the box, with each of these flaps extending from an opposite side half way toward the other side. Each of these top flaps opens in an opposite direction. The top flaps define a slot that permits individual sheets to be held between them and to be individually withdrawn from the box.

Abstract: In a washer-dispensing machine, a chute open at a lower end receives a stack of roofing washers of a type having a central aperture to receive a fastener shank and possibly having downwardly extending barbs. A shuttle engages a single washer from the stack, displaces the single washer to a separated position as the shuttle is moved from a displaced position to a normal position, and releases the single washer in the separated position as the shuttle next moves from the normal position to the displaced position. A known mechanism is employed for moving the shuttle between the displaced position and the normal position. A novel mechanism is mounted operatively to the chute for supporting the stack so as to prevent any of the washers in the stack from dropping through the lower end of the chute and for releasing the stack so as to permit a lowermost washer in the stack to drop through the lower end of the chute.

Abstract: A drug storing apparatus for an automatic drug dispensing machine includes a frame provided with a multiplicity of inclined supports arranged one on top of the other or in rows for supporting a multiplicity of drug cases, and the supports may also be configured into rails. The drug cases are detachably connected to a multiplicity of drive boxes which may be mounted onto the frame along the inclined rails. The drug cases are arranged in such a manner that their outlets are oriented towards a central portion of a hopper. Each drive box is also provided with guide rails and contains therein a motor which has an axle oriented towards its corresponding drug case. When a drug case slides along the guide rails to fit onto its corresponding drive box, a coupling of a feeding element of the drug case just fits onto the axle of the motor.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system for maintaining and dispensing articles in an aseptic environment. The system includes a cabinet of modular units having at least one bank of shelves. Each bank has an open end and a closed end such that the open end is oriented toward a dispensing chute. Each bank contains a plurality of horizontally adjustable shelves laterally disposed in the bank. The shelves are divided by a plurality of dividers to define a series of slots on each shelf. A dispensing chute is located adjacent the open end of the bank and is adapted to provide gravity feed of an article. The articles are feed toward the dispensing chute by a feeding means such as an auger and the leading article is discharged by gravity. The operation of the feed means is controlled by a microprocessor or the like to control the delivery of articles to the dispensing chute. There is also disclosed a prepackaged cartridge of articles for use in the dispensing system.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing articles such as tickets and cards includes a cabinet and a plurality of article dispensing assemblies inside the cabinet. Each article dispensing assembly includes a base and a frame for enclosing the articles to be dispensed in a stack. The bases are mounted on a pair of vertical support plates. A gate is disposed behind each frame for receiving articles from its associated frame and allowing only one article at a time to pass through. A toothed blade is disposed underneath each frame and a motor driven rack and pinion is coupled to the toothed blade for bringing the toothed blade into engagement with the lowermost article in the stack, moving said toothed blade so that the lowermost article is transported from the stack into the gate, bringing the toothed blade out of engagement with the article and then moving the toothed blade back to engage the next article in the stack.

Abstract: A dispenser unit for dispensing small packets, such as may be used to contain daily dosages of vitamins, comprising an outer holder made of a lightweight rigid material, and one or more inner cartons which are supported by the outer holder. Each inner carton is constructed of cardboard or the like and contains and dispenses packets through an opening at the lower front edge. The carton is sized so that a plurality of packets can be stacked neatly within the container and withdrawn one at a time. The inventive container/dispenser is preferably attached to a refrigerator by a strip of magnetic tape, so that it may be kept at a convenient height and location.

Abstract: A feeder system for sequentially supplying a plurality of cuvettes or other objects to a conveyor track. The system includes a cassette, an escapement, and an actuator. The cassette retains the objects/cuvettes in at least one substantially vertical stack over the conveyor. The escapement is movable between a first position in which the escapement supports the bottom object in the stack, a second middle position in which the escapement supports both the bottom object and the object above it and a third position in which the escapement continues to support the object in said stack above the bottom object and releases the bottom object to be deposited on the conveyor. The actuator moves the escapement between the first, second and third positions. Novel apparatus for use in the system, including a stick for loading cuvettes into a cassette and a cuvette particularly adapted for stacking, are also provided.

Abstract: A vault insertable into a coin and/or token collecting device and having a portion which is openable upon such insertion and closeable and lockable upon removal therefrom for storing coins and/or tokens received from the collecting device. The vault includes an electronic memory device for storing information relating to the vault, such as a vault serial number, and for supplying the vault information to the collecting device upon insertion of the vault into the collecting device. While the vault is contained within the collecting device, information from the collecting device may be supplied to the memory device for storage therein and information stored within the memory device may be supplied to the collecting device in response to a request signal from the collecting device.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing reagent spheres from a vial includes a housing with an inlet through which the reagent spheres are received from the vial. Within the housing is a dispensing tube which forms a passageway for the reagent spheres and which has a first relatively large section in communication with the inlet and a funnel section in which the passageway reduces in cross section to a narrower linearizing section. The cross sectional area of the linearizing section is only slightly larger than one of the reagent spheres being dispensed. A metering shaft extends across and blocks the linearizing section of the passageway. The metering shaft has a depression for conveying one reagent sphere at a time between portions of linearizing section when the metering shaft is rotated 180 degrees. A gear on the metering shaft meshes with teeth on a plunger which is slidably mounted to the housing.

Abstract: The invention is to an extractor for removing pins from storage tubes having a plurality of electronic semiconductor devices therein. A movable arm has an extractor pin on one end and is pivotally mounted to a frame on the other end. A head assembly for receiving a storage tube with a pin therein is moved under the extractor pin, actuating a solenoid for causing the movable arm to move the extractor pin toward and forcing the pin to be ejected from the storage tube so that the semiconductor devices can exit the storage tube.

Abstract: A dispenser (10) for sequentially dispensing a plurality of stacked articles (12). The dispenser (10) includes a pair of integral side walls (14), back wall (28), and front flanges (22) extending from the side walls (14). The front flanges (22) are spaced from one another to provide an opening (24) along the length of the dispenser (10). A bottom wall (28) is provided integral with the remainder of the dispenser (10) which extends below the side lower edges (18) and is of a smaller surface area than the cross-sectional area established by the remainder of the dispenser (10).

Abstract: A blood analyzer system transports blood samples through at least one blood analyzer and an automatic blood smear generator under the control of a preprogrammable controller. Blood samples are stored in containers that identify the blood samples they contain. The containers move through the system mounted in protective racks that permit the reading of the identifications. The results of analysis by one or more blood analyzers in the system determines for each sample individually whether or not to make a blood smear. When a blood smear is to be made, the controller makes the smear thickness of each blood sample consistent with other samples whatever the consistency of the sample to be smeared. If a required sample is not made, a detector sounds an alarm, thereby alerting operators that the system has failed.

Abstract: In an apparatus for processing a silver halide photographic material with a processing solution, a processing agent supply section is movable between a first position and a second position. On the first position, the supply section is brought in connection with a dissolving section in which the agent is dissolved, and on the second position, the supply section is disconnected from the dissolving section. The supply section includes an accommodation member in which the agent is stored, and a supply member to supply the agent into the dissolving section on the second position.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing articles from a stack onto a moving conveyor. The apparatus includes a supporting structure or frame that supports a stack of articles and the supporting structure is canted at an angle of about 15.degree. to 25.degree. from the vertical. The supporting structure is generally L-shaped in cross section, having a pair of walls located generally normal to each other, while the opposite sides of the supporting structure are open so that the articles can be loaded into the supporting structure through the open sides. The lowermost article in the stack is supported on an L-shaped base, so that only peripheral portions of adjacent side edges of the lowermost article are supported. A pusher plate is mounted for sliding movement relative to the supporting structure and acts to push the lowermost article from the stack and the dispensed article will then fall onto the moving conveyor below.

Abstract: This invention relates to a substantially circular tablet dispenser component system which may be adapted for a variable day start of a prescribed periodic tablet regimen. Also provided are a tablet dispenser kit, a tablet package adapted for filling the tablet dispenser system, methods of filling the tablet dispenser of the invention and methods of administering a prescribed regimen of medication using the tablet dispenser system of the invention.

Abstract: A dispensing assembly adapted to be mounted on a backboard that may be supported on an easel or other support structure. The dispensing assembly includes a cylindrical core; a length of sheet material in a roll coaxially around the core; and a molded plastic enclosure including an elongate front portion defining an elongate chamber having an open side, and a rear portion adapted to be mounted on a backboard. The front and rear portions include journal surface portions at their ends that journal projecting end portions of the core with the roll in the chamber, which journal surface portions are separated when the front and rear portions of the closure are separated. Edges of the portions are spaced to define an elongate opening through which lengths of sheet material can be pulled from the roll, and the sheet can be cut against a sharp edge at the opening on the front portion of the enclosure.

Abstract: This invention relates to a substantially circular tablet dispenser component system which may be adapted for a variable day start of a prescribed periodic tablet regimen. Also provided are a tablet dispenser kit, a tablet package adapted for filling the tablet dispenser system, methods of filling the tablet dispenser of the invention and methods of administering a prescribed regimen of medication using the tablet dispenser system of the invention.

Abstract: In an apparatus for supplying a solid processing agent to a processing tank of a photographic material processing apparatus, there is provide a put-back mechanism for putting a solid processing agent back into an accommodation container when the accommodation container is moved from a operating position to a maintenance position on which the accommodation container can be replaced with a new one.

Abstract: The replenishing device for use in a light-sensitive material processing apparatus provided with a processing tank for storing a processing solution therein by which a light-sensitive material is processed, includes a first detector to detect an amount of light-sensitive material processed in the processing tank, and to output a detection signal when the amount has reached a predetermined value; a replenisher to replenish the processing agent from a solid agent storing member to the processing tank. The replenisher incudes a processing agent receiving section which receives the processing agent through an opening of a housing member provided inside of the replenisher in the process of movement from an initial position to a replenishing position, and replenishes it to the processing tank at the replenishing position. The device further includes a sliding member linked with the receiving section which slides on the inside of the housing member, to close the opening at the initial position.

Abstract: This invention relates to a substantially circular tablet dispenser component system which may be adapted for a variable day start of a prescribed periodic tablet regimen. Also provided are a tablet dispenser kit, a tablet package adapted for filling the tablet dispenser system, methods of filling the tablet dispenser of the invention and methods of administering a prescribed regimen of medication using the tablet dispenser system of the invention.

Abstract: A parts feeding apparatus includes a plurality of cassettes respectively holding therein rows of parts of different types and removably attached to a plurality of parts supply openings arranged at predetermined angular intervals along the peripheral edge of a rotating circular plate. The circular plate is intermittently rotatable so that a selected one of the parts supply openings and the cassette attached thereto are positioned relative to the inlet opening of a parts delivery chute. An open lower end of the cassette is opened and closed at predetermined time intervals by a reciprocating slide plate member disposed in a parts supply unit. The parts feeding apparatus thus constructed is compact in size and simple in construction. Since the cassettes are arranged on the same circumference on the circular plate, the parts to be fed can be automatically and smoothly changed or switched from one type to another.

Abstract: A stack of condiment packages is loaded into a tube, and the tube is inserted into a receiver. The first package rests on a support platform, and the receiver holds the tube at a position to secure all of the packages above the first. A push block on the end of a piston rod pushes the first package out from under the tube, and then retracts to allow the stack to fall to the support platform.

Abstract: A chemical analysis element supplier has a cartridge container for storing a cartridge in which a plurality of chemical analysis elements are stored. The cartridge is inserted into the container through a cartridge insertion port which is formed in the top of the container. An element take-out mechanism takes out the chemical analysis element in the cartridge through an element take-out port which is formed in the bottom of the container. The element take-out mechanism is provided with a lifting member which is operative to move upward through the element take-out port to lift the cartridge in the container so that at least a part of the cartridge projects upward through the cartridge insertion port.

Abstract: A chalk dispenser for containing and dispensing chalk. In one embodiment, the chalk dispenser is in the shape of a box and has a partially closed bottom, with laterally opening sides so that individual pieces of chalk can be pushed or pulled from the bottom. The bottom is preferably concave shaped to be complimentary to the shape of the chalk being dispensed. A window is provided in the front of the dispenser so that the level of chalk can be determined. In a second embodiment, a plurality of parallel channels are provided into which individual pieces of chalk can be inserted. The channels are preferably concave in shape with slots so that the chalk can be contacted by a user and slid out of the channel. The channels have a length which is slightly less than the length of the chalk so that the ends of the chalk can be grasped by a user and pulled or pushed from the channels.

Abstract: A feeder system for sequentially supplying a plurality of cuvettes or other objects to a conveyor track. The system includes a cassette, an escapement, and an actuator. The cassette retains the objects/cuvettes in at least one substantially vertical stack over the conveyor. The escapement is movable between a first position in which the escapement supports the bottom object in the stack, a second middle position in which the escapement supports both the bottom object and the object above it and a third position in which the escapement continues to support the object in said stack above the bottom object and releases the bottom object to be deposited on the conveyor. The actuator moves the escapement between the first, second and third positions. Novel apparatus for use in the system, including a stick for loading cuvettes into a cassette and a cuvette particularly adapted for stacking, are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for dispensing an adhesive-backed article. An adhesive-backed article has a first adhesive disposed on at least a portion of its bottom surface. The bottom surface of the adhesive-backed article is bonded to the top surface of a backing layer by a bond formed by the first adhesive. The top surface of the adhesive-backed article is bonded to the bottom surface of the support layer by a bond formed by a second adhesive disposed on at least a portion of the bottom surface. The bond formed between the top surface of the adhesive backed article and the bottom surface of the support layer is stronger than the bond between the bottom surface of the adhesive-backed article and the top surface of the backing layer such that when the support layer is separated from the backing layer, .the adhesive-backed article remains affixed to the support layer.

Abstract: A package is disclosed for storing and dispensing electrical connectors or components thereof. The package employs a plurality of elongated component-containing tubes in a generally parallel laterally stacked array, with opposite ends of the tubes being in generally linear alignments at opposite ends of the stacked array. An elongated, U-shaped end cap slidingly engages the opposite outer walls of the tubes along the opposite ends of the stacked array thereof. A dispensing system is disclosed wherein a pair of upright supports of a dispensing apparatus are disposed in a spaced arrangement for receiving therebetween the stacked array of tubes held together by the end caps. Complementary recessed portions located within said upright supports hold the end caps so that when the stacked array is moved beyond the recessed portions, the end caps remain in the recessed portions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dispenser for sanitary-hygiene items, such as bags which can be folded up, handkerchiefs, or the like, comprising a box-type housing and a container of a flexible material, such as cardboard, which is exchangeably arranged in the housing and contains the sanitary-hygiene items, the housing of which dispenser comprises at least one projection which projects into the interior of said housing, and the container is provided, in the region of the projections, with predetermined breaking points for puncturing by the projections.

Abstract: A quick release hopper 60 and an improved cylindrical dispensing member 70 for an individual cigarette vending machine 10. The quick release hopper 60 has a rotatable dispensing member 70, a hopper slot 61 at its bottom that aligns with a dispensing member slot 71 in the rotatable dispensing member 70, and an inboard end 54 of a handle 53 of a coin mechanism 50 that slides through the hopper slot 61 and engages with the dispensing member slot 71. The hopper 60 has flanged edges 62 that extend from a side of the hopper 60, and the flanged edges 62 engage with grooves 40 located in the compartment 30 of the vending machine 10. The slots and flanged edges allow the hopper 60 to be easily inserted and removed from the vending machine 10. The improved dispensing member 70 has axial slots 72 that are rectangularly-shaped.

Abstract: A vending machine for selling card-like articles having a coin insert located off-center in the front of the vending machine and a handle for advancing card-like article for output. An output maybe provided on the front side of the vending machine. A display panel is provided for showing a display having a depiction or description of the card-like article. Optionally a ceiling cover may be provide which can be slid back for removal and insertion of the display in the vending machine.

Abstract: An inertial parts feeding apparatus and method for dispensing parts, such as microchips, onto a moving belt. The feeding apparatus has a housing supporting an elongated tube accommodating the microchips. A guide mounted on the housing aligns the tube with an arm having an impact shoulder and a microchip stop finger. A roller, engageable with the tube, driven by a stepping motor, moves the tube longitudinally into engagement with the shoulder causing a microchip to move out of the end of the tube and into engagement with the stop finger. The arm is released from the microchip during the time that the tube moves back to its initial position to allow the microchip to move with the belt.

Abstract: A vacuum operated system for individually dispensing items of oral solid medicine from bulk storage to a user, where the medicine is dispensed under computer control, and the quantity and type of medicine is selected in advance by the user. The invention includes medicine dispensing equipment and a computer that provides a user interface. A plurality of storage containers arranged in a rotatable carousel or a rectilinear array may contain various pharmaceutical articles, or various types, dosages, ages, and lot numbers of medicines. The storage containers may be easily refilled by inserting modular refill cartridges into the storage containers. After a user enters certain data into the computer, the invention aligns a universal vacuum probe with the storage container that contains the desired items. The universal vacuum probe is lowered to the desired storage container and engaged with a container probe that is exclusive to that storage container.

Abstract: A vending machine for dispensing relatively flat, thin articles, and particularly for dispensing valuable articles such as debit cards and tickets. The articles to be dispensed are stored in removable chutes. Lockable covers are provided for the chutes so as to provide safe transportation containers for the valuable articles. Automatic device is provided for displacing the covers upon insertion of the chutes into the dispensing mechanism so as to prepare the mechanism for immediately dispensing the articles and eliminating the need to totally remove the covers during usage.

Abstract: A stack of paper is provided for separating portions produced by a portion control machine. The paper is dispensed from a paper feed system that feeds the bottom-most sheet from the stack along support rails that support opposite edges of the sheet. An integral stiffening strip extends between the opposite side edges of each sheet for stiffening the sheet therebetween and to minimize bowing of the sheet when supported at its opposite side edges. The stiffening strip has an arcuate cross-section, and the stiffening strip includes a rigidifying wax coating that is impregnated in the sheet at least to a greater extent in other areas of the sheet than at the strip. The invention also contemplates a method of fabricating the sheets of paper.