Abstract: A bead delivery disk, system and method of delivering flavor beads to a tobacco rod or tow including a bead source, a bead delivery disk in communication with the bead source, including a central disk portion having front and back sides and a first central thickness, an inner annular rim around the central disk portion, the inner annular rim having a second thickness less than said first thickness, a series of pockets spaced around the inner annular rim and multiple vacuum transmission apertures located on one side of the disk, each aperture communicating with at least one of the pockets.

Abstract: To provide a stacking apparatus and a stack manufacturing system having high accuracy and productivity. A stacking apparatus 10 includes: a stage unit 4 on which a material to be stacked 90 is placed; a sandwiching member 11 that is vertically movable with respect to the stage unit 4, and between which and the stage unit 4 the material to be stacked 90 is sandwiched; a press member 13 that is vertically movable with respect to the sandwiching member 11 and presses the material to be stacked 90; and a guide pin 14 that guides a stack 91a pressed and stamped out of the material to be stacked 90 by the press member 13.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for retrieving instrumented marine cables. The cable-handling apparatus comprises carriers that capture and pull on rigid elements in or on a marine cable to retrieve the cable hand-over-hand onto a deployment vessel. The carriers are spaced apart along an endless path on spacings matching the spacings of the rigid elements in the cable. A take-up mechanism allows manual adjustment of the relative spacings of the carriers to account for tolerances in the spacings of the rigid elements on the cable.

Abstract: A Self-Service Terminal (SST) and a method of selectively dispensing or depositing items of media are disclosed. The SST includes a fascia panel comprising a panel portion having a circular arc-shaped cross-section and at least one panel aperture. The SST also includes at least one media transfer device comprising an outer body portion having a circular arc-shaped cross-section, proximate to and spaced apart from the panel portion, and at least one body aperture. The body portion is rotatable with respect to the curved panel portion to selectively reveal the body aperture through the panel aperture.

Abstract: A medicine dispensing device capable of appropriately dispensing medicines independent of their form and having a compact structure. The medicine dispensing device has a device body (1) and a medicine conveyance member (3) for conveying, on one by one basis, medicines (D) arranged in rows in the device body (1). The medicine conveyance member (3) has a medicine holding member (40) reciprocatingly moving in the horizontal and vertical directions. The medicine holding member (40) has a support member (42), a forwardly/backwardly moving member (43) reciprocatingly moving in the forward and backward direction of the device body (1) while being supported by the support member (42), and a holding member (44) supported by the forwardly/backwardly moving member (43) so as to swing between a vertical position and a horizontal position and having a pair of holding sections (54) capable of holding a medicine (D).

Abstract: A Self-Service Terminal (SST) and a method of selectively dispensing or depositing items of media are disclosed. The SST includes a fascia panel comprising a panel portion having a circular arc-shaped cross-section and at least one panel aperture. The SST also includes at least one media transfer device comprising an outer body portion having a circular arc-shaped cross-section, proximate to and spaced apart from the panel portion, and at least one body aperture. The body portion is rotatable with respect to the curved panel portion to selectively reveal the body aperture through the panel aperture.

Abstract: This is an improved retrieval mechanism for vending machines that includes a sophisticated positioning system, gripper and trays for improved efficiency in product retrieval and delivery. Following product selection, the positioning system quickly transports the gripper through the X-Y plane to the front of a tray queue containing the selected product. The gripper is extended in the Z-direction, and its fingers grasp the foremost product container in the queue. The gripper is raised in order to clear a retaining lip in the queue and then retracts, and the positioning system transports the gripper carrying the product container to a delivery port. The gripper then releases the product which slides down a chute into a delivery port for customer pick up. Unique product storage trays are provided which work in conjunction with the gripper to allow only the foremost product to be removed from a tray queue. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device (1) for containing and dispensing tablets, wherein vial bottles (3) filled with tablets wait in waiting spaces (701a, b, c) and the vial bottles (3) are taken out from the waiting spaces (701a, b, c). A plurality of pairs of holding members (703a, b) facing each other for holding the bodies of the vial bottles (3) are installed in the waiting spaces (701a, b, c). Also, stock sensors (710) in the same quantity as the pair of holding members (703a, b) are installed to check for each pair of holding members whether a vial bottle is held on the pair of holding members (703a, b) or not.

Abstract: This invention is a vending machine and components parts that include a sophisticated positioning system, gripper and trays for improved efficiency in product retrieval and delivery. A unique initialization and calibration system is implemented at start up to determine the positions of shelves and trays of product containers in the machine, and may be implemented at other times if trays or shelves are added or removed, or if tray or shelf positions change. These positions are then used by the positioning and gripping systems to accurately and efficiently retrieve products from the trays. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention is a vending machine and components parts that include a sophisticated positioning system, catcher and trays for improved efficiency in product retrieval and delivery. Following product selection, the positioning system quickly transports the catcher through the X-Y plane to the front of a tray queue containing the selected product. The catcher is extended in the Z-direction, and lifts the foremost product container from the queue, moving one or more gates out of the way. The catcher then retracts, closing the gate, and the positioning system transports the catcher carrying the product container to a delivery port. The catcher then releases the product container which slides into a delivery port for customer pick up. Unique product storage trays are provided which work in conjunction with the catcher to allow only the foremost product to be removed from a tray queue. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An automated method for dispensing pharmaceuticals, particularly tablets and capsules, and other small discrete objects, includes: receiving prescription information, selecting a container, labeling the container, dispensing the tablets or capsules into the labeled container, applying a closure to the filled, labeled container, and offloading the container to a designated location. Preferably, the tablets are dispensed with high speed dispensing bins that employ forced air to agitate and singulate the tablets. The other functions within the system are typically carried out at stations designed to offer speed, flexibility and precision to the dispensing operation.

Abstract: A device for moving articles between positions at time intervals. The device includes at least two gates disposed sequentially in the direction of travel of the article which can controllably be opened and closed. Upstream of each gate there is formed a temporary holding area for the article. The two gates (1; 2; 3; 4) are controllable by means of one single drive motor (8) or actuator. The two gates (1; 2; 3; 4) are each associated with one control element (5; 6) rotatable about a respective axis of rotation, and the drive motor or actuator (8) is adapted to move one actuating element (7) that is rotatable about an axis of rotation and which is common to the respective control elements (5; 6) of the two gates.

Abstract: A medicine dispensing device capable of appropriately dispensing medicines independent of their form and having a compact structure. The medicine dispensing device has a device body (1) and a medicine conveyance member (3) for conveying, on one by one basis, medicines (D) arranged in rows in the device body (1). The medicine conveyance member (3) has a medicine holding member (40) reciprocatingly moving in the horizontal and vertical directions. The medicine holding member (40) has a support member (42), a forwardly/backwardly moving member (43) reciprocatingly moving in the forward and backward direction of the device body (1) while being supported by the support member(42), and a holding member (44) supported by the forwardly/backwardly moving member (43) so as to swing between a vertical position and a horizontal position and having a pair of holding sections (54) capable of holding a medicine (D).

Abstract: A gripper device for displacing at least one single unit of consumer packages comprising gripper blades movable in rotating and translating manner with control members accommodated in housing, gripper members engage units on two opposite longitudinal sides after closure for picking up, transfer and placement in outer packages. Clamping members for keeping the cover closed during pickup, transfer and discharge of closed units are placed between units to keep units in relative positions during pickup, transfer and placement, cooperating with gripper and clamping members. Holder members comprise intermediate plates suspended vertically through slots in housing bottom plate and are clamped between the units. Intermediate plates are pressed vertically by a spring member, wherein a suspended main portion and the intermediate plates merge into an engaging edge having an angle under 40.degrees between main portion and engaging edge, the engaging edge, ends at the bottom portion of such a unit.

Abstract: This invention is a vending machine and components parts that include a sophisticated positioning system, gripper and trays for improved efficiency in product retrieval and delivery. Following product selection, the positioning system quickly transports the gripper through the X-Y plane to the front of a tray queue containing the selected product. The gripper is extended in the Z-direction, and its fingers grasp the foremost product container in the queue. The gripper then retracts, and the positioning system transports the gripper carrying the product container to a delivery port. The gripper then releases the product which slides down a chute into a delivery bucket that is then tilted outward for customer pick up. Unique product storage trays are provided which work in conjunction with the gripper to allow only the foremost product to be removed from a tray queue. A specially designed door is provided to accommodate the X-Y positioning system.

Abstract: A vial gripping mechanism (10) includes a pivotally mounted swing arm (26). A sensor receiving array (44) is mounted to a sensor end (34) on an inward edge (46) of the arm (26). A channel (38) protecting a cable (64) follows an outside edge (42) from the receiving array (44) to a cam end (36). A torsion spring (28) forces the cam end (36) against a cam (30) which is fixedly mounted to the mechanism (10) adjacent the arm (26). By action of the mechanism (10), the arm (26) is moved relative to the cam (30) such that in a sensing position, the receiving array (44) is directly opposite a sensor transmitting array (74), and in a shielded position, the receiving array (44) is housed within a shield (32). The shield (32) is fixedly mounted to the mechanism (10) and protects the receiving array (44) while in transit.

Abstract: A vial gripping mechanism (10) includes a pivotally mounted swing arm (26). A sensor receiving array (44) is mounted to a sensor end (34) on an inward edge (46) of the arm (26). A channel (38) protecting a cable (64) follows an outside edge (42) from the receiving array (44) to a cam end (36). A torsion spring (28) forces the cam end (36) against a cam (30) which is fixedly mounted to the mechanism (10) adjacent the arm (26). By action of the mechanism (10), the arm (26) is moved relative to the cam (30) such that in a sensing position, the receiving array (44) is directly opposite a sensor transmitting array (74), and in a shielded position, the receiving array (44) is housed within a shield (32). The shield (32) is fixedly mounted to the mechanism (10) and protects the receiving array (44) while in transit.

Abstract: An animated candy dispenser for tablet candy pieces including a magazine for storing the candy in a columnar manner, a finger actuated button mechanically linked to a dispensing assembly that includes a movable character with candy gripping extensions to grab and retain a piece of candy and withdraw it from the dispenser.

Abstract: The sorting magazine serves for the supply of loose small parts (1) such as rivets, eyes, press fasteners and so forth. It includes a trough-shaped storage container (2) which has a front wall (3) and a magazine base plate (4), with a filling opening (5) for the small parts (1) and, in the base plate (4), an aperture (8) which adjoins an inclined bottom wall (9). The small parts can be guided by way of the aperture int ark adjoining rotary magazine comprising a drum-like rotary member (6) which is mounted rotatably about a substantially horizontal axis (7) and which serves for separating and orienting the small parts (1) for further processing thereof by machine. In order conveniently to provide for complete emptying, the magazine base plate (4) has a plate section (12) which is formed with the walls (3, 9) delimiting the storage container (2) to form a unit. That unit is movable from a closed operative position into an open position permitting the removal of all small parts, and vice-versa.

Abstract: In an automatic medicament dispensing machine, a vial gripper mechanism includes a rotatable first jaw and a second jaw coupled with the output shaft of a jaw motor. In an open position, the jaws are spaced for receiving a medicament vial therebetween. Actuation of jaw motor rotates the second jaw toward the first jaw for gripping the vial therebetween in a gripping position. Continued rotation of the jaw motor causes rotation of both of said jaws and any vial gripped therebetween to a dispensing position for receipt of medicament into the vial from an adjacent dispensing cell.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically installing a clamp made from a flat blank on an object to be fastened thereby, in which individual blanks are separated from a supply of such blanks, are fed as individual blanks to a deformation station where the flat blank is deformed into circular shape, the thus-deformed clamp is transferred from the deformation station to the object to be fastened thereby where it is placed over the object, and the clamp is thereafter tightened.

Abstract: A stack of baskets carrying frozen chickens or the like are mounted on a dolly which is wheeled into a denester having spaced apart vertical side walls. Each of the side walls carries a vertically moving conveyor having spaced hooks adapted to be moved inwardly to engage the baskets. As the conveyors move upwardly, the top basket is lifted from the top of the stack. As the conveyors continue to move, the next basket is lifted and this continues until all of the baskets are lifted off of the dolly and are spaced apart from each other. A horizontal conveyor is then interposed beneath the lowermost basket. The vertical conveyors are moved downwardly until the lowermost basket rests on the horizontal conveyor and the conveyor hooks are removed therefrom. This basket is then conveyed horizontally to make room for the next lowermost basket and the process continues until all of the baskets have been denested.

Abstract: To relocate cutlings (22) contained in plant boxes (20), an endless transport element (2) with grippers (9) is used, which grip on a pick-up position (23) the plants (22) at their stems and transport these to an unload position comprising a direction changing wheel (4). To pull out the plants (22) as far as possible in the direction of growing and particularly vertically, every gripper (9) is rotatably journalled on a carrier (8) provided on a transport element (2). The distance between the gripper bearing (17) in the area of the pick-up position (23) and the shaft of the direction changing wheel (4) is substantially smaller than the radius of said direction changing wheel. Hence the plants (22) gripped by the gripper (9) are pulled out in essentially the grind direction thereof.

Abstract: A system for automatically supplying tapered paper tubes to an automatic winder which includes a number of winding units. The system includes a paper tube discharging device which provide a stock section for retaining tapered tubes in heaped up condition and a releasing section for separating lowermost ones of the heaped up paper tubes in the stock section. The separated paper tubes are transported one by one along a paper tube transporting path and fed to each winding unit.

Abstract: A paper sheet grip and transport apparatus for a counting and half-wrapping device comprising a stacker for accommodating a batch of paper sheets supplied thereto and for receiving them in the state of a bundle and a half wrapper for the bundle of paper sheets mounted adjacent to said stack unit, is disclosed. According to the present invention, the grip and transfer apparatus has a movable member mounted in alignment with said stack unit and said half-wrapping unit and having a transfer chuck adapted for being opened or closed and capable of gripping from the side of the half-wrapping unit a bundle of paper sheets placed in the stack unit. The movable member is driven from the side of said half-wrapping unit for transporting a bundle of paper sheets gripped by said transfer chuck from the stack unit towards the half-wrapping unit.

Abstract: Apparatus for introducing into a prepared field surface a plurality of seedling bodies each of which includes a small plant that is growing in a root supporting medium. A conveyor onto which the seedling bodies are placed and a mechanism for receiving the seedling bodies in sequence from the conveyor for transporting them to a trench in the field surface. The transporting device includes two pivotable jaws and strategically located cams for opening and closing the jaws to receive the plant from the conveyor and them to deposit the plant into the trench at the correct location and position. A drive mechanism for the conveyor so that the plants are delivered to the transporting means at the proper time and position.