Abstract: Applicant's invention comprises a single-vend dispensing machine particularly applicable to vending newspapers. The apparatus includes a platform along which a supply of newspapers (or magazines) are advanced by a specially configured push plate. Individual copies are advanced to a vend position by operation of a frictional roller which engages the foremost single copy and advances it over a platform edge to a vend position. A copy in the vend position rests against a trap door a lock for which is briefly disengaged upon payment by a customer for allowing the copy to fall to an access slot for recovery by the customer. After removal of the copy, a new copy is advanced to the vend position by friction roller. A biased bailer aids in maintaining the front-most copy in the appropriate position for falling into the vend position, which bailer is released upon actuation of the friction roller.

Abstract: A coffee filter storage and dispensing canister includes a container body having an interior compartment storing an inverted stack of coffee filters and one end with a dispensing opening for dispensing coffee filters therefrom, a cover removably fitted on an opposite end of the container body, a hold-down member disposed over the inverted stack of coffee filters, and a plurality of biasing elements disposed between the cover and hold-down member causing the hold-down member to exert a hold-down force on the inverted stack of coffee filters biasing the stack toward the dispensing opening of the container body. The canister also includes a filter separator crank and a filter retainer arm installed adjacent to the dispensing opening of the container body and extending within the interior compartment thereof.

Abstract: A dispenser for storing and sequentially dispensing flexible, disposable lids for cups such as those used with soft drinks, coffee, soups, or the like from a nested stack of lids held in an elongated container by a dispensing rod disposed across one side of its lower end. The dispensing rod projects through a wall of the container and is attached to a turning handle. In resting position, an edge portion of the circular surface of the lowermost lid sits on the dispensing rod, a lip portion of which extends tangentially outward and clockwise. When rotated, the lip portion of the rotatable dispensing rod engages a portion of the outer wall of the lowermost lid, slightly flexing the lid so that it becomes separated from the stack and drops into a catch tray.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a silver halide photographic material in a processing vessel containing a processing solution in which a solid agent is fed into the vessel to keep the property of the processing solution within a predetermined level.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying anti-frictional compound such as stick lubricant to a surface to be lubricated, for example a selected area of a railroad car wheel, includes a magazine for retaining a plurality of sticks or rods of the compound; a mechanism for guiding an individual stick or rod and directing it into contact with the surface to be lubricated. The apparatus sequentially draws individual sticks or rods from the magazine and locates each one, in sequence, in the guideway until the magazine is empty. The apparatus applies a constant pressure on the lubricant to the area to be lubricated.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus is disclosed for sequentially vending articles upon movement of an actuator.

Abstract: An exception card input apparatus for a generally rectangular input card hopper for a card processing machine. The exception card insert apparatus has a carriage slideably mounted within the hopper for movement between a first position, proximate a driving device for removing cards from the hopper to the processing machine, and a second position, proximate a slot through the hopper cover for inserting an exception card into the hopper. The exception insert apparatus also includes a compartment in the carriage for receiving the exception card through the slot when the carriage is in the second position and the compartment is configured to place the exception card in a position for a plurality of rollers to remove the exception card from the carriage and the hopper to the processing machine when the carriage is in an intermediate position between the first and the second position. The invention also includes a method of removing an exception card from an input hopper to a card processing machine.

Abstract: A display apparatus is disclosed herein for dispensing a quantity of literature sheets or brochures stored in an ordered stack so that a portion of the uppermost piece of literature is visually displayed. Mechanism is provided for advancing the stack of literature within a housing so that the uppermost piece of literature bears against an advancement mechanism including rollers which advances the uppermost piece of literature so as to be partially exposed externally of a dispensing slot whereby a user may readily grasp the exposed portion and withdraw the literature. The stack of literature is carried on a spring-biased platform normally urging the stack upward against the underside of the advancement mechanism. An adjustable tension and system maintains the platform in a centered disposition with respect to the storage housing.

Abstract: A dispenser to be used with an air craft includes a body member, and a magazine accommodated in the body member. The magazine is provided with a feeding out opening at one end thereof and accommodates a number of packages arranged in a row extending from the feeding out opening throughout the magazine. The magazine includes a feeding out and separation device provided adjacent the feeding out opening for separating and feeding out a package in the row located closest to the feeding out opening of the magazine. The dispenser also includes air guiding member provided on the body member to guide an air stream in to the feeding out opening of the magazine in order to create a pressure differential at the feeding out opening acting to facilitate removal of packages, released by the feeding out and separation device, from the feeding out opening.

Abstract: Apparatus for storing one or more stacks of paper slips and for sequentially dispensing single slips from a stack as needed. The apparatus may include a protective housing having one or more compartments in which is disposed a flat plate on which a stack of paper slips may be placed. The plate is free to move upwardly or downwardly in the compartment and is biased upwardly. A roller assembly carried at one end of the housing for frictional engagement with the uppermost paper slip in a stack is selectively rotatable by a persons hand to dispense the uppermost slip through an opening in the end of the housing.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus is disclosed for sequentially vending articles upon the movement of an actuator.

Abstract: The present invention provides a single paper dispenser. An enclosure has a transverse aperture at one end and a discontinuous transverse member near the aperture. A horizontal stack of papers is located within the enclosure and a mechanism is provided to bias the papers against the transverse member. A cam system is located within the enclosure and rotates about an axis parallel to the transverse aperture. Tongues on the cams move upwardly through the discontinuities in the transverse member and then forwardly as the cam system is rotated. While the cam system is rotated, the mechanism for biasing the papers against the transverse member is disabled. The forwardmost paper is dispensed by rotating the cam system while the remainder of the stack is immobilized to separate it from the remainder of the stack and drop it to the transverse aperture.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing a cut tape comprising, structure for receiving a cut tape, structure for feeding the cut tape from the receiving structure, the feeding structure including a solenoid operable for causing the feeding structure to feed the cut tape; and structure for controlling the feeding structure, the controlling structure including a microprocessor, the solenoid electrically connected to the microprocessor, the controlling structure including a switch electrically connected to the microprocessor, and the microprocessor programmed for causing the solenoid to operate in response to actuation of the switch.

Abstract: A golf ball storage and dispensing device for transport in a golfer's bag that is operated to dispense, on demand, a single golf ball into a golfer's hand and consists of a tubular housing, that can be straight or cane shaped, and is for containing a column of golf balls that are supported on a spring biased platform therein to urge that column towards an open ball dispensing end of which tubular housing. A dispenser is provided across the dispensing end of the tubular housing that involves in one embodiment, a pivoting cup and, in another embodiment, a piston that is arranged to slide in a cylindrical sleeve, the piston to pickup and dispense a single golf ball when moved across the open tubular housing end. Both embodiments provide for depressing and locking the platform to load a column of golf balls therein, whereafter the platform is released, the spring biasing urging the column of golf balls against the dispenser.

Abstract: A display apparatus is disclosed herein for storing a quantity of literature sheets or brochures in an ordered stack so that the uppermost piece of literature is visually displayed. Means are provided for advancing the stack of literature within a housing so that the uppermost piece of literature bears against an advanacement mechanism including rollers which advances the uppermost piece of literature so as to be partially exposed externally of a dispensing slot so that a user may readily grasp the exposed portion and withdraw the literature. The stack of literature is carried on a spring-biased platform normally urging the stack upward against the underside of the advancement mechanism. A guide system maintains the platform in a centered disposition with respect to the storage housing.

Abstract: A self-powered, compact intelligent device senses the proximity of a consumer and draws their attention by emitting either a low level beeping sound or a 5-15 second or longer "audible commercial" or other audio/visual signal while simultaneously presenting promotional material. This point-of-purchase coupon dispenser POP-CD offers the consumer the convenience of individual, point-of-purchase coupons for immediate use.

Abstract: A stand alone dispenser including an integral electrical power supply is provided for reliably dispensing individual sheets, such as coupons, from a stack. The dispenser comprises a clutch for preventing excessive pressure between the stack and a coupon remover to minimize current drain on the power supply. A stack advancer enables advancement of the stack, as necessary, whenever a coupon is dispensed through engagement by the clutch to the coupon remover. A control circuit includes delay and shutdown functions to limit excessive coupon removal, and a dispenser level indicator to discourage tampering or theft. The dispenser is mountable to store shelving or other point of purchase displays.

Abstract: The present invention provides a single paper dispenser. An enclosure has a transverse aperture at one end and a discontinuous transverse member near the aperture. A horizontal stack of papers is located within the enclosure and a mechanism is provided to bias the papers against the transverse member. A cam system is located within the enclosure and rotates about an axis parallel to the transverse aperture. Tongues on the cams move upwardly through the discontinuities in the transverse member and then forwardly as the cam system is rotated. While the cam system is rotated, the mechanism for biasing the papers against the transverse member is disabled. The forwardmost paper is dispensed by rotating the cam system while the remainder of the stack is immobilized to separate it from the remainder of the stack and drop it to the transverse aperture.

Abstract: A label dispenser (10) includes a storage container (13) for labels (11). A withdrawal roller (15) is in contact with the labels (11) and is supported together with a gear-wheel pinion (17) and a free-wheeling bearing (19) at the storage container (13). The pinion (17) is engaged with a fixed-position gear rack (23). As soon as the finger pressure actuates the server plate (29), the storage container (13) is pressed downwardly, the gear-wheel pinion (17) rotates the withdrawal roller (15) such that the outermost label is pushed out downwardly out of the storage container (13). The outermost label is then gripped by a transport roller pair and can be transported off. As soon as the finger pressure is released, a helical spring (37) slides the storage container (13) back into the starting position. In this case, a hollow cylinder (33), together with an air valve (39) furnishes a braking of the speed, while the free-wheeling bearing (19) runs freely.

Abstract: A device (1) for ejection of boxes (30) through an exit (3) of a container (2). Such a device (1) may be used for the ejection of chaff for the purpose of radar jamming. The device (1) is provided with gear wheels (13, 13') located adjacent to the exit (3). In order to eject chaff boxes (30) the gear wheels (13, 13') engage with peripherally located gear means (37, 38) on the boxes (30). Ejection by means of such a gear arrangement enables the number of boxes (30) released and the time interval between subsequent releases to be controlled very accurately.

Abstract: In a retard type botton sheet separator/feeder 80, in which the bottom of a stack of original document sheets is driven downstream to a separation nip with a retard pad 62 by the planer upper flight of a driven frictional separator bottom feed belt 50, that feeding is assisted by a normal force applying ski or shoe unit 70. The unit 70 pivotally lowers arm assembly 76 so that a large area planar bottom of a ski 72 is overlying the belt 50. The ski 72 rides on the top of the stack with low friction with a preset downward normal force. A pivotal mounting 74 thereof allows the free self-pivoting of the bottom surface of the ski 72 into continuous alignment with the plane of the top of the stack, pressing the stack between the ski and an opposing feeding belt area which is also maintained uniformly planar by a special belt supporting system. Thus the normal force is distributed evenly over a relatively large area.

Abstract: A card dispensing apparatus is disclosed of a type comprising a draw roller for drawing a card to be dispensed from a bottom of a stack of cards and a delivery roller for delivering the drawn card toward an outlet of the apparatus. The card dispensing apparatus further comprises an antidoubling roller positioned above the delivery roller and reversely rotated relative to the delivery roller to preventing an upper card of two overlapped cards from delivering to the outlet.

Abstract: A motorized card dispenser is disclosed that consists of a case with a hinged lid. The lower part of the case has a card storage area and a sealed motor-drive area. The cards are dispensed through a small slot in the front of the case. A dispensing pad, which is driven by a motor is used to dispense the cards. The motor is powered by a small battery located within the case. Three different types of control circuits are disclosed. All three circuits are controlled by a button which is located on the top of the device. A pressure bail, which is spring loaded and hinged, is used to maintain pressure on the cards from the top of the stack. Cards are dispensed from the bottom of the stack. An optional storage case that can be attached to the device to hold business cards that are received by the user is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for the storage and dispensing of packaged adhesive bandages and similarly shaped flat packaged units. The dispenser includes a drive unit base, which may be powered either manually or electrically. A cartridge is removably mountable to the top of the base. The cartridge holds a stack of packaged adhesive bandages on a floor in which is defined an elongated slot. A weight is provided to exert downward pressure against the bandages toward the cartridge floor. A roller with an elastic following finger attached to the roller is mounted within the housing and aligned with the slot in the floor. When the roller is rotated the following finger frictionally engages the lowermost bandage in the stack, urging it through an exit portal at one end of the cartridge. As the bandage is propelled through the portal, it displaces a resilient flap which covers the portal.

Abstract: A coin-operated dispenser for flexible supports such as postcards, comprises an element (1) shaped like a piece of furniture closed on three sides comprising a juxtaposition and a superposition of compartments (2) each containing a packet of flexible supports and apparatus for distributing individual supports, an assembly (3) for selection of and payment for the flexible supports, and a device (4) for closing the face of the element (1), provided at the upper part of each compartment (2) with a dispensing opening (5), and beneath this opening (5) with a housing (6) for receiving a display sample (7) of the flexible support contained in the corresponding compartment (2).

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus 10 for elongate flat articles such as newspapers is described. The mechanism uses a rachet or pawl mechanism 36 or 36a to control a roller 23 or 23a rotatably mounted on a shaft 24 or 51 for dispensing the articles with the shaft and roller locked together. The roller has a cylindrical cross-section in continuous contact with the uppermost article to be dispensed by turning a crank handle 53 or by pulling a pull bar 28. The rachet or pawl mechanism and support plate 18 for the articles P are constructed to be rugged and reliable in dispensing the articles. Self lubricating bearings 18a are mounted on the plate for movement on multiple posts 12. The rachet mechanism engages indentations 38 on the end 37 of the roll.

Abstract: A sheet or coupon dispensing apparatus includes a magazine for storing a plurality of sheets or coupons and components for advancing each sheet individually from the magazine to a dispensed position. The apparatus is inoperative for dispensing another sheet until a previously dispensed sheet has been removed from the apparatus. The disclosed apparatus is especially adapted for use with automatic equipment, such as automatic vending machines.

Abstract: A single paper dispenser is disclosed. The dispenser includes a frame which has a support plate for supporting the papers in a generally horizontal stack. The support plate has a forward, slotted edge, and the stack of papers are biased toward that edge. Cams are provided which are rotatable about an axis parallel to the slotted edge. The cams each have tongues which are movable upwardly through these slots and then forwardly relative to the support plate as they are rotated. The rotated cam elements engage the forwardmost paper in the stack with the tongues projecting through the slots, lift and separate the forwardmost paper from the remainder of the stack, and drop the separated paper past the forward edge of the support plate.

Abstract: A machine for vending newspapers which will allow a customer to receive a single paper in a stack of papers. The papers are housed in a compartment wherein the customer places the correct change, i.e. a quarter, in the coin receptacle and shifts the same inwardly to disengage a latch mechanism and allowing the customer to pull a handle mechanism outwardly by use of pins and push plate and receive a single newspaper only. By use of a spring interiorly of the dispenser, the handle and its mechanism are returned to latched position.

Abstract: A device for the ejection of boxes through the exit of a container and a box adapted for use in such a device. A device (1) for ejection of boxes (30) through an exit (3) of a container (2). Such a device (1) may be used for the ejection of chaff for the purpose of radar jamming. The device (1) is provided with gear wheels (13, 13') located adjacent to the exit (3). In order to eject chaff boxes (30) the gear wheels (13, 13') engage with peripherally located gears (37, 38) on the boxes (30). Ejection by means of such a gear arrangement enables the number of boxes (30) released and the time interval between subsequent releases to be controlled very accurately.

Abstract: A vending machine for dispensing a single, folded, rectangular newspaper from a group of abutting similar newspapers has a frame and housing with an interior, bottom support plate inclined downwardly toward and ending at a forward edge spaced from the front wall of the housing. A barrier extends transversely at the forward edge of the bottom plate, is spaced from the front wall to leave an opening and is adapted to be abutted by the lower folded edge of the leading newspaper. A movable back support wall is spring-urged over the bottom plate and toward the barrier to advance newspapers along the bottom plate. The forward folded newspaper, when pressed against the barrier by the back wall, also rests above or upon one or more drum cams, each having a support surface for a newspaper fold and having a separator fin. Each drum cam is mounted on a shaft rotatable by a handle and returned by a spring.

Abstract: Magazine dispensing apparatus has a housing with a delivery opening disposed in a lower region of a front wall of the housing. A number of selectively actuatable dispenser units are disposed within the housing. Each has a lower platform and a supporting structure for supporting and retaining a stack of magazines. The platform is formed with a forwardly and rearwardly extending slot through which runs the upper flight of an endless conveyor on which an ejector bar is connected. When the conveyor is actuated, it sweeps the ejector bar forwardly along the platform, displacing the lowermost magazine forwardly until it is free of the stack and falls freely downwardly to a chute which passes it to the delivery opening.

Abstract: A dispensing arrangement for dispensing advertising coupons in their folded state into containers having upstanding reinforcing ribs adjoined by respective depressions on those portions thereof onto which the coupons are to be dispensed includes a chute that bounds a downwardly sloping channel for accomodating a stack of the coupons in substantially vertical orientations, a pusher element which presses the stack against a transverse wall delimiting the channel at its dispensing end, a withdrawing roller which withdraws the foremost of the folded coupons in the stack, and a pair of advancing rollers which advance the withdrawn coupon and discharge the same into the depression of the respective container next to the upstanding reinforcing rib. The chute is advantageously a removable separate component of the arrangement, which is clipped on the body of the dispensing arrangement and whose walls can be moved relative to one another to adjust the width of the channel.

Abstract: A device for dispensing the covers used in playing the game of bingo which has an elongated tubular magazine, resilient means within the magazine to advance the covers, and a rotating member at the dispensing end of the magazine to dispense the forwardmost cover. The covers are stored within the magazine at an inclined angle and the magazine has means to faciliate placement of the covers directly onto the bingo card.

Abstract: A cut tape feed module for use with a mailing machine. The module includes a stationary mounting and cassette support, a driven pinion rotatably mounted on the mounting and cassette support, a drive roller drivingly connected to the driven pinion, and a movable, cut tape cassette slidably mounted on the mounting and cassette support. The cassette includes a gear rack for driving engagement with the pinion and a biased backing plate for urging the cut tape against the drive roller. The downward movement of the cassette causes rotation of the drive roller which in turn effects separation of the forwardmost cut tape and dispensing thereof from the cassette.

Abstract: A vending machine for articles such as newspapers, magazines or the like is provided wherein the articles are held in a vertical plane and can be viewed through a transparent front glass and wherein a single article is dispensed at a time and wherein the operation is substantially theft-proof in that it is virtually impossible to obtain more than a single article for each payment.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing newspapers, one at a time, having a frame with a wheel assembly movably attached thereto is provided for having wheels in contact with a stack of newspapers. The wheels have one-way bearings such that when the wheel assembly is pulled in a first direction, the wheels will not rotate and thereby frictionally engage a newspaper in contact therewith, thereby pulling the newspaper with the wheels. When the wheel assembly is pushed back in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, then the wheels are allowed to rotate against the next newspaper to be dispensed, to assume a ready position for the next operation. An assist mechanism is also provided for assisting the frictional engagement of a newspaper by the wheels and such assist mechanism has an adjustable feature for use with thin papers in one position thereof, or thick papers in another position thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting a stack of veneer sheets with the top of such stack at approximately the level of pinch roll mechanism in a dryer feeder. An accumulator in the apparatus may be actuated to support a remnant stack of veneer sheets at proper elevation, and with freeing of a platform in the apparatus whereby it may be lowered to have deposited thereon a new stack of sheets.

Abstract: A dispensing device is disclosed for dispensing nested dished papers. The device has a base for holding a stack of nested dished papers. The dishing of the papers is such that each paper has a bottom wall and a substantially conical side wall. The device includes a paper sticking member mounted on the base adjacent to the stack of nested dished papers. The stack of nested dished papers and the paper sticking member are moved relative to each other so that the conical side wall of the adjacent paper of the stack of nested dished papers is stuck with the paper sticking member. The conical side wall and continued relative movement of the paper sticking member are used for pulling the paper from the stack of nested dished papers and dispensing the same.

Abstract: In a device for dispensing sheet material having at least one storage container for a stack of said sheet material, a withdrawal device associated with said storage container consisting of withdrawal rollers for removing sheets of said sheet material from said storage container, a plurality of spaced transporting rollers for conveying removed sheets along a path, spaced contra-rotating rollers which can be adjusted between said transporting rollers to obtain optimum detention of duplicate sheets thereby preventing the simultaneous passage of a plurality of sheets along said path and a dispensing station arranged at the end of the conveying path, the improvement comprising said contra-rotating rollers being formed of an inherently stable material, at least some of the transporting rollers being formed of an elastically yielding material preferably having a cellular or porous surface for good adhesion to said sheets, and at least some of the transporting rollers being formed of an inherently stable unyielding m

Abstract: A device for dispensing address labels from a stack contained within a receptacle wherein the receptacle comprises two complementary plastic wall sections joined together by an integral flexible hinge along one side of the receptacle with interlocking structure at the opposite side of the receptacle to hold the sections in closed position and the sections having aligned projections within the receptacle to provide an axle for a friction roller for dispensing the individual labels.

Abstract: The outermost sheet of a stack of overlapping sheets in a magazine is partially separated from the neighboring sheet of the stack by the peripheral projection of a singularizing roller which is adjacent to the rear edge face of the outermost sheet. The projection engages and moves the rear edge face forwardly while the outermost sheet is biased against an abutment in the region of its front edge face. The bias upon the outermost sheet is relaxed or terminated when the rear portion of the outermost sheet is flexed away from the neighboring sheet so that the outermost sheet can be withdrawn from the magazine, either forwardly or rearwardly, by advancing rolls which are installed in close proximity of the singularizing roller, in the interior of the roller, or close to the front edge face of the outermost sheet of the stack.

Abstract: A dispenser for bank notes and currency having a plurality of storage receptacles for bank notes and currencies of different denominations, each with a permanently assigned take-up device. A central conveyor line common to all of the storage receptacles leads to a delivery or filing position. The central conveyor line and the take-up devices are arranged between partly open limits of the storage receptacle and the central conveyor line includes driven guides for the certificates.

Abstract: A sheet feed apparatus for use with a copying machine comprising a sheet stacking member for stacking recording sheets thereon, and a pair of sheet feed rollers for feeding the recording sheets one by one, which are arranged coaxially on a driving shaft disposed above the sheet stacking member, and one sheet feed roller is located at an appropriate position and the other sheet feed roller is movable along the driving shaft. The sheet stacking member can take two positions, a sheet feed position and a sheet replenishment position, by sliding the sheet stacking member in and out of the body of the copying machine.

Abstract: A sugar cane planter cart having a circular plate rotatably mounted in a vertical plane within the cart adjacent a load of sugar cane stalks. The plate has a plurality of V-shaped elements about its periphery to engage a stalk with the V and drive the stalk downwardly and rearwardly from the load. The plate is carried on the end of a boom mounted on the cart having both horizontal and vertical movement to engage the exposed layer of stalks. The V-shaped elements can be detachably mounted and are generally made of mild steel with a buna-type rubber sheathing. The plate is rotated by a hydraulic motor means. The boom has a counter-balancing weight for ease of vertical movement control and a hydraulic assembly for horizontal movement.

Abstract: This invention relates to a coupon dispenser for automatically dispensing advertising or promotional coupons into open product containers such as egg cartons passing on a conveyor. The dispenser has a body with a horizontally inclined surface on which a deck of coupons are stood between a coupon support member on the forward side and a slidable weight on the rearward side. A rotatable drive wheel is positioned above the inclined surface forwardly adjacent the coupon support member to slightly project through a window in the lower end of the coupon support member to contact the adjacent coupon. A pair of rotatable rollers are located downstream from the drive wheel to assist in drawing out the coupon and dispensing it into the positioned container. An electric motor drives the drive wheel through a solenoid operated friction clutch and brake to rotate it one revolution each time a microswitch indicates a container is in position on the conveyor to receive a coupon.

Abstract: A device for applying pressure to a stack of flat items such as sheets, cards, plates or the like, which device is primarily intended for use in an apparatus which feeds items from the stack for further processing. The device provides a constant pressure on the stack, regardless of whether the stack is in full or depleted condition, and, in this way, the device substantially reduces the possibility of malfunctioning by way of two items being fed at once. The device includes a slide member which is linearly movable in a housing, a main weight movable with respect to the slide member, and a roller. The slide member, main weight and roller are operatively coupled together so that the slide member will be urged in the feeding direction under constant force.