Abstract: A method and device for inserting a tongue in an insertion groove in a panel by a device, wherein the method includes: displacing a tongue guiding device in a first direction by displacing a puncher in the first direction, and displacing a tongue between a first part and a second part of the tongue guiding device and into an insertion groove in panel by further displacing the puncher.

Abstract: A medicine-dispensing apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a medicine storage unit for separately containing a plurality of medicines, and a medicine transfer unit for receiving the plurality of medicines moved from the medicine storage unit in a first direction and transferring the plurality of medicines in a second direction, wherein the medicine transfer unit includes a frame unit on which the plurality of medicines are placed and a medicine-pushing unit movably disposed in the frame unit so as to transfer the plurality of medicines placed on the frame unit in the second direction, and wherein the medicine-pushing unit is able to be projected from and retracted into an internal space of the frame unit so as to move the plurality of medicines placed on the frame unit in the second direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing elongated articles such as straws, including: a container for holding the elongated articles; a hopper to receive some of the elongated articles, where the hopper is reversibly movable between a closed state and an open state; and a manipulator for performing a cycle to release a single elongated article by isolating a single article and then moving the hopper from the closed state to the open state, thereby releasing only the single elongated article.

Abstract: A feeding mechanism and method for feeding minute items, such as capacitors, resistors, or solder preforms. The mechanism is adapted to receive a plurality of the randomly-positioned and randomly-oriented extremely small or minute items, and to isolate, orient, and position the items in a specific repeatable pickup location wherefrom they may be removed for use by, for example, a computer-controlled automated assembly machine. The mechanism comprises a sliding shelf adapted to receive and support the items; a wiper arm adapted to achieve a single even layer of the items; and a pushing arm adapted to push the items into the pickup location. The mechanism can be adapted for providing the items with a more exact orientation, and can also be adapted for use in a liquid environment.

Abstract: A disc feeding apparatus comprises a supporting base, a pusher and an electric driving device. The pusher is driven by the electric driving device to back and forth, such that one edge of the disc is protruded out of the first protruding portion of the supporting base, and the other edge of the disc is limited by the avoiding groove of the second protruding portion and will be pushed by the pusher. Thereby, the disc will fall out of the disc feeding apparatus, thus finishing the feeding of the disc. The present invention can use the precise control electric driving device to cooperate with other structures. With the simplified structure design, the present invention can perform the disk feeding operation efficiently and precisely for a long tome.

Abstract: A snap-ring supplying device includes a magazine (10) containing C-shaped snap rings (S) piled together each of which has a gap, an extrusion member (25) that pushes out a snap ring occupying the lowest position in the magazine so that the gap (S1) of the snap ring is directed forwardly in an extruding direction, a conveying path (23) that conveys the snap ring pushed out by the extrusion member to an area in which the snap ring is contracted to reduce the diameter of the snap ring, a projection-strip guide wall (26) formed to stand upwardly in a substantially vertical direction with a width that is defined by forming a pair of concave parts (28) and that can enter the gap of the snap ring in a termination area of the conveying path, and an oscillating member (31) and urging members (32, 33) serving as a restricting mechanism (30) that restricts the gap of the snap ring so that the gap is directed in a direction from the magazine to the projection-strip guide wall.

Abstract: A vehicle body clinch nut feeder (22) includes a dispensing head (54) having an inlet passage (60) through which oriented clinch nuts (26) are fed single file. The leading clinch nut is moved laterally to between clamping portions (64a, 66a) of a pair of clamp members (64, 66) of a clamp (62) where a second feed actuator (80) subsequently moves the clamped clinch nut downwardly to an opening (78) in a delivery member (76) where a robot end effector (32) receives the clinch nut in preparation for a clinching operation. An alignment mount (58) supports the dispensing head (54) on a support (56) for a horizontal movement in perpendicular horizontal directions to insure alignment of the robot end effector (32) with the clinch nut (26) to be received.

Abstract: A pill delivery and packing apparatus having a feeder tube for delivering pills is provided. The feeder tube has a helical delivery chute that extends between an inlet side and an exit side of the tube. The delivery chute has a helical inner contour and a rectangular cross section that corresponds to the shape of the pills. The helical delivery chute is configured such that each of the pills rotates while proceeding through the delivery chute, whereby such rotation of the pills prevents jamming of the pills in the delivery chute. Independently extendable pins are used to alternately block and open the delivery chute, thus providing an escapement mechanism for dispensing pills. The tube also has an outer surface defining a helical outer contour that guides a rotatable tray on which pills are disposed. Associated apparatuses and methods are also provided.

Abstract: The invention comprises a staple gun with highly compact accessory apparatus for attaching a planar tab or label to a fixing surface. The accessory has a housing and a positioning and indexing assembly associated with the housing which is operable to feed and hold a tab or label between the staple gun head and fixing surface, thereby allowing single-handed fixing of a label or tab to a fixing surface. The apparatus can include a roller assembly, staple gun and accessory apparatus or have all components integrated into the construction of a staple gun apparatus. Preferably, the apparatus is mated with a tab or label holding magazine. Some exemplary embodiments of the invention are suitable for securing protective covering to lumber product and may be configured for rectangular polyolefin tabs measuring approximately 0.035 inch thick and 1.0 inches by 2.0 inches.

Abstract: A destacking device for rolled cone-like structures with or without sleeves, and in particular for ice-cream wafer cones, has at least one gripper for the cones, with the jaws of the gripper that come into contact with the cones being made of an elastic material that conforms to the shape of the cone-like structures.

Abstract: A self-attaching fastener installation head and feed mechanism including a spring-biased L-shaped feed pawl which feeds a first nut in the feed passage adjacent the plunger passage on the upstroke of the die press. The feed pawl is pivotally supported on a slide bracket which includes a roller in the longitudinal axis of the feed passage which is biased against a central cam surface on the base and the base is interconnected to the nose member by removable pins. A spring biased nut restrictor is pivotally supported on the nose member, simplifying removal of a nut strip from the head and the installation head is more rugged in design and has fewer parts, reducing costs.

Abstract: The invention comprises a staple gun with highly compact accessory apparatus for attaching a planar tab or label to a fixing surface. The accessory has a housing and a positioning and indexing assembly associated with the housing which is operable to feed and hold a tab or label between the staple gun head and fixing surface, thereby allowing single-handed fixing of a label or tab to a fixing surface. The apparatus can include a roller assembly, staple gun and accessory apparatus or have all components integrated into the construction of a staple gun apparatus. Preferably, the apparatus is mated with a tab or label holding magazine. Some exemplary embodiments of the invention are suitable for securing protective covering to lumber product and may be configured for rectangular polyolefin tabs measuring approximately 0.035 inch thick and 1.0 inches by 2.0 inches.

Abstract: An arrangement (1, 1′) for automatically unstacking containers (6, 6′) nested in each other in lying posture, by depositing them on a support, e.g. a conveyor (3a), with the container opening (6a) facing upwards, the arrangement comprising a gripping device (5) for gripping and moving out the respective first container (6) of a lying container stack (2, 2′), the gripping device (5, 5′) being arranged on holding elements (8a, 8b) movable in stacking direction, and further comprising a clamping device (4) for holding back the lying container stack (2, 2′), with the foremost container (6) being left free, wherein the gripping device (5) is provided with lateral pressure-medium cylinders (5a; 46) which have horizontal axes on the same level and which are connected with the holding elements (8a, 8b) extending thereabove.

Abstract: A tool for applying clip fasteners which are bent around thin objects to tie them together. The tool has a housing that presents a load opening through which the clip fasteners are loaded. A retractable clip follower is urged by spring action against the fasteners to feed them toward a receiver having a slot for holding the fasteners one at a time. A jaw mechanism operated by a handle is moved toward a fastener held by the receiver and initially bends the fastener about two elbow joints. After a jaw plate carrying the jaws reaches the limit of its motion, continued movement of the jaw mechanism causes the jaws to pivot closed and make a final bend at a center hinge joint of the clip fastener.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlled dispensing of a plurality of objects, the apparatus comprising a housing and frame assembly, a track assembly comprising a pair of parallel spaced apart tracks shaped in a convoluted closed loop shape to optimize space and volume, and a plurality of tubes disposed within the track assembly and able to move within the tracks. A dispensing assembly has a pneumatic ram for ejecting an object placed in the tube, and an indexing assembly for advancing the tube after ejection of its object. A ratchet assembly permits one directional movement of the tubes and prevents tubes from moving backward to the dispensing assembly. At least one assist advancing assembly has a pneumatic ram for pushing the tubes within the track in one direction. Photosensors used in conjunction with a microprocessor controller enable the apparatus to detect low object load, speed and system error. A user display provides for control of the apparatus.

Abstract: A self-attaching fastener installation head and feed mechanism including a spring-biased L-shaped feed pawl which feeds a first nut in the feed passage adjacent the plunger passage on the upstroke of the die press. The feed pawl is pivotally supported on a slide bracket which includes a roller in the longitudinal axis of the feed passage which is biased against a central cam surface on the base and the base is interconnected to the nose member by removable pins. A spring biased nut restrictor is pivotally supported on the nose member, simplifying removal of a nut strip from the head and the installation head is more rugged in design and has fewer parts, reducing costs.

Abstract: A dispenser for storing/dispensing pharmaceutical dosages that are provided in a stamp-like (flat) dosage form. In some embodiments, the present dispenser includes a housing for retaining a plurality of stacked, individual “stamp-like” pharmaceutical dosages. Disposed within the housing beneath the dosages is a bias element, such as a helical spring, that urges the dosages towards a dosage delivery port of the housing. From the dosage delivery port, dosages are dispensed through an aperture. In other embodiments, the instant dispenser includes a cylindrical main body for retaining pharmaceutical dosages having a stamp-like dosage form that are collectively organized in a roll. A dosage delivery port depending from the cylindrical main body receives dosages one at a time therefrom. The present dispenser is configured, in various embodiments, for manual, mechanically assisted, or automated dispensing.

Abstract: A dispensing station for individually dispensing tubular members is disclosed herein. The dispensing station includes a housing having an aperture therein. Tubular members are stored within the housing and an actuator protrudes from the housing. When a force is exerted on the actuator in a first direction, a tubular member is dispensed through the aperture in the housing in a second direction, wherein the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. The actuator protrudes from the housing such that the actuator may be depressed without a user's hands. For example, the actuator may be depressed using one's forearm or elbow. Furthermore, the tubular member is dispensed through the aperture such that the user may manually retrieve the tubular member without contacting the housing. Advantageously, the tubular member may be dispensed without contaminating the dispenser. A method for individually dispensing tubular members is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A quick-release device for a pneumatic nail gun with a magazine has a base, a pusher plate, a spring and a button. The base has a through hole defined in the top of the base. The pusher plate has a first end that normally extends into the channel of the magazine and a second end. The spring abuts the second end of the pusher plate. The button is moveably mounted in the base and extends out from the through hole. The button abuts the second end of the pusher plate, such that the pusher plate can be pivoted by pressing the exposed button. The finger of the user does not extend into the device. Consequently, the operation of the quick-release device is simplified, and the finger of the user will not be injured during the process of clearing jammed nails.

Abstract: A device utilized in conjunction with an automatic nail gun for dispensing preformed tabs from a roll to a location adjacent where nailing is to take place, this device comprising a housing having an upper portion, front and back portions, and a lower member. The lower member is adapted to be brought into close proximity with a surface upon which nailing is to take place. The housing also has components for removably securing the housing in an operative relationship adjacent the automatic nail gun. An inner chamber is defined in a mid portion of the housing, in which chamber a roll of preformed tabs is contained, with an opening being provided through which the end of the roll of tabs is to move under the portion of the adjacent nail gun at which nailing is to take place. An actuating lever is rotatably mounted on the housing and is operably connected with a tab advancement device.

Abstract: A strapping system in which edge protectors are disposed between a load and tensioned strapping applied about the load in a strapping station. Edge protector applicator assemblies located on opposite sides of the load position edge protectors adjacent top and bottom surface edge portions of the load when the load is raised above a deck. The edge protectors are folded over and retained on edges of the load upon application of the tensioned strapping about the load to protect the edges of the load from the tensioned strapping. The strapping system includes a movable frame with spaced support members disposed below the deck and aligned with spaces in the deck. The frame is raised and lowered so that the support members of the frame extend through the spaces of the deck to lift the load above the deck to allow positioning of the lower edge protectors adjacent to the load.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for denesting and orienting a stack of handled receptacles. Each receptacle comprises a substantially open container having a base, an upper portion through which access to the open container is provided, and a pivotable handle connected to the upper portion. The orienter, which does not require that the receptacle have an open container, includes a support for holding the receptacle and a mechanism for retaining the pivotable handle of the receptacle. A mechanism is also provided for moving the receptacle off the support such that the receptacle hangs by its handle on the handle retainer. The orienter also includes a mechanism for releasing the handle from the handle retainer so that the receptacle is oriented in a predetermined position with respect to the apparatus. The denester of the present invention may be used to separate the first receptacle from a stack of receptacles so that each receptacle may be oriented by the orienter.

Abstract: A row feeder for distribution of nuts has: a guide passage (14) formed on a main unit (11) so as to receive a number of successively delivered nuts "N" in a series; a plurality of distribution passages (15) formed on the main unit and each extending from and perpendicular to the guide passage; stroking pushers (16) reciprocatable across the guide passage (14) so as to transfer the nuts "N" lying on it to the respective distribution passages (15); drivers (e.g., pneumatic cylinders) (17) causing the respective stroking pushers (16) to reciprocate; and individual feed chutes (13) respectively connected to the distribution passages (15). The row feeder further comprises a joint member (12) as a separate member in addition to the main unit (11), and the feed chutes (13) are secured to the joint member at given intervals between them.

Abstract: First and second complementary articles of hardware are fed to a single attaching station by first and second reciprocating feed-in fingers, respectively. Different types of first articles are selected during initial retraction of the first feed-in finger for advancement to the attaching station along a first path during advancement of the finger. Different types of second articles are selected during initial retraction of the second feed-in finger for advancement along a second path to the attaching station during advancement of the finger. During its retraction, the first finger is diverted from its first path at least when it would engage the first selected article. If the second selected article is disposed so as to be engaged by the second finger during its retraction, the second finger has a cooperating surface to cause it to move from the second path beneath the second selected article.

Abstract: A dual pawl, feed mechanism for feeding a strip of fasteners into an installation apparatus. The mechanism includes first and second pawls which are connected together and reciprocate in horizontal synchronism. The dual pawls enable a second strip of fasteners to be loaded into a chute before the first strip of fasteners is exhausted. This permits uninterrupted operation of the fastener installation apparatus irrespective of the transition between strips of fasteners. The dual feed pawl mechanism also prevents a partial feed condition from taking place.

Abstract: A fastener feeding mechanism in a fastener driving device is provided for feeding fasteners from a fastener support rail formed in a magazine to a fastener drive track formed in a driver guide for reciprocal movement of a driver and connected to a forward portion of the fastener support rail. The fastener feeding mechanism includes an operation member operable by an operator and slidably movable in a longitudinal direction of the fastener support rail. A biasing mechanism biases the operation member in the forward direction of the fastener support rail. A pusher is movable in the longitudinal direction of the fastener support rail and includes an abutting portion for abutting on the rear end of a row of the fasteners. The abutting portion is movable between a first position within the fastener support rail and a second position away from the fastener support rail.

Abstract: It is an object to provide an arrangement wherein a parts feeding member and a parts receiving member are provided each with a magnet, characterized in that the front end of a part is prevented from being magnetized to preclude magnetic repulsion problems in the feeding and receiving of parts.The polarity of the magnet associated with the feeding member is selected to control the magnetic lines so that they pass through only a portion of the part.

Abstract: In order to feed parts at high reliability without malfunction, by accurately positioning the parts on the axial line of a feed rod, when feeding parts by means of a retractable feed rod, a feed member making retractable, circular and parallel motions is disposed at the end portion of a parts feed pipe, and the feed member is provided with an element for holding the parts at a specific position, while the feed rod is provided with a device for holding the parts.

Abstract: A single article dispensing apparatus adapted for newspaper vending captures a bundle of newspapers between opposing support plates with one movable plate being spring biased toward the stationary plate. Newspaper engaging pins extend beyond the stationary support plate and into the space between the opposing support plates to engage the back edge of a newspaper of the bundle. Upon deposit of the necessary coins and pulling of a dispensing handle, the newspaper engaging pins slide the newspaper from the bundle and out through an output door of the vending machine. When all newspapers in the bundle are dispensed and the support plates come to direct face-to-face opposition, a last copy of the newspaper held behind a display window is automatically dispensed upon the next actuation of the dispensing handle. The vending machine restricts access to the inventory of newspapers and allows a purchaser but one copy of the newspaper for payment of one copy.

Abstract: The method of feeding the discs to the automatic staple or nail gun includes the steps of providing a plurality of discs stacked atop one another, shuttling a first disc from the stack to a position normal to the staple or nail expulsion path, and retaining that first disc at that position until the staple or nail is expelled from the gun. The apparatus includes a shuttle which is moved from a position immediately below the stack of discs to a second position at which the disc, carried by the shuttle carriage, is grasped by a clip. The clip retains the disc in a position normal to the path of staple or nail expulsion. The discs have dimples protruding from both planar surfaces of the disc. The dimples are predisposed in a predetermined pattern such that the protrusions from one surface form a pattern which is non-equivalent to the pattern formed by the protrusions extending from the other surface of the disc. This dimple pattern is in a peripherally spaced band on the disc.

Abstract: Apparatus for accurately dispensing and positioning a credit card onto a predetermined area of a surface, includes a support tray which supports a stack of cards; a pusher assembly including a pusher plate which pushes out a leading edge of a lowermost one of the cards in the stack; gripper jaws which grip the lowermost edge of the pushed out card; and a control assembly which controls the gripper jaws to grip the lowermost edge of the pushed out card, to move over the predetermined area of the surface and to then release the gripped card so that the latter drops onto the predetermined area of the surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for simultaneously positioning electronic components, such as surface-mounted chips on a circuit board. A removable load plate carries a plurality of chip placement assemblies, each having a support disposing a plurality of such components in a stack adjacent the board. The assemblies are disposed about the load plate in a geometric pattern corresponding to that of chips to be placed. A stripping component of each assembly in slidable engagement with the support sequentially urges each chip in the stack transversely from the stack to a second position opposing a corresponding desired site on the board where the chip is to be placed. Each support includes a mounting block having a connector for releasable interconnection of each positioning apparatus to the load plate. A chamber maintains the chip at the second position in response to fluid pressure differential.

Abstract: A pail filling mechanism comprising a housing having an open top and pail supports to retain a vertical column of nested pails, and a pull-down carriage positioned within the housing and moved vertically by a power cylinder between a raised and lowered position. At the raised position, a pair of pivotally mounted toggles disposed on opposing sides of the lowermost pail engage above the rim of the lowermost pail, and the downward motion of the pull-down carriage distorts the lowermost pail slightly and strips or separates the pail from the column. The pull-down carriage moves to the lowered position, delivering the pail to a pail slide. As the pull-down carriage is again raised, a pail ejector assembly pushes the separated pail forward out of the front of the housing and into the pail infeed station of an automated filling and sealing machine.

Abstract: A tooth-pick dispenser includes a housing a perforated top and a vertical side wall having an opening, a tooth-pick pickup device simulating a seagull and for oscillating movement supported on a top of the housing for supplying a tooth-pick, a drawer reciprocable in the opening of the vertical side wall of the housing between a toothpick receiving position in the housing and a tooth-pick delivery position exterior of the housing, and having a reciprocable body for catching a tooth-pick in the delivery position and conveying it to the delivery position and a link mechanism interconnecting the pickup device and the drawer, whereby the pickup device can be swung to a pickup position so as to operate the link mechanism to move the drawer to its delivery position, and the drawer will be automatically retracked a spring to operate the link mechanism to swing the pickup device back to a raised dispensing position for serving a tooth-pick to a user in a convenient position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for destacking and dispensing cup-like containers, such as for use in association with an automated product packaging machine, are disclosed. The apparatus includes pairs of upper and lower jaws associated with each stack of containers received by the apparatus. Both the upper and lower jaws are mounted for movement inwardly and outwardly relative to each stack, with the lower jaws further mounted for vertical movement relative to the upper jaws. By this arrangement, the lower jaws can be operated to destack and separate the lowermost container of each stack, so that the separated container is received on a product conveyor of the packaging machine.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement of the present invention are intended for individualizing non-glued paper pads having cardboard backs from a stack which includes a plurality of cut paper layers and intermediate cardboard sheet layers. One end of the stack which is covered by a respective cardboard end sheet is positioned against a support in such a manner that a part of the stack projects freely beyond an edge of the support. A bending force which is directed at an inclination with respect to the stack end and has a component that points toward the edge of the support is applied against an engagement location disposed at a cut surface of the projecting part of the stack to bend the portion of the stack that is situated between the engagement location and the end sheet with attendant formation of a wedge-shaped gap between this portion and the remainder of the stack.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a device for taking containers out of a pile, comprising a magazine formed of a row of articulated parallelograms and, under this magazine, two superimposed rows of deformable parallelograms which are actuatable independently from each other to take the containers out of the pile and which can conform to any container shape or dimension.

Abstract: Apparatus for feeding drills, one at a time, from a hopper containing a supply of drills and for feeding them to a final predetermined position. The apparatus includes a hopper assembly having a hopper for supporting the drills, a blade for lifting the drills one at a time from the supply to an upper position, and a pusher to axially transport the lifted drills to the final predetermined position. The apparatus also includes a base assembly for supporting the hopper assembly at a predetermined location and controls for sequencing the feeding of the drills.

Abstract: A dispenser for articles such as pills or capsules is operative with a reciprocating motion for dispensing individual articles. The dispenser includes a base portion and a slide member on the base portion which is reciprocally movable with respect to the base portion between a lower first position and an upper second position for dispensing articles in succession.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a hopper structure which is in a hopper structure for separating chip parts, a swing roll is hopper body which has its lower spout merging into a lining-up cylindrical hole formed in a lining-up block. The swing roll is formed at its outer periphery with an arcuate mixing projection which has its upper end face positioned in the upper mouth of the lining-up cylindrical hole. There is provided a drive mechanism for bringing the swing roll into swinging motions of an angle smaller than the arcuate angle of the mixing projection.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for dispensing elongated cylindrical objects, such as pencils, and includes a housing, a hopper enclosed within the housing, actuating structure extending through a wall of the housing and engaging the hopper, a slide plate operatively connected to the hopper and actuating apparatus for carrying a single object to be dispensed to a dispensing position, and blocking apparatus having structure for sensing the presence or absence of an object to be dispensed carried by the slide plate and blocking movement of the slide plate and manual actuating structure if there is no object to be dispensed carried by the slide plate.

Abstract: A fastener feeding apparatus is used to supply a pair of strips of detachably connected staples to a magazine of a fastener driving device in each loading cycle of the feeding apparatus. A plurality of pairs of strips of staples are supplied to an inclined receiving bin of the fastener feeding apparatus in a nested configuration and a pair of strips slide along the bin until positioned against a stop block in alignment with a pusher mechanism. When the fastener driving device is positioned adjacent an exit chute for receiving the strips of staples, the pusher mechanism engages one of the strips of staples and pushes the one strip of staples toward the exit chute. The other strip of staples is held in place by a stop so that the one strip is separated from the other strip of staples. Once the strips of staples are separated, the stop is retracted and the pusher moves both strips of staples along an orienting device adjacent the exit chute.

Abstract: The magnet insertion apparatus includes a first passageway along which magnets are fed. Arranged in communication with the first passageway, and at right angles to it, is a second passageway. A transport blade, reciprocably mounted in the second passageway, displaces the leading magnet to a position in a third passageway disposed parallel to and offset from the first passageway. A drive rod, reciprocably mounted in the third passageway pushes the magnet into a stylus arm held in alignment with the third passageway. According to a further aspect of the invention, the third passageway is provided with a guideway for accurately guiding the magnets. The insertion machine is additionally equipped with a reciprocably-mounted tucking element to tuck the magnets into the guideway.

Abstract: A jig comprises a housing which has a front end and a storage channel. A split collet and an elongated slotted bar attached thereto are slideably moveable into and out of the housing. The jig further has an elongated bolt for transporting individual blanks from the storage channel to the front end of the housing. Respective first and second pistons located inside the housing are provided for operating the split collet and the elongated bolt. The split collet is movably received within the housing and is not formed by a section thereof.

Abstract: A dispenser for a stack of horizontally disposed, rectangular cards or the like and a product vending machine incorporating the dispenser. The dispenser features a magazine for the stack of cards and a dispensing chute beneath the magazine. Between the magazine and the chute, on one lateral side thereof, is a slider with a pair of laterally extending front and rear fingers that can be moved frontally and rearwardly against the front and rear edges, repectively, of the bottommost card of the stack. When the dispenser is actuated, the slider moves rearwardly so that its front finger urges the bottommost card to move rearwardly to an intermediate position in which the rear portions of the card are restrained from moving downwardly while the front portions of the card are free to move downwardly into the dispensing chute.

Abstract: A jig comprises a housing which contains a storage channel and a feed channel. The feed channel communicates with the storage channel and extends to the front end of the housing. The jig also has a releasable gripping portion located at its front end. The releasable gripping portion grips and releases stylus blanks. The jig also has bolt for transporting blanks from the storage channel through the feed channel to the releasable gripping portion.

Abstract: A lateral log transfer apparatus which functions to separate logs for travel end-to-end, and one at a time, away from the apparatus. Included in this apparatus are at least two longitudinally displaced pairs of counter-rotative discs which are formed with angular peripheral regions characterized by plural angularly related chord stretches which function, because of their relative angular orientations and relative sizes, to promote positive separations of laterally adjacent logs prior to log transfer to an off-bearing conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus for individually dispensing a plurality of styli, juxtaposed in a row lying along a first path within a guide slot having a dispensing section thereof terminating at a reference surface of a housing, has an arm shaped to slide within the guide slot whereby the lead stylus in the row is held against the reference surface. The apparatus comprises a curved spring plate and piston disposed adjacent the guide slot for moving the reference surface along the first path toward the arm in a manner whereby the arm, along with the row of styli, is pushed backward a predetermined distance along the first path to a holdback position, and a second piston disposed adjacent the housing for holding the arm stationary at the holdback position while a dispensing member removes the lead stylus from the row of styli.

Abstract: Whole oriented items, such as onions, are sliced in a slicer by holding the items on a horizontal cutter-bearing plate and by rotating the plate to continuously remove slices from the lower ends of the items until they are fully sliced. The holding device include a box-like trap and cylinder-operated hold-down discs. The slicer knives are curved to effect a progressive, bias-type of cutting.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying slide fastener sliders comprises a track for carrying thereon the sliders stacked sideways with their respective pull tabs arranged in the recumbent position for gravity delivery of the sliders to a groove in a base. A slider retainer is engageable with the recumbent pull tab of the leading slider for retaining the same with the slider body position so as to release the same from engagement with the slider retainer, and substantially at the same time to allow the leading slider to fall in the groove. A feeding device feeds the slider in and along the groove to a predetermined position. The apparatus further comprises an arrangement for correcting the posture of the slider to have the pull tab raised substantially perpendicularly to the slider body wings.