Abstract: A tool vending machine which permits human access to only a single size compartment of a plurality of different sized compartments at a time so that the user is only able to extract a tool that is contained within that single compartment and does not permit access to any other compartment. The particular compartment is to be manually selected by the human user.

Abstract: A device for dispensing items comprises a cabinet having an interior for storing items. A dispenser frame is coupled to the cabinet and is configured to be accessed, such as by pulling the dispenser frame from the cabinet. The dispenser frame includes a plurality of dividers that are configured to hold the plurality of dispensing mechanisms that each hold multiple items within the storage area. Further, the dividers are reconfigurable to permit the arrangement of the dispensing mechanisms to be adjusted. A lockable door is coupled to the front of the cabinet in front of the dispenser frame. The door may be opened to provide access to the interior of the cabinet and to the dispenser frame. A dispense drawer is positioned below the storage area so that items dispensed from the dispensing mechanisms fall into the dispense drawer, where they may be accessed by pulling open the dispense drawer.

Abstract: A dispenser for cup-shaped articles includes a housing defining a storage portion adapted to receive an associated stack of nested cup-shaped articles. The housing includes an open end that communicates with the storage portion. A cup retainer mounting base is located adjacent the open end of the housing. The mounting base defines an opening that communicates with the open end of the housing. The mounting base also defines a first plurality of mounting openings and a second plurality of mounting openings. A cup retainer is connected to the mounting base and restricts the opening of said mounting base. The cup retainer is movable between at least first and second operative positions wherein the cup retainer restricts the opening of the mounting base more in the first operative position as compared to the second operative position. The cup retainer is defined as separate stud members each including a resilient finger or as an annular band including a plurality of resilient fingers.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a dispensing apparatus and method for dispensing product from a vending machine. The invention employs a product vend detector to sense when products are dispensed. A controller compares the occurrences of products actually dispensed to the product depth setting assigned to a product dispensing assembly. When vend-completed signals do not match the assigned product setting, the controller initiates a learning mode to determine the actual product depth of the product dispensing assembly and resets the product depth setting to the correct value. The present invention eliminates the need for manual adjustments and eliminates the need to use additional electromechanical components, such as timing cams and switches that are normally used by prior product dispensing systems.

Abstract: A clip disk assembly according to the invention includes an adapter hub which attaches to the motor of an existing crimping machine and a plurality of clip disks, each being removably attachable to the adapter hub. Each clip disk is provided with a different sized peripheral notches to accommodate a different sized eyelet. According to the presently preferred embodiment, the adapter hub has four threaded peripheral studs and the clip disks have four corresponding holes. Four wing nuts are used to removably attach the clip disks to the adapter hub. Preferably, one stud has a larger boss than the others and one hole in the clip disks is correspondingly larger. The assembly permits changing of clip disks in about one minute.

Abstract: A self-facing merchandise pusher system for use in retail stores. Numerous products in a retail store are merchandised on shelves and a biased pusher is used to urge products toward the front edge of the shelf. The width of the pusher corresponds generally to the width of the narrowest product to be pushed. A removable divider extends vertically between each pusher. When pushing products that are multiples of the width of the narrowest product, dividers may be removed to create a larger pushing surface. Removing a divider locks two adjacent pushers together thereby causing the two pushers to push in unison and prevents product from slipping between the adjacent pushers.

Abstract: An adjustable frame for dispensing stackable items. The adjustable frame includes a first panel having a first edge, a first-panel-dispensing-end, and a first major surface. The major surface is configured to guide stacked items prior to dispensing. A second panel has a second edge, a second-panel-dispensing-end, and a second major surface. The second major surface is configured to, in combination with the first major surface, guide stacked items prior to dispensing. An adjustable panel has a third edge and a third major surface. The third edge is detachably securable in one of a plurality of locations on the second major surface of the second panel. The adjustable panel can be positioned proximate to any one of the plurality of locations to accommodate items of various sizes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cup-supplying apparatus for supplying tapered cylindrical cups stored in a stack, which comprises cup dispensers each supplying lowest cup from cups stored in a stack; a unit generating a force for cup-supplying; force-transmitting members each transmitting the cup-supplying force to a corresponding cup dispenser; and means for selecting one of the force-transmitting members to be supplied with the cup-supplying force; whereby the cup-supplying force generated by the force-generating unit is transmitted to the selected force-transmitting member so that the lowest cup is supplied for use by the corresponding cup dispenser, wherein the cup dispenser may be provided with a lever, the force-generating unit may comprise a motor and a cam, the force-transmitting member may be a slider provided between the lever and the cam, and the selecting means may be a mechanism for moving the cam up and down to a position where the slider can transmit the cup-supplying force from the cam to the lever of the corr

Abstract: In a delivery device small parts (15) in the nature of studs, bushes, pins and suchlike are conducted by means of a perpendicularly displaceable strut (6) into a transportation channel (11) from a sloping collection area (1). The strut (6) slides along a retaining and dividing wall (3) and has an upper narrow side 6a which slopes obliquely downwards towards the retaining and dividing wall (3). Owing to the obliquely downwards directed slope of the upper narrow side (6a) the small parts (15) become reliably lodged on the retaining and dividing wall (3) when the strut (6) is located in its lower operating position (FIG. 2). In the upper operating position the small parts (15) slide obliquely downwards over the retaining and dividing wall (3) into the transportation channel (11). A metering plate (7) with projections and gaps, located on the strut (6) in its upper region, determines how many small parts (15) are to be conducted into the transportation channel (11) each time the strut (6) is lifted.

Abstract: A silo bin is adapted for receiving lightweight articles such as empty bottles. The floor of each chamber has a selectively operable shutter or aperture allowing the lightweight articles to be released into the next lowest bin such that the articles are not crushed by their own weight. The height of each chamber is predetermined so that the lightweight articles will not be damaged when piled in a heap in each chamber. A conveyor may be provided beneath the silo bin for carrying away discharged containers.

Abstract: In a device for feeding tablets to a blister band moving in a packaging machine, a vibrating container, containing a mass of tablets, features a bottom wall having channels for feeding the tablets. The channels communicate with relative slots made in the bottom wall, and the slots communicate with conveying means which feed the tablets along a predetermined feeding path and release the tablets into respective blisters of the blister band. The conveying means include a plate featuring a plurality of grooves, arranged one beside the other, and a covering element. The covering element is coupled with the plate and is adjustable with respect to the plate and has transversal wings situated inside respective grooves of the plate, so as to define respective channels for conveying the tablets.

Abstract: A single vend newspaper vending machine includes a machine housing and a newspaper elevator system mounted in the machine housing, the newspaper elevator system including a slide track mounted in the machine housing. The newspaper elevator system further a fixed toothed rack, a movable toothed rack and a newspaper support trolley movably mounted on the slide track. First and second clutch-equipped gear wheels are included, the first clutch-equipped gear wheel operative to engage the fixed toothed rack and restrict downward movement of the trolley, the second clutch-equipped gear wheel operative to engage the vertically movable toothed rack. Upwards movement of the vertically movable toothed rack causes the newspaper support trolley to be moved upwardly therewith. A newspaper thickness sensing device is operative to determine the thickness of the topmost paper.

Abstract: A vending machine includes a plurality of vending channels defined by parallel upright walls spaced across an upper part of the vending machine. Each wall of the vending machine defining the vending channels ends at a common lower height with escape openings at the lower ends of each vending channel. A plurality of circular cross sectional containers, being cans or bottles, can be stacked in a lying position within the vending channels and can escape through the respective lower escape openings. A dispensing arrangement is located below the plurality of the vending channels and includes a plurality of releasing mechanisms located adjacent each other and able to be separately or jointly controlled so that the vending channels can be divided into defined portions to receive different sized containers or different content containers and the required separate or adjacent releasing mechanisms can be activated to dispense the required container from the defined portion of the vending channel.

Abstract: A vertically stored can dispenser having the capability to retain multiple size food cans and provide easy access to the various size can channels. The dispenser can be attached to a lazy susan rotary base or attached to a slide-out cabinet dispenser device. The multiple size can channels can be interchanged.

Abstract: A vending machine for vending a plurality of bottles each of which are supported in an upright position only at a top portion of each of the bottles include a planar dispensing rack having a plurality of elongated slots therein for storing and dispensing bottles. The elongated slots each include a pair of substantially parallel spaced apart side walls which are spaced apart a distance less than a diameter of the top portion of the bottle to be supported in the slots. The distance between the side walls of the slot is adjustable to enable the slot to support bottles having various diameters. The side walls of each of the slots terminate in an opening at one end of each of the slots which opening has a diameter larger than the diameter of the top portion of the bottles supported by the slots to enable bottles which move from the slot to the opening to drop through the opening from the planar dispensing rack to a dispensing station.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for vending products, and particularly beverage containers, of varied sizes, shapes and configurations without dropping or subjecting the vended product to damaging impact forces are disclosed. The products to be vended are aligned in selectable ordered queues within a vending machine that can include a transparent front panel. A robotic carriage assembly using rack and pinion assemblies moves in positive non-vibratory manner along an X-Y plane in the machine, captures the selected product from its queue and smoothly transports the product to a product delivery port conveniently located close to hip level. The carriage assembly uses unique product escapement and capture mechanisms to smoothly slide the related product from its queue into the carriage. Power door and safety lock features at the delivery port are also disclosed.

Abstract: An auxiliary dispenser for a merchandise vending machine of the type comprising a cabinet, a delivery bin at the front of the cabinet, near the bottom, and means in the cabinet above the bin for dispensing merchandise to the bin, the dispenser adapted to be mounted behind the bin, below the dispensing means. The dispenser comprises a bank of at least one generally inverted-J shaped magazine for holding articles. The bank is preferably pivotally mounted at its upper end to pivot upwardly to facilitate filling. Each magazine has a generally vertically extending straight portion and a forwardly extending curved dispensing portion. A spring-biased guide member urges articles in the magazine upwardly toward the curved dispensing portion, the guide member can be releasably locked at the end of the magazine to facilitate filling. An ejector member is mounted for reciprocal motion generally transverse to the magazine to push an article upwardly out an opening in the top of the magazine.

Abstract: An apparatus for individually dispensing printed articles such as newspapers comprises a housing and a movable table in the housing for carrying in readiness a stack of printed articles on the table. A removal device permits access to a printed article in respect of which payment has been made and a feed pushes a respective printed article out of the apparatus. An actuator is provided for activating the feed. A drive displaces the table by a desired travel length to the article-removal position, under the control of sensing and control device for controlling the travel length of the table. A braking and stopping means is operable to stop and release the drive in the operating cycle of the apparatus.

Abstract: A simplified coin hopper structure which facilitates coin size changes. The coin hopper equipment is easily applied to various coin sizes by simple adjustments. The device includes a tank for storing coins in a loose loading condition and a disk arranged rotatably at the inside bottom of the tank. One or more hole, for passage of coins, is provided through the disk. An adjustment element is provided on this disk to open and close the hole and to form an adjustable opening for different coin sizes. A base for the disk is arranged below the disk. A rotating element turns the disk. A gear train is provided at the base connecting a drive to the rotating element.

Abstract: In a vending machine including an article storage space (3a) for stacking articles (A) therein in a vertical direction, a movable spacer (10) is provided for adjusting a size of the article storage space. The spacer is placed in the article storage space movably in a horizontal direction. An urging arrangement (20) urges the spacer towards one end of the article storage space in the horizontal direction. In cooperation with a given one of the articles, a locking arrangement (30) locks the spacer in the first horizontal direction at an optional position determined in accordance with the articles.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing disc bodies such as coins or tokens is set forth which includes a fixed substrate and a dispensing disc spaced from said substrate a distance related to the thickness of said disc bodies. The dispensing disc includes a plurality of openings having a diameter adapted to receive a disc body for dispensing thereof. The dispensing disc is attached to a shaft which is axially moveable to adjust the space between the dispensing disc and substrate. The shaft is connected to a motor through an axially aligned planetary gear apparatus. Rotation of the dispensing disc receives coins or tokens in the openings and space whereupon the coins are moved for dispensing. An elevation body engages the dispensing disc and includes a plurality of annular teeth. An adjustment body has teeth to engage the elevation body teeth. Rotation of the adjustment body axially adjusts the elevation body and dispensing disc to adjust the space to accept different thicknesses of coins.

Abstract: An article dispensing device is incorporated into an automatic vending machine capable of storing articles having a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical shape resembling bottles or cans in stacks, and of dispensing the articles in response to a dispensation command. The article dispensing device has a fixed plate serving as a wall defining an article dispensing passage, and holding a dispensing mechanism for dispensing the articles one at a time, and a movable unit disposed opposite to the fixed plate. The movable unit has a frame attached to the body of the automatic vending machine, a shiftable plate supported on the side walls of the frame by pivot pins fitted in slots formed respectively in the side walls and provided with a positioning projection projecting from at least one end thereof so as to engage with steps of a stepped positioning edge formed in the side wall selectively according to the diameter of the article passing through the dispensing passage.

Abstract: A vending machine including a housing with one or more assembly units and one or more stacking shafts positioned in the housing. The assembly unit include a plurality of product dispensing coils for stacking and dispensing product horizontally. The stacking shaft stacking and dispensing products vertically, especially beverage containers. A support structure extends over a horizontal width of the housing and supports the assembly units and the stacking shafts in horizontally adjacent positions.

Abstract: A reduced-size coin sorter for sorting coins of mixed diameters is set forth. The sorter includes a coin-driving member and a coin-guiding member. The lower surface of the coin-guiding member forms a plurality of exit channels for guiding coins of different diameters to different exit stations along the periphery of the coin-guiding member. The coin sorter includes an integral base member which concentrically and circumferentially mounts both the rotatable disc and the sorting head. The unitary base member also provides a mounting structure for the electronics and the motor.

Abstract: A cigar vending machine provides for the automated vending of cigars which are stored in a humidor area within the machine until being dispensed. The humidor portion of the machine provides for the automatic control of the humidity and at least the minimum temperature therein, to maintain the freshness of the cigars stored therein until they are purchased. The machine may utilize conventional automated currency and credit card acceptance devices, and also utilizes a robotic arm dispensing device which withdraws a given cigar from an appropriate storage area within the humidor, depending upon the selection made by the purchaser. The separate storage areas may be adjusted in size to accommodate different sizes, types, and/or brands of cigars, as desired. The machine operates by accepting an appropriate currency or credit card input by a purchaser, who then makes a selection on a cigar selection panel on the front of the machine.

Abstract: A large product vending system which allows for the dispensing of large diameter product from a vending machine is presented. The system includes a dispense mechanism associated with the existing column walls and columns defined therebetween of a machine used for smaller diameter product. A motor and a link arm are associated with each column and control the operation of a cradle which holds the product within the column while positioning one of the products for dispensing upon actuation of the dispense mechanism. The cradle includes opposed end plates which are connected at each end thereof by a blocking bar and a dispense rod. When the cradle is cycled, the dispense rod releases the lowest product while the blocking bar engages the next product to be dispensed. After the cycle of the motor allows the product to be dispensed to clear the dispense rod, the blocking bar is moved out of the way of the next product which is then held in place by the dispense rod and one of the column walls.

Abstract: An automated, fully adjustable high speed lid dropper (10) including an upright set of guide rods (26) for supporting a stack of lids (12) above a conveyor (16), a set of three feed screws (62) for capturing the lowest lid at the bottom of stack (12) and feeding it onto a can positioned therebelow, a pivotal crank arm (64) for each feed screw for radially adjusting the feed screw, and a height adjustment mechanism (22) for vertically adjusting the position of the feed screws above the cans.

Abstract: A medicament dispensing cell for use in an automatic dispensing machine includes a housing defining a medicament storage section, a discharge section leading to an outlet, a passage between the sections, a rotatable platen and a dispensing assembly for dispensing medicament in single file from the storage section to the discharge section. A resilient, flexible bushing having outwardly extending fingers encloses the hub of the platen for conveying medicament through the passage. The platen includes a plurality of spirally configured conveying members defined on the surface thereof and the dispensing assembly includes a selectively adjustable passage wall for adjusting the breadth of the passage.

Abstract: An automatic fastener supplier includes a frame having a receiving section for receiving fasteners. A track is removably and partially mounted in the receiving section. The track includes a gap defined therein for receiving shanks of the fasteners and an upper open edge for retaining heads of the fasteners. A fastener feeding device is mounted in the receiving section and is vertically movable for feeding fasteners in the receiving section onto the track. A main driving device is provided for driving the fastener feeding device to move vertically. A stop is mounted to the front end of the track for preventing further forward movement of the fastener. A track supporting device has a supporting member for supporting the track yet allowing insertion and removal of the track. A position deciding device is mounted to the supporting member for adjusting a longitudinal position of the track.

Abstract: The invention provides an adjustable tray dispenser having a plurality of tray guides for individually dispensing trays from a tray stock. Each of the tray guides is driven by a flexible drive shaft coupled to a gear box. The flexible drive shafts enable the independent adjustment of each tray guide with respect to each other, the dispenser, and the tray stock. A motor coupled to the gear box provides variable speed rotational motion to the flexible drive shafts. Each of the tray guides has a dispensing head that includes a timing adjustment mechanism. The timing adjustment mechanism enables the synchronization of all of the dispensing heads prior to tray dispensing. The independent adjustment ability of the tray guides enables use of the system with any size or shape tray.

Abstract: In a machine for dispensing stackable roofing washers individually and for driving fasteners through such washers, a shuttle is actuatable to displace a lowermost washer of one from a stack, either a small, circular or large, square washer. A gate is biased toward a lowermost position wherein it provides sufficient clearance for the lowermost washer but not any overlying washer to pass beneath it. A pawl mounted pivotally to the gate is biased to a lowermost position wherein the pawl engages a small washer displaced by the shuttle so as to restrain it against backward movement. A stop is adjustable so as to limit movement of a washer of whichever size is being displaced. A measuring bar is mounted via the stop. A screw gun, which provides a primary handle, and a secondary handle are mounted to an upright element so as to be independently adjustable.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus that dispenses a lowermost cup from a stack of nested cups. The cups are disposed within an opening formed through an annular housing, and a group of cam assemblies project inward from the housing to support and selectively dispense the cups. Alignment holes are formed through the housing and the cam assemblies to facilitate proper alignment of the cam assemblies relative to one another during assembly of the dispenser. The cam assemblies move inward and outward relative to the opening to accommodate cups of different under-rim diameters within a given range. In particular, the cam assemblies move in an arc and pivot relative to the housing and thereby remain satisfactorily aligned relative to the center of the opening over a wider range of under-rim cup diameters.

Abstract: This vending machine dispensing assembly (10) for dispensing containers of different diameter includes a storage compartment (1) having an exit passage defined by a turnstile member (20) on one side and an arcuate stop member (30) on the other side. The stop member (30) is disposed in adjustable relation from the fixed axis (22) of the turnstile member (20) to determine the diameter of the articles passing therebetween. The stop member (30) is adjustably mounted between the end walls (16, 18) of the compartment (1) on upper and lower rods (32, 34).

Abstract: An automated order system (AOS) having an arrayed matrix of product dispensers oriented at a compound angle with respect to an underlying gathering conveyor belt. Each dispenser includes a flexible belt ejector mechanism for dispensing products stored therein. The flexible ejector mechanism includes an L-shaped guide track that is mounted adjacent to the dispenser to minimize the amount of space required for each dispenser in the matrix. Thus, more product dispensers may be installed in the AOS over a given fixed conveyor length. Furthermore, the compound angle facilitates resupply of the dispensers and minimizes the likelihood of damage to an ejected product upon impact with the conveyor. A cartridge is also included in each dispenser having a trough and adjustable product shelf for aligning the product stack and properly positioning the bottom-most product for positioning.

Abstract: An automatic distributor of stacked packages includes two lines of stacking means counterfaced and spaced apart from each other, having their respective outlets counterfaced and leading to the inside of the distributor, and two lines of delivery means operating respectively in each row of stacking means, with each delivery means normally sliding in respect to the longitudinal axis of the distributor. Operating means are designed to engage and operate the delivering means in accordance with commands received, while conveying means are situated between the two rows of stacking means.

Abstract: A ball feeding device which can feed balls one by one without allowing many impacts on the balls and which can prevent the balls from being magnetized. Balls are accommodated in a housing formed with a conical hole in the bottom thereof. A rotary rod having a conical end is mounted in the housing, the conical end being located near and opposite to the conical hole. Balls are guided one by one into the area between the conical end and the conical hole and discharged one by one through the conical hole. A pair of inclined cylinders are provided under the housing. The balls discharged through the conical hole drop onto the higher end of the gap defined between the cylinders and roll along the gap. The gap expands gradually from the higher end toward the lower end. Thus, the balls drop through the gap into a pan provided under the cylinders while being fed along the gap.

Abstract: A commodity delivering device for automatic vending machines in which both thick commodities and thin commodities are sorted out automatically without manually adjusting the commodity passage width. The automatic vending apparatus includes: a commodity feed mechanism in which the commodity mechnism is equipped with: first stopper for freely switching between an activation position and a no-activation position, the activation position thereof being projected into a commodity passage so as to support the thick commodity and the no-activation position being retreated from the commodity passage; second stopper, disposed right under the first stopper, for freely switching between an activation position and a no-activation position; and feed stopper for switching between an activation position interlocked with the first or second stopper so as to thereon support the commodity, and a feed position for transferring the commodity downward.

Abstract: The application discloses a device (10) to retrofit into the cabinet (11) of newspaper vending machine racks to prevent the removal of more than one copy of the newspaper for each vend or door opening of the cabinet (11). The single vend device (10) consists of a front panel (12) with a T-slot (14). The arms (14a) of the T-slot (14) are normally closed off with a pivoted closure plate (16). Consumer access to the newspapers is provided through the leg of the T-slot (14b), but the newspaper must be slid through the gap between the closure plate (16) and the front panel (12). The thickness of the gap is adjustable to selectively allow for the variation in thickness between various editions of the newspaper. The closure plate (16) is spring loaded to be biased to the closed position. Following removal of the paper, the closure of the plate (16) and a locking pin (32) prevents the plate (16) from re-opening. The locking pin ( 32) is disarmed upon closure of the cabinet (11) door (25a).

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

Abstract: A card vending machine comprising a cabinet having a plurality of card holding and dispensing modules individually removably positioned therein with each of the modules including a card holding portion and card dispensing portion. Each of the modules includes a gauge cam to enable the card dispensing portions of the modules to be adjusted to compensate for cards having various thicknesses.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a one-at-a-time dispensing assembly for newspaper racks of tetrahedral shape in which the assembly is positioned within and spans the walls of the rack. The dispensing assembly of the invention includes a fixed support base subassembly fixedly positioned--in a vertical sense--adjacent to the lower edge of the rack opening, and a shaker subassembly. The base subassembly supports both a stack of newspapers and a planar member of the shaker subassembly. The shaker subassembly also includes a lever extending exterior of the rack below the lower edge of the rack opening actionably connected to the planar member. Purpose: to permit to-and-fro movement of the planar member supporting the stack of newspaper via corresponding movement of the lever.

Abstract: A theft deterrent device restricts the number of newspapers or other periodicals that can be retrieved from a newspaper vending machine at one time. The device includes a cover gate forming a generally T-shaped opening with a vertical passageway and a horizontal slot opening. The cover gate mounts over an access opening of the vending machine behind a hinged door that closes against the vending machine. The cover gate restricts the number of periodicals that can be withdrawn at one time from a storage cabinet portion of the machine after the hinged door is opened and lowered by a customer. The deterrent device is easily installed on existing newspaper vending machines by way of an engagement member that securely engages a fixed part of the vending machine in the region of the access opening. A lock mechanism on the cover gate serves to lock the cover gate to the dispensing machine and firmly hold the gate in place over the access opening.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating logs singularly or in a single layer to down- stream processing equipment such as a debarker. The apparatus includes an oscillating drum segment which has a log pocket thereon. The log pocket is initially located adjacent the log bundle and as oscillation of the apparatus begins, the notch collects a log and transports it to a second position wherein the gravity discharge of the log to a point downstream occurs. The drum segment is then rotated in the opposite direction to its initial position and the procedure repeated. Bars are provided which fit within guide pockets in the drum. Bars fit within guide pockets in the drum. The upper surface of the bars act as a receiving ramp for the log as it is discharged from the drum. In the preferred embodiment, the drum segment can be adjusted radially thereby varying the capacity of the log pocket.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coin-operated newspaper vending machine that is designed to prevent direct access to the newspaper-storage compartment by means of a door that includes a newspaper-display compartment. A multiplicity of stack newspapers are stored within the storage compartment defined in the vending-machine housing and are supported on a floating shelf that aligns the uppermost newspaper with a newspaper-dispensing device that includes a paper dispensing carriage on which is mounted a feeder plate aligned to engage and dispense the uppermost-positioned newspaper through a discharge chute formed in the door of the vending machine. The newspaper-display compartment is adapted to dispense the displayed newspaper stored therein after all of the newspapers stored in the storage compartment have been dispensed.

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

Abstract: A dispenser for stackable articles such as dishes and the like. The dispenser comprises a housing having an opening in its top, a carriage for supporting a generally vertical stack of the articles, mechanism for biasing the carriage vertically upwardly in the housing to dispense the articles from the top of the housing, a plurality of elongate guide members in the housing, and apparatus for mounting the guide members. The carriage is moveable within the housing along a generally vertical central axis of the housing. The guide members are spaced about the periphery of the carriage for retaining the articles in a generally vertical stack. Each guide member has a vertically extending guide surface for slideably abutting marginal edge portions of the articles stacked on the carriage.

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 coin operated bulk vending apparatus is provided with brushes, preferably tension springs, extending over the aperture above the dispensing wheel. One end of each brush is anchored to a brush housing adjacent a periphery of the dispensing wheel, and the other end of each brush is anchored to an adjustable anchor disposed about the axle of the dispensing wheel. In a preferred embodiment the adjustable anchor comprises a notched bushing adapted to receive a moveable ring secured to the brushes. In a further embodiment the brushes are anchored to an invertible bushing. The brushes are preferably frustoconical in configuration to minimize gaps.

Abstract: A novel control storing and dispensing apparatus for a vending machine, or the like is provided, the apparatus being particularly adapted for storing and dispensing cylindrical products of various types and sizes in single and multiple depth stack fashion. The dispensing mechanism for each section includes at least one motor-driven auger mounted in an almost horizontal position in relation to cylindrical products rolling down a shallow slope to control storing, feeding and dispensing of said cylindrical products from the bottom of a stack for each selection, as the mechanism is cycled. The apparatus can also be used to dispense cylindrical products of a relatively wide range of diameters by using spacers or movable ramps to position products properly to fit into the auger track. The apparatus also can dispense a product longer than conventional cans, such as certain bottled beverages, by using several augers.