Abstract: A vending machine to dispense purchased goods includes a frame, a dispensing member, a controlling member, a blocking member and a driving member. The controlling member can slide a limiting shaft between a latched position and a releasing position. The driving member is a spring which is partly uncoiled and which constantly pulls the dispensing member, and thus a line of goods, towards the blocking member. When the limiting shaft is in the latched position, the limiting shaft prevents the blocking member rotating, so holding back the line of unpurchased goods. When the limiting shaft is retracted to the releasing position, the pressure of the line of goods rotates the blocking member through ninety degrees to allow one of the goods to pass out of the goods channel.

Abstract: The invention relates firstly to a method for constructing a tablet dispenser, and also a tablet dispenser (1), for the dose-controlled issue of tablets (35), having a housing (2) and a dispensing part (3) that is insertable in the housing (2), wherein the dispensing part (3) has a dispensing chute (22) and a metering part (44) that is movable relative to the dispensing chute against the force of a return spring (19). In order to achieve favourable loading of the return spring, it is suggested to provide a tensioning part (13), which is moved into an area previously occupied by the unbiased return spring (19), preferably as the dispensing part (3) is inserted in the housing (2).

Abstract: A utensil dispensing tray that cooperates with a dispenser. The tray includes at least one feature that causes the utensil, such as a knife, fork, spork, or spoon, to rotate from a first orientation to a second orientation for presentation as the utensil drops into the tray. The tray also includes one or more features that result in the utensil being consistently positioned in its second orientation within a dispensing area of the tray.

Abstract: A medication dispenser provides automation to the steps of locating and acquiring medications to be administered to a patient. The medication dispenser includes an enclosure providing a secure environment for storing medications in multiple sized medication storage bins. The medication storage bins are hung in storage racks located within the enclosure. A robot system is also provided within the enclosure for moving bins between the storage racks and a medication dispensing area. The medication dispensing area includes doors configured to open to define an opening for passing a selected bin through the enclosure. The medication storage bin includes a bulk bin loading drawing for loading medication storage bins into the medication dispensing apparatus.

Abstract: A device for dispensing cutlery utensils individually, having a housing containing a quantity of utensils with the housing having sides and product guides within. The front wall contains an opposing leaf escapement mechanism connected to it, to hold and singulate the utensils such that they dispense seriatim, without a user being required to physically touch or interface with any part of dispenser other than the actual desired utensil.

Abstract: A medication dispenser provides automation to the steps of locating and acquiring medications to be administered to a patient. The medication dispenser includes an enclosure providing a secure environment for storing medications in multiple sized medication-storage bins. The medication storage bins are hung in storage racks located within the enclosure. A robot system is also provided within the enclosure for moving bins between the storage racks and a medication dispensing area. The medication dispensing area includes doors configured to open to define an opening for passing a selected bin through the enclosure. In some embodiments, the doors provide a variable-sized opening and, in some instances, the opening matches the size of a bin containing medications selected for dispensing.

Abstract: A vending machine includes first and second integrated dispensing systems mounted at front portions of adjacent product shelf dividers establishing at least first, second and third product queues. Each of the first and second dispensing systems includes first and second release mechanisms having a plurality of hinged plates supported by a frame. The plurality of hinged plates are selectively shifted into and out of corresponding ones of the first, second and third product queues, such that each product queue has associated therewith two opposing release mechanisms. Preferably, at least one of the first and second release mechanisms for each dispensing system includes a queue spacing member which is mounted to one of the hinged plates and projects into the product queue to establish a desired spacing between the release mechanisms.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for storing and providing stacked film pockets (10) filled with film-type or laminar materials (1). Said materials, e.g. lamellae (1), are individually packed in thin film pockets (10) which are embodied in the form of primary packaging. Said film pockets (10) are stacked in a form of so-called secondary packaging (30) in a gauged manner, the secondary packaging (30) being a lamella dispenser. Said dispenser is provided with a mechanism (61) by which means the individual film pockets (10) are directly released. During said process, the film pockets (10) are automatically opened and the individual lamellae (1) are administered for consumption. The present invention enables a device to be created for storing and providing stacked film-type or laminar materials (1), said device storing said stacked materials (1) from the first to the last withdrawal without any significant change in the aromatic properties of the materials.

Abstract: A dispenser for individual strip bandages from a rolled elongate bandage supply having the individual strip bandages releasably interconnected between a pair of cover strips defining chambers about each strip bandage. The dispenser provides a feed spindle carrying the bandage supply that is moved to a cover strip separator adjacent to a delivery slot in a casement. The cover strips are removed from a given strip bandage in the separator and pass along waste courses to motor powered take-up devices which move the bandage supply and disperse the given strip bandage through the delivery slot. At least one cover strip waste course has a tension sensor to sense tension in the associated cover strip to control the take-up device moving the associated cover strip to maintain synchronization of the motion of the pair of cover strips on the take-up devices moving them.

Abstract: A release mechanism for a vending machine includes a frame for supporting a plurality of hinged plates which are movable between article retention and dispensing positions. As the release mechanism is moved to the dispensing position, a sub-plate member of one of the plurality of plates projects into a dispensing path and abuts an article to be dispensed to force the article along the dispensing path. A pusher link is used to shift the sub-plate member, with the pusher link being adapted to extend through a central opening provided in a main plate member when the release mechanism assumes the article dispensing position.

Abstract: A vending machine system is disclosed for vending computer storage media and specifically a computer floppy disk. The vending machine includes a housing having a disk carousel therein. The disk carousel holds a plurality of disks in a vertical position. Upon a user selecting a disk to be purchased, a signal is sent to a motor which rotates a carousel positioning the selected disk in front of the dispenser opening at which time a pusher element is actuated pushing a disk out through the dispenser opening.

Abstract: A new Motorized Newspaper Dispensing System for dispensing of various printed literature within one machine and further minimizing theft by dispensing only one printed literature at a time. The inventive device includes a housing structure strengthened to resist theft which houses various printed literature, a support means elevating the housing structure to a level comfortable for purchasers, a coin receiving means, a dispensing means which mechanically dispenses the selected printed literature, and a sign stand secured to the upper portion of the housing structure providing space for advertising.

Abstract: Distributor of the type comprising ball storing means and an articulated arm supplying a ball to the striking area. According to the invention, the ball storage means consists of a prismatic housing including, adjacent to each of its ends, supporting devices causing the bottom thereof to slope downwards in the direction of its open downstream end, which delimits an outlet for the passage of only one ball, its arm being articulated about a pivot pin in the housing. The distributor comprises a longitudinal chute, the upstream end being longitudinally closed, but having an opening for the distribution of a ball, while the upstream end is configured in the shape of a scoop for seizing a ball. Spring return means are placed between the housing and the arm to bring said arm into a substantially vertical position, once a ball is released.

Abstract: A novelty dispenser for solid objects, such as condoms. The novel features are specifically based on a spring loaded movement of a dispensing element, which element moves an object such as a packaged condom from inside a compartment out through an opening. The dispenser is an everyday entertainment device that conceals a condom therein. It uses a spring, such as a coil spring, which feeds the condom from a magazine compartment and through a shutter to be released for use. The spring is returned to its original position once it has been used. Pulling a tab of the dispenser causes the spring to release within the magazine, forcing the condom through the shutter, such as miniature doors. The spring opens the magazine and doors, allowing the spring to advance the condom into the dispensed position for delivery to the user.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a bagel is provided which is aesthetically pleasing, sanitary and requires a minimal amount of area. Specifically described is a dispenser comprising: a base comprising a front, a top, a right side and a left side and a pair of matching parallel slots along each right side and left side; a pusher assembly on top of the base comprising; a contact face; an inclined plate; a pair of support members attached to the inclined plate and extending downward wherein each support member further comprises a hole aligned with one slot; a rod, and associated handle, protruding through the front of the base; a connector attached to the rod comprising; a pair of fingers wherein each finger extends through one of the matching parallel slots of the base and into the hole of the support member; a storage column comprising; a front exit slot; a rear entrance slot.

Abstract: An improved access door for magnetic tape library systems and the like, including a pivotable cartridge-receiving receptacle for facilitating the insertion and removal of cartridges into and out of the system. The receptacle is pivotably mounted to be rotatable between a first position extending at least part way out of the system housing, and a second position wherein the receptacle is at least partially disposed within the housing. A trip lever actuated latch holds the receptacle in the second position, and a spring-loaded lifter rotates the receptacle away from the second position when the latch is released. A damping cam and resilient roller control the rotation of the receptacle and provide limit stops therefor. Optical sensors indicate receptacle position and the presence or absence of a cartridge in the receptacle.

Abstract: A mechanical vending system for vending long cylindrical objects such as pencils or the like. The system comprises a cabinet housing the unvended pencils and a coin receptor mechanism for receiving the coins and vending one pencil at a time. The coins are deposited in a coin deposit box located in the interior of the cabinet thereof for storage until the service personnel retrieve the coins and restock the pencils in the cabinet. The mechanical pencil vending system has a simplified design, a low initial cost of manufacture, is easy to install and maintain, is totally independent of an outside power source, and will allow pencils and other long cylindrical objects to be vended in locations considered impractical because of the operating labor and the power requirements of vending machines heretofore.

Abstract: A stripper assembly for unloading parts from an accumulating conveyor. The parts are moved by the conveyor between pivoting lever arms which hold the part as a push blade advances the part downward to a gravity release position.

Abstract: A cottonbud dispenser consisting of a base, a plurality of long coiled springs, pushing blocks to push said springs, a position block, a fixing plate, a stop plate and a transparent case body storing cottonbuds, any of said pushing blocks below the base being possible to be pushed to eject a cottonbud in one of the rooms in the base to extend out of said room so as to be picked up by fingers and also possible to be pushed back to its original position by the compressed long spring after said pushing block is released.

Abstract: A tongue depressor dispenser having a support base to which an upper cover detachably mounts. A dispenser assembly mounts to the support base. The dispenser assembly includes an ejector assembly that is movable to dispense a single tongue depressor at a time.

Abstract: A dispenser for solid pharmaceutics and edible articles comprises a container with side walls and a removal opening, a lid pivotally connected to the container for closing the removal opening and a bottom of the container displaceable in the direction towards the removal opening; the bottom is connected through a slot guide in a side wall of the container to an actuating element at the outer side of the container said slot guide being closed before use and separable on use.

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 dispenser for the insertion of spacers between the strings of tennis, squash and badminton rackets includes a body having a delivery groove formed therein. The delivery groove is adapted to receive an interconnected strip of spacers and dispense the spacers individually between intersecting strings of a racket. The delivery groove may include a raised portion to allow the strip of spacers to be manually advanced within the device and a pair of prong-like projections for separating a pair of intersecting racket strings. The prong-like projections may have an abutment edge for positioning the interconnected strip of spacers.

Abstract: To permit single-basket conveyor transport of textile cops from a supply bin holding a number of cops, without damage to the thread wound on the cops upon removal of an individual cop and introduction into the conveyor, the supply bin is constructed such that at least a portion of the bottom thereof is inclined forwardly towards a removal opening leading to the conveyor, and includes a movable base plate which is mounted for movement between a feed position in which the base plate is inclined towards the opening and a re-supply position in which the movable portion is inclined upwardly and away from the removal opening; an ejector is provided having a movable ejector element and occupying a space at least approximately the size of the geometric outline of a cop, the ejector element pushing against the cop and pushing the selected cop for removal through the removal opening against a spring-loaded flap, the ejector element, due to its size, blocking contact between the cop being ejected and a next adjacent cop

Abstract: A newspaper vending machine is provided which is coin operated and which discharges a single paper on each operation of the coin mechanism, preventing theft of papers.