Abstract: Various methods, systems, and devices for flexible and accurate seed spacing control in a seed planting system. The various embodiments receive singulated seed from a metering device and control movement of the seed toward a seed spacing device that receives the seed. The seed spacing device, which is disposed near the soil surface, independently controls the ejection of the seed from the device and thus the spacing of the seed in the furrow.

Abstract: The invention relates to a casting apparatus (100) to cast a web (1) of a material containing alkaloids, the casting apparatus (100) including: —a casting box (10) adapted to contain a slurry (2) to be cast to form the web (1) of a material containing alkaloids, the casting box (10) defining one or more lateral walls (11, 14); —a slidable lid (80) adapted to slide on the one or more lateral walls (12,14) of the casting box (10); —a movable support (20); and —a casting blade (70) adapted to cast the slurry (2) contained in the casting box (10) onto the movable support (20) so as to form the cast web (1). The invention also relates to a method to cast a web of a material containing alkaloids.

Abstract: A pill dispenser (10) has a core (12) with outward-facing compartments (14) arranged in rows and layers about a central axis. A first sleeve (22) overlying the core has an elongated slot (24) extending parallel to the central axis, and is rotatable relative to the first sleeve to align the slot with one of the rows of compartments. A second sleeve (26), coaxial with the first sleeve, has a pattern of staggered openings 28 positioned in an axial direction to align with a corresponding one of the layers. The second sleeve is rotatable relative to the first sleeve to bring each of the staggered openings into alignment with the elongated slot, thereby providing access to one of the compartments of the core. Preferably, the core includes a number of axially removable cartridges (30), each including a row of compartments, that can be inserted while the compartments contain pills.

Abstract: A seed treatment apparatus provides for minimal waste of products for treating seeds, in that it is precisely controllable and automatically adjustable. A volume of seeds to be treated and a flow rate of treatment product for treating the seeds can both be sensed. At least one of the flow rate of the treatment product and the volume of seeds can automatically be adjusted if it is determined that a ratio of the flow rate of treatment product to the volume of seeds is not the same as a predetermined flow rate to volume ratio.

Abstract: An apparatus, and corresponding method, feeds build material, in the form of rods, to a drive system in a three-dimensional (3D) printing system. The apparatus dispenses a rod to a media tray and into a first groove defined by a flipper arm. The flipper arm is in a substantially horizontal position supported by a bottom ridge of the media tray. The flipper arm is rotated away from the bottom ridge and toward a stopper coupled to the flipper arm and the media tray. The stopper defines a second groove. The apparatus deposits the rod into the drive system via a feed shaft formed by the first and second grooves of the flipper arm and stopper, respectively. The apparatus enables high-speed 3D printing using the rods by overcoming challenges in loading the rods due to brittleness of the rods.

Abstract: A method for providing a singling device of a storage and dispensing container for drug portions is provided. A singling device is adapted to a specific drug portion based on the measurement of the drug portion. The measurement is obtained by generating at least one image of a to-be-measured drug portion by a detection device and using image analysis to process the at least one image. Drug information for the specific drug portion is determined, the drug information including at least the dimensions of the specific drug portion. Based on the determined drug information, a singling device fitting the drug portion to be singularized is identified and provided for use in the storage and dispensing container. A system for identifying a singling device is also provided.

Abstract: A seed meter comprising a housing including one or more air inlets for receiving pressurized air into the housing. The seed meter additionally includes a first metering disc and a second metering disc, each rotatably received in the housing. Each of the first and second metering discs comprises seed pockets for receiving seeds therein.

Abstract: A container device for storing, singulating and dispensing rigid and semi-rigid strips such as diagnostic test strips. A plurality of strips is contained and protected within a transparent container having an internal capture element for capturing and positioning a single strip adjacent a narrow normally-closed dispensing aperture. The aperture is exposed by rotating a spring-loaded container top cap to an open position. A detachable container base cap contains a desiccant and is replaceable. An optional stand stores the device in an upright position, and incorporates a tool to facilitate removal of the base cap for replenishing the container's contents or replacing the desiccant. A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag can be incorporated for electronic inventory control. The device can also be used as an integrated test strip container/single strip dispensing means for an automated analyte meter module.

Abstract: A method of operating a dishwasher having a single phase synchronous electric motor (SPSEM), wherein the rotational speed of the SPSEM is controlled by a controller for reduced level of noise and vibration.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an efficient and effective technique for storing and dispensing reagent beads. In one embodiment, an apparatus is provided for dispensing reagent beads contained in a bead storage device which includes a bead carrier having a plurality of wells; a plurality of reagent beads disposed in the wells; and a cover tape releasably attached to the bead carrier to cover the wells and retain the reagent beads in the wells. The apparatus comprises a channel in which to place the bead storage device with the bead carrier facing a support wall of the channel and the cover tape facing a stripping wall of the channel. The stripping wall includes a stripping gap disposed between a stripping edge and an opposite edge, and a dispense opening provided adjacent the opposite edge on a side of the stripping wall opposite from the stripping edge.

Abstract: An article dispensing apparatus has a housing defining a first chamber and a second chamber that are divided by a dividing wall, a lid covering the second chamber and a cover covering the first chamber, with the first chamber holding a plurality of articles, and an opening provided in the dividing wall to allow an article to pass through to the second chamber. A figure is retained inside the second chamber, the figure having a pair of arms that are normally positioned adjacent the opening in the dividing wall to receive an article that is transferred from the first chamber via the opening in the dividing wall. An actuator is coupled to the figure to push the figure upwardly through the lid so that the figure, and the article held in the arms of the figure, are delivered outside the housing.

Abstract: A single small elastic disk, which may or may not include a central perforation, is dispensed from the storage cavity of the device into a holding channel at the edge thereof so that it can be threaded onto a fishhook to serve as a bait retainer. The lateral movement of the hook from the edge of the dispenser removes the retainer from the channel, so that is placing firmly on the shaft of the fishhook. The central portion, being opened by the fishhook tip before removal from the dispenser, will exert a gripping force when disposed on the shaft or shank portion of a fish hook. Preferably, the disk portion of one such retainer when placed against adjacently threaded bait or lures will retain them on the hook during use until the bait or lure is intentionally removed.

Abstract: The tablet cassette includes a division block installed to be rotated by a drive motor to discharge tablets introduced from above through transfer passages indented in an outer circumferential surface thereof. Each of the transfer passage includes a separation recess for downward transfer of the tablets, a lower end of which is blocked by a prop, and a supply recess along which the tablets having passed through the separation recess are moved on the outer circumferential surface of the division block to thereby be discharged downward via rotation of the division block. The tablet cassette further includes a bottom ring provided around a lower end of the division block to transfer the tablets located in the separation recess into the supply recess via rotation of the division block.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an efficient and effective technique for storing and dispensing reagent beads. In some embodiments, an apparatus is provided for dispensing reagent beads contained in a bead storage device which includes a bead carrier having a plurality of wells; a plurality of reagent beads disposed in the wells; and a cover tape releasably attached to the bead carrier to cover the wells and retain the reagent beads in the wells. The apparatus comprises a channel in which to place the bead storage device with the bead carrier facing a support wall of the channel and the cover tape facing a stripping wall of the channel. The stripping wall includes a stripping gap disposed between a stripping edge and an opposite edge, and a dispense opening provided adjacent the opposite edge on a side of the stripping wall opposite from the stripping edge.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an efficient and effective technique for storing and dispensing reagent beads. In some embodiments, an apparatus is provided for dispensing reagent beads contained in a bead storage device which includes a bead carrier having a plurality of wells; a plurality of reagent beads disposed in the wells; and a cover tape releasably attached to the bead carrier to cover the wells and retain the reagent beads in the wells. The apparatus comprises a channel in which to place the bead storage device with the bead carrier facing a support wall of the channel and the cover tape facing a stripping wall of the channel. The stripping wall includes a stripping gap disposed between a stripping edge and an opposite edge, and a dispense opening provided adjacent the opposite edge on a side of the stripping wall opposite from the stripping edge.

Abstract: A stamped bucket for a vending machine having an elongated body with opposing first and second ends, a first end wall integrally formed on the body along the first end and a second end wall integrally formed on the body along the second end. The first and second end walls extending in generally transverse relation to the body. The first end wall has one or more tab portions extending therefrom that are secured to the body adjacent the first end. The second end wall also has one or more tab portions extending therefrom that are secured to the body adjacent the second end. An axis of rotation extends between the first and second end walls substantially longitudinally along the body.

Abstract: A dispensing system for a vending machine includes a vend motor, a cradle, a load bar and a push arm. Upon selection of a particular product, the vend motor rotates the cradle, causing the product to emerge from the vending machine. The cradle is designed to accommodate a wide array of container sizes. The dispensing system incorporates a rotation sensor, a position sensor, and a lift arm. The sensors enable accurate rotation of the cradle through a plurality of vend angles depending upon the particular product being vended, while the lift arm cooperates with the push arm and load bar to refill the cradle after a series of product containers have been dispensed. In addition, the vend motor includes a soft start control that prevents instantaneous rotation of the output shaft so as to prolong an overall operational life of the motor.

Abstract: A product discharge and delivery system for a vending machine includes a product delivery cup including a carriage portion and a shroud portion having an open bottom section and a discharge element. After receiving a selected product, the product delivery cup is shifted toward a dispensing chamber causing the discharge element to engage with a discharge member mounted within the vending machine. Engagement of the discharge element and discharge member causes the shroud portion to pivot relative to the carrier portion exposing the open bottom section allowing a selected product to release into a dispensing chamber. A delivery port is mounted in the dispensing chamber that rotated between a product receiving position and a product delivery position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for collecting, sorting, counting and consolidating an unorganized pool of solid or semi-solid articles such as pills for dispensation. Specifically, the articles are extracted from inside a bin using attraction points on a transport substrate and sorted into containers in finite quantities. The system consists of several components, preferably including a torque source, a counter and a vacuum source, which are uniquely integrated onto a single end-effector to reduce cost and redundancy by servicing several bins. Further, the system presents a method of attracting and carrying pills using negative vacuum pressure, gravity and centrifugal force. This centrifugal force holds articles to the local attraction points and is provided by the spinning of the transport substrate. Pills are collected from the bin or plenum at the local attraction points, counted, cleaved from the local attraction points and guided to a container or vial.

Abstract: A pill dispensing cap that secures to a conventional pill container. The pill dispensing cap has a lower cap, a pill discharge port, and a spring loaded rotatable and slidable upper cap. Pills are dispensed one at a time, and the remaining pills are isolated from external contamination. A child resistant lock prevents small children and/or mentally handicapped individuals from easily accessing medicine inside the container. The child resistant lock uses a vertically slidable upper cap that is slidably and rotatably attached to the lower cap. A child safety lock uses a key in the upper cap that must be aligned with a slot in the lower cap to allow a pill to be dispensed. When the key and slot are aligned, the upper cap is vertically compressed against the lower cap. As the upper cap moves toward the base cap, a gravity fed pill discharge port is exposed which releases a single pill.

Abstract: A display device includes a chute supporting products in a stacked arrangement and a cartridge assembly for dispensing a lowermost product. The cartridge assembly includes a movable pocket biased in a closed position. A lever switch has a portion disposed within the pocket. An escapement member has an escapement arm and an escapement shelf disposed over the pocket. A cam body coupled to the lever switch has a cam surface. A timer device is disposed between the pocket and escapement member. As a product is removed from the pocket, the lever switch is raised. As the pocket is closed, the cam surface engages the escapement member, moving the escapement member into a retracted position, and allowing a product to drop from the chute into the pocket. This depresses the lever switch, moving the cam body and returning the escapement member to its forward position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for collecting, sorting, counting and consolidating an unorganized pool of solid or semi-solid articles such as pills for dispensation. Specifically, the articles are extracted from inside a bin using attraction points on a transport substrate and sorted into containers in finite quantities. The system consists of several components, preferably including a torque source, a counter and a vacuum source, which are uniquely integrated onto a single end-effector to reduce cost and redundancy by servicing several bins. Further, the system presents a method of attracting and carrying pills using negative vacuum pressure, gravity and centrifugal force. This centrifugal force holds articles to the local attraction points and is provided by the spinning of the transport substrate. Pills are collected from the bin or plenum at the local attraction points, counted, cleaved from the local attraction points and guided to a container or vial.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an efficient and effective technique for storing and dispensing reagent beads. In one embodiment, an apparatus is provided for dispensing reagent beads contained in a bead storage device which includes a bead carrier having a plurality of wells; a plurality of reagent beads disposed in the wells; and a cover tape releasably attached to the bead carrier to cover the wells and retain the reagent beads in the wells. The apparatus comprises a channel in which to place the bead storage device with the bead carrier facing a support wall of the channel and the cover tape facing a stripping wall of the channel. The stripping wall includes a stripping gap disposed between a stripping edge and an opposite edge, and a dispense opening provided adjacent the opposite edge on a side of the stripping wall opposite from the stripping edge.

Abstract: A pill dispensing cap that secures to a conventional pill container. The pill dispensing cap has a lower cap, a pill discharge port, and a spring loaded rotatable and slidable upper cap. Pills are dispensed one at a time, and the remaining pills are isolated from external contamination. A child resistant lock prevents small children and/or mentally handicapped individuals from easily accessing medicine inside the container. The child resistant lock uses a vertically slidable upper cap that is slidably and rotatably attached to the lower cap. A child safety lock uses a key in the upper cap that must be aligned with a slot in the lower cap to allow a pill to be dispensed. When the key and slot are aligned, the upper cap is vertically compressed against the lower cap. As the upper cap moves toward the base cap, a gravity fed pill discharge port is exposed which releases a single pill.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing small items such as pieces of candy is disclosed herein. The dispenser includes a container having a first major side, a second major side, and a storage volume positioned between the first and second major sides. The dispenser includes a dispensing opening defined through the first major side. A dispensing member for carrying the items from the storage volume to the dispensing opening carries the items along a path of travel aligned along a plane, the dispensing opening having an axis aligned in a direction generally perpendicular to the plane.

Abstract: A pill plunger includes a hollow tube having a forward end and a rearward end. A rod or plunger has a forward end having a dished out portion for receiving medication and a rearward end having a button. The plunger occupies the tube with the dished out portion at the forward end of the tube and the button extending from the rearward end of the tube. Medication is placed in the dished out portion, which is then retracted into the tube. After insertion of the tube into a patient's mouth, the button is depressed to extend the plunger and dispense the medication. A spring can be used to retract the plunger upon release of the button. The dished out portion can be sealed to carry a fluid or powder. A dual dished out portion can be provided in the rod, and a window can be formed in the hollow tube.

Abstract: A dispenser (10) includes a container (12) and a dispensing cap (14) that is attached to an open end (30) of the container (12). The dispensing cap (14) includes a base portion (40) that defines a compartment (74) for receiving a quantity of items from the container (12) and a rotating portion (42) that includes an ejecting fin (92). The rotating portion (42) can rotate such that the ejecting fin (92) can contact a quantity of items in the compartment (74) so as to dispense the quantity of items through an open end of the compartment (74).

Abstract: A flat seed disk is provided with a series of circumferentially arranged seed retaining protrusions providing seed retention at locations offset axially from the remainder of the disk. The offset allows the seed to fall in the correct location of the seed tube to reduce unwanted seed bounce and provide better seed delivery to the ground and better seed spacing as compared to flat disks without the offset. In one embodiment, the protrusions have seed retaining faces opening generally in the direction of disk rotation. In other embodiments, the faces are angled away from the direction of rotation to reduce interference between released seed and adjacent protrusions, and trailing radial ledges can be provided to enhance seed retention.

Abstract: Spherical articles such as breath mints are released one at a time from a container by depressing a button, which simultaneously opens a first flow regulator and closes a second flow regulator in series with the first. When the button is released, the first flow regulator opens and the second flow regulator closes. The first flow regulator is preferably a pair of opposed weirs, and the second flow regulator is preferably a pair of parallel pillars.

Abstract: A stethoscope cover applicator for facilitating application of a protective membrane to the stethoscope includes a membrane member configured to be selectively secured to a diaphragm of the stethoscope to inhibit contact between the skin of the patient and the stethoscope. An axle is couplable to the membrane member and the membrane member is rolled around the axle. A base member configured to engage a support surface receives the axle to facilitate unrolling of the membrane member from the axle.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in dispensing coin rolls is disclosed. The apparatus includes a receptacle, to hold the coin rolls in a vertically stacked array, a dispensed, to dispense the coin rolls from a bottom of the receptacle, and a controller, to control the dispensing means responsive to instructions from a user. The apparatus may be used to construct a change making machine, and a plurality of change making machines may be used to form a broad cash and coin dispensing system that is centrally controlled.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a dispensing apparatus and method for dispensing product from a vending machine. The invention employs a motor for bi-directionally rotating a dispenser bucket between two bumpers which physically obstruct and limit the rotational travel, a motor controller for monitoring the current drawn by the motor and signals received from a product vend detection sensor. The motor controller uses monitored information to control the rotational direction and stopping positions of the dispenser bucket. The invention eliminates the need for timing cams and switches and eliminates the need for anti-theft device to prevent product theft from the dispenser bucket.

Abstract: A dispenser for storing and dispensing small items is provided. The dispenser includes a base container having an a hollow space for storing items to be dispensed, a cover sized to fit over the opening of the base container, and a wheel rotationally mounted under the cover which has a shaft and at least three fins radially extending from the shaft and spaced from each other around the shaft. The wheel is mounted under the cover such that the fins of the wheel can rotate under the cover and carry an item stored within the base container to a port in the cover. The rotating fins on the wheel are aligned so as to contact and pass over the raised boss on an inside surface of the cover each time the wheel is rotated 360 degrees. An actuator is also provided for manually rotating the wheel under the cover, which actuator is accessible from outside of the dispenser. Both the cover and the fins of the wheel are made of plastic.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing candy or other small objects, the dispenser having a rotatable hopper, having a hopper cavity therein, a tubular structure, having a storage portion for storing objects above the rotating hopper, a storage portion opening, a base portion, a base portion opening for dispensing objects, and a hopper positioning portion, where the rotatable hopper is positioned within the hopper positioning portion of the tubular structure, such that the rotatable hopper can rotate within the hopper positioning portion of the tubular structure, a tubular base plunger, inserted into the base portion of the tubular structure, and a hopper rotation mechanism connecting the base plunger to the rotatable hopper, where the hopper rotation mechanism is configured to rotate the rotatable hopper when the base plunger is moved within the base portion of the tubular structure.

Abstract: Dispensable tablet, container and system for dispensing an active ingredient for a warewashing machine using a unit dose of the active ingredient for an operation of a warewashing machine. A plurality of dispensable tablets each contains an amount of the active ingredient equal to the unit dose. A container holds the plurality of dispensable tablets, each of the dispensable tablets containing the active ingredient, N of the plurality of dispensable tablets collectively containing an amount of the active ingredient equaling the unit dose, where N is an integer greater than zero and not more than ten. A dispenser, adapted to receive the dispensable tablets from the container and to be operably coupled to the warewashing machine, dispenses N of the plurality of dispensable tablets for the operation of the warewashing machine. The system prevents moisture from the warewashing machine from affecting the plurality of dispensable tablets being held in the container.

Abstract: There is provided an automated packaging apparatus for depositing a predetermined number of pills into a series of containers. The packaging apparatus includes a plurality of independently rotatable rotary slats. Each rotary slat includes an outer peripheral edge portion and the rotary slats are configured so that the outer peripheral edge portions define a common interior space. Each outer peripheral edge portion also defines an inner surface and a plurality of pill apertures. The pill apertures are configured to receive one of the pills from the common interior space at a first position and transmit the pill outside the rotary slats at a second position. A conveyor is configured to move a plurality of open containers along a predetermined path of travel and position each of the containers adjacent a respective rotary slat to define a delivery path that extends between the second position of the rotary slat and the container. At least one drive motor is in driving engagement for rotating the rotary slats.

Abstract: A planter apparatus includes a seed meter including a housing assembly with a cover releasably connected to a shell. The housing assembly includes at least one opening formed therein adjacent a seed discharge area to promote the release of seeds from a disc rotatably attached to the housing assembly. The disc divides an interior of the housing assembly to include a vacuum chamber and a seed chamber. The disc including a plurality of openings formed adjacent a periphery of the disc. The planter apparatus may also include a singulator assembly having rotatably spools, a rotatable chute door, a disc having clusters of openings for simultaneous release, and a one-piece baffle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a medicine feed unit 1 which can reliably feed a predetermined number of medicine sticks 5 without requiring a work for aligning the medicine sticks. The medicine feed unit 1 is equipped with a medicine housing container 3 for housing a plurality of medicine sticks 5 each obtained by packaging a medicine in a cylindrical bag sealed at both end portions and a medicine feeding section 4, to which the medicine housing container 3 is removably attached and which feeds the medicine sticks 5 one by one.

Abstract: The present invention is a seed metering disc for the distribution and planting of various sizes of seeds. The seed metering disc is defined by a set of seed cells which can accommodate various seed sizes in that each cell is defined by a recess, seed cell retention wall, and seed cell retention plate.

Abstract: A planter apparatus includes a seed meter including a housing assembly with a cover releasably connected to a shell. The housing assembly includes at least one opening formed therein adjacent a seed discharge area to promote the release of seeds from a disc rotatably attached to the housing assembly. The disc divides an interior of the housing assembly to include a vacuum chamber and a seed chamber. The disc including a plurality of openings formed adjacent a periphery of the disc. The planter apparatus may also include a singulator assembly having rotatably spools, a rotatable chute door, a disc having clusters of openings for simultaneous release, and a one-piece baffle.

Abstract: A planter apparatus includes a seed meter including a housing assembly with a cover releasably connected to a shell. The housing assembly includes at least one opening formed therein adjacent a seed discharge area to promote the release of seeds from a disc rotatably attached to the housing assembly. The disc divides an interior of the housing assembly to include a vacuum chamber and a seed chamber. The disc including a plurality of openings formed adjacent a periphery of the disc. The planter apparatus may also include a singulator assembly having rotatably spools, a rotatable chute door, a disc having clusters of openings for simultaneous release, and a one-piece baffle.

Abstract: A dispenser for storing and dispensing small items is provided. The dispenser includes a base container having an a hollow space for storing items to be dispensed, a cover sized to fit over the opening of the base container, and a wheel rotationally mounted under the cover which has a shaft and at least three fins radially extending from the shaft and spaced from each other around the shaft. The wheel is mounted under the cover such that the fins of the wheel can rotate under the cover and carry an item stored within the base container to a port in the cover. The rotating fins on the wheel are aligned so as to contact and pass over the raised boss on an inside surface of the cover each time the wheel is rotated 360 degrees. An actuator is also provided for manually rotating the wheel under the cover, which actuator is accessible from outside of the dispenser. Both the cover and the fins of the wheel are made of plastic.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tablet feeder in which a rotor can smoothly rotate to discharge tablets in spite of a large volume type of tablet containing case having a simple construction. A support portion 11 is provided in the tablets containing case 4 and positioned above at least one of the pocket portions 9 for preventing the weight of the tablets acting on the pocket portions 9 from resisting the rotation of the rotor 8.

Abstract: A disc for a rotating disc seed meter improves singulation by reducing blanks and by reducing multiples. The disc contains a circular array of openings against which the seeds are held on one side by means of a pressure differential as they are carried from a seed chamber to a seed discharge. The disc also contains a plurality of tabs on the seed-holding face of the disc. Each tab is positioned radially adjacent the trailing edge of its associated opening.

Abstract: In a tablet filler device having a feeder, a chute, a tablet sorting and advancing mechanism and a gravity feed for filling tablet containers, the improvement is a star wheel tablet sorting and advancing mechanism, having a star wheel that is a flat, circular plate. The star wheel has a plurality of a tablet slots which are complete pass-through slots absent a front or back, and which are arranged sequentially about an outer area of the circular plate. The tablet filler device may also include a rotating segment surface wheel adjacent the star wheel for counter rotation against the star wheel to enhance individual rapid speed placement of tablets into the slots of the star wheel. In other embodiments, the tablet filler device may include a step up, digitally controllable motor connected to the star wheel for driving the star wheel.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing candy or other small objects, the dispenser having a rotatable hopper, having a hopper cavity therein, a tubular structure, having a storage portion for storing objects above the rotating hopper, a storage portion opening, a base portion, a base portion opening for dispensing objects, and a hopper positioning portion, where the rotatable hopper is positioned within the hopper positioning portion of the tubular structure, such that the rotatable hopper can rotate within the hopper positioning portion of the tubular structure, a tubular base plunger, inserted into the base portion of the tubular structure, and a hopper rotation mechanism connecting the base plunger to the rotatable hopper, where the hopper rotation mechanism is configured to rotate the rotatable hopper when the base plunger is moved within the base portion of the tubular structure.

Abstract: A game apparatus includes a figure having a head supporting a rotating plate and a torso supported upon a base. The torso defines a token dispensing passage in communication with the head and further supports a pivotably moveable arm. The arm is pivotable between a raised position and a lowered position against a return spring which urges it toward its raised position. A gear mechanism is operable in response to downward movement of the arm against the return spring to rotate the plate within the figures head and agitate a plurality of disc-like tokens received within the head chamber. A single token is discharged through the torso and outwardly through the door formed in the figures torso to complete token dispensing. The arm is released and the cycle repeated by each player to dispense game tokens.

Abstract: A product delivery apparatus for a vending has a rotatable product delivery drum that includes a selling product supporting face disposed outside the rotation axis of the delivery drum and which is concaved in an arc form toward the rotation axis, and a next selling product supporting face which extends concetrically with respect to the rotation axis to support a product for next sale. A product passage has an enlarged-width section for permitting the passage of the product for sale.

Abstract: An apparatus for sorting and feeding identically shaped small objects has a funnel adapted to hold the objects and having a downwardly open outlet and a housing and a wheel together forming an arcuate passage generally centered on an axis and having an upper inlet end at the outlet and a lower outlet end so that the objects can enter the upper inlet end of the passage and move downward through the passage. The wheel has an outer periphery exposed in the passage and formed with a row of outwardly open pockets of a shape corresponding generally to a shape of the objects. The wheel is rotated such that its periphery moves upward in the passage so that the objects are separated from one another and aligned behind one another in the passage.

Abstract: A disposable diaphragm assembly for use with al types of conventional stethoscopes and a universal retainer ring for retro-fitting conventional stethoscopes to accept the disposable diaphragm assembly. A novel stethoscope for use with the disposable diaphragm assemblies. A stationary dispenser for the disposable diaphragm assemblies from which the assemblies may be loaded onto either retrofitted conventional stethoscopes or the novel stethoscope of this invention without the assembly being contaminated by the hands of medical personnel. Portable and disposable dispensers which also provide for the loading of the disposable diaphragm assembly in a manner which prevents the assembly from becoming contaminated by the hands of medical personnel.