Abstract: A device for the precise distribution of items such as tablets. This device can include a base, a container, a plurality of distribution channels and a plurality of springs disposed adjacent to the distribution channels. The device can also include a plurality of push pins and cams for driving the push pins up. The base includes a wheel which contains the distribution channels. The springs are coupled to the wheel adjacent to the distribution channels. These springs are controlled by the push pins which drive against the springs to push the springs away from the distribution channels. The cams trigger the movement of the push pins at particular locations on the base so that as the wheel rotates, the push pins cross over the cams wherein the cams drive the push pins up allowing a tablet to simultaneously enter and leave the distribution channel. This movement of the wheel allows precise distribution of tablets out of the device and into receiving systems.

Abstract: A roofing washer dispensing machine includes a barrel with a nose located at a front end of the barrel and a board is connected to the barrel. A passage is defined in an upper surface of the board and a receiving recess is defined in the upper surface of the board and located beneath the nose. A tube for receiving roofing washers is connected to the barrel and located at an angle relative to the upper surface of the board. The angle is less than 90 degrees. A distance between a lower open end of the tube and the receiving recess is less than a diameter of a washer. A pushing device is connected to the board and has a pushing plate which is movably received in the passage.

Abstract: A dispenser for thin replaceable knives, for example microtome knives, comprises a housing (3) for the reception of multiple knives (2) arranged in a stack (5). The housing includes a cover (7) and a longitudinal wall (10) adjacent to the housing cover (7) through which a dispensing opening (9) is provided. A spring (6) is arranged for biasing the knife stack (5) against the inside of the housing cover (7), and a slider (8) is provided to travel within a groove (16) on the outside of the housing cover (7) for engaging an individual knife (2) and pivoting the individual knife such that at least a portion of the knife protrudes out of the housing (3), wherein a knife edge (11) along the protruding knife portion faces back in the direction of the opening (9).

Abstract: An amusement dispenser has a transparent storage housing, a transparent dispensing housing and a transparent discharge housing. A chamber in a reciprocated plunger receives articles from the storage housing, measures the number of articles to be dispensed and transports them from an inlet opening to an outlet opening where they fall into the discharge housing. The dispensing housing contains a return spring around a twist rod, used to reciprocate and rotate an inanimate object, and two opaque sleeves telescope to obscure the spring and twist rod from view. The articles free-fall through the discharge housing where they strike deflectors to cause random motions and make various noises.

Abstract: A newspaper vending machine (100) comprises a housing (102) having movable sliding tray (200) mounted therein and upon which the stacked newspapers rests. The housing (102) has a front wall (104) including a dispensing slot (120) through which the newspapers are dispensed. The vending machine (100) also includes a coin receptor mechanism and dispensing mechanism which comprises a dispensing lever (122) with a lever handle (124) attached to a dispensing blade (128). The dispensing blade (128) is disposed near dispensing slot (120) and is adapted to extract a portion of the newspaper through the dispensing slot (120) after payment is received by the coin receptor mechanism and after the purchaser articulates the lever handle (124). A barricading mechanism quickly barricades the dispensing slot (120) after the newspaper has been extracted thereby locking access to the cavity of the housing (102) effectively limiting the purchaser to no more than one newspaper per purchase.

Abstract: A personal medication in storage dispensing unit is provided for receiving and storing medication, vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, pills capsules, gel tablets and the like in a manner which is easily accessible and which is conducive to inclusion within a medication regimen system. A medication regimen monitor can be included in this system in order to be programmed to signal proper medication dosage times. The monitor preferably provides non-compliance information, preferably information which persists and which designates which portion of the medication regimen was not complied with. The system also can include a holder for multiple storing and dispensing units in an ordered fashion consistent with daily requirements of the medication regimen.

Abstract: A combination card dealing shoe and protective guard plate is disclosed. An improved card follower device is also included for more effective control of the cards when the shoe is in use. The guard plate may be formed integrally with the shoe or it may be fabricated as a separate item for retrofitting attachment to an existing shoe. The plate is bifurcated and the two parts are joined by a hinge with a coil spring which urges the lower portion of the cover plate downward and inward to substantially cover the finger opening in the front panel of the shoe to conceal the card which is in position ready for dealing. The hinged portion of the cover plate has a projecting member defining an opening which is sufficient to give the dealer's thumb and/or finger access to the shoe without exposing the card that is being dealt, thus preventing one type of cheating by a dealer.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a golf/tee placement device having a housing 32 having a hopper 18 therein for the placement of a plurality of golf balls 14 and a canister for the placement of a plurality of tees 16. The housing uses compressed air to move a golf ball 14 and golf tee 16 away from the device and drive the tee 16 into the ground with the golf ball 14 placed thereon. Positioned on the exterior face of the housing 32 is a control panel 26 with user selectable variables such as the depth of the golf tee and the time duration for the placement of subsequent balls and tees. The device moves a tee 16 into the extending placement arm 22 using compressed air. In conjunction with the loading of the tee 16 a single ball 14 is released into the placement arm 22.

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

Abstract: The invention provides a substantially moisture-proof, air-tight apparatus for both dispensing a plurality of diagnostic test strips and testing a biological fluid dispensed onto the strip. One strip may be advanced for use in testing using a single, translational movement.

Abstract: A product dispenser comprising a cover, a slidable push element, a base and a landing is provided. The cover and the base are rotatable with respect to each other about a common axis. The cover comprises a roof opening in which the push element slides in opposing directions, advancing product from the interior of the cover onto the landing. In a preferred embodiment, the dispenser houses miniature zinc air batteries, secured to the base using an adhesive platform. When a cell is advanced from the interior of the cover onto the landing, the cell is separated from the adhesive platform, allowing air to pass into the cell and the cell to be activated. The landing preferably comprises a magnet for releasably securing product. The dispenser is then used as an inserter for orienting and placing the product in position in a device. The product is not directly handled during its removal from the dispenser or during its insertion into a device.

Abstract: A publication vending device for vending a single publication per vend cycle. The single publication vending device includes a forward transport assembly located within a housing and connected to a carriage for reciprocating movement with the carriage. A the publication is advanced forward through a publication vend port, by operation of the forward transport assembly including. A first finger is positioned laterally to a first edge of the publication and a second finger is positioned laterally to a second edge of the publication. Each of the fingers are forwardly movable with forward operation of the carriage. Each of the fingers are configured for transpositional travel in a plane substantially coplanar to a plane of an interleaf of the publication and towards the centerline of the publication.

Abstract: A sensor dispensing instrument adapted to handle a sensor pack containing a plurality of sensors and to perform a test using one of the sensors, wherein the sensor dispensing instrument includes an electronics assembly for performing the test and displaying test results. The electronics assembly includes a printed circuit board having electrical components, at least one button, and a liquid crystal display mounted thereon. The electronics assembly is formed and tested prior to assembling the electronics assembly into the outer housing of the sensor dispensing instrument.

Abstract: A sensor dispensing instrument adapted to handle a sensor pack containing a plurality of sensors and to perform a test using one of the sensors. The sensor dispensing instrument includes an outer housing and a mechanical mechanism contained therein for rotating the sensor pack and ejecting one of the sensors from the sensor pack and through a sensor slot on the housing. The mechanical mechanism of the sensor dispensing instrument is operated by first moving a disk drive pusher in a first direction to rotate the sensor pack, and then moving the disk drive pusher in a second direction to eject a sensor from the sensor cavity and through the sensor slot.

Abstract: A fastener injector (18) includes a plurality of tubes (86) operable to transfer a plurality of different sizes and types of fasteners (20) in a desired orientation. The injector also includes a receiver (88) operable to receive the fasteners (20) in the desired orientation from the tubes (86). The receiver (88) includes a plurality of receiver fingers (90) operable to receive the fasteners (20) from the tubes (86) and retain the fasteners (20) in the desired orientation. An injector blade (106) is operable to transfer the fasteners (20) in the desired orientation from the receiver (88) to a fastener installation device.

Abstract: A dispenser for thin replaceable knives, for example microtome knives, comprises a housing (3) for the reception of multiple knives (2) arranged in a stack (5). The housing includes a cover (7) and a longitudinal wall (10) adjacent to the housing cover (7) through which a dispensing opening (9) is provided. A spring (6) is arranged for biasing the knife stack (5) against the inside of the housing cover (7), and a slider (8) is provided to travel within a groove (16) on the outside of the housing cover (7) for engaging an individual knife (2) and pivoting the individual knife such that at least a portion of the knife protrudes out of the housing (3), wherein a knife edge (11) along the protruding knife portion faces back in the direction of the opening (9).

Abstract: An apparatus for automated key retrieval and deposit includes a housing and a key storage rack assembly positioned within the housing. The automated key retrieval and deposit apparatus also includes a key holder for holding a key to be retrieved positioned on the key storage rack, and a key holder actuating mechanism operatively connected to the key holder, for actuating the key holder between an extended position and a retracted position. The automated key retrieval and deposit apparatus further includes a cover pivotally connected to the key storage rack and actuatable between a closed position and an open position, wherein the cover, in the closed position, exerts a force on the keyholder to retain the key on the key holder.

Abstract: An apparatus for probing rodent burrows and dispensing a measured amount of rodent bait into the burrow. The disclosed apparatus comprises an elongated four-sided hollow shaft with a bait tank sealingly connected to the hollow shaft. The hollow shaft has a shaft tip which is also four-sided. One side of the shaft tip, the sealing end, slides with respect to the other three sides to open or close the shaft tip. The sealing end is at one end of a pusher bar. The other end of the pusher bar is connected to a thumb plate, so the operator may open or close the shaft tip using the thumb plate. A measure dose of bait is placed at the probe tip for dispensing by raising and lowering the probe tip, which causes bait to flow through either a calibrated orifice or a divider within the bait tank and enter into the four-sided hollow shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a fully threaded bobbin to an operator upon the depositing of an empty bobbin into the apparatus. The apparatus comprises a housing defining a storage compartment for storing the bobbins. The housing has a first opening for depositing the empty bobbins therein and a second opening for dispensing the full bobbins therefrom. A tray is mounted to the housing within the storage compartment for orienting and feeding fully threaded bobbins and a top and bottom slide are provided for transporting the full bobbins from the tray to the second opening. An actuator lever is slidably coupled to a lever channel for activating the apparatus. A release hinge is mounted to the top slide and operatively coupled to the acutator lever for releasing a single full bobbin from the top slide and to the second opening in response to the actuator lever being activated from a fully extended position to an actuated position and an empty bobbin being deposited into the first opening and lever channel.

Abstract: There is disclosed an automatic nut feeding device comprising a body provided on a side surface thereof with a nut feeding hole, and a spring-plunger type conduction sensor mounted on a side of the body opposite to the nut feeding hole therein and adapted to be pushed by a nut, which is passed through the nut feeding hole to be fed into the body while laterally sliding.

Abstract: A pill dispenser allows for alternating removal of two or more solid forms of pharmaceutical medications, such as tablets, film tablets, coated tablets, or capsules. The pill dispenser has a housing, a baseplate, at least two storage containers for receiving and storing a solid form of medication, and a dosing slide. The baseplate is attached to the bottom end of the housing and has at least one ejecting opening. The storage containers are adapted for receiving and storing solid forms of medications. Each storage container has a bottom opening. A dosing slide is movably mounted between the storage containers and the baseplate and has receiving openings arranged in the dosing slide so that each of the receiving openings can be positioned under a bottom opening of a storage container and above an ejecting opening.

Abstract: A washer supply device includes a retaining tube connected to a side of a power nailer and a slot is defined longitudinally through the retaining tube. A pile of washers are received in the retaining tube. A washer supply device is connected between a lower end of the retaining tube and a nose of the power nailer. A first member is movably received in the tubular tube and a second member is fixedly connected to an inner periphery of the retaining tube. A biasing band is connected between the first member and the second member. A pressing member is connected to the first member and presses the washers by the biasing band.

Abstract: The invention discloses a device for dispensing flattened articles which may be operated with one hand alone, comprising a container (2) housed in a holder (4) having an open-mouth (5), which urged by a spring (6) forcing it against a retractable stop (7) and holding it flush with the open mouth (5). The holder (4) has attached to the rear wall (9) one end of the spring (6) and a tab (10) which is at the same level as a rear opening (11) through which it can penetrate, formed in the inner smaller side (12) of the container (2) over the level of the lower larger side (13) thereof. The opening (11) is slightly higher than the thickness of the tab (10) and equivalent to the thickness of the article (3), and mates with another front opening (14) which is slightly higher than the article (3) and slightly longer than the width thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is a machine for dispensing articles, such as a vending machine, wherein the bottom article in a stack of articles is dispensed. To solve the problem of frictional resistance and excessive weight on the bottom article as it is being dispensed, the present invention provides a lifting mechanism to raise a portion of the stack of articles while the machine dispenses the bottom article. The lifting of the stack of articles above the bottom article relieves the weight of the stack from the bottom article, thereby reducing the frictional force as the machine slides the article out of a gate. In a preferred embodiment, a pair of lifting mechanisms operated by a common driving source cooperate to lift the portion of the stack of articles during the sliding operation and return the stack automatically once the bottom article has been dispensed.

Abstract: A mechanism for dispensing merchandise using a support cart that slides forward on a fixed base activated by a circular cam that applies a 360° rotating motion inside a open oval shaped unit connected to a center actuator ratchet. After a grip is effected on one of the notches of the said center actuator ratchet by the latches located on the said merchandise support cart then the engagement pushes forward and drops from the base only the first object stacked to the furthermost position of the base. Comprising of a fixed base, two fixed ratchets, a sliding merchandise support cart with three latches, one center actuator ratchet connected to a open oval shaped unit, a circular cam with various holes positions to mount an axis where said each hole position determines the distance for the said support cart to move.

Abstract: A component carrying device has a simple constitution, and is capable of lining up components and carrying them in one direction with high reliability. The device comprises a guide groove for lining up components into one line and guiding them; a carrying member, provided on the bottom face of the guide groove, which can move forward and backward along the direction of the groove; and driving means, for driving the carrying member forward and backward at a higher speed when moving backward than when moving forward. The speed of the carrying member when moving forward is a speed at which a predetermined sustained frictional force acts between the carrying member and the components, which are mounted on the top face of the carrying member; and the speed of the carrying member when moving backward is a speed at which the frictional force between the carrying member and the components mounted on its top face, substantially breaks, so that the components are carried forward by the difference in frictional force.

Abstract: A delivery device for a setting tool has a guide tube (16), a guide rail (1) projecting from the guide tube (16) substantially transverse thereto and having a guide channel (5) for receiving fastening elements (6), a slide (2) for transporting the fastening elements in a direction toward the guide tube (16), and a locking member (3) pivotable into an interior of the guide channel (5) for limiting the displacement of the fastening elements (6) located in the guide channel (5) in the direction opposite to the setting direction. The locking member (3) has a guide region (9) displaceable through a through-opening (10) formed in a side of the guide rail (1) extending parallel to the setting direction, and into the interior of the guide channel (5) into a locking position in which the guide region (9) formlockingly cooperates with the spaced from each other, stop edges of several fastening elements provided on stems of the elements.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for high speed, reliable and repeatable delivery and reflow of solder material onto a substrate are disclosed. The apparatus has a repositionable capillary to direct individual solder material to a specific location on the substrate. An energy source is directed through the capillary onto the solder to reflow the solder to the substrate. The apparatus provides for individual introduction of the solder material into the capillary and urging of the solder material from a reservoir to the capillary while preventing unintended jams and blockage of the solder material.

Abstract: A fastener injector (18) includes a plurality of tubes (86) operable to transfer a plurality of different sizes and types of fasteners (20) in a desired orientation. The injector also includes a receiver (88) operable to receive the fasteners (20) in the desired orientation from the tubes (86). The receiver (88) includes a plurality of receiver fingers (90) operable to receive the fasteners (20) from the tubes (86) and retain the fasteners (20) in the desired orientation. An injector blade (106) is operable to transfer the fasteners (20) in the desired orientation from the receiver (88) to a fastener installation device.

Abstract: A cutter blade dispenser and disposer with slide biasing means and side located dispensing slot comprising a body, a sliding block and a side compartment. The body is a trapezium case and can room a plurality of blades, an elongate slit rail is disposed on top of the body, inside the body has a pillar for an elastic element to sleeve on, an elastic block is disposed on top of the opening of the body. The sliding block is in trapezium shape for fitting inside the body with an inclined piece and a pressing block disposed on its top. The side compartment is also in trapezium shape and can cover the opening of the body, a locking hole is disposed on top of the side compartment with a sliding hole and an elongate slit on its one side. The sliding hole and the elongate slit are in one through passage. A storage board is disposed underneath the sliding block and inside on the bottom of the body. The storage board has a protrusion bar on its each side for placing the blades in decency and order.

Abstract: A plurality of different operative candy dispensers which can be interconnected as one device through which candy pieces are dispensed from a first candy dispenser and which are dispensed in order through each of the interconnected candy dispensers. Each of the candy dispensers includes a main housing, a motor, gear train, power supply, control switch, candy reservoir, exit spout from said housing and a mechanism for moving and dispensing the candy from the exit spout of the housing. Each of the separate candy dispensers are equipped with an auxiliary electrical plug or connection by which each of the candy dispensers can be connected to a master switch which when closed will bypass the control switch of each separate candy dispenser to operate all of the interconnected dispensers together.

Abstract: A component conveying device is provided in which a lead component and a second component behind the lead component can be reliably separated and the lead component can be readily extracted with reduced error. The device includes a guide groove 6 for guiding and aligning the components P in a single line. A blade 5 is provided which moves back and forth in the groove. The components P are conveyed forward by moving the blade 5 forward at a low speed and then moving the blade backward in a high speed. A first stopper 31 holds a second component at the distal end of the device. A second stopper 41 stops the lead component P1 from moving back and forth, and a shutter 43 includes a magnet 49 for attracting the lead component. The second stopper is provided at a distal end portion of the guide groove 6.

Abstract: A storage shelving (1) for piece goods has storage compartments (5) arranged both next to and stacked one above the other and is equipped with a controllable device for dispensing the piece goods by pushing them out the storage compartments (5). Cross members (10), which are movable parallel to the bottoms of the storage compartments (5), are associated with the adjacent rows of storage compartments (5). The cross members have separately actutable drivers (13) which are associated with the individual storage compartments (5) of the corresponding row. When in the actuated position, the drivers (13) push the piece goods out of the storage compartments (5). To reduce the number of drive devices of the dispensing device, the cross members (10) are attached to a common support frame (25) and can be moved together with the aid of this support frame (25).

Abstract: An ampule feeder which can discharge ampules one by one with high efficiency without the possibility of clogging. It includes an ampule container having a bottom plate pivotable in one direction. Ampules stored randomly in the container are moved onto an inclined top surface of an ampule receiver and raised. When the ampule receiver rises to its highest level, the ampules slide on its surface and drop onto a conveyor belt of a dispenser provided outside of the side wall of the ampule container. Ampules are thus discharged by the dispenser.

Abstract: A microscope slide dispenser is formed with a slide case dispensing attachment having a slide dispensing mechanism and a disposable, plastic slide case that is removably coupled to the dispensing attachment. Positioning members on the dispensing attachment interact with corresponding members on the case to properly position the slide relative to a seating platform or slide case seat. A slide carrier has a finger that projects outwardly from the dispensing attachment and toward the slide case to engage the rear edge of the closest of a plurality of microscope slides stacked within the case. The case is provided with a carrier finger opening and a slide dispensing slot. Operation of the dispensing mechanism engages the carrier finger behind the slide closest to the end wall at which the dispensing attachment is located. The carrier finger pushes the microscope slide closest to the end wall at which the dispensing attachment is located out of the slide case through the slide dispensing slot.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing and dispensing solid-form medication ("pills") is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment a housing is provided wherein a hopper for storing pills is contained. A slide drawer is contained within the housing just below the hopper, and a moveable slide is contained within the slide drawer. A hole is provided in the bottom of the hopper, which opens into the slide drawer. A second hole is provided in the moveable slide, and a third hole is provided in the bottom of the slide drawer. The hole at the bottom of the hopper and the hole at the bottom of the slide drawer are not aligned. As the moveable slide is pulled outward, at some point the hole provided within the slide and the hole at the bottom of the hopper become aligned, which allows a pill to drop into the slide's hole within the slide drawer. As the slide is returned inward, at some point the slide's hole becomes aligned with the hole at the bottom of the slide drawer, which allows the pill to drop out of the slide drawer.

Abstract: A jam resistant dispenser (10) including a storage housing (14) of a size and shape to store and dispense a plurality of substantially identical cylindrical members (12), preferably, capillary tubes for gene sequencing reactions and other chemical/biological processes. Housing (14) includes a base (22), an interior (24) defined by a front wall (16), back wall (18), two end walls (20) and the base (22). Base (22) includes an open throat (32) of a size to receive at least seven cylindrical members (12) laid out side by side and parallel to base (22) in order to prevent a naturally occurring arch or bridge of the cylindrical members from forming. Dispenser (10) also includes a sliding tray (46) having an exit slot (48) of a size to completely receive and support one cylindrical member (12). During sliding movement, the exit slot (48) is positionable along any portion of the open throat in order to receive one cylindrical member from the throat.

Abstract: A modular, front loading coin operated vending machine with a rotary coin mechanism operating a reciprocating dispensing mechanism dispenses different sizes and quantities of flat merchandise. A back lever arm on the rotary coin mechanism turns with the front coin turning knob and pulls a flexible cable through a grommetted hole in a vertical wall to draw a push plate forward in a chassis slide opening to force a measured size or quantity of the flat merchandise out through a dispensing slot. Shims between the push plate and the sliding plate raise it to vary the size and quantity of merchandise contacted by the push plate. Full width open front merchandise chutes are interchangeably installed A merchandise weight with a bottom protrusion holds down the merchandise. When the merchandise chute is empty the bottom protrusion of the merchandise weight falls into the slide opening to block the push plate from moving forward and preventing the turning of the coin knob.

Abstract: A screw feeding apparatus, which is designed for use with power tools, has a casing for holding screws, a platform slidably disposed in the casing for supporting and advancing the screw, a chamber assembly and a clamp assembly. In particular, the chamber assembly has an elongated cylinder for guiding the screw into a work surface. The clamp assembly is situated in the chamber assembly so that each screw from the casing is properly positioned for engaging a screwdriver bit. The screw feeding apparatus also includes a loading sleeve coupled to a rear cylinder mounted on the rear end of the chamber assembly. When the loading sleeve is retracted with respect to the rear cylinder, a screw is loaded into the chamber assembly.

Abstract: The invention provides a container for microscope slides incorporating an ejection device. In each of three disclosed embodiments the slides are ejected through an exit slot by manual actuation of an ejector so as to engage a rear of an end slide in a stack and push it forward through the exit slot. In each of the embodiments, the dispenser may be removably mounted on a base or holder. The holder may include a base plate with support arms. The slide dispenser may be factory sealed for clean or sterile slides and then be discarded or recycled when empty. Finally, the dispensing containers may be shrink wrapped at the factory to ensure sterility of the slides until needed.

Abstract: A clip dispensing device has a dispenser body and a magazine inside the body for storage of a stack of clips. The magazine includes an outlet end adjacent a front end of the body, a biased platform for bearing on the last clip in the stack of clips and urging the first clip in the stack of clips against the outlet end of the magazine and an outlet groove at the outlet end of the magazine for dispensing clips from the magazine. A presser is movably attached to the body for reciprocating movement in a clip ejection direction and a withdrawal direction. A pusher is connected to the presser for reciprocating movement with the presser. The pusher reciprocates within a pusher groove communicating with the magazine through a pusher slot located in the body. A tongue having a size smaller than the pusher slot is pivotally attached to the pusher at a first end of the tongue. A second end of the tongue engages the first clip.

Abstract: A microscope slide dispenser is formed with a base having a slide dispensing mechanism and a disposable, plastic slide case that is removably mounted atop the base. Positioning members on the base interact with corresponding members on the case to properly position the slide upon a seating platform. A slide carrier has a finger that projects upwardly from the base and engages the rear edge of the lowermost of a plurality of microscope slides vertically stacked in the case. The case is provided with carrier finger opening and a slide dispensing slot. Operation of the dispensing mechanism engages the carrier finger behind the lowermost slide and pushes it out of the slide case through the slide dispensing slot. The carrier is spring biased so that the slide engaging finger returns to a slide engaging position behind the next slide, which drops down in place of the slide ejected. Once all slides have been ejected from the case, the case is discarded.

Abstract: A machine for driving inserts into pieces of sheet metal includes an automatic loading device having a plurality of cartridges containing inserts of different types. Each cartridge can be connected selectively to an insert-supply duct integral with the punch.

Abstract: An apparatus for removal of adhesive-backed objects attached to a liner with the objects and liner constituting a pad which includes a curved surface and a removal head. The curved surfaces preferably a drum, is adapted to receive the pad of the adhesive-backed objects for disposition around the drum with a radius sufficient to spread the individual objects of the pad apart. The removal head is positioned adjacent the drum for selectable engagement with the objects of the pad. The removal head includes at least one piston movable between a first position out of contact with the pad and a second position where the piston contacts the pad and applies a force thereto to securely maintain the position of the pad around the drum. The removal head further includes at least one gripper member positioned for engagement with an individual object of the pad. The gripper member is movable between a first position away from the drum and a second position adjacent an individual object attached to the liner.

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: A terminal insertion machine (10) includes a feed unit (14) for feeding a strip (16) of terminals into a workstation (12) for inserting a terminal into a housing. The feed unit (14) includes a feed finger (56) for intermittently feeding the strip and an anti-backup finger (84) for preventing movement of the strip while the feed finger (56) is retracted preparatory to feeding the next terminal. A single release member (100) is arranged to pivot into first, second, and third positions (140, 142, 144) for moving the feed and anti-backup fingers into and out of engagement with the strip of terminals when loading the strip, when operating the insertion machine, and when removing the strip from the insertion machine, respectively.

Abstract: A sensor dispensing instrument is adapted to receive a generally circular sensor pack containing a plurality of blood glucose sensors. Each of the sensors are disposed in sensor cavities, each of which is in fluid communication with a corresponding desiccant cavity and has a support wall that assists in directing the sensor as its being ejected from the cavity. The sensor pack is loaded on an indexing disk in the instrument such that when a slide actuator on the instrument is moved toward a testing position, a feed mechanism engaged by the slide actuator moves a knife blade thereon toward one of the sensor cavities. The knife blade pierces a portion of a foil covering the sensor cavity and engages the sensor disposed in the cavity to thereby eject the sensor from the sensor cavity.

Abstract: An arrangement (apparatus and method) for drawing a wire heald from a group of such wire healds of juxtaposed magnetic material. The method includes the steps of a) inserting a drawing pin located on a notch portion of a magnetic head into a guide hole formed on one side ring portion of the wire heald, b) moving the magnetic head in a longitudinal direction of the wire heald after magnetically attracting the ring portion of the wire heald, and c) drawing the lowermost wire heald as hooked on the drawing pin.

Abstract: A gate assembly, for a dedicated feeder sub-system in a pharmaceutical product packaging system, includes a flexible gating structure. Product feed tubes leading from a product bin to a packaging web loading station carry slots in which flexible bands operate to intercept product within the product feed tubes. A drive mechanism controls the position of the flexible bands to intercept the line of flow product units and to index a single product unit at a time from each feed tube. The indexing of individual product from each feed tube is simultaneous thereby loading a matrix of product onto the packaging web in a single load operation. The operation of the drive is timed in synchronism with the operation of the packaging system. Change over adjustments are available for different product shapes, sizes and characteristics.

Abstract: A note pad dispenser arranged to selectively lift a single web of an underlying note pad is provided, with the note pad having a reusable adhesive strip of each leaf of the note pad, with each adhesive strip arranged in a superimposed orientation relative to one another in the stack of leaves of the pad. A base member is arranged with a base member top wall pivotally mounting a platform. The platform is constructed with a platform top wall spaced from a platform bottom wall arranged in a facing relationship relative to the base top wall and pivotally mounted relative thereto. The platform includes an abutment member arranged to accommodate a stack of individual leaves to define a pad, with each of the leaves having an adhesive strip arranged in an aligned relationship relative to one another relative to the pad, with the adhesive strips positioned at a forward end of the pad, and the forward end of the pad in abutment with the abutment member.