Abstract: A tote accumulator includes stack retaining latches that are configured to be acted on by a cam and follower mechanism and additionally by a holding mechanism. The cam and follower mechanism is configured to act on the stack retaining latches when the stack of totes is moved vertically by a lifting member, to move the stack retaining latches into an active dwell wherein the stack retaining latches are engaged with the stack of totes. The holding mechanism is configured to be activated to extend the active dwell after the cam and follower mechanism ceases to act on the stack retaining latches. The active dwell is extended even further by a mechanical interlocking feature between the latches and the totes. In various implementations, the design of the cam and follower arrangement and the activation timing of the holding mechanism may be adapted to execute a stacking or an unstacking operation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for filling containers with value documents and to a system for processing value documents, wherein the apparatus has: a container receiving device which is adapted to receive a container stack having two or several containers for receiving value documents, a lid receiving device which is adapted to receive a lid stack having two or several lids for closing the containers, a container removal device which is adapted to remove, preferably, the respectively lowermost container from the container stack, a closing device and a transport device which is adapted to convey the container removed from the container stack to a filling station, in which the container can be filled with value documents, and to convey the container filled with value documents to the closing device which is adapted to remove a lid from the lid stack and close the filled container with the removed lid.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for fastening via a swage tool. One embodiment is a method for fastening via a swage tool. The method includes steps of selecting a hole located at a part, aligning an axis of a lockbolt collar with a center of the hole, placing the lockbolt collar flush against the part at a first end of the hole, and swaging the lockbolt collar onto a lockbolt that has been driven through the hole. This securely fastens the lockbolt collar to the lockbolt.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a denesting element for a denesting apparatus for denesting a stack of objects in a predetermined denesting direction, comprising a base and a contact section, wherein the base is disposed between the contact section and a drive element of the denesting apparatus, wherein the drive element drives the base rotationally or translationally, and wherein the contact section, when the denesting element is mounted in the denesting apparatus, is capable of being biased towards and away from a stack of trays by being elastically displaceable between an extended position and a retracted position.

Abstract: A product storage device includes: a product storage column storing products aligned in a row in a product storage path; a first gate moving back from and forward to a most downstream area that is downstream of a most downstream product in the product storage path; a second gate disposed in an upstream side with respect to the first gate and moving back from and forward to the most downstream area; a gate operation mechanism keeping the first and second gates in a state of having moved forward to the most downstream area in a standby state and to allow them to move back from the most downstream area when an operation command is given; and a measuring unit measuring the number of taken-out products by counting the number of changes in at least one of the first and second gates from a backward movement to a forward movement.

Abstract: A container denester apparatus which overcomes, among other problems, the problems identified above. The denester apparatus positively controls the flanges of the container so as to individually denest a lowermost container from a stack of containers. The apparatus protects the container by spreading the force required to denest the container along much of the flange structure. In addition, the stack of containers above the lowermost container are retained, again along much of the flange structure of the immediately adjacent container.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, apparatuses, and systems with regard to laminations. In an embodiment, an apparatus includes a lamination having a variable thickness and a spacer connected with the lamination at a location, wherein the location of the spacer is based on a determined thickness of the lamination.

Abstract: An apparatus for containing, transporting, dispensing and keeping an inventory of a plurality of same size cleco type fasteners has a tubular housing with an interior bore dimensioned to receive the plurality of cleco type fasteners through a proximal opening on the housing that is closed by a removable closure device. The distal end of the housing has a retention device that retains the forward most cleco type fastener inserted into the housing interior bore with a sufficient force that prevents the forward most cleco type fastener from being unintentionally removed from the housing distal end, but allows the forward most cleco type fastener to be manually grasped and pulled from the housing distal end.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a pallet dispensing system, including a movable frame being configured to movably hold, at least in part, a pallet stack between a pallet-storage position and a pallet-dispensation position. The movable frame is also configured to hold the pallet stack relative to a pallet transporter in such a way that the pallet transporter is permitted to vertically lift, at least in part, the pallet stack as the movable frame is provided, at least in part, with vertical-lift assistance through stored potential energy.

Abstract: A container denester apparatus for sequentially supplying nested containers, the apparatus comprising an indexer chassis, an indexing assembly and a rotating indexing arm. The rotating indexing arm is configured to extend into the clamshell cavity, which provides for the passage of clamshell containers therethrough. The indexing arm is rotationally coupled to at least one of the at least one rack gear, and has a lower cam profile and an upper cam profile, with the cam profiles extending into the clamshell cavity when properly rotated. In a starting position, a clamshell container is precluded from passage through the clamshell cavity, and, a portion of an underside surface rests upon the upper cam profile. Through rotation of the rotating indexing arm the lower cam profile forces the downward movement of the clamshell container while retaining the other clamshell containers nestedly coupled thereto.

Abstract: A separating tool for separating out objects one by one from a stack of objects includes a support base, an assembly plate positioned on the support base, a vertical sliding assembly slidably positioned on the assembly plate, and two opposing clamping members connected to the vertical sliding assembly. Each clamping member includes an engaging plate, a connecting shaft fixed to the engaging plate, and a cam base positioned on the support base. The cam base defines a cam slot, and the connecting shaft slides in the cam slot. A distance from a top end of the cam slot to the engaging plate is less than that from a bottom end of the cam slot to the engaging plate, such that the engaging plates of the two clamping members move together when the engaging plates are moved upwards with the connecting shaft.

Abstract: A container denester apparatus which overcomes, among other problems, the problems identified above. The denester apparatus positively controls the flanges of the container so as to individually denest a lowermost container from a stack of containers. The apparatus protects the container by spreading the force required to denest the container along much of the flange structure. In addition, the stack of containers above the lowermost container are retained, again along much of the flange structure of the immediately adjacent container.

Abstract: A device for loading, storing and providing objects having standardized dimensions includes a storage unit with a carrier plate and four stackers. Each stacker includes a bottom surface disposed on top of the carrier plate. The stackers are configured to store objects stacked perpendicular to the carrier plate. The stackers are disposed symmetrically centered around a rotation axis that is perpendicular to the carrier plate and offset with respect to each other by an angle of 90°. A substructure is disposed underneath the carrier plate. An unloading device is configured to unload a selected object from a first of the stackers that is disposed in a transfer position. The storage unit is rotatable around the rotation axis so as to enable movement of each of the stackers into the transfer position.

Abstract: An apparatus for picking up, holding and dispensing objects is disclosed. The apparatus has a storing device, a holding device, a retaining device, and an ejection device that enables pick up, holding and dispensing of a plurality of objects. The apparatus provides an improved method of picking up, holding and storing objects that heretofore required extreme dexterity and substantial periods of time. The apparatus can be used to pick up, hold and dispense a variety of objects including, but not limited to, crystals, nuts, confectionary pieces, pills, jewelry, and electronic components. The apparatus may be sold as a kit or as replacement parts.

Abstract: An automated freezer stores food items stacked in a removable cartridge. The food items are dispensed from the automated freezer in response to a request for the food items. The food items are loaded into the cartridge outside of the automated freezer. When the cartridge is inserted into the automated freezer, the upper end of the cartridge is inserted into a buffer, pushing a plurality of arms in the buffer upwardly to allow food items to pass through the buffer. When the cartridge is removed from the freezer for reloading of food items, a resilient member biases the arms downwardly to retain any food items in the buffer and to prevent any food items in the buffer from falling.

Abstract: A medicine dispensing apparatus which allows a prescribed quantity of medicines to be reliably taken out based on prescription data.

Abstract: A tray holding apparatus includes a holding section, a separation section, a lifting/lowering section, and a control section. The holding section holds a stack of trays. The separation section separates the lowermost tray from the stack. The lifting/lowering section moves upward or downward between a predetermined place below the stack and this stack, thereby undergoing a first movement in which the separated tray is moved to the predetermined position and a second movement in which the tray in the predetermined place is moved to the stack. The control section controls the operations of the separation section and the lifting/lowering section.

Abstract: A stacker (1) for storing a plurality of microplates each having a top surface side and a bottom surface side opposed to the top surface side, comprises a housing and a removal gate (13) for removing a microplate of the plurality of microplates out of the housing. The stacker (1) is arranged to accommodate the plurality of microplates inside the housing such that the top surface side of one microplate of the plurality of microplates abuts on the bottom surface side of an adjacent microplate of the plurality of microplates and such that the housing adjoins to the plurality of microplates. Using such a stacker 1, the plurality of microplates can be arranged and stored in a compact manner wherein the single microplates of the plurality of microplates can still selectively and efficiently be accessed.

Abstract: Device for selection of capsules containing a food product from a, stack of capsules contained in a container, comprising a body (10) which delimits a passage (20) through which the capsules pass by gravity; first stop means (30, 31, 32, 33) for selectively retaining and releasing said first capsule (90); actuating means (8) for actuating said stop means (3, 30, 31, 32, 33) between a stop position and a release position. The first stop means (3, 30, 31, 32, 33) are distributed about the circumference of the passage (20) and are able to move by turning transversely, and simultaneously, towards the inside of the passage to a stop position in order to form several support points distributed under the capsule (90).

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

Abstract: A tray denesting apparatus is provided comprising a receptacle for holding at least one nested stack of packing trays. A conveyer belt is further provided for receiving each of the packing trays upon release from the receptacle. The denesting apparatus has at least one set of soft flexible suction cups disposed below the conveyer belt and which are disposed on a bellows assembly which is moveable between a first position and a second position so that at least one of the soft flexible suction cups may adhere to a first one of the packing trays, and successive packing trays. The tray denester further may include an automatic adjustment apparatus to correspond with selected size parameters of the trays being utilized. As a result, an individual tray may be removed from the receptacle, deposited on the conveyer belt and the conveyer belt then advancing the selected tray to the required area of use.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a tray handler for stacking and de-stacking ophthalmic prescription trays. The tray handler includes a plurality of spaced clamp assemblies defining a stack area along a conveyor, a lift plate, and first and second actuators. The lift plate is operably disposed within the stack area. The first actuator is operably associated with the clamp assemblies, which are inwardly and outwardly moveable relative the lift plate upon actuation of the first actuator. The second actuator is operably associated with the lift plate, which is vertically moveable within the stack area upon actuation of the second actuator. A controller is in communication with the first and second actuators and controls actuation thereof. A method of handling ophthalmic prescription trays is also disclosed.

Abstract: A medicine feeder is composed of: a cassette (2) for housing medicines D in an array; a biasing member (6) for biasing the medicines D in the cassette (2) toward one end side; and a discharge member (16) disposed on one end portion of the cassette (2) for holding a medicine D in a holding recess portion (18) and discharging the medicines D one at a time by rotating the discharge member. This makes it possible to ensure the discharge of a prescribed quantity of medicines based on prescription data.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing flexible lids includes a housing having a lid stack holder for containing a coaxial stack of lids. Lids are supported within a substantially coaxial channel of the lid stack by a pair of opposing indexing shafts that rotate upon operation of a user operable drive device to pass a bottom-most lid to a discharge area. The drive device may be calibrated to rotate the indexing shafts by an adjustable amount that is determined, at least in part, by the height of each lid and/or the spacing between lids in the stack. Further, the housing may be constructed from a fixed housing portion and an adjustable housing portion. The adjustable housing portion allows the spacing between the indexing shafts to be adjusted to correspond to the circumference of the lids currently being dispensed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a more robust article dispensing apparatus that is relatively simple in construction and usage for dispensing articles in a clean and protective environment. More specifically, the apparatus accepts, separates, and dispenses articles from a nested stack of articles such as beverage cup lids one at a time.

Abstract: Devices and methods for holding a tray stack having a plurality of trays configured to carry and store microelectronic devices. Several devices in accordance with the present invention are particularly applicable to carrying a stack of JEDEC trays that have been loaded with a plurality of microelectronic devices. In one embodiment, the device is a tray retainer including a guide structure configured to allow the tray stack to move in a direction of a load/unload path, and to restrict lateral movement of the tray stack with respect to the load/unload path. The guide structure can have a first end, a second end, and an opening at least proximate to the second end. The guide structure, for example, can have first and second channel sections extending in the direction of the load/unload path. The second channel section can also face the first channel section. The tray retainer can also include a cross-member and a moveable retaining element.

Abstract: A dispenser of single-use portions of preparations for beverages, comprising a structure that supports at least one storage assembly for single-use portions provided with a discharge outlet for the discharge of the portions, at least one distribution assembly for the portions which is provided with an outlet for dispensing said portions and with a device for transferring the portions from the discharge outlet to the dispensing outlet, which are interposed between the storage assembly and the distribution assembly.

Abstract: A denesting apparatus for a stack of cup-shaped articles having peripheral outwardly extending rims includes a pair of uniquely machined rotary shafts which operate together to support the stack of nested articles and to denest and separate one article at a time as the stack passes vertically downwardly between the shafts. Each of the shafts includes at least one profiled surface portion which makes line contact with the lowermost cup rim and supports the stack, followed rotationally by a groove that engages the rim of the lowermost cup to denest and separate it from the stack.

Abstract: Devices and methods for holding a tray stack having a plurality of trays configured to carry and store microelectronic devices. Several devices in accordance with the present invention are particularly applicable to carrying a stack of JEDEC trays that have been loaded with a plurality of microelectronic devices. In one embodiment, the device is a tray retainer including a guide structure configured to allow the tray stack to move in a direction of a load/unload path, and to restrict lateral movement of the tray stack with respect to the load/unload path. The guide structure can have a first end, a second end, and an opening at least proximate to the second end. The guide structure, for example, can have first and second channel sections extending in the direction of the load/unload path. The second channel section can also face the first channel section. The tray retainer can also include a cross-member and a moveable retaining element.

Abstract: A selective actuating apparatus involves a barrel 17 rotated due to rotation of a driving motor 2, a revolving shaft 3A supporting rotatably the barrel 17, and a barrel 16 rotated as a result of transmitting torque in the case where the barrel 17 is rotated in a direction b indicated by an arrow wherein a cam section 16B is defined on the barrel 16. In this condition, when the barrel 17 rotates in a direction a indicated by an arrow, the torque does not transmit to the barrel 16, but the barrel 16 is allowed to displace along the revolving shaft 3A due to sliding motion in between a projection 16A formed on the barrel 16 and a projection 17D formed on the inner circumference of the barrel 17 in a stepped manner. As a result, the selective actuating apparatus by which a plurality of driving objects can be driven without requiring a plurality of driving sources, so that its driving system can be downsized is obtained.

Abstract: A dispenser is provided for dispensing objects including for example, container lids for beverages such as soft drinks, coffee, tea, and juice. For example, a coaxial stack of lids is loaded into a housing of the dispenser. Upon actuation of a the dispenser, the bottom-most lid in the stack of lids is delivered to a discharge area by passing the bottom-most lid through a nip point defined between a pair of oppositely rotating indexing shafts. Once the bottom-most lid is delivered to a discharge area, the indexing shafts are brought to rest.

Abstract: A Tray input-output module, comprising a power unit, a clamp unit and a support unit, is capable of automatically retrieving a tray from a transport device and automatically delivering a tray to a transport device for facilitating automation in chip sorter operation, reducing manual work and raising productivity.

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

Abstract: A device to separate rubber stoppers that have adhered together, typically as a result of sterilization. The device contains a hopper, a pair of rollers and a mechanism to turn the rollers. The rollers are hexagonal-shaped and each face has a scalloped concavity. The adhering stoppers are gravity-fed into the rollers from the hopper, where they are compressed and a shearing force is applied to separate the adherent stoppers. The separated stoppers are then collected for further processing.

Abstract: A device for applying nailing plates to the ends of wooden ties includes a plate feeder for applying nailing plates to the generally vertically-oriented ends of a wooden tie horizontally disposed therein. The plate feeder includes a frame on each side for holding a nailing plate in a generally vertical orientation adjacent one of the ends of the wooden tie, a dispenser associated with each frame for dispensing nailing plates to the frame; and a piston on each side actuable to partially press a nailing plate held in the frame into the ends of the wooden tie. A tie feeder for conveys ties to the plate feeder. There is also a press for pressing nailing plates partially embedded in the ends of a wooden tie, into the ends of the wooden tie. A conveyor conveys wooden ties from the plate feeder to the press.

Abstract: A ferrule delivery system for placing a ferrule in a desired position on a flat surface quickly and with ease is disclosed. The system includes an elongated shaft having a tapered end and a delivery end, ferrules loaded on the outer circumference of the shaft, and two sets of ball bearings and two O-rings attached to the shaft for retaining the ferrules on the shaft and for releasing a ferrule from the shaft as needed when a plunger slidably mounted within the shaft and extending outwardly from the delivery end of the shaft is depressed. The present invention also discloses a method for loading a plurality of ferrules onto the outer circumference of the shaft easily and without much effort.

Abstract: An apparatus for discharging disks from the bottom of a stack of aligned disks one at a time is provided. The apparatus includes a pair of feed gate subassemblies supported in a spaced apart, diametrically opposing relationship so as to define a disk receiving opening therebetween. The feed gate subassemblies are adapted to cooperatively support the stack of disks in the disk receiving opening and abuttingly engage at least a portion of the outer peripheral edge of the disk positioned at the bottom of the stack of disks so as to compress the bottom disk and thus cause the bottom disk to be discharged from the stack of disks.

Abstract: Container dispensing system sequentially dispense containers from a nested stack. The systems have a support frame for accepting multiple stack of nested containers aligned in a cross-machine direction having upper and lower opposed pairs of gates. The gates are coupled to the support frame and extend in the cross-machine direction. Each upper and lower opposed pairs of gates defines gate openings sized so as to capture and support a lowermost and a next lowermost container in the stack respectively. A controller (e.g.

Abstract: A tray removing apparatus is provided which is capable of automatically removing trays loaded with ICs to be tested from a tray storage container open only at its bottom and delivering the trays to an IC testing apparatus, and a tray storing apparatus is also provided which is capable of storing trays loaded with tested ICs into the tray storage container. Stacked trays KST taken out of the tray storage container KAS are supported by first engagement hooks 12A, and an elevator 14 is brought into abutment against the bottom of the stacked trays. In such condition, the first engagement hooks are released from their engagement with the stacked trays and second engagement hooks 12B disposed at an elevation lower than the first engagement hooks by one tray thickness are moved to the engaged position.

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

Abstract: A retrieval, storage and discharge device including an inner cylindrical tube having a lower end, an upper end, an outer diameter, and an inner diameter sufficient to receive the balls, an outer cylindrical tube having a lower end, an upper end, an outer diameter, and an inner diameter sufficient to receive the outer diameter of the inner cylindrical tube, circumferentially spaced biased members carried in apertures formed through the lower end of the inner tube, and a collar mounted on the lower end of the outer cylindrical tube having an inner surface with greater diameters and lesser diameters, the collar rotatable with respect to the inner tube between a storage position wherein the biased members are aligned with and urged inward by the lesser diameter of the collar and a discharge position wherein the biased members are aligned with the greater diameter, and therefore permitted to move outwardly.

Abstract: A disposable cup dispensing device having an upper annular member and a bottom annular member connected together. A barrel is mounted on the upper annular member to hold a stack of disposable cups. A pivotable bottom cover is located at the bottom annular member. An endless cord is mounted in between the upper and the bottom annular member to hold a plurality of actuating plates located in radial grooves inside the upper and the bottom annular members. A link is connected between the bottom cover and one of the actuating plates. A spring with a curving upward tail is located on the inside of the bottom cover and pivoted therewith. When the bottom cover is opened, the link is lifted to twist the endless cord and to turn the actuating plates, thereby causing the plates to pull one of the disposable cup downwardly, permitting it to fall onto the curved tail of the spring member of the bottom cover.

Abstract: A method of dispensing ferrules onto a work surface without requiring bend motion of the workman. The method utilizes a dispenser which is loaded from the top using a stack of nested ferrules on a retainer which is easily removable to free the ferrules in the dispenser. The dispenser has means for returning the ferrules in the applicator while releasing only the lowermost ferrule. A new universal ferrule is disclosed which allows only one adapter to be required for the stud welding tool. A portable cart can hold an applicator, a box of ferrule clips and means for disposing of the used clips is provided for wheeling the entire unit to and along the work area.

Abstract: An improved hand-held collar dispenser for securing collars to a lockbolt or other fastening piece is disclosed. The dispenser has a feeding end and a dispensing end connected by a channel. A pair of retention clips selectively retains the collars within the body until the user chooses to dispense a collar. The retention clips are pivotally mounted to a guide block which moves between an extended position and a retracted position. When the guide block is in the retracted position, the tail of each retention clip abuts a respective angled surface preventing the retention clips from rotating. As the guide block moves between the retracted and extended positions, each retention clip slides along its corresponding angled surface permitting the retention clips to rotate to an open position in which a collar is permitted to pass between the claw ends of the retention clips and exit the dispenser.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing and assembling a plurality of small parts weighing under five pounds using a robot employing a rotatable pallet for holding an array of small parts. Said rotatable pallet being held in place on the robot wrist head, which moves the pallet through a plurality of stationary work-stations located within the operating envelope of the robot, and rotates the pallet at each work-station to index the pallet and to present it to the work-station for an operation on a specific part or parts. Said robot participates in the work-station tasks by moving the rotatable pallet in the X, Y, and Z directions as needed. Movable data pins are used to indicate conditions of individual parts in nests, and of the pallet taken as a whole.

Abstract: A trough-like support piece extends within a supply tube in a housing and supports a stack of beverage container lids. A spring biases a plate to urge the stack frontwardly to engage against a plurality of spring-loaded members which extend from the housing frontwardly of the plate. A cover is hinged to the housing and has two guide rods which extend rearwardly toward the lids. Three plastic claws are flexibly supported on a support member which is mounted front-to-back movement on the guide rods. A pull rod extends from the support member through the cover and is biased rearwardly by a spring. Each claw member is connected by flexible bands to claw stops, and the claws are thus positioned to engage with the frontmost lid of the stack. A user by pulling on the dispensing handle causes the claws to move frontwardly to extract a single lid and drop it onto inclined supports removal by a user.

Abstract: A nut feeding apparatus which can surely and easily feed nuts and the like, temporarily supported in a conductor cylinder, to an underlying support member one by one, without scratching them by the downward stress or the like of a plunger. A feeder opening 2 through which nuts and the like are continuously fed from a feeding chute, support bar guide holes 3 and ball recesses 4 are provided at a lower side wall of a conductor cylinder 1 in which a plunger 21 having guide grooves 22 formed in the opposite sides of its lower portion is inserted slidably up and down. Balls 5 having a diameter slightly larger than the thickness of the wall of the conductor cylinder 1 and fitted in the respective ball recesses 4. A pair of support bars 11 are inserted slidably in the support bar guide holes 3, and have their outer ends detachably attached to associated leaf springs attached to the outer surface of the conductor cylinder 1.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for dispensing lids, such as plastic lids for soft-drink cups, one-by-one from a stack of such lids supported initially underneath by resting on the lower of two pairs of members adapted to grip and ungrip individual lids, the upper pair being in ungripping configuration and the lower pair being in ungripping but supporting configuration. Operating the method, as by depressing a handle, causes the member pairs first to grip, respectively, the bottommost lid and the next overlying lid, and then to lower the bottommost lid while gripped, as the next overlying lid remains at its original level gripping and thereby supporting the stack of overlying lids.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for supporting and dispensing a nested stack of containers. First and second pairs of support plates are spaced apart and movable between supporting and released positions. The first pair of plates support the container stack by engaging an out-turned lip of the lowermost container. Release of the first pair of plates incrementally advances the container stack to engage the second pair of plates. The second pair of plates are released to free the lowermost container after the first pair of plates are returned to the supporting position. A pair of thrusting fingers exert a downward force on the released container to deliver it to an awaiting transport receptacle at the desired moment.

Abstract: A dispenser for rolls of sheet material including an upright roll chamber adapted to support at least three stacked rolls of sheet material, such as toilet paper, including a lower dispensing station, a primary reserve station above the dispensing station, and a secondary reserve station above the primary reserve station. Mounted for operative movement on opposite sides of the roll chamber at each station is a pair of eccentric rotary actuators, each adapted to rotate about a rotary axis extending front-to-rear, each actuator having a radial projection for entry into and withdrawal from the roll chamber on opposite sides of the rolls at the corresponding station in order to dispense sheet material from the roll at the dispensing station and to feed rolls downward from the upper reserve stations to the dispensing station when the lowermost roll is empty and its empty core has been discharged.