Abstract: A medicine container cap for use with a bottle containing a plurality of pills includes a casing having a pill dispensing opening. A pill dispensing track assembly is removably coupled to the casing and includes a pill ramp for delivering pills to the pill dispensing opening and an insert that includes a pill dispenser slot that receives pills from the pill ramp and is open to the pill dispensing opening. The insert is detachably from the pill ramp and is insertable through an opening in the casing for being attached to the pill ramp. The pill ramp includes an adjustable member that modifies a characteristic of the pill ramp based on at least one characteristic of the insert that is selected, inserted through the opening in the casing and coupled to the pill ramp.

Abstract: Marking device for marking information carriers, has a housing, a marking unit, a marking region inside the housing, and a holding device for holding at least one information carrier. The holding device is movable between a loading and unloading position outside the marking region and a marking position inside the marking region. A feed magazine for a plurality of information carriers to be marked, a deposit magazine for depositing a plurality of marked information carriers, a conveyor device and a positioning device are provided. An information carrier can go from the feed magazine into a first lower level below the holding device in the marking region by means of the conveyor device and vertically between the first lower level and the marking position in a second upper level by the positioning device, and from the first lower level in the marking region to the deposit magazine by the conveyor device.

Abstract: A vending refrigerator for dispensing pharmaceutical products, such as vials, bottles, syringes, and the like, at a point of distribution, e.g., a doctor's office or pharmacy. The vending refrigerator comprises a first product dispenser for one type of packaging and a second product dispenser for a second type of packaging. The product can be removed from a dispenser drawer but cannot be placed back into the dispenser through the drawer. The product dispensers are filled through openings that are not accessible during normal operations, but that are accessible during refilling procedures. The refrigerator may include a shelf where products that are mistakenly pulled from the product dispenser or that contain multiple doses of their contents can be placed for temporary storage. In some embodiments, the refrigerator comprises a chilled compartment and a freezer compartment.

Abstract: A dispensing cartridge may be improved by the inclusion of an actuator and an agitator. Specifically, activation of the actuator may move the agitator within the cartridge to agitate the items and to direct one of the items into a position for dispensing. Concurrently, activation of the actuator may move a cap of the cartridge to align a dispensing hole with the position for dispensing, thereby allowing for the dispensing of a single item.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling electronic components on a lead frame. The apparatus including a singulation device configured to singulate the lead frame to thereby separate the electronic components and to position the separated electronic components alternately into at least two layers along different levels; and a guide having a plurality of lanes running along a surface of the guide, the lanes being configured to transport the separated electronic components from a first end of the guide arranged adjacent to the singulation device to a second end of the guide arranged adjacent to an output area. The lanes at the first end of the guide are alternately arranged into at least two layers having respective levels to receive the electronic components from the singulation device, whereas the lanes at the second end of the guide are arranged into a single layer along a common level for transferring the electronic components to the output area.

Abstract: A traveler has a platform which moves vertically within a carriage. By depressing one of three keys, the platform is depressed against a spring to the depth of one, two or three lids to be dispensed from a stack. With the desired key depressed, the entire carriage moves downwardly within a housing which has cams mounted to its side walls which displace spring mounted side separators which extend inwardly to separate the remainder of the stack of lids from the selected lids. The extended separators urge the selected lids past protruding pagers which support the remainder stack and prevent it from being dispensed. Once past the pagers, the selected lids are presented for one-handed removal by a user at a housing outlet. Constant force springs mounted between the carriage and the housing return the carriage to its initial position once pressure on the selected key is released.

Abstract: A dispenser automatically dispenses beverage cans. A housing has a conveyor along which cans are conveyed by gravity to a removal opening. A dispensing flap is on the removal opening and can be pivoted between a closed position, in which it prevents the removal of products through the removal opening, and a removal position. The dispensing flap has two trough-shaped receptacles lying at right angles to the conveyor section for one can, and is pivotal such that in the closed position a can is conveyed from the conveyor section into the first receptacle positioned to the inside of the housing, removal of the can from the first receptacle being prevented. In the removal position the can rolls from the first receptacle into the second receptacle, at the same time a new can is prevented from being conveyed from the conveyor into the first receptacle.

Abstract: A cartridge of tubulars may be removably positioned with a carriage, and the carriage may move the cartridge transversely, vertically, and/or rotationally to roll tubulars on an adjacent tubular receiving member using only gravity from a selected tier of tubulars without human contact. A single trolley disposed with the tubular receiving member both pushes and pulls tubulars toward or away from the drilling deck.

Abstract: A machine particularly adapted for dispensing light items (19) packaged in symmetrical, frustum-shaped containers. The items are propelled through a tubular cartridge (3) by compressed air, and in the absence of any solid pushing, pulling or carrying device, then individually dispensed. A flow of compressed air generated by a blower (28) is s fed to the back of the cartridge. The items are dispensed under control of a toggling dual-gate mechanism (26, 27) at the front end of the cartridge. The dual-gate mechanism of a removable magazine (2) grouping a number of cartridges can be selectively addressed and activated by means of a solenoid-driven cross-bar assembly (38).

Abstract: The present invention refers to an apparatus for dispensing capsules, preferably single-use, disposable capsules for the production of beverages, brews and the like, intended for use in connection with automatic food-product vending machines. The inventive capsule dispensing apparatus includes a plurality of receptacles adapted to accommodate capsules in a stacked arrangement, at least a rotary pick-up device provided with two or more compartments distributed about the axis of rotation thereof for removing the capsules from the receptacles, and a conveyor. The capsule dispensing apparatus is characterized in that between the at least a pick-up device and the conveyor there is arranged a distribution tray including a plurality of guide partitions adapted to enable the capsules to undergo a rotary motion.

Abstract: An entirely mechanical gas bottle dispensing machine that allows to either only dispense by gravity a filled bottle upon insertion of a first token or dispense a filled bottle with return of an empty bottle upon insertion of a second token.

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

Abstract: 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 ball drop mechanism for a game apparatus has a mechanism allowing to drop balls one by one on a desired location. The ball drop mechanism includes a housing that stores balls, a cylindrical ball passage connected to the housing, and a cogged stopper that is located in the housing near the ball passage. One side of the cogged stopper has a hollowed portion that matches a circumference of the ball passage. A golf ball dispenser is established by installing the ball drop mechanism for a game apparatus. The golf ball dispenser has a plurality of ball cylinders which install and guide a large number of golf balls and has a golf ball placer with a seesaw movement mechanism to place a ball accurately on the ground.

Abstract: A pill dispenser for use with a conventional pill bottle includes a hollow housing having an upper end with an internally threaded collar thereon for coupling the housing with the externally threaded neck of a conventional pill bottle. A tubular passageway extends from the upper end of the housing to the lower end. A spring-biased reciprocal plunger extends from a side of the housing that operates a gear actuated dispensing arm that pivots into and out of the passageway. By reciprocating the plunger, a user can individually dispense a pill through the lower end of the housing.

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: The present invention relates to a cup handling subsystem for an automated clinical chemistry analyzer system which includes a nestable sample cup for holding sample mixtures, a cup dispenser mechanism for holding and dispensing a supply of the cups into a sample shuttle for transporting them, and an incubator for controlling the temperature of the cup and its contents. In one embodiment, the cups include a conical lower portion and a cylindrical upper portion having a top flange, a bottom flange and a groove formed therebetween. An apparatus is provided for holding and dispensing a plurality of such cups including a supply tube for holding the cups in a stack wherein the stack has a bottom-most cup and a next-bottom-most cup located above the bottom-most cup. The apparatus also includes an escapement located at a lower end of the supply tube which includes a disk having an aperture formed therein, a first leaf attached to a top side of the disk and a second leaf attached to a bottom side of the disk.

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: A dispenser for dispensing solid dosing forms which include a storage compartment and a releasing portion at the bottom of the storage compartment. The releasing portion is adapted to receive a releasing device which dispenses a single solid dosage form while providing security against the release of multiple solid dosage forms as well as clogging which may prevent the release of a single solid dosage form.

Abstract: A device for dispensing single components, in particular rivets of different shapes and sizes, wherein the rivets are conveyed to a riveting station one by one in a given direction along a path; the rivets are moved along and within an elastic sheath (11) by a pressure source (P); the device also includes a device for storing the components and includes a holder (24) for feeding the components one by one to the elastic sheath (11); the device provides for the uniform and steady feeding of rivets to riveting machines such as are used in the aircraft industry.

Abstract: A disk dispenser dispenses memory storage disks including CD's and the like. The disk dispenser includes an upper guide and a lower guide attached to the upper guide. The upper and lower guides are formed with axially offset openings. The lower guide has a rim for supporting a disk. A plate mounts between the lower guide and the upper guide. The plate has an arced edge for contacting a disk. The plate slides, causing the arced edge of the plate to dispense the disk through the opening in the lower guide.

Abstract: A high-speed sluice assembly and method for transporting semiconductor devices includes a slide along which the semiconductor devices are transported and two independently controlled stoppers which control the transport of the semiconductor devices along the slide. Each of the independently controlled stoppers is connected to a separate actuator. Each of the actuators is also independently controlled. Several sensors are coupled to the slide to determine the position of the semiconductor devices as they are transported along the slide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cup handling subsystem for an automated clinical chemistry analyzer system which includes a nestable sample cup for holding sample mixtures, a cup dispenser mechanism for holding and dispensing a supply of the cups into a sample shuttle for transporting them, and an incubator for controlling the temperature of the cup and its contents. In one embodiment, the cups include a conical lower portion and a cylindrical upper portion having a top flange, a bottom flange and a groove formed therebetween. An apparatus is provided for holding and dispensing a plurality of such cups including a supply tube for holding the cups in a stack wherein the stack has a bottom-most cup and a next-bottom-most cup located above the bottom-most cup. The apparatus also includes an escapement located at a lower end of the supply tube which includes a disk having an aperture formed therein, a first leaf attached to a top side of the disk and a second leaf attached to a bottom side of the disk.

Abstract: Disclosed is a coin operated vending machine for individual golf ball or similarly sized product, includes a rotating carousel for holding stacks of product within a housing with an enclosed main display compartment and a slide assembly for dispensing product from the carousel into a dispensing area. A carousel including a plurality of vertical guides for containing a stacked array of individual golf ball units therein, is rotatably supported within the main display compartment such that each of the guides is selectively positional in vertical alignment over a drop hole below the slide assembly, the drop hole being sized and configured to receive an individual, lower most product unit dropped from the aligned guide.

Abstract: The invention describes a storage container (7), a slide, in particular for a shaft-like storage container (7) and an unloading device for unloading stacked palettes (2), in particular holed palettes for pipette strips (5). The storage container (7) is for holding a plurality of stackable consumer articles (1), such as palettes (2) fitted with small components, and comprises a cuboid shaft housing adjusted to the shape of the consumer articles (1) and a base opening (18). The storage container (7) also comprises openings (15, 16) in at least two opposite side walls (12, 13) at the same height close to the ground, wherein the openings (15, 16) are at a height (33) which is greater in stacking direction than the vertical distance (34) between the holding edges (6) of two stacked consumer articles (1).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a dispensing device for a vending apparatus which includes a shaft, having articles for dispensing, a pump, a first tube provided substantially near the bottom end of the shaft and connected to the pump for repeated inflation and deflation, and a second tube provided at a distance above the first tube and connected to the pump for repeated inflation and deflation. The distance defines a dispensing area containing an article for dispensing.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus and method for vending machines includes in one embodiment vertical vending from one or more columns. Each column is defined by two walls. A triggering mechanism at the bottom of the column is actuated by the rotation of a rod from the top of the column. The triggering mechanism blocks items placed along the column from being dropped out the bottom of the column to a delivery area but also controls when such dispensation occurs. The configuration allows items of different sizes, shapes, and types to be loaded into the column and therefore allows the column to be easily adapted to dispense a wide variety of items.

Abstract: An improved mechanical product dispensing and storage device for storing and dispensing rollable products such as canned beverages or other cylindrical or spherical products is disclosed. The products to be dispensed are stored on a feed path and roll toward a discharge end of the feed path. Located near the discharge end is a dispensing mechanism comprising of a rotatable shaft extending in the direction of and positioned at an angle to the feed path. Extending from the shaft are a pair of asymmetrical cams which rotate with the shaft to operate a pair of spring loaded separator doors used to control the dispensing of the products. A self-locking mechanism prevents the operation of the dispensing device when empty.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing tennis balls is provided having a hopper for storing tennis ball containers, a serpentine track, and a dispensing device for releasing tennis ball containers from the serpentine track. A housing of moderate size supports the various components of the apparatus, and preferably includes a money operated actuator to actuate the dispensing device, and a dispensing bin in a removable front housing panel. The apparatus may be mounted on a stand and used as a free standing unit, or placed on a counter.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically feeding pipette tips is disclosed. The apparatus includes a carrier for receiving the pipette tips, one at a time, and for presenting the tips to the pipette of an associated apparatus, such as a blood analyzer. The apparatus further includes a generally elongated feed magazine for gravity-feed of the pipette tips to the carrier. Notably, the feed magazine includes an angled, generally funnel-like entrance portion which prevents insertion of the pipette tips into the magazine in an incorrect orientation, while permitting the tips to be inserted in the correct orientation.

Abstract: An article dispensing machine (10) comprising a cabinet (12) containing a plurality of upstanding columns (14),(15),(16) each of which includes a first serpentine track unit (17) having an upper article receiving end (19) and a lower article dispensing end (21), the first track unit (17) having serpentine track sections overlying each other in contiguous relationship, a second track unit (22) including an upper serpentine section (23) disposed above the first track unit (17) and including also a rear substantially straight, vertically disposed track section (26) connected to the lower end of the upper section (23) and disposed behind said first track unit (17) and having a lower article dispensing end (27), and article dispensing control units (28),(29) at the lower dispensing ends of said first and second track units, each control unit selectively pushing and lifting an article (18),(18') to be dispensed for aiding the release thereof.

Abstract: A solid ink delivery system for supplying sticks of solid ink to a ink jet printer is disclosed. The solid ink delivery system includes a delivery assembly for each color ink stick supplied to the printer. Each delivery assembly includes a tube assembly where the ink sticks are stacked prior to their delivery to the printer. A triggerable ink stick feed assembly is provided for normally holding the in sticks in place. When triggered, the ink stick feed assembly releases the bottommost ink stick or sticks to an opening in the printer adapted to receive them, and restricts the movement of the above stacked ink sticks. The solid ink delivery system is adapted for use with a moving print head having a number of reservoir openings each adapted to receive ink sticks of a different color. A positioning means aligns the print head so the reservoir openings are under the tube assemblies that supply them with the appropriate color ink.

Abstract: In a nuclear reactor installation with a small high temperature reactor (26) all of the components of the primary loop, together with the control and shutdown installations (82, 92, 114, 116; 194, 198, 200) are located inside a steel pressure vessel (16) and may be installed and dismantled from above. This makes an economical subterranean construction possible.

Abstract: Articles such as cans vertically stacked on a serpentine shelf (30) and on a longitudinally inclined shelf (33) at the lower end thereof are dispensed one at a time by a motor driven article release mechanism (24). A single can is dispensed for each user actuation of the release mechanism (24). A pair of longitudinally and arcuately spaced fingers (72), (73) are mounted for rotation as a unit as a part of the mechanism (24), and extend at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the cans in the section. The lowermost finger (72) is normally in can-blocking position and the upper finger (73) is normally in a non-can-blocking position. Upon actuation of the mechanism, the fingers are rotated sequentially from their normal positions to a second position, where a lowermost can (C') is released and the next adjacent can (C") held in place, to their normal positions where the next adjacent can (C") moves by gravity down against the lowermost finger (72).

Abstract: A dispensing unit with a pair of product containing shaft for bottles or cans, can dispense two different types of product per shaft pair and has a high storage capacity while being compactly built. To this end a common element is assigned to a shaft pair which element can be rotated from a resting position, selectively to the right or left.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing markers for distribution in a terrain. The apatus is designed as an add-on unit for mounting on the rear of a self-propelled land vehicle.The markers are units of a foldable type comprising each a base plate and a visible marker member hingedly connected thereto and they are stacked in folded state inside one or more shafts of the apparatus. Near the bottom of each shaft there is provided a delivery gate and shears controllable from the vehicle for the sequential release of individual marker units.

Abstract: There is provided a dispenser with a casing for tablets, capsules and the like, with a drop-out opening closed by a slide for dispensing one tablet at a time, the opening being disposed at the end of a tablet feed duct designed to hold a plurality of tablets in a prearranged position. A shaking/vibrating motion is imparted to the tablet feed duct during dispensing of a tablet so as to prevent bridging of the tablets and blocking of the dispensing passageway.

Abstract: From a pile or stack of cups, which is available in a magazine, the lowermost one is released with the aid of a slide (4) in such a way, that simultaneously retaining elements (7, 16) are slid away from and separating and releasing elements (5) are slid in between the rims (3) of a lowermost cup and the one above it. In such a way, a positive release of a cup (3) is possible. The separating and releasing elements (5) are provided with upper (14) and lower (12) inclined surfaces and their common points are bevelled at (33) away from each other in the direction of feeding or releasing.

Abstract: A machine for the insertion of elongated cylindrical objects into a rapidly moving stream of envelopes at a rate of delivery equal to that of the basic machine. The invention comprises a supply hopper for the objects, a trough to feed the objects to a delivery station and a horizontally reciprocating assembly which takes one object at a time from the trough and feeds it into an open envelope. This assembly is operated by the basic machine and so feeds the objects at whatever rate the basic machine is moving the open envelopes past the insertion stations.

Abstract: A game chip storage and dispensing device having telescopically slidable inner and outer sleeves. First and second sets of flexible and resilient fingers on the lower end of the inner sleeve have inwardly extending lateral protrusions on their lower ends for engaging respectively beneath the lowermost chip in a stack of chips in the inner sleeve and the next chip above. When the outer sleeve is moved down along the inner sleeve, the first fingers release the lowermost chip and the second fingers hold the next chip above. When the outer sleeve moves back up, the second fingers release the next chip to drop onto the lateral protrusions of the first fingers.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for singly discharging laterally aligned cylindrical workpieces from the lower end of an inclined rollway. A rocker having a pivot intermediate its ends is disposed beneath the rollway and has a stop pin pivotally attached to the end of the rocker which is adjacent the lower end of the rollway and an index pin pivotally attached to the end of the rocker which is adjacent the upper end of the rollway. Sleeves are provided to receive the stop and index pins for guiding alternate advance and retract movements thereof into and out of positions projecting from the rollway in the path of the workpieces as the rocker is oscillated about its pivot.

Abstract: A hot melt adhesive gun capable of dispensing relatively large volumes of molten adhesive and comprising a hot melt chamber and a pressurized air chamber separated by a moveable element which isolates the chambers one from the other. Molten adhesive from an associated bulk supply is fed into the hot melt chamber by means of a supply nozzle temporarily plugged into a valved inlet passage of the gun only when necessary to charge the gun with a fresh supply of molten adhesive. Upon actuation of the gun trigger, pressurized air in the air chamber, drives the moveable element forward to cause adhesive to flow out of the nozzle. Upon release of the trigger, adhesive flow from the nozzle valve is discontinued. The novel gun also includes a pressure relief valve and relief port to allow the escape of trapped gas which can build up in the melted adhesive and which exceeds a predetermined pressure level.

Abstract: A vertical wall surface, providing a guide for a parallel putting stroke, is provided with an opening at the mid-point through which individual golf balls are to be ejected onto a putting surface prior to each stroke. A base, top, back and end walls enclose storage for a plurality of golf balls. A bar on the top of the device, which can be depressed by a putter, actuates a release mechanism to permit a single ball to pass through the opening in the vertical wall.

Abstract: An improved article restraining and releasing mechanism is provided for product dispensing machines in which rollable products are supported in a row upon an inclined shelf and individually released from the lower end of the shelf. The mechanism employs a pair of spaced rotatable restraining and releasing structures mounted on a rotatable shaft offset from but extending in the same general direction as the path of movement of the products along the shelf. The mechanism is particularly adapted for improving the versatility of drawer type product venders to include a capacity for efficiently handling generally cylindrical products such as canned foods.

Abstract: A dispenser comprising a housing having at least one chamber arranged to receive and store articles in pill, pellet, tablet or capsule form in bulk quantities. Embodied in connection with the housing is a feed device, a magazine and a dispensing device. The feed device directs articles from the chamber to load the magazine. The dispensing device is constructed and arranged to normally prevent exit of articles from the magazine and in the operation thereof to provide for passage of a predetermined quantity of articles from the magazine and from the housing. The feed device is operatively connected to the dispensing device to move in conjunction therewith and serve its function in a timed relation to the function of the dispensing device. In the operation thereof the dispensing device functions to agitate the feed device in a manner to insure that the magazine is maintained in a fully loaded condition as long as sufficient articles remain in said chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating, or de-nesting, the lowermost flanged container from a nested stack of flanged containers is characterized by a flange support member reciprocally movable from a first to a second rectilinear position. The flange support member has first and second flange support surfaces thereon, the second flange support surface being rectilinearly behind and in a vertical plane above the first flange support surface. In the first position, the first flange support surface supports the flanges of the lowermost container above an opening provided in a baseplate. As the flange support member rectilinearly displaces to the second position, a lifting surface lifts the flanges of the next-lowermost container onto the second flange support surface cotemporaneously with the withdrawal of the first flange support surface out of its supporting relationship with the flanges of the lowermost container.

Abstract: In a device for resistance heating of an elongated, generally cylindrical metal workpiece preparatory to quench hardening wherein the workpiece has a central, elongated axis and axially spaced first and second ends. The heating device includes first and second axially spaced electrode means for directing electrical current through the workpiece and between the spaced ends as the workpiece is supported in a selected, generally horizontal heating position. The improved feeding arrangement includes a transfer element with first and second separate nest means for supporting a workpiece with its axis generally parallel to the heating position. The second nest means is spaced horizontally from the loading position. This transfer element is reciprocally mounted for movement between a first location with a workpiece in the first nest means at the heating position and a second location with the first nest means being spaced from the heating position.