Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing predetermined pills in sequential order has a base with a cylindrical housing removably mounted on the base and has a pill container dispenser opening in the cylindrical housing. A pill container magazine is rotatably mounted inside the cylindrical housing and has a plurality of magazine sections thereon for holding a plurality of vertically stacked pill containers in stacked arrays. The pill container magazine in a manual embodiment has a plurality of shift knobs thereon for rotatably shifting the pill container magazine within the cylindrical housing between dispensing positions. A visual and audible signal system is mounted in the dispenser base and is actuated by a timer or clock mechanism to signal the time for a patient to take the pills in one pill container in the pill container magazine.

Abstract: An anti-pilferage alarm system for a cigarette carton display case. The system includes optical detectors, a control microprocessor, and an alarm. The detectors optically detect the presence of cartons within the shelf exit openings and emit carton-present signals upon such detection. The microprocessor is responsive to the signals and activates an alarm when a preselected detector signal pattern is observed. In the preferred embodiment, the alarm patterns include four signals within 15 seconds or one signal having a duration of 6.5 seconds.

Abstract: A medication delivery device includes a housing containing separate first and second storage locations for holding medication dosages away from access by the user. Associated separate first and second delivery mechanisms permit selective delivery of a medication dose from either the first or second storage locations to the patient. The invention provides a control element that discriminates between the actuation of the first delivery mechanism and the second delivery mechanism, thereby discriminating between the delivery of medication housed in the first and second storage locations. The control element discriminates between different first and second input criteria. In response to the first input criteria but not in response to the second input criteria, the control element actuates the first delivery mechanism. In response to the second input criteria, the control element actuates the second delivery mechanism.

Abstract: A medication dosage instruction and alarm device that indicates the time at which medication should be taken and visual instructions for the correct utilization of the medication to the user. The instruction and alarm device permits the medication to be retained within the original containers supplied by the pharmacist and provides a queuing feature that insures the medications are properly taken in sequence. A mechanism is also provided to insure that the original containers are properly restored after the medication has been taken.

Abstract: Automatic dispensing apparatus for articles, comprising an outer casing (1), a sliding door (6) movable vertically on associated slide guides (7) fixed to the outer casing, there being provided below the sliding access door a movable wall (11), equipped along its lower edge with a hinge (12) in engagement with the outer casing (1), equipped with blocking devices (13) with associated drive structure (21, 22), movable between a closure position which interferes with the sliding of the sliding door and an opening position which does not interfere with said door.

Abstract: An automatic distribution machine includes a plurality of bin modules, each bin module being adapted to dispense packages onto a conveyor belt or the like. The bin modules are removable and interchangeable, thereby facilitating replacement if one fails. A sorting operation performed by the machine is controlled by a computer, which communicates with the bin modules through a common data bus. Expansion of the sorting operation can be achieved by extending the data bus to additional bin modules.

Abstract: A vending machine for beverage containers comprising a frame having front, side and rear faces; a bowed sign panel substantially covering the front face and extending outwardly therefrom, said sign panel being fabricated from transparent materials with translucent display fields thereon; illumination means disposed behind the bowed sign panel for backlighting the same; a control panel disposed within the bowed sign panel; and a discharge port for presenting beverage container to customers through the bowed sign panel. The bowed sign panel contains a product-identifying logo thereon corresponding to at least one type of beverage can, such as a primary product to be vended, the logo being displaced on the signal panel in the same manner as the logo on the primary product beverage can. The curved or bowed shape of the sign panel is such that the overall appearance and configuration of the vending machine, viewed from the front face thereof, suggests the appearance of a can of beverage of the primary product.

Abstract: A medication delivery device includes a housing containing separate first and second storage locations for holding medication dosages away from access by the user. Associated separate first and second delivery mechanisms permit selective delivery of a medication dose from either the first or second storage locations to the patient. The invention provides a control element that discriminates between the actuation of the first delivery mechanism and the second delivery mechanism, thereby discriminating between the delivery of medication housed in the first and second storage locations. The control element discriminates between different first and second input criteria. In response to the first input criteria but not is response to the second input criteria, the control element actuates the first delivery mechanism. In response to the second input criteria, the control element actuates the second delivery mechanism.

Abstract: An adhesive label separator has an edge for abruptly changing the path of the backing paper to achieve separation of the label from its backing paper. A mechanism is provided for adjusting the height of the edge to accommodate different sizes of labels, and also to deactivate the separator. The height adjustment mechanism may be a pin and slot assembly, or it may be motor-driven. A sensor mechanism is provided for sensing whether the label has been removed from the paper. The label separator is suitable for use with typewriters and computer printing devices.

Abstract: A vend space allocation apparatus and method for use with a vending system capable of vending from among a plurality of classes of selectable vendable products a product from a selected product class, which vending system has a plurality of product storage areas and an established vend space allocation configuration allocating the product storage areas to the classes of selectable vendable products, the vend space allocation apparatus including a vend selection monitoring portion for monitoring over a period of time the historical demand for the various classes of selectable vendable products, a determining portion for determining, based at least in part upon said historical demand, space allocation information indicative of a preferred vend space allocation configuration for the vending system, and a display for communicating to authorized personnel such space allocation information.

Abstract: A multiple-product merchandizing machine having a cylindrical drum mounted within a cabinet. The drum is divided into a plurality of horizontal shelves each of which is divided by a plurality of vertical walls into separate compartments from which the product can be dispensed. These compartments can be brought into alignment with access doors associated with each level and the doors, which are normally maintained locked, can be opened upon the insertion of adequate currancy in the machine to remove the product. The access door locking system prevents more than one door from being opened at one time. The drum is rotatable in either direction by a reversible motor. A viewing area is provided in the front of the machine which allows a prospective customer to see the product as it passes by. The drum is divided into sections with opaque walls which prevent viewing from the viewing areas of more than half of the compartments on a shelf when the drum is in its rest position.

Abstract: A medication dispensing system comprises a portable, securable medication cabinet which includes a programmable logic controller to provide for patient medication control. The system includes periperal components such as a transmitter, patient response means, display means, and a clock. The securable medication cabinet permits easy access by the patient to medication which is prescribed and dispensed logically. The securable cabinet restricts access by the patient to unauthorized medication. The securable medication cabinet contains a plurality of medication dispensing components, each comprising dispensing means, such as a coil attached to a motor positioned interiorly of a wall of the cabinet, to hold a medication package and dispense the package upon actuation of the dispensing means, with means for actuating the dispensing means. A receptacle in the bottom of the cabinet receives a medication package as it is dispensed.

Abstract: A medication dispensing assembly which comprises a stationary annular plate in which a boss formed on a moveable plate is received. The boss is provided with a set of deformations on its periphery which are useful to close a switch. A drilling in the moveable plate, aligned at each depression, is then useful to receive an insert pin to fill the deformation. A microswitch riding on the periphery of the boss is then closed at each unfilled deformation to provide an audio and visual signal. The moveable plate is provided with a set of depressed sectors each in alignment with a corresponding deformation on the boss and each provided with a dispensing hole. A single dispensing port is formed in the stationary plate and when the sector is advanced for dispensing to this port the visual and audio signals are set off.

Abstract: A health care product dispenser is provided which includes a base which is designed and adapted to be mounted in a substantially vertical orientation, and which further includes one or more normally closed combined holder and dispenser pockets which are designed and adapted to release one or more health care product by gravity discharge. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the holding and dispensing element is integral to the front surface of the base and protrudes therefrom. The holding and dispensing element may be comprised, for example, of a pair of parallel sidewalls which project from the base, a bottom wall which normally slopes downward, for example, away from the base, and a normally closed gate which is opposed to the base and positioned to normally close the sidewalls and complete an open pocket holder and dispenser in which health care products are placed to be retrieved by gravity feed.

Abstract: A vend space allocation monitor apparatus and method for use with a vending system capable of vending from among a plurality of classes of selectable vendable products of product from a selected product class, which vending system has a plurality of product storage areas and an established vend space allocation configuration allocating the product storage areas to the classes of selectable vendable products, the vend space allocation monitor apparatus including a vend selection monitoring portion for monitoring over a period of time the historical demand for the various classes of selectable vendable products, a determining portion for determining, based at least in part upon said historical demand, whether such established vend space allocation configuration is consistent with selection demand norms, and a display communciating to authorized personnel such determination, whereby such authorized personnel may, if they so desire, undertake a re-configuration of vend space allocation for such vending system.

Abstract: An agricultural implement such as a grain drill or similar seeding implement includes a plurality of transversely spaced seed meters having fluted feed wheels fixed to and transversely movable with a drive shaft which is controlled by an actuator to vary seeding rate in response to an indication provided by a sensor or sensors associated with one or more of the meters. An electronic controller includes a desired seeding rate input and provides an indication of the actual seeding rate. In one embodiment of the invention, an error signal indicative of the difference between the actual and desired seeding rates is utilized in a closed-loop system to move the shaft to automatically maintain the desired seeding rate. In a wider implement with more than one shaft, a switching circuit is utilized to permit a single control circuit to provide individual section seeding rates and to automatically operate the actuator associated with the given drive shaft in accordance with the error signal.

Abstract: An alarm pill box (11) has an alarm cancelled by the opening of a lid (12) to provide access to at least one medication compartment (16,17). An electronic memory is responsive to the cancellation of the alarm and records each cancellation. An associated indicator display (23) provides a visual indication of each record. Additionally, or alternatively, timer adjustment controls are inactive to adjust instant or alarm times when the lid (12) is closed, thereby requiring the lid (12) to be open in order to adjust the times.

Abstract: An improved medication dispenser station is provided for controlled access storage of medications and other pharmaceuticals in a medical facility, such as a hospital or the like. The dispenser station comprises a housing with a plurality of normally locked drawers which have been preloaded with selected pharmaceutical items. A control unit on the housing is programmed to unlock the drawers one at a time to permit access to the contents thereof, with such access being contingent upon keyboard entry of a predetermined access code and other selected information sufficient to generate an access record. In a preferred form, each drawer includes multiple compartments containing multiple pharmaceutical items in a presorted array.

Abstract: A wearable personal/medical information device includes a data display with an associated legend display. A memory stores items of personal and/or medical information relating to the person wearing the device. Upon operation of a switch, the stored information is displayed with the personal/medical information indicated by the data display, and a corresponding legend indicated by the legend display. In a preferred embodiment, certain data such as medical information is preset in a read only memory, and other data which the user may change from time-to-time is stored in a read/write memory.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a container for dispensing tablets in a non-reversing manner. The container includes a main container body, an actuator disk and a stop. The main container body is adapted to receive at least one stack of tablets and has an operating orifice and at least one annularly located ejection post. It is adapted to receive and rotatably hold the actuator disk so as to render it rotatable about a central axis. The actuator disk has a first recess which form a complete annulus about the central axis and is coincidental to and mates with the ejection post. The actuator disk also has a recess of width and depth sufficient to receive a predetermined number of one or more tablets, which has an inward end which is at least coincidental with the dispensing orifice when located thereunder and an outward end which is open for tablet dispensing. The container also includes a stop to assure that said actuator disk can only be rotated in one direction.

Abstract: A counting device determines the number of similar articles, or parts, passing a detector. The device is especially useful in packaging small parts into containers, and in insuring that each package contains the correct number of parts. The counter is preferably of the type in which the parts interrupt a beam of light, changing the current through a photoelectric cell. When the current in the photoelectric cell falls below a predetermined threshold level, the device generates a pulse which indicates the presence of a part. The pulses are counted electronically. The device preferably includes a microprocessor which can efficiently control the counting, calibration, and diagnostic operations. The microprocessor stores information relating to the threshold current level, for a given type of part. The value of the threshold can be determined by a separate calibration procedure.

Abstract: A unique method and apparatus for dispensing tablets having particular application in the clinical analysis of biological samples. A series of containers are advanced past a plurality of processing stations, one of which is a table dispenser in turn. The processing stations are selectively activated by a controller. A sensor is associated with the tablet dispenser and is arranged to detect whether a tablet has actually entered a container. The sensor is activated only when the tablet dispenser is activated. The controller is responsive to the sensor in dependence upon the condition sensed by the sensor.

Abstract: A game or prize dispensing apparatus and method which transfers prizes or objects from a lower position in the machine to an upper position of the machine, releasing the prizes and allowing them to freefall. The player attempts to strike or grab the falling prize by actuating a mechanism at the appropriate time. A successfully struck or grabbed prize may then be dispensed.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the dispensing of drugs to a patient is disclosed. This device includes a detector which determines the actual physical delivery of the drug dosage to the patient. This eliminates ambiguities associated with devices in the art which only monitor inferentially the dispensing of the drug dosage to the patient. The detector can include an optical sensor which notes the physical passage of the drug dosage through a dispensing port to the patient.

Abstract: A medicine cart is set forth and a means and method of dispensing medicines including narcotics on nurse rounds is disclosed. The cart includes a CPU with memory and various input devices. The cart has a locked section to secure narcotics. As nurse rounds are made, individual doses of narcotics and medicines or both are dispensed. At the end of the medication round, hard copies reflecting individual patient medications are printed, and beginning and ending narcotics inventories for the cart are also compiled. Chart entries for patients are likewise printed.

Abstract: A control arrangement for an automatic vending machine includes a price memory device for preliminarily storing selling prices of commodities, a coin signal output section for outputting coin signals upon insertion of coils, a sum calculating device for calculating a sum of inserted coins in response to the coin signals, a difference calculating device for calculating a difference between the sum of the inserted coins and the selling price, a device for calculating the required number of coins for change by dividing the difference by the sum of coins of the same denomination, and a device for judging vendibility at the selling price based on whether or not the required number of coins for the change is present. In this way, the vendibility of all commodities may be determined according to their selling prices without successively subtracting the value of change to paid out for each increment of selling price, and prior to the actual vending of the commodity.

Abstract: A device for detecting the dispensing of drugs from a container in a way which eliminates false detection events due to mishandling of the container is disclosed. The device includes a container which may be opened and closed. It also contains a means for detecting the opening and separately detecting the closing of the container as well as means for measuring the time between these events and comparing this elapsed time to a predetermined standard indicative of drug dispensing event. The times of proper drug dispensing events are stored in the device for use by the health care professional following the patient's drug dosing compliance. Other opening and closing intervals which fall outside this time range give rise to an alternative response. They may be recorded with a notation of their probable error or they may be disregarded.

Abstract: A time of last sale recording device for a newspaper vending machine. The time recorder uses a proximity sensor to send a signal to a predetermining subtracting counter for each time the vending machine door is opened. One digit is subtracted each time the door is opened (newspaper removed). When the counter goes to zero, the hour meter stops and that is the time of last sale. The data recorded is useful in determining the number of newspapers to leave in the vending machine at future dates. Vending machine sales can be optimized when coupled with other marketing information.

Abstract: An installation for making up batches of articles, the installation being characterized in that it comprises at least one work station for one operator, said station including a storage member (4) for storing said articles species-by-species, said articles each being provided with automatically readable identification means, said station also including a reader (19) for automatically reading the said identification means and a hatch (17) communicating with a chute (18) whose opening is controllable, said installation further including an endless chain of buckets (21) disposed in such a manner that the buckets pass beneath the chutes, and a moving belt (25) disposed beneath the buckets and receiving the boxes (26) for receiving the batches of articles via an inlet station, each bucket being provided with a controllable pivoting device in order to cause the article contained therein to fall into a box, the installation including a station (20) from which loaded boxes are removed and being controlled by a comput

Abstract: A medication dispenser includes a container having a main compartment, a selection compartment, and an exit compartment whereby a pill or the like is dispensed from the container by passage from the main compartment, through the selection compartment, and to the exit compartment. The configuration of the pill selection compartment may be selectively varied and adjusted into a preselected configuration substantially conforming to the shape and size of a pill contained in the main compartment. A flexible first gate selectively extends between the selection compartment and the main compartment, a second gate selectively extends between the selection compartment and the exit compartment, and a third gate selectively extends across the exit compartment, near the container exterior. Initially, the second gate is in an extended position, and the first and third gates are in nonextended positions.

Abstract: A system for dispensing medications in a health care institution includes a computer system connected to control a plurality of remote medication dispensers. Pharmacy terminals are provided for entering medication orders and software in the computer system controls the dispensers to dispense medications according to the orders specified. The system includes support for dispensing medications from floor stocks. In either case, medications are administered in accordance with instructions from the computer system generated in accordance with said orders. The system further includes software for identifying medication duplications and potentially dangerous drug interactions based on orders entered into the system at the pharmacy. Inventory control and restocking features are also provided.

Abstract: The disclosed pill dispenser is of the disc or carousel type and has a base provided with a flat top over which the disc is superimposed so that the bottom face of the disc is so closely proximate to the top face of the base as to prevent the gravitational escape of pills, tablets, capsules, etc. from vertical pill containing pockets in the disc except via a controlled radial slot having a gate timed with rotation of the disc on the basis of a predetermined number of dosage periods per day and a predetermined number of days according to a power source in the form of a clock motor, for example. In a preferred form of the invention the gate-controlled slot depends upon the spirally arranged pattern of the dosage pockets and the gate moves in the slot in accordance with a like spiral track. Each pocket is capable of containing a plurality of pills; e.g., in instances in which multiple pills of different types are prescribed.

Abstract: A vending machine includes a plurality of selection switches corresponding to a plurality of items to be sold respectively, and in response to insertion of coins and the subsequent operation of any of selection switches, the item corresponding to the selection switch is vended. A RAM is installed associatedly with a microcomputer, and this RAM contains memory areas for storing the sales quantity and the sales amount on item basis, and these data are renewed at every vending. The RAM further contains a price memory area for storing the sales price of each item. When any of selection switches is operated in ready state of the machine, the price of the item corresponding to that selection switch is read from the RAM and is displayed on the inserted-amount display. Furthermore, when a selection switch is depressed in the state when the management mode is set up, the price of the item corresponding to that switch is displayed likewise.

Abstract: An automatic ticket handling machine AT adapted for use as a ticket vending station, presenting a display screen D, a telephone receiver-speaker unit TEL and a credit card reader unit CR, etc.Within machine AT is a sheet handling mechanism adapted to receive processed tickets (from a printer) in a "holding bin" secured within the machine which can either "dump" them or be shifted to present them to a user automatically when the user raises the access door of machine AT.

Abstract: A tablet container having a cover and sliding tray is used for dispensing birth control tablets for either a twenty-one-day or twenty-eight-day cycle. Normally, the tray does not slide completely out of the cover and is stabilized with respect thereto when open. The case resembles a cosmetic compact and is reuseable in that once birth control tablets contained in a blister pack are used up, a new blister pack may easily be inserted.

Abstract: A medication dispenser station is provided for controlled access to and dispensing of a plurality of different medications. The dispenser station comprises a lockable cabinet containing multiple medication-containing cassettes associated respectively with the different medications and mounted in a vertical stack, with the cassettes having aligned discharge openings cooperatively defining an open discharge chute. Each cassette includes a tray supporting a respective one of a plurality of rotatable carousels having vertically open compartments preloaded with individual doses of a respective one of the different medications. A control unit for the dispenser station responds to appropriate data input using an externally accessible keypad to rotate a selected carousel within its associated tray to sweep the medication within one of the carousel compartments into the discharge chute.

Abstract: An improved medication dispensing system is provided for controlled preprogrammed dispensing of medication to a patient and for creating a retrievable patient medication record. The system includes a dispensing unit located, for example, at patient bedside within a hospital room or the like and adapted to receive a pair of medication canisters having magazines with individual cassettes which have been preloaded in a preprogrammed manner in the hospital pharmacy or the like respectively to contain scheduled and unscheduled medications for administration to the patient. The dispensing unit is programmed according to individual patient needs to signal a nurse or other personnel at selected times when scheduled medication is prescribed, whereupon the scheduled medication can be accessed for dispensing only after entry of valid nurse or other personnel identification code into a dispensing unit memory.

Abstract: An article dispenser for dispensing articles from a vending machine is disclosed. The article dispenser includes an article storage area which has a bottom opening through which articles are dispensed and an article dispensing mechanism which dispenses the lowermost articles stacked in the storage area through the bottom opening. The dispensing mechanism includes a rotating shaft which controls the opening and closing of the bottom opening of the storage area and is driven by a motor. The motor is controlled by a control device which starts the motor after receiving a start signal and which temporarily stops the motor after receiving a motor stop signal.

Abstract: A device for indicating when medication should be taken has plural compartments, each of which may store medication. An electrical signaling system emits take-medication signals from time to time, each of which said signals indicates (a) that medication should be taken, (b) from which compartment the medication should be taken, (c) the quantity of medication to be taken from the designated compartment, and instructions for taking the medication. If a designated compartment is not promptly opened and closed, the electrical signaling system will sound an alarm. If each designated compartment is opened and closed, the take-medication signal and the alarm (if operating) are turned off. A reload signal is given once a week, as a reminder to reload the compartments with medication. The device has modular construction.

Abstract: A container for medication has four compartments, each of which may store medication. An electrical signaling system emits take-medication signals from time to time, each of which said signals indicates (a) that medication should be taken, (b) from which compartment the medication should be taken, (c) the quantity of medication to be taken from the designated compartment, and instructions for taking the medication. If a designated compartment is not promptly opened and closed, the electrical signaling system will sound an alarm. If each designated compartment is opened and closed, the take-medication signal and the alarm (if operating) are turned off. A "night" switch is associated with each compartment and when manually operated turns off the signaling system for such compartment; however, the signaling system is automatically reactivated the next morning. A reload signal is given once a week, as a reminder to reload the compartments with medication.

Abstract: An interactive drug dispenser which actively controls the pattern in which doses of one or more pharmaceutical preparations are administered to a patient. The dispenser is programmed with information concerning an initial dosing regimen, and monitors deviations from that regimen. The dispenser is adapted to calculate from the dosage deviation a dosing error correction factor which corrects a patient's measured plasma drug concentration for deviations from a prescribed dosing regimen, so as to distinguish the effects of patients' dosing errors from suboptimal prescribed dosage regimens.

Abstract: A dispenser containing a plurality of packaged rolls of bandage strips includes a case having upper section and a lower section which accommodates packaged rolls of bandage strips. The case has at least one slot for dispensing bandage strips and the bottom side of the case has a flat area which can be adhered to a flat support. Each packaged roll of bandage strips includes a series of bandage strips disposed in end-to-end relation with packaging material surrounding the bandage strips, transverse seals for maintaining strips sterilely separate from each other, lines of weakness in the packaging material, each located forward of a respective seal for aiding the separation of the packaging material and a corresponding bandage strip from the remainder of the roll while maintaining the bandage strips in the remainder of the roll in a sealed sterile condition.

Abstract: A drug dispensing apparatus which is arranged to form divided separate packets during intermittent transport of a packaging sheet in its longitudinal direction and to print messages for predetermined items on the separate packets. The print format may be edited as desired by an operator. Portions of the packaging sheet which are not part of the separate pockets may be printed with the cumulative status of the drug dosage which is accommodated in the printed pockets.

Abstract: A contingent dosing device which actively controls the pattern in which doses of one or more pharmaceutical preparations are administered to a patient. The device is programmed with information concerning an initial dosing regimen, and monitors deviations from that regimen. Based on the acceptability of the calculated deviations, the device may dispense or withhold medication. The invention also includes an automatic drug dosage compliance method using the contingent dosing device.

Abstract: A vending machine includes a plurality of selection switches corresponding to a plurality of items to be sold respectively, and in response to insertion of coins and the subsequent operation of any of selection switches, the item corresponding to the selection switch is vended. A RAM is installed associatedly with a microcomputer, and this RAM contains memory areas for storing the sales quantity and the sales amount on item basis, and these data are renewed at every vending. The RAM further contains a price memory area for storing the sales price of each item. When any of selection switches is operated in ready state of the machine, the price of the item corresponding to that selection switch is read from the RAM and is displayed on the inserted-amount display. Furthermore, when a selection switch is depressed in the state when the management mode is set up, the price of the item corresponding to that switch is displayed likewise.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for dispsensing medications prescribed by a doctor or other medical personnel. A portable memory device (such as a magnetic card) is used to store data representing prescription information. Prescription information is encoded into the memory device by a programming device located in a pharmacy. A container having a plurality of individual compartments is filled at the pharmacy with medications in accordance with the prescription information. The portable memory device and filled container are transported together to a medication dispenser located near a patient. The dispenser includes apparatus which reads the prescription information from the memory device and makes medications within the individual compartments available to the patient only at prescribed times. The medication dispenser also includes apparatus for monitoring whether or not the patient is complying with the prescribed medication schedule. Patient compliance information is stored within the memory device.

Abstract: An apparatus for individually depositing articles comprises a cylinder with a plurality of accommodating apertures, each of which is adapted to accommodate a single article only from a supply. The apparatus is adapted to retain the articles in the apertures and comprises nozzles for removing superfluous articles from the cylinder. Moreover, the apparatus is adapted to release the articles from the apertures. In order to secure that the articles are deposited one by one without any interruptions in the depositing pattern, the apparatus comprises a supplementary cylinder having accommodating apertures corresponding to the accommodating apertures of the cylinder. Also each of the accommodating apertures of the supplementary cylinder is adapted to accommodate a single article only from a supply, the supplementary cylinder also comprises nozzles for removing superfluous articles and is also adapted to retain the articles in the accommodating apertures.

Abstract: A vending machine for beverage containers comprising a frame having front, side and rear faces; a bowed sign panel substantially covering the front face and extending outwardly therefrom, said sign panel being fabricated from transparent materials with translucent display fields thereon; illumination means disposed behind the bowed sign panel for backlighting the same; a control panel disposed within the bowed sign panel; and a discharge port for presenting beverage containers to customers through the bowed sign panel. The bowed sign panel contains a product-identifying logo thereon corresponding to at least one type of beverage can, such as a primary product to be vended, the logo being displayed on the sign panel in the same manner as the logo on the primary product beverage can. The curved or bowed shape of the sign panel is such that the overall appearance and configuration of the vending machine, viewed from the front face thereof, suggests the appearance of a can of beverage of the primary product.

Abstract: A display and dispensing unit is provided which carries a first row of containers that are adapted to contain articles for dispensing and a second row of containers spaced above and recessed behind said first row of containers. Each of the containers is open at the bottom end and has a drawer to close the bottom end of the container. The drawer is sized to receive therein at least one of the articles stacked in the associated container, which drawer can be partially withdrawn therefrom so as to extract an article from the container. A sign is provided in relation to each container to indicate a characteristic of the articles for which the container is intended, and an explanatory panel is provided in respect of these signs.

Abstract: A drug dispensing apparatus includes a drug dispensing unit and a control unit. The apparatus dispenses an individual drug dose or doses to a common collection area from one or more drug dispensing cartridges for packaging. The drug dispensing unit of the apparatus is internally provided with a plurality of shelves, each arranged one upon another. A plurality of drug dispensing cartridges are removably disposed side by side on each of the shelves. Each drug dispensing cartridge accommodates a plurality of individual identical drug doses. Each dosage is discharged from the cartridge, one at a time, through rotation of rotary members in compliance with input information from the control unit.