Abstract: A system for dropping golf balls at pre-determined, repeatable patterns and distances from a hole or target for putting and chipping practice may include a removable ball holder and retrieval device to retrieve golf balls that have been struck for efficiently reloading the system for repeated golf ball dispensing.

Abstract: A closing plug is screwed onto the threaded open end of a syringe by a screwing assembly provided with a pocket adapted to receive the closing plug from a hopper which houses in its inside a plurality of closing plugs, a support device of the syringe, and an actuating device for moving the pocket and the support device with respect to each other with a roto-translating movement about and along a longitudinal axis of the syringe so as to screw the closing plug onto the open end of the syringe itself.

Abstract: An automatic vending machine for vending a product selected by a user includes: an automatic vending machine cabinet having an opening that is opened and closed by a door: a plurality of product racks that is provided in the automatic vending machine cabinet, each product rack including a plurality of product storage columns each storing products ordered in a line; and a product storage device that allows a user to take out one product at a time by holding a body of the product, when the door is opened to open the opening.

Abstract: A package includes an outer container and an inner receptacle. The outer container forming a cavity for the inner receptacle having an open or openable end through which the inner receptacle can be inserted. The package includes a two-part locking mechanism for locking the inner receptacle within the cavity of the outer container. The outer container includes a first part of the two-part locking mechanism and the inner receptacle includes a second part of the two-part locking mechanism. The outer container includes at least one demarcated pressing zone, wherein the at least one demarcated pressing zone is configured and/or stylised and/or shaped and/or arranged to encourage a user to apply a force directed inwardly of the outer container toward the cavity for deactivating the locking mechanism to thereby release the inner receptacle for its withdrawal at least partially from the outer container.

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 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 relates to an automatic product dispenser, i.e. vending machine featuring improved product delivery ability. The vending machine according to the present invention comprises at least one tray (5) for supporting the products (2) to be dispensed, which is arranged in a substantially horizontal manner and is subdivided into a plurality of compartments (6), at least a conveyor belt (9) for handling the products (2) within said compartments (6) and conveying said products (2) towards a release section (35); the inventive vending machine further comprises delivery means (17) provided close to said release section (35). The inventive vending machine is characterized in that at least one of said compartments (6) is so configured as to be able to receive products (2) arranged along two rows, and in that it comprises selection means (19) adapted to arrange said products (2) into a single row in proximity of said release section (35).

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for extracting parts from a general-purpose storage for various vehicle models, the apparatus including a synchronization bar and a driving bar, which transfer driving force by a pneumatic cylinder for providing power of linear reciprocating movement, and an automatic part dropping unit that drops the parts placed on a plurality of plates rotated by the rotation of a plurality of shafts configured to be rotated by the transferred driving force.

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: The carton of this invention is capable of carrying the plurality of containers stacked upon their ends in two tiers with a unique dispenser that permits the dispensing of containers on their sides. The dispenser is formed in a top side wall and extends into the end wall with most of the end wall being torn open but leaving a portion near the bottom side wall to prevent the bottom layer of containers from rolling out. Angled projections in the dispensing end of the carton near the top panel and bottom panel prevent the top layer of containers from rolling out. A divider may be inserted between the two tiers of containers to facilitate loading the carton and preventing the containers from accidentally rolling out when the dispenser is open.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for vending products, and particularly beverage containers, of varied sizes, shapes and configurations are disclosed. The products to be vended are aligned in selectable ordered queues within a vending machine that can include a transparent front panel. A container release assembly is positioned at the end of the vend queue to vend a container upon activation. The container release assembly acts on the first-in-line container to be vended and on the second-in-line container, by retaining the second-in-line container while the first is being released. The container release assembly acts on the containers from two opposite sides of the containers.

Abstract: A dispenser assembly for elongated objects, such as plant stakes, separates the objects individually from a store and pushes them into a substrate or pot plant. Individual separation takes place by means of a construction, adjoining the dispensing opening of the store, consisting of a central roller provided with a number of longitudinal grooves for accommodating the stakes and provided on either side, some distance therefrom, with discs for supporting stakes. If the stakes are skew or if they are inadmissibly bent, they drop off the roller and are not used further.

Abstract: A golf ball dispenser for holding a plurality of golf balls. The dispenser has a handle portion, a dispensing portion, and an elongated cylindrical tube extending between the handle portion and the dispensing portion. A channel extends along the length of the dispenser and a rod is selectively slidable within the channel. The rod is connected between a trigger in the handle portion and a stopper in the dispensing portion. When at rest, the stopper keeps one or more balls within the cylindrical tube. When the trigger is depressed, the rod is lifted upward within the channel causing the rod to contact the stopper and retract it inward, thereby allowing the ball to be released from the dispenser.

Abstract: A merchandiser dispensing assembly for bottles having a cap and an integral neck flange, the assembly including a track having opposed rails receiving the neck flange in suspended sliding relation and a bottle engageable stop portion at the front end. A gate member is pivotally mounted at the front end adjacent one of the rails of the track to retain a rearward group of bottles in spaced relation from the first bottle. Removal of the first bottle permits the gate member to move out of the path of the group and allow the first bottle of the group to move into the position occupied by the removed bottle. The track includes hangers holding the rails apart and being attachable to forward and rearward transverse supports to hold the track in an inclined position to permit gravity feed of the bottles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and process providing variable access to, as well as quick and accurate dispensing of, numerous selected reagents from a mass storage arrangement. According to one embodiment, an array of reagent dispensers is supported over a movable platform assembly. The platform assembly aligns a designated receiving receptacle under a selected dispenser of the array so that a respective reagent can be dispensed therein. Advantageously, the apparatus and process can be carried out under the control of a programmed computer.

Abstract: A vending machine for vending articles such as cassettes or boxes is disclosed which has a touch screen (18) for receiving user input commands, a key pad (26) and credit card or coin payment devices (22, 24). A control system (FIGS. 11 to 13 and 23) controls operation of the machine. A vending unit (14) has a carriage (70) mounted for movement below a storage compartment (46) which is divided into a plurality of sections (74). The compartment (46) stores cassettes or boxes which can be stacked one above the other and released into the carriage (70) so that the carriage (70) can move to dispense the article through an outlet (58). A latch (80) controls movements of the cassettes or boxes (75) into the carriage (70). The latch (80) is pivotally mounted and movable from a position where abutment (196) engages a cassette or box (75) or releases the cassette or box.

Abstract: A vending machine for vending a plurality of bottles each of which are supported in an upright position only at a top portion of each of the bottles include a planar dispensing rack having a plurality of elongated slots therein for storing and dispensing bottles. The elongated slots each include a pair of substantially parallel spaced apart side walls which are spaced apart a distance less than a diameter of the top portion of the bottle to be supported in the slots. The distance between the side walls of the slot is adjustable to enable the slot to support bottles having various diameters. The side walls of each of the slots terminate in an opening at one end of each of the slots which opening has a diameter larger than the diameter of the top portion of the bottles supported by the slots to enable bottles which move from the slot to the opening to drop through the opening from the planar dispensing rack to a dispensing station.

Abstract: A merchandiser dispensing assembly for bottles having a cap and an integral neck flange, the assembly including a track having opposed rails receiving the neck flange in suspended sliding relation and a bottle engageable stop portion at the front end. A gate member is pivotally mounted at the front end adjacent one of the rails of the track to retain a rearward group of bottles in spaced relation from the first bottle. Removal of the first bottle permits the gate member to move out of the path of the group and allow the first bottle of the group to move into the position occupied by the removed bottle. The track includes hangers holding the rails apart and being attachable to forward and rearward transverse supports to hold the track in an inclined position to permit gravity feed of the bottles.

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 tubular golf ball retrieving and dispensing device that includes a tubular main body for storage of the retrieved balls with an open retrieving/dispensing end. A one-way detent obstructs the retrieving/dispensing end so that balls may be forced past the detent into the storage tube, but the balls will not exit the tube past the detent until a release mechanism retracts the detent. A handle at the distal end of the storage tube includes a triggering device for the release mechanism.

Abstract: A large product vending system which allows for the dispensing of large diameter product from a vending machine is presented. The system includes a dispense mechanism associated with the existing column walls and columns defined therebetween of a machine used for smaller diameter product. A motor and a link arm are associated with each column and control the operation of a cradle which holds the product within the column while positioning one of the products for dispensing upon actuation of the dispense mechanism. The cradle includes opposed end plates which are connected at each end thereof by a blocking bar and a dispense rod. When the cradle is cycled, the dispense rod releases the lowest product while the blocking bar engages the next product to be dispensed. After the cycle of the motor allows the product to be dispensed to clear the dispense rod, the blocking bar is moved out of the way of the next product which is then held in place by the dispense rod and one of the column walls.

Abstract: A rocker, which is pivotable for dispensing products and has a lower product support part, is arranged at the bottom of a product shaft in a product-dispensing device of a vending machine. To achieve trouble-free dispensing even in the case of bottles or cans made of a soft material, an upper product support part is formed by an attachment mounted tiltably on the rocker. A stop device, by which the rocker pivots the attachment with it, is provided between the rocker and the attachment. A free-running angle is provided between the rocker and the attachment.

Abstract: A golf ball dispenser formed of a plurality of transparent tubular golf ball containers attached by a mounting bridge member and a strap. A connector on the strap permits attaching the dispenser to a rigid object. Each container includes a loading opening and a dispensing opening. A pivotable golf ball dispensing cradle, located at the dispensing opening and spring biased in a normally closed position, is actuated by a lever to transport a golf ball from within the tubular container through the dispensing opening for removal by a golfer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a more improved Golf Ball Cleaner, ball storage with accessories such as a clipboard, area for storing tees, pencil, liquid solution and a towel. This invention is an Automatic Golf Ball Washer Caddy. This Golf Ball Washer can be used on a stationary surface, attached to a golf cart, golf bag or a power driven cart. With the aid of an electronic timer and/or a conventional switch, the primary objective of this invention is to provide an improved ball cleaner that can be used anywhere or anytime. The ball is therefore placed in the receiving chamber by a cradle. This chamber has brushes strategically placed as to promote effective ball rotation. The cleaning action is realized by the ball travelling upward and downward by a motor, shaft and a spring. The ball is rubbed against the imbedded brushes causing a cleaning action.

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: There are used article display shelves each comprising a plurality of article storing compartments arranged vertically and laterally, the article storing compartments each holding a plurality of articles in a front-declined state, and the articles in each article storing compartment are held by means of a stopper, the stopper being capable of moving between an article holding position for inhibiting free fall of article and an article release position for permitting free fall of article. On the premise that money is paid, a bucket is conveyed to a position where a desired article is to be dropped from the article storing compartment which holds the article, and the position of the stopper is shifted to the article release position by an operation performed on the bucket side. As a result, the desired article is put into the bucket, which bucket is then conveyed up to an article take-out port. In this way the sale of article is effected.

Abstract: There is provided a pallet dispensing apparatus wherein the carriage assembly is reciprocably movable in a vertical direction and has first and second transversely extending rails with pallet supporting members secured thereto. Each of the rails has a cam member at an end thereof which is movable in an associated cam guide which has first and second generally vertically extending cam tracks, an upper cam guide track extending between upper portions of the inner and outer vertical channels and a lower cam guide track extending between lower portions of the inner and outer vertical channels. The guiding movement of the cam guide with associated cam members causes the transversely extending rails to rotate and permit the dispensing of a single pallet.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf ball dispensing apparatus. The invention includes a golf ball dispensing tube mounted on a base. The golf ball dispensing tube is provided with a release mechanism which may be actuated to sequentially release the golf balls. Each golf ball travels to the discharge end of the dispensing tube and drops into a pivotally mounted conveyor tube. The weight of the golf ball rotates the conveyor tube downward and positions the end of the conveyor tube over the tee for placing the golf ball on the tee.

Abstract: A portioning mechanism for supplying a strand of ground meat to a conveyor includes a positive displacement pump supplying a grinder head, which outputs ground meat to the conveyor. The strand of meat on the conveyor has a predetermined cross-section and density, and a portioning system is provided for intermittently separating the ground meat on the conveyor in predetermined lengths, for providing a relatively accurate weight of ground meat portions. A tray supply system positions empty trays at the outlet of the conveyor, and the ground meat portions are deposited onto the trays for subsequent packaging.

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: A gravity fed culling apparatus (10) capable of singulating work pieces (12). The culling apparatus (10) comprises a transport track (11) and a rotating device (14) wherein the rotating device (14) has a first and a second protrusion (17 and 18, respectively) which cooperate with the transport track (11). A plurality of work pieces (12) are conveyed along the transport track (11) to an inspection site (13). After inspection, at least one work piece (12) is separated from the plurality of work pieces (12) and continues along the transport track (11).

Abstract: A dual dispenser for dispensing a first type of article from first and second stacks of the first articles and a second type of article from a stack of the second articles. The dispenser includes a housing having first and second magazines for holding the stacks of the first articles and a third magazine for holding the stack of the second articles, with a single article discharge slot in the housing and with means within the housing for movement of articles from each of the stacks to the discharge slot. The dispenser also includes means for moving the first type of articles from the bottom of the first stack and then from the bottom of the second stack, and from moving articles of the second type from the bottom of the third magazine. The dispensing may be controlled by coin mechanisms for each type of article or may be free, no-coin operation.

Abstract: An automated food vending system includes a vending machine having a plurality of stacks and dispenser mechanisms for dispensing standardized food package units, a microwave oven having a code reader located in a predetermined position in an interior cavity of the oven, and the food package units having standardized shapes corresponding to the vending stacks and to the microwave oven cavity. The food packages have a code for controlling the microwave oven printed in a predetermined position which is readable automatically by the code reader when the package unit is inserted in the oven. The dispenser mechanism has a configuration which allows it to be installed in existing vending machines for canned beverages. It may be fromed as a pair of pivotable holding members spaced apart in the widthwise direction of the holding stack, or as a pair of continuous belts spaced apart in the depthwise direction of the holding stack.

Abstract: A metering assembly for use in conjunction with an accumulating conveyor to separate parts, one at a time, from a row of abutting parts or from a flow of parts to create spacing on a continuation of the conveyor to enhance further operations or to discharge parts directly from the conveyor. A pivoting metering block receives a single part from the accumulating conveyor and advances it forward while retaining the next succeeding part, assuring single part spacing or discharge.

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.

Abstract: A chip separation and alignment apparatus capable of accurately and readily accomplishing separation and alignment of chips with a simple construction. The apparatus includes a chip separation and alignment section and a chip separation section. The chip separation and alignment section includes a chip cassette formed into a flat rectangular box-like shape, in which are formed a chip storage chamber, a chip alignment hole provided with an upper end opening through which the chip alignment hole is communicated with a lower portion of the chip storage chamber and a lower end opening, and at least one air ejection port arranged near the upper end opening to intermittently eject air therethrough. The chip separation section is arranged at the lower end opening of the chip alignment hole to separate chips one by one and to successively supply the separated chips to a subsequent step.

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: A pellet dispenser comprising an elongated tube for holding pellets end-to-end and a pellet restraining device on the tube. This restraining device comprises (1) a casing straddling the tube near one end; (2) a push-button; (3) a generally U-shaped body extending down from the push button and straddling the tube; (4) a spring biasing the push button and the U-shaped body to a position in which the bottom of the "U" is just beneath the tube; (5) a rigid first stop member extending from the U-shaped body up into tube to engage the front of the first pellet in the tube except when the push button is depressed; and (6) a second stop member with a soft, deformable bottom piece extending from the push button down into the tube to engage the next pellet directly behind the first pellet when the push button is depressed.

Abstract: Apparatus for stacking conical objects includes right hand and left hand side walls which are joined by divergent walls to define a tapering horizontal cross-section column in which the spacing between the opposite walls is shorter than the length of any one of the conical objects. The conical objects can be placed manually in the top of the column 1 but only in a given orientation (thanks to the tapering horizontal cross-section of the column) and only when hooked on a retaining finger projecting into the column through the side wall. The conical object at the top of the stack thus settles into an inclined orientation which it retains when the retaining finger is released to drop the cone down the column, thanks to an inertia brake to retard the wider diameter end of the falling cone and preventing the cone from becoming vertical. The retaining finger at the foot of the column releases only the bottom cone and allows any cones above it to become indexed downwardly into the bottom-most position.

Abstract: A ball dispenser for dispensing balls includes a first elongated open-ended tube for stacking the balls, a finger-operable dispenser permitting positioning, touch and inspection of a lowermost ball, and release of the lowermost ball by the finger of one hand of the user, so as to leave the other hand free. The finger-operable dispenser mechanism includes a holder mounted near one end of the first tube, a two-position spring-loaded lever pivotably mounted on the holder, and having a ball support portion normally supporting the lowermost ball, a finger-operable portion connected to the ball support portion, and a transient ball resting portion opposite the ball support portion, and which protrudes into the first tube interior through a slot formed in the tube.

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: A device for the distribution of cartridges containing ingredients for the preparation of a beverage has a housing, a cavity, a distribution tube and a delivery tube. The device also has a pivoting spring lever, and a retaining system which has a triangular shape attached to the lever on either side of the pivot.

Abstract: A solder feeding system including an apparatus for supplying a predetermined number of solder balls to at least one soldering bath once the level of liquid solder in the bath drops below a defined limit. The solder ball is shaped to have a diameter of from 5 mm to 50 mm, preferably 10 mm to 30 mm by casting, forging, or rolling. The number of solder balls added have a volume capable of raising the level of liquid solder in the bath by a distance similar to or less than a range of tolerable upper and lower limits and a thermal capacity to lower the temperature of the liquid solder within a tolerable range.

Abstract: The device of this invention is an integrated circuit singulator apparatus comprised of several arm assemblies (14, 18, 34) which act in concert to isolate or singulate an individual integrated circuit for testing of the accuracy of the circuits therein. This integrated circuit handler can accommodate integrated circuits of varying dimensions. The various arm assemblies (14, 18, 34) act to control movement of the integrated circuit devices on a track (12) without damage occurring to the integrated circuit devices.

Abstract: A mechanical feeding mechanism for delivering plugs seriatum from a cylindrical delivery chute having upper and lower latching mechanisms. Each of the upper and lower latching mechanisms are movable from a latching position wherein the latching mechanism engages a plug in the chute and an unlatching position. Linkage mechanism connects the upper and lower latching mechanisms such that when one of the latching mechanisms is in the unlatching position the other latching mechanism is biased toward the latching position.

Abstract: A roll holder for holding a stack of toilet rolls for sequential access by a user. The chamber for holding the rolls includes a pivotal member which holds the stack separate from the roll from which paper is being dispensed.In one embodiment of the invention access to the actuator for the pivotal member is blocked until the roll from which paper is being dispensed has finished and is removed.

Abstract: A multi-beam structure clip for transporting and dispensing I-beams includes two legs which stradle a stack of I-beams and which include at their lower ends dogs which extend under the upper flange of the bottom I-beam in the stack to support the stack within the clip. Each dog includes a lobe located so as to contact the upper surface of the lower flange of the bottom I-beam as the clip is lowered with the bottom I-beam being supported. Contact of the lobe against that surface pivots the dog to a retracted position so that the tip of the dog clears the upper flange of the bottom beam when the clip is raised, thereby freeing the bottom I-beam. However, as the clip is raised, the lobes of the dogs contact the lower surface of the upper flange of the bottom I-beam causing the dogs to pivot inwardly to an extended position so that as the clip is further raised, the tips of the dogs engage the lower surface of the upper flange of the next-to-bottom I-beam.

Abstract: An escapement mechanism for advancing a leading one of a row of gravity biased objects supported on a guide comprises a leading stop bracket and a trailing stop bracket pivotally mounted in fixed relation to one another and a piston and cylinder assembly, which pivots the two brackets. The brackets are angularly displaced relative to one another such that at one time, one stop bracket is in the path of the objects to back them up and the other stop is out of the path of said objects. The objects back up against the leading stop bracket and then the piston and cylinder assembly simultaneously pivots the trailing stop bracket into the path of the object immediately behind the leading object and pivots the leading stop bracket out of the path of the leading object to allow the leading object to advance by gravity beyond the escapement mechanism.