Abstract: A medication dispensing device for providing medication doses within selected periods of time. The device comprises a housing unit defining a first and second opening, a medication containment unit, a request signal generating unit, a dispensing unit, a medication collection unit, and a control unit. The medication containment unit includes a plurality of sealed dosage compartments received within the first opening in the housing. Each of the dosage compartments has an associated time period during which the dosages may be dispensed. The request signal generating unit generates a request signal. The dispensing unit causes medication doses that are requested within their respective time periods to be dispensed from the device through the second opening. The medication collection unit prevents medication doses that are not requested within their respective time periods from being dispensed from the device.

Abstract: A mutually operated medicine dispenser having a programmable timer and alarm for indicating when a patient is to take medicine. A plurality of prefilled compartments are formed between a rotatable finned carousel and a basket within which the carousel resides. As the carousel rotates, the individual compartments align with a window in the bottom of the basket allowing the medicines within the aligned compartment to fall through the window, through a spout to be dispensed.

Abstract: A medicine dispenser for allowing first and second medicine doses to be safely dispensed.

Abstract: 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: An apparatus for storage and timed taking of medicaments, in particular birth control pills, has a casing (1), in which a disc (12) is bearingly supported for rotation. The disc (12) has receiving openings (17) for the medicaments to be taken subsequently and is provided on its bottom side with a toothed rim (30) into which a tooth (28) of an interlocking means (25) resiliently engages such that the disc (12) can be rotated in one direction only. When rotating the disc (12) for one pitch of the toothed rim (30), a normally open contact (37) is closed which is inserted into the current circuit of a preprogrammed counter at which the desired moment for taking is adjustable. Upon rotation of the disc (12), one receiving opening (17) after the other is disposed above a dispense opening (19) of an intermediate bottom (9) wherefrom the medicament falls into a receiving compartment (20) from which it can be taken by actuating a rocker (21).

Abstract: An electronic parts mounting method for taking out from a parts supply device having a plurality of electronic parts at least one of the electronic parts, and mounting the part at a predetermined position of a substrate to be manufactured, includes steps of storing quantity of parts, which is held by each parts supply device, in a storing section provided in each parts supply device, rewriting the quantity of parts according to number of parts taken out from the parts supply device by a calculating section provided in each parts supply device, reading out an initial value of the quantity of parts held by each parts supply device, by a control section provided in an electronic parts mounting machine, calculating one of the quantity of parts required for the substrate and period of time required for mounting the part on the substrate by a calculating section provided in the electronic parts mounting machine, and carrying out, in advance, a parts shortage advance notification in each parts supply device based on

Abstract: 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 programmable medicine dispenser with manual override and color coded medicine canisters comprises a cabinet with a spring loaded door. A vertical magazine with a top loading port and a bottom dispensing port holds a large number of medicine canisters each containing medicine to be taken at one time. The canisters are divided into groups, each group identified by colored patches on the canisters corresponding to the scheduled doses during a day. The door is normally locked by an electro-mechanical latching mechanism to prevent access to the medicine. A programmable electronic timer is set to operate the latching mechanism to unlock the door at selectable times during the day, such that the canisters may be sequentially accessed and the medicine taken in the proper order. When the door is unlocked, it springs open to release a lever switch to activate a lamp and a buzzer to alert the patient or a caretaker that medicine should be taken at that time.

Abstract: An automatic pill dispensing apparatus is provided having a plurality of cartridges mounted on a common rotatable shaft within a housing. Each cartridge has a plurality of compartments disposed about its periphery for containing medication to be dispensed at proper intervals. An alarm is sounded for the user when the cartridges are in position for dispensing medication. A dispense bar is manually actuated by the user to eject medication into a tray for user access. The plurality of cartridges enable filling by a pharmacist of independent multiple prescriptions. The use of a manually automated dispensing bar eliminates the possibility of overdosage by taking accumulated, unused medication. A dislodging wire sweeps through each compartment as the dispense bar is depressed, thereby dislodging the medication from the compartment for user access.

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 tablet dispensing container comprehending a tubular sleeve, a reciprocating element and a locking mechanism. The tubular sleeve forms the container and has two opposing openings therein; a dispensing opening in the lower end and a reciprocating element opening in the upper end. The reciprocating element is attached to the tubular sleeve and is biased toward the upper end. A user manually depresses the reciprocating element which forces the end with the tablet accommodating mechanism through the dispensing opening thereby dispensing a tablet. A locking mechanism prevents the reciprocating element from reciprocating when in a locked position. The locking mechanism permits reciprocation of the reciprocating element when in the unlocked position. The locking mechanism is adapted to remain in either the locked or the unlocked position until manually moved to the other position. Preferably, the locking mechanism includes a visual signal which indicates when the locking mechanism is in the unlocked position.

Abstract: A self-powered, compact intelligent device senses the proximity of a consumer and draws their attention by emitting either a low level beeping sound or a 5-15 second or longer "audible commercial" or other audio/visual signal while simultaneously presenting promotional material. This point-of-purchase coupon dispenser POP-CD offers the consumer the convenience of individual, point-of-purchase coupons for immediate use.

Abstract: Medication dispenser apparatus comprises a plurality of containers for holding different kinds of medications; an injector for selectively injecting medications from their responsive containers; a dispensing station for receiving the ejected medications; and a programmable control for controlling the ejection of medications from their respective containers according to pre-programmed kinds of medication, amounts, and times. The described preferred embodiment is a group dispenser for dispensing medications for a plurality of patients, such as in the ward of a hospital, at predetermined times and in predetermined amounts.

Abstract: A device for signalling the ingestion of medicaments in tablet form packed in blister packs in which the various tablet compartments on one side are delimited by a metal foil sheet which is common to the pack as a whole. A sheet (12) of insulating material has provided therein holes (20) which are so arranged as to correspond to the positions of the tablets in the pack. Electrodes (10, 11) having an electrically conductive surface are disposed circumferentially around each hole on one side of the sheet. A first number (10) of these electrodes is mutually connected to a first signal conductor, and a second number of these electrodes is mutually connected to a second signal conductor.

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: An automatic cash transaction apparatus which dispenses a predetermined maximum amount of cash in each dipensing operation. When it is desired to dispense more than the maximum amount of cash, it carries out multiple dispensing operations. Means are provided for indicating to a user that further cash dispensing operations are to be carried out. This indication occurs no later than during the first such dispensing operation. This indication is provided by a so called "preinforming means" that, in a preferred embodiment, generates a synthetic sound to inform the execution of a next cash dispensing operation when a current cash dispensing operation is completed if the successive cash dispensing operations are carried out.

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 medication dispenser that includes a receptacle having a counting compartment with a first opening into the receptacle and a second opening through which the pills are dispensed. To be dispensed, the pills must passthrough the counting compartment and are counted during such passage. Both openings are blocked or unblocked by logic built into or remotely connected to the dispenser, which logic determines whether the pills in the compartment should be dispensed. In one embodiment of the dispenser, the pills are counted by sensing the amount of light that is passed through the compartment. The logic counts the pills by subtracting the amount of light transmitted through the compartment when it contains pills from the amount of light transmitted through an empty compartment and comparing the result to the known size of the pills. In an alternative embodiment, the pills are weighed in the counted compartment and the weight is compared to the known weight of a single pill.

Abstract: Disclosed is a stationery case for keeping writing materials, which comprises an ornament mounted on a compression spring which is fastened in the interior of the casing. The ornament has a magnet fastened therein and is pressed and released so that clips which are received inside a curved recess in the casing can be taken out of the casing and placed on a recessed surface portion on a cover at the top of the casing for ready use. A plurality of compartments are made inside the casing in the portion opposite to the curved recess for keeping a variety of writing materials. A whistle is fastened inside the casing and is controlled to make a sharp, clear sound during a downward stroke of the ornament.

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 candy container configured as a fowl or the like with the contained candy shaped like an egg. Squeezing or compressing the container causes an egg to be ejected from an orifice on the bottom of the container simultaneously generating air pressure to activate a reed type sound generator located in the bill of the container.

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 vending apparatus comprises a cabinet for storing a plurality of items available for purchase; a memory for storing product data associated with the plurality of items; a message device for visually or audibly reproducing selected segments of the stored product data; an input device for receiving selection and designation data from a user in accordance with the data in the message device; a deposit mechanism for receiving payment for items selected for purchase; and a dispenser responsive to the deposit mechanism and the input device for ejecting items selected by the user for receipt by the user.

Abstract: A dispenser for providing scheduled dosages of pills according to a predetermined medication program includes a housing containing a plurality of pill containers from which dosages of pills may be released into a user-accessible pill receiver. The release of pills is controlled such that pills are released at predetermined intervals as dictated by the medication program. On release of dosage of pills, an alarm is activated to indicate to a user that a dosage is due to be taken, the alarm being deactivated when the user accesses the pill receiver to remove the dosage of pills. If the user does not access the pill receiver within a predetermined time interval from release of the dosage, an optional remote alarm may be activated to alert a supervisor.

Abstract: The device consists of a frame defining a receptacle for an article to be normally displayed in a first position, structure on the frame for inhibiting grasping by a purchaser of an article in the first position, a trigger movable relative to the frame between a normal position and a release position for moving an article from the first position relative to the frame to a removal position as an incident of movement of the trigger from the normal position to the release position, and structure responsive to movement of the trigger from the normal position to the release position for giving a sensory indication that the trigger has been moved from the normal position to the release position and that resultingly an article has been situated in the removal position. With an article in the removal position, the article can be readily grasped by a purchaser for withdrawal of that article from the receptacle.

Abstract: A vending machine is disclosed which is protected from theft or pilferage through an alarm device contained within the vending machine. The alarm device is mounted within the vending machine and sounds an alarm when the vending machine is moved or tilted more than a certain amount for a predetermined period of time. The alarm device is inexpensive, compact and easy to install requiring little modification to existing vending machines.

Abstract: A medical dispenser includes a portable housing having a plurality of cannister-containing magazines disposed side-by-side. The cannisters are adapted to be loaded with medicines that are to be taken at different intervals. The cannisters are discharged from the magazines one at a time, the frequency of discharge being dependent upon which magazine the cannisters occupy. The cannisters are ejected from the magazine by means of a motor-driven feed slide. Dispensing operations are controlled by a motor-driven cam shaft that is operatively connected to the feed slide. The dispenser includes alarms and indicator lights that advise the user whenever a dispensing operation or a power failure has occurred.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the supply of cap members from a magazine or supply bin, via a channel, to the capping mechanism of a capping machine. At least one signal emitter, which is provided at the channel, generates an emitted signal that changes as the cap members move past, with a disruption signal being derived from the emitted signal if this emitted signal does not change during a specified time interval. A cycle signal is derived from the working or machine cycle of the capping machine. If no change of the emitted signal is determined in two successive cycles, the sum of which correspond to a full period of the cycle signal, the disruption signal is generated.

Abstract: The invention provides a portable and positionally insensitive dispensing device and system for dispensing several types of articles, packaged on strips and loaded into separate cartridges, from a single device. Dispensing is controlled from more than one cartridge by means of special clutch mechanisms acting on a common drive shaft. The dispensing device has a control system that is capable of coordinating the dispensing operations of all the cartridge stations. A host computer system permits efficient definition of dispensing schedules and control options for each cartridge station, loads those dispensing parameters into the dispensing device control system, unloads dispensing data from the dispensing device at the end of a dispensing period, and analyzes the degree of compliance of the actual dispensing operations to the dispensing schedule.

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: A tamper-proof apparatus of a type for automatically dispensing medication having a housing with a plurality of medication holding compartments each having an open bottom therein. The compartments can either be of a type which are open at the top so they can be filled manually, or they can be of a prepackaged type having a closed top and a slide-open bottom which are available from and returnable for refilling to a pharmacy. A belt is disposed under the medication holding compartments and the belt has at least one opening therein. A microprocessor is used to control a motor or the like for selectively advancing the belt so that the opening therein moves from beneath one compartment to a position beneath another compartment whereby when the opening moves below a particular compartment, pills contained in such particular compartment will drop down through the openings. The microprocessor can be programmed by authorized personnel to dispense medication from any one of the compartments at any one time.

Abstract: A medication reminder device is provided and consists of a timer built into a housing to set time intervals in which medication within a compartment in the housing should be taken and release a latch mechanism so that a cover over the compartment can be opened for removal of the medication.

Abstract: A medicine dispenser includes a container having a lid and a removable compartmentalized tray which can be positioned upon an interior container ledge and held within the container interior immediately beneath the lid when closed. The tray includes a series of apertures dimensioned and positioned on the periphery of the tray to interact with a corresponding series of pegs positioned on the ledge. This arrangement permits only a properly encoded tray to be positioned within the container interior. The lid is provided a plurality of spring-loaded, hinged tray compartment covers aligned directly over corresponding tray compartments, which can be selectively opened and shut to expose the contents of any desired tray compartment. The medicine dispenser is further provided a microprocessor within the container interior which, together with a control button on the lid, controls the operation of an audible and visual alarm, as well as the automatic opening of selected compartment covers.

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 dispensing pills wherein a rotating annular element includes a number of compartments for receiving pills. When a compartment is above an opening in the base, the pills fall into a chute and are dispensed. A pin is associated with each compartment and is placed in an activated position when pills are loaded into the compartment. When the compartment is above the dispensing opening, a pin engages a microswitch which activates audio and visual alarms. The alarms are deactivated by depressing a shut-off switch which operates a delay-type relay. A trapdoor is rotatably mounted beneath the dispensing opening and is operated by the lid of the apparatus so that in the loading position, the dispensing opening is locked.

Abstract: A controllable dispensing device for use by a drug therapist for the unsupervised administration to a patient of a drug therapy regimen. A field unit is loaded with a plurality of medication containers in a predetermined sequence. Along with the medication, a program of dosing times is stored in an electronic memory of the field unit. This program is defined using a computerized base unit and is transferred to the field unit via an interface between the base and field units. The field unit includes a display and alarm for altering the patient as to the times for dispensing and administering the medications in the containers. The field unit permits dispensing of containers only in accordance with the predefined schedule and records the actual times of container dispensing. Later, the field unit can be debriefed by the base unit via the interface and the base unit prepares a report of medication compliance for the drug therapist.

Abstract: An automatic mounting apparatus mounts chip-type electronic components on a printed circuit board. A plurality of chip-type electronic components are held at nearly equal intervals in the longitudinal direction of a tape, and this tape is drawn out from a tape reel to a feedout unit accommodated in a reel cassette together with the tape reel. The chip-type components are picked up one by one in sequence from the tape at the position of the feedout unit by a vacuum chuck, being placed on a predetermined position on the printed circuit board by this vacuum chuck. In the vicinity of the end of the tape holding the chip-type electronic components, a residual quantity indicator capable of mechanical detection is formed. When this residual quantity indicator is detected, the controller drives an alarm device such as, for example, a buzzer or a light emitter to inform that the chip-type electronic components on the tape will soon run out.

Abstract: A release mechanism is disclosed for releasing an object such as a ball from a body under the force of gravity. A bimetallic element obstructs or opens an opening in the body for retaining or releasing the object depending upon the temperature of the bimetallic element. The release mechanism may be incorporated into a novelty "brass monkey" for "emasculating" the monkey when the temperature decreases to a predetermined temperature at which the balls in the "brass monkey" are permitted to drop to a base which is designed to produce an audible sound when struck by the balls.

Abstract: An automatic pill dispenser for dispensing medical pills having different prescribed administration schedules includes a plurality of pill storage compartments each capable of holding more than one pill, an automatic release mechanism for dispensing pills at predetermined time intervals corresponding with their respective administration schedules, and a pill receptacle coupled to a pill detector such that a pill dispensed from the pill dispenser and received by the receptacle causes the pill dispenser to generate a signal to alert the patient to take the dispensed medicine. Twelve storage compartments, arranged in a ring about a vertically rotating wheel, are preloaded by a patient with all pills prescribed to be taken during a 24-hour period. The patient loads pills into individual storage compartments according to a loading code corresponding to the respective administration schedules of the pills.

Abstract: A dispensing system is provided for timed dispensing of tablets, capsules and the like, the system comprising a base unit having a top cover and bottom cover, a carousel in the base unit, and a tray including bins for receiving tablets, capsules and the like. The dispensing system further includes a processor which actuates a drive operable to move the carousel, the processor accepting input information, causing visual and sound alarms, and providing output information for programming a plurality of alarm times with daily repeat feature.

Abstract: A monitor is provided for a field planting machine having a plurality of planting units and a plurality of seed sensors respectively associated with the planting units for producing seed signals in response to the dispensing of seeds thereby. The monitor comprises a plurality of sensor circuits coupled in series circuit, one of the sensor circuits being coupled intermediate each of the sensors and a common signal line. These sensor circuits and the associated sensors are sequentially selectable for causing a first condition on the common signal line in response to production of seed signals at or above a predetermined rate and a second condition on the common signal line in response to the non-production of seed signals at or above the predetermined rate.

Abstract: Coin-release amusement apparatus dispenses tokens in response to a winning combination and includes a coin-release device for activating the apparatus; a repository for receiving coins from the coin-release device; a token storage and dispensing device separate from the coin-release device for storing a supply of tokens and dispensing controlled quantities of the tokens on a win, the token storage and dispensing device including an upper storage section, a mid transfer section and a lower dispensing section; and a provision to allow replenishing of the token supply without interrupting the operation of the amusement apparatus.

Abstract: A portable medication dispensing unit has several compartments for storing pills or other forms of medicine. The dispensing unit is programmed with a medication schedule which causes visual and audio signals when it is time for the medication to be consumed. The medication schedule is optimized to accommodate the user's personal habits and to simplify taking two or more medicines. The programming means may be integral with the dispensing unit or a separate unit.

Abstract: A seed planter monitor is used with a traveling seed planter operable to periodically dispense seeds in each of a plurality of rows. The monitor scans the outputs of seed sensors which provide electrical signals as the seeds are dispensed. A detector triggers an alarm in the absence of output signals from an examined seed sensor during a predetermined time period. A visual display identifies the row being examined by the scanner.

Abstract: A seed planter monitor is used with a traveling seed planter operable to periodically dispense seeds in each of a plurality of rows. The monitor, preferably a microcomputer device, comprises individual row counters for counting the seeds planted in each row. The monitor determines the row having the highest deviation from the average number of seeds planted per row. Whenever the maximum deviation exceeds a predetermined limit, an alarm signals an error condition to the planter operator. The monitor also senses and warns the operator of any stoppage occurring in any of the rows within a relatively short stoppage distance. Planting data is displayed to the operator during planting.

Abstract: An improved design for a vending machine is disclosed wherein the cash receipts and coin dispensing mechanisms of the machine are stored within a separate internal security pylon. The front exterior panel of the machine is pivotable relative thereto by a piano hinge to allow access to the interior of the machine for service operations, and is provided with a first lock. Opening of the front outer door allows access to a security pylon mounted behind and on the interior of the front panel which is provided with a second lock. The monetary contents of the machine are stored within the security pylon so that the cash stored therein can be removed only after successively opening the first and second locks.

Abstract: An automatic periodic pharmaceutical preparation dispenser, for alerting patients under medication when specific drugs are to be taken. The device provides orderly storage of a plurality of drugs to be taken in a given time period with a coding associated with each pill. The device further provides a timer having a signal device responsive thereto to indicate when a specific medicament is to be taken and at a predetermined time interval relative to previously administered drugs. In the several embodiments shown, the timer comprises a clock mechanism; a time chip totalizer; and a signal responsive paging device all of which are arranged to indicate when and which pharmaceutical preparation is to be taken.

Abstract: A monitor for use in a multi-row seed planting apparatus is provided for detecting seeds passing from a seed bin to a plurality of seed dispensers and for indicating by row number an improperly operating dispenser. A seed sensor is placed in the seed flow path of each dispenser to provide an output signal indicating that seeds are continuously flowing along the seed flow path through the dispenser. A two-digit seven-segment readout display is provided on the monitor and is coupled to the seed dispenser through logic circuitry which energizes the readout display to indicate the row number of an improperly operating seed dispenser.

Abstract: A dispensing rack assembly which includes an enclosure for storing one or more items to be dispensed, an access opening communicating with the interior of the enclosure through which an item can be withdrawn, and a detection device associated with the opening for detecting the withdrawal of an item from the enclosure wherein the detection device includes a radiant energy emitting device, such as an incandescent light, for directing a beam of radiant energy near the access opening, a receiving device, such as a photoelectric cell, associated with the emitting device for receiving the beam of radiant energy, and an electric circuit associated with the receiving device including a control responsive to a change in the beam received by the receiving device and a signal device actuatable by the control whereby withdrawal of an item from the enclosure changes the beam and actuates the signal device.