Abstract: A pill dispenser includes a base formed to include several pill-receiving compartments and a cover formed to include an opening. The cover is mounted for rotation on the base to allow a user to align the cover opening with a selected one of the pill-receiving compartments so that the user can access any pills stored in the selected pill-receiving compartment.

Abstract: A cabinet suitable for use in storing items. The cabinet includes a drawer having a base. A plurality of cassettes are arranged within the drawer. Each cassette is individually movable in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the base. A plurality of locking mechanisms cooperate to inhibit movement of each of the plurality of cassettes. A controller is operable to actuate one or more locking mechanisms to release one of the plurality of cassettes for movement.

Abstract: A product contact sensor of the type shown and described herein.

Abstract: A device for dispensing items comprises a cabinet having an interior for storing items. A dispenser frame is coupled to the cabinet and is configured to be accessed, such as by pulling the dispenser frame from the cabinet. The dispenser frame includes a plurality of dividers that are configured to hold the plurality of dispensing mechanisms that each hold multiple items within the storage area. Further, the dividers are reconfigurable to permit the arrangement of the dispensing mechanisms to be adjusted. A lockable door is coupled to the front of the cabinet in front of the dispenser frame. The door may be opened to provide access to the interior of the cabinet and to the dispenser frame. A dispense drawer is positioned below the storage area so that items dispensed from the dispensing mechanisms fall into the dispense drawer, where they may be accessed by pulling open the dispense drawer.

Abstract: A product combining individual novelty candy dispensers and health and beauty dispensers into a single device. In one embodiment a lip balm dispenser is combined with a breath spray dispenser into a single product. In another embodiment, a lip embodiment a lip balm dispensers is combined with a candy dispenser into a single product. In a third embodiment, a candy dispenser, breath spray dispenser and lip balm dispenser are all combined into one product.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for dispensing items from a dispensing unit. According to the invention, the dispensing unit comprises a plurality of locations in which the items are held, a processor in which records corresponding to the items on the unit are stored, and a plurality of item switches corresponding to the locations in which the items are held. The item switches are connected to the processor so that a user of the dispensing unit can input records of items removed from the unit into the processor. The apparatus described is particularly suited for dispensing medical supplies although the apparatus will be usable for other types of items as well. Preferred embodiments will include a plurality of visual indicators, typically in the form of light emitting diodes, corresponding to the locations in which the items are held.

Abstract: A vending machine is provided with a cabinet having a plurality of inclined, vertically spaced shelves. The shelves are able to selectively feed a beverage container to an elevator which is located adjacent an interior, right side wall of the cabinet of vending machine. A beverage container is dispensed by an escapement block of a shelf onto the elevator. The elevator vertically moves the beverage container, and then dispenses the beverage container to a delivery mechanism which gently lowers the beverage container to a delivery port which communicates with the exterior of the vending machine. The shelves in the cabinet are readily reconfigurable such that their vertical spacing within the cabinet can be easily altered. The escapement blocks of the shelves are mechanically activated to dispense a beverage container by an activation device on the elevator. Thus, electrical power and control signals for the individual shelves are not necessary.

Abstract: An electronic device mounting apparatus prevents an error at the setup time prior to startup of the apparatus and enables mounting of proper electronic devices without a mistake. A cartridge and a lane of a cartridge mounting rack have a cartridge side connector (upper electrode portion, connection plug, lower electrode portion) and a lane side connector (fixed plug) which are electrically connected when the cartridge is installed on the lane. An error detecting circuit is formed by employing these connectors as part thereof. The error detecting circuit determines whether or not the installation position of the cartridge is appropriate depending on the conductive state or non-conductive state from a power supply to a warning buzzer when the connectors are connected.

Abstract: A dispenser (1) for dispensing strip elements (4), having a supply chamber (3) for accommodating a strip-element stack (St), and having a discharging pusher (14) with a nose (16) for interacting with a first strip element (4′) of the strip-element stack (St), via a discharging slot (15) which is adapted to the thickness (y) of a strip element (4). In order to achieve a more functionally advantageous solution, the discharging pusher (14) has a pusher nose (16) which is made of elastically compliant material and, in the uninfluenced state, projects by more than the thickness (y) of the strip element (4).

Abstract: There is disclosed a medicine supply apparatus which can easily and securely prevent a disadvantage that a medicine is wrongly supplied. The medicine supply apparatus comprises a plurality of tablet cases stored in a main body case storage part, each tablet case including a container for containing medicines, and a discharge drum for discharging the medicines one by one from the container, each tablet case is provided with a memory in which identification data for identifying the tablet case is written, and a main body is provided with a controller for identifying the tablet case based on the identification data in the memory of each tablet case, and executing the drive control of the discharge drum of each tablet case.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for randomly dispensing objects, such as chocolate candies, a kit of parts, and a method for playing games, or educational exercises. that utilizes the random dispenser apparatus. The apparatus includes a housing having a substantially hollow interior portion for holding a plurality of the objects and a dispensing opening dimensioned to allow a single object to be dispensed. An object sorter is provided for aligning the objects for individual dispensing through the dispensing opening of the housing. Finally, an actuator is provided for individually dispensing the single object from the object sorter through the dispensing opening of the housing. In operation, the objects are held within the housing and are randomly aligned within the object sorter such that a user will not know which of the objects will be dispensed when the actuator is actuated. The objects are then dispensed through the dispensing opening in the housing when the actuator is actuated.

Abstract: A device and method for dispensing pills or vitamins is disclosed which includes a rotatable chamber within a housing. The chamber contains multiple slots for storing the pills or vitamins, and the housing has at least one dispensing hole so that pills will fall from the containment slot when it is aligned with the hole. The chamber may be rotated by motorized or manual means, with the preferred motorized means being an electric motor connected to a worm drive that engages gear teeth along the edge of the chamber, and the preferred mechanical means being a handle with a hinged tab.

Abstract: A portable electrically operable and tamper resistant medication dispenser for supplying multiple daily medications to a patient on a predetermined schedule and which includes a programmable assembly for indexing a plurality of containers which are filled with the medications to a dispenser outlet.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for dispensing items from a dispensing unit. According to the invention, the dispensing unit comprises a plurality of locations in which the items are held, a processor in which records corresponding to the items on the unit are stored, and a plurality of item switches corresponding to the locations in which the items are held. The item switches are connected to the processor so that a user of the dispensing unit can input records of items removed from the unit into the processor. The apparatus described is particularly suited for dispensing medical supplies although the apparatus will be usable for other types of items as well. Preferred embodiments will include a plurality of visual indicators, typically in the form of light emitting diodes, corresponding to the locations in which the items are held.

Abstract: A device for dispensing pull tab tickets, lottery tickets and other articles and the articles to be dispensed thereby are set forth. The device includes one or more carousels removably retaining magazines containing tickets to be dispensed. The carousels are indexed to position a magazine for dispensing the article. After the patron has paid for the ticket, a dispensing mechanism pulls the article from the magazine and dispenses it. Each article has at its margin a slot which cooperates with a rod in the magazine to hold the articles in the magazine. When dispensed, the article is pulled from the rod.

Abstract: A drug dispensation method and apparatus significantly reduces the likelihood that a nurse or other health care personnel will inadvertently administer the wrong drug to a patient. The method and apparatus identify a classification and a characteristic of a drug.

Abstract: A portable electrically operable and tamper resistant medication dispenser for supplying multiple daily medications to a patient on a predetermined schedule and which includes a programmable assembly for indexing a plurality of containers which are filled with the medications to a dispenser outlet.

Abstract: An electronic device mounting apparatus prevents an error at the setup time prior to startup of the apparatus and enables mounting of proper electronic devices without a mistake. A cartridge and a lane of a cartridge mounting rack have a cartridge side connector (upper electrode portion, connection plug, lower electrode portion) and a lane side connector (fixed plug) which are electrically connected when the cartridge is installed on the lane. An error detecting circuit is formed by employing these connectors as part thereof. The error detecting circuit determines whether or not the installation position of the cartridge is appropriate depending on the conductive state or non-conductive state from a power supply to a warning buzzer when the connectors are connected.

Abstract: A device for introducing a corneal implant into a cornea of a human eye. The device includes a body, a member coupled thereto, and a guide portion. The body has a distal end and a proximal end. The guide portion is disposed at the distal end of the body and forms a channel. The guide portion is configured for laterally supporting the implant when positioned in the channel and the member is arranged to axially support the implant when positioned in the channel.

Abstract: A mechanical system opens a selected drawer in a multiple-drawer cabinet. The drawers are arranged in rows and columns. A selected drawer is unlatched by moving a rod which has protruding fingers, only one of which is positioned to engage a latch in a column of drawers. When the rod moves longitudinally, the selected drawer becomes unlatched. The unlatched drawer can open only to a distance determined by a cable which unwinds from a drum and passes around a pulley attached to the drawer. Thus, by controlling the rotation of the drum, the system can be programmed to open the drawer only to a distance which exposes the first non-empty compartment in the drawer. A computer controls the selection and opening of the drawers. The computer keeps a record of which compartments of each drawer have been emptied. Each time a drawer is opened, it is opened to the next non-empty compartment, allowing access to one and only one compartment in the drawer.

Abstract: A child-resistant container according to the present invention has a container body and a cup-shaped closure which is installed telescopically over the open end of the container body. Mating longitudinal splines and ribs are provided on the adjacent walls of the container body and the closure to interfere with one another as the closure is longitudinally urged from a closed position to an open position. The spline and rib patterns are selected so that the splines and ribs interfere unless the closure is oriented in a predefined angular unlocked position with respect to the container body. The splines and ribs may be irregularly sized or circumferentially spaced along the walls. A cylindrical ledge of slightly increased diameter is provided on the container body longitudinally adjacent the splines. Additional interference ledge segments may be provided on the container body and the closure on or between the splines and ribs.

Abstract: A pill dispenser is provided for dispensing a series of different pills over a prescribed period. The dispenser disclosed is provided with a calendar that can be pre-set to begin the regimen on whatever day is selected. The apparatus of the present invention comprises a cover, calendar and base which interlock to form a dispenser. The calendar is adjustable by applying a deliberate force using a coin or other tool. After the calendar is set to the correspond the initial day to the initial dose, subsequent doses are dispensed by rotating the cover. The calendar and the cover preferably rotate in opposite directions to minimize the possibility of mis-setting the dispenser. In addition, methods of dispensing a series of different pills over a prescribed period and methods of assembling the dispenser of the present invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a combination of medications in dose lots at timed intervals comprising the following: a housing (12); a plurality of dose modules (32) rotatably mounted in the housing, each dose module including at least one circular disc (34), each of the discs having a plurality of apertures (36) therethrough, wherein each aperture is sealed on either side with film (38, 39) so as to form a compartment which contains a single dose of a medication; extractor means (110) mounted to the housing for selectively piercing the film coveting the apertures so as to release the medication contained in respective apertures; signaling means (92, 182) mounted to the exterior of the housing for periodically indicating a time medication is to be taken; and dose module index means (150, 152) for indexing each dose module at a predetermined interval and for actuating the signaling means. In an alternative embodiment, the dispenser is controlled by a microprocessor system (188).

Abstract: A medication dispenser station is provided for automatic dispensing of medication in accordance with a prescription schedule for a patient. The station receives and supports a plurality of medication-containing cassettes in a vertical stack, with the cassettes having aligned discharge openings defining an open discharge chute. The cassettes, which may contain different medications to be administered at different times, includes scannable data identifying the medication and prescription schedule applicable to each cassette. A station read head scans the data to input information regarding the medication and administration schedule for each cassette to a station control unit. The control unit thereafter operates a station dispense head to engage the cassettes in a manner dispensing the medication via the discharge chute at the prescribed times. The thus-dispensed medication falls through the chute to an externally accessible receiver from which the medication can be removed by the patient.

Abstract: A subassembly for use in a computerized medicine dispensing station is disclosed. The station has a cabinet for housing openable drawers in stacked arrangement containing dispensable pharmaceutical items. The subassembly includes a drawer having a base plate, side walls, and a front panel defining an interior compartment. The drawer can be inserted into the cabinet. The interior compartment of the drawer is divided into subcompartments, each subcompartment defined by spaced apart side walls and a curved rear wall. Each subcompartment contains a movable magazine mounted therein for racetrack-like movement therein between the spaced apart side wall and the curved rear wall. The magazine includes individual open cups for containing single dispensable pharmaceutical items therein. The front panel has an aperture which is normally closed and locked.

Abstract: A mechanical system opens a selected drawer in a multiple-drawer cabinet. The drawers are arranged in rows and columns. A selected drawer is unlatched by moving a rod which has protruding fingers, only one of which is positioned to engage a latch in a column of drawers. When the rod moves longitudinally, the selected drawer becomes unlatched. The unlatched drawer can open only to a distance determined by a cable which unwinds from a drum and passes around a pulley attached to the drawer. Thus, by controlling the rotation of the drum, the system can be programmed to open the drawer only to a distance which exposes the first non-empty compartment in the drawer. A computer controls the selection and opening of the drawers. The computer keeps a record of which compartments of each drawer have been emptied. Each time a drawer is opened, it is opened to the next non-empty compartment, allowing access to one and only one compartment in the drawer.

Abstract: A child-resistant container according to the present invention comprises a container body and a cup-shaped closure which is installed telescopically over the open end of the container body. Mating longitudinal splines and ribs are provided on the adjacent walls of the container body and the closure to interfere with one another as the closure is longitudinally urged from a closed position to an open position. The spline and rib patterns are selected so that the splines and ribs interfere unless the closure is oriented in a predefined angular unlocked position with respect to the container body. A cylindrical ledge of slightly increased diameter is provided on the container body longitudinally adjacent the splines. The ledge prevents a user from discovering the unlocked position by rotating the closure and feeling reduced resistance when the unlocked position is reached.

Abstract: A multiple-product merchandising 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 area of more than half of the compartments on a shelf when the drum is in its rest position.

Abstract: A multiple-product merchandising 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 allignment 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 area of more than half of the compartments on a shelf when the drum is in its rest position.

Abstract: A multiple-product merchandising 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 area of more than half of the compartment on a shelf when the drum is in its rest position.

Abstract: A pill dispenser is provided for dispensing a series of different pills over a prescribed period. The dispenser disclosed is provided with a calendar that can be pre-set to begin the regimen on whatever day is selected. The apparatus of the present invention comprises a cover, calendar and base which interlock to form a dispenser. The calendar is adjustable by applying a deliberate force using a coin or other tool. After the calendar is set to the correspond the initial day to the initial dose, subsequent doses are dispensed by rotating the cover. The calendar and the cover preferably rotate in opposite directions to minimize the possibility of mis-setting the dispenser. In addition, methods of dispensing a series of different pills over a prescribed period and methods of assembling the dispenser of the present invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for identifying and indicating the content of document canisters such as those used to hold supplies of documents in Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), includes a canister (10) holding a stack of documents (30) and having a face plate (24). Face plate (24) includes a plurality of buttonholes (26). Spring loaded buttons (25) are distributed among buttonholes (26); the arrangement of said buttons representing items of data such as ownership of the canister, canister serial number, and document information such as the type, denomination, amount, and character of the documents in the canister. In operating position, canister (10) is located in an ATM in contact with a picker mechanism (100) which removes documents, one at a time from the canister. The picker mechanism incorporates a switch plate (126) which is adjacent to face plate (24) when canister (10) and picker mechanism (100) are in operating position.

Abstract: A device for reducing cigarette consumption is provided and consists of a container having a hopper compartment therein for holding a plurality of cigarettes. A cover is hinged to the container for normally closing the hopper compartment. A mechanism is carried in the container for allowing the dispensing of one cigarette at a time from the hopper compartment at predetermined timed intervals to make a person cut down on the amount of cigarettes they smoked.

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 pill dispenser having two cylindrical main components that fit into one another, an inner concentric wall and an outer concentric wall displaceable relative to one another in a direction of a longitudinal axis of the pill dispenser. The outer concentric wall or the inner concentric wall has at least one recess and a counterpart is positioned on the other concentric wall so that the one main component of the pill dispenser is moveable within the recess upon actuation of the pill dispenser whenever the two main components are aligned in a suitable angular position with respect to one another.

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 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 solid dosage unit dispenser closure cap suitable for use by sight-impaired persons and/or persons with physical incapability to unscrew caps of prescription bottles or containers having a lid integrally attached an annular skirt by a living hinge, wherein the lid has a tab to enable the patient to open the cap easily without twisting. In addition the container for the medicine has a ring attached thereto and to the inner surface of the skirt at the inside near the opening thereof. The ring has an opening sufficiently large to allow only one or perhaps two dosage units to be spilled out by the patient at one time, in addition the ring has a slide attached thereto which can be moved by the patient circumferentially on the ring to stop at indicia on the top of the ring which reminds the patient which dose was last taken or which dose is yet to be taken. A window on the top leg of the slide permits viewing or feeling the indicia.

Abstract: A multiple-product merchandising 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 currency 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 area of more than half of the compartments on a shelf when the drum is in its rest position.

Abstract: A pill-dispenser to be worn as a neck-chain. The dispenser includes a storage tube having an upper dispensing outlet selectively closed off or opened via a sliding sleeve retained in place over the dispensing outlet by o-rings. The storage tube is coupled at its upper end to a chain whereby it is suspended in pendant-like fashion for aesthetic appearance.

Abstract: A novel vending machine for sequentially and selectively dispensing and vending in a merchandise dispensing region each one of a plurality of substantially silimarly-shaped flat merchandise objects (usually each of substantially parallelopiped shape, such as that of a newspaper, magazine, or the like, although not specifically so limited) in an object-size-adjustable manner making it possible to quickly and easily initially adjust the apparatus to correspond to a particular thickness of depth-direction dimension of each of the merchandise objects which are to be dispensed so the dispensing apparatus is set exactly for that particular thickness of each of the similar merchandise objects; and conversely, being just as easily differently adjusted for the appropriate sequential dispensing of each one of a plurality of different merchandise objects having completely different thicknesses in each case than in the first-mentioned case; and capable of easy adjustment into any intermediate adjusted relationship suitab

Abstract: Apparatus for identifying and indicating the content of document canisters such as those used to hold supplies of documents in Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), includes a canister (10) holding a stack of documents (30) and having a face plate (24). Face plate (24) includes a plurality of buttonholes (26). Spring loaded buttons (25) are distributed among buttonholes (26); the arrangement of said buttons representing items of data such as ownership of the canister, canister serial number, and document information such as the type, denomination, amount, and character of the documents in the canister. In operating position, canister (10) is located in an ATM in contact with a picker mechanism (100) which removes documents, one at a time from the canister. The picker mechanism incorporates a switch plate (126) which is adjacent to face plate (24) when canister (10) and picker mechanism (100) are in operating position.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing articles, particularly video tape cassettes, comprising a plurality of containers (26) for the articles and arranged in columns and having a transparent front panel to allow a user to identify the article therein. Each container being pivoted (42) and held closed by a latch (34, 47). Operation of the apparatus by a user selecting a container releasing the latch and allowing the container to be moved to an open position by a spring (53).

Abstract: A machine for renting articles, e.g. video cassettes, which stores individual articles in containers (26) from which they may be rented by the user and wherein an opto-electronic emitter and sensor cobination (55) is provided to sense whether an article is in a container when the latter is in its closed state, a further opto-electronic emitter and sensor combination (56) may be provided to sense whether or not a container is in its closed state, a microprocessor (61) is arranged to permit the container to remain in its closed state if the article is sensed in the container and to re-open the container if it is not so sensed, and when the container is closed a predetermined number of further times without the article being sensed, disabling action is taken.

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 programmable machine for dispensing items, such as pills or capsules, in timed sequence has a cylindrical container element provided with a series of item receiving and dispensing compartments extending spirally therealong and opening into its circumferential surface for alignment with a discharge opening in a stationary cylindrical shell within which the container element is mounted for both rotary and axial movement concentrically over and along a microprocessor controlled, stepper motor, so as to sequentially bring the individual compartments into precise alignment with the discharge opening of the shell to discharge their contents into a delivery tray. The container element is mounted for spiral movement on and along a stationary spiral trackway as it is rotated. The compartments may be filled by turning the machine upside down and inserting items through the discharge opening.

Abstract: An easy-to-open article dispenser preferably made of readily moldable plastic and comprising a container member having a chamber for containing a plurality of articles such as vitamin pills and having a dispenser portion, the article dispenser also comprising a dispenser control member adapted for slideable engagement with the dispenser portion whereby to selectively place a first dispenser aperture in communication with a port or second aperture for opening the dispenser. A plurality of embodiments are disclosed. Some embodiments provide for axial motion and some provide for rotational motion of the dispenser control member relative to the dispenser portion of the container member. A particularly timely improvement relates to a tamper-evident feature which makes it virtually impossible for anyone to tamper with the contents of the dispenser without such tampering being immediately discernible to the user.

Abstract: A novel vending machine for sequentially and selectively dispensing and vending in a merchandise dispensing region each one of a plurality of substantially similarly-shaped flat merchandise objects (usually each of substantially parallelopiped shape, such as that of a newspaper, magazine, or the like, although not specifically so limited) in an object-size-adjustable manner making it possible to quickly and easily initially adjust the apparatus to correspond to a particular thickness of depth-direction dimension of each of the merchandise objects which are to be dispensed so the dispensing apparatus is set exactly for that particular thickness of each of the similar merchandise objects; and conversely, being just as easily being differently adjusted for the appropriate sequential dispensing of each one of a plurality of different merchandise objects having completely different thicknesses in each case than in the first-mentioned case; and capable of easy adjustment into any intermediate adjusted relationship

Abstract: Mechanism for dispensing medication or other items in timed sequence over an extended period of time has a programmable, electronic, information storage and control system monitored by sensors associated with item delivery parts of the mechanism. The mechanism comprises individual cylinders provided with corresponding circles of item-receiving compartments and stacked on and keyed to a column of individual blocks that are affixed against relative axial movement but are independently rotatable on a shaft that is itself axially movable to determine from which cylinder dispensing shall take place. Through-openings in the respective cylinders are adapted to be aligned as a chute for compartment filling and dispensing purposes. The block and shaft arrangement is useful in other types of mechanism and is considered as a subcombination of the overall invention.

Abstract: An autoteller accepts on a ramp exchangeable banknote cassettes which can only be opened at the predetermined angle of the ramp when a key assembly on the ramp is presented to a lock. The cassettes may only have the key assembly presented to the lock when not on the ramp at an angle to the horizontal, whereat opening of the doors on the cassette is prevented by a blocking bar swinging to engage a notch in the opening mechanism to prevent operation of the opening mechanism. A processor in the autoteller accepts a password from an internal keypad, enters a wide access bank service routine if a first password is provided and a restrictive access third party service routine if a second password is provided, shutting down the autoteller if no correct password is provided within a predetermined number of tries in a predetermined time.