Abstract: A condiment packet dispenser that includes a cylindrical shaped housing containing an open top with a plurality of radially partitioned chambers. Each chamber contains a cylindrical shaped container that stores individual condiment packets in a radial manner. The dispenser is operated by pushing a button which sends a signal to a motor control board. The motor control board powers a motor having a spur gear which turns the selected condiment container until the condiment packet is aligned with a drop chute. The packet then falls thru the drop chute and is available for picking up by the customer. There is also a cylindrical shaped top lid which is removable when new condiments need to be loaded to replenish the dispenser. The condiment dispenser sits on top of a base stand that may either be rigidly mounted or may be rotated to choose a condiment.

Abstract: A sliding surface having a gentle slope for carrying pharmaceutical products such as infusion bottles (20) is formed by a row of rollers (15) extending in the direction of slope. An ejecting member (14) for sequentially ejecting the products (20) is formed as a series of a flat plate (14a) and a curved plate (14c). The flat plate (14a) is pivotably supported such that the pivot center is on an extension of the sliding surface. The curved plate (14c) is provided below the flat plate (14a), maintaining a constant distance from the pivot center. An actuator such as an electric motor (12) for pivotally moving the ejecting member (14) is provided beneath the sliding surface. Since the pharmaceutical product at the head of a queue assists the pivotal movement, it is ensured that a small actuator serves the purpose.

Abstract: A medicine dispensing apparatus which allows a prescribed quantity of medicines to be reliably taken out based on prescription data.

Abstract: Automatic feeding apparatus for feeding a coil of felt tabs connected in head to tail relation to a nailing or stapling gun. The feeder places one tab beneath the gun in the path of the next nail or staple to be driven by the gun such that operating the gun causes a felt tab to be installed simultaneously with the driven nail or staple. The feeding apparatus includes a clip for storing a coil of tabs, a tractor drive for advancing the coil one tab at a time when the gun is operated, and a motor for operating the tractor drive. The clip has a removable cover and an axle about which the coil of tabs rotates as it is paid out. The tractor drive has an endless belt from which fingers project to engage the tabs. Power is the same as that employed by the gun. The feeding apparatus may be integral with the gun or may have structure enabling ready attachment to the gun.

Abstract: A coin dispensing apparatus comprised of a plurality of magazines for storing coin rolls, a lifting conveyor having a plurality of hods which are driven by the lifting conveyor and interact with an outlet for each magazine to receive coin rolls therefrom. An optional transporting conveyor is also provided. The transport conveyor has a plurality of hods which are driven by the transport conveyor and which interact with the hods of the lifting conveyor for transfer of coin rolls from the lifting conveyor to the transport conveyor. A dispensing outlet is provided which cooperates with the hods of the lifting conveyor or the transport conveyor to receive coin rolls transported thereto.

Abstract: An article packaging system for an automated article dispensing mechanism includes a plurality of clamshell-like containers attached together by side support rails. Each clamshell includes two semi-cylindrical halves pivotably mounted together and pivotable between open and closed positions. Resilient elongated bands bias the cylindrical halves in the direction of closure. When two adjacent pairs of rails are pivoted in one direction with respect to one another, the clamshells are maintained closed. Conversely, when two pairs of side support rails are pivoted in another direction with respect to one another, the cylindrical halves pivot with respect to one another to open a clamshell. The dispensing mechanism may be guided through the use of a sprocket or sprockets or, alternatively, side supports with guide slots receiving pins extending laterally from the side support rails may be employed.

Abstract: A timed cigarette case comprising a housing having a compartment therein. A unit is for providing access to the compartment within the housing. A structure is rotatively mounted within the compartment of the housing, for storing a plurality of cigarettes therein. A facility is for operating the rotatively storing structure. An assembly is for actuating the operating facility at predetermined time intervals, so that one cigarette in the rotatively storing structure will be in position at the access unit to be removed therefrom.

Abstract: A vending machine comprises a plurality of receptacles mounted to a conveyor member, driven through a loop path by a drive shaft which engages the conveyor by gears, pulleys or other appropriate force transmitting devices, which driveshaft is connected to and advanced by a prime mover such as a hand pulled lever arm and which vending apparatus comprises control mechanisms which combine to control the frequency and degree of shaft rotation to assure that a customer pays for each object vended.