Abstract: A medicine-dispensing system has a medication reminder to assist the patient in following a drug regimen. In an example embodiment, a medication reminder comprises a timer programmable to a predetermined interval. A user-alert is responsive to the timer, reminding the user to take a dose of medicine at the predetermined interval. A sensor detects whether a dose of medicine has been taken and a dose-indication informs the user of the time since a last medication. The dose indication further informs the user as to whether to take a next medication dose. Time of the last dose is determined by the timer receiving a signal from the sensor. A communications interface enables programming of a parameter associated with administering a medication.

Abstract: A product carry-out apparatus for a vending machine is provided which comprises: a chute which is provided below the product housing and is inclined in an upward and forward direction; a pair of left and right drive mechanisms which are provided respectively at left and right both ends of the chute and comprise front and rear sprockets respectively rotatably provided around the front and rear ends of the chute, and each have a chain put and wound on the front and rear sprockets; a drive source, such as a motor, for rotatively driving at least one of the front and rear sprockets; and a product pushing rod which is mounted over a portion between the chains respectively in the pair of drive mechanisms and, in addition, pushes a product, dropped onto the chute, from behind while being moved above the chute along the chute upon the rotation of the chain.

Abstract: A container dispenser having a lid and a case housing is disclosed. The dispenser includes an outlet at a bottom portion of the case housing and communicating with a vertical passage, a wing rotating within the case housing and dropping articles into the vertical passage, a cylindrical framework receiving the article through the vertical passage and dropping the same into the outlet while making a rotation in the vertical transfer passage, a rotational means formed in an external portion of the case housing and sequentially rotating the wing and the cylindrical framework; and a sealing means for sealing the framework to prevent the ambient coming in through the outlet from being flowed into the housing.

Abstract: An automatic vending machine for a sticker combinable caricature printed article is provided. The automatic vending machine includes a memory, a caricature outputting printer, a sticker outputting printer and a controller for controlling the operation of the respective elements. The automatic vending machine provides not only a sticker on which a face of a user is photographed but also a caricature printed article printed on A4 size paper, thereby satisfying user's various choices. According to user's option, a caricature printed sticker can also be obtained.

Abstract: A stopper which projects into the product passage to support the product to be sold, an ejector which projects into the product passage to support the product to be sold next immediately after the product to be sold, and control means for controlling the projection quantity into the product passage of the stopper and the ejector, wherein the control means, upon receipt of a sales instruction, allows the ejector to project into the product passage to support the product to be sold next, opens the stopper to deliver the product to be sold from the product passage to a sales port and closes the product passage with the stopper after the delivery of the sales product while supplying the product to be sold next by recessing the ejector. As a consequence, irrespective of the size and the configuration of the product to be sold, only the product to be sold can be delivered with certitude at the time of selling the product.

Abstract: An improved card feeding apparatus and associated method for feeding plastic cards to a printer. The apparatus can be used in any system where plastic cards are fed into a printer, but has particular use in a self-service, automated card issuance kiosk. The apparatus includes a support structure, and a card cassette is mounted on the support structure for holding a plurality of cards. The card cassette is moveable relative to the support structure, with the card cassette defining a discrete position for each card. A card picker is mounted on the support structure, with the card picker being capable of picking any one of the plurality of cards from the card cassette. Since each card has a discrete position within the card cassette, the card cassette can be moved past the card picker and any one of the cards within the card cassette can be picked by the card picker, and subsequently fed to a printer to personalize the card.

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 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 device which can reduce the workload on operators during replenishment and stocktaking of drugs stored in a drug dispenser. The drug dispenser has a memory for storing data on the initial number of drugs in each of the drug feeders, a processor for calculating the number of drugs currently remaining in each drug feeder by subtracting the number of drugs discharged from each feeder from the initial number of drugs in each drug feeder, and a display for displaying the name of drugs if the number of drugs currently remaining in any drug feeder is smaller than a predetermined value. With this arrangement, an operator can easily see which drug feeders are short of drugs without directly checking the respective feeders by removing them from shelves. The workload on operators for drug replenishment is thus reduced.

Abstract: A product dispenser with inventory monitoring, useful to be installed in hotel establishments and establishments providing similar services, including a refrigerating equipment and a plurality of product selection pushbuttons (2), in such a way that the dispenser (1), communicated with a central control, comprises a selection confirmation pushbutton (3); a separating plate (6) in horizontal position that defines a first compartment (7) and a second compartment (8) maintained at different temperatures, each one of the compartments having a plurality of compartmentalized trays (11) in which tray compartments are defined, each tray compartment having a conveyor belt (13), each conveyor belt being provided with a plurality of separators (14) between which the products are positioned; a first strip (18) along the entire length of the front of the dispenser over the closing gate (16) of the opening access (15) to the box (17) for receiving the dispensed products.

Abstract: A pharmacy system for prescribing and delivering medicaments to a patient includes at least one input unit with which a doctor is capable of entering inter alia a prescription of a medicament for a patient, together with the patient's identity, into the system. The input unit then generates a prescription signal corresponding to the prescription entered. A pharmacy computer coupled to the input unit further processes the prescription signal received from the input unit and generates a control signal corresponding to the prescription. Under the supervision of the control signal generated by the pharmacy computer, an automatic dispenser dispenses the prescribed medicament to the patient.

Abstract: An apparatus and control method for feeding medications in which processing units, which can prepare drugs, non-drug articles and drug-related articles, are provided along a carrier feed line, and in which carriers for respective patients are fed on the feed line in the order in which preparations for carriers, preparations for medications, and preparation for receiving carriers are all finished so that a large amount of medications can be collected and delivered by carts to a plurality of wards in a hospital with high efficiency. When patient data is entered in a host computer, at least one of the processing units corresponding to this data is activated to prepare medications. When preparations in all of the processing units, tray feed units, and tray receiving unit have been made, a corresponding tray is fed on the conveyor to collect medications and is then loaded into a predetermined one of a plurality of carts.

Abstract: A storage, display and dispensing apparatus for tickets of various sizes that accounts for the tickets dispensed during a selected time period. The dispensing apparatus includes a bin housing for storing a pack of tickets, a ticket dispensing assembly through which the tickets are dispensed and includes a friction wheel assembly that is actuated as tickets passed through the tear bar assembly so that a count of such tickets is provided. A piezo electric sensing element is also employed to sense perforations between the tickets and to reset the friction wheel assembly count as a result thereof.

Abstract: A data generating device 300 for use in combination with a coin mechanism 100 of a bulk vending machine 10, is provided. The combination uses a standard coin mechanism of a bulk vending machine, which in its normal operation is received into an opening in the bulk vending machine. The coin mechanism has a selectively rotatable shaft 110 extending axially therefrom, which has mounted therearound, a portion of the data generating device.

Abstract: An automated drug dispensing system includes a cabinet adapted to store a variety of prepackaged pharmaceuticals in a plurality of bins for filling patient prescriptions. Each bin stores a particular variety of packaged multiple-dose pharmaceutical. Each variety of pharmaceutical is associated with a particular code. A controller receives request signals and in response generates dispense signals. Each bin includes a dispenser coupled to the controller for dispensing the packaged pharmaceuticals therefrom in response to a dispense signal sent from the controller. After a package is dispensed, a code reader determines the code of the dispensed package and verifies whether the code on the dispensed package matches the code of the requested package.

Abstract: A device to register the dispensing of medicaments comprising sensing devices located at the medicament side to detect the dispensing thereof. The device is comprised of a sheet-like envelope of a one-way material and being a continuous, foldable way adapted to enclose the medicaments. There is an electronic printed circuit applied on the envelope and is stretched over foldable areas of the sheet-like envelope. It is also operatively connected to the sensing devices and to an electronic unit.

Abstract: A pill dispensing apparatus for delivering pills, comprising a housing formed to cooperate with a container. An agitator having a passageway formed therethrough and being in slidable engagement with the housing. The agitator is configured to move the pills within the container into the passageway upon vertical displacement of the agitator into the container. In communication with the housing and the agitator is an escapement member. The escapement member is formed to move generally laterally to the passageway and to allow at least one pills to exit from the passageway as the agitator slidable engages with the housing.

Abstract: A portable medication cartridge allows for both manual and automated dispensing of tablets or capsules of virtually all sizes through a radial dispensing apparatus. The cartridge may be sealed and encoded with medication and patient identification. A microprocessor controlled medication dispensing apparatus includes a cartridge magazine capable of holding a plurality of cartridges for the same or different patients. The portable medication dispensing apparatus and method detects patient identification data and activates a radial dispensing medication cartridge in response to verification of patient identification data. The radial dispensing medication cartridge may include, for example, a tablet tray having a plurality of tablet stalls with at least a partially open top and side. The tablet and tray accommodates different sizes and types of tablets or capsules.

Abstract: A storage, display and dispensing apparatus for tickets of various sizes. The dispensing apparatus includes a bin housing for storing a pack of tickets, a ticket dispensing assembly through which the tickets are dispensed and a piezo electric sensing element employed to sense perforations between the tickets as they pass through the dispensing assembly.

Abstract: An article dispenser for individually dispensing a plurality of articles on a timed basis. A plurality of modules, each containing a magazine having a plurality of circumferentially spaced, open top and bottom ended article storage compartments and a rotatable disk having an aperture successively alignable with each storage compartment in the magazine, are vertically stacked in a column. A drive motor and timing dial rotates the disks through interlocking timed lugs mounted on each disk in a staggered, angular offset, timed relationship in which the apertures in each disk are angularly offset through the stack so that the articles in the storage compartments are successively transferred through the storage compartments of each successive module to the next lower module and from the lowermost module to a circular track disposed below the lowermost module.

Abstract: Change dispensing apparatus having multiple columns for storing and vending tubes containing change in coin or in currency. The denominations being vended by a particular machine, the unit value of that denomination, and the value of a tube containing a predetermined quantity of that denomination, are user-programmable for each machine, and any combination of denominations can be user-assigned to the columns. The tube locations in each column are monitored to detect tubes in each column, providing a running indication of the amount of change remaining for each denomination in the safe, and for the total value of change in the safe. An ejector is positionable at the lower end of each column and contains a member for selectably extracting the lowermost tube in each column. The change safe on request prints reports of change usage and other factors associated with the safe, and also predicts the amount of change required for future usage.

Abstract: A label printing assembly (10) that effectively eliminates labeling errors caused by pharmacists placing the wrong prescription labels on medicine vials or packages. The label printing assembly is preferably configured for use with an automated medicament dispensing control workstation (11) and broadly includes a label print head (12), a label supply assembly (14), a label peeler assembly (16), and a control assembly (18).

Abstract: Apparatus for filling a solid drug, such as tablets, into a predetermined vial includes a rotary plate with a plurality of receiving sections formed on the upper surface of this rotary plate. The receiving sections are disposed under a plurality of tablet cases for receiving the solid drugs discharged from the tablet cases. Discharge orifices are formed through the bottom portions of the respective receiving sections and a chute guides the solid drugs from an orifice to a predetermined vial. A shutter opens or closes this orifice or the chute. When the solid drug is discharged from the tablet case, the rotary plate is rotated by a control device to adjust the position of the receiving section as the solid drug falling from the tablet case is dropped in the predetermined receiving section.

Abstract: A device which can reduce the workload on operators during replenishment and stocktaking of drugs stored in a drug dispenser. The drug dispenser has a memory for storing data on the initial number of drugs in each of the drug feeders, a processor for calculating the number of drugs currently remaining in each drug feeder by subtracting the number of drugs discharged from each feeder from the initial number of drugs in each drug feeder, and a display for displaying the name of drugs if the number of drugs currently remaining in any drug feeder is smaller than a predetermined value. With this arrangement, an operator can easily see which drug feeders are short of drugs without directly checking the respective feeders by removing them from shelves. The workload on operators for drug replenishment is thus reduced.

Abstract: A computerized medication dispensing cart and system for dispensing prepackaged unit-dose medications to a patient in a medical facility including a computer system on the cart for storing medication information regarding each patient provided by a pharmacy and a plurality of dispensers on the cart that automatically dispense prepackaged unit dosages of prescribed medications at the request of nursing personnel while making rounds. A separate dispenser on the cart is used to dispense each type of medication. An input device, such as a touch screen monitor, is mounted on the cart to permit nursing personnel to access the medication information regarding the patient and to request that the cart dispense the prescribed medications. A detector is mounted on each dispenser that detects the administration of the medications to the patient and records the time and date that the medications were administered.

Abstract: A voice announcement medication storage and dispensing device for patients. The storage and dispensing device comprises a medical storage portion and a closure portion with data storage means disposed within the closure portion. The device is activated by access to the storage container and can be programmed with medication information including medication dosage, schedule, medical warnings and patient information. The medication storage and dispensing device has a self-contained power source with a data processing and memory chip and electronic data interface with audio data output.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pharmacy system for prescribing and delivering medicaments to a patient. The system includes at least one input unit with which a doctor is capable of entering, inter alia, a prescription of a medicament for a patient, together with the patient's identity, into the system. The input unit then generates a prescription signal corresponding to the prescription entered. A pharmacy computer coupled to the input unit further processes the prescription signal received from the input unit and generates a control signal corresponding to the prescription. Under the supply of the control signal generated by the pharmacy computer, an automatic dispenser dispenses the described medicament to the patient.

Abstract: A device for enabling a patient to have ready access to a daily dosage of medication placed in compartments at predetermined time periods and wherein the compartments are only accessible to the patient at predetermined time periods. The device comprises an annular plate member having a plurality of medicine receiving compartments formed adjacent the periphery thereof. Specific dosages in the form of capsules or pills are sequentially placed in selected compartments. In a preferred mode, up to four compartments are loaded in sequence to provide one dosage, up to four sequences of four compartments allowing four daily dosages to be provided. An annular top cover member is positioned over the plate member, the cover member including a window or door. The annular compartment containing member is controlled in a manner such that a selected compartment is positioned at a location under the window.

Abstract: A mobile medicine storage unit for individuals under a doctor's care. The unit is programmable and preferably fully automatic, but also manual, in dispensing any number of medications up to four times per day at preselected times. Audible and visible indicators alert patients of proper dosages and timings of these doses. An optional integral water reservoir and cup dispenser makes it possible to properly take all medications with minimal effort at the unit. Patients not in close proximity to the unit will be alerted remotely via a pager. The unit will contact programmable emergency phone numbers when no patient response is received. Programmability allows customizing to accommodate individual medication needs. Mobility is aided by an optional wheeled cart.

Abstract: A system and apparatus are described in which modular receptacles are filled and transported to automatic dispensing machines for later retrieval and distribution. A system of the present invention includes the loading, refilling, and replacement of the modular receptacles at various stages in the process of the invention. A preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for distribution of items such as medical supplies and drugs.

Abstract: An automated drug dispensing system includes a cabinet adapted to store a variety of prepackaged pharmaceuticals in a plurality of bins for filling patient prescriptions. Each bin stores a particular variety of packaged multiple-dose pharmaceutical. Each variety of pharmaceutical is associated with a particular code. A controller receives request signals and in response generates dispense signals. Each bin includes a dispenser coupled to the controller for dispensing the packaged pharmaceuticals therefrom in response to a dispense signal sent from the controller. After a package is dispensed, a code reader determines the code of the dispensed package and verifies whether the code on the dispensed package matches the code of the requested package.

Abstract: An improved bulk vending machine coin mechanism and counter combination is provided.

Abstract: A multi-compartment electronic pocket pillbox includes a microprocessor for loading prescription data into a memory. A circuit controls a display. A flag for each compartment indicates the compartment to be used. Coded prescription data contained in a detachable data medium are loaded into the memory. Each compartment has a pill dispenser adaptable to pharmaceuticals of different forms and various sizes. An automatic controller associated with each compartment controls medication movement from the compartment. Switches determine the compartment from which pills are withdrawn.

Abstract: An item dispensing system having modular and distributed components that are suitable for use at POS counter. Item dispensing units are placed beneath the counter and are electrically connected by a cable to a retailer keypad and display which, in turn, is electrically connected by a cable to a customer keypad and display. A panel having images representing the available games to be played is applied to the top of the counter surface. Thus, a customer can easily pay for and select items to be purchased. Items are automatically dispensed, collected by the retail clerk and provided to the customer.

Abstract: An electronic pocket pillbox having multiple detachable compartments each fitted with a unit-medication dispenser for different medication sizes and pharmaceutical forms is formed by a physician writing a prescription with a computer having a display and responsive to a keyboard and mouse. The computer codes and loads a prescription file into a memory of a detachable data medium, similar to a smart card. The card is put into the pillbox to supply signals to electronic circuitry in the pillbox. Each pillbox compartment is filled by a pharmacist with a number of pills of a type defined by the prescription. The pharmacist assembles the compartments to form the pillbox. The pillbox electronic circuitry responds to the detachable data medium memory to derive medication alarm signals to advise a pillbox user to take the medication.

Abstract: A pill dispensing system includes a shelving unit in array form that holds a number of bulk containers, each holding a bulk amount of a pill to be dispensed. A computer controlled robot removes a selected bulk container and places it on a counter that also dispenses pills. The robot has an arm with a free end portion that can grip a bulk container or a single pill bottle to be filled. The robot is computer controlled to retrieve an empty pill bottle, place it on a label printing and applying unit, then place it next to the counter/dispenser to receive the selected number of selected prescription pills, then place the filled, labeled bottle on a conveyor.

Abstract: An electronic security system includes an electronic lock mechanism and an electronic key, each of which is provided with a microprocessor controller and a memory storing data including an ID code and encryption key codes. The lock microprocessor may either change ID codes stored in its memory or encrypt a seed number to be used for determining access to the lock. The key can only be used to access the lock either once or for a limited number of successive times, and must thereafter be reprogrammed by a host computer to be loaded with either the proper ID code or the appropriate encryption key code for that lock. The electronic lock operates a solenoid which retracts a bolt-blocking mechanism that prevents the unlocking of the bolt even when a key having the correct mechanical key cuts is inserted into the lock. Power for operating the electronic lock as well as the solenoid is provided by a power supply within the key.

Abstract: An improved bulk vending machine coin mechanism and counter combination is provided. The combination coin mechanism and coin counter comprises a coin mechanism designed to be partially received into an opening in a bulk vending machine, having a selectively rotatable cam. The coin counter is attached to a portion of the coin mechanism inside of the bulk vending machine, and has a numeric display and a pivotally mounted switch connected to the display by at least one lead. A portion of the switch is in contact with the cam, which, due to its eccentric shape, causes the switch to pivot upon the rotation of the cam, causing the numeric display to advance one number for each full rotation of the cam.

Abstract: An electronically actuated and monitorable bulk vending machine assembly for electronically actuated vending from a select one of a plurality of rack mounted of bulk vending machines. The electronically actuated and monitorable bulk vending machine assembly includes a microprocessor controlled, interrogatable central control and currency acceptor unit and methods of assembly and use associated therewith.

Abstract: An item dispensing system having modular and distributed components that are suitable for use at a POS counter. Item dispensing units are placed beneath the counter and are electrically connected by a cable to a stand-alone retailer keypad and display which, in turn, is electrically connected by a cable to a stand-alone customer keypad and display. Thus, a customer using the customer keypad and display selects items to be purchased. A clerk uses the retailer keypad and display to accept payment for the items and authorizes the dispenser to dispense the items.

Abstract: A coin roll dispenser has a number of coin magazines each filled with rolls of coins of a given denomination and removably seated within a housing. Each magazine has a motorized conveyor adapted to receive and sequentially dispense individual coin rolls through a discharge aperture into a discharge passage which transports the coin rolls dispensed from the magazines to a receptacle from which they may be removed by a purchaser. Dispensing is controlled by activating the conveyor in selected magazines. A first sensor detects the coin rolls as they are dispensed from the magazines and a sensor in advance of the receptacle produces a total count which is compared with the total ordered and the total from the first sensor.

Abstract: The present invention features a pill-dispensing system which has a number of standardized, or universal-type, modules. Each module has a rotating, helix-drive mechanism, which is rotationally controlled by a microprocessor. The helical-drive mechanism features several improvements, both in the drive mechanism and in the software control of the rotational drive system by the microprocessor that allows for the dispensing of pills of all shapes and sizes one at a time. The helix of the drive is securely mounted within a rotatable, hollow tube. A stationary collar is mounted adjacent the upper end of the rotating tube. The rotating helix extends into the stationary collar and forces pills from the hollow tube to the dispensing edge of the stationary collar. A hopper positioned at the input end, or mouth of the tube, feeds a batch quantity of pills to the drive mechanism. The tube is angled upwardly from the mouth portion, so that the pill-dispensing end is positioned above the input end.

Abstract: In an automatic medicament dispensing machine, a vial gripper mechanism includes a rotatable first jaw and a second jaw coupled with the output shaft of a jaw motor. In an open position, the jaws are spaced for receiving a medicament vial therebetween. Actuation of jaw motor rotates the second jaw toward the first jaw for gripping the vial therebetween in a gripping position. Continued rotation of the jaw motor causes rotation of both of said jaws and any vial gripped therebetween to a dispensing position for receipt of medicament into the vial from an adjacent dispensing cell.

Abstract: A motorized tablet dispenser provides a tablet hopper mechanism suitable for storage of an entire prescription of tablets. A disk-like loading plate is carried at the base of the tablet hopper, and provides radially arrayed tablet voids and a spur gear perimeter. The loading plate is rotated by means of a high torque, low speed, geared motor. Each major type, size and shape of tablet is associated with a loading plate having voids sized to fit that tablet, and any loading plate may be installed in a dispenser. An easily operated pushbutton mechanism translates linear motion along a vertical axis into angular motion about a horizontal axis of a tablet transfer mechanism. A single tablet is moved from the loading plate into a recess in the tablet transfer mechanism. The interface between the cylindrical surface on the tablet transfer mechanism and the planar loading plate prevents jamming.

Abstract: A burglarproof lottery ticket dispenser includes a triggering element having a handle. The triggering element is mounted on a slide shaft such that the handle is capable of locating or actuating a drive shaft. The dispenser further includes a driven shaft on which a driven element and a pawl are mounted. The driven element is provided with a driven gear engageable with a rotation gear, and an inner ratchet wheel capable of cooperating with the pawl. An electronic eye for counting the dispensed lottery tickets is located on an opening which is located between the ticket guiding arcuate edge and the second stopping edge of the upper and the lower guide plates.

Abstract: A vending system includes a central service center connectable over phone lines to a plurality of multi-functional vending machines for audio/video and high speed data exchanges, as well as voice exchanges between customers and a service center operator. Each vending machine includes the capability of playing music video and other audio/video presentations in predetermined order or in preferential order in response to on-site and off-site customer selections and vending customer-selected products from inventor storage, such as debit cards, CDs, tape cassette tapes and players, batteries, etc. Each vending machine also includes a printer for printing and dispensing to customers receipts, tickets, facsimile documents, etc.

Abstract: A credit card dispensing device is disclosed which includes a frame with a central processing mounted to the frame. The central processing unit contains programming information pertaining to the operation of the device and serves to signal other components of the device to perform functions. A bill recognition system in electrical communication with the central processing and is configured to receive a manually inserted bill and determine the value of the bill. A digital display is provided to display information received from the central processing unit regarding dollar values and card selections. At least one card dispensing is provided to dispense preprogrammed credit card credit cards based upon user selections.

Abstract: A small parts vending machine for airplanes including a housing having an opening therethrough in a lower portion thereof. The housing includes a dispensing ramp secured therein the hollow interior. A powering and programming computer is secured within the housing to a rear wall thereof. An input portion is secured to a front wall of the housing. The input portion is electrically coupled with the powering and programming computer. A credit card input portion is secured to the front wall of the housing. The credit card input portion is electrically coupled with the powering and programming computer. A plurality of dispensing coils each are secured within the housing to the rear wall thereof. The dispensing coils are operably coupled with the powering and programming computer for the dispensing of small airplane parts at times when parts are otherwise unavailable.

Abstract: A vending apparatus and system for storing and automatically dispensing magnetic or optical disks. A user interface means allows a user to enter a dispensing request corresponding to the selection of a desired disk and includes means for receiving user identification information, such as credit or debit card information, or other information stored magnetically on a bank card, driver's license, school identification card, or library card. Once a disk selection has been entered and user identification information received and verified, the selected disk is dispensed from the vending unit. The disks to be dispensed by the vending unit may be provided to have a region of magnetic recording media formed on one surface, and the vending unit may be equipped to write information relevant to the transaction onto the region of magnetic media.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing articles such as tickets and cards includes a cabinet and a plurality of article dispensing assemblies inside the cabinet. Each article dispensing assembly includes a base and a frame for enclosing articles to be dispensed in a stack. The bases are mounted on a pair of vertical support plates.