Abstract: When a vending machine control system S detects a user who is about to open a door 13 of a vending machine 1 while the door 13 is locked, the vending machine control system S determines whether the detected user has a payment capability on the basis of information for settlement of the detected user. And then, the vending machine control system S controls to unlock the door 13 of the vending machine 1 in a case that it is determined that the user has the payment capability.

Abstract: A manually or robotically operable load carrier with at least one stacking column for storing material on top of or next to each other on ratchet elements, which are at least partially associated with a clamping ratchet element is disclosed. Embodiments include a first ratchet element connected by way of a strip to a second ratchet element arranged above or next to the first ratchet element. With embodiments, the clamping ratchet element is connected, firstly, to the first ratchet element, by way of a short strip, and secondly, to the second ratchet element, by way of a long strip.

Abstract: A manually or robotically operable load carrier with at least one stacking column for storing material on top of or next to each other on ratchet elements, which are at least partially associated with a clamping ratchet element is disclosed. Embodiments include a first ratchet element connected by way of a strip to a second ratchet element arranged above or next to the first ratchet element. With embodiments, the clamping ratchet element is connected, firstly, to the first ratchet element, by way of a short strip, and secondly, to the second ratchet element, by way of a long strip.

Abstract: A vending machine comprises a cabinet, a rotating mechanism and a linkage mechanism. The cabinet comprises a cabinet body and a cabinet door pivotally connected to the cabinet body. An accommodating space is arranged in the cabinet body. An opening communicated with the accommodating space is arranged on the cabinet body. The cabinet door is capable of opening or closing the opening. The rotating mechanism is arranged in the cabinet body and is rotatable relative to the cabinet body. The cabinet door drives the rotating mechanism to rotate via the linkage mechanism, when the cabinet door is rotated toward a set position from a closed position.

Abstract: A column for equipment for stacking and transporting piled-up and vertically separated articles includes a plurality of superimposed swingable brackets suitable to support the articles and associated to respective counter-weights. The central section of each of the brackets has a pair of ears for a pivot pin and a pair of stop fins inserted in respective grooves provided for on the body of the column. The rear section of each of the brackets is provided with at least one lateral appendage coupled with two counter-weights one of which is connected to the lateral appendage of the underlying bracket and the other of which is connected to the lateral appendage of the overlying bracket.

Abstract: A dispenser (10) comprising a first housing portion (14) including an elongate planar member (15). A second housing portion (16) is moveable between an open position and a closed position such that, in the closed position, a tubular chamber having an open lower end is defined. A plurality of platforms (22) are each pivotally secured adjacent a first edge (24) thereof to a first surface (20) of the elongate planar member (15). A protrusion (28) is provided on the first edge (24) of each platform (24) such that the protrusion extends through an aperture (27) in the elongate planar member (15). A support member (26) is provided on a second opposite surface (21) of the elongate planar member (15) adjacent each of the apertures (27). Each support member (26) is moveable between a first position in which the support member (26) engages with the protrusion (28) to hold the platform (22) in a horizontal position and a second position in which the platform (22) moves to a vertical position thereof.

Abstract: Anti-sweep devices which are operable to contain a plurality of packages disposed on a base within a cover or housing, and dispense packages one at a time. A door for accessing a product such as a package is disposed at a front portion of the device. The base includes a pusher axially aligned with the long axis of the base. A sled, lift plate, product retention tab, a sled biasing element and a means for retarding a biasing force imparted by the sled biasing element are positioned below the base. The sled is slidably oriented along the longitudinal axis of the base and has a door contacting end and sled biasing element couple to the opposite end. The sled is engageable to the means for retarding a biasing force imparted by the sled biasing element.

Abstract: An automated key duplication system that includes a system housing, a key identification system, a key cutting system, a key blank storage system, a key blank transfer assembly, and a duplicated key retrieval opening is disclosed. The key identification system may be housed at least partially within the system housing and is configured to identify a master key. The key blank storage system comprises a plurality of rods configured to removably couple to a plurality of key carriers. The key blank transfer assembly is housed within the housing is configured to remove one key carrier of the plurality of key carriers from the key blank storage system with the key retrieving apparatus and transport the one key carrier and the key blank coupled thereto from the key blank storage to the key cutting system. The duplicated key retrieval opening is positioned on the housing to receive the one key blank after the one key blank has been cut.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture provide for modular vending systems utilizing reloadable product dispensing modules, including, but not limited to, vertical product dispensing modules comprising a vertical conveyor and a mounting structure for releasably engaging with module holder structures of modular vending machines, and a central controller device for communicating with a plurality of modular vending machines.

Abstract: The medicine packing machine is equipped with a loading unit that is capable of receiving and delivering vials retrieved from a stocker, and a supplying unit that is capable of delivering the vials from the loading unit in an upright position. A control unit is also disposed between the loading unit and the supplying unit. As a result of the presence of the control unit, the transfer of vials received by the loading unit is controlled by the control unit in such a manner that the vials are not ejected towards the supplying unit. The vials are also controlled so as to be in an upright position once loaded into the loading unit. As a result of these actions, the vials received by the loading unit are reliably delivered to the supplying unit without being ejected or jamming at unanticipated locations.

Abstract: The present application provides a product vending module for vending a number of products. The product vending module includes a product row configured to contain a number of products therein. The product vending module also includes a product gate positioned about the product row and rotatable from a closed position preventing access to the number of products to an open position allowing access to one of the number of products while preventing access to a remainder of the number of products, the product gate including a biased base. The product vending module further includes a product locking system in communication with the product gate, the product locking system including a locking pin releasably engaging the biased base and movable from a first allowing rotation of the product gate toward the closed position to a second position restricting rotation of the product gate toward the closed position.

Abstract: A plastic bag storage and dispensing container having an elongated tubular structure with contoured top and bottom ends each having a formed opening. An elongated slot extends between the formed openings of the contoured top and bottom for receiving and dispensing collapsed plastic bags. The storage and dispensing container has mounting structures for mounting the container in a vertical or horizontal orientation to a wall, either a flat wall or in a wall corner, and may be provided with a vanity door cover to cover and expose the elongated slot.

Abstract: A vending machine includes a goods rack, a restricting piece, and a positioning piece mounted on the goods rack. The goods rack defines a goods accommodating space and an opening. The restricting piece is pivotally mounted on the goods rack to cover the opening. The restricting piece includes a clasp. The positioning piece defines a first engaging hole and a second engaging hole. The restricting piece can rotate on the goods rack between a first securing position and a second securing position. In the first securing position, the clasp engages in the first engaging hole, so that the restricting piece is set at a first height. In the second securing position, the clasp engages in the second engaging hole, so that the restricting piece is set at a second height.

Abstract: A medicine dispensing device includes a shell-like base unit, a shell-like cassette with a number of compartments for storage of medicines which is rotatable relative to the base unit, a unit for rotating the cassette relative to the base unit at predetermined times, a lid firmly connected to the base unit, and an aperture situated in the lid in such a way as to be movable to become central to any desired compartment of the cassette when the cassette is rotated relative to the base unit and the lid. A hatch is provided close to the aperture and can assume a position in which the aperture is closed and a position in which the aperture is exposed. The hatch is pivotable relative to a pivot axis. The hatch has a rear edge which has an extent in the circumferential direction of the device.

Abstract: A cabinet for storing and dispensing an inventory of items, the cabinet comprising: at least one drawer having a plurality of criss-crossing row slats and column slats arranged along its bottom and a plurality of corresponding bins. The row slats have a plurality of flexible appendages and the column slats have a plurality of notches corresponding to the appendages. Slat movement actuators axial move the slats. Each bin has a pivotal lid; a lid lock and release element and a lid lock and release element adapted to hold the lid closed until actuated by one of the appendages, whereby bins of various sizes can be arranged abutting each other in the drawer and the bins are openable by actuating the row slat(s) and column slat(s) related to the bins to be accessed.

Abstract: Systems for deterring theft of retail products. Systems of this invention provide theft deterrent dispensing modules for dispensing products and may incorporate theft deterrent measures including mechanical deterrents, time delays and sound. The dispensing modules may include one or more pusher assemblies for dispensing product. Certain systems of this invention may also include a lockout feature, so that only one pusher assembly may be activated to dispense a product at one time.

Abstract: Disclosed is a medicine feeding apparatus. The medicine feeding apparatus includes a medicine cartridge, a cartridge mount, a medicine discharge mechanism, and a discharge drive mechanism. The medicine cartridge has an entrance opening formed in the top thereof, through which a medicine product is put into the medicine cartridge, and a discharge hole formed in a front position of the bottom thereof, through which the medicine product is discharged from the medicine cartridge by operation of the medicine discharge mechanism. The entrance opening is provided with a cover. The medicine cartridge is mounted on an upper surface of the cartridge mount, and the cartridge mount has an outer discharge hole communicating with the discharge hole to discharge the medicine product from the cartridge mount. The discharge drive mechanism is provided at the medicine cartridge and the cartridge mount and serves to drive the medicine discharge mechanism.

Abstract: Systems for deterring theft of retail products. Systems of this invention provide theft deterrent dispensing modules for dispensing products and may incorporate theft deterrent measures including mechanical deterrents, time delays and sound. The dispensing modules may include one or more pusher assemblies for dispensing product. Certain systems of this invention may also include a lockout feature, so that one only pusher assembly may be activated to dispense a product at one time. In some embodiments, a door assembly may be provided as an additional theft deterrent mechanism so that access to additional product not yet dispensed by the pusher assembly is restricted.

Abstract: A kiosk and a method for dispensing items therefrom. In various embodiments, the kiosk comprises a shelf system for holding items to be dispensed from the kiosk and a gripper capable of transporting items from the shelf system to a dispenser. The shelf system preferably comprises a series of parallel shelves, each shelf capable of holding one dispensable item. When not in operation, the shelves of the shelf system remain in an inclined position, thereby preventing the items situated thereon from falling off the shelves. To dispense an item, the shelves are rotated into a substantially horizontal position so the gripper may engage the selected item and transport the item to a dispenser.

Abstract: The daily pill dispensing apparatus has a front section connected to a back section, a top hinge disposed on the top between the front section and the back section, a dispenser lid connected to the top hinge and pivotally covering the front section, a septet of top doors disposed atop the back section, each top door pivotally covering a separate compartment of the back section via the top hinge, a day indicia disposed atop each top door, a dispensing door hingedly separating each compartment from the front section, each dispensing door opening into the front section, a display disposed atop the dispenser lid, a controls disposed in the front section bottom, the controls in communication with the display and with each dispensing door, whereby each dispensing door sequentially opens, each dispensing door opening only one day per week, and battery power.

Abstract: A medicine feeding apparatus in which a usability is improved by automatically executing a fine adjustment of a horizontal position and a vertical position of a door panel in correspondence to an operation of taking a drawer in and out without the necessity of executing a troublesome mount fine adjusting work of a door panel. In a medicine feeding apparatus provided with a main body, drawers are attached to the main body so as to be freely drawn, a plurality of tablet cases are detachably attached to the drawers and receiving medicines, and a door panel of the drawer is rotatably held and is finely adjusted to a proper position in correspondence to an operation of taking the drawer in and out.

Abstract: A dispenser for housing at least one blister pack (comprising a generally planar face on one side thereof and one or more blisters on the opposite side thereof), the dispenser comprising a base portion, a lid portion, and a hinge portion connecting the base portion to the lid portion and about which the lid portion and/or base portion are movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, e.g. in the form of an openable clamshell. The base portion and/or the lid portion has locating means for locating a blister pack within the dispenser and the locating means are adapted to enable sliding of the blister pack relative thereto in a direction substantially parallel to said planar face thereof between a storage position and at least one dispensing position. Preferred embodiments of the dispenser have ‘senior-friendly’ features and child resistant features.

Abstract: A customizable container is used with a method of filling, storing, and dispensing medication. The method employs a medication database and analyzes medication storage requirements to determine a customized container size and configuration for an individual pill-user. Container preparation instructions are generated to computer-tailor the customized container based upon the determined needs of the individual pill-user. A pharmacist uses the container preparation instructions to organize medications in the proper dosage administration sequence in separate reconfigurable compartments of the pill pack container. The pill pack container is individually customized for each individual pill taker to organize, store, and dispense correctly a supply of pills of multiple types, sizes, and shapes for a predetermined time period.

Abstract: A machine for vending articles, the machine including a housing, a storage area disposed within the housing and having a thermal barrier which separates the storage area from the remainder of the interior of the housing, a dispensing area having an access port disposed within the housing which allows a user of the machine to retrieve a dispensed article, a vertically oriented opening in the thermal barrier of the storage area, the opening dimensioned for allowing articles stored in the storage area to pass from the storage area to the dispensing area, and an article retrieval device nominally located in the storage area for moving articles from the storage area to the dispensing area via said opening. A door aligned with the opening is displaceable in response to movement of articles toward the opening by the article retrieval device.

Abstract: A box structure has a plurality of walls positioned and configured to prevent access to an interior space housing merchandise in a secure manner. A first movable wall permits manual access to a frontal portion of the interior space while at the same time moving a barrier strip to prevent manual access to other than said frontal portion of the interior space. A roll-out shelf mounts merchandise supporting modules with pushers to move merchandise toward the front of the structure where ejection mechanisms in each of the modules are able to direct selected items to the front of the structure where they can be accessed by consumers. The ejection process creates a characteristic noise to alert store personnel that products are being dispensed.

Abstract: An automated vending machine is adapted to vend vacation-related goods. The vending machine is constructed as an enlarged reproduction of a conventional traffic control signal. The vending machine includes a rectangular enclosure in which is housed a storage and vending assembly. The enclosure includes a plurality of illuminated, colored lamps. A plurality of circular cavities are provided for visually displaying goods. A coin and bill counter with coin return is provided for receiving a customer's consideration. The vending machine further includes a dispensing chute having a discharge hopper into which goods are delivered. A plurality of push-buttons facilitate communication between a customer and internal circuitry of the storage and vending assembly to facilitate dispensing of a good selected by customer after correct amount of consideration is inserted in coin and bill counter.

Abstract: A dental hygiene vending machine comprises a housing having multiple dispensing compartments. A dispensing coil is rotatably connected to the housing and is capable of actuation. A cover is hingedly connected to the housing. The cover has multiple cutouts that substantially align with the housing dispensing compartments. An item window is attached to the cover. Multiple dispensing switches are slidably connected to the cover. A change counter is connected to the housing and has a coin slot. The change counter is electrically connected to the dispensing switches and is capable of actuating the dispensing coil when a predetermined value of change is received in the coin slot.

Abstract: A compact automated dispenser for quickly and quietly dispensing hospital linens or other items while tracking the dispenser's inventory. The dispenser preferably includes a flexible “roll-up door” that opens by rolling onto a door support, such as a roller, within the top portion of the dispenser. This makes it possible to open the door without swinging the door outwardly from the front surface of the dispenser. Alternatively, the door may be mounted on tracks to slide into the dispenser when the door is opened. A control system controls access to items within the dispenser, and closes the door automatically in response to one or more predetermined events. Such predetermined events include: (1) the passage of a pre-determined period of time; (2) a user activating a “close door” button; or (3) a sensor failing to detect the presence of a user within the proximity of the dispenser for a pre-determined period of time.

Abstract: A dispensing container is provided having a side discharging dispensing cap which is smaller than the end of the container and hinged to the container at a position slightly beyond the opening of the container and includes a position control arrangement for the cap to releasably position it in closed and dispensing positions including a protrusion from the inside of one side wall near the top and two spaced depressions in the structure of the dispenser cap.

Abstract: A snack dispenser consists of a series of tiers stacked to resemble a wedding cake. Each tier includes a trough divided into slots. A snack may be placed into each slot. The front of each slot is transparent. The troughs or trays are mounted on a rotatable carousel. The carousel is covered with a backshell and a transparent front shell. The front shell has transparent doors therein. By inserting a proper amount of money and aligning the carousel so that the desired snack is beneath a door; the door may be opened and the customer may withdraw his snack from that slot. The opening of the door blocks the rotation of the carousel, blocks the opening of the remaining doors, and also resets or cancels the credit of the coins inserted. When the single door is closed again, all doors will be blocked so that a person can not again open a door until proper coins are inserted. To service the dispenser the front shell is removed. A segment of all tiers is removed.

Abstract: An automated cabinet for feed products comprises a closable cabinet having two compartments, wherein one expansive compartment contains a plurality of animal feed supporting shelves which pivot downward sequentially from one hinged end at timed intervals by retraction of a lever system activated by an upwardly rotating trip mechanism (in another compartment) on a vertical jackscrew rotated by an electric motor operated by a programmed timer. A partition separates the compartments, and supports the lever system for every shelf, and a cutoff switch system for the uppermost shelf.

Abstract: An electronic drop-shelf vending device used within the vending industry to dispense packaged products. The device is a fully automatic and trouble-free electronic dispensing system that includes a micro-switch, a terminal block, a transformer, a solenoid, an electronic accumulative timing control module, an electronic multi-coin and/or multi token acceptor, and wiring interconnects. All of these components are operable together with one or more drop-shelf magazines in order to control the dispensing of the given packaged product by the action of the drop-shelf magazine via electronic triggering and electromechanical actuation.

Abstract: A pill dispenser to dispense a pill received from a pill container engaged therebelow. The pill dispenser comprises a cavity, said cavity having an exposed end and shaped to form a conical surface therein. The conical shape of the dispenser cavity, advantageously, allows pills to be engaged therein and dispensed therefrom, one at time, regardless of the shape and size of the pills. Optionally, the pill dispenser is disposed within a cap or closure member, mountable to common containers available at most retail outlets. Further optionally, the pill dispenser is disposed within the container itself.

Abstract: A pill dispensing cap assembly to dispense a pill or the like received from a pill container engaged therebelow. The assembly comprises two components, namely a pill transferor to dispense one pill and a base. A cavity in said pill transferor is provided, said cavity having an exposed end and being shaped to form a conical surface therein. The conical shape of the pill transferor cavity, advantageously, provides for the engagement and dispensing of one pill from the pill container regardless of the shape and size of the pills. The base is adapted to pivotably receive said pill transferor, the base having an opening for pill communication between the pill container and the cavity, and a bottom portion of the base adapted to engage the pill container in a child proof manner. In addition, there are two opposed pins extending outwardly on lateral surfaces of the pill transferor to engage the base. A cam on a bottom portion of said pill transferor engages said opening.

Abstract: An automatic medication distributor including a hopper of general cylindrical shape, having boxes open transversally near the periphery of the hopper; a fixed base adapted to be associated to the hopper and provided, transversally and at a predetermined location of its periphery, with a delivery window; rotation drive mechanism of the hopper with respect to the base to successively bring each box in register with the delivery window; and a closing element for the delivery window, operated by the rotation of the hopper.

Abstract: A component carrier assembly includes component holders each for holding a component therein and connected to one another in a form of a tape carrier. Each holder is provided with a cavity to accommodate the component, a closure for shutting an opening of the cavity, and a device for securing the lid structure in a closed position. An apparatus for feeding the component carrier includes a device for transferring the component carrier, a device for forcibly opening a closure of a component holder transferred to a predetermined position, and a device for forcibly closing the closure of the component holder after a component is removed from the cavity.

Abstract: A vending machine for selling encased recording media such as CDs comprises a control unit and a plurality of vending units connected in tandem. Each vending unit is comprised of holders for holding encased CDs. The encased CDs are held in a way that allows them to be pivoted to left and right about the edge on the opposite side to the edge containing information about the contents. A person wishing to purchase a CD can directly touch the case and swing the case to either side, making it possible to read information on both sides and confirm the contents. An advantage of the configuration of this vending machine is that the number of vending units that are linked together can be adjusted to fit the available installation space or the number of CDs involved.

Abstract: A ticket dispensing device having a braking system for preventing unauthorized removal of tickets. A drive roller advancing the ticket strip through the device is connected to a brake wheel. Pulling on the ticket moves the brake wheel into a braking member to impede the rotation of the drive roller, and thereby prevent removal of tickets. The ticket dispensing device also includes a face plate which can be easily and quickly removed to eliminate ticket jams.

Abstract: A vending apparatus of the type having drop shelves, wherein the shelves are retained in an upright position by a solenoid, and wherein, when so positioned, the solenoid forms a series electrical circuit with the shelf, such that the position of the shelf can be tested by testing the integrity of this series electrical circuit. The vending apparatus can be equipped with an acoustic input, such that upon receiving a particular acoustic input signal, the machine will automatically test the position of the shelves by testing the shelf/solenoid circuit, and in this way, an inventory of the contents of the vending machine can be performed.

Abstract: A vending apparatus of the type having drop shelves, wherein the shelves are retained in an upright position by a solenoid, and wherein, when so positioned, the solenoid forms a series electrical circuit with the shelf, such that the position of the shelf can be tested by testing the integrity of this series electrical circuit. The vending apparatus can be equipped with an acoustic input, such that upon receiving a particular acoustic input signal, the machine will automatically test the position of the shelves by testing the shelf/solenoid circuit, and in this way, an inventory of the contents of the vending machine can be performed.

Abstract: A game machine is provided with an automatic gift ejecting function of selecting gifts, even if in different forms, through game-like operations and automatically ejecting the gifts without using special capsules or the like by using devised gift display, gift selection and selection indication methods. The game machine has a gift display portion including a plurality of vertically arranged tiers each having a plurality of gifts placed horizontally, a selection indicating device for indicating gift display positions respectively corresponding to the gifts, a tier selection device for selecting one of the plural tiers, a horizontal position selection device for selecting one of the gift display positions of the horizontally arranged gifts, and an automatic gift ejecting device for automatically ejecting one of the gifts selected by the tier selection device and the horizontal position selection device into a gift outlet.

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: An improved access door for magnetic tape library systems and the like, including a pivotable cartridge-receiving receptacle for facilitating the insertion and removal of cartridges into and out of the system. The receptacle is pivotably mounted to be rotatable between a first position extending at least part way out of the system housing, and a second position wherein the receptacle is at least partially disposed within the housing. A trip lever actuated latch holds the receptacle in the second position, and a spring-loaded lifter rotates the receptacle away from the second position when the latch is released. A damping cam and resilient roller control the rotation of the receptacle and provide limit stops therefor. Optical sensors indicate receptacle position and the presence or absence of a cartridge in the receptacle.

Abstract: A vending machine with a frame in which there are numerous pivoting shelves, each shelf having a tang which extends through a hole in the frame, each tang having a tab positioned to frictionally interact with a side of the hole to keep the shelf in a generally horizontal position until the tab is forced out of the frictional interaction by a ratchet slide which travels vertically up a ratchet column disposed next to the frame. The ratchet column causes the slide to ratchet upward by moving a face of the column up and down vertically, causing grooves on the column to lift the slide. Each movement of the face up and back down causes the slide to ratchet to a position one hole higher, forcing the tang out of frictional interaction with the hole wall which causes the shelf to pivot and drop its contents into an accessible receptacle at the bottom of the machine.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a newspaper vending machine which dispenses a single newspaper one at a time while protecting the remaining newspapers from pilferage and the elements. The vending machine includes a plurality of sequentially fixed rectangular slots to each support a newspaper. A releasable bottom door has a side extension attached to each slot. When a pull lever is outwardly pulled, the bottom door is forced open by a trip lever which pushes against a trip rod causing a newspaper to slide out of the slot and onto a slide bar. The newspaper then slides to the front of the vending machine where it is picked up by the purchaser. Specifically, a trip lever engaging device includes a pull hook which pulls a pull belt to cause the pull lever to engage a peripheral flange and thereby cause the bottom door of the newspaper slot to open and the newspaper to drop down.

Abstract: A pill storage and dispensing container has a lower storage unit with a plurality of radially arranged individual pill storage compartments. An upper storage unit positioned directly above and nestled within the lower unit also has a plurality of similarly arranged storage compartments as well as one bottomless compartment. A top cover is positioned directly above the upper storage unit, and a dispensing opening in the cover is arranged to communicate with the various compartments in the upper unit as well as with the bottomless compartment and the various compartments of the lower storage unit as the cover is rotated relative to the storage units. A hub shaft releasably interconnects the upper and lower storage units and the top cover while allowing the storage units and cover to rotate relative to on another. Twenty eight individual storage compartments are provided in a compact container which enables pills to be dispensed four times per day over a seven day period.

Abstract: Dispensing machines are described which are suitable for use in a cold environment. The machines have a plurality of storage locations for supporting articles to be dispensed, each of which includes an electrical heating element. The heating elements can be energized individually and the heat generated by an energized heating element causes an article supported at the respective storage location to be released.

Abstract: A pill dispenser particularly adapted for use by the physically or mentally infirm. A plurality of containers are arranged in a matrix, each for receiving, storing and selectively releasing one or more pills. The columns of the matrix correspond to days of the week, while the rows of the matrix correspond to times of the day. The containers are housed in a box which may be placed on its back for loading the containers with pills, and mounted vertically for use in dispensing of the pills. A guide is associated with the containers for receiving the contents of the containers and guiding them to a predetermined outlet. A removable cover is placed over the containers, the cover having push buttons which selectively actuate the containers, the push buttons being identified by labels for day of the week and time of the day.

Abstract: A sonobuoy dispenser including a rotatable tubular cylinder having a plurality of adjustable sonobuoy support members longitudinally of its external surface is rotated and indexed by a power source and a Geneva mechanism controlled by a fiber optic switch members and an electronics control circuit further includes release for selectively releasing the sonobuoys.

Abstract: An automated delivery system includes a unitary wheel assembly having a plurality of horizontally disposed tiers each supporting a plurality of radially extending product bins. Electronic control components including customer interfacing devices, regulate the operation of a motor to rotate the wheel assembly to position a specific bin juxtaposed a single, fixed delivery chute, at which point one stationary discharge assistant as provided for each tier is actuated to manipulate a gate assembly associated with each bin to cause the discharge of its product, by gravity, into the chute. Input keyboard, monitor, credit card and currency processing devices connected to the control components permit varied types of transactions by customers of the system.