Abstract: An automatic vending machine having a control circuit for controlling the quantity of ice in an ice storage chamber. A signal generating circuit is provided for producing digital signals in response to ice being supplied to, and discharged from, the ice storage chamber. A counting circuit comprising an up-down counter receives the digital signals and adjusts a count value which represents the quantity of ice in the storage chamber. The counter produces an output signal when sufficient ice is available to supply vending needs, but not when the ice quantity falls below a predetermined value. The vending operation is suspended when the counter output signal is not produced.

Abstract: An adhesive applicator has a nozzle through which adhesive can be dispensed to sheets of a set as the sheets are driven seriatim past the nozzle. Adhesive is furnished in a cartridge which is pressurized so that the adhesive is delivered from the cartridge to the nozzle under pressure. A valve controls the flow of adhesive from the nozzle, and the valve is under control of a logic and control unit. The logic and control unit receives signals from various sensors or detectors indicating, inter alia, the presence of an adhesive cartridge, the level of adhesive in the cartridge, the flow of adhesive from the nozzle, and the amount of adhesive in a collection bottle which receives surplus adhesive dispensed from the nozzle but not applied onto a sheet. The logic and control unit is capable of operating the valve that controls flow of adhesive from the nozzle so that adhesive is selectively dispensed from the nozzle to all but one sheet of a set of sheets.

Abstract: The magnetic brush development apparatus for developing a latent electrostatic image on a photoconductive material by a magnetic brush formed on a development sleeve comprises a hopper whose outlet for supplying one-component type magnetic developer to the development sleeve is positioned in proximity to the surface of the development sleeve, and a developer detecting apparatus comprising a light emitting element and a light receiving element is positioned in proximity to the outlet of the hopper and the surface of the development sleeve. The light emitting element and the light receiving element are positioned so as to hold therebetween a transparent container for allowing the developer to pass therethrough.

Abstract: A fiberoptic fluid level sensing mechanism is provided which is operable for performing fluid level sensing as applied particularly to a mixing and dispensing device. The mechanism embodies light projecting means supported in the device so as to be positionable in juxtaposed relation to an external light source and operable to project the light rays received from the light source towards the exposed end of the fiberoptic rod. Photoelectric means is supported in juxtaposed relation to the opposite end of the shaft, and more particularly the other end of the fiberoptic bundle. In accord with the mode of operation of the mechanism, light rays from the external light source are projected through the light projecting means into the interior of the mixing chamber wherein they are operable to light the latter. As the opaque material in the chamber is dispensed, the level thereof decreases until the exposed end of the fiberoptic bundle is rendered visible.