Product dispenser

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a dispenser for hanging products. The present invention also relates to an automatic vending machine equipped with such a dispenser.

Automatic vending machines are used for example to allow a user to purchase products which are visible in a display unit. The user selects the desired product and inserts the money required then the vending machine automatically supplies the selected product.

Background Art

There are prior art dispensers of the type described in the patent for an Italian invention granted with number 1357458, which describes a system for releasing a product hanging on a support. Said release system uses a thin electric heating element which, if current is passed through it, heats up and melts a wire which allows the product to be hooked on the support. Melting of the wire causes the hanging product to drop down.

The dispenser described above has several disadvantages. In particular, the patent indicated above does not indicate how to make .a device which allows two or more products to be made available to a user.

Disclosure of the Invention

The present invention has for an aim to overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages, by providing a dispenser which allows two or more products to be distributed. The present invention also has for an aim to provide a dispenser for two or more products which is economical and can be assembled easily.

Accordingly, the present invention achieves these aims and others, more apparent in the description below, with a dispenser which has the structural and functional features described in the appended independent claims. Alternative embodiments of the invention are described in the appended dependent claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention is described in more detail below, with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate a preferred, non-limiting embodiment of the invention, and in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a dispenser according to the present invention;

Figure 2 is a side view of the dispenser of Figure 1; some parts which are not visible are shown with dashed lines;

Figure 2a is an enlarged view of a detail of Figure 2;

Figure 3 is a circuit diagram of a dispenser according to the present invention;

Figure 3a shows the same circuit diagram as Figure 3 without indicating the reference numbers, so that it is clearer;

Figure 4 is a schematic side view of a product vending machine according to the present invention;

Figure 5 is a front view of the product vending machine according to Figure 4 with some parts cut away to better illustrate others;

Figures 6 to 8 are circuit diagrams of a specific example embodiment .

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments of the Invention

With reference to the accompanying drawings, the numeral 1 denotes a dispenser for hanging products. In the accompanying drawings the dispenser 1 is shaped, by way of example, like an arm 7 along which the various hanging products are positioned.

The dispenser 1 for hanging products comprises a plurality of operating units 2, each of which in order to be defined as such must comprise at least:

- a support 3 suitable for supporting at least one of the hanging products;

- a thermal device 4 for releasing the product hanging on the support 3, in turn comprising an electric path 46 comprising a first point 44, a second point 45 and a heating element 40 which can be operatively interposed between the first and second points 44, 45; the heating element 40, if current is passed through it, heats up and makes available thermal power which can be used to release the product hanging on the corresponding support 3. In the case indicated above, the expression "corresponding support 3" means the support 3 which is part of the operating unit 2 including the heating element 40 which makes thermal power available on each occasion. The thermal release device 4 is described in more detail below. Each heating element 40 is therefore part of a single operating unit 2.

In a particular non-preferred embodiment the dispenser 1 could comprise a system for releasing a product which is provided in addition to that made available by the operating units 2. The dispenser 1 may comprise a first contact 5 and a second contact 6 allowing electricity to be supplied to the operating units 2. The first and second contacts 5, 6 may be part of a plug 50 intended to operate in conjunction with an outlet (for example outside the dispenser 1) which supplies- the dispenser 1 with electricity. Appropriately, the current moves from the first contact 5 towards the second contact 6. Advantageously the electric power supply is outside the dispenser 1 (for example, it could be the suitably transformed national grid) . Appropriately, the dispenser 1 is powered by a direct current. Appropriately, the first and second contacts 5, 6 form the electric current input and output interface.

In an alternative embodiment, the dispenser 1 may comprise a power supply unit (for example an electric battery or a photovoltaic panel) which supplies power to the first and second contacts 5, 6. The first and second contacts 5, 6 could also consist only of a simple electric connection (for example made by soldering) respectively with one and the other of the two terminals of the power supply unit. The dispenser 1 comprises means 30 for varying a pathway followed by the electric current, the means being able to adopt at least a first and a second operating condition. In the first operating condition they allow power to be supplied to at least a first heating element 40 belonging to the heating elements 40 of the operating units 2. In the second operating condition they can prevent power from being supplied to the first heating element 40 and allow power to be supplied to at least a second heating element 40 belonging to the heating elements 40 of the operating units 2.

The adjectives first and second with reference to the heating elements 40 are used to allow these heating elements to be distinguished from each other, but do not refer to predetermined specific heating elements.

Appropriately, in the first operating condition the variation means 30 cause the release of a product located on the support 3 of only one of the operating units 2. In the second operating condition they cause the release of a product located on the support 3 of only one other operating unit 2. The wiring layout used allows power to be supplied to a plurality of operating units 2 without providing power circuits for the operating units 2 which are completely independent of each other. Therefore, the electric power supply is simplified and there is a reduction in the overall length and dimensions of the electric circuits.

What is indicated above does not alter the fact that in particular situations (for example, absence of products to be dispensed) the means 30 for varying the pathway of the current could also prevent power from being supplied to the heating elements 40 of all of the operating units 2.

In the various operating conditions which they can adopt, the variation means 30 allow electric communication between the first and second electric contacts 5, 6 and the two ends of the heating elements 40 of the various operating units 2.

In this description, indicating that a first element is in electric communication with a second element means that the electric configuration adopted allows an electric current to pass from the first element to the second element or vice versa.

Advantageously, the dispenser 1 comprises "n" operating units, where "n" is a natural number greater than or equal to 2 (for example, but without limiting the scope of the invention, Figure 3 shows five operating units 2) . If a numeric reference k is associated with each operating unit 2, the set of numeric references is a group of consecutive natural numbers greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to n (Figure 3a clearly shows the operating units 2 corresponding to k=l, k=2, k=3, k=4, k=5) . The operating units 2 are operatively interconnected and can release one after another the product positioned on the respective support 3.

Advantageously, when positioned on each support 3 there is at least one corresponding product which can be dispensed by the corresponding thermal release device 4, the sequence numeric reference k from 1 to n is associated with the operating units, said reference following the order with which the respective thermal release devices 4 can release the hanging products. Therefore, the order of activation of the release devices 4 is followed, where the expression activation of the release devices 4 means dispensing the product. Therefore, when positioned on each support 3 there is at least one corresponding product which can be dispensed by the corresponding thermal release device 4, the reference k=l is associated with the operating unit 2 intended to release its hanging product first.

As is explained in more detail below, once the items to be distributed are positioned on all of the supports 3, the dispenser 1 activates the operating units 2 in a precise predetermined order.

Advantageously, the variation means 30 comprise at least one switch 41 corresponding to the operating unit 2 with reference k=x-l. That switch 41 can be interposed between the first point 44 and the heating element 40 of the electric path 46 of the operating unit 2 with reference k=x-l. The switch 41 can move between a first and a second configuration. In the first configuration the switch 41 puts in electric communication the first point 44 of the electric path 46 and the heating element 40 of the operating unit 2 with reference k=x-l. In the second configuration the switch puts in electric communication the first point 44 of the electric path 46 of the operating unit 2 with reference k=x-l and the electric path 46 of the operating unit 2 with reference k=x, where x is at least one of the natural numbers greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to n.

Preferably, the variation means 30 comprise, for each operating unit 2 with a reference k greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to "n-1", a corresponding switch 41 which can be interposed between the first point 44 and the heating element 40 of the electric path 46 of the operating unit 2 to which the switch 41 considered corresponds.

The switch 41 can move between a first and a second configuration. Where "x" is a natural number greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to "n". In the first configuration the switch 41 corresponding to the operating unit 2 with reference k=x-l puts in electric communication the first point 44 of the electric path 46 of the operating unit 2 with reference k=x-l and the heating element 40 of the same electric path 46 (that is to say, of the operating unit 2 with reference k=x-l) . In the second configuration the same switch 41 puts in electric communication the first point 44 of the path 46 of the operating unit 2 with reference k=x-l and the electric path 46 of the thermal release device 4 of the operating unit 2 with reference k=x. In Figure 3 the switch 41 corresponding to operating unit k=n-l is illustrated in the first configuration, whilst the other switches 41 are illustrated in the second configuration. The passage of at least one switch 41 from the first to the second configuration may allow the passage of the means 30 for varying the pathway of the current from the first to the second operating condition. For example, if all of the switches 41 are in the first configuration, the passage of the switch 41 corresponding to the operating unit 2 with reference k=l from the first to the second configuration will allow power to be supplied to the heating element 40 of the operating unit 2 with reference k=2 and will cut off the power supply to the heating element 40 of the operating unit 2 with reference k=l (this corresponds for example to a passage by the means 30 for varying the pathway of the current from the first to the second operating condition) . The value k=l is associated with the operating unit 2 which comprises the heating element 40 which allows the electric connection of the first and second contacts 5, 6 with the minimum electric resistance when the switches 41 of each operating unit 2 are in the first configuration.

Each switch 41 coincides with a current diverter.

The first and second contacts 5, 6 are in electric communication one with the first point 44 and one with the second point 45 of the electric path 46 of the operating unit 2 with reference k=l. When the switch 41 corresponding to the operating unit 2 with reference k=x-l is in the second configuration the first and second points 44, 45 of the electric path 46 of the operating unit 2 with reference k=x-l are in electric communication one with the first point 44 and one with the second ^"" point 45 of the electric path 46 of the operating unit 2 with reference k=x.

In particular, in the embodiment in Figure 3, the first and second contacts 5, 6 are respectively in electric communication with the first and second points 44, 45 of the electric path 46 of the operating unit with reference k=l.

Advantageously, the second points 45 of the path 46 of each of the operating units 2 are always in electric communication with each other and with the second contact 6. Preferably, the second points 45 of the path 46 of each of the operating units 2 are at the same potential. In particular they are at the same potential as the second contact 6 (see Figure 3, but in an alternative embodiment they could be at the same potential as the first contact 5) .

In this description everything described with reference to at least one operating unit 2 with a reference k greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to n-1, may preferably be understood to extend to all operating units 2 with a reference k greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to "n-1" or, appropriately, it could be understood to extend to all operating units 2 (with a reference k greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to "n") .

In at least one of the operating units 2 the support 3 is at least partly able to move and is operatively connected to the switch 41 corresponding to the same operating unit 2. The passage of the switch 41 corresponding to the latter operating unit 2 from the first to the second configuration and/or vice versa is linked to the movement of the support 3 of the same operating unit 2. The support 3 could be connected to the switch 41 by a mechanical device which may, if necessary, be electrically operated (see schematic diagram in Figure 2a) .

In at least one of the operating units 2 with a reference k greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to n-1, the support 3 can move between a first position in which the switch 41 corresponding to the same operating unit 2 is in the first configuration and a second position in which the switch 41 corresponding to the same operating unit 2 is in the second configuration. Advantageously, if a product is hung on the support 3 the latter can pass from the second position to the first position.

With reference to the physical vertical direction, in the second position the support 3 is at least partly raised relative to the first position. A stop 31 is connected to each support 3. In the first position the support 3 is close to (preferably in contact with) the stop 31. In the second position the support 3 is away from the stop 31.

In at least one of the operating units 2 with a reference k greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to n-1, the support 3 has an elastic reaction from the first position towards the second position, an external force which can be associated with the presence of the product hanging on the support 3 being able to oppose that elastic reaction. The support 3 is a tab 410 advantageously connected cantilever-style. The elastic reaction and the operating connection between the support 3 and the switch 41 are important because they allow interruption of the power supply to the heating element 40 immediately after the product has been released, but not before it has effectively been released (it should be noticed that timing the activity of each heating element 40 would not achieve such an effect) .

Each product is usually hung on a corresponding support 3. The product (or its pack) is usually equipped with a supporting ring (labelled 12 by way of example in Figure 2) one part of which rests on top of the support 3. The above-mentioned external force which can be associated with the presence of the product may be the weight of the product. If that weight is sufficient to overcome the elastic reaction of the support 3, then the support moves from the second position to the first position.

The above-mentioned external force which can be associated with the presence of the product could instead be a clamping force applied by the supporting ring 12 connected to the product. The supporting ring 12 may be wound and clamped around the support 3 and the stop 31 in such a way as to move the support 3 towards the stop 31, thus moving the support from the second position to the first position (in this case the supporting ring 12 could be a common elastic band) . The latter embodiment can advantageously be adopted above all if the weight of the product alone is not enough to overcome the elastic reaction of the support 3 from the first position to the second position (both of the connecting methods described above are illustrated by way of example in Figure 2) . In the preferred embodiment when the hanging products move all of the supports 3 from the second position to the first position a situation is achieved in which positioned on each support 3 there is at least one corresponding product which can be released by the dispenser 1.

The heating element 40 of at least one of the operating units 2 is located close to the support 3 of the corresponding operating unit 2 and when it heats up is suitable for cutting the supporting ring 12 with which the product can be hung on the latter support 3. The supporting ring 12 should be thread-like. Advantageously, the heating element 40 is thread-like. The heating element 40 is preferably made of tungsten carbide.

The heating element 40 must be able to make contact with the supporting ring 12 when the latter is hanging on the support 3. For this purpose, relative to the physical vertical direction the heating element 40 is above the stop 31 with which the support 3 can make contact due to the above-mentioned external stress associated with product presence. In this way, the supporting ring 12 comes to rest on top of the heating element 40 when the support 3 is in the first position.

As already indicated, the dispenser 1 comprises an arm 7 along which the operating unit 2 supports 3 are spaced out.

The arm 7 has an outer casing 70. The outer casing 70 has a plurality of upper slots 73 at the operating unit 2 supports 3. The product supporting ring 12 can be partly inserted in each slot 73.

The arm 7 extends between a first end 71 and a second end 72. The second end 72 is usually the end intended to be closest to a user. The arm 7 can normally be connected cantilever-style to a support at the first end 71. The second end 72 is the end opposite the first end 71. The first and second contacts 5, 6 are at the first end 71 of the arm 7. Advantageously, the support 3 of the operating unit 2 with reference k=n relative to the supports 3 of the remaining operating units 2 is the one which is physically furthest from the first end 71. In this way, a sample of the product intended to be dispensed is always clearly visible for a user even after a certain number of products have been dispensed. In practice, said device allows the final product distributed by the dispenser 1 to be the one which is most clearly visible for the user.

Inside the arm 7 there is a body 112 on which there extends the printed circuit which helps to connect the heating elements 40 of the various operating units 2 to each other and to the first and second contacts -5, 6. Advantageously, the supports 3 and/or the heating elements 40 are physically connected to that body 112.

As shown by way of example in Figure 3, advantageously, the dispenser 1 comprises a third electric contact 9.

Preferably, the operating unit 2 with reference k=n comprises a change-over switch 410 which in a first configuration puts in electric communication the first point 44 and the heating element 40 of the operating unit 2 with reference k=n and which in a second configuration puts in electric communication the first point 44 of the operating unit 2 with reference k=n and the third electric contact 9.

In Figure 3 the change-over switch 410 is illustrated in the first operating configuration. The support 3 of the operating unit 2 with reference k=n can move between a first position in which the changeover switch 410 is in the first configuration and a second position in which the change-over switch 410 is in the second configuration. If a product is hung on the support 3 of the operating unit 2 with reference k=n the latter support 3 can pass from the second position to the first position. Advantageously, the support 3 of the operating unit 2 with reference k=n has an elastic reaction from the first position towards the second position, an external force which can be associated with the presence of the product hanging on the support 3 being able to oppose that elastic reaction.

The dispenser 1 comprises test means 8 for identifying how many operating units are ready to dispense a product. The following is a description of how the test means 8 operate.

The test means 8 comprise:

- for each operating unit 2 with a reference k greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to n- 1, a test resistor 81 which is electrically parallel with the switch 41 of the same operating unit 2 when the latter switch 41 adopts the second configuration;

- for the operating unit 2 with reference k=n, an additional test resistor 810 which is electrically parallel with the change-over switch 410 when the latter is in the second configuration;

- means for directly or indirectly determining the electric resistance encountered by the current along the electric path extending from the first contact 5 to the third contact 9.

The means for directly or indirectly determining the resistance could, for example, be an ohmmeter.

Advantageously, the values of the test resistors 81 are greater than or equal to 1 kohm. Therefore, the test means 8 apply a voltage between the first contact 5 and the third contact 9. By assessing the intensity of the current passing between the first contact 5 and the third contact 9 it is possible to determine how many products to be dispensed are still hanging (or alternatively the same result could be achieved by assessing the difference in voltage between the first contact 5 and the third contact 9 by making a predetermined current pass through them) . The electric resistance offered by any of the switches 41 or by the change-over switch 410 in the second configuration (that is to say, when there is no product hanging - see above regarding the operative relationship between the support 3 and the corresponding switch 41 or changeover switch 410-) is negligible compared with that of the test resistor 81, 810 positioned parallel with the switch 41 or with the change-over switch 410 in that second configuration.

For each switch 41 which is in the first configuration the current moving between the first contact 5 and the third contact 9 must pass through the corresponding test resistor 81. Similarly, if the change-over switch 410 is in the first configuration, the current moving between the first contact 5 and the third contact 9 must pass through the additional test resistor 810. Consequently, the greater the number of elements (switches 41 and/or change-over switch 410) in the first configuration, the greater the resistance encountered by the current moving between the first contact 5 and the third contact 9 is.

The values of the test resistors 81, 810 are predetermined and known, preferably all being the same. If the test resistors 81, 810 are identical, by dividing the value detected for the resistance encountered by the current between the first contact 5 and the third contact 9 and the value of each test resistor 81, 810 it is possible to obtain a value which, rounded if necessary, provides the number of supports 3 in the first position and therefore the number of items still to be dispensed.

The test resistor 81 value is important. In the preferred embodiment, if the switch 41 corresponding to the operating unit 2 with reference k=l is in the first configuration, the test resistor 81 corresponding to the operating unit 2 with reference k=l renders the current which can power the heating elements 40 of other operating units 2 negligible. A similar result is achieved for the other operating units 2.

The present invention also relates to a product vending machine 10. The vending machine 10 comprises:

- at least one dispenser 1 having one or more of the above-mentioned features;

- means 11 for controlling the dispenser 1 electric power supply.

In a first operating situation the control means 11 allow current to pass between the first contact 5 and the second contact 6 and in a second operating situation they stop the electric power supply between the first contact 5 and the second contact 6. Activation of the means 30 for varying the pathway of the current puts the control means 11 in the second operating situation.

The control means 11 advantageously comprise an SCR diode, labelled 110 by way of example in Figure 6. As is known, an SCR diode 110 comprises two operating ports 110b, 110c between which current can pass and one control port 110a which, if it receives a suitable electric signal, allows current to pass through the two operating ports 110b, 110c. The passage of any switch 41 and/or the change-over switch 410 if present from the first to the second configuration puts the control means 11 in the second operating situation. Interruption of current in the dispenser 1 associated with the passage of any switch 41 from the first to the second operating configuration means that the passage of current through the SCR diode 110 is interrupted. This is fundamental to prevent all of the hanging products from falling in a cascade. Consequently, to restore the passage of current between the first contact 5 and the second contact 6, a suitable electric activation signal must again be applied to the control port 110a of the SCR diode 110.

Advantageously, the vending machine 10 comprises a plurality of dispensers 1, the control means 11 controlling each dispenser 1 independently.

In that case the control means 11 comprise a plurality of power supply lines 500, 600. In particular, the control means 11 comprise power supply lines 500 intended to connect to the first contact 5 of the dispensers 1 and power supply lines 600 intended to connect to the second contact 6 of the dispensers 1.

The dispensers 1 are organised according to a matrix layout, that is to say, a row - column combination of an imaginary matrix is associated with each dispenser 1. Preferably, the dispensers 1 in the same row of the matrix have the first contact 5 powered by a branch 501 of a shared power supply line 500. Preferably, the dispensers 1 in the same column have the second contact 6 powered by a branch 601 of a shared power supply line 600.

In this way, a specific dispenser 1 can be powered, corresponding to a precise row and a precise column of the imaginary matrix. The corresponding SCR diode 110 is located along the power supply lines 500, 600 intended to connect to the first contact and/or the second contact 5, 6 of the dispensers 1. By way of example, but without limiting the scope of the invention, in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 6 the SCR diode 110 is interposed between a low voltage source 111 and the branch 601 of each of the power supply lines 600 intended to power the second contacts 6 of the dispensers 1. Controlled by a user interface 113, the SCR diode 110 control port 110a receives a signal which allows activation of the passage of current through the SCR diode 110 operating ports 110b, 110c. A resistor 102 for limiting the electric current is positioned between the low voltage source 111 and the SCR diode 110 control port 110a. As illustrated by way of example in Figures 7 and 8, there may also be other stabilisation resistors present, labelled 104 by way of example. In the preferred embodiment, along the power supply lines 500 intended to connect to the first contact 5 there is a transistor 105 operatively interposed between a current regulator 106 and the branch 501 of each of the power supply lines 500 intended to connect to the first contact 5.

When a specific transistor 105 is activated by- means of a signal generated by the user interface 113, it allows electric current to pass through it. Therefore, the electric current will pass from the electric current regulator 106 to the branch 501 of one of the power supply lines intended to connect to the first contact 5. Advantageously, the passage of electric current through the transistor 105 is timed. This allows deactivation of the passage of electric current through one of the heating elements 40 of the dispenser 1 even if the switch 41 of the operating unit 2 corresponding to that heating element 40 is in the first configuration and therefore the product has not been released. For example, this may occur if the electric heating element 40 does not manage to cut the product supporting ring 12 (for example because the ring is made of a material which would require heating element 40 activation for an amount of time considered excessive) . What is described above in connection with the power supply line 500 intended to connect to the first contact 5 could be applied to the power supply line 600 intended to connect to the second contact 6 and vice versa.

For clearer illustrations, in Figures 6 and 7 the reference characters are only explicitly indicated at the power supply line 500, 600 illustrated at the top, but the reference characters may similarly be repeated for the remaining power supply lines 500, 600.

The vending machine 10 also comprises a check device 107 which checks if at least one product is hanging on the support 3. The check device 107 indicates whether the first and second contacts 5, 6 of the relevant dispenser 1 can be put in electric communication. If there are no hanging products, then all of the switches 41 (and if present also the changeover switch 410) are in the second operating configuration and therefore current cannot pass between the first and second contacts 5, 6. In contrast, if at least the change-over switch 410 or one of the switches 41 are in the first operating configuration, current can pass between the first and second contacts.

When the check device 107 is activated, to prevent the current passing through one of the heating elements 40 from causing the release of a product, the passing current must be reduced. The vending machine 10 also comprises the current regulator 106, which can power the dispensers 1 to allow the release of products. The selector switch 108 allows the transistors 105 located along the power supply lines to be put in communication with either the current regulator 106 or the check device 107. The check device 107 is usually activated before the regulator 106.

The vending machine 10 is preferably shaped like a display unit 13 comprising said at least one dispenser 1 arm 7. Advantageously, there is a plurality or arms 7. What is described below with reference to a single arm 7 may be applied to each dispenser 1 arm 7. A user does not have direct access to the arm 7. For example, the arm 7 is usually located behind a display window 14. The display window 14 may have a door with a lock. The display unit 13 manager can open that door and gain direct access to the arm 7 to position the products to be distributed on it.

Below the dispenser 1 arm 7 there is a collector 15 for the product released by the dispenser 1. The user has access to the collector 15 (preferably through a door 16) so that he can recover the product released by the dispenser 1. Between the arm 7 and the collector 15 there is advantageously a shelf 17 onto which the product released by the dispenser 1 falls. The shelf 17 is a chute 18 suitable for conveying the product towards the collector 15. The arm 7 may be positioned horizontally or it may be at an angle so as to save space in the horizontal direction.

The display unit 13 has arm 7 movement means. Appropriately, the movement means allow movement of the arm 7 (preferably translation) in the horizontal or vertical direction. For example, the movement means could comprise an electric motor which controls an actuator connected to the dispenser 1. The display unit 13 preferably comprises a frame 20 comprising vertical members 21 and at least one beam 22 positioned transversally to the vertical members 21. There are preferably two or more beams 22. The beam or beams 22 are preferably horizontal. In the non-limiting example embodiment illustrated in Figure 4 or 5, the display unit 1 comprises hooking means 23 which allow at least one beam 22 to be connected at a various heights. The hooking means 23 are preferably removable hooking means 23. For example, they comprise at least one hook made on the beam 22 and at least one cavity 25 made in the vertical member 21 (or vice versa) . Advantageously, the arm 7 can move horizontally along the beam 22.

The following is a description of dispenser 1 operation.

For operation to be possible, the products to be released must first be hung on the supports 3 of the operating units 2. Each of said products will be released in response to precise user input. The positioning of products on the supports 3 means that the supports pass from the second to the first position. In this way, the product supporting ring 12 makes contact with the heating element 40 which will be able to cut the ring 12. Moreover, the movement of the supports 3 from the second to the first position causes movement of the switches 41 (and the change-over switch 410 if present) from the second to the first configuration. According to the dispenser 1 circuit diagram, the operating units 2 are activated in a predetermined sequence.

In particular, if a direct electric current is applied between the first contact 5 and the second contact 6, the heating element 40 of the first operating unit 2 of the sequence having the switch 41 in the first configuration is supplied with power. Said operating unit 2 is usually the one identified with reference k=l . If on the support 3 of the operating unit 2 with reference k=l there is no product, then no product can be dispensed and the corresponding switch 41 is in the second configuration. Consequently the heating element 40 of the operating unit with reference k=l is not activated. Therefore, the heating element 40 of another operating unit 2 (for example, with reference k=x other than n) will be activated. Then, when the product which can be associated with that operating unit 2 is dispensed, the support 3 passes from the first position to the second position and consequently the switch 41 passes from the first to the second configuration. The SCR diode 110 stops the passage of current between the first contact 5 and the second contact 6, preventing all of the remaining products from falling in a cascade without further input.

When the user issues a specific command for the SCR diode 110, a new control voltage is applied and current again circulates between the first contact 5 and the second contact 6. In this case, the current passes through the heating element 40 of the first operating unit 2 which according to the predetermined sequence has the support 3 in the first position (and this allows the release of the corresponding hanging product) . This process is repeated until all of the products have been dispensed.

The invention brings important advantages.

First, it allows a circuit to be made which is simplified, optimised and less expensive than a situation in which there is an independent power supply for each operating unit.

Second, it allows the certainty of deactivating the power supply to the heating element only after the product has been released, thus avoiding the problems of supply failure linked to incorrect timing.

The invention described above can be modified and adapted in several ways without thereby departing from the scope of the inventive concept.

Moreover, all the details of the invention may be substituted by other technically equivalent elements.

In practice, all of the materials used, as well as the dimensions, may vary according to requirements.