An automatic dispenser

A method for dispensing sterile items from a stack using an automatic dispenser comprising a housing having a roller carrier arranged thereon, the roller carrier shaped and configured to rotationally support the stack, a feed mechanism for feeding the stack towards a dispensing point, which feed mechanism is arranged in flow communication relative to the roller carrier, a separation means extending from the feed mechanism, which separation means is shaped and configured for separating an item from the stack at the dispensing point, an electric motor configured to drive the feed mechanism, and a sensor arranged relative to the housing, which sensor is shaped and configured to detect a dispensing parameter, wherein in use, the dispenser is activated by a user providing the dispensing parameter to the sensor, thereby activating the feed mechanism to automatically feed the stack towards the dispensing point such that the separation means separates the item from the stack, thereby allowing for the item to be dispensed, which method comprises the steps, of:

• a. loading the stack onto the automatic dispenser;
• b. securing layers of packaging of the stack onto the separation means;
• c. actuating the electric motor to thereby drive the feed mechanism for feeding the stack toward a dispensing point;
• d. feeding the stack via the feed mechanism toward the dispensing point located proximal to the separation means;
• and
• e. separating an item from the stack using the separation means, which separation means is shaped and configured to separate the item from the stack.

An automatic dispensing apparatus for dispensing an item from a continuous length of packages of items, comprising:

• a support shaped and configured to support the length of packages of items,
• a feed mechanism for feeding the length of packages of items towards a dispensing point;
• a separation means adapted to separate layers of packaging of the length of packages of items at the dispensing point;
• an actuator configured to drive the feed mechanism and the separation means;
• and
• a sensor in communication with the actuator, the sensor adapted to detect a dispensing parameter and to thereby output an initiating signal, wherein the automatic dispensing apparatus is activated upon the actuator receiving the initiating signal, thereby driving the feed mechanism to automatically feed the length of packages of items toward the dispensing point and the separation means to separate the layers of packaging at a portion of the length of packages of items proximal to the dispensing point, thereby allowing for at least the item to be dispensed.

An automatic dispensing system comprising a continuous length of packages of items and an automatic dispensing apparatus, the automatic dispensing apparatus comprising:

• a support shaped and configured to support the length of packages of items;
• a feed mechanism for feeding the length of packages of items towards a dispensing point;
• a separation means adapted to separate layers of packaging of the length of packages of items at the dispensing point;
• an actuator configured to drive the feed mechanism and the separation means;
• and
• a sensor in communication with the actuator, the sensor adapted to detect a dispensing parameter and to thereby output an initiating signal, wherein the apparatus is activated upon the actuator receiving the initiating signal, thereby driving the feed mechanism to automatically feed the length of packages of items towards the dispensing point and the separation means to separate the layers of packaging at a portion of the length of packages of items proximal to the dispensing point, thereby allowing for at least the item to be dispensed.