Object dispenser apparatus and method

A method for dispensing items comprising the steps of:

• providing a dispensing apparatus having an external housing;
• providing a plurality of items to be dispensed one at a time located within said housing;
• providing means coupled to said housing for verifying authorization to dispense said items;
• providing a round carousel having a plurality of slots located within said housing and said items to be dispensed are placed one per slot;
• providing locking means for assuring positive engagement of said carousel to said apparatus and for permitting removal of said carousel from said apparatus;
• providing dispensing means comprising:
• a gear motor having a shaft;
• a hub fixedly attached to said shaft, said hub having a flat side normal to a plane of rotation;
• a puller arm movably attached to an eccentric position of said hub to translate rotational movement of said hub to substantially linear movement of said puller arm;
• activation means for turning said gear motor;
• switch means for stopping said activation means after said hub has accomplished one complete revolution;
• gate means nominally disposed in a non-dispensing position and movably coupled to said puller arm for pivoting away from said carousel in a dispensing position and for allowing one of said items to be dispensed to fall by the force of gravity out of said carousel;
• providing access means for loading said items to be dispensed onto said carousel;
• providing means for programming said means for verifying authorization to dispense when said items to be dispensed are placed on said carousel;
• and
• providing rotation means for rotating said carousel until one item to be dispensed is disposed directly above said dispensing means, such that activating said dispensing means causes the desired item to be dispensed to fall by the force of gravity said rotation means allows for random selection of said items to be dispensed.