Machine for dispensing stacked articles

A machine for automatically dispensing an article from a stack of articles comprising:

• a loading platform for moving the stack of articles to a dispensing station;
• a sliding mechanism for laterally discharging a lowermost article from a stack of articles;
• a lifting mechanism for lifting a portion of the stack of articles above the lowermost article, the lifting mechanism includes a pair of lifting members to lift a portion of the stack of articles from opposite sides of the stack of articles, the pair of lifting members each include a plurality of linkages and each lifting member is driven by a common source, the common source includes a cam which is located under the articles and is rotated by a drive motor;
• a pushing mechanism pivotally connected to the sliding mechanism for pushing a bottom article from back of the dispensing station to the front of the dispensing station;
• a gate disposed at the front of the dispensing station and sized to permit only one article to pass through at a time, wherein the pair of lifting members on opposed sides of the machine are configured for raising a portion of the stack of articles prior to the operation of the pushing mechanism;
• a control system for enabling the sliding mechanism, lifting mechanism and pushing mechanism;
• and
• a plurality of sensors for sensing the progress of the operation to dispense the article from the machine automatically, the plurality of sensors are operatively connected to the control system.