Capsule dispensing apparatus

An apparatus for dispensing capsules for use in connection with automatic food-product vending machines, each capsule having a first axis which is a longitudinal axis, said apparatus comprising:

• a plurality of receptacles configured to accommodate the dispensing capsules in a stacked arrangement with the first axis of each capsule being arranged in a substantially horizontal and co-planar position, each receptacle of said plurality of receptacles being configured so as to enable advancement of each capsule accommodated therein along said receptacle in a direction extending transversely to the first axis of each capsule;
• at least one rotary pick-up device configured to remove the capsules from said receptacles, said rotary pick-up device including at least two compartments disposed about an axis of rotation of said rotary pick-up device;
• a conveyor;
• and
• a distribution tray arranged between said at least one rotary pick-up device and said conveyor;
• wherein said distribution tray comprises a plurality of guide partitions configured to guide the capsules along a path and so that each capsule undergoes a first rotary motion about the first axis when moving, in use, along a respective guide partition, and said conveyor is arranged, in relation to said guide partitions, so that each capsule undergoes a second rotary motion about a second axis when moving, in use, from the respective guide partition to said conveyor, and
• wherein said distribution tray comprises a first curved or inclined wall and a plurality of second walls regularly spaced from each other and arranged substantially perpendicular to said first wall, said first wall and said second walls jointly defining said guide partitions, and the path extending parallel to said first and second walls.