Automated dish drop

US11390308B2 · kind B2 · utility

Inventors

• Timothy Young Lee · Cupertino, US
• Jacob Conor Dooris · East Palo Alto, US
• Kent M. Anderson · San Jose, US
• Abigail Elizabeth Soong · San Francisco, US
• Edward Joseph Menard · Palomar Park, US
• Thomas Ettore De Candia · Palomar Park, US
• Michael William Tschudy · Palo Alto, US
• Paul Michael Birkmeyer · Palomar Park, US
• Katrina Bell Sheehy · Redwood City, US
• Taylor Joseph Cone · Belmont, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 7, 2019
• Grant date: Jul 19, 2022
• Expiry date: May 19, 2041

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65H2405/15
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A dish cart includes a top with a slot for receiving a lift arm that may be lifted up through the slot to raise or lower dishes. Lobe openings emanating from the slot receive lobes of a lift paddle secured to the lift arm. The cart may define a gap below the top for permitting insertion of the lift paddle and the lift arm. The cart may be adjusted to receive differently sized dishes by means of rails of different sizes or adjustable vanes. A dish drop station includes the lift arm and lift paddle and a lift mechanism for raising and lower the lift arm. The dish drop station may include a cart present sensor and include a lock for retaining the cart. The controller may be programmed to the lower the lift arm to an unlock position that disengages the cart lock.