Vial gripping mechanism for automatic medicament dispensing machine
US6578734B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 7, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jun 17, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 7, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07F17/0092
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A vial gripping mechanism (10) includes a pivotally mounted swing arm (26). A sensor receiving array (44) is mounted to a sensor end (34) on an inward edge (46) of the arm (26). A channel (38) protecting a cable (64) follows an outside edge (42) from the receiving array (44) to a cam end (36). A torsion spring (28) forces the cam end (36) against a cam (30) which is fixedly mounted to the mechanism (10) adjacent the arm (26). By action of the mechanism (10), the arm (26) is moved relative to the cam (30) such that in a sensing position, the receiving array (44) is directly opposite a sensor transmitting array (74), and in a shielded position, the receiving array (44) is housed within a shield (32). The shield (32) is fixedly mounted to the mechanism (10) and protects the receiving array (44) while in transit.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.