Passive device for staging and dispensing objects

US8281955B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• PARATA SYSTEMS, LLC · US

Inventors

• Bryan Patrick Farnsworth · Wake Forest, US
• Christopher Todd Hilliard · Bath, US
• Jason Cora · Raleigh, US
• Andrew Dummer · Chapel Hill, US
• David J. Parrish · Youngsville, US
• Dennis H. Vaders · San Jose, US
• Jennifer Ann Mauger · Durham, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 21, 2011
• Grant date: Oct 9, 2012
• Expiry date: Nov 21, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65B5/103
• WIPO field: Control
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A passive chute assembly includes: a chute configured to receive objects to be dispensed, the chute having an outlet; and a passive dispensing unit attached to the chute outlet. The passive dispensing unit has a staging portion, wherein objects are captured prior to dispensing. The staging portion is movable between a staging position, in which objects may be captured within the staging portion, and a dispensing position, in which the objects may be fed gravimetrically into a receptacle positioned below the dispensing unit. The staging portion includes an adaptive opening that, when the staging portion moves to the dispensing position, opens adaptively corresponding to a diameter of the receptacle.