Article storage and retrieval apparatus, and vending machine
US8631969B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 15, 2004 |
| Grant date | Jan 21, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 26, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07F11/1657
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Apparatus for storing and selectively retrieving articles includes a vertical array of storage locations each having a horizontal surface on which articles may rest and along which articles may be slid. A carriage is mounted for movement horizontally and vertically across the face of the array so as to be selectively positionable at any one of the locations, and an arm is mounted on the carriage and selectively extendible and retractable to engage and withdraw a selected article from a first one of the locations on to the carriage, the carriage then being movable to another of the locations at which the arm may be extended to discharge the article from the carriage into the other location.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.