Methods and apparatus for dispensing solid articles
US8833604B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 21, 2013 |
| Grant date | Sep 16, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 21, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65B35/02
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus for dispensing solid articles includes a housing and a gate system. The housing defines a dispensing channel and a portal through which articles can flow along a dispensing pathway. The gate system includes a gate member positioned in the dispensing pathway. The gate member is selectively positionable between an open position and a closed position. When the gate member is in the open position, the gate member permits the articles to pass through the portal and, when the gate member is in the closed position, the gate member blocks the articles from passing through the portal. The gate system is configured such that the gate member is passively transitionable between the open and closed positions.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.