Patent · US Active

Dispenser stir stick

US9592948B2 · kind B2 · utility

0Cited by
20References
4Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateOct 3, 2012
Grant dateMar 14, 2017
Priority date
Expiry dateJun 17, 2034

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG07F11/16
  • WIPO fieldControl
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A dispenser is provided that includes a base and a container. The container is positioned above the base for holding articles to dispensed, such as candy. The base includes a channel in communication with the container to dispense the articles. The channel has, near a first end, an internal opening for receiving the articles held in the container and an external opening near the opposing end for dispensing the articles. An advancement mechanism, such as an auger, for example, is located within the channel for moving the articles from the internal opening of the channel to the external opening of the channel. At least one gear, driven by a motor, is connected to the advancement mechanism for moving the advancement mechanism in response to the activation of the motor. A stir stick is attached to at least one side of the at least one gear and extends upward from the base and into the container at a position adjacent the internal opening of the channel. As the gear moves upon activation of the motor, the stir stick also moves to stir the articles in the container as they enter the internal opening. In one example, the motor may be motion activated and run for only a certain predetermin…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.