The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 04, 2000
Filed:
Jan. 26, 1998
Michael A Mueller, Phoenix, AZ (US);
Warren W Stansberry, Peoria, AZ (US);
Axxess Technologies, Inc., Tempe, AZ (US);
Abstract
An apparatus for dispensing unpackaged articles includes a guide shaft to carry the articles, a pushing element that advances the plurality of articles along the guide shaft, and a feed screw engagable with the pushing element and driven by a motor. While the articles to be dispensed are moved collectively as a group, the apparatus provides for the controlled dispensing of individual articles. A sensor is provided to identify when an article has been dispensed and to subsequently stop movement of the plurality of articles. Also, an iris including a yieldable opening sized to allow passage therethrough of an article in a staggered manner is provided to facilitate the individual dispensing of articles and to prevent the inadvertent dispensing of articles.