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:
Jun. 30, 2009
Filed:
May. 25, 2006
Brian Broussard, Lafayette, LA (US);
Monroe Milton, Lecompte, LA (US);
Michael Bergeron, Pineville, LA (US);
Joseph Popovich, McMurray, PA (US);
John Volkar, Amity, PA (US);
Brian Broussard, Lafayette, LA (US);
Monroe Milton, Lecompte, LA (US);
Michael Bergeron, Pineville, LA (US);
Joseph Popovich, McMurray, PA (US);
John Volkar, Amity, PA (US);
Parata Systems, LLC, Morrisville, NC (US);
Abstract
One embodiment of the present invention includes a system comprising a housing having an upper end and a lower end. The housing carries a plurality of movable blades defining an entry aperture proximate to the upper end, an exit aperture proximate to the lower end, and a chamber there between. An adapter may be provided for connection to the housing and for receiving an article storage container. The upper end of the housing carries a sensor responsive to the presence and absence of the article storage container. A memory device carries information about the presence and absence of the article storage container. An article determining and actuating station has electronics for interrogating the memory device, for controlling the plurality of blades and for determining the number of items dispensed. A receptacle collects articles that have been dispensed. Methods of associating a flow control device with an article storage container and of dispensing items are also disclosed.