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Dispensable unit retrieval mechanism

  • US 10,106,283 B2
  • Filed: 08/05/2015
  • Issued: 10/23/2018
  • Est. Priority Date: 08/05/2014
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A device comprising:

  • a container;

    a tube having a first end and a second end coupled in fluid communication by a hollow core;

    a nib disposed on the first end of the tube, the nib including an opening with a perimeter and a seal around the perimeter formed of a pliable material shaped and sized to engage and form a vacuum seal with an object having a predetermined range of dimensions;

    a vacuum device having a vacuum source connected in fluid communication with the second end of the tube, the vacuum source configured to apply a vacuum force through the hollow core to the nib;

    a positioner coupled to the tube and configured to move the nib with at least two degrees of translational freedom within the container;

    a controller coupled in a communicating relationship with the positioner, the controller configured to operate the nib to attempt a blind retrieval of a number of dispensable units within the container using a sequence of retrieval attempts each applying a different two-dimensional retrieval pattern within a first horizontal plane through the container; and

    an agitator engaged with the first end of the tube that converts an axial force created by a vertical movement of the tube into a horizontal force parallel to the first horizontal plane for agitation of dispensable units.

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