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Object dispenser having a variable orifice and image identification

  • US 10,360,751 B2
  • Filed: 11/21/2016
  • Issued: 07/23/2019
  • Est. Priority Date: 07/23/2012
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A dispensing method that reliably retrieves an object from a group of randomly ordered objects held within bulk storage containers, comprising:

  • providing a dispensing system for dispensing at least one of a plurality of randomly ordered objects stored in bulk storage containers therein;

    said system, in response to a dispense request, retrieving an object using a probe extending downward into a bulk storage container to collect an object therefrom and transferring the object to a dispense location accessible by a user; and

    storing and maintaining an inventory level for each of the objects stored in the dispensing system, wherein the operation of storing and maintaining an inventory level for each of the objects stored in the dispensing system further includes;

    picking several objects to determine an accurate average weight per object, and estimating the inventory on-hand based upon a weight of objects in a bulk storage container divided by the average weight.

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