Random access and random load dispensing unit

• US 20050192705A1
• Filed: 11/30/2004
• Published: 09/01/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 07/01/2003
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Asteres, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Asteres, Inc.
• Inventors: Pinney, Linda J., Williams, David R., Beane, John A., Barnes, Erik Howard, Reynolds, Keith W., Colson, Angus R., Kopitzke, Keith
• Application Number:
  US11/001,110
• Publication Number:
  US 20050192705A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 700/241
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 11/165 using xyz-picker or multi-dimensional article picking arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 11/1657 the picking arrangements using suction
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 11/60 the storage containers or supports being rectilinearly movable
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 11/62 in which the articles are stored in compartments in fixed receptacles
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/0092 for assembling and dispensing of pharmaceutical articles medical dispensers for private use, A61J7/00
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 9/002 Vending machines being part of a centrally controlled network of vending machines
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 9/02 Devices for alarm or indication, e.g. when empty; Advertising arrangements in coin-freed apparatus alarms or warning devices indicating the interruption of flow to be metered G07F15/10
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 9/026 for alarm, monitoring and auditing in vending machines or means for indication, e.g. when empty
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 20/13 delivered from dispensers
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/67 for remote operation

Abstract

The present invention provides a random access and random load dispensing unit including a housing, at least one support located in the housing and defining a first axis, a plurality of platforms movable along the support along the first axis, a plurality of bins supported on the platforms, the bins being movable with the platforms, and a shuttle assembly movable along the first axis and further movable along a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis between the plurality of platforms to access and retrieve products stored in the bins.

Claims

1. A method of managing an item in a dispensing unit, the dispensing unit having a controller, a picker assembly, and a plurality of trays, each tray having a plurality of slots, the method comprising:

selecting a tray from the plurality of trays at the controller;

loading the item into a first slot of the selected tray;

moving the item to a second slot of another tray with the picker assembly; and

at the controller, automatically updating location information relating to the second slot in which the item has been deposited.