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Jerk-resistant drawer operating system

  • US 5,716,114 A
  • Filed: 06/07/1996
  • Issued: 02/10/1998
  • Est. Priority Date: 06/07/1996
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A drawer operating system for controlling a drawer having a sliding direction, said drawer defined by a front end and a rear end and partitioned by walls into a plurality of bins consective with one another along the sliding direction for holding various dispensable items, said drawer housed in a cabinet and arranged to move between a closed position and graduated, progressively open positions to allow access to one or more bins and the contents stored therein, said system comprising:

  • a) a linear encoder for monitoring the position and direction of movement of said drawer, including the length of opening said drawer on its preceding excursion, and for producing a plurality of electronic signals specific to the position and movement of said drawer;

    b) drawer stop means arranged between said drawer and said cabinet;

    c) a controller for receipt of said electronic signals; and

    ,d) an electronic solenoid, including a spring-loaded plunger slidingly mounted therein, for activation by said controller, after the beginning of the drawer-opening sequence, and during translational movement along said drawer stop means to drive a trigger attached thereto into contact with said drawer stop means to prevent said drawer from being manually opened beyond a certain distance out from said cabinet wherein a bin containing the items to be withdrawn is exposed.

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