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Methods and apparatus for dispensing solid articles

  • US 7,949,427 B2
  • Filed: 03/20/2008
  • Issued: 05/24/2011
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/18/2007
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for dispensing and detecting solid articles, the apparatus comprising:

  • a) a housing defining a dispensing channel through which articles can travel along a dispensing pathway; and

    b) a sensor system including;

    a radiation detector positioned along the dispensing pathway; and

    a radiation emitter positioned along the dispensing pathway and configured to direct radiation across the dispensing channel and onto the radiation detector;

    wherein the radiation detector is operative to generate detector signals proportional to the radiation received thereby;

    wherein the radiation detector is offset from the radiation emitter; and

    wherein the radiation emitter and/or the radiation detector are mounted for movement relative to the other.

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