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Devices for dispensing objects useful in system and method for dispensing

  • US 8,616,409 B2
  • Filed: 01/16/2008
  • Issued: 12/31/2013
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/16/2008
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A device for singulating open-ended objects, the device comprising:

  • a housing configured to retain a plurality of open-ended objects, the housing having an open lower end;

    an outer ring positioned below the housing;

    a drum positioned within the outer ring to form a drum assembly, the drum including a hub having a substantially circular wall and a plurality of wings that extend radially outwardly from the wall toward the outer ring, the hub, wings and outer ring forming a plurality of gaps;

    a mounting structure with an exit aperture fixed relative to the housing; and

    a rotary drive unit mounted to the drum that rotates the drum about an axis of rotation;

    wherein the mounting structure further comprises a pre-staging station fixed relative to the housing and positioned below the exit aperture, and wherein the pre-staging station is positioned such that the dispensing of an object from the gap through the exit aperture causes the object to reside in the pre-staging station;

    wherein the pre-staging station is positioned a distance below the exit aperture such that an object residing in the pre-staging station has a portion that extends above the exit aperture and a portion that extends below the exit aperture.

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