×

Method and apparatus for dispensing items

  • US 8,798,789 B2
  • Filed: 05/12/2011
  • Issued: 08/05/2014
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/13/2010
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A method for dispensing discrete items into a multiplicity of containers such that each of the multiplicity of containers contains a predetermined number of items, the method comprising:

  • operating a conveyor such that items placed on the conveyor fall into a container at least partially in parallel, the conveyor activated for a period of time such that less than the predetermined number of items fall into the container;

    counting the falling items using a counting mechanism comprising at least three electromagnetic energy sources and at least three receptors, wherein the counting mechanism is arranged such that;

    (a) each of the at least three electromagnetic energy sources emits energy in a different direction, and(b) no two of the at least three electromagnetic energy sources emit energy in perpendicular directions;

    determining a number of missing items in the container after items have fallen into the container during the operation and due to inertial forces after the operation; and

    operating the conveyor for a pulse duration.

View all claims
  • 1 Assignment
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×