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Multi-compartment step-drawer

  • US 8,972,051 B2
  • Filed: 05/29/2012
  • Issued: 03/03/2015
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/29/2012
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A step-drawer for preventing the deterioration of electrical components comprising:

  • a dispensing drawer having a front, a back, and a front-to-back axis, and configured such that no electrical interconnection is required between controlling components and the dispensing drawer to automatically control movement of the dispensing drawer, the dispensing drawer comprising;

    a body comprising at least one fixed wall forming at least two open-top compartments that are arranged along a first axis parallel to the front-to-back axis, the body configured to move in a sliding motion along the first axis; and

    a ladder fixedly coupled to the body, the ladder comprising a plurality of cross-arms arranged along a second axis parallel to the front-to-back axis, the ladder configured to move with the body in a sliding motion along the second axis; and

    a control module comprising;

    a housing including an opening for storing the ladder and enabling the sliding motion of the ladder with the body along the second axis; and

    a latching element coupled to the housing, configured to remain in a static position within the housing during relative sliding movement between the ladder and the housing, and disposed proximate to the ladder, the latching element having (i) a first position wherein the latching element extends into a space between adjacent cross-arms, such that the latching element engages one of the plurality of cross-arms so as to limit dispensing drawer movement toward the front and (ii) a second position wherein the latching element is withdrawn from the space between and is out-of-plane with respect to the adjacent cross-arms, such that the latching element allows the dispensing drawer to move toward the front.

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