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Methods and apparatus for dispensing solid articles

  • US 9,296,545 B2
  • Filed: 11/14/2013
  • Issued: 03/29/2016
  • Est. Priority Date: 11/20/2012
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A dispensing apparatus for dispensing articles, the dispensing apparatus comprising:

  • a housing defining;

    a hopper chamber to hold the articles;

    a dispensing outlet; and

    a dispensing path between the hopper chamber and the dispensing outlet; and

    a drive system including;

    a belt; and

    a belt actuator operable to drive the belt;

    wherein the dispensing apparatus is configured such that articles disposed in the hopper chamber are directed onto the belt and the belt, when driven by the belt actuator, conveys the articles received from the hopper chamber in a dispensing direction along the dispensing path toward the dispensing outlet to be dispensed; and

    wherein;

    the dispensing apparatus is configured to singulate the articles as the articles are conveyed along the dispensing path toward the dispensing outlet to be dispensed;

    the dispensing apparatus includes a singulating gate system defining a singulating opening to singulate the articles as the articles are conveyed along the dispensing path toward the dispensing outlet to be dispensed, wherein the simulating gate system is selectively adjustable to change and set at least one dimension of the singulating opening;

    the singulating gate system is selectively adjustable to interdependently change and set a width dimension and a height dimension of the singulating opening; and

    the dispensing apparatus includes;

    a first gate member movable to adjust the width dimension; and

    a second gate member movable to adjust the height dimension;

    wherein the first and second gate members are linked such that adjustment to one of the first and second gate members automatically adjusts the other of the first and second gate members a corresponding amount.

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