Automated precision small object counting and dispensing system and method

Number of patents in Portfolio can not be more than 2000

United States of America Patent

PATENT NO 9037291
APP PUB NO 20110146213A1
SERIAL NO

13058795

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Importance

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Abstract

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An automated dispenser receives a canister of small objects secured atop the dispenser using a bar-code matched gate operated by a central controller. A hopper below the gate directs small quantities of objects into a charge block which urges them into a circular counter and atop a movable plate forming the bottom of the counter. The plate bears slots around its perimeter adjacent the cylindrical walls of the counter. The central controller operates a servo motor to rotate the plate in measured increments, urging a precise count of objects into a port through which they fall one at a time into a receptacle. Means on the cylinder walls orients objects so that only a single one at a time may fall into each slot, thereby preventing overfilling. An exit sensor counts the objects as they fall to verify quantity and guard against under-filling.

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Patent Owner(s)

Patent OwnerAddress
TENSION INTERNATIONAL INC819 E 19TH STREET KANSAS CITY MO 64108

International Classification(s)

Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Terzini, Robert Corinth, US 28 352

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