U.S. patent application number 10/743435 was filed with the patent office on 2004-08-26 for dispensing and diversion systems and methods.
Invention is credited to Baranowski, John.
Application Number | 20040164088 10/743435 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 30119121 |
Filed Date | 2004-08-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040164088 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Baranowski, John |
August 26, 2004 |
Dispensing and diversion systems and methods
Abstract
A dispensing system includes a dispenser, and the dispenser
includes dispensing paths for dispensing items. The system also
includes dispensing heads, and each of the dispensing heads
receives items from the dispensing paths. Each dispensing head
includes a dispensing chute for directing a first portion of the
received items toward the dispenser, in which a physical
characteristic of each of the first portion of the received items
is within a predetermined range of physical characteristics. Each
dispensing head also includes a diversion chute for directing a
second portion of the received items away from the dispenser.
Inventors: |
Baranowski, John; (Bensalem,
PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BAKER BOTTS LLP
C/O INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT
THE WARNER, SUITE 1300
1299 PENNSYLVANIA AVE, NW
WASHINGTON
DC
20004-2400
US
|
Family ID: |
30119121 |
Appl. No.: |
10/743435 |
Filed: |
December 23, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10743435 |
Dec 23, 2003 |
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10601670 |
Jun 24, 2003 |
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60390371 |
Jun 24, 2002 |
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60454596 |
Mar 17, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
221/277 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65B 57/14 20130101;
B65B 1/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
221/277 |
International
Class: |
B65H 003/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A dispensing system comprising: a dispenser comprising one or
more dispensing paths for dispensing items; and one or more
dispensing heads, wherein each of the one or more dispensing heads
receives items from at least one of the one or more dispensing
paths and comprises: a dispensing chute for directing a first
plurality of the received items toward the dispenser, wherein at
least one physical characteristic of each of the first plurality of
the received items is within a predetermined range of physical
characteristics; and a diversion chute for directing a second
plurality of the received items away from the dispenser.
2. The system of claim 1, further comprising one or more sensing
units, wherein each of the one or more sensing units measures the
at least one physical characteristic of at least a portion of the
items dispensed from at least one of the one or more dispensing
paths, wherein each of the one or more dispensing heads receives
items from at least one of the one or more dispensing paths via at
least one of the one or more sensing units, wherein the at least
one physical characteristic of at least one of the second plurality
of the received items is greater than or less than the
predetermined range of physical characteristics.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein each of the dispensing heads
further comprises at least one holding chamber, wherein the at
least one holding chamber directs the first plurality of the
received items to the dispensing chute, and directs each of the
second plurality of the received items to the diversion chute.
4. The system of claim 3, further comprising a star wheel, wherein
the star wheel comprises a plurality of container-receiving grooves
for positioning containers in alignment with the one or more
dispensing heads.
5. The system of claim 4, further comprising a rotation drive for
rotating the star wheel.
6. The system of claim 2, wherein the at least one physical
characteristic is selected from the group consisting of a volume, a
weight, and a density of the plurality of items.
7. The system of claim 2, further comprising: a rotation drive for
rotating the dispenser; and at least one vibration device for
vibrating each of the dispensing paths, wherein a control unit
controls a rotational speed of the rotation drive and a vibration
of the at least one vibration device, such that the dispensing
paths dispense the items singularly.
8. The system of claim 2, wherein the dispenser further comprises:
a feeder bowl for receiving the items and for supplying the items
to the one or more dispensing paths; a first vibration device for
vibrating the feeder bowl; a rotation drive for rotating the one or
more dispensing paths; and at least one second vibration device for
vibrating the one or more dispensing paths, wherein a control unit
controls a rotational speed of the rotation drive and a vibration
of the at least one second vibration device, such that the one or
more dispensing paths dispense the items singularly.
9. The system of claim 2, further comprising means for releasing
the second plurality of the received items from the one or more
dispensing heads.
10. The system of claim 9, further comprising: a feeder bowl for
receiving the items and for supplying the items to the one or more
dispensing paths; and means for separating the second plurality of
the received items released from the dispensing head, which have
the at least one physical characteristic within the predetermined
range of physical characteristics, from the second plurality of the
received items released from the dispensing head, which have the at
least one physical characteristic greater than or less than the
predetermined range of physical characteristics.
11. The system of claim 10, further comprising means for delivering
the second plurality of the received items released from the
dispensing head, which have the at least one physical
characteristic within the predetermined range of physical
characteristics to the feeder bowl.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the means for separating
comprises at least one strainer.
13. The system of claim 11, wherein the means for delivering
comprises a conveyer.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/601,670, entitled "Dispensing And Diversion
Systems And Methods," and filed on Jun. 24, 2003, which claims
priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/390,371
entitled "Dispensing and Diversion Systems and Methods," and filed
on Jun. 24, 2002, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
60/454,596 entitled "Dispensing and Diversion Systems and Methods,"
and filed on Mar. 17, 2003, the disclosures of which are
incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to dispensing
systems and methods. In particular, the present invention relates
to dispensing systems and methods in which a plurality of items may
be dispensed, such that dispensed items may be directed to
containers or diverted away from containers depending upon a
measured physical characteristic of each of the dispensed
items.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] In known dispensing systems and methods, a dispenser may
receive and dispense a plurality of items. For example, a known
dispenser may receive a plurality of items on an item-receiving
surface, direct the items from the item-receiving surface to
dispensing paths positioned around the item-receiving surface, and
dispense the items from the dispensing paths. Moreover, known
dispensing systems may count each dispensed item, so that
predetermined quantities of items may be directed to containers,
e.g., packages, boxes, bottles, jars, cans, bowls, plates, pans,
and the like.
[0006] However, known dispensing systems may dispense items that
are out-of-specification, i.e., items that have a measured physical
characteristic that is greater than or less than a predetermined
range of physical characteristics for that item. If within a
plurality of items to be dispensed, some items have a physical
characteristic that is greater than or less than a predetermined
range of physical characteristics for that item, a problem may
arise in maintaining a quality of items dispensed to each
container. For example, known dispensing systems may receive and
dispense out-of-specification items, i.e. items having a volume,
density, or weight that is greater than or less than a
predetermined range of volumes, densities, or weights for that
particular item. If within a plurality of items to be dispensed,
some of the items are "out-of-specification", known dispensers may
dispense the out-of-specification items to containers. Thus,
containers may have one or more items, the measured physical
characteristic of which is greater than or less than a
predetermined range of physical characteristics for that item.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] A need has arisen for dispensing systems and methods that
dispense items in predetermined quantities to containers. More
particularly, a need has arisen for dispensing systems that
accurately measure a physical characteristic of each dispensed item
and direct predetermined quantities of dispensed items, the
measured physical characteristic of which is within a predetermined
range of physical characteristics, to a container. A further need
has arisen for dispensing systems and methods that divert items,
the measured physical characteristic of which is greater than or
less than a predetermined range of physical characteristics, away
from a container.
[0008] Dispensing systems of the present invention may dispense
predetermined quantities of a variety of food items, e.g., dried
food items, frozen food items, thawed food items, or the like. For
example, such dispensing systems may dispense dried food items,
such as dried pasta, dehydrated vegetables, or the like. Moreover,
such dispensing systems may dispense frozen food items, e.g.,
frozen meat, frozen vegetables, or the like. The dispensing system
of the present invention may dispense items of varying physical
characteristic, e.g., varying weight, volume, density, temperature,
or the like, including non-food items. For example, the dispensing
system of the present invention may dispense fasteners, hardware,
medical items, electronic parts, mechanical parts, metallic and
non-metallic items, or the like.
[0009] In an embodiment of the present invention, a dispensing
system comprises a dispenser comprising one or more dispensing
paths for dispensing items. The system also comprises one or more
dispensing heads. Each of the one or more dispensing heads receives
items from at least one of the one or more dispensing paths.
Moreover, each of the one or more dispensing heads comprises a
dispensing chute for directing a first plurality of the received
items toward the dispenser, in which at least one physical
characteristic of each of the first plurality of the received items
is within a predetermined range of physical characteristics. Each
of the one or more dispensing heads also comprises a diversion
chute for directing a second plurality of the received items away
from the dispenser. For example, the at least one physical
characteristic of at least one of the second plurality of the
received items may be greater than or less than the predetermined
range of physical characteristics.
[0010] In an embodiment of the invention, a system for dispensing
items comprises a dispenser, a sensing unit, a plurality of
container chutes, and a plurality of diversion chutes. The
dispenser comprises a plurality of dispensing paths for dispensing
the items. The sensing unit measures a physical characteristic of
each of the dispensed items. The plurality of container chutes
directs each of the dispensed items, the measured physical
characteristic of which is within a predetermined range of physical
characteristics, to containers. The plurality of diversion chutes
diverts each of the dispensed items, the measured physical
characteristic of which is greater than or less than the
predetermined range of physical characteristics, away from the
containers.
[0011] In another embodiment of the invention, a dispensing system
comprises a rotary, vibratory dispenser for receiving and
dispensing items, at least one sensing unit, a plurality of
container chutes, and a plurality of diversion chutes. The rotary,
vibratory dispenser comprises a rotation drive for rotating the
dispenser, a plurality of dispensing paths, and at least one
vibration device for vibrating the plurality of dispensing paths,
so that the plurality of dispensing paths dispenses the items
singularly. The at least one sensing unit measures a physical
characteristic of each of the singularly-dispensed items. The
plurality of container chutes direct each of the
singularly-dispensed items, the measured physical characteristic of
which is within a predetermined range of physical characteristics,
to containers. The plurality of diversion chutes diverts each of
the singularly-dispensed items, the measured physical
characteristic of which is greater than or less than the
predetermined range of physical characteristics, away from the
containers.
[0012] In a further embodiment of the invention, a dispensing
method comprises the steps of dispensing items from a dispenser. A
physical characteristic of each of the dispensed items is measured.
Each of the dispensed items, the measured physical characteristic
of which is within a predetermined range of physical
characteristics, is directed to a container chute. Each of the
items, the measured physical characteristic of which is greater
than or less than the predetermined range of physical
characteristics, to a diversion chute.
[0013] In yet another embodiment of the invention, a dispensing
method comprises the steps of dispensing items singularly from a
rotary, vibratory dispenser. A physical characteristic of each of
the singularly-dispensed items is measured. Each of the
singularly-dispensed items, the measured physical characteristic of
which is within a predetermined range of physical characteristics
is directed to a container. Each of the dispensed items, the
measured physical characteristic of which is greater than or less
than the predetermined range of physical characteristics, is
diverted away from the container. The diverted items are conveyed
to a rejection bin.
[0014] A system for dispensing items comprises a dispenser, a
sensing unit, and a plurality of container chutes, and a plurality
of buckets. The dispenser comprises a plurality of dispensing paths
for dispensing items. The sensing unit measures a physical
characteristic of each of the dispensed items. The plurality of
container chutes directs each of the dispensed items, the measured
physical characteristic of which is within a predetermined range of
physical characteristics, to containers. The plurality of buckets
receives each of the dispensed items, the measured physical
characteristic of which is greater than or less than the
predetermined range of physical characteristics.
[0015] A method of dispensing items comprises the steps of
dispensing items from a dispenser, measuring a physical
characteristic of each of the dispensed items, directing each of
the dispensed items the measured physical characteristic of which
is within a predetermined range of physical characteristics to a
container chute, and diverting each of the dispensed items the
measured physical characteristic of which is greater than or less
than the predetermined range of physical characteristics to a
bucket.
[0016] In still yet another embodiment of the present invention, a
dispensing system comprises a dispenser for receiving and
dispensing items. The dispenser comprises a plurality of dispensing
paths, at least one rotation drive for rotating the plurality of
dispensing paths, and at least one vibration device for vibrating
the plurality of dispensing paths, such that the plurality of
dispensing paths dispenses the items singularly. the dispensing
system also comprises at least one sensing unit for measuring a
physical characteristic of each of the singularly-dispensed items,
and a plurality of container chutes for directing each of the
singularly-dispensed items, the measured physical characteristic of
which is within a predetermined range of physical characteristics,
to containers. Moreover, the dispensing system comprises a
plurality of diversion chutes for diverting each of the
singularly-dispensed items, the measured physical characteristic of
which is greater than or less than the predetermined range of
physical characteristics, away from the containers.
[0017] Other objects, features, and advantages of embodiments of
the present invention will be apparent to persons of ordinary skill
in the art from the following description of preferred embodiments
with reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0018] The invention may be understood more readily by reference to
the following drawings.
[0019] FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a dispensing and
diversion system according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0020] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a rotary, vibratory
dispenser of the dispensing and diversion system of the present
invention.
[0021] FIG. 3 is a cutaway, plan view of a rotary, vibratory
dispenser of the dispensing and diversion system according to an
embodiment of the invention.
[0022] FIG. 4 is a cutaway, plan view of a rotary, vibratory
dispenser of the dispensing and diversion system according to an
alternate embodiment of the invention.
[0023] FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a dispensing head
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 6 shows a cutaway, plan view of a star wheel for use
with the dispensing and diversion system of the present
invention.
[0025] FIGS. 7a-7h show an operation of a dispensing head according
to another embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of a dispenser according
to another embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a feeder bowl
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0028] FIGS. 10a-10b show an operation of a dispensing head
according to another embodiment of the present invention
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0029] FIGS. 1 and 2 show a dispensing system according to an
embodiment of the present invention. The dispensing system 100 may
include a dispenser for receiving and dispensing a plurality of
items, sensing units for measuring a physical characteristic of
each of the dispensed items, dispensing heads for receiving each of
the dispensed items, for directing predetermined quantities of
items, the measured physical characteristic of which is within a
predetermined range of physical characteristics, to containers, and
for diverting items, the measured physical characteristic of which
is greater than or less than the predetermined range of physical
characteristics away from a container, a star wheel for positioning
containers to receive the predetermined quantities of items,
container chutes for directing the dispensed items to containers,
and diversion chutes for diverting items away from containers.
[0030] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, dispenser may include a rotary,
vibratory dispenser. Rotary, vibratory dispenser, may include a
feeder bowl 101 and a plurality of dispensing paths 102 positioned
around feeder bowl 101. The shape and configuration of feeder bowl
101 may vary, depending upon a physical characteristic, e.g., a
weight, a volume, a density, a temperature, a friction coefficient
of a surface, or the like, of items to be dispensed. Feeder bowl
101 may be dome-shaped, hemispherical-shaped, conical-shaped,
substantially-planar, or the like. Moreover, feeder bowl 101 may
include a substantially planar peripheral edge 101a. FIGS. 1 and 2
show an embodiment of feeder bowl 101 with an attenuated conical
shape and a substantially planar peripheral edge 101a. Feeder bowl
101 may include a substantially smooth item-receiving surface or a
textured item-receiving surface, depending upon a physical
characteristic, e., a weight, a volume, a density, a temperature, a
friction coefficient of a surface of an item, or the like, of items
to be dispensed.
[0031] FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of feeder bowl 101. In this
embodiment, feeder bowl 101 may comprise a plurality of sloped
portions, and each of the sloped portions may be separated by a
substantially cylindrical portion. For example, feeder bowl 101 may
comprise a first sloped portion 902 and a second sloped portion 904
connected to first sloped portion 902 via a substantially
cylindrical portion 906. Cylindrical portion 906 may form a
vertical drop between first sloped portion 902 and second sloped
portion 904. In an embodiment, a thickness of cylindrical portion
906 may be selected, such that a distance between first sloped
portion 902 and second sloped portion 904 is about 25.4 mm (about 1
inch). Moreover, first sloped portion 902, second sloped portion
904, and substantially cylindrical portion 906 may be stationary
portions, i.e., non-rotating portions, or vibratory portions, or
both. First sloped portion 902 and second sloped portion 904 may
gradually accelerate the fall of items dispensed by bulk delivery
apparatus 106 to feeder bowl 101. Specifically, a slope S1 of
second sloped portion 904 may be greater than a slope S2 of first
sloped portion 902, such that an item's speed increases between
first sloped portion 902 and second sloped portion 904. In a
preferred embodiment, first sloped portion 902 may be inclined in a
downward direction relative to a first horizontal plane 950, and
slope S1 of first sloped portion 902 may be about 9.5.degree.
relative to first horizontal plane 950. Moreover, second sloped
portion 904 may be inclined in a downward direction relative to a
second horizontal plane 960 which is parallel to first horizontal
plane 950, and slope S2 of second sloped portion 904 may be about
12.degree. relative to second horizontal plane 960. This preferred
embodiment achieved superior performance with most items tested.
Nevertheless, in yet another embodiment, slope S1 of first sloped
portion 902 and slope S2 of second sloped portion 904 may be
varied, depending on the type of item dispensed from bulk delivery
apparatus 106.
[0032] Feeder bowl 101 also may comprise a sloped member 908 fixed
to dispensing paths 102, such that sloped member 908 may rotate
with dispensing paths 102. Sloped member 908 may be separate from
second sloped portion 904, such that a gap 910 is formed between
second sloped portion 904 and sloped member 908. In an embodiment,
sloped member 908 may be inclined in a downward direction relative
to a third horizontal plane 970 which is parallel to second
horizontal plane 960. In operation, items fall from second sloped
portion 904 onto the surface of sloped member 908 and, subsequently
may become airborne. A slope S3 of sloped member 908 relative to
third horizontal plane 970 may be selected to reduce the amplitude
of the airborne items. For example, slope S3 of sloped portion 908
may be between about 1.degree. and about 15.degree., and in a
preferred embodiment, slope S3 of sloped portion 908 is about
15.degree.. Moreover, dispensing paths 102 may be inclined in a
downward direction, such that a slope of dispensing paths 102 is
about the same as slope S3 of sloped member 908. Although in FIG. 9
sloped member 908 is depicted as a single portion member, sloped
member may be divided into a plurality of sloped portions having
varying slopes, such as described above with respect to first
sloped portion 902, second sloped portion 904, and substantially
cylindrical portion 906.
[0033] Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, dispensing paths 102 may
be positioned around feeder bowl 101 to receive items supplied by
feeder bowl 101. Moreover, dispensing paths 102 may be positioned
around feeder bowl 101 in a variety of configurations. As shown in
FIG. 3, dispensing paths 102 may be positioned around a periphery
of feeder bowl 101 and may extend radially from feeder bowl 101. As
shown in FIG. 4, dispensing paths 102' may be positioned around a
periphery of feeder bowl 101 and extend in an arc-shaped pattern
from feeder bowl 101 in a direction that may be opposite to a
direction of rotation of feeder bowl 101. The number of dispensing
paths may vary. For example, forty-eight (48) dispensing paths 102,
102' may be positioned around feeder bowl 101, as shown in FIGS. 3
and 4. According to another embodiment of the invention,
approximately one hundred (100) dispensing paths 102, 102' may be
positioned around feeder bowl 101. In a further embodiment of the
invention, twelve (12) is dispensing paths 102, 102' may be
positioned around feeder bowl 101. However, any number of
dispensing paths 102, 102' may be positioned around feeder bowl
101.
[0034] Moreover, each dispensing path 102 may comprise one or more
channels, each of which channels may dispense items singularly. For
example, each dispensing path 102 may comprise a single channel
303, as shown in FIG. 3. However, each dispensing path may comprise
a pair of channels, three channels, four channels, or more.
[0035] A bulk delivery apparatus 104 may be used to deliver items
to rotary, vibratory dispenser. Bulk delivery apparatus 104 may be
positioned adjacent to rotary, vibratory dispenser, as shown in
FIG. 1, to deliver items to rotary, vibratory dispenser, e.g., to
feeder bowl 101 of rotary, vibratory dispenser. Bulk delivery
apparatus 104 may include a bulk delivery drive 104a, e.g., a
vibration device, a motor, or the like, for controlling a rate of
delivery of items from bulk delivery apparatus 104 to rotary,
vibratory dispenser. Adjustment of bulk delivery drive 104a enables
adjustment of the rate of delivery of items from bulk delivery
apparatus 104.
[0036] As shown in FIG. 1, bulk delivery apparatus 104 may comprise
a hopper 104 and bulk delivery drive 104a may comprise a hopper
vibration device 104a for vibrating hopper 104, so that hopper 104
may deliver items at different rates to feeder bowl 101. Such
hopper vibration devices 104a may include Syntron.RTM.
Electromagnetic Vibrators, which are available from FMC
Technologies Material Handling Solutions of Homer City, Pa. Other
hoppers 104 and hopper vibration devices 104a may include the Skako
Comassa Feeders, which are available from Skako, Inc. of Faaborg,
Denmark.
[0037] In another embodiment of the invention, bulk delivery
apparatus 104 may include a conveyor or the like for delivering
items to feeder bowl 101 of rotary, vibratory dispenser. In a
further embodiment of the invention, the rate of delivery of items
from bulk delivery apparatus 104 to rotary, vibratory dispenser may
be regulated by adjusting an aperture, or the like, of bulk
delivery apparatus 104.
[0038] Rotary, vibratory dispenser may include a feeder bowl
rotation drive 105, a feeder bowl vibration device 106, and one or
more dispensing path vibration devices 107. Feeder bowl rotation
drive 105 may rotate feeder bowl 101 at different rotational
speeds, which may correspond to a desired rate at which packages,
e.g., containers, or the like, are to be transported to dispenser
100. For example, if rotary, vibratory dispenser includes 48
dispensing paths 102 and each dispensing path 102 includes two
item-dispensing channels, and rotary, vibratory dispenser 100 must
fill 480 containers per minute, feeder bowl rotation drive 105 may
rotate feeder bowl 101 and dispensing paths 102 at five (5)
revolutions per minute (rpm), so that rotary, vibratory dispenser
may dispense items to 480 containers per minute. If each dispensing
path 102 includes a single item-dispensing channel, rotation drive
105 may rotate feeder bowl 101 and dispensing paths 102 at ten (10)
ten rpm, so that rotary, vibratory dispenser may dispense items to
480 containers per minute.
[0039] In one embodiment of the invention, feeder bowl rotation
drive 105 may rotate dispensing paths 102 in synchronization with
feeder bowl 101, e.g., at a substantially similar rotational speed
as feeder bowl 101. For example, feeder bowl rotation drive 105 may
rotate a frame 108, which supports feeder bowl 101 and dispensing
paths 102. According to another embodiment of the present
invention, feeder bowl rotation drive 105 may rotate dispensing
paths 102 at a rotational speed that is greater than or less than a
rotational speed at which feeder bowl rotation drive 105 rotates
feeder bowl 101. For example, feeder bowl rotation drive 105 may
rotate dispensing paths 102 at different relative rotational
speeds, e.g., via a transmission (not shown), or the like, so that
a rotational speed of dispensing paths 102 may be varied relative
to a rotational speed of feeder bowl 101. In a still further
embodiment of the invention, feeder bowl rotation drive 105 may
rotate dispensing paths 102 in a direction of rotation that is
opposite to a direction of rotation of feeder bowl 101.
[0040] Feeder bowl vibration device 106 may vibrate feeder bowl 101
at different vibrational settings, e.g., at different vibrational
magnitudes, at different vibrational frequencies, in different
vibrational planes, or combinations thereof, so that feeder bowl
101 may supply items uniformly to each dispensing path 102. Feeder
bowl vibration device 106 may vibrate feeder bowl 101 at
vibrational magnitudes and at vibrational frequencies that are
proportionate to a physical characteristic, e.g., a density, a
volume, a weight, a temperature, or the like, of items to be
supplied by feeder bowl 101 to dispensing paths 102. Such feeder
bowl vibration devices 106 may include Syntron.RTM. Electromagnetic
Vibrators, available from FMC Technologies Material Handling
Solutions of Homer City, Pa.
[0041] Feeder bowl vibration device 106 may vibrate feeder bowl 101
at different vibrational magnitudes, different vibrational
frequencies, or both, in a first plane, in a second plane, or in a
first plane and a second plane. First plane may be generally
transverse to second plane. In particular, first plane may be a
substantially horizontal plane, while second plane may be a
substantially vertical plane. Feeder bowl vibration device 106 may
vibrate feeder bowl 101 at vibrational settings that correspond to
one or more of a rate of delivery of items to feeder bowl 101, a
rotational speed of feeder bowl 101, or a desired rate of supplying
items from feeder bowl 101 to dispensing paths 102. Feeder bowl
vibrational settings may be adjusted, as necessary, so that feeder
bowl 101 may receive a plurality of items, e.g., from a bulk
delivery apparatus 104 or the like, and supply items uniformly to
each dispensing path 102.
[0042] A dispensing path vibration device 107 may vibrate each
dispensing path 102 and associated item-dispensing channel. Each
dispensing path vibration device 107 may vibrate each dispensing
path 102 at different vibrational settings, e.g., at different
vibrational frequencies, at different vibrational magnitudes, in
different vibrational planes, or combinations thereof, so that each
dispensing path 102 may dispense items singularly. Moreover, each
dispensing path vibration device 107 may vibrate each dispensing
path 102 at different vibrational settings in a first plane, in a
second plane, or in a first plane and a second plane, so that each
dispensing path 102 may dispense items singularly. First plane may
be generally transverse to second plane. In particular, first plane
may be substantially horizontal, while second plane may be
substantially vertical. Such dispensing path vibration devices 107
may include Syntron.RTM. Solid Mount Linear Drives, which are
available from FMC Technologies Material Handling Solutions of
Homer City, Pa.
[0043] Each dispensing path vibration device 107 may vibrate one or
more respective dispensing paths 102 proportionately to a physical
characteristic e.g., a density, a volume, a weight, a temperature,
or the like, of each item to be dispensed. Moreover, each
dispensing path vibration device 107 may vibrate each dispensing
path 102 proportionately to one or more of a rate of supply of
items from feeder bowl 101 to each dispensing path 102, a
rotational speed of dispensing paths 102, or a desired dispensing
rate of items from each dispensing path 102.
[0044] A sensing unit may be positioned at each dispensing path
102, e.g., adjacent to a distal end of each dispensing path 102 and
its associated item-dispensing channel(s). If a dispensing path 102
comprises more than one item-dispensing channel, a sensing unit may
be positioned at each channel, e.g., at a distal end of each
channel of a dispensing path 102. In one embodiment of the
invention, a sensing unit 109 may be positioned at a dispensing
head 110. For example, a sensing unit 109 may be positioned
adjacent to an opening of each dispensing head 110, as shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0045] Sensing units 109 may measure a physical characteristic,
e.g., a volume, a weight, a density, or the like, of each item
dispensed from a dispensing path 102 or item-dispensing channel.
Each sensing unit 109 transmits each measurement to a control unit,
which determines whether the measurement is within a predetermined
range of physical characteristics for a particular item. For
example, each sensing unit 109 may comprise an optic sensor that
may measure a volume of each item dispensed from a dispensing path
102 or item-dispensing channel and transmit each measurement to
control unit. Control unit may compare each measurement to a
predetermined range of volumes for that particular item to
determine whether the measured volume of each item is within the
predetermined range of volumes, or whether the measured volume for
an item is greater than or less than the predetermined range of
volumes for the item.
[0046] By measuring a physical characteristic of each dispensed
item and transmitting each measurement to a control unit, sensing
units 109 enable identification of items, the measured physical
characteristic of which is greater than or less than a
predetermined range of physical characteristics for the item. In
this way, sensing units 109 may identify out-of-specification
items, i.e., items the measured physical characteristic of which is
greater than or less than a predetermined range of physical
characteristics.
[0047] In addition to determining whether a measured physical
characteristic of each item is within a predetermined range of
physical characteristics, control unit may count items dispensed
from each dispensing path 102 or channel. For example, control unit
may count each item, the measured physical characteristic of which
is within a predetermined range of physical characteristics.
Control unit may identify each item, the measured physical
characteristic of which is greater than or less than the
predetermined range of physical characteristics, so that each item,
the measured physical characteristic of which is greater than or
less than a predetermined range, may not be counted.
[0048] Based on this measured count, control unit may activate each
dispensing head 110 to direct predetermined quantities of items,
the measured physical characteristic of each of which items is
within a predetermined range of physical characteristics, to a
container. Control unit may activate each dispensing head 110 to
divert items, the measured physical characteristic of which is
greater than or less than a predetermined range of physical
characteristics, away from a container. Moreover, control unit may
activate each dispensing head 110 to divert quantities of items in
which at least one item has a measured physical characteristic that
is greater than or less than a predetermined range of physical
characteristics away from containers. In this way, control unit
enables containers to be filled with predetermined quantities of
items, the measured physical characteristic of each of which is
within a predetermined range of physical characteristics. Control
unit ensures that dispensing heads 110 may divert away from
containers each item the measured physical characteristic of which
is greater than or less than a predetermined range of physical
characteristics.
[0049] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a dispensing head 110 may be
positioned at each dispensing path 102 and associated
item-dispensing channel to receive items dispensed from each
dispensing path 102 and channel. For example, a dispensing head 110
may be positioned adjacent to each dispensing path 102, e.g.,
adjacent to a distal end of each dispensing path 102 and associated
item-dispensing channel(s). In embodiments of the invention in
which each dispensing path 102 may include more than one
item-dispensing channel, a dispensing head 110 may be positioned
adjacent to each channel, e.g., at a distal end of each channel of
a dispensing path 102.
[0050] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 5, each dispensing head 10 may
include an opening 111 for receiving items dispensed from each
dispensing path 102 or channel, a bifurcation device 112, a first
chamber 113, a second chamber 114, and a holding chamber 115.
Control unit may activate bifurcation device 112 to directs
dispensed items received in dispensing head 110 to first chamber
113 or second chamber 114.
[0051] FIG. 5 shows a dispensing head 110 in which bifurcation
device 112 is positioned to direct items to second chamber 514.
Bifurcation device 112 may be positioned to direct items to first
chamber 113. Moreover, bifurcation device 112 may remain in this
position until a predetermined quantity of items is received in
first chamber 113. Bifurcation device 112 then may be repositioned
to direct items to second chamber 114 and to allow items in first
chamber 113 to flow toward holding chamber 115. After a
predetermined quantity of items is received in second chamber 114,
bifurcation device 112 may be repositioned to direct items to first
chamber 113 and to allow items in second chamber 114 to flow toward
holding chamber 115.
[0052] Holding chamber 115 may be positioned at a lower portion of
each dispensing head 110 to receive items from first chamber 113 or
second chamber 114. In one embodiment of the present invention,
holding chamber 115 may include a pair of doors 116, 117. Each door
116, 117 of holding chamber 115 may be activated to direct items
from dispensing head 110 in a first direction, which may be toward
a container or a container chute 119. Each door 116, 117 may be
activated to divert items in a second direction, which may be away
from a container and toward a diversion chute 120.
[0053] To direct items in a first direction, each door 116, 117 may
rotate in a clockwise direction, e.g., about a pivot 119 shown in
FIG. 5; however, one door 116 may rotate through a greater angle of
displacement than the other door 117, so that an aperture forms
between distal ends of doors 116, 117. Items retained by holding
chamber 115 may flow along an inner surface of door 117 and through
the aperture in a first direction. To direct items in a second
direction, each door 116, 117 may rotate in a counter-clockwise
direction, e.g., about a pivot 119, shown in FIG. 5; however, one
door 117 may rotate through a greater angle of displacement than
the other door 116, so that an aperture forms between distal ends
of doors 116, 117. Items retained by doors 116, 117 of holding
chamber 115 may flow along an inner surface of the other door 116
and through the aperture in a second direction. Each door 116, 117
may have a substantially planar surface or a curved surface to
direct or divert items.
[0054] In an another embodiment of the present invention, holding
chamber 115 may include two pairs of reconfigurable doors (not
shown). One pair of doors may be positioned beneath first chamber,
while a second pair of reconfigurable doors may be positioned
beneath second chamber. The first pair of reconfigurable doors may
receive items from first chamber 113, while the second pair of
reconfigurable doors may receive items from second chamber 114.
Each pair of doors may be activated to direct items in a first
direction, e.g., toward a container, or to divert items in a second
direction, e.g., away from a container.
[0055] Referring to FIGS. 7a-7h, in a modification of the
embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 5, holding
chamber 115 may be replaced by a first holding chamber 115' and a
second holding chamber 115", door 117 may be replaced by a first
door 117', and door 116 may be replaced by a guide wall 116' and a
second door 116". First holding chamber 115' may be positioned
below second holding chamber 115", and when second door 116" is in
a closed position, holding chambers 115' and 115" may form a
continuous chamber. Nevertheless, when second door 116" is in an
open position, second door 116" may prevent the items from reaching
first holding chamber 116'. Specifically, bifurcation device 112
may receive the items which pass through opening 111, such that the
items are positioned within first chamber 113 or second chamber
114. When bifurcation device 112 receives a predetermined number of
items which have acceptable physical characteristics, e.g.,
physical characteristics which are within a predetermined range of
physical characteristics, bifurcation device 112 may direct the
received items into first holding chamber 115' via second holding
chamber 115". First door 117' then may move from a closed
positioned to an open position, such that the items received by
first holding chamber 115' are directed toward the container.
Nevertheless, if bifurcation device 112 receives any item which
does not have acceptable characteristics, e.g., physical
characteristics which are greater than or less than the
predetermined range of physical characteristics, second door 116"
may move from the closed position to the open position, and
bifurcation device 112 subsequently may direct the received items
into second holding chamber 115". When bifurcation device 112
directs the received items into second holding chamber 1115",
bifurcation device 112 may receive new items, such that the new
items may be positioned within first chamber 113 or second chamber
114. Moreover, when the received items reach second holding chamber
115", second door 116" may direct the received items away from the
container. Consequently, when bifurcation device 112 receives an
unacceptable item, each of the items received by the bifurcation
device 112 may be directed away from the container without having
to wait for bifurcation device 112 to receive the predetermined
number of items. Moreover, the new items may be received by
bifurcation device 112 without having to wait for second door 116"
to direct the received items away from the container.
[0056] Referring to FIGS. 10a and 10b, in another modification of
the embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 5,
bifurcation device 112 may be replaced by a first directional gate
112a and a second directional gate 112b, and holding chamber 115
may be replaced by a first holding chamber 115a and a second
holding chamber 115b. In this embodiment, door 117 may be replaced
by an accept door 117a, door 116 may be replaced by a recirculate
door 116a, and dispensing head 110 may comprise means for releasing
items from second holding chamber 115b. For example, the means for
releasing may comprise a roller 1010 connected to recirculate door
116a. Moreover, dispensing system 100 may comprise means for
separating items, e.g., a first strainer (not shown) and/or a
second strainer (not shown). Specifically, the first strainer may
be operationally positioned between bulk delivery apparatus 104 and
dispensing head 110, such that the first strainer may prevent items
having a diameter which is greater than a first predetermined
diameter from entering dispensing head 110. The second strainer may
be operationally positioned between second holding chamber 115b and
bulk delivery apparatus 104, such that the second strainer prevents
items which are released from second holding chamber 115b and have
a diameter which is less than a second predetermined diameter from
reentering dispensing head 110.
[0057] In operation, first directional gate 112a may receive the
items which pass through the first strainer and opening 111, such
that the items are positioned within first chamber 113 or second
chamber 114. When first directional gate 112a receives a
predetermined number of items which passed through at least the
first strainer and have acceptable physical characteristics, e.g.,
physical characteristics which are within a predetermined range of
physical characteristics, second directional gate 112b is
positioned in a first position and first directional gate 112a may
direct the received items into first holding chamber 115a. The
container then may move to a position which is substantially,
vertically aligned with first holding chamber 15a, and accept door
117a then may move from a closed positioned to an open position,
such that the items received by first holding chamber 115a are
directed toward bulk delivery apparatus 104 and into the container.
When first directional gate 112a directs the received items into
first holding chamber 115a, first directional gate 112a may receive
new items, such that the new items may be positioned within first
chamber 113 or second chamber 114.
[0058] Nevertheless, if first directional gate 112a receives any
item which does not have acceptable characteristics, e.g., physical
characteristics which are greater than or less than the
predetermined range of physical characteristics, second directional
gate 112b may move from the first position to a second position,
and first directional gate 112a subsequently may direct the
received items into second holding chamber 115b. When first
directional gate 112a directs the received items into second
holding chamber 115b, first directional gate 112a may receive new
items, such that the new items may be positioned within first
chamber 113 or second chamber 114. Moreover, dispensing head 110
may orbit around bulk delivery apparatus 104, and the means for
releasing may further comprise means for altering an angle of
roller 1010, such that when the angle of roller 1010 is altered,
recirculate door 116a opens. For example, the means for altering
the angle of roller 1010 may comprise a raised portion (not shown).
When roller 1010 contacts the raised portion, roller 1010 may move
in an upward direction, and recirculate door 116a automatically
opens, such that the items in second holding chamber 115b are
directed away from bulk delivery apparatus 104 and onto a conveyer
(not shown). The second strainer then separates the items on the
conveyer having a diameter less than the second predetermined
diameter from the items on the conveyer having a diameter greater
than or equal to the second predetermined diameter. Moreover, the
items on the conveyer having a diameter greater than or equal to
the second predetermined diameter are delivered to bulk delivery
apparatus 104. Consequently, when a batch of items is unacceptable
because one of the items in the batch does not have acceptable
characteristics, those items in the batch which have acceptable
characteristics may be redelivered to dispensing head 110 via bulk
delivery apparatus 104, such that the number of acceptable items
which dispensing system 100 disposes of may be reduced. Moreover,
because the items which are not dispensed into containers are
directed away from bulk delivery apparatus 104, these items may not
adversely affect the components of dispensing system 100. For
example, the food items may not contact or adhere to the components
of dispensing system 100. Further, because the items which are not
dispensed into containers are directed away from bulk delivery
apparatus 104, the need to clean dispensing system 100 may occur
less frequently, and dispensing system 100 more easily may be
cleaned.
[0059] A dispensing and diversion system of the present invention
may include a star wheel 118. As shown in FIG. 6, star wheel 118
may include a plurality of container-receiving grooves 601 and a
plurality of apertures 602. Each container-receiving groove 601 is
adapted to receive a container C, so that star wheel 118 may
transport a plurality of containers in synchronization with rotary,
vibratory dispenser, e.g., at a substantially similar rotational
speed as dispensing heads 110 of rotary, vibratory dispenser, in
alignment with a respective dispensing head 110 of rotary,
vibratory dispenser, or the like. Container-receiving grooves 601
may be positioned along a periphery of star wheel 118. Each
container-receiving groove 601 is adapted to position a container
in alignment with a respective dispensing path or dispensing head
to receive a predetermined quantity of items. Moreover,
container-receiving grooves 601 of varying dimension and shape may
be mounted interchangeably to star wheel 118, so that star wheel
118 may receive and position containers of varying size and shape
at different positions relative to dispensing paths 102 and
dispensing heads 110.
[0060] Star wheel 118 may be driven directly by feeder bowl
rotation drive 105. For example, feeder bowl rotation drive 105 may
drive a frame 108 which supports star wheel 118 and feeder bowl
101. In an alternate embodiment, star wheel 118 may be driven
indirectly by feeder bowl rotation drive 105, e.g., via a
transmission. In a further embodiment, a separate drive may drive
star wheel 118 at different rotational speeds, so that star wheel
118 may position containers in synchronization with rotary,
vibratory dispenser.
[0061] A plurality of apertures 602 may be formed through star
wheel 118. Each aperture 602 may extend from a top surface of star
wheel 118 to a bottom surface of star wheel 118, so that items may
pass through star wheel 118, via apertures 602. The number, shape,
and position of star wheel apertures 602 may vary according to the
number of dispensing heads 110 of rotary, vibratory dispenser, a
physical characteristic of each dispensed item, a configuration of
one or more chutes positioned in alignment with apertures 602, or
the like.
[0062] A guard rail 603 may be positioned adjacent to star wheel
118. For example, a guard rail 603 may be positioned adjacent to a
periphery of star wheel 118, as shown in FIG. 6. Guard rail 603 may
be positioned in relation to star wheel 118, so that guard rail 603
retains each of a plurality of containers in engagement with a
respective container-receiving groove 601. Moreover, guard rails
603 of varying dimension and shape may be positioned
interchangeably around star wheel 118, depending upon the dimension
and shape of containers to be received by star wheel 118.
[0063] As shown in FIG. 1, one or more container chutes 119 may be
positioned on star wheel 118. Container chutes 119 may be
positioned on star wheel 118 in alignment with a respective
dispensing path 102 or dispensing head 110 or both, so that
container chutes 119 may receive predetermined quantities of items
directed from respective dispensing heads 110. Container chutes 119
may be positioned around a periphery of star wheel 118. Each
container chute 119 may be configured to direct items to a
container C positioned at a respective container-receiving groove
601, as each container is transported by star wheel 118 in
synchronization with dispenser.
[0064] The number, shape, and position of container chutes 119 may
vary depending upon the number and configuration of dispensing
heads 110 of rotary, vibratory dispenser, the number and
configuration of container-receiving grooves of star wheel 118, or
the like. Moreover, container chutes 119 of varying size and
dimension may be positioned interchangeably on star wheel 118 to
direct items of varying physical characteristics, e.g., volume,
weight, density, or the like, to containers positioned around star
wheel 118. In another embodiment of the invention (not shown),
container chutes 119 may be positioned adjacent to star wheel 118
to receive items from dispensing paths 102 or dispensing heads 110
and to deliver the items to a respective container. For example,
container chutes 119 may be supported by a respective dispensing
head 110 or a frame 108, or the like, rather than being positioned
on star wheel 118.
[0065] One or more diversion chutes 120 may be positioned on star
wheel 118. Diversion chutes 120 may be positioned around a
periphery of star wheel 118, e.g., adjacent to container chutes
119, to receive items diverted by one or more dispensing heads 110.
Moreover, each diversion chute 120 may communicate with an aperture
602 of star wheel 118, so that each diversion chute 120 may divert
items through a respective star wheel aperture 602 and away from
containers positioned at container-receiving grooves 601 of star
wheel 118. Star wheel 118 may position each diversion chute 120 in
alignment with one or more dispensing heads 110.
[0066] The number, shape, and position of diversion chutes 120 may
vary depending upon the number and configuration of dispensing
heads 110 of rotary, vibratory dispenser, the number and
configuration of star wheel apertures 602, or the like. Each
diversion chute 120 may communicate with, i.e., divert items
through, one or more star wheel apertures 602. Moreover, diversion
chutes 120 of varying size and dimension may be positioned
interchangeably on star wheel 118 to divert items of varying
physical characteristics, e.g., volume, weight, density, or the
like, away from containers positioned around star wheel 118. For
example, diversion chutes 120 may be formed by concentric walls
extending from a surface of star wheel 118 to form an annular space
over star wheel apertures 602. In another embodiment of the
invention, diversion chutes 120 may be positioned adjacent to star
wheel 118 to receive items diverted by respective dispensing heads
110. For example, diversion chutes 120 may be supported by a frame
or by a respective dispensing head 110, rather than being supported
by star wheel 118.
[0067] The dispensing and diversion system of the present invention
may include a rejection system. The rejection system may include a
rejection conveyor 121, as shown in FIG. 1, and a rejection bin.
The rejection conveyor 121 may be positioned beneath star wheel 118
to receive items diverted by diversion chutes 120 through star
wheel apertures 602. Rejection conveyor 121 may include one or more
conveying components that receive items diverted by diversion
chutes. Rejection conveyor 121 may transport diverted items to a
rejection bin, where diverted items may be collected. Suitable
rejection conveyors 121 include conveyors powered by one or more
drives to transport diverted items to a rejection bin and static
conveyors, such as chutes, that receive items diverted through star
wheel and guide items to a rejection bin.
[0068] According to another embodiment of the invention, each
dispensing head 110 may divert items through star wheel apertures
602a to a plurality of buckets (not shown) that may be positioned
beneath star wheel 118 to rotate with star wheel 118 and to receive
items diverted through star wheel apertures 602. For example, a
bucket may be positioned beneath one or more star wheel apertures
602 to receive items diverted through each aperture 602. Moreover,
each bucket may include a cam follower that engages a cam track as
each bucket rotates with star wheel 118. The cam track may be
positioned adjacent to star wheel 118 and may comprise at least one
cam. Engagement of the cam follower of each bucket and the at least
one cam of the cam track causes each bucket to discharge the
diverted items from each bucket to a rejection system, e.g., to a
rejection conveyor, to a rejection chute, or the like. For example,
each bucket may be mounted pivotally beneath star wheel 118, such
that engagement of the cam follower of each bucket and the at least
one cam of the cam track may pivot each bucket to discharge
diverted items contained within each bucket to a rejection system.
Moreover, the at least one cam may comprise a plurality of cams
positioned along the cam track, so that each of the buckets may
discharge diverted items at a plurality of locations.
[0069] The rejection system may transport the diverted items
discharged by each bucket to a rejection bin, where the items may
be collected. The rejection system may comprise a conveyor, a
chute, or the like to transport diverted items to the rejection
bin.
[0070] In operation, rotary, vibratory dispenser receives a
plurality of items delivered by bulk delivery apparatus 104 to
feeder bowl 101. Feeder bowl rotation drive 105 and feeder bowl
vibration device 106 respectively rotate and vibrate feeder bowl
101, so that feeder bowl 101 supplies items uniformly to each of a
plurality of dispensing paths 102 positioned around feeder bowl
101. Dispensing path vibration devices 107 vibrate each dispensing
path 102 and associated item-dispensing channel(s), so that each
dispensing path 102 and channel(s) may dispense items
singularly.
[0071] Sensing units 109 measure a physical characteristic of each
item dispensed from each dispensing path 102 or channel and
transmit each measurement to a control unit. Control unit
determines whether the measured physical characteristic of each
item is within a predetermined range of physical characteristics
for that item, or whether the measured physical characteristic of
an item is greater than or less than the predetermined range of
physical characteristics. Control unit counts each dispensed item
to provide an exact count of items dispensed from each dispensing
path 102 and channel. In one embodiment of the invention, control
unit counts only items, the measured physical characteristic of
which is within a predetermined range of physical
characteristics.
[0072] A dispensing head 110 receives items dispensed from each
respective dispensing path 102 and channel. Bifurcation device 112
directs items to one of a first chamber 113 or a second chamber 114
of dispensing head 110. Control unit activates bifurcation device
112 once a predetermined quantity of items is received within a
respective chamber of dispensing head 110, so that the items may
exit the chamber and flow to holding chambers 115. If any of the
items in a predetermined quantity of items has a measured physical
characteristic of which that is greater than or less than a
predetermined range, control unit activates the holding chamber 115
of the respective dispensing head 110 to divert the items away from
a container and toward a diversion chute 120, so that the items may
pass through diversion chute 120 and star wheel 118 to a rejection
conveyor. Rejection conveyor transports the items to a rejection
bin. If each of the items in the predetermined quantity of items
has a measured physical characteristic that is within a
predetermined range of physical characteristics, control unit
activates holding chamber 115 of dispensing head 110 to direct the
predetermined quantity of items to a container chute 119, so that
items may pass through container chute 119 to a container
positioned at a container-receiving groove 601 of star wheel
118.
[0073] Control unit may activate bifurcation device 112 to release
items in a chamber as soon as an item with a measured physical
characteristic that is greater than or less than a predetermined
range is received in dispensing head 110. In another embodiment of
the invention, control unit may increment a count of a
predetermined quantity of items for each item the measured physical
characteristic of which is greater than or less than a
predetermined range, so that dispensing head 110 may direct a
predetermined quantity of items, the measured physical
characteristic of which of which is within a predetermined range of
physical characteristics, to a container.
[0074] Referring to FIG. 8, a dispensing system 100' according to
another embodiment of the present invention is depicted. The
features and advantages of dispensing system 100' are substantially
similar to the features and advantages of dispensing system 100.
Therefore, the similar features and advantages of dispensing system
100 and dispensing system 100' are not discussed further with
respect to dispensing system 100'. Dispensing system 100' may
comprise feeder bowl 101, dispensing paths 102 positioned around
feeder bowl 101, a dispensing path rotation drive 105' for rotating
dispensing paths 102, feeder bowl vibration device 106, and the one
or more dispensing path vibration devices 107 for vibrating each
dispensing path 102. In this embodiment of the present invention,
feeder bowl vibration device 106 may vibrate feeder bowl 101, the
one or more dispensing path vibration devices 107 may vibrate
dispensing paths 102, and dispensing path rotation drive 105' may
rotate dispensing paths 102 around feeder bowl 101. For example, an
edge of dispensing paths 102 may be positioned below and may
overlap a portion of feeder bowl 101, such that at least one
vertical plane includes both dispensing paths 102 and feeder bowl
101. Moreover, in this embodiment of the present invention, feeder
bowl 101 does not rotate. Consequently, a lighter motor may be
used, there are fewer moving parts is dispensing system 100', and
dispensing system 100' may have increased control.
[0075] While the invention has been described in connection with
preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those of ordinary
skill in the art that other variations and modifications of the
preferred embodiments described above may be made without departing
from the scope of the invention. Moreover, other embodiments of the
present invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in
the art from a consideration of the specification or a practice of
the invention disclosed herein, or both.
* * * * *