Patent ID: 9566819
Date: 2017-02-14
CPC Classifications: A61L,B43K

Claim:
1. An automated writing instrument storage apparatus configured to receive, sanitize and dispense a writing instrument with enhanced efficiency and reduced user effort, the storage apparatus comprising: a housing member comprising a top face, a bottom face and side faces, the top face comprising a slot sufficiently large to permit the writing instrument to pass therethrough; a support assembly disposed within the housing member and comprising a transparent tubular member generally aligned with the slot in the top face of the housing member and configured to receive the writing instrument; an ultraviolet lamp disposed within the housing member and configured to direct light generated by the lamp through the transparent tubular member to sanitize the writing instrument stored therein; and a motor assembly disposed within the housing member and operably connected to the support assembly, wherein the motor assembly is configured to activate to permit the sanitized writing instrument to slide within the transparent tubular member and through the slot of the housing member, thereby dispensing the sanitized writing instrument to a user; a metallic ball slidably mounted within the transparent tubular member, wherein the received writing instrument contacts the metallic ball.