Patent ID: 8032252
Filing Date: 2011-10-04
Classification: A61J,G07F,G16H

Abstract:
1. An automated items dispensing apparatus comprising: at least one storage receptacle containing an item; a longitudinally extending hollow first member having a plurality of through holes disposed on a proximate end of the first member, wherein the first member is displaceable between a first position and a second position and a third position; at least one temporary storage receptacle proximate the at least one storage receptacle, wherein the temporary storage receptacle has a first opening for receiving the item from the storage receptacle and a second opening for discharging the item to one of the plurality of through holes, and wherein the second opening and the one of the plurality of through holes are aligned upon the first member being advanced from the first position to the second position which allows the item to discharge from the second opening to the aligned one of the plurality of through holes, and wherein when the first member is advanced from the first position to the third position the item is allowed to discharge back to the at least one storage receptacle; and a dispensing receptacle adjacent a distal opening of the first member for receiving the discharged item.