Patent ID: 8261936
Filing Date: 2012-09-11
Classification: G07F

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for dispensing singulated open-ended objects, the apparatus comprising: a housing having a guide and an internal cavity configured to house open-ended objects, the housing including a dispensing exit; a pick-up unit mounted to the housing, the pick-up unit including an endless member and at least one pick-up member attached to the endless member; a drive unit; wherein the endless member engages the drive unit and the guide for movement relative thereto; wherein the at least one pick-up member is mounted to the endless member such that, as the drive unit drives the endless member, the at least one pick-up member travels on a pick-up path, at least a portion of which is within the housing and includes a generally horizontal run and an upward run that merges with the generally horizontal run; a delivery chute attached to the housing such that an upper end thereof is fed by the dispensing exit, wherein the delivery chute comprises a tube; a capture mechanism associated with the delivery chute, the capture mechanism movable between a capture position, in which an object cannot pass through the tube of the delivery chute, and a passage position, in which an object can pass through the tube of the delivery chute; and a controller operably associated with the drive unit and the capture mechanism, the controller being configured to detect when a captured object has passed through the delivery chute and move the capture mechanism back to the capture position responsive thereto.