Patent ID: 6971544
Filing Date: 2005-12-06
Classification: G07F,Y10T

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for singulating a bulk supply of flat cylindrical items, each of the items having an open end, comprising: a bin configured to house the bulk supply of items, a hopper connected to the bin, the hopper including a central island having a perimeter edge, an external wall surrounding the island, and a circumferential groove positioned between the island and the wall; a protrusion extending radially inwardly from the wall, the protrusion being located and configured such that an item positioned between a portion of the edge the island and the protrusion and oriented with its open end facing the island can fit into the groove, but an item positioned between a portion of the edge of the island and the protrusion and oriented with its open end facing the protrusion cannot fit into the groove.