Patent ID: 6161697
Filing Date: 2000-12-19
Classification: F16B,Y10S

Abstract:
An apparatus for dispensing identical pieces, comprising:a hollow tube having an internal cavity for housing and guiding a plurality of the pieces aligned one after another therein, the hollow tube having a central axis;a receiving assembly positioned at an inlet end of the hollow tube for receiving the pieces and having at least one pivotable blocking member for selectively blocking the inlet end of the hollow tube;a weight assembly positioned within the hollow tube, the weight assembly having a lower contact surface spanning substantially the entire width of the cavity and abutting against the one of the pieces nearest the inlet end, and the weight assembly being configured to maintain a proper orientation while sliding along the hollow tube such that the lower contact surface remains perpendicular to the central axis, thereby maintaining proper orientation of the plurality of pieces within the hollow tube;a dispensing assembly at an outlet end of the hollow tube opposite the inlet end for dispensing the pieces;wherein the weight assembly comprises a lower portion including the lower contact surface, and an upper portion movably connected with respect to the lower portion, the upper portion and lower portion being spring-biased away from each other; anda shoulder bolt operatively connecting the upper and lower portions to allow relative movement therebetween.