Patent ID: 6106221
Filing Date: 2000-08-22
Classification: B23P

Abstract:
A dispensing apparatus having a plurality of dispensing locations comprising:an independent actuator having a gripping tool for actuating the dispensing apparatus;a first row of dispensing locations and a second row of dispensing locations, each of the first and second rows of dispensing locations including an upper support plate and a lower support plate defining a plurality of horizontally disposed dispensing locations;a bracket disposed between and connecting the first and second rows of dispensing locations, wherein the first row of dispensing locations is positioned above and offset from the second row of dispensing locations;a storage container secured to the upper support plate at each dispensing location, the storage container for containing a plurality of stackable objects to be dispensed at the dispensing locations; andan escapement associated with each storage container, each escapement being disposed between the upper support plate and the lower support plate and being moveable by the independent actuator between a first position and a second position for transporting at least one of the stackable objects from the storage container to an external access location, wherein the independent actuator can utilize the gripping tool for removing a stackable object from the escapement.