Patent ID: 7407064

Claim:
An article storage container for use in an article handler which uses a suction-type gripping device, comprising: a support structure for holding a plurality of article storage bins therein, with at least some of said plurality of bins being independently positionable with respect to others of said plurality of bins, so that said at least some of said plurality of bins can be removed from said support structure while said others of said plurality of bins remain with said support structure; each independently positionable bin comprising wall portions coupled with one another and furthermore coupled with an article retaining end portion, for storing in a columnar manner, articles to be retrieved by the gripping device that enters a dispensing end of the bin which is opposite the article retaining end portion of the bin and can travel into said bin up to a point where it may contact said article retaining end portion, and an airflow path providing device at said article retaining end portion of the bin, which airflow path providing device includes structure that prevents the gripping device from developing enough suction force to grip to said article retaining end portion of the bin, irrespective of where said suction-type gripping device may contact said article retaining end portion of said bin.