Apparatuses and methods for improved ingredient dispensing
AssigneeDoorDash, Inc.
InventorsBrian Michael De Vitis, Kort Edward Reinecke, Naikang Kuan
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A system includes a carousel apparatus, a support structure configured to hold a receptacle, and a linear actuator apparatus configured to move the support structure. The carousel apparatus includes: a holder in which a first plurality of openings and a second plurality of openings are formed, and a first motor coupled to the holder and adapted to rotate the holder around an axis. A linear actuator apparatus includes: a linear guide which extends underneath the holder and is coupled to the support structure, and a second motor coupled to the linear guide and adapted to move the support structure along the linear guide underneath the holder.
Claims20
A system comprising:
- a carousel apparatus comprising:
- a holder in which a first plurality of openings and a second plurality of openings are formed, and
- a first motor coupled to the holder and adapted to rotate the holder around an axis;
- a support structure configured to hold a receptacle;
- a linear actuator apparatus configured to move the support structure and comprising:
- a linear guide which extends underneath the holder and is coupled to the support structure, and
- a second motor coupled to the linear guide and adapted to move the support structure along the linear guide underneath the holder;
- and
- a table structure arranged under the first plurality of openings and the second plurality of openings and configured to support the carousel apparatus and the linear actuator apparatus,
- wherein the linear actuator apparatus further comprises an arm that connects the support structure and the linear guide, the arm being proximate to an edge of the table structure.
A system comprising:
- a carousel apparatus comprising:
- a holder in which a first plurality of openings and a second plurality of openings are formed, and
- a first motor coupled to the holder and adapted to rotate the holder around an axis;
- a support structure configured to hold a receptacle;
- a linear actuator apparatus configured to move the support structure and comprising:
- a linear guide which extends underneath the holder and is coupled to the support structure, and
- a second motor coupled to the linear guide and adapted to move the support structure along the linear guide underneath the holder;
- a housing that houses the carousel apparatus and the linear actuator apparatus, wherein the housing comprises an opening and an access door configured to cover the opening, the opening being positioned to allow the support structure to pass through the opening and present the receptacle on the support structure to a user;
- and
- a protruding structure which is connected to the support structure and protrudes in a forward direction toward an exterior of the housing,
- wherein the protruding structure is configured to push the access door open by being brought on the support structure in the forward direction.
A method for using a system including a carousel apparatus including a holder in which a first plurality of openings and a second plurality of openings are formed, and a first motor coupled to the holder and adapted to rotate the holder around an axis;
- a support structure configured to hold a receptacle;
- and a linear actuator apparatus configured to move the support structure and including:
- a linear guide which extends underneath the holder and is coupled to the support structure, and a second motor coupled to the linear guide and adapted to move the support structure along the linear guide underneath the holder, a table structure arranged under the first plurality of openings and the second plurality of openings and configured to support the carousel apparatus and the linear actuator apparatus, wherein the linear actuator apparatus further includes an arm that connects the support structure and the linear guide, the arm being proximate to an edge of the table structure,
- the method comprising:
- rotating, by the first motor, the holder around the axis;
- and
- moving, by the second motor, the support structure holding the receptacle along the linear guide underneath the holder.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.