Cassette for storing and feeding discrete objects
AssigneeKirby-Lester, Inc.
InventorsAleksandr Geltser, Vladimir Gershman
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A cassette for an object counting and dispensing system includes a base and a stepped side wall which together define a central open reservoir portion and at least one peripheral covered tray portion having an exit. Each cassette is adapted to feed and guide a range of sizes and shapes of tablets toward the exit. Only a few standard sizes of cassettes are needed to accommodate all discrete objects, e.g., tablets and capsules.
Claims27
A cassette for a system for feeding and counting discrete objects, said cassette comprising:
- a) a reservoir adapted to store a plurality of discrete objects;
- b) a substantially horizontal stationary tray area including an exit hole;
- and
- c) a guide which guides the discrete objects about said tray area toward said exit hole.
A cassette for a system for feeding and counting discrete objects, said cassette comprising:
- a) a reservoir adapted to store a plurality of the discrete objects;
- b) a first partially covered tray area including a first exit hole;
- and
- c) a second partially covered tray area including a second exit hole, said second covered tray area located above said first covered tray area,
- wherein said reservoir is in communication with both said first and second partially covered tray areas.
A cassette for a system for feeding and counting discrete objects, said cassette comprising:
- a) a reservoir adapted to store a plurality of discrete objects;
- b) a substantially flat horizontal tray area including a periphery and an exit hole along said periphery;
- and
- c) at least one guide wall discrete from said periphery which guides the discrete objects about said tray area toward said exit hole.
A cassette for a system for feeding and counting discrete objects, said cassette comprising:
- a) a reservoir adapted to store a plurality of discrete objects;
- and
- b) a substantially horizontal tray area including a peripheral wall, an exit hole located adjacent said peripheral wall, and a channel along a portion of said peripheral wall leading toward said exit.
A cassette for a system for feeding and counting discrete objects, said cassette comprising:
- a) a reservoir adapted to store a plurality of discrete objects;
- b) a substantially horizontal stationary tray area including an exit hole;
- and
- c) a guide which guides the discrete objects about said tray area toward said exit hole,
- wherein said cassette includes a recess on a bottom surface thereof.
A cassette for a system for feeding and counting discrete objects, said cassette comprising:
- a) a reservoir adapted to store a plurality of discrete objects;
- b) a substantially horizontal stationary tray area including an exit hole;
- c) a guide which guides the discrete objects about said tray area toward said exit hole;
- and
- d) a movable gate adapted to block said exit hole, said gate comprising a metal leaf spring.
A cassette for a system for feeding and counting discrete objects, said cassette comprising:
- a) a reservoir adapted to store a plurality of discrete objects;
- b) a substantially horizontal stationary tray area including an exit hole;
- c) a guide which guides the discrete objects about said tray area toward said exit hole;
- and
- d) a shelf above said tray area, said shelf including a second exit hole, a second guide which guides the discrete objects about said shelf toward said second exit hole, and a central opening providing a passage between said reservoir and said tray area.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.