Unpowered end effector for dispensing apparatus

This invention relates generally to end effectors of a dispensing apparatus and more specifically relates to an unpowered end effector.

Dispensing apparatuses such as vending machines are being developed to incorporate x-y picker assemblies for picking products from a x-y product grid. The picker assemblies employ motorized end effectors that actually grab the product form the x-y product grid. The motorized end effector thus requires wires, wire-harnesses, and other electrical and mechanical components to effectuate the picking of the product. Therefore, the initial cost and the required maintenance of the picker assembly may be increased.

Thus, there is a need in the art for a low-cost, low maintenance picker assembly for picking products from x-y product grids

One embodiment of the application includes a mechanical picking system for a x-y picker dispensing apparatus. The mechanical picking system includes at least one substantially horizontal shelf operable for supporting a product, and a picker assembly which further includes an unpowered end effector. The unpowered end effector includes a plurality of receiving fingers and a holding area. The unpowered end effector is rotatable with respect to the shelf to enable the fingers to transfer the product from the shelf to the holding area.

Another embodiment of the application includes a method of vending a product from an x-y dispensing apparatus. The method includes positioning an end effector of a picker assembly under a product positioned on a substantially horizontal shelf, moving the end effector upward to lift the product off of the shelf with the end effector, rotating the end effector to hold the product, and dispensing the product from the dispensing apparatus.

Yet another embodiment of the application includes a notification system for a dispensing apparatus. The notification system includes an event device affixed to a picker assembly wherein the event device is operable to create an event upon successful capture of a product by the picker assembly, and a detection device for sensing the event.

Yet another embodiment of the application includes a pill door for a dispensing apparatus. The pill door includes a dispensing chute for dispensing a product from the dispensing apparatus to a consumer, and a rotation device to rotate the product from a substantially horizontal position to a substantially vertical position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a dispensing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the application.

FIG. 2 illustrates shelf fingers according to an exemplary embodiment of the application.

FIG. 3 illustrates a x-y product grid according to an exemplary embodiment of the application.

FIG. 4 illustrates a picker assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the application.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of a picker assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the application.

FIG. 6 illustrates a holding position of an unpowered end effector according to an exemplary embodiment of the application.

FIG. 7 illustrates an event device attached to a picking assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the application.

FIG. 8 illustrates a pill door according to an exemplary embodiment of the application.

FIG. 9 illustrates a pill dispensing chute according to an exemplary embodiment of the application.

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