Method and apparatus for positioning an article handling device

Abstract

An article dispensing device of the type having a housing for defining an internal volume. The internal volume having a dimension along a first axis which has at one end of the dimension an article storage sub-volume, and at an opposing end of the dimension adjacent a dispensing end of the article storage sub-volume, an article dispensing sub-volume. An article storage structure is positioned in the article storage sub-volume and stores therein articles in columns along a plurality of longitudinal axes paraxially aligned with the first axis. An article dispensing mechanism includes a head adapted to engage and secure to an article stored in the article storage structure. The dispensing mechanism includes a substantially non-compressible tube connecting the head to a source of article securing energy. A feeder displaces the tube so as to move the head along the first axis (Z) and a first positioning device moving the feeder along a second axis different from the first axis. All the while, the article storage sub-volume utilizes 75 percent or more of said internal dimension along the first axis of the cabinet.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a division of and claims priority under 35 USC 120 of prior U.S. Ser. No. 10 / 205,770, filed Jul. 25, 2002, entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR POSITIONING AN ARTICLE HANDLING DEVICE, which prior application claims priority under 35 USC 120 of PCT / US01 / 16894, filed May 23, 2001, entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR POSITIONING AN ARTICLE HANDLING DEVICE, which itself claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 206,363, filed May 23, 2000, entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ARTICLE HANDLING, SUCH AS FOR A VENDING MACHINE. The entire disclosure of each of the above patent applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates generally to improvements in the design and operation of article handling apparatus and in particular to article handling mechanisms of the type that utilize computer-contro...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015] It is also an object of the present invention to provide new techniques and methods for such mechanisms which improve the speed and accuracy of the article handling operation while still handling the articles to be dispensed in a careful manner so as to prevent any damage thereto.

[0016] It is a more specific object of the invention to provide an article handling mechanism of compact height, so as to maximize the article holding capacity of the storage area. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Problems solved by technology

Such machines generally suffer from numerous disadvantages, such as poor reliability due to mechanical failures, as well known by those skilled in this art.

Although robotic, and specifically suction-type lifting mechanisms are in common use in factory settings, where space limitations are generally relaxed, their use in tight confines, such as an article vending machine, has not gained wide acceptance.

However, two serious problems are presented by the use of a non compressible hose: where can a sufficient length of the hose be stored in order that it's free end can travel the distance from the bottom of the hose positioning mechanism (a position aligned with the top of an article storage bin) to the bottom of the article storage bin; and how can it be simply and reliably be withdrawn and retracted to and from the storage area as needed?

The hose positioning arrangement of this PCT patent publication has a similar disadvantage as the forenoted U.S. Pat. No. 5,240,139, in that a significant volume within the vending machine cabinet is required for the mechanism which positions the hose over and into the storage bins during a package dispensing cycle (i.e., a height almost equal to the height of the article storage bins themselves).

Even furthermore, it is noted that this patent publication teaches a relatively complex mechanism for hose positioning, storage and drive.

It's is particularly disadvantageous since the repeated bending and flexing of the electric cord can lead to reliability / failure problems.

Additionally, the diameter of the suction motor places severe limitations upon the dimensions of the article storage bins.

This type of positioning mechanism for an article handling device is particularly disadvantageous since the plurality of suction hoses connected to the pickup head are not provided in a hose storage area, and instead are coiled / dragged beneath the carriage during its repositioning thereby protruding significantly into a space which could more advantageously being used for the storage of articles to be vended / dispensed.

This type of positioning mechanism for an article handling device is disadvantageous for substantially the same reason as the forenoted U.S. Pat. No. 5,957,326, due to the fact that the suction hose is dragged alongside and behind the carriage during its repositioning, thereby protruding significantly into a space which could more advantageously being used for the storage of articles to be vended / dispensed.

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