Unpowered End Effector for Dispensing Apparatus

Abstract

A mechanical picking system for a x-y picker dispensing apparatus that 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.

1 . A mechanical picking system for a x-y picker dispensing apparatus, comprising:
 at least one substantially horizontal shelf operable for supporting a product; and   a picker assembly comprising an unpowered end effector;   wherein the unpowered end effector comprises a plurality of receiving fingers and a holding area wherein 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.   
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the holding device comprises a plurality of curved fingers. 
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the unpowered end effector is rotatable between a receiving position and a substantially vertical holding position. 
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 3 , further comprising a receiving slide rod positioned upward of the picking system operable to rotate the unpowered end effector into the receiving position upon an impact with a substantially horizontal surface. 
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein the unpowered end effector is rotated by the first slide rod using a cam and a spring. 
   
   
       6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the substantially horizontal shelf comprises a product support for holding the position of the product. 
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the product support comprises a plurality of shelf fingers. 
   
   
       8 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the plurality of receiving fingers of the unpowered end effector are positioned to fit between the plurality of shelf fingers of the product support such that the unpowered end effector can vertically move above and below the shelf. 
   
   
       9 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the unpowered end effector while in the receiving position can move vertically between the plurality of shelf fingers of the product support to engage the product; and
 wherein the unpowered end effector can rotate into the holding position from the weight of the product transitioned onto the holding area.   
   
   
       10 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the dispensing apparatus further comprises a dispensing device operable to receive the product delivered by the unpowered end effector. 
   
   
       11 . A method of vending a product from an x-y dispensing apparatus, comprising:
 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.   
   
   
       12 . A notification system for a dispensing apparatus, comprising:
 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.   
   
   
       13 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the event device comprises a piezo electric spark device. 
   
   
       14 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the event is a piezo electric spark. 
   
   
       15 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the detection device comprises a acoustic sensor or optical sensor to detect the event. 
   
   
       16 . The system of  claim 12 , further comprising a computing device connected to the detection device to determine whether a successful pick occurs and to determine whether to dispense the product, attempt to re-pick the product, or supply a refund. 
   
   
       17 . A pill door for a dispensing apparatus, comprising:
 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.   
   
   
       18 . The system of  claim 17 , further comprising the dispensing chute being positioned at least three feet above the ground. 
   
   
       19 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein the rotation device comprise a rotation wall position at an angle to cause the product to rotate. 
   
   
       20 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein the dispensing chute comprises a rake to remove the product from an end effector of a picking assembly.