Method and apparatus for picking up, holding and dispensing objects

Abstract

An apparatus for picking up, holding and dispensing objects is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a storage device, a holding device, a retaining device, a tension device and an ejection device that enables picking up, holding and dispensing of a plurality of objects. The apparatus provides for an improved method of picking up, holding and dispensing objects over previous methods which required significant dexterity and substantial periods of time. The apparatus can be used to pick up, hold and dispense a variety of objects, including, but not limited to crystals, nuts, confectionary pieces, pills, jewelry, and electronic components.

We claim: 
     
         1 . An apparatus, comprising:
 a storage device capable of storing a plurality of objects, wherein the objects are of a similar geometric shape and size, said storage device having a wall, a first end through which the first object can enter said storage device, a second end and a storage volume defined by the volume surrounded by the wall, the first end and the second end, and the storage volume is large enough to store the plurality of objects,   wherein said storage device comprises a holding device having a tip made from a deformable material located at the first end of the storage device, providing a holding force on a held object, wherein the held object is one object of the plurality, wherein the holding force has a component that opposes the force of gravity on the held object so as to keep the held object inside the holding device;   a retaining device which is a rod for providing a retaining force on a first object of the plurality of objects, wherein the first object of the plurality is an object of the plurality which is placed into the storage device before other objects of the plurality are placed into the storage device, the retaining force having a component which is not parallel to the holding force;   an ejection device for providing an ejection force on the first object in the storage device, said ejection force is not parallel to the holding force, and said ejection force is greater than said holding force,   wherein the ejection device is a trigger mechanism comprising a housing, a spring having a first spring end and a second spring end, a spring stop located inside the storage device, a trigger stop which is the second end of the storage device and a trigger, wherein the trigger mechanism is assembled around the outside of the retaining device with the spring surrounding the retaining device with the first end of the spring touching the spring stop and the second end of the spring touching the trigger, wherein the trigger comprises a first side, a trigger tab, a trigger yoke, and a trigger lock, a second side and an opening from the first side to the second side, wherein the opening is slightly larger than the retaining device and smaller than the second end of the spring and the retaining device passes through the opening and the first side of the trigger touches the second end of the spring, wherein the yoke is smaller than the outside diameter of the trigger lock and the trigger tab,   wherein the housing is attached to the storage device with said housing having at least one slot through which the trigger is located.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the apparatus further comprises a tension device comprising a material which is deformable at room temperature. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the tension device is a unitary piece and made from the same material. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus according to  claim 2 , wherein the tension device is a unitary piece and made from the same material. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus according to  claim 3 , wherein the tension device is an O-ring. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus according to  claim 3 , wherein the tension device is an O-ring inserted into the housing. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus according to  claim 3 , wherein the tension device is an O-ring inserted into the wall of the storage device. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus according to  claim 2 , wherein storage device is attached to the housing via threads. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus according to  claim 2 , wherein the storage device and housing contain a marked scale comprising a plurality of scale marks on either the storage device or the housing and at least one indicator mark on whichever of the storage device or housing does not contain the plurality of scale marks. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus according to  claim 3 , wherein the storage device and housing contain a marked scale comprising a plurality of scale marks on either the storage device or the housing and at least one indicator mark on whichever of the storage device or housing does not contain the plurality of scale marks. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus according to  claim 3 , wherein the housing comprises at least two slots wherein one slot is narrower and longer than the other slot and both slots travel in the same direction.