Device and Method for Storing Articles

Abstract

A device for storing articles on a tool, such as a gripper tool, allowing for subsequent use of the gripper without having to first discard or remotely store the article(s). The device may consist of a storage container, tubular support member, sealer/compactor, and ejector. The arm of a tool moves axially inside the inner diameter of the tubular member. The same tubular member allows for the container to slide axially on the outer diameter. The container and gripper tool's relative motion enables gripped articles to be moved into and out of the container thru the containers compliant pass-thru end. The seal/compactor is attached to the gripper side of the tool and manipulates the article for compaction within the container and seals the container pass-thru end to prevent loss of articles. The same relative motion of the container and the tubular member allows for the ejector to push articles through the pass-thru end, and out of the container.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A device for storing articles comprising:
 a container having a distal end for accepting articles;   a structural member movably affixed to the container; and   an ejector positioned within the container and affixed to the structural member for pushing articles out of the container.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a seal for sealing the container. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the seal is configured to compact articles in the container.