ITEM DISPENSING APPARATUS

摘要

Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a dispenser configured for securely storing a plurality of items within a cart and providing access to a subset of the plurality of items to authorized users. According to various embodiments, the dispenser generally includes a housing defining an interior portion dimensioned to receive a storage cart having an array of receptacles each configured to hold one or more items, a laterally sliding access door configured to provide restricted access to the cart stored within the dispenser, and an item access mechanism configured to provide selective access to a subset of the plurality of items stored within the cart. The dispenser additionally comprises a cart guide mechanism and a cart locking mechanism configured to guide the cart into the housing and to secure the cart in an appropriate location within the housing for use with the item access mechanism.

主权项

1. A system for dispensing items, the system comprising:
a cart comprising a cart body configured for storing one or more items; and a dispenser comprising:
a housing defining an access opening and an interior portion dimensioned for receiving the cart;an access door disposed adjacent the access opening, the access door configured for movement between (i) a closed position in which the access door prevents access to the cart when the cart is stored within the interior area of the housing and (ii) an open position in which the access door permits access to the cart when stored within the interior area of the housing; anda cart guide mechanism comprising a rear guide rail extending along a rear portion of the housing and an angled guide rail extending between the rear portion of the housing and a first side portion of the housing;wherein the angled guide rail is configured to guide the cart to a desired position within the dispenser where a first side wall of the cart body is substantially adjacent to a second side portion of the housing opposite the first side portion, and a rear wall of the cart body is substantially parallel and adjacent to the rear horizontal guide rail.