DISPENSABLE UNIT RETRIEVAL MECHANISM

摘要

A system enables management of dispensable units by supporting functions such as retrieval, scheduled distribution, analysis, and notifications. To this end, a dispensable retrieval mechanism may be programmed to carry out blind retrievals of dispensable units using a retrieval strategy with a predetermined sequence of retrieval attempts (e.g., fixed or varying two-dimensional retrieval patterns), which may be open loop or closed loop. Techniques may also include the identification of dispensable units through optical sensors and weight measurement devices that can detect, e.g., a texture, a shape, and a size of dispensable units. Such identification can be used to program retrieval attempts by a retrieval robot and in the formulation of the retrieval pattern. Additionally, networked notification systems for dispensable units can be used for updating rules or schedules related to the dispensable units, or alerting users and remote resources of any potential misuse or hazards of the dispensable units.

主权项

1. A device comprising:
a container; a tube having a first end and a second end coupled in fluid communication by a hollow core; a nib disposed on the first end of the tube, the nib including an opening with a perimeter and a seal around the perimeter formed of a pliable material shaped and sized to engage and form a vacuum seal with an object having a predetermined range of dimensions; a vacuum device having a vacuum source connected in fluid communication with the second end of the tube, the vacuum source configured to apply a vacuum force through the hollow core to the nib; a positioner coupled to the tube and configured to move the nib with at least two degrees of translational freedom within the container; and a controller coupled in a communicating relationship with the positioner, the controller configured to operate the nib to attempt a blind retrieval of a number of dispensable units within the container using a sequence of retrieval attempts each applying a different two-dimensional retrieval pattern within a first horizontal plane through the container.