Method and apparatus for non-linear dispensing of specific items on demand

摘要

A method and apparatus for secure, rapid, storage and dispensing of varied items from a random location in a storage matrix. Drawers are organized in a ‘slice’ or vertically-oriented frame that supports horizontal shifting of the drawers to dispense their contents. Slices can be combined to form matrices of automated, high-density, storage volumes and storage can coincide with dispensing.

主权项

1. A system for storing and nonlinear dispensing of items, said system comprising:
a plurality of drawers arranged in a horizontal row; each said drawer comprising a single receptacle comprising an open top and an open bottom defined by sides, each said drawer with one volume for enclosing contents; a plurality of said horizontal rows vertically stacked to form a slice of drawers, whereby each of said vertically stacked rows of drawers contains multiple, individual and individually movable said drawers; and a sliding mechanism permitting at least one of said plurality of drawers to slide only along the direction parallel to the long axis of said horizontal row, opening a dispensing path through said slice of drawers for a selected first item stored in a selected drawer in any of said plurality of horizontal rows to exit said system by non-contact force; wherein said sliding mechanism further comprises a motor and a coupling between said motor and said drawers to transmit pulling force; said drawers each dispenses said items directly from any said drawer of any said row, thereby providing said nonlinear dispensing.