Embodiments of the invention relate to storage cabinets, and particularly to multi-compartment storage cabinets. More particularly, embodiments of the invention relate to storage cabinets having a matrix of dispensing modules.
Storage cabinets are typically used in factories, shops, plants, stores or other sites to store small tools, parts, ingredients or other items. The cabinets allow for better organization and space utilization, while simultaneously improving worker productivity by eliminating time wasted looking for items.
Typical cabinets of the type described herein are often used to store consumables or small parts that are commonly used within a particular factory or shop. Because these parts are purchased and stored in bulk, accurate inventory and costing of the products made using these parts is difficult. In addition, misappropriation of the parts is difficult to detect or prevent.
In other situations, the use of a cabinet is desirable, however, due to the nature of the items to be placed in the cabinet, security precludes their use. For example, expensive and dangerous elements such as diamond drill bits may be needed to assemble a tool such as a drill. However, diamond drill bits are too expensive to allow uncontrolled access within a factory. Therefore, the components necessary to make a complete switch may not be securely stored within a cabinet. Instead, the materials are typically stored in a remote secure location that requires the worker to waste time and effort retrieving them. To save time and to reduce the number of trips to the remote secure location, workers often request excessive materials resulting in an increase in wasted material, time, and risk.
In one embodiment, the invention provides a dispensing system for dispensing items. The system includes a base that has first and second compartments. The base can rotate about an axis. An item can be stored in one of the first and second compartments. The system also includes a cover that covers the base, the first compartment, and the second compartment. Furthermore, the cover has an opening. The system also includes a handle that is coupled to the cover. The handle can be used to actuate the cover to rotate about the axis to align the opening with one of the first and second compartments. The system also includes an ejector that ejects the item from the compartment when the handle aligns the ejector with the opening.
In another embodiment, the invention provides a dispensing system for dispensing items. The system includes a drawer and a plurality of dispensing modules that are positioned within the drawer. Furthermore, each of the dispensing modules is configured to hold at least one item. The system also includes a handle coupled to one of the dispensing modules. The handle can be used to release one of the items from the dispensing module when actuated and to lock in the items in the dispensing module when left idle.
In another embodiment, the invention provides a dispensing system for dispensing items. The system includes a drawer that has a bottom. The bottom defines a substantially horizontal plane. The system also includes a dispensing module that is positioned in the drawer, and a base that is positioned in the dispensing module. The base has first and second compartments. The base is rotatable about an axis that is parallel to the plane. The first and second compartments can be used to store items. The system can also include a cover to cover the dispensing module thereby covering the first and second compartments. The cover also has an opening. The system can also include a handle that is coupled to the dispensing module to actuate the base. The base can rotate about the axis to align one of the first and second compartments with the opening. An ejector then ejects the item from the dispensing module when the handle is actuated. However, the ejector locks the dispensing modules in the drawer when the handle is left idle.
Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.
In the drawings:
Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.
As should also be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, the apparatus shown in the figures are models of what actual systems might be like. As noted, many of the modules, structures and functions described are capable of being implemented in software executed by a microprocessor or a similar device or of being implemented in hardware using a variety of components including, for example, application specific integrated circuits (“ASICs”). Terms like “processing unit” may include or refer to both hardware and/or software. Furthermore, throughout the specification capitalized terms are used. Such terms are used to conform to common practices and to help correlate the description with the examples, and/or drawings. However, no specific meaning is implied or should be inferred simply due to the use of capitalization. Thus, the claims should not be limited to the specific examples or terminology or to any specific hardware or software implementation or combination of software or hardware.
Embodiments of the invention relate to a dispensing system for dispensing items. In one embodiment, the invention includes a dispensing system that includes a plurality of dispensing modules. Each of the dispensing modules has a base that can rotate about an axis and can be used to store an item to be ejected from the dispensing module when a handle is actuated.
In a specific embodiment, the dispensing module includes a cassette to store a plurality of items. The cassette has a base and a cover. Once an item has been selected at a control center, the dispensing module that contains the selected item is illuminated with indicators. A user then actuates a handle to release the selected item from the cassette.
The term “item” as used herein includes any physical thing that may be used by a user. Items include but are not limited to parts, tools, chemicals, substances, inserts, food ingredients, measuring instruments, fixtures, jigs, consumables, returnables, and the like. In addition, terms such as “tool” or “part” may be used to describe specific examples of uses of a cabinet as described herein, however, these terms should not be read as limiting the cabinets use to tools or parts. Instead, the terms “tool” and “part” may be read broadly to include any physical item.
The cabinet 100 is similar to many cabinets currently used in industry worldwide. For example, Stanley-Vidmar, of Allentown Pennsylvania, sells a cabinet under model number SEP2025AL that is similar to the cabinet 100 illustrated in
It should be noted that while the term cabinet is used throughout the description to describe the shown embodiment, the term cabinet should not be read as limiting the invention. For example, other constructions secure the contents of single individual drawers built into walls or other structures. In another construction, the invention is built into a mechanic's van to aid in the location of items therein. In still another construction, the kit 108 of the invention protects the contents of a mechanic's mobile cabinet. As one having ordinary skill in the art will realize, the invention is capable of securing the contents within any compartment and is capable of guiding the user to the correct column 128 no matter what supports the column 128. Therefore, the invention should not be limited to cabinets alone.
Referring back to
Each drawer 104 can slide into and out of the cabinet 100 to provide the user with access to the parts, tools, or other items stored within the drawers 104. In some cabinets 100, a lock mechanism 132 allows the user to lock all of the drawers 12, thereby preventing unwanted removal of the contents of the cabinet 100. Many lock mechanisms 132 are available that secure the drawers 104 of cabinets 100.
The illustrated cabinet 100 is stationary; that is, it is placed directly on a floor or onto another cabinet within a factory, shop, or storage area. Other constructions include cabinets 100 placed on castors or wheels to provide mobile sources of items. In the case of a mobile cabinet, a mobile power supply may be included with the kit 108 to allow the cabinet to be positioned remote from a power supply.
The control center 112 shown in
The control center 144 runs a program that both regulates access to the components within the cabinet 100 and maintains an accurate inventory of the items within the cabinet 100. Furthermore, the program can monitor the rate of use of specific components, the length of time the items have been in a particular dispensing module 116, and the user or users accessing the cabinet 100. Generally, the program is stored on the data storage device of the control center 112 for execution by the processing unit and the memory device. However, other constructions may employ a program that is stored in a remote location, such as a server, and is downloaded when needed. Still other constructions may employ a “dumb” display terminal that simply displays a program that is executed at a remote location. Further, the control center 112 is shown on top of the cabinet 100. However, the control center 112 may be remote from the cabinet 100 and may be wirelessly linked to the cabinet 100. Also, as mentioned, the control center 112 can be used to monitor many parameters concerning the cabinet 100. However, it should be understood that the control center 112 can be used to monitor various parameters concerning multiple cabinets 100, both proximate to and remote from the control center 112.
To access the cabinet 100 in some embodiments, the user swipes an identification card (not shown) through the identification device 152 or enters a user identification code and/or a password into the control center 112 via the keyboard 148. If the user has the proper rights, the video display 144 displays a user interface that facilitates access to the items within the cabinet 100. In some embodiments, a graphical user interface (“GUI”) displays a list of items available or another representation that facilitates the proper item choice. For example, a factory may provide a cabinet 100 that contains all of the necessary replacement parts and special tools needed to disassemble, repair, or build a particular component such as an engine or pump. In some embodiments, the GUI can also be configured to display an assembly procedure including drawings or special tools needed. When the user indicates that a step requiring a special tool has been reached, the proper drawer 104 is indicated with the corresponding LED 124 indicating the proper dispensing module from which an item is withdrawn. Thus, the cabinet 100 also acts to assure that the proper tools and parts are used to assemble a product or sub-assembly.
In use, the cabinet 100 controls access to the parts or items contained therein, tracks an identity of the user who is accessing the cabinet 100, and maintains an accurate inventory of the items. In addition, the cabinet 100 can be programmed to track project or job numbers, tool usage, or any other information desired, when items are accessed. This information can be used to aid in determining cost, waste, productivity, return of tools, or any other parameter desired. In some embodiments, the user enters some identification information, and uses a plurality of pre-selected modes to pick the desired item type and quantity at the control center 112. The control center 112 then checks the database, and releases the dispensing module 116, as will be discussed below.
To retrieve an item according to the illustrated embodiment, a user first accesses the cabinet 100. Many methods have been described and are contemplated for this step. The specific method used is dependant on the level of security desired and the cost of implementing the cabinet 100. Once accessed, a GUI is displayed that facilitates the choice of the item within the cabinet 100. Again, multiple techniques of displaying items, from a simple list to a complicated assembly drawing, are contemplated. Once the user has identified the item at the processing unit, the processing unit determines the drawer 104 in which the item is located and actuates corresponding mechanisms to unlock the particular drawer 104 and the dispensing module 116 where the item is located.
In some embodiments, the cabinets 100 or the control center 112 impose a time out period for inactivity at the cabinet 100. In some embodiments, the time out period is 60 seconds. After the time out period has elapsed, the control center 112 will relock the dispensing mechanism and the actuating handle 136. In some embodiments, the control center 112 will also indicate via the display 144 that the cabinet 100 is being locked. Error messages will also be displayed on the display 144. Information of the user that has just been identified may also be logged by the control center 112, and an alert message may be sent to the identified user using the control center 112 and the logged information.
The dispensing module 116 includes a round cassette 304 that includes a plurality of compartments 322, a base 312 and a cover 316 that will be discussed in detail below. The cassette 304 includes an inner cylinder 320 that includes two inner cylinder slots 324. Each of the inner cylinder slots 324 has a forward side 352 and a rearward side 356. The handle 136 of the dispensing module 116 includes an ejector 140 that moves rotationally within the inner cylinder slots 324 between the forward side 352 and the rearward side 356. The cover 316 of the cassette 304 has a first opening 325 and an inner opening 326 along the inner cylinder 320. The ejector 140 also moves radially to eject an item when the ejector is aligned with the openings 325, 326, as will be more fully discussed below.
The slots or the compartments 322 of different dispensing modules 116 or within the same dispensing module 116 can have different sizes. The cassette 304 shown in
Generally, the compartments 322 have the same size in a cassette 304. However, in some other embodiments, depending on the particular application, the size of the compartment 322 can also be configured differently. In some embodiments, each of the compartments 322 can have a size of about 0.7 inches by about 0.7 inches by about 0.2 inches. Furthermore, the compartments 322 can also be configured to accommodate different item shapes such as square, rectangular, polygonal, round, triangular, diamond, and other irregular-shaped items. In some embodiments, the cassette 304 can be fully or partially loaded with the same or different items.
In the illustrated embodiment, because each dispensing module 116 (and the corresponding cassette 304) can hold at least twenty items, and each drawer 104 holds at least sixty four dispensing modules 116, each drawer can hold at least 1,280 different items. In practice, however, it is likely that each cassette 304 of each dispensing module 116 holds a quantity of the same items. Several of the dispensing modules 116 in the drawer 104 can also contain the same items. The items, therefore, will likely be managed with multiple instances of the same item type at different locations.
As shown in
As the base 312 and the cover 316 rotate relative to one another, the items are free to move and slide in the corresponding compartments 322. However, the items are generally protected from contact with hard surfaces and each other by the wall separating the compartments 322. The cassettes 304 are typically semi-consumable items that are suitable for a number of reuses. As a result, some of the cassettes 304 may wear out or may be recycled. In some embodiments, the cassettes 304 can also become carriers for items that are pre-loaded at a central facility or a point of manufacture, thereby permitting rapid restocking of the cabinet 100.
As described earlier, each cassette 304 can contain a quantity of the same items, although the quantity and the item type might vary depending on stocking and facility requirements. Each of the cassettes 304 can also be partially loaded. In some embodiments, items to be dispensed are typically loaded, stocked, or stored in consecutive compartments, pockets, or slots in the cassette 304, while the items can also be randomly stocked in different compartments 322.
In some embodiments, to load or unload items from the cassette 304, the user enters some identification information into the control center 112 and unlocks the bracket over the dispensing module 116 in the drawer 104. The user then removes the dispensing module 116, removes the cassette 304, and either checks the inventory, replaces the cassette 304 with a fully loaded cassette 304, or returns the cassette 304 to the vending position 244 (
Furthermore, when restocking or servicing of the dispensing modules 116 is required, the locking bracket 139 can be opened or removed, and the individual dispensing modules 116 can be removed. Once the dispensing module 116 has been removed from the drawer 104, the cassette 304 can be removed from the dispensing housing 308. When the cassette 304 is to be replaced or refilled, the cassette 304 is generally placed, or positioned in the dispensing module 116 such that a first position containing an item is in a “ready to dispense” position, or the dispensing position. Successive items can be placed in consecutive compartments 322 of the base 312. Restocking of the cassette 304 can also be done with a machine by placing individual items in the compartments 322 one at a time or by using a restocking jig to open and release all of the compartment positions one at a time. In some embodiments, the restocking procedure can be automatically performed.
This patent application is a continuation-in-part of prior application Ser. No. 10/936,332, filed on Sep. 8, 2004 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,142,944. The entire disclosure of the application is considered as being part of the accompanying application.
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Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 10936332 | Sep 2004 | US |
Child | 11106355 | US |