Dispensing systems and methods Number:7,152,756 from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) owispatent A dispensing system dispensing items includes a dispensing station and a first conveyor for transporting containers to the dispensing station. The dispensing station includes a dispenser for dispensing items to the containers, a mechanism for spacing the containers to a predetermined pitch, a transfer wheel for removing the containers from the first conveyor, a star wheel for receiving the containers from the transfer wheel and for transporting the containers in synchronization with the dispenser, and a turret for removing the containers from the star wheel.<H Dispensing, methods, Dispensing, syst, 7152756.html, Patent, pto, 7152756

Title: Dispensing systems and methods

Abstract: A dispensing system dispensing items includes a dispensing station and a first conveyor for transporting containers to the dispensing station. The dispensing station includes a dispenser for dispensing items to the containers, a mechanism for spacing the containers to a predetermined pitch, a transfer wheel for removing the containers from the first conveyor, a star wheel for receiving the containers from the transfer wheel and for transporting the containers in synchronization with the dispenser, and a turret for removing the containers from the star wheel.

Patent Number: 7,152,756 Issued on 12/26/2006 to Baranowski

Inventors: Baranowski; John (Bensalem, PA)
Assignee: Campbell Soup Company (Camden, NJ)

Appl. No.: 10/743,440

Filed: December 23, 2003

Related U.S. Patent Documents


Application Number	Filing Date	Patent Number	Issue Date
10601674	Jun., 2003	6993884
60454605	Mar., 2003
60390364	Jun., 2002

Current U.S. Class: 221/7 ; 221/200; 221/203; 221/277; 221/69; 221/82; 53/235; 53/237; 53/238; 53/240; 53/244; 53/251; 53/253

Current International Class: G07F 11/00 (20060101)

Field of Search: 53/473,235,237,238,240,244,250,251,252 141/144 221/7,69,82,200,203,277

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Primary Examiner: Crawford; Gene O.
Assistant Examiner: Collins; Michael
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Baker Botts L.L.P.

Parent Case Text

This application claims priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/601,674 entitled "Dispensing Systems and Methods," which was filed on Jun. 24, 2003 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,993,884, and claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/390,364 entitled "Rotary, Vibratory, Dispensing Systems and Methods," and filed on Jun. 24, 2002, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/454,605 entitled "Dispensing Systems and Methods," and filed on Mar. 17, 2003, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A system for dispensing items comprises: one or more dispensing stations; and one or more conveyors for transporting containers to the one or more dispensing station, wherein each of the one or more dispensing stations comprise: a dispenser; one or more dispensing heads, wherein each of the one or more dispensing heads receives items from the dispenser and comprises: a dispensing chute for directing a first plurality of the received items toward the dispenser, wherein at least one physical characteristic of each of the first plurality of the received items is within a predetermined range of physical characteristics; and a diversion chute for directing a second plurality of the received items away from the dispenser; a mechanism for spacing the containers to a predetermined pitch; a transfer wheel for removing the containers from the first conveyor; a star wheel for receiving the containers from the transfer wheel and for positioning each of the containers in alignment with a corresponding one of the one or more dispensing heads, whereby the corresponding one of the one or more dispensing heads delivers the first plurality of the received items to the container; and a turret for removing the containers from the star wheel.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the dispenser comprises a rotary, vibratory dispenser comprising: a feeder bowl for receiving a plurality of items to be dispensed; a feeder bowl vibration device for vibrating the feeder bowl; a feeder bowl rotation drive for rotating the feeder bowl; one or more dispensing paths positioned around the feeder bowl, wherein each of the one or more dispensing heads receives items from at least one of the one or more dispensing paths; and at least one dispensing path vibration device for vibrating each of the one or more dispensing paths proportionately to the at least one physical characteristic of each of the items.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the feeder bowl vibration device vibrates the feeder bowl and the feeder bowl rotation drive rotates the feeder bowl, so that the feeder bowl supplies items uniformly to the one or more dispensing paths and wherein the at least one dispensing path vibration device vibrates the one or more dispensing paths, so that the one or more dispensing paths dispense the items singularly, wherein the feeder bowl rotation drive rotates the one or more dispensing paths.

4. The system of claim 2, further comprising one or more sensing units, wherein each of the one or more sensing units measures the at least one physical characteristic of at least a portion of the items dispensed from at least one of the one or more dispensing paths, wherein each of the one or more dispensing heads receives items from at least one of the one or more dispensing paths via at least one of the one or more sensing units, wherein the at least one physical characteristic of at least one of the second plurality of the received items is greater than or less than the predetermined range of physical characteristics.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein each of the dispensing heads further comprises at least one holding chamber, wherein the at least one holding chamber directs the first plurality of the received items to the dispensing chute, and directs each of the second plurality of the received items to the diversion chute.

6. The system of claim 4, further comprising means for releasing the second plurality of the received items from the one or more dispensing heads.

7. The system of claim 6, further comprising means for separating the second plurality of the received items released from the dispensing head, which have the at least one physical characteristic within the predetermined range of physical characteristics, from the second plurality of the received items released from the dispensing head, which have the at least one physical characteristic greater than or less than the predetermined range of physical characteristics.

8. The system of claim 7, further comprising means for delivering the second plurality of the received items released from the dispensing head, which have the at least one physical characteristic within the predetermined range of physical characteristics to the feeder bowl.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the means for separating comprises at least one strainer.

10. The system of claim 8, wherein the means for delivering comprises a conveyer.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to dispensing systems and methods of dispensing items. More particularly, the present invention relates to vibratory dispensing systems and to methods of dispensing items in such systems.

2. Description of Related Art

Known dispensing systems and methods of dispensing items may convey a plurality of containers to a dispensing station, at which a dispenser may dispense items to each container. Moreover, each of the dispensed items may be counted, and predetermined quantities of items may be directed to each container.

In known control systems, however, the accuracy of the count of dispensed items may be affected by operation of known dispensers. For example, the ability of known control systems to operate dispensers to dispense items singularly, e.g., in a single file, may improve the accuracy of the count of dispensed items. If two or more items are dispensed simultaneously, known control systems may count the items as a single item, thereby undermining the accuracy of the count of dispensed items. Thus, known dispensing control systems may reduce or limit the rate at which items are dispensed in order to improve the accuracy of a count of dispensed items. Moreover, known dispensing systems may dispense items to containers while containers are stationary. Each of these systems reduces a rate at which containers may be filled in known dispensing systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A need has arisen for dispensing systems and methods of dispensing items that increase a rate at which items may be dispensed to containers that are conveyed to and through a dispensing station. More particularly, a need has arisen for dispensing systems and methods of dispensing items that convey a plurality of containers to and through a dispensing station, so that a dispenser may direct predetermined quantity of items to each container.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a system for dispensing items includes a first dispensing station and a first conveyor for transporting containers to the first dispensing station. The first dispensing station includes a dispenser for directing items to the containers, a mechanism for spacing the containers to a predetermined pitch, a transfer wheel for removing the containers from the first conveyor, a star wheel for receiving the containers from the transfer wheel and for transporting the containers in synchronization with the dispenser, and a turret for removing the containers from the star wheel.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method of dispensing items comprises the steps of conveying a plurality of containers to a dispensing station, spacing the containers to a predetermined pitch, transferring the containers to the dispensing station, transporting the containers through the dispensing station, and removing the containers from the dispensing station.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a system for dispensing items comprises one or more dispensing stations, and one or more conveyors for transporting containers to the one or more dispensing station. Each of the one or more dispensing stations comprise a dispenser, and one or more dispensing heads, in which each of the one or more dispensing heads receives items from the dispenser. Moreover, each of the one or more dispensing heads comprises a dispensing chute for directing a first plurality of the received items toward the dispenser, in which the at least one physical characteristic of each of the first plurality of the received items is within a predetermined range of physical characteristics. Each of the one or more dispensing heads also comprises a diversion chute for directing a second plurality of the received items away from the dispenser. Each of the one or more dispensing stations also comprises a mechanism for spacing the containers to a predetermined pitch, a transfer wheel for removing the containers from the first conveyor, and a star wheel for receiving the containers from the transfer wheel and for positioning each of the containers in alignment with a corresponding one of the one or more dispensing heads, whereby the corresponding one of the one or more dispensing heads delivers the first plurality of the received items to the container. Moreover, each of the one or more dispensing stations comprises a turret for removing the containers from the star wheel.

Other objects, features, and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art from the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a partially cutaway plan view of a dispensing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a partially cutaway plan view of a dispensing system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of a dispenser of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a side view of a dispenser of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a partially cutaway plan view of a dispenser of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows a partially cutaway plan view of another embodiment of a dispenser of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows a schematic of a dispensing system including a series of dispensing stations.

FIG. 8 shows a schematic of a dispensing system including parallel dispensing stations.

FIG. 9 shows a schematic of a dispensing system including series and parallel dispensing stations.

FIG. 10a shows a cross-sectional view of a dome-shaped feeder bowl according to an embodiment of the present invention

FIG. 10b shows a cross-sectional view of a conical-shaped feeder bowl according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10c shows a cross-sectional view of a sloped feeder bowl according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11a shows a top view of a channel according to the present invention.

FIG. 11b shows an end view of the channel of FIG. 11a, according to the present invention

FIG. 11c shows a perspective view of the channel of FIG. 11a, according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 shows a refrigeration unit for use with the dispenser of the present invention.

FIGS. 13a 13h show an operation of a dispensing head according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 shows a side view of a dispenser according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 15a 15b show an operation of a dispensing head according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a dispensing system 100, 200, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Each dispensing system 100, 200 may comprise a dispensing station 102, 202 and a conveyor 101, 201 for transporting containers, e.g., packages, boxes, bottles, jars, cans, bowls, plates, pans, and the like (not shown), to and from the dispensing station 102, 202. Each dispensing station 102, 202 may comprise a dispenser for directing a predetermined quantity of items to each container, a spacing mechanism 103, 203 for spacing each of the containers to a predetermined pitch on the conveyor 101, 201, a transfer wheel 104, 204 for removing the spaced containers from the conveyor 101, 201, a star wheel 105, 205 for receiving the containers from the transfer wheel 104, 204 and for transporting the containers in synchronization with a dispenser, e.g., in alignment with, at a substantially similar rotational speed as, or the like, and a turret 106, 206 for receiving the containers from the star wheel 105, 205 and moving the containers to conveyor 101, 201.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, each conveyor 101, 201 may transport containers to dispensing station 102, 202. Each conveyor 101, 201 may transport containers away from dispensing station 102, 202. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a single conveyor 101, 201 may transport containers to and from dispensing station 102, 202. In another embodiment of the invention (not shown), a first conveyor may transport containers to a dispensing station, and a second conveyor may transport containers away from dispensing station. First and second conveyor comprise separate drive units, so that containers may be transported to and from dispensing station at different rates, as necessary. For example, a first conveyor may transport containers to a dispensing station at a different rate than a second conveyor transports containers away from the dispensing station, so that containers may be transported from the dispensing station to a packaging station or to another dispensing station, each of which may operate at different rates.

As shown in FIG. 1, conveyor 101 may be configured to transport a plurality of containers along a substantially closed-loop track. One or more dispensing stations 102 may be positioned adjacent to conveyor 101, each of which dispensing stations 102 may direct items to containers transported by conveyor 101. Moreover, a packaging station (not shown) may be positioned adjacent to conveyor 101. Further, conveyor 101 may be dimensioned, so that one or more dispensing stations 102 may be positioned adjacent to conveyor 101 on different sides of conveyor 101.

As shown in FIG. 2, conveyor 201 may be configured to transport a plurality of containers along a substantially linear track, a portion of which is shown in FIG. 2. One or more dispensing stations 202 may be positioned adjacent to conveyor 201, each of which dispensing stations 202 may direct items to containers transported by conveyor 101. Moreover, a packaging station (not shown) may be positioned adjacent to conveyor 201. Further, conveyor 201 may be dimensioned, so that one or more dispensing stations 202 may be positioned adjacent to conveyor 201 on different sides of conveyor 201.

A spacing mechanism 103, 203, e.g., a timing screw 207, an index finger, a foil, or the like, may be positioned adjacent to a portion of conveyor 101, 201. Spacing mechanism 103, 203 operates to engage each of a plurality of containers transported to dispensing station 102, 202 by conveyor 101, 201 and to space each container to a predetermined pitch, e.g., to a predetermined distance or spacing between adjacent containers. The predetermined pitch may correspond to a pitch of transfer wheel 104, 204, star wheel 105, 205, and turret 106, 206, so that containers may be transported through dispensing station at a substantially constant pitch.

In an embodiment of the invention, a timing screw 207 may be positioned adjacent to conveyor 201. Timing screw 207 may engage containers transported by conveyor 201 to dispensing station 202 and space each container to a predetermined pitch, such that containers may be transported through dispensing station 202 to receive dispensed items. Timing screw 207 operates to engage containers transported by conveyor 101, 201 and to adjust the spacing between containers to correspond to a spacing required of containers at dispensing station 102, 202, e.g., to a spacing between adjacent container-receiving grooves of star wheel 105, 205. Timing screw 207 may be positioned so that a longitudinal axis A of timing screw 207 is substantially parallel to a portion of conveyor 201 adjacent to dispensing station 202, as shown in FIG. 2. A timing screw drive 208 may rotate timing screw 207 about its longitudinal axis at variable rotational speeds. Timing screw 207 further includes an alternating series of container-engaging grooves 209 and helical ribs 210.

According to one embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 2, a width of each rib 210 may increase as each successive rib is positioned nearer to transfer wheel 204. Each container-engaging groove 209 may engage a container transported on conveyor 201 to dispensing station 202. Rotation of timing screw 207 enables timing screw 207 to engage and progressively space each container to a predetermined pitch as containers approach dispensing station 202 on conveyor 201. The predetermined pitch of the dispensing station 202 may be greater than a pitch of containers being conveyed to dispensing station 202, so that spacing mechanism 103, 203 may increase a distance or spacing between adjacent containers when spacing mechanism 103 engages the containers and spaces them to a predetermined pitch of dispensing station 202.

According to another embodiment of the present invention (not shown), a width of each rib may decrease as each successive rib is positioned nearer to transfer wheel 204, so that rotation of timing screw 207 may enable timing screw 207 to engage and progressively space each container to a predetermined pitch that may be less than a pitch of containers conveyed to dispensing station 202, so that spacing mechanism 103 may decrease a distance or spacing between adjacent containers when spacing mechanism 103 engages the containers and spaces them to a predetermined pitch of dispensing station 202.

A guard rail (not shown) may be positioned adjacent to at least a portion of timing screw 207 to maintain containers in engagement with container-receiving grooves 209 of timing screw 207. Moreover, a plow (not shown), or the like, may be positioned adjacent to conveyor 101, 201 to engage containers, as necessary, and move containers to a portion of conveyor 101, 201, so that spacing mechanism 103, 203, may engage the containers and space the containers to a predetermined pitch.

A transfer wheel 104, 204 may be positioned adjacent to spacing mechanism 103, 203. For example, transfer wheel 104, 204 may be positioned between spacing mechanism 103, 203 and dispensing station 102, 202. Transfer wheel 104, 204 may remove containers from conveyor 101, 201 and move containers to star wheel 105, 205, while maintaining a predetermined pitch of containers.

Transfer wheel 104, 204 may include a plurality of container-receiving grooves 111, 211, each of which grooves may be positioned along a periphery of transfer wheel 104, 204. As shown in FIG. 1, container-receiving grooves 111 may comprise a substantially elliptical curve. As shown in FIG. 2, container-receiving grooves 211 may comprise a substantially semi-circular curve. Moreover, container-receiving grooves 211 of different shape and dimension may be mounted interchangeably to transfer wheel 204, so that transfer wheel 204 may receive and position containers of varying dimension and shape at different pitches. In another embodiment of the invention, transfer wheels 104 comprising container-receiving grooves 111 of different shape and dimension may be mounted interchangeably at dispensing station 102, so that transfer wheel 104 may receive and position containers of varying dimension and shape at different pitches.

A spacing between adjacent container-receiving grooves 111, 211 of transfer wheel 104, 204 may correspond to a pitch of timing screw 207 or spacing mechanism 103, 203, so that transfer wheel 104, 204, may engage each container after each container has been engaged by timing screw 207 or spacing mechanism 103, 203, and remove each container from conveyor 101, 201. The spacing between adjacent container-receiving grooves 111, 211 of transfer wheel 104, 204 also may correspond to a pitch of containers to be transported by star wheel 105, 205, so that transfer wheel 104, 204, may remove containers from conveyor 101, 201 and move each container to star wheel 105, 205, such that each container is aligned with a respective container-receiving groove 112, 212, of star wheel 105, 205. By maintaining the container pitch of timing screw 207 or spacing mechanism 103, 203, transfer wheel 104, 204 may place each container in alignment with a respective container-receiving groove 112, 212, of star wheel 105, 205, so that containers may be transported to and through dispensing station 102, 202, at increased rates over known dispensing systems.

A star wheel 105, 205, may receive containers from transfer wheel 104, 204, and transport containers in synchronization, e.g., in alignment with, at a substantially similar rotational speed as, or the like, with a dispenser (not shown) positioned at dispensing station 102, 202. For example, star wheel 105, 205 may transport containers at a rotational speed that is substantially similar to a rotational speed of a dispenser and dispensing heads, so that star wheel 105, 205 may position each container in alignment with a respective dispensing path of dispensing head of dispenser (not shown) to receive items dispensed therefrom.

Star wheel 105, 205, may include a plurality of container-receiving grooves 112, 212, positioned along a periphery, e.g., an outer edge of, star wheel 105, 205. According to one embodiment of the invention, star wheel 105, 205 may include one hundred (100) container-receiving grooves 112, 212. In another embodiment of the invention, star wheel 105, 205 may include twelve (12) container-receiving grooves 112, 212. However, star wheel 105, 205 may include any number of container-receiving grooves 112, 212, each of which container-receiving groove 112, 212, may receive a container, so that star wheel 105, 205 may convey a plurality of containers.

Container-receiving grooves 112, 212, may be generally semi-circular, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. However, container-receiving grooves 212 of different shape and dimension (not shown) may be mounted interchangeably to star wheel 205, so that star wheel 205, may receive and position containers of varying dimension and shape at different pitches. In another embodiment of the invention, star wheels 112 comprising container-receiving grooves of varying dimension and shape may be mounted at dispensing station 102, so that each respective star wheel 105 may receive and position containers of varying dimension and shape at different pitches. Container-receiving grooves 112, 212 may maintain containers at a predetermined pitch, so that containers may receive items from a dispenser, e.g. from dispensing paths of a dispenser, from dispensing heads of a dispenser, or the like. More particularly, each container-receiving groove 112, 212, may position a container in alignment with a respective dispensing path, or dispensing head, or both, to receive items dispensed therefrom.

The spacing between adjacent container-receiving grooves 112, 212 of star wheel 105, 205 may correspond to a spacing between container-engaging grooves 111, 211 of transfer wheel 104, 204 and to a pitch of spacing mechanism 103, 203, so that containers may be spaced to a substantially similar predetermined pitch by spacing mechanism 103, 203, e.g., by a timing screw 107, and maintained at the predetermined pitch by transfer wheel 104, 204 and star wheel 105, 205.

Star wheel 105, 205 may be positioned above at least one base segment 113, 213. Base segment 113, 213 may support containers as star wheel 105, 205 transports containers through dispensing station 102, 202. Moreover, a guard rail 214 may be positioned adjacent to star wheel 105, 205, e.g., adjacent to container-engaging grooves 112, 212 of star wheel 105, 205, to maintain containers in engagement with respective container-receiving grooves 112, 212 of star wheel 105, 205. As shown in FIG. 2, guard rail 214 may have a generally arcuate shape and extend along a periphery of star wheel between transfer wheel 204 and turret 206.

Turret 106 206 may receive containers from star wheel 106, 205 and move containers to conveyor 101, 201. Turret 106, 206 may be positioned between star wheel 105, 205 and conveyor 101, 201. For example, turret 106, 206 may be positioned adjacent a portion of conveyor 101, 201 that is downstream from transfer wheel 104, 204.

Turret 106, 206 may include a plurality of container-receiving grooves 115, 215, each of which container-receiving grooves 115, 215 may receive a container from star wheel 105, 205 and move the container to conveyor 101, 201. Moreover, container-receiving grooves 215 of different shape and dimension may be mounted interchangeably to turret 206, so that turret 206 may receive and position containers of varying dimension and shape at different pitches. In another embodiment of the invention turrets 106 comprising container-receiving grooves 115 of different shape and dimension may be mounted interchangeably at dispensing station 102, so that each respective turret 105 may receive and position containers of varying dimension and shape at different pitches. A spacing between adjacent container-receiving grooves 115, 215 of turret 106, 206 may correspond to a pitch of containers transported by star wheel 105, 205. In another embodiment of the invention, turret 106, 206 may space containers to a pitch that is greater than or less than a pitch of containers transported by star wheel 105, 205.

Conveyor 101, 201, spacing mechanism 103, 203, transfer wheel 104, 204, star wheel 105, 205, dispenser (not shown), and turret 106, 206 may be powered by one or more drives (not shown). In one embodiment of the invention, a single drive unit (not shown) may drive conveyor 101, 202, spacing mechanism 103, 203, transfer wheel 104, 204, star wheel 105, 205, dispenser (not shown), and turret 106, 206, via a transmission, e.g., via drive belts, pulleys, gears, or the like. In another embodiment of the invention, separate drives may power each of conveyor 101, 201, spacing mechanism 103, 203, transfer wheel 104, 204, star wheel 105, 205, dispenser (not shown), and turret (106, 206). For example, a star wheel drive (not shown) may rotate star wheel 105, 205 at a variety of rotational speeds. A control unit (not shown) may control each drive or drives, thereby controlling operation of conveyor 101, 201, spacing mechanism 103, 203, transfer wheel 104, 204, star wheel 105, 205, dispenser (not shown), and turret 106, 206, so that containers may move continuously to, through, and away from the dispensing station 102, 202.

Dispensing station 102, 202 may include a dispenser to dispense items to containers transported through dispensing station 102, 202. According to an embodiment of the invention, dispensing station 102, 202 may include a rotary, vibratory dispenser. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a rotary, vibratory dispenser 300 may include a feeder bowl 301 for receiving a plurality of items to be dispensed from rotary, vibratory dispenser 300, a plurality of dispensing paths 302 positioned around the feeder bowl 301 for receiving items supplied by the feeder bowl 301, a feeder bowl rotation drive 307 for rotating feeder bowl 301, a feeder bowl vibration device 308 for vibrating feeder bowl 301, and one or more dispensing path vibration devices 309 for vibrating each dispensing path 302, so that each dispensing path 302 may dispense items singularly, sensing units 318. 418 for measuring a physical characteristic, e.g., a volume, a weight, a density, or the like, of each singularly-dispensed item, and dispensing heads 310 for receiving singularly-dispensed items from each dispensing path 302, so that predetermined quantities of items may be directed to a container. A bulk delivery apparatus 306, e.g., a hopper, a conveyor, or the like, may deliver items to rotary, vibratory dispenser 300, e.g., to feeder bowl 301 of rotary, vibratory dispenser 300.

Rotary, vibratory dispenser 300 may be used to receive and dispense a variety of food items, e.g., dried food items, frozen food items, thawed food items, or the like. For example, rotary, vibratory dispenser 300 may dispense dried food items, such as dried pasta, dehydrated vegetables, or the like. Moreover, rotary, vibratory dispenser 100 may be used to dispense frozen food items, e.g., frozen meats, frozen vegetables, or the like. Rotary, vibratory dispenser 300 may be used to dispense items of varying physical characteristic, e.g., varying weight, volume, density, temperature, or the like, including non-food items of varying physical characteristic. For example, the rotary, vibratory dispenser 300 may dispense fasteners, hardware, medical items, electronic parts, mechanical parts, metallic and non-metallic items, or the like.

Feeder bowl 301 may include a variety of shapes and configurations. The configuration of feeder bowl 301 may vary, depending upon the intended application and physical characteristic, e.g., a weight, a volume, a density, or the like, of items to be dispensed. FIGS. 3 and 4 show an embodiment of a feeder bowl 301 with an attenuated conical shape and a substantially planar peripheral edge 304. Feeder bowl 301 may be substantially dome-shaped, substantially conical-shaped, substantially-planar, or the like. Moreover, each of these embodiments of feeder bowl 301 may include a substantially planar peripheral edge. FIG. 10a shows a cross-section of a dome-shaped feeder bowl 1001' with a substantially planar peripheral edge 1004'. FIG. 10b shows a cross-section of a conical-shaped feeder bowl 1001'' with a substantially planar peripheral edge 1004''.

FIG. 10c shows a feeder bowl 101''' according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. Feeder bowl 101''' may comprise a plurality of sloped portions, and each of the sloped portions may be separated by a substantially cylindrical portion. For example, feeder bowl 101''' may comprise a first sloped portion 1012 and a second sloped portion 1014 connected to first sloped portion 1012 via a substantially cylindrical portion 1016. Cylindrical portion 1016 may form a vertical drop between first sloped portion 1012 and second sloped portion 1014. In an embodiment, a thickness of cylindrical portion 1016 may be selected, such that a distance between first sloped portion 1012 and second sloped portion 1014 is about 25.4 mm (about 1 inch). Moreover, first sloped portion 1012, second sloped portion 1014, and substantially cylindrical portion 1016 may be stationary portions, i.e., non-rotating portions, or vibratory portions, or both. First sloped portion 1012 and second sloped portion 1014 may gradually accelerate the fall of items dispensed by bulk delivery apparatus 106 to feeder bowl 101'''. Specifically, a slope S1 of second sloped portion 1014 may be greater than a slope S2 of first sloped portion 1012, such that an item's speed increases between first sloped portion 1012 and second sloped portion 1014. In a preferred embodiment, first sloped portion 1012 may be inclined in a downward direction relative to a first horizontal plane 1050, and slope S1 of first sloped portion 1012 may be about 9.5.degree. relative to first horizontal plane 1050. Moreover, second sloped portion 1014 may be inclined in a downward dir