CPC B65G 1/1376 (2013.01) [B65G 1/0471 (2013.01); B65G 1/06 (2013.01); B65G 1/137 (2013.01); B65G 47/91 (2013.01); B65G 59/062 (2013.01); G06F 17/00 (2013.01); G07F 17/0092 (2013.01); G16H 20/13 (2018.01)] | 19 Claims |
1. An automation apparatus for dispensing groups of individually packaged products, the apparatus comprising:
a storage arrangement adapted to store a plurality of products each contained in an individual package, wherein the storage arrangement comprises a first module and a second module, wherein the first module is adapted to store products having a first frequency demand threshold and the second module is adapted to store products having a second frequency demand threshold that is lower than the first frequency demand threshold;
a plurality of fixed first discharge assemblies adapted to move selected ones of the individual packages from the first module of the storage arrangement;
a second discharge assembly comprising a moveable pick device, the second discharge assembly adapted to move selected ones of the individual packages out of the second module of the storage arrangement;
a transfer station adapted to receive and hold the individual packages selected from the second discharge assembly; and
a conveyor adapted to receive the selected individual packages first from the first discharge assemblies and then from the transfer station,
wherein the plurality of first discharge assemblies are configured to move the selected ones of the individual packages directly from the first module to the conveyor.
|