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Publication Number
US-10123944-B2
Publication Date
2018-11-13
Expiration Date
Abstract
A cabinet for securely storing items includes a drawer enclosure, a drawer, a cover, an electric actuator, and a switch. The drawer is slidable at least partially into and out of the enclosure, and includes a compartment. A cover which is configured as a metal belt is designed to selectively block access to the compartments of the drawer when the cover is in a first configuration, and to allow access to the compartment when the cover is in a second configuration. The electric actuator is designed to move the cover from the first configuration to the second configuration in one of two directions. The actuator selects the direction to reduce the time required to make such movement.
Core Innovation
The disclosed secured cabinet includes a drawer unit slidable within a drawer housing between an extended position and a retracted position. The drawer unit is divided into at least a first compartment and a second compartment, and the drawer unit comprises a drawer. A belt having a first opening is moveable so the first opening aligns with either the first compartment or the second compartment.
An electronic controller in communication with a belt actuator controls movement of the belt to align the first opening with either the first compartment or the second compartment. The controller is further configured to move the belt to reduce a future amount of movement for an item request, and the belt actuation direction is selected and/or future belt position is pre-positioned to minimize movement time/distance for a requested compartment.
In additional embodiments, a storage system includes a drawer unit with a plurality of compartments formed therein, and a cover movably disposed above the compartments and having an opening. The cover is selectably moveable to align the opening with a compartment to provide access to the plurality of compartments while restricting access to at least one of the plurality of compartments.
A cover actuator coupled to the cover comprises an electric motor, and a controller controls the cover actuator to move the cover to reduce a probable amount of movement for a request for an item, including storing a frequency of access to reduce an amount of movement.
Claims Coverage
The provided independent claims include three inventive constructs: belt opening alignment in a slidable drawer cabinet with movement reduction for future requests, selectively aligned cover opening over drawer compartments with movement reduction for item requests, and movement reduction based on storing access frequency. Across the independent claims, controller-based reduction of movement is central, implemented either via a belt opening or a movable cover opening.
Belt opening alignment in a slidable drawer cabinet to reduce future movement
A secured cabinet comprising a drawer housing; a drawer unit slidable within the drawer housing between an extended position and a retracted position, wherein the drawer unit is divided into at least a first compartment and a second compartment; a drawer unit comprising a drawer; a belt having a first opening, the belt being moveable to align the first opening with either the first compartment or the second compartment; a belt actuator configured to move the belt; and an electronic controller in communication with the belt actuator, wherein the controller is configured to control the belt actuator to move the belt to align the first opening with either the first compartment or the second compartment, and the controller is further configured to move the belt to reduce a future amount of movement for an item request.
Selectably aligned cover opening to reduce probable movement for item requests
A storage system for securely storing items therein, comprising a drawer unit having a plurality of compartments formed therein, the drawer unit comprising a drawer defining an interior; a cover movably disposed above the compartments of the drawer unit and having an opening formed therein, the cover being selectably moveable to align the opening with a compartment of the drawer unit to provide access to the plurality of compartments while restricting access to at least one of the plurality of compartments; a cover actuator coupled to the cover that moves the cover, wherein the cover actuator comprises an electric motor; and a controller in communication with the cover actuator, wherein the controller is configured to control the cover actuator to move the cover to reduce a probable amount of movement for a request for an item.
Stored access frequency to reduce amount of movement of a movable cover
A storage system for securely storing items therein, comprising a drawer unit having a plurality of compartments formed therein, the drawer unit comprising a drawer defining an interior; a cover movably disposed above the compartments of the drawer unit and having an opening formed therein, the cover being selectably moveable to align the opening with a compartment of the drawer unit to provide access; a cover actuator that moves the cover, wherein the cover actuator comprises an electric motor; and a controller in communication with the cover actuator, wherein the controller is configured to control the cover actuator to move the cover and the controller is further configured to store a frequency of access of the plurality of compartments to reduce an amount of movement for a request for an item in at least one of the plurality of compartments.
The independent claims define secure item storage using a drawer unit with multiple compartments, where access is provided by aligning an opening either via a moveable belt or via a moveable cover. In both approaches, an electronic controller controls the actuator to reduce movement for item requests, with one independent claim further requiring storing a frequency of access to reduce the amount of movement.
Stated Advantages
Reduce a future amount of movement for an item request.
Reduce a probable amount of movement for a request for an item.
Reduce an amount of movement for a request for an item in at least one of the plurality of compartments by storing a frequency of access.
Provide access to the plurality of compartments while restricting access to at least one of the plurality of compartments.
Documented Applications
Securely storing items in a secured cabinet using a slidable drawer with compartments and a belt having an opening for selective access.
Securely storing items in a storage system with a drawer unit having multiple compartments and a movably disposed cover with an opening for selective access while restricting at least one compartment.
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