Dispenser

Description

1 / 17 DISPENSER FUNDAMENTALS

[001] The present invention relates to a dispenser. More specifically, the present invention relates to a dispenser for dispensing seedlings to be planted.

[002] Several seedling dispensers are known. For example:

[003] EP3011817, “Device and method for transplanting plants”, describes: a carrier divided into tubular cells with open axial ends; a seedling stored inside each cell; an indexing device that controls the removal of seedlings from their cells; a funnel operating below the carrier to receive seedlings that fall from their cells; and a trough that extends operating below the funnel. A disadvantage of this dispenser is that the cells are not aligned with the trough, increasing the risk of seedlings getting stuck in the funnel.

[004] WO2015097348, “Planting machine and method for planting seedlings”, and US6,615,753, “Expandable chopper planter”, describe a circular tray that is divided into tubular cells with open axial ends; a seedling stored within each cell; a circular plate that defines an opening; a motor for rotating the tray on the plate and a chute that extends operatively downward from the opening defined by the plate, wherein the alignment of a cell with the opening defined by the plate causes the seedling to fall under the influence of gravity from the cell into the chute. A disadvantage of this dispenser is that, as the tray is rotated, the operative bottom of each seedling is worn (by shear wear) against the operative upper surface of the plate.

[005] US2021 / 0015028, “Seedling retrieval apparatus for planting seedlings” describes a seedling tray and an arm that: picks up the Petition 870250088763, dated 09 / 30 / 2025, page 14 / 50 2 / 17 seedlings from the tray; and deposits them in a trough. A disadvantage of this dispenser is that the seedlings become entangled with neighboring seedlings, and removing a single seedling from the tray is not always possible.

[006] It is an objective of this invention to address these disadvantages. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[007] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a dispenser is provided that includes: an accommodation; a first cube; A first column of tubes to hold items to be dispensed, where the first column of tubes is: open at a first axial end; with tubes articulated together; and wrapped around the first cube; a first guide disposed within the housing and spaced from the first cube, the first guide against which the first column of tubes makes contact when the first column of tubes unwinds from the first cube to the second cube; and a first trough associated with the first guide into which the items of the first trough contained within the first column of tubes are dispensed through the first axial end of the first column of tubes, when the first column of tubes passes through the first guide.

[008] Preferably, the dispenser also includes: a second cube around which the first uncoiled column of tubes from the first cube can be wound; and a first connector for attaching a first terminal end of the first column of tubes to the second cube.

[009] Typically, the first cube extends from a first circular disk that is attached against relative rotation to a first axial end of the first cube, wherein the first cube and first circular disk Petition 870250088763, dated 09 / 30 / 2025, p. 15 / 50 3 / 17 form a first coil that is removable from the housing.

[010] Generally: When the first column of tubes is wrapped around the first cube, the first axial end of the first column of tubes is supported on the circular disc; and the second axial end of the first column of tubes is open.

[011] Preferably, accommodation defines a first base and in which: a portion of the first base extending from the first circular disk to the first groove; and the first circular disk form a flat surface.

[012] Typically, the first base of the housing defines a rib that extends operatively upward around at least a peripheral portion of the first circular disc.

[013] Generally, the first guide is rotatably connected to the housing.

[014] Preferably, the entrance to the first chute defines a funnel to facilitate the receipt of items within the first chute.

[015] Typically: A first flexible platform is attached to the housing and spaced from the radial periphery of the first guide to create a gap between them that is smaller than the outside diameter of the tubes, in order to create a friction fit between them. the pipes; and the first guide and the first flexible platform, when the first column of pipes passes through the first guide; and the entrance of the first channel is arranged between and operatively below the first flexible platform and the first guide. Petition 870250088763, dated 09 / 30 / 2025, p. 16 / 50 4 / 17

[016] Generally, the axis of the first channel is spaced from the first guide at a distance equal to the distance that the axis of a pipe that is part of the first pipe column is spaced from the first guide when such pipe is in contact with the first guide and dispenses the item contained within such pipe.

[017] Preferably, the dispensing device also includes a platform to which the housing can be attached, where the platform includes: A winder to rotate the second hub; and an encoder that is associated with the first guide to: detect the rotation of the first guide; and control: rotation of the second hub or rotation of the first guide.

[018] Typically, the dispensing device also includes a locking mechanism that prevents the first and second cubes from rotating in one direction when the housing is attached to the platform.

[019] Generally, the dispensing device also includes rollers on the operating underside of the first circular disc to facilitate rotation and linear movement of the first circular disc in the housing.

[020] Preferably: The housing defines a second base operationally spaced above the first cube, the first guide, and the second cube, and the dispensing device also includes: a second coil comprising: a third hub; and a second circular disc attached to a first axial end of the third hub, wherein the second coil is received within the housing operating above the second base; a second column of tubes to hold items to be dispensed, wherein the second column of tubes is: open at a first axial end; with tubes articulatedly connected to each other; and Petition 870250088763, dated 09 / 30 / 2025, page 17 / 50 5 / 17 wrapped around the third cube; a fourth cube around which the second uncoiled column of tubes from the third cube can be wound; a second connector to attach a first terminal end of the second column of tubes to the fourth cube; a second guide disposed between the third and fourth cubes, the second guide against which the tube column makes contact when the second tube column unwinds from the third cube to the fourth cube; and a second trough associated with the second guide into which the items of the second trough contained within the second tube column are dispensed through the first axial end of the second tube column when the second tube column passes through the second guide.

[021] Typically: The fourth cube extends axially from a second axial end of the second cube; and the winder causes: rotation of the second cube in a first direction and rotation of the fourth cube in a second direction.

[022] Generally: A common rod extends axially through the second and fourth hubs; a first ratchet connects the second hub to the common rod to lock the second hub and the common rod against relative rotation in a first direction; and a second ratchet connects the fourth hub to the common rod to lock the fourth hub and the common rod against relative rotation in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction of relative rotation.

[023] Preferably, the first and second gutters converge into a third common gutter.

[024] Typically: Petition 870250088763, dated 09 / 30 / 2025, page 18 / 50 6 / 17 The first channel defines an air inlet and an air outlet, where the air inlet of the first channel is spaced further from the third channel than the air outlet defined by the first channel; The second trough defines an air inlet and an air outlet, where the air inlet of the second trough is spaced further from the third trough than the air outlet defined by the second trough; and the dispensing device also includes a blower to, in use, direct air to: the air inlet of the first trough and the air inlet of the second trough.

[025] Generally, the dispensing device also includes: A first gate to prevent the removal of the first coil from its housing; and a second gate to prevent the removal of the second coil from its housing.

[026] Preferably: A first assembly is attached to the housing to loosely secure the second axial end of the first cube to the first assembly, while still allowing relative rotation of the first cube and the first assembly; and a second assembly is attached to the housing to loosely secure the second axial end of the third cube to the second assembly, while simultaneously allowing relative rotation of the third cube and the second assembly.

[027] Typically, the third chute extends to a planting device with a pair of jaws that regulates the release of items carried by the third chute. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[028] The invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a dispenser. Petition 870250088763, dated 09 / 30 / 2025, page 19 / 50 7 / 17 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is an exploded top perspective view of the dispenser as per Figure 1; Figure 3 is an exploded bottom perspective view of the dispenser as per Figure 1; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a portion of a column of tubes forming part of the dispenser according to Figure 1; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view through AA in Figure 7; Figure 6 is a perspective view of the dispenser in Figure 1 attached to a planting vehicle; and Figure 7 is a plan view in cross-section through BB in Figure 1. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[029] With reference to Figures 1 to 7, a dispenser 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention includes: a housing 12; a first coil 14; a first tube column 16; a second hub 18; a first guide 20; and a first trough 22. The dispenser 10 is used to store and dispense items, such as seedlings (for planting).

[030] Housing 12 defines: a first base 24 and a second base 26, which divides the chamber defined by the housing into: a lower operating chamber 12a defined between the first and second bases 24 and 26; and an upper operating chamber 12b defined above the second base 26.

[031] The first coil 14 comprises a first hub 28; and a first circular disc 30, wherein a first axial end of the first hub 28 is secured against rotation relative to the first circular disc 30, extending axially from the center of the first circular disc 30. The first coil 14 is insertable into / removable from the lower operating chamber. Petition 870250088763, dated 09 / 30 / 2025, page 20 / 50 8 / 17 12a defined by housing 12. When the first coil 14 is inserted into the lower operating chamber 12a defined by housing 12, the first coil 14 is supported on the first base 24 of housing 12. The first circular disc 30 includes rollers 32 on the lower operating side of the first circular disc 30 to facilitate rotation and linear movement of the first circular disc 30 on the first base 24 of housing 12 (and when the first coil 14 is on the ground).

[032] The first base 24 of housing 12 defines a rib (not shown) that extends operatively upward around at least a peripheral portion of the first circular disc 30 when the first coil 14 is received within the lower operative chamber 12a defined by housing 12.

[033] The first column of tubes 16 comprises a set of straight circular cylindrical tubes 36 which are open at a first operative lower axial end 36a and a second operative upper axial end 36b and which are articulated together by means of a tube connector 38 near each axial end 36a and 36b of the tubes 36. Although the tube connector 38 has been shown as an articulated connection, it will be appreciated that the tube connector 38 could alternatively be a flexible connector (like a sling). Each tube 36 is sized to receive an item, such as a seedling (not shown), in it. It will also be appreciated that although the tubes 36 are shown as being straight circular cylindrical, the tubes 36 may have any other shape in axial cross-section, for example, square, octagonal, etc.

[034] The first tube column 16 is wound around the first cube 28 of the first coil 14, with the first axial end 36a of the tube column 16 (i.e., the operative lower end of each tube 36 that forms part of the tube column 16) supported on the operative upper surface of the first circular disc 30. A flexible sheet 39 extends Petition 870250088763, dated 09 / 30 / 2025, page 21 / 50 9 / 17 of a first terminal end 16a of the first column of tubes 16.

[035] The second cube 18 is generally a right circular cylindrical and is rotatably attached to the first base 24 of the housing 12, extending substantially perpendicularly from the first base 24 of the housing 12. The second cube 18 is radially spaced from the first cube 28 and the first circular disc 30.

[036] A first connector 40 attaches one free end of sheet 39 to the second cube 18, thereby attaching the first terminal end 16a of the first column of tubes 16 to the second cube 18.

[037] Returning to Figure 7, the first guide 20 is disposed within the housing 12 and is also rotatably connected to the first base 24 of the housing 12, extending substantially perpendicularly from the first base 24 of the housing 12. In the axial cross-section, the first guide 20 has the shape of a toothed wheel to receive tubes 36 between the teeth of the toothed wheel. The first guide 20 is positioned between the first and second cubes 28 and 18. It will be appreciated that the term “between” is not intended to require that the first guide 20 be positioned along a virtual line connecting the axes of the first and second cubes 28 and 18. Instead, “between” is intended to mean that the first guide 20 is spaced from the first and second cubes (for example, to form a triangle (preferably an acute triangle, i.e., where none of the internal angles are obtuse) between the axis of the first and second cubes 28 and 18 and the axis of the first guide 20).More specifically, the first tab 20 is:. spaced radially from: the first cube 28; the first circular disk 30; and the second cube 18; and spaced from a virtual plane that extends between the axes of rotation of the first and second cubes 28 and 18.

[038] The first column of tubes 16 extends from the first cube Petition 870250088763, dated 09 / 30 / 2025, page 22 / 50 10 / 17 28, in addition to the first guide 20 and to the second hub 18. The first column of tubes 16 makes contact with the first guide 20, with the tubes 36 received in a releasable manner between the teeth of the sprocket defined by the first guide 20, when the first column of tubes 16 unwinds from the first hub 28 to the second hub 18.

[039] The first chute 22 defines an entrance on the first base 24 of the housing 12 and extends operatively downward from the first base 24 of the housing 12. More specifically, the entrance of the first chute 22 is arranged so that, when the first column of tubes 16 passes through the first guide 20, the first axial end 36a of the first column of tubes 16 passes over the entrance of the first chute 22, dispensing items from the first column of tubes 16 into the first chute 22. The first chute 22 defines a funnel (not shown) at its entrance to facilitate the receiving of dispensed items from the first column of tubes 16 into the first chute 22.

[040] As is evident from Figure 1: a portion of the first base 24 of the housing 12 extending from the first circular disc 30 to the first channel 22; and the first circular disc 30, form a flat surface to facilitate the smooth sliding displacement of the first axial end 36a of the first tube column 16 from its coiled configuration around the first hub 28 towards the first channel 22.

[041] It will be appreciated that, once the first circular disc 30 rotates with the first cube 28, there is no relative sliding motion between the first axial end 36a of the first column of tubes 16 and the first circular disc 30 when the first column of tubes 16 unwinds from the first cube 28, until the moment when a tube 36 that is part of the first column of tubes 16 begins its linear sliding displacement towards the first channel 22. It will be appreciated that, limiting the Petition 870250088763, dated 09 / 30 / 2025, page 23 / 50 11 / 17 relative movement between the first axial end 36a of the first column of tubes 16 and the first circular disc 30 during the unwinding of the first column of tubes 16, the shear wear of items contained within the first column of tubes 16 is reduced during the dispensing process.

[042] Returning to Figure 7, a first flexible platform 42 is attached to the housing 12, spaced from the radial periphery of the first guide 20 to create a clearance between them that is smaller than the outside diameter of the tubes 36 that are part of the first tube column 16 (when the tubes are received between the teeth of the sprocket defined by the first guide 20). This arrangement creates a slight friction adjustment between the tubes 36 and the first flexible platform 42 when the tubes 36 pass through the first guide 20. Optionally, this arrangement could also induce a slight friction adjustment between the tubes 36 and the first guide 20 during the displacement of the tubes 36 beyond the first guide 20. The friction between the tubes 36 and the first flexible platform 42 assists in controlling the position of the tubes 36 when they pass through the first guide 20.

[043] The entrance of the first trough 22 is disposed between and operatively below the first flexible platform 42 and the first guide 20 (i.e., within the gap defined between the first flexible platform 42 and the first guide 20). More specifically, the axis of the first trough 22 is spaced from the first guide 20 at a distance equal to the distance that the axis of a tube 36 that is part of the first column of tubes 16 is spaced from the first guide 20 when the tube 36 is in contact with the first guide and dispenses the item contained within the tube 36.

[044] The first coil 14, the second hub 18, the first guide 20 and the first tube column 16 are repeated in the upper operating chamber 12b defined by the housing 12. More specifically, the upper operating chamber 12b defined by the housing 12 includes: Petition 870250088763, dated 09 / 30 / 2025, p. 24 / 50 12 / 17 a second coil 54 comprising: a third hub 68; and a second circular disc 70 attached to a first axial end of the third hub 68; a second column of tubes (not shown, but similar to the first column of tubes 16) to hold items to be dispensed, where the second column of tubes: includes: a series of tubes that are open at a first axial end and are articulated together by means of a tube connector; and are wound around the third cube 68 with the first axial end of the tubes supported on the upper operating surface of the second circular disc 70. a fourth cube 58 that is rotatably connected to the second base 26 of the housing 12 and around which the second unwound column of tubes from the third cube 68 can be wound; a second connector 82 to attach a first terminal end of the second column of tubes to the fourth cube 58; a second guide 60 disposed between the third and fourth cubes 68 and 58, second guide 60 against which the tube column makes contact when the second tube column unwinds from the third cube 68 to the fourth cube 58; and a second trough 62 associated with the second guide 60 in which the items of the second trough 62 contained within the second tube column are dispensed through the first axial end of the second tube column, when the second tube column passes through the second guide 60.

[045] Returning to Figure 5, the fourth cube 58 extends axially from a second axial end (i.e., the upper operative axial end) of the second cube 18. A common rod 19 extends axially through the second and fourth cubes 18 and 58 and: A first ratchet 21 connects the second hub 18 to the common rod. Petition 870250088763, dated 09 / 30 / 2025, page 25 / 50 13 / 17 to lock the second hub 18 and the common rod 19 against relative rotation in a first direction; and a second ratchet 23 connects the fourth hub 58 to the common rod 19 to lock the fourth hub 58 and the common rod 19 against relative rotation in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction of relative rotation.

[046] It will be appreciated that the rotation of the common rod 19 in a first direction will cause the rotation of the second cube 18 without rotating the fourth cube 58 within the housing 12, while the rotation of the common rod in a second direction will cause the rotation of the fourth cube 58 without rotating the second cube 18 within the housing 12.

[047] The first and second channels 22 and 62 converge into a third common channel (not shown) that extends operatively downwards. Each of the first and second channels 22 and 62 defines an air inlet and an air outlet, wherein the air inlet is spaced further from the third channel than the air outlet defined by the first and second channels 22 and 62. The purpose of the air inlets and outlets is to facilitate the movement of items along the first and second channels 22 and 62 in the region between the air inlets and outlets and towards the third channel, and thus avoid blockage within these regions.

[048] A blower (not shown) directs air to the air inlets defined by the first and second channels 22 and 62.

[049] A first gate 86 is articulated to the first base 24 of the housing 12 to retain / facilitate the removal of the first coil 14 into / from the lower operating chamber 12a defined by the housing 12 and a second gate 88 is articulated to the second base 26 of the housing 12 to retain / facilitate the removal of the second coil 54 into / from the upper operating chamber 12b defined by the housing 12.

[050] The first and second montages (not shown) also Petition 870250088763, dated 09 / 30 / 2025, page 26 / 50 14 / 17 are attached to housing 12 operatively above the second axial ends of the first and third hubs 28 and 68, respectively. The first and second assemblies receive the second axial end of the first and third hubs 28 and 68, respectively, in a releasable manner, thus rotating to support the second axial end of the first and third hubs 28 and 68.

[051] Housing 12 can be releasable attached to a platform 90 (which can be supported on a vehicle chassis), which platform 90 includes: a winder (not shown) for rotating the common rod 19 and thereby the second and fourth hubs 18 and 58; and an encoder (not shown) that is associated with the first and second guides 20 and 60 for: detecting the rotation of the first and second guides 20 and 60; and controlling the rotation of the second and fourth hubs 18 and 58 and / or the rotation of the first and second guides 20 and 60.

[052] Although the winder has been described as rotating the second and fourth hubs 18 and 58 through the common rod 19, it will be appreciated that a winder may alternatively rotate the first and second guides 20 and 60 to move the tube columns 16 over the channels 22 and 62. In such an alternative arrangement, the second and fourth hubs 18 and 58 may simply be tilted to induce rotation.

[053] Preferably, the blower is also supported on platform 90, thus ensuring that expensive and sensitive motors and sensors are attached to platform 90 and not on or in housing 12. This reduces the cost of housing 12 and its contents. It also addresses the duplication of motors and sensors where a plurality of housing 12s (with contents) are associated within a single platform.

[054] Furthermore, dispenser 10 may include a locking mechanism (not shown) that prevents the rotation of the first, second, third and fourth cubes 18, 28, 58 and 68 in one direction when the Petition 870250088763, dated 09 / 30 / 2025, page 27 / 50 15 / 17 housing 12 is attached to platform 90. By preventing the rotation of the first, second, third, and fourth cubes 18, 28, 58, and 68 in one direction when housing 12 is attached to platform 90, the first and second columns of tubes 16 can only be unwound from the second and fourth cubes 18 and 58 back to the first and third cubes 28 and 68 when housing 12 is removed from platform 90.

[055] When used as a dispenser for a seedling planter, the third chute extends to a planting device that includes a pair of jaws that regulate the release of items (i.e., seedlings) carried by the third chute from the dispenser 10 to the planting device.

[056] In use:

[057] The first and second coils 14 and 54 are placed on the ground with the first and second columns of tubes 16 wound around the first and third cubes 28 and 68.

[058] Items (e.g., seedlings) are inserted into tubes 36 through their second open axial end 36b.

[059] The items move under the influence of gravity along the tubes 36 until they come into contact with the upper operating surface of the first and second circular discs 30 and 70.

[060] The first and second coils 14 and 54 (with items contained within tubes 36) are then inserted into the lower operating chamber 12a and the upper operating chamber 12b of housing 12, respectively.

[061] The first terminal end of the first and second tube columns 16 is unwound from the first and second coils 14 and 54 and attached to the second and fourth hubs 18 and 58, respectively, through the first and second guides 20 and 60, thus ensuring that the first and second tube columns 16 come into contact with the first and second guides 20 and 60, respectively.

[062] Lodging 12 (with its contents) is then attached to Petition 870250088763, dated 09 / 30 / 2025, p. 28 / 50 16 / 17 platform 90.

[063] The platform is directed (by means of a vehicle (not shown), for example, a tractor, a tracked vehicle, etc.) to a predetermined position; and the second hub 18 and / or the first guide 20 is / are rotated by the winder to align a tube 36 that is part of the first column of tubes 16 with the first channel 22.

[064] When tube 36 is aligned with the first trough 22, the item contained within tube 36 is dropped under the influence of gravity from tube 36, along the first trough 22, along the third trough and into the planting device.

[065] The planting device forces the jaws into the soil before opening the jaws to release the seedling into the soil.

[066] Platform 90 is then directed to the next predetermined position where the operation is repeated.

[067] When all items have been dispensed from the first column of tubes 16, the operation is repeated with respect to the second column of tubes, that is: The fourth cube 58 and / or the second guide 60 is / are rotated by the winder to align a tube that is part of the second column of tubes with the second channel 62. When the tube is aligned with the second trough 62, the item contained within the tube is allowed to fall under the influence of gravity, along the second trough 62 and along the third trough to the planting device. The planting device forces the jaws into the soil before opening them to release the seedling into the ground. The platform is then directed to the next predetermined position where the operation is repeated.

[068] When all items have been removed from the second column of tubes: Petition 870250088763, dated 09 / 30 / 2025, p. 29 / 50 17 / 17 oo accommodation 12 is removed from platform 90; The first and second coils 14 and 54 are rotated to wind the first and second columns of tubes 16 from the second and fourth cubes 18 and 58 back to the first and third cubes 28 and 68; The first and second doors are opened to allow the removal of the first and second coils 14 and 54 from within the housing 12; and the first and second coils 14 and 54 are removed from the housing 12 to allow the first and second tube columns 16 to be reloaded with seedlings.

[069] By controlling the movement of the tubes 36 above the first and second chutes 22 and 62, the risk of items causing jamming during the dispensing process is reduced. Furthermore, by reducing the distance, the first axial ends 36a of the tubes 36 move over the first and second circular discs 30 and 70 and the first and second bases 24 and 26, respectively, the shear wear on the items contained within the tubes 36 is reduced. When the items are seedlings, this reduced shear wear helps maintain the quality of the planted seedlings, as damage to the sensitive roots of the seedlings is reduced. Even more, by providing two levels of reels 14 and 54 with tube columns 16, the capacity of the dispenser 10 is increased without increasing its horizontal footprint. Petition 870250088763, dated 09 / 30 / 2025, page 30 / 50

Claims

1 / 6 AMENDED CLAIMS 1. Dispenser (10) characterized in that it includes: a housing (12); a first cube (28); a first column of tubes (16) for containing items to be dispensed, wherein the first column of tubes (16) is: open at a first axial end; with tubes articulately connected to each other; and wound around the first cube (28); a first guide (20) disposed within the housing (12) and spaced from the first cube (28), first guide (20) against which the first column of tubes (16) makes contact when the first column of tubes (16) unwinds from the first cube (28);and a first trough (22) associated with the first guide (20) in which the items of the first trough (22) contained within the first column of tubes (16) are dispensed through the first axial end of the first column of tubes (16), when the first column of tubes (16) passes through the first guide (20), wherein the dispenser further includes: a second hub (18) around which the first column of tubes (16) unwound from the first hub (28) can be wound; and a first connector (40) for attaching a first terminal end of the first column of tubes (16) to the second hub (18).

2. Dispenser (10), according to claim 1, characterized in that the first cube (28) extends from a first circular disc (30) which is held against rotation relative to a first axial end of the first cube (28), wherein the first cube (28) and the first circular disc (30) form a first coil (14) which is removable from the housing (12).

3. Dispenser (10), according to claim 2, Petition 870250088763, dated 09 / 30 / 2025, p. 45 / 50 2 / 6 characterized in that: when the first column of tubes (16) is wound around the first hub (28), the first axial end of the first column of tubes (16) is supported on the circular disc (30); and the second axial end of the first column of tubes (16) is open.

4. Dispenser (10), according to claim 3, characterized in that the housing (12) defines a first base (24) and in which: a portion of the first base (24) extending from the first circular disc (30) to the first trough (22); and the first circular disc (30) form a flat surface.

5. Dispenser (10), according to claim 4, characterized in that the first base (24) of the housing (12) defines a rib that extends operatively upward around at least a peripheral portion of the first circular disc (30).

6. Dispenser according to claim 5, characterized in that the first guide (20) is rotatably connected to the housing (12).

7. Dispenser (10), according to claim 6, characterized in that the entrance of the first chute (22) defines a funnel to facilitate the receipt of items within the first chute (22).

8. Dispenser, according to claim 7, characterized in that: a first flexible platform (42) is attached to the housing (12) and spaced from the radial periphery of the first guide (20) so as to create a gap between them that is less than the outside diameter of the tubes (36), so as to create a friction fit between: the tubes (36); and Petition 870250088763, dated 09 / 30 / 2025, p. 46 / 50 3 / 6 the first guide (20) and the first flexible platform (42), when the first column of tubes (16) passes through the first guide (20); and the entrance of the first trough (22) is disposed between and operatively below the first flexible platform (42) and the first guide (20).

9. Dispenser (10), according to claim 8, characterized in that the axis of the first chute (22) is spaced from the first guide (20) at a distance equal to the distance that the axis of a tube (36) that is part of the first column of tubes (16) is spaced from the first guide (20) when such tube (36) is in contact with the first guide (20) and dispenses the item contained within such tube (36).

10. Dispenser (10), according to claim 9, characterized in that it further includes a platform (90) on which the housing (12) can be attached, wherein the platform (90) includes: a winder for rotating the second cube (18); and an encoder that is associated with the first guide (20) for: detecting the rotation of the first guide (20); and controlling: rotation of the second cube (18) or rotation of the first guide (20).

11. Dispenser (10), according to claim 10, characterized in that it further includes a locking mechanism that prevents the rotation of the first and second cubes (28, 18) in one direction when the housing (12) is attached to the platform (90).

12. Dispenser (10), according to claim 11, characterized in that it further includes rollers (32) on the operating lower side of the first circular disc (30) to facilitate the rotation and linear movement of the first circular disc (30) in the housing (12).

13. Dispenser (10), according to claim 12, characterized in that: Petition 870250088763, dated 09 / 30 / 2025, page 47 / 50 4 / 6 the housing (12) defines a second base (26) operatively spaced above the first cube (28), the first guide (20) and the second cube (18) and the dispenser (10) further includes: a second coil (54) comprising: a third cube (68); and a second circular disc (70) attached to a first axial end of the third cube (68), wherein the second coil (54) can be received within the housing (12) operatively above the second base (26); a second column of tubes to hold items to be dispensed, wherein the second column of tubes is: open at a first axial end; with tubes articulatedly connected to each other; and wound around the third cube (68); a fourth cube (58) around which the second unwound column of tubes from the third cube (68) can be wound;a second connector (82) for attaching a first axial end of the second tube column to the fourth cube (58); a second guide (60) disposed between the third and fourth cubes (68, 58), the second guide (60) against which the second tube column makes contact when the second tube column unwinds from the third cube (68) to the fourth cube (58); and a second trough (62) associated with the second guide (60) into which the items of the second trough (62) contained within the second tube column are dispensed through the first axial end of the second tube column when the second tube column passes through the second guide (60).

14. Dispenser (10), according to claim 13, characterized in that: the fourth cube (58) extends axially from a second axial end of the second cube (18); and Petition 870250088763, dated 09 / 30 / 2025, page 48 / 50 5 / 6 the winder causes: rotation of the second cube (18) in a first direction and rotation of the fourth cube (58) in a second direction.

15. Dispenser (10), according to claim 14, characterized in that: a common rod (19) extends axially through the second and fourth cubes (18, 58), a first ratchet (21) connects the second cube (18) to the common rod (19) to lock the second cube (18) and the common rod (19) against relative rotation in a first direction; and a second ratchet (23) connects the fourth cube (58) to the common rod (19) to lock the fourth cube (58) and the common rod (19) against relative rotation in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction of relative rotation.

16. Dispenser (10), according to claim 15, characterized in that the first and second chutes (22, 62) converge to a third common chute.

17. Dispenser (10), according to claim 16, characterized in that: the first trough (22) defines an air inlet and an air outlet, wherein the air inlet of the first trough (22) is spaced further from the third trough than the air outlet defined by the first trough (22); the second trough (62) defines an air inlet and an air outlet, wherein the air inlet of the second trough (62) is spaced further from the third trough than the air outlet defined by the second trough (62); and the dispenser (10) also includes a blower for, in use, directing air to: the air inlet of the first trough (22) and the air inlet of the second trough (62).

18. Dispenser (10), according to claim 17, characterized in that it further includes: a first door (86) to prevent the removal of the first coil (14) from the housing (12); and a second door (88) to prevent the removal of the second coil (54) from the housing (12).

19. Dispenser (10), according to claim 18, characterized in that: a first assembly is attached to the housing (12), to loosely attach the second axial end of the first cube (28) to the first assembly, while allowing relative rotation of the first cube (28) and the first assembly; and a second assembly is attached to the housing (12), to loosely attach the second axial end of the third cube (68) to the second assembly, while allowing relative rotation of the third cube (68) and the second assembly.

20. Dispenser (10), according to claim 19, characterized in that the third chute extends to a planting device with a pair of jaws that regulates the release of items transported by the third chute. Petition 870250088763, dated 09 / 30 / 2025, page 50 / 50

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