Material delivery device

Abstract

The material delivery device includes a housing, a container, and an actuator assembly. The housing includes a deck extending along the delivery axis Y toward the delivery end. The container is configured to deliver tablets onto the deck. The actuator assembly includes a driver movable along the delivery axis Y, a spring operably connected to the driver and positionable in an idle and an operating position, and an actuator operably coupled to the driver. Actuation of the actuator moves the spring from the idle position to the operating position and translates the driver away from the delivery end of the deck. Actuation of the actuator beyond a threshold position moves the spring from the operating position to the idle position and causes the driver to translate toward the delivery end of the deck and propel the tablets.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Cross-reference of related applications This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 527,678, filed on 19 July 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This disclosure relates to a material delivery device, and more particularly to a handheld material delivery device for dispensing products in tablet form. [Background technology]

[0003] In certain agricultural applications, there may be benefits from the application of crop protection products or other pesticides to flooded or dry farmland. In some cases, it may be undesirable for users to need to enter flooded or hard-to-reach farmland in order to distribute such products.

[0004] This section is intended to introduce to the reader various aspects of the technology that may be relevant to the various aspects of the disclosure described below and / or described in the claims. This discussion is intended to provide the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that these statements should be read in this context and not as an endorsement of prior art. [Overview of the Initiative] [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In one embodiment, a material delivery device includes a housing, a container, and an actuator assembly. The housing includes a deck extending along a delivery axis Y toward a delivery end. The container is coupled to the housing and configured to deliver tablets onto the deck in the delivery direction Z. The actuator assembly includes a driver coupled to the housing and selectively movable along the delivery axis Y of the deck, a spring operably connected to the driver and selectively positionable in an idle position and an operating position, and an actuator operably coupled to the driver. Actuation of the actuator moves the spring from the idle position to the operating position and translates the driver along the delivery axis Y toward the delivery end of the deck. Actuation of the actuator beyond a threshold position causes the spring to move from the operating position to the idle position and causes the driver to translate along the delivery axis Y toward the delivery end of the deck and propel the tablets.

[0006] In another embodiment, the material delivery device includes a housing, a delivery assembly, and an actuator assembly. The housing includes a deck extending in the delivery direction Y toward the delivery end. The delivery assembly is configured to deliver a tablet onto the deck in the delivery direction Z. The actuator assembly includes a driver selectively movable along the delivery direction Y of the deck, a spring operably connected to the driver and selectively positionable in an idle position and an activated position, and a trigger translatably movable in the delivery direction Y between a first position and a second position. Translational movement of the trigger toward the first position toward the second position moves the spring from the idle position to the activated position and translates the driver toward the delivery end of the deck toward the delivery end of the deck toward the delivery end of the deck toward the delivery end of the deck toward the delivery end of the deck toward the delivery end of the deck toward the delivery end of the deck toward the delivery end of the trigger. Continuous translational movement of the trigger toward the second position and beyond the threshold position moves the spring from the activated position toward the idle position and causes the driver to translate toward the delivery axis Y toward the delivery end of the deck toward the delivery end of the deck toward the delivery end of the deck toward the delivery end of the tablet.

[0007] In yet another embodiment, the material delivery device includes a housing, a delivery assembly, and an actuator assembly. The housing includes a deck extending in the delivery direction Y toward a delivery end. The delivery assembly is configured to deliver tablets onto the deck in the delivery direction Z. The actuator assembly includes a manually rotatable crank, a cam connected to the crank, a spring rail, a driver selectively translatable along the deck in the delivery direction Y, and a torsion spring operably connected to the spring rail and the driver. The cam includes a helical surface and a drop surface, and the spring rail extends from a first end to a second end and is translatably movable in the delivery direction Y. The spring rail is operably connected to the cam such that the spring rail translates away from the delivery end when the cam is rotated in a first rotational direction, and translates toward the delivery end when the second end traverses the drop surface when the cam is rotated in a first rotational direction. Rotation of the manually rotatable crank in a first rotational direction causes the cam to translate away from the delivery end of the spring rail, thereby causing the torsion spring to rotate to its working position and to translate away from the delivery end of the driver. Continuous rotation of the manually rotatable crank beyond a threshold point causes the second end of the spring rail to cross the drop surface of the cam, thereby causing the spring to rotate in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction and to translate the driver along the deck toward the delivery end, thereby propelling the tablet.

[0008] Various modifications exist to the features described in relation to the above embodiments of this disclosure. Additional features may also be incorporated into the above embodiments of this disclosure. These modifications and additional features may exist individually or in any combination. For example, the various features discussed below in relation to any of the illustrated embodiments of this disclosure may be incorporated individually or in any combination into any of the above embodiments of this disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1]It is a perspective view of a crank-operated substance delivery device. [Figure 2] It is an exploded perspective view of the crank-operated substance delivery device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a left side view of the crank-operated substance delivery device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] It is a right side view of the crank-operated substance delivery device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 5] It is a perspective view of the housing shell of the crank-operated substance delivery device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 6] It is a cutaway view of the delivery system connected to the housing shell shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] It is a perspective view of the transfer pipe of the delivery system shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] It is a perspective view of the operating assembly of the crank-operated substance delivery device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 9] It is a perspective view of the cam of the operating assembly shown in FIG. 8. [Figure 10] It is a perspective view of the operating assembly shown in FIG. 8 in the operating position. [Figure 11] It is a perspective view of the operating assembly shown in FIG. 8 in the idle position. [Figure 12] It is a perspective view of the first embodiment of a trigger-operated substance delivery device. [Figure 13] It is an exploded perspective view of the trigger-operated substance delivery device shown in FIG. 12. [Figure 14] It is a cutaway view of the trigger-operated substance delivery device shown in FIG. 12. [Figure 15] It is a perspective view of the transfer pipe of the trigger-operated substance delivery device shown in FIG. 12. [Figure 16] It is a perspective view of the trigger of the trigger-operated substance delivery device shown in FIG. 12. [Figure 17] It is a top view of the trigger shown in FIG. 16. [Figure 18] It is a side view of the trigger shown in FIG. 16. [Figure 19]Figure 16 is an enlarged perspective view of the inner block of the trigger shown. [Figure 20] Figure 12 is a perspective view of the hammer spring, trigger spring, and driver of the trigger-operated material delivery device shown. [Figure 21] Figure 20 shows another perspective view of the hammer spring, trigger spring, and driver. [Figure 22] Figure 12 is a cutaway view of the grip base plate of the trigger-operated material delivery device shown. [Figure 23] Figure 12 is a perspective view of a trigger-operated material delivery device, with the delivery assembly and upper housing removed, showing the operating assembly including the hammer spring, trigger spring, trigger and driver shown in Figures 16-21, with the operating assembly shown in a first position. [Figure 24] Figure 12 is a perspective view of a trigger-operated material delivery device, with the delivery assembly removed, and showing the operating assembly shown in Figure 23 in a first intermediate position. [Figure 25] Figure 12 is a perspective view of the trigger-operated material delivery device, with the delivery assembly and upper housing removed, showing the operating assembly shown in Figure 23 in a second intermediate position. [Figure 26] Figure 12 is a perspective view of the trigger-operated material delivery device, with the delivery assembly and upper housing removed, showing the operating assembly shown in Figure 23 at the threshold position. [Figure 27] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of a trigger-operated material delivery device, with the delivery assembly and upper housing removed, showing the operating assembly at the threshold position shown in Figure 26. [Figure 28] Figure 12 is a perspective view of a trigger-operated material delivery device, with the delivery assembly removed, and shows the operating assembly at the threshold position shown in Figure 26. [Figure 29]Figure 12 is a top view of the trigger-operated material delivery device, with the delivery assembly and upper housing removed, showing the operating assembly in the first position shown in Figure 23. [Figure 30] Figure 12 is a top view of the trigger-operated material delivery device, with the delivery assembly and upper housing removed, showing the operating assembly in the second position shown in Figure 24. [Figure 31] Figure 12 is a top view of the trigger-operated material delivery device, with the delivery assembly and upper housing removed, showing the operating assembly at the threshold position as shown in Figures 26-28. [Figure 32] This is a side view of a second embodiment of a trigger-operated material delivery device. [Figure 33] Figure 32 is a perspective view of a trigger-operated material delivery device. [Figure 34] Figure 32 is a first side view of the trigger-operated material delivery device, with one of the housing sections removed. [Figure 35] Figure 32 is a second side view of the trigger-operated material delivery device, with the other housing portion removed. [Figure 36] Figure 32 is a partially exploded perspective view of a trigger-operated material delivery device. [Figure 37] Figure 32 is an enlarged perspective view of the operating assembly of a trigger-operated material delivery device, with a portion of the housing removed, showing the actuator assembly in a first idle configuration. [Figure 38] Figure 32 is an enlarged perspective view of the operating assembly of a trigger-operated material delivery device, with a portion of the housing removed, showing the actuator assembly in a second engagement configuration. [Figure 39] Figure 32 is an enlarged perspective view of the trigger component of the operating assembly of a trigger-operated material delivery device shown. [Figure 40] This is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a trigger-operated material delivery device. [Figure 41]Figure 40 is a side view of a trigger-operated material delivery device, with a portion of the housing removed to show the actuator assembly in a first idle configuration. [Figure 42] Figure 40 is another side view of the trigger-operated material delivery device, with another part of the housing removed to show the actuator assembly in the first idle configuration. [Figure 43] Figure 40 is an exploded perspective view of a trigger-operated material delivery device. [Figure 44] Figure 40 is an enlarged perspective view of the operating assembly of the trigger-operated material delivery device shown, illustrating the actuator assembly in the second engagement configuration. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Corresponding reference letters indicate the corresponding part throughout the drawing.

[0011] This disclosure generally relates to a material delivery system for dispensing products in tablet-based form. In certain embodiments, this disclosure relates to a material delivery system for delivering tablets to a desired location.

[0012] Referring to Figures 1-4, a material delivery device 10 in the form of a crank-operated material delivery device for delivering tablets is shown. Although material delivery device 10 is shown and described herein with reference to a crank-operated material delivery device for delivering tablets, systems and devices consistent with the present disclosure may be embodied in other combinations, including but not limited to other types of material delivery devices and material delivery devices having other crank-operated devices and other actuation means.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment, the material delivery device 10 includes a housing 20, a delivery assembly 50, and an actuator assembly 100. In the exemplary embodiment, the housing 20 is assembled from two housing shells 22, each having an outer surface 23 and an inner surface 25 (see Figure 5). Once assembled, the inner surface 25 of the housing shells 22 is shaped to receive a portion of the actuator assembly 100 therein, defining a dimensioned cavity 21 (see Figure 5). In other embodiments, the housing 20 may be assembled from a single housing shell 22, three housing shells 22, or any number of housing shells 22 that enable the material delivery device 10 to function as described herein. The housing shells 22 may be substantially symmetrical or may have one or more distinct features.

[0014] In the illustrated embodiment, each housing shell 22 includes a plurality of fastener holes 24 for joining the housing shells 22 together by receiving a plurality of corresponding fasteners (not specifically shown). The fasteners may include screws, bolts, pins, or other suitable fasteners. The fastener holes 24 may or may not be threaded, may have chamfered or straight openings, or may have any other features that enable the material delivery device 10 to function as described herein. The illustrated housing shell 22 further includes a plurality of interlocking functions 29 (see Figure 5) extending from the respective inner surfaces 25 of each housing shell 22, which are shaped, dimensioned, and positioned to further join the two housing shells 22 together by engaging with the corresponding interlocking functions 29 on the other housing shell 22.

[0015] The housing 20 includes a body portion 30 and a handle portion 40. In the illustrated embodiment, the body portion 30 is shaped and dimensioned to accommodate the actuator assembly 100. The handle portion 40 is adapted to be held by the user in the hand and may be ergonomically shaped and / or textured to facilitate gripping by, for example, stippling, knurling, a rough surface, a combination thereof, or any other suitable ergonomic shape or texture that facilitates gripping of the handle portion 40.

[0016] As shown in Figure 5, the housing 20 additionally includes a deck 70 formed from each half-deck 70a extending inward from the inner surface 25 of each housing shell 22. Each half-deck 70a is constructed as a substantially planar, flat shelf and extends along the delivery axis Y from a first closed end 72 to a second open end 74 (also called the delivery end 74).

[0017] The dispensing assembly 50 includes a container 55 and a transfer tube 60. Referring further to Figure 6, the container 55 defines a shaped and dimensioned cavity 57 to hold a plurality of tablet-based chemical products, more commonly referred to herein as “tablets,” which are dispensed using the material delivery device 10 and are not shown in Figure 6. In the illustrated embodiment, the container 55 is substantially cylindrical in shape, but may have any other preferred shape. The container 55 includes at least one thread 59 extending from a base portion 56 to a mouth portion 58 and defined along the outer radial surface of the mouth portion 58. In other embodiments, the container 55 may additionally or alternatively include at least one thread defined along the inner radial surface of the mouth portion 58, or may not include any threads.

[0018] Referring further to Figure 7, the transfer pipe 60 extends from the inlet portion 62 to the base portion 66. In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet portion 62 is substantially cylindrical and includes a bottom surface 63 and a radial inner surface 65. In other embodiments, the inlet portion 62 may have any other preferred shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet portion 62 includes at least one thread 69 defined along its inner radial surface, which is shaped and dimensioned complementary to the mouth portion 58 of the container 55, so as to receive the mouth portion 58 into the inlet portion 62 of the transfer pipe 60 and engage screwably with the inlet portion 62 of the transfer pipe 60. In other embodiments, the inlet portion 62 may additionally or alternatively include a thread defined along its radial outer surface 67, so as to receive the inlet portion into the mouth portion 58 of the container 55 and engage screwably with the mouth portion 58 of the container 55. In yet another embodiment, neither the inlet portion 62 of the transfer tube 60 nor the mouth portion 58 of the container 55 includes threads and may be connected by friction fitting, additional adapters or fasteners or any other suitable means. The inlet portion 62 additionally includes a plurality of vanes 68 extending vertically or axially upward from the bottom surface 63. The vanes 68 are shaped, sized, and positioned to collect any tablet powder or fragments that may fall from the container 55 and prevent the tablet powder or fragments from entering the housing 20.

[0019] The base portion 66 is planar and has a substantially rectangular shape, defining a plurality of fastener holes 66a. The housing 20 additionally includes a plurality of corresponding fastener seats 28 (see Figure 5), which are shaped, sized, and positioned so that fasteners reach the corresponding fastener seats 28 in the housing 20 through the fastener holes in the base portion 66 and secure the transport pipe 60 to the housing 20.

[0020] The transfer pipe 60 additionally includes a duct portion 80 extending between the inlet portion 62 and the base portion 66. The duct portion 80 is substantially cylindrical and has an inner diameter D corresponding to the diameter of the tablet (not shown in Figure 7). dThe duct portion 80 further defines at least one window 82 that allows a user of the material delivery device 10 to look inside the duct portion 80. The at least one window is shaped and sized to allow a tool or a user's finger to be inserted to clear a blockage if a tablet or foreign object is trapped inside and unable to move.

[0021] In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the housing 20 defines a tablet opening 27 that aligns with the cavity 57 of the container and the duct portion 80 of the transfer tube 60 along the transfer axis Z when the housing 20 and the delivery assembly 50 are connected as described above. During operation of the material delivery device 10, the tablet opening 27 is positioned directly above the deck 70 so that tablets passing through the container 55, the transfer tube 60 and the tablet opening 27 are delivered to the deck 70. The designations “up” or “down” are used herein based on the operational configuration shown in the figures and are not intended to limit.

[0022] Referring to Figure 8, the operating assembly 100 includes a manual feature or actuator that can be operated to be selectively operated and released. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator is a crank 110 that extends through the housing and is manually rotatable around a crankshaft 105 (Figure 2) aligned with the crankshaft X. The crank 110 is removablely coupled to the crankshaft 105 and, when connected to the crankshaft 105, extends from the outer surface 23 of the housing 20. The crank 110 may be coupled to the crankshaft through either housing shell 22, thereby allowing the crank 110 to be mounted on either side of the housing 20 and operated (for example, with the user's preferred hand or dominant hand). The crank 110 includes an arm 112 that extends from a first end 111 to a second end 113, so that the crank is rotatable around the crankshaft X in close proximity to the first end 111. The crank 110 additionally includes a handle 114 extending from a second end 113 of the arm 112. In some embodiments, the handle 114 is rotatable relative to the arm 112 about an axis parallel to the crank axis X. In other embodiments, the handle 114 does not rotate relative to the arm 112.

[0023] The actuation assembly 100 further includes a cam 120, a spring rail 140, a driver 160, and a spring 180. The cam 120 is connected (for example, fixedly) to the crank 110 via the crankshaft 105, so that the rotation of the crank 110 around the crankshaft X (for example, in a first rotational direction indicated by the arrow in Figure 3) causes the crankshaft 105 and the cam 120 to rotate simultaneously around the crankshaft X. In the illustrated embodiment, the cam 120 is a vortex cam. In other embodiments, the cam 120 may be any preferred type of cam, for example, an eccentric cam or a disc cam, but not limited to these. Referring to Figure 9, the cam 120 includes a helical surface 122 in which the radius of the cam 120 increases from a first radius R1 to a second radius R2, and a drop surface 124 in which the radius decreases from a second radius R2 to a first radius R1. In the illustrated embodiment, the helical surface 122 is circumferentially larger than the falling surface 124 such that the radius of the cam 120 increases along the helical surface 122 at a lower rate than the radius decreases along the falling surface 124.

[0024] Referring to Figures 10 and 11, the spring rail 140 extends from a first end 142 to a second end 144 and is translatably movable in the delivery direction parallel to the delivery axis Y (Figure 6). Similarly, the driver 160 extends from a first end 162 to a second end 164 and is slidably translatably movable along the deck 70 in the delivery direction Y. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring 180 is a torsion spring 180 extending from a wound end 182 to a free end 184. The wound end 182 of the torsion spring is rotatably connected to a spring base 181 extending inward from one inner surface 25 of the housing shell 22. The torsion spring 180 passes through an opening 141 in the spring rail 140 and an opening 161 in the driver 160 adjacent to their respective first ends 142, 162. In other embodiments, the spring 180 may be any other suitable type that enables the material delivery device 10 to function as described herein, and may include, for example, a compression spring, a tension spring, or a leaf spring, but are not limited to these.

[0025] The second end 144 of the spring rail 140 is positioned adjacent to the cam 120 and is biased to contact the cam 120 via a spring force acted on the spring rail 140 by the spring 180. As the cam rotates, the second end 144 of the spring rail 140 maintains contact with the helical surface 122 of the cam 120, and thus the rotation of the cam 120 causes a translational movement of the spring rail 140 parallel to the delivery direction. For example, as the cam 120 rotates in a first rotational direction (counterclockwise in Figure 10), the second end 144 of the spring rail 140 maintains contact with the helical surface 122 of the cam 120 as the radius of the cam helical surface 122 increases from R1 to R2. As a result, the spring rail 140 is translated by a distance of R2-R1 along the delivery direction away from the delivery end 74.

[0026] Next, the translational movement of the spring rail 140 away from the delivery end 74 causes the torsion spring 180 to rotate in the first rotational direction and to the operating position, where the torsion spring 180 stores a potential energy proportional to the deflection distance. Furthermore, the rotation of the torsion spring 180 causes the driver 160 to translate away from the delivery end 74. Figure 10 shows the operating assembly 100 when the torsion spring 180 is in the operating position, the second end 144 of the spring rail is in contact with the cam 120 at a radius of R2, and both the spring rail 140 and the driver 160 are translating away from the delivery end 74. The translational movement of the driver 160 away from the delivery end 74 additionally allows the tablet 190 to drop from the transport tube 60 through the tablet opening 27 to the deployed position on the deck 70, as shown in Figure 10.

[0027] As the cam 120 passes the threshold point and the second end 144 of the spring rail 140 reaches the end of the helical surface 122 adjacent to the drop surface 124, the spring rail 140 rapidly translates toward the delivery end 74 toward its initial position as the cam radius rapidly decreases from R2 to R1, and the spring 180 biases the spring rail 140 toward the cam helical surface 122. Thus, the potential energy stored in the torsion spring 180 is released, rapidly returning the torsion spring 180 to its idle position, where the torsion spring 180 does not deflect and does not store potential energy. The rotation of the torsion spring 180 in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction from the operating position to the idle position additionally causes the driver 160 to rapidly translate toward the delivery end 74 toward the deck 70 and return to its initial position. Figure 11 shows the operating assembly 100 when the torsion spring 180 has returned from the operating position to the idle position and the second end 144 of the spring rail 140 is in contact with the cam 120 at a radius of R1.

[0028] When the torsion spring 180 is released from the operating position to the idle position, the resulting rapid movement of the driver 160 toward the delivery end 74 imparts propulsion to the tablet 190 in the deployed position. This launches the tablet 190 along the deck 70 from the delivery end 74 toward its desired destination. In some embodiments, the material delivery device 10 is configured to launch the tablet 190 for a maximum distance of 5 meters, 7 meters, 10 meters, 15 meters, 20 meters, or 30 meters. For example, the size, shape, and other characteristics of the components of the operating assembly 100 (e.g., the spring constant of the spring 180, the length of the spring 180, the radius change between R2 and R1 of the cam 120, etc.) can be selected based on the desired launch distance of the tablet.

[0029] Referring here to Figures 12-14, another embodiment of the material delivery device 210 in the form of a trigger-operated material delivery device for delivering tablets is shown. Although the material delivery device 210 is shown and described herein with reference to a trigger-operated material delivery device for delivering tablets, systems and devices consistent with the present disclosure can be embodied in other combinations, including but not limited to other types of material delivery devices and material delivery devices having other trigger-operated devices and other actuators.

[0030] In an exemplary embodiment, the material delivery device 210 includes a housing 220, a delivery assembly 250, and an actuator assembly 300. In the exemplary embodiment, the housing 220 includes a body portion 230 formed from a plurality of stacked housing plates 222, and a grip base plate 240 including a handle portion 242 having a handle front plate 243. The handle portion 242 is adapted to be held in the hand by a user and may be ergonomically shaped and / or textured to facilitate gripping by, for example, stippling, knurling, a rough surface, a combination thereof, or any other suitable ergonomic shape or texture that facilitates gripping of the handle portion 242. In other embodiments, the housing 220 may be formed from any combination of housing components that enable the material delivery device 210 to function as described herein. The housing further includes a deck 270 that extends along the delivery axis Y (see Figure 22) from a first closed end 272 to a second open end 274 (also called the delivery end 274).

[0031] Similar to the dispensing assembly 50 of the crank-operated material delivery device 10 described above, the dispensing assembly 250 includes a container 255 and a transfer tube 260. Referring further to Figure 14, the container 255 defines a shaped and dimensioned cavity 257 to hold a plurality of tablet-based chemical products, more commonly referred to herein as “tablets,” which are dispensed using the material delivery device 210 and are not shown in Figure 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the container 255 is substantially cylindrical in shape, but may have any other preferred shape. The container 255 includes at least one thread 259 extending from a base portion 256 to a mouth portion 258 and defined along the outer radial surface of the mouth portion 258. In other embodiments, the container 255 may additionally or alternatively include at least one thread defined along the inner radial surface of the mouth portion 258, or may not include any threads.

[0032] Referring further to Figure 15, the transfer tube 260 extends from the inlet portion 262 to the base portion 266. In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet portion 262 is substantially cylindrical and includes a bottom surface 263 and a radial inner surface 265. In other embodiments, the inlet portion 262 may have any other preferred shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet portion 262 includes at least one thread 269 defined along the inner radial surface 265, which is shaped and dimensioned complementary to the mouth portion 258 of the container 255, thereby allowing the mouth portion 258 to be received into the inlet portion 262 of the transfer tube 260 and to engage screwably with the inlet portion 262 of the transfer tube 260. In other embodiments, the inlet portion 262 may additionally or alternatively include a thread defined along its radial outer surface 267, thereby allowing the inlet portion to be received into the mouth portion 258 of the container 255 and to engage screwably with the mouth portion 258 of the container 255. In yet another embodiment, neither the inlet portion 262 of the transfer pipe 260 nor the mouth portion 258 of the container 255 contains threads and can be connected by friction fitting, additional adapters or fasteners or any other suitable means. The inlet portion 262 additionally includes a plurality of vanes 268 extending vertically or axially upward from the bottom surface 263. The vanes 268 are shaped, sized, and positioned to collect any tablet powder or fragments that may fall from the container 255 and prevent the tablet powder or fragments from entering the housing 220.

[0033] The base portion 266 defines at least one locking mechanism (unlabeled) for attachment to the housing 220. The transfer tube 260 additionally includes a duct portion 280 extending between the inlet portion 262 and the base portion 266. The duct portion 280 is substantially cylindrical and has an inner diameter D corresponding to the diameter of the tablet (not shown in Figure 15). dThe duct portion 280 may have any preferred shape and size. The duct portion 280 further defines at least one window 282 which is shaped and dimensioned to allow a user of the material delivery device 210 to look inside the duct portion 280 and to allow a tool or the user's finger to be inserted to clear a blockage if a tablet or foreign object is trapped inside and immobile.

[0034] As described above and as shown in Figures 12 and 14, when the housing 220 and the delivery assembly 250 are connected, the cavity 257 of the container 255 and the duct portion 280 of the transfer pipe 260 are aligned along the delivery axis Z. The delivery assembly 250 is positioned directly above the deck 270 so that the tablets that have passed through the container 255 and the transfer pipe 260 are delivered to the deck 270. The designations "up" or "down" are used herein based on the operational configuration shown in the figures and are not intended to limit.

[0035] The actuation assembly 300 includes a manual feature or actuator that can be operated to be selectively actuated and released. Referring to Figure 16, the actuator of the illustrated embodiment is a manually actuated trigger 310 that is translationally movable (i.e., linearly movable) in the delivery direction Y. The trigger 310 includes a gripper 312 shaped and dimensioned for being grasped by a user, and a slider 320. The gripper 312 and slider 320 may be integrally formed or fixedly connected by at least one fastener (e.g., a fastener received in the opening 314). Referring further to Figure 17, the slider 320 includes a pair of laterally opposed outer tabs 360 and a pair of laterally opposed inner tabs 370 positioned between the outer tabs 360. Each outer tab 360 includes an outer arm 361 and an outer block 362. Each outer arm 361 extends from the outer base 363 to the outer midpoint 364, and each outer block 362 extends from the outer midpoint 364 to the outer working surface 365. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer block 362 is the width w of the outer arm 361. OA Larger width w OBhas. Referring further to FIG. 18, the height h of the outer block 362 OB is tapered such that the working surface 365 is curved. The outer block 362 has a maximum height h OA greater than the height h OB,m of the outer arm 361.

[0036] Each inner tab 370 includes an inner arm 371 and an inner block 372. Each inner arm 371 extends from an inner base 373 to an inner midpoint 374, and each inner block 372 extends from the inner midpoint 374 to an inner working surface 375. The inner arm 371 has a constant width w IA and the inner block 372 has an upper surface width w IB,us that is tapered outwardly from the inner midpoint 374 to the inner working surface 375. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper surface width w IB,us of the inner block 372 at the inner midpoint 374 is equal to the width w IA of the inner arm 371, and the upper surface width w IB,us of the inner block 372 at the inner working surface 375 is equal to the maximum width w IAS,m of the inner working surface 375, and the upper surface width w IB,us is linearly tapered between the inner midpoint 374 and the inner working surface 375. In further embodiments, the inner arm 371, the inner block 372, and the inner working surface 375 may have any suitable widths relative to each other. Each inner tab 370 has a constant maximum height h IT,max along the lengths of the inner arm 371 and the inner block 372. Referring further to FIG. 19, the height h IAS of the inner working surface 375 is tapered from a maximum height h IT,m to a minimum height h IT,min of the inner arm 371. The inner block 372 defines an inner surface 379 that is oriented obliquely with respect to the inner working surface 375 that is tapered in both width and height as described above.

[0037] Each of the inner tabs 370 has a suitably elastic structure so that the tab 370 can deflect when an applied force is present and return to its initial undefended position without undergoing permanent deformation when the force is removed. For example, a force applied to one or both of the inner tabs 370 along the inner surface 379 of block 372 is directed along the center line C of slider 320. L The inner tabs 370 can be deflected so as to move laterally away from (Figure 17), and by removing the force, the inner tabs 370 can return to their resting positions.

[0038] Referring to Figures 20 and 21, the actuation assembly 300 further includes a hammer spring 330, a trigger spring 340, and a driver 350. In the illustrated embodiment, the hammer spring 330 is a leaf spring including a fixed portion 331 and a shoulder portion 332 having an upper edge 333, and the driver 350 is a hammer head integrally formed with the hammer spring 330. Similarly, the trigger spring 340 is a leaf spring including a fixed portion 341 and at least one actuation surface 342. In the illustrated embodiment, the trigger spring 340 includes two actuation surfaces 342 defining a hammer spring opening 343 (Figure 21) between them. Each of the hammer spring 330 and the trigger spring 340 preferably has an elastic structure such that each spring 330, 340 can deflect axially when an applied force is present and return to its initial undefended position without undergoing permanent deformation when the force is removed.

[0039] The trigger spring 340 is positioned to engage with the hammer spring 330, such that a portion of the hammer spring 330 partially or completely passes through the hammer spring opening 343 of the trigger spring 340. Furthermore, each of the hammer spring 330 and the trigger spring 340 includes at least one fastener opening 336, 346 defined in the respective fixed portions 331, 341 of the springs 330, 340. Each fastener opening 336, 346 is shaped and dimensioned to receive a fastener through it, and is positioned so that the openings 336, 346 of each spring 330, 340 are aligned when the springs 330, 340 are positioned to engage with each other as described above. The springs 330, 340 in the illustrated embodiment each include two fastener openings 336, 346, but may include any preferred number of fastener openings, e.g., one, three, or more. In other embodiments, the springs 330 and 340 may not include fastener openings.

[0040] Referring further to Figure 22, when mounted on the material delivery device 210, the hammer spring 330 and trigger spring 340 are positioned within a cavity 241 defined by the handle portion 242. The handle portion 242 includes a spring-retaining feature 244 that defines a slot 245 shaped and dimensioned to receive and hold the fixed portions 331, 341 of the hammer spring 330 and trigger spring 340. Thus, once the fixed portions 331, 341 of the springs 330, 340 are received in the slot 245, movement in the delivery direction Y is prevented. The handle portion 242 additionally includes at least one spring retaining opening 246 that aligns with at least one fastener opening 336, 346 of each spring, thereby preventing the movement of the springs 330, 340 in the delivery direction Z (Figure 14), in order to allow a fastener (not shown) to be received therein when the springs 330, 340 are received in the slot 245.

[0041] During the operation of the actuation assembly 300, the trigger 310 translates in the delivery direction Y between a first idle position (shown in Figures 23 and 29) and a second position (shown in Figures 26-28 and 31) located immediately after the actuation threshold position. When the trigger 310 is in the first position, referring to Figures 23 and 29, the hammer spring 330 and the trigger spring 340 remain undefended. In the first position shown in the illustrated embodiment, the outer actuation surfaces 365 of each outer block 362 of the slider 320 contact each actuation surface 342 of the trigger spring 340, but without applying force. In a further embodiment, the outer actuation surfaces 365 do not contact the actuation surfaces 342 of the trigger spring 340 in the first position. In yet another embodiment, the outer actuation surfaces 365 contact the actuation surfaces 342 of the trigger spring 340 and apply force in the first position so that the trigger spring 340 is deflected in the first position.

[0042] As a force is applied to the trigger 310 in the direction of the handle portion 242, and the trigger is brought closer to the handle portion 242, the outer acting surfaces 365 of each outer block 362 of the slider 320 exert force on each acting surface 342 of the trigger spring 340. As more force is applied, the trigger spring 340 begins to deflect in the direction of the applied force so that the acting surfaces 342 are oriented obliquely to the fixed portion 341 of the trigger spring 340 (Figures 24 and 30). As the trigger 310 moves closer to the handle portion 242, the actuation assembly 300 moves to a first intermediate position (Figures 24 and 30), in which the inner acting surface 375 of the inner block 372 of the slider 320 contacts the shoulder portion 332 of the hammer spring 330. As more force is applied and the trigger 310 moves to a second intermediate position (Figure 25), the hammer spring 330 begins to deflect in the direction of the applied force so that the shoulder portion 332 is angled relative to the fixed portion 341 of the hammer spring 330.

[0043] As the trigger 310 moves closer to the handle portion 242 (for example, by being pulled), the hammer spring 330 is deflected until it reaches the actuation threshold position (Figures 26-28 and 31). As the hammer spring 330 is deflected, the upper edge 333 of the shoulder portion 332 moves downward in the feed direction Z until the shoulder portion 332 contacts the bottom of the inner actuation surface 375 of the inner block 372 of the slider 320. Further force is applied to the trigger 310 toward the second position, causing the upper edge 333 of the shoulder portion 332 to deflect downward, so that the shoulder portion 332 traverses the bottom of the inner actuation surface 375 and disengages from the inner actuation surface 375. The inner working surface 375 applies force to the shoulder portion 332, releasing the energy stored in the hammer spring 330 without maintaining the deflection of the hammer spring 330, causing the hammer spring 330 to move rapidly from the working position to the idle position (e.g., fire). As a result, the driver 350 translates along the delivery axis Y toward the delivery end 274 of the deck 270, and the shoulder portion 332 of the hammer spring moves toward its centerline C L The material passes between the inner tabs 370 of the slider 320 along the path. When the hammer spring 330 is released from the working position to the idle position, the resulting rapid movement of the driver 350 toward the delivery end 274 propels the tablet 390 (Figure 28) that has been delivered onto the deck 270 by the delivery assembly 250. The tablet 390 is launched along the deck 270, away from the delivery end 274, toward its desired destination. In some embodiments, the material delivery device 210 is configured to launch the tablet 190 for a maximum of 5 meters, 7 meters, 10 meters, 15 meters, 20 meters, or 30 meters. For example, the size, shape, and other characteristics of the components of the working assembly 100 (e.g., the spring constants of springs 330, 340, the lengths of springs 330, 340, the height h of the inner working surface 375) IAS These can be selected based on the desired launch distance of the tablet.

[0044] When the force is removed from the trigger 310, the energy stored in the trigger spring 340 is released, returning the trigger spring 340 from the second position to the idle position. Consequently, the operating surface 342 of the trigger spring 340 applies force to the outer block 362 of the slider 320, translating the slider 320 from the second position to the first position. When the slider 320 returns to the first position, the inner surface 379 of each inner tab 370 engages with the hammer spring 330, moving the inner tabs along the center line C L The hammer spring 330 is deflected laterally away from the inner block 372, allowing it to pass through the inner block 372. Referring further to Figure 19, the inner surface 379 of each inner block 372 is angled relative to its respective inner arm 371, allowing for smooth relative movement between the inner block 372 and the hammer spring 330.

[0045] Referring here to Figures 32-36, another embodiment of the material delivery device 410 in the form of a trigger-operated material delivery device for delivering tablets is shown. In particular, Figure 32 is a side view of the trigger-operated material delivery device 410, Figure 33 is a perspective view of the trigger-operated material delivery device 410, Figure 34 is a first side view of the trigger-operated material delivery device 410 with one housing portion removed, Figure 35 is a second side view of the trigger-operated material delivery device 410 with the other housing portion removed, and Figure 36 is an exploded perspective view of the trigger-operated material delivery device 410. Although the material delivery device 410 is shown and described herein in reference to a trigger-operated material delivery device for delivering tablets, systems and devices consistent with this disclosure may be embodied in other combinations, including but not limited to other types of material delivery devices and material delivery devices having other trigger-operated devices and other actuators.

[0046] In an exemplary embodiment, the material delivery device 410 includes a housing 420, a delivery assembly 450, and an actuator assembly 500. In the exemplary embodiment, the housing 420 is assembled from two housing shells 422, 423. Each housing shell 422, 423 has its own outer surface 424 and inner surface 425 (see Figure 36). When assembled, the inner surface 425 of the housing shells 422, 423 is shaped to receive a portion of the actuator assembly 500 therein, defining a dimensioned cavity 421 (see Figure 36). The housing shells 422, 423 may be substantially symmetrical or may have one or more distinct features. In other embodiments, the housing 420 may be assembled from a single housing shell, three housing shells, or any number of housing shells that enable the material delivery device 410 to function as described herein.

[0047] In the illustrated embodiments, each housing shell 422, 423 includes a plurality of fastener holes 426 for joining the housing shells 422, 423 together by receiving through a plurality of corresponding fasteners 428. The fasteners 428 may include screws, bolts, pins, or other suitable fasteners. The fastener holes 426 may or may not be threaded, may have chamfered or straight openings, or may have any other features that enable the material delivery device 410 to function as described herein.

[0048] The housing 420 includes a body portion 430 and a handle portion 440. In the exemplary embodiment, the body portion 430 is shaped and dimensioned to accommodate the actuator assembly 500. The handle portion 440 is adapted to be held by the user in the hand and may be ergonomically shaped and / or textured to facilitate gripping by, for example, stippling, knurling, a rough surface, a combination thereof, or any other suitable ergonomic shape or texture that facilitates gripping of the handle portion 440.

[0049] As shown in Figures 34-36, the housing 420 additionally includes a deck 470 formed from each half-deck 470a extending inward from the inner surface 425 of each housing shell 422, 423. Each half-deck 470a is constructed as a substantially planar, flat shelf and extends along the delivery axis Y from a first closed end 472 to a second open end 474 (also called the delivery end 474).

[0050] Similar to the dispensing assembly 50 of the crank-operated material delivery device 10 and the dispensing assembly 250 of the trigger-operated material delivery device 210 described above, the dispensing assembly 450 includes a container 455 substantially similar to the containers 55, 255 and a transfer tube 460 substantially similar to the transfer tubes 60, 260. As described in more detail above, the container 455 defines a shaped and dimensioned cavity to hold a plurality of tablet-based chemical products, also more commonly referred to herein as “tablets,” which are dispensed using the material delivery device 410. The transfer tube 460 is coupled to the container 455 and extends from an inlet portion 462 from which tablets are received to a base portion 466 coupled to the housing 420.

[0051] When the housing 420 and the delivery assembly 450 are connected as shown in Figures 32 and 33, the delivery assembly 450 is positioned directly above the deck 470 so that tablets passing through the container and transfer tube 460 are delivered to the deck 470. The designations “up” or “down” and any other directional designations are used herein in reference to the operational configuration shown in the figures and are not intended to be limiting.

[0052] The actuator assembly 500 is shown in the first idle configuration in Figures 34, 35, and 37 (showing an enlarged perspective view of the actuator assembly 500 with the housing shell 422 removed) and in the second engagement configuration in Figure 38. The actuator assembly 500 includes a manually operated feature or actuator that can be operated to be selectively operated and released in order to transition the actuator assembly 500 between configurations. The actuator in the exemplary embodiment is a manually operated trigger 510. The trigger 510 includes a trigger hub 512 and a trigger handle 514 fixedly coupled to and extending from the trigger hub 512. In the exemplary embodiment, the trigger hub 512 and the trigger handle 514 are formed integrally (for example, as a single molded part). In other embodiments, the trigger hub 512 and the trigger handle 514 are formed separately and coupled to each other to form the trigger 510.

[0053] The trigger shaft 516 extends through the trigger hub 512 and is coupled to one or more housing shells 422, 423. In the illustrated embodiment, the trigger shaft 516 is fixedly coupled to the inner surface 425 of the housing shell 423 and extends from the inner surface 425 of the housing shell 423 (see Figure 36). In other embodiments, the trigger shaft 516 is coupled to the inner surface 425 and extends from the inner surface 425 and the other housing shell 422.

[0054] The trigger 510 is parallel to the lateral direction X and is defined by the trigger axis X through the trigger shaft 516. A It is configured to rotate in the direction of rotation indicated by arrow 518, centered on (see Figures 34-36). In particular, when the user pulls the trigger 510 "backward" to activate the actuator assembly 500, the movement of the trigger handle 514 closer to the handle portion 440 of the housing 420 causes it to rotate around the trigger shaft 516, and thus around the trigger axis X. A The trigger 510 rotates simultaneously around it.

[0055] The operating assembly 500 further includes a fixed cam 520 coupled to the housing 420. In particular, the cam 520 is fixedly coupled to the housing shell 423 (see Figures 34, 36, and 38). In the illustrated embodiment, the cam 520 is attached to the housing shell 423 by fasteners 524. In other embodiments, the cam 520 is coupled to the housing shell 423 by other means, such as by adhesive, welding, or any other suitable mounting mechanism.

[0056] The cam 520 has a concave cam surface defined by a first surface 526 and a second surface 528. The first surface 526 has a first inclination such that it extends substantially upward from the surface interface 529 between the first surface 526 and the second surface 528 (with respect to the orientation of the material delivery device 410 shown in Figures 34 and 35) and extends laterally in the X direction as the first surface 526 extends upward in the vertical or delivery direction Z. The second cam surface 528 has a second inclination such that it extends substantially downward from the surface interface 529, i.e., opposite to the first surface 526, and the second surface 528 also extends laterally in the X direction as it extends downward in the vertical direction Z. In the illustrated embodiment, the first surface 526 and the second surface 528 are planar, the first surface 526 is longer than the second surface 528, and the first incline is greater or steeper than the second incline, thereby giving the cam 520 an asymmetric concave profile. In other embodiments, the cam surface may differ and may have one or more non-planar (e.g., curved) portions.

[0057] The actuator assembly 500 also includes a drive element 522. The drive element 522 extends from a first end 532 to a second end 534 and has a through hole 535 adjacent to and through the first end 532. The through hole 535 is dimensioned and oriented to receive a drive element pin 536 through it (see Figure 36). The drive element 522 is rotatable about the drive element pin 536 in the rotational direction indicated by arrow 538 in Figure 36.

[0058] Furthermore, the drive element 522 includes a projection 544 (see Figure 35) extending laterally or transversely from its second end 534. As shown in Figures 35 and 36, the drive element 522 has a channel 546 defined on its lateral or side surface. The channel 546 extends from the first wall 548 to the projection 544, and the projection 544 defines the second end of the channel 546. In the illustrated embodiment, the depth of the channel 546 in the lateral direction X corresponds to the extension of the projection 544.

[0059] Referring to Figure 39, the trigger 510 has a defined slot 530 therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the slot 530 is located between the trigger hub 512 and the trigger handle 514 with respect to the vertical Z. The slot 530 is dimensioned and configured to receive the first end 532 of the drive 522 therein. The trigger 510 also has a defined pin seat 540 extending from the slot 530. The trigger 510 also has a set screw seat 542 extending from the pin seat 540.

[0060] In the illustrated embodiment, the drive 522 is coupled to the trigger 510 within a slot 530. More specifically, the first end 532 of the drive 522 is inserted into the slot 530, and the through hole 535 is aligned with the pin seat 540. The drive pin 536 is inserted through the pin seat 540 and the through hole 535, coupling the drive 522 to the trigger 510. The drive pin 536 is fixed within the pin seat 540 to prevent the drive pin 536 from detaching from the trigger 510 (thus preventing the drive 522 from detaching from the trigger 510). In the illustrated embodiment, a set screw (not shown) is inserted into and tightened in a set screw seat 542 to permanently couple the drive pin 536 to the trigger 510.

[0061] Referring again to Figures 34-36, the actuator assembly 500 further includes a driver 550 and a launch spring 552. The driver 550 extends linearly from a first end 554 to a second end 556 and is slidably translationally movable along the deck 470 in the delivery direction Y. The driver 550 includes a through hole 558 defined therein, adjacent to the first end 554. When the actuator assembly 500 is in idle configuration, the driver 550 blocks the opening at the bottom of the transport tube 460, preventing any tablets from being ejected from the transport tube 460 into the deck 470.

[0062] In the illustrated embodiment, the launch spring 552 is embodied as a torsion spring and includes a first leg 560, a winding portion 562, and a second leg 564. In other embodiments, the launch spring 552 may be any other suitable type that enables the material delivery device 410 to function as described herein, and includes, but are not limited to, compression springs, tension springs, leaf springs, and combinations thereof.

[0063] The first leg 560 extends from the first end 566 to the winding portion 562, and the second leg 564 extends from the second end 568 to the winding portion 562. The winding portion 562 is positioned around the spring pin 570, which extends from the inner surface 425 of the housing shell 423.

[0064] Furthermore, the spring retaining pin 580 extends from the inner surface 425 of the housing shell 423. The spring retaining pin 580 is substantially cylindrical and includes an annular groove 582 defined therein. The first leg 560 of the launch spring 552 engages with the spring retaining pin 580. More specifically, adjacent to its first end 566, the first leg 560 is positioned within the annular groove 582 of the spring retaining pin 580.

[0065] The second leg 564 of the launch spring 552 extends substantially upward along the vertical Z when the actuator assembly 500 is in idle configuration. The second end 568 passes through a through hole 558 of the driver 550 and is secured therein by an end cap 584. The second leg 564 also engages with the drive 522. In particular, the second leg 564 is received within a channel 546 of the drive 522. When the actuator assembly 500 is in idle configuration, the second leg 564 rests on a stop pin 586 extending from the inner surface 425 of the housing shell 423.

[0066] The actuator assembly 500 further includes a trigger return spring 590 and a driven spring 596. The trigger return spring 590 extends from a first end 591 to a second end 592. The first end 591 is positioned around a spring pin 593. The first end 591 may rotate around the spring pin 593 but remains coupled to the spring pin 593. The second end 592 of the trigger return spring 590 is coupled to the trigger 510. More specifically, as shown in Figure 39, the trigger 510 has a spring pin seat 594 defined laterally through it. Not shown, the trigger 510 also has a spring slot defined in the delivery direction Y, aligned with a set screw seat 542. To connect the trigger return spring 590 to the trigger 510, the second end 592 of the trigger return spring 590 is inserted into the spring slot, and the spring pin 595 is inserted through the spring pin seat 594 of the trigger 510 and the second end 592 of the trigger return spring 590.

[0067] The drive spring 596 extends from a first end 597 to a second end 598 and is coupled to the trigger 510. More specifically, as shown in Figures 36-39, the trigger 510 has a channel 599 defined through the trigger hub 512. The drive spring 596 is inserted through the channel 599 and secured to the trigger 510 by adhesive, set screws or any other suitable coupling mechanism. The first end 597 of the drive spring 596 is positioned relative to the side of the drive 522.

[0068] To initiate the operation of the trigger-operated material delivery device 410, the user engages the actuator assembly 500. In particular, to transition the actuator assembly 500 from the idle configuration to the engaged configuration, the user activates the trigger 510 by pulling the trigger back toward the handle portion 440 of the housing 420. The trigger 510 is located on the trigger axis X A It rotates around this point.

[0069] Since the first end 532 of the drive 522 is coupled to the trigger 510, when the user activates the trigger 510, the drive 522 follows the rotational motion of the trigger 510. That is, the drive 522 moves in the rotational direction indicated by arrow 518 along the trigger axis X A It moves in an arc around the origin defined by [the specified line].

[0070] Furthermore, with the drive 522 coupled to the trigger 510, the second end 534 of the drive 522 engages with the surface of the cam 520. When the actuator assembly 500 is in idle configuration, as shown in Figures 33, 34, and 36, the projection 544 of the drive 522 contacts the second surface 528 of the cam 520. Thus, the trigger 510 is connected to the trigger axis X AAs the trigger 520 rotates from an idle position (corresponding to the idle configuration of the actuator assembly 500) to an engaged position (corresponding to the engaged configuration of the actuator assembly 500), the second end 534 of the drive 522 moves along a corresponding arc-shaped path, moving the cam 520 across the projection 544. Specifically, the projection 544 moves along the second surface 528 to the surface interface 529, and then moves from the surface interface 529 along the first surface 526. In particular, because the profile of the cam 520 is concave and changes in the lateral direction X, as the projection 544 traverses surfaces 526 and 528, the second end 534 of the drive 522 also moves in the lateral direction X. Specifically, as the trigger 510 moves from the idle position to the engaged position, the second end 534 of the drive 522 first moves laterally toward the housing shell 423, and then moves laterally toward the other housing shell 422. This lateral motion of the drive element 522 causes the first end 597 of the drive spring 596 to move laterally. In particular, the drive element 522 causes the first end 597 of the drive spring 596 to move laterally, and potential energy or tension is accumulated in the drive spring 596 in proportion to the distance the first end 597 of the drive spring 596 is deflected.

[0071] Furthermore, when the trigger 510 is rotated as described above, the second leg 564 of the launch spring 552 is moved backward parallel to the delivery direction Y. In particular, the second leg 564 is held within the channel 546 of the drive 522. When the drive 522 is moved, the first wall 548 (which defines the first end of the channel 546) engages with the second leg 564 and moves it backward, as described above. The second leg 564 is deflected toward the first leg 560, and potential energy is stored in the launch spring 552 in proportion to the distance the second leg 564 is deflected. Furthermore, this backward movement of the second leg 564 causes a simultaneous backward movement of the driver 550, which is translated toward the first end 472 of the deck 470 by the second end 568 of the second leg 564. When the driver 550 is moved backward by a threshold distance (away from the delivery end 474), the driver 550 no longer obstructs the transport tube 460, thereby allowing the tablet (not shown) to drop from the transport tube 460 to its deployment position (not shown) on the deck 470.

[0072] When the trigger 510 is rotated, the second end 592 of the trigger return spring 590 is also pulled backward in a direction substantially parallel to the delivery direction Y, while the first end 591 remains in a fixed position. Therefore, potential energy is accumulated in the trigger return spring 590 in proportion to the distance the trigger return spring 590 is stretched.

[0073] When the actuator assembly 500 is in the engagement configuration, the substance delivery device 410 is considered engaged and ready to deliver the tablet to the target location, as shown in Figure 38.

[0074] Further backward movement of the trigger 510, provided by the user, causes the actuator assembly 500 to launch or deliver a tablet. In particular, the drive element 522 is deflected further laterally as its second end 534, i.e., the projection 544, traverses the first surface 526 of the cam 520 upward and laterally. The second leg 564 of the launch spring 552 then approaches the lateral end or corner of the first wall 548 that defines the channel 546. When the drive element 522 is deflected by a threshold distance, the second leg 564 of the launch spring 552 passes over the end of the first wall 548, thereby the second leg 564 is no longer held within the channel 546.

[0075] Therefore, the second leg 564 rapidly releases the potential energy stored therein and snaps back to its original position toward the delivery end 474 or launches. In the illustrated embodiment, the return motion of the second leg 564 is restricted by a stop pin 586. Once the second leg 564 releases the stored potential energy, its second end 568 rapidly drives the driver 550 along the deck 470 toward the delivery end 474 and returns it to its initial position. This resulting rapid movement of the driver 550 toward the delivery end 474 propels the tablet, which is seated on the deck 470 in the deployed position. The tablet is then launched along the deck 470 from the delivery end 474 toward its desired destination. In some embodiments, the material delivery device 410 is configured to launch tablets for a maximum distance of 5 meters, 7 meters, 10 meters, 15 meters, 20 meters, or 30 meters. For example, the size, shape, and other characteristics of the components of the actuation assembly 500 (e.g., the spring constant of the launch spring 552) may be selected based on the desired launch distance of the tablet.

[0076] Furthermore, after the delivery of the tablet, in order to return the actuator assembly 500 to the idle configuration, the trigger return spring 590 releases the potential energy stored therein, pulling the trigger 510 back to its idle position. This motion of the trigger 510 causes the drive 522 to move simultaneously downward and in the opposite direction, returning to its idle position. At the same time, the drive spring 596 releases the potential energy stored therein, applying a lateral force that returns the drive 522, thereby moving the drive 522 laterally toward the housing shell 423, ensuring that the second leg 564 of the launch spring 552 is repositioned within the channel 546 of the drive 522.

[0077] Referring here to Figures 40-44, another embodiment, a trigger-operated material delivery device 610, is shown. In particular, Figure 40 is a perspective view of the material delivery device 610, Figure 41 is a side view of the material delivery device 610 with part of the housing removed to show the actuator assembly in a first idle configuration, Figure 42 is a second side view of the material delivery device 610 with another part of the housing removed to show the actuator assembly in a first idle configuration, Figure 43 is an exploded perspective view of the material delivery device 610, and Figure 44 is an enlarged perspective view of the actuator assembly in a second engagement configuration.

[0078] In an exemplary embodiment, the material delivery device 610 includes a housing 620, a delivery assembly (e.g., a delivery assembly 450 not shown in Figures 40-44), and an actuator assembly 700. In the exemplary embodiment, the housing 620 is assembled from two housing shells 622, 623. Each housing shell 622, 623 has its own outer surface 624 and inner surface 625 (see Figure 43). When assembled, the inner surface 625 of the housing shells 622, 623 is shaped to receive a portion of the actuator assembly 700 therein, defining a dimensioned cavity 621 (see Figure 43). The housing shells 622, 623 may be substantially symmetrical or may have one or more distinct features. In other embodiments, the housing 620 may be assembled from a single housing shell, three housing shells, or any number of housing shells that enable the material delivery device 610 to function as described herein.

[0079] In the illustrated embodiments, each housing shell 622, 623 includes a plurality of fastener holes 626 for joining the housing shells 622, 623 together by receiving through a plurality of corresponding fasteners 628. The fasteners 628 may include screws, bolts, pins, nuts, or other suitable fasteners. The fastener holes 626 may or may not be threaded, may have chamfered or straight openings, or may have any other features that enable the material delivery device 610 to function as described herein.

[0080] The housing 620 includes a body portion 630 and a handle portion 640. In the illustrated embodiment, the body portion 630 is shaped and dimensioned to accommodate the actuator assembly 700. The handle portion 640 is adapted to be held by the user in the hand and may be ergonomically shaped and / or textured to facilitate gripping by, for example, stippling, knurling, a rough surface, a combination thereof, or any other suitable ergonomic shape or texture that facilitates gripping of the handle portion 640.

[0081] As shown in Figures 41-43, the housing 620 additionally includes a deck 670 formed from each half-deck 670a extending inward from the inner surface 625 of each housing shell 622, 623. Each half-deck 670a is constructed as a substantially planar, flat shelf and extends along the delivery axis Y from a first closed end 672 to a second open end 674 (also called the delivery end 674).

[0082] In the illustrated embodiments, the dispensing assembly of the material delivery device 610 is substantially similar to, and may be identical to, the dispensing assembly shown in Figure 32 with respect to the material delivery device 410. Therefore, the dispensing assembly will not be discussed in further detail with respect to the material delivery device 610. When the housing 620 is connected to the dispensing assembly (e.g., dispensing assembly 450), the dispensing assembly is positioned directly above the deck 670 so that tablets that have passed through the dispensing assembly are delivered to the deck 470. The designations “up” or “down” and any other directional designations are used herein in reference to the operational configuration shown in the figures and are not intended to be limiting.

[0083] The material delivery device 610 includes an actuator assembly 700. The actuator assembly 700 includes a manual feature or actuator that can be operated to be selectively operated and released in order to transition the actuator assembly 700 between an idle configuration and an engaged configuration. The actuator in the illustrated embodiment is a manually operated trigger 710. The trigger 710 includes a trigger hub 712 and a trigger handle 714 fixedly coupled to the trigger hub 712 and extending from the trigger hub 712. In the illustrated embodiment, the trigger hub 712 and the trigger handle 714 are formed integrally (for example, as a single molded part). In other embodiments, the trigger hub 712 and the trigger handle 714 are formed separately and coupled to each other to form the trigger 710.

[0084] The trigger hub 712 is coupled to the housing 420 using a post mount 716. In particular, in the shown embodiment, the post mount 716 extends through the housing shell 423, the cavity 421 and the housing shell 422 (for example, through fastener holes 426 defined in the housing shells 422 and 423). The post mount 716 is secured in place using one or more fasteners 428, shown as nuts in Figure 40. The trigger hub 712 has an elongated slot 718 defined through it. The elongated slot 718 is configured to receive the post mount 716 through it. Furthermore, as described herein, the trigger 710 is configured to perform both rotation around the post mount 716 and translational movement relative to the post mount 716, based on the elongated shape of the elongated slot 718.

[0085] The trigger 710 also defines a drive extension 720 (also referred to herein as the “driver”). In the illustrated embodiment, the drive extension 720 extends rearward from the rear surface 722 of the trigger 710 in the delivery direction Y. The drive extension 720 has a planar first drive surface 724 that is inclined or obliquely extended away from the rear surface 722 and a planar second surface 726 that is perpendicular to the rear surface 722. The first drive surface 724 and the second surface 726 are in contact at the free end 728 of the drive extension 720. The drive extension 720 has a width in the lateral direction X that is less than the entire width of the rear surface 722.

[0086] The actuation assembly 700 further includes a cam 730. The cam 730 includes a base 732 and an arm 734 fixedly coupled to the base 732 and extending from the base 732. In the illustrated embodiment, the base 732 and the arm 734 are formed integrally (for example, as a single molded part). In other embodiments, the base 732 and the arm 734 are formed separately and coupled to each other to form the cam 730.

[0087] The base 732 is substantially cylindrical and includes side walls 736 and foot portions 739. An annular groove 738 is defined in the side walls 736. The cam base 732 is positioned around retainer posts 741 extending from the inner surface 625 of the housing shell 623 (see Figure 43), and the cam axis X CIt is configured to rotate about a central point. The arm 734 is substantially planar and includes two parallel, opposing surfaces 740, 742 and a side wall 744 extending between them, the side wall 744 defining the cam profile of the cam 730. The arm 734 has an extension 746 ending at a lip 748. The arm 734 also has two through holes 750 defined through it. The through holes 750 are dimensioned and configured to receive their respective retainer posts 752. Each retainer post 752 extends laterally from the arm 734 through its respective through hole 750 and is fixed to the inner surface 625 of the housing shell 623. The gap formed between the two retainer posts 752 is called the retainer gap (unlabeled).

[0088] The actuator assembly 700 further includes a driver 760 and a launch spring 762. The driver 760 extends linearly from a first end 764 to a second end 766 and is slidably translationally movable along the deck 670 in the delivery direction Y. The driver 760 includes a through hole 768 defined therein, adjacent to the first end 764. When the actuator assembly 700 is in idle configuration, the driver 760 blocks the transport tube of the delivery assembly, preventing any tablets from being released onto the deck 670.

[0089] In the illustrated embodiment, the launch spring 762 is embodied as a torsion spring and includes a first leg 770, a winding portion 772, and a second leg 774. In other embodiments, the launch spring 762 may be any other suitable type that enables the material delivery device 610 to function as described herein, and may include, for example, a compression spring, a tension spring, or a leaf spring, but are not limited to these.

[0090] The winding portion 772 is secured in place by a spring pin 776. The spring pin 776 has an annular sidewall 778 extending between a first end 780 and a second end 782 of the spring pin 776. A pair of notches 784 are defined in the annular sidewall 778 adjacent to the second end 782. The spring pin 776 is positioned around a retaining post 777 extending from the inner surface 625 of the housing shell 623 (see Figure 43). The first end 780 of the spring pin 776 is coupled to the inner surface 625 of the housing shell 723, and the second end 782 is coupled to the side surface 742 of the cam arm 734.

[0091] In the illustrated embodiment, the first leg 770 and the second leg 774 of the launch spring 762 are held in a notch 784 of the spring pin 776 between the spring pin 776 and the cam arm 734. The first leg 770 extends rearward from the winding portion 772 and is held in an annular groove 738 of the cam base 732. The second leg 774 extends upward from the winding portion 772 along the vertical Z and between the retainer posts 752 (i.e., within the retainer gap). The free end 775 of the second leg 774 extends through a through hole 768 of the driver 760 and is held therein.

[0092] The actuator assembly 700 further includes a trigger return spring 790 and a re-latching leaf spring 795. The trigger return spring 790 extends from a first end 791 to a second end 792. The first end 791 is positioned around a spring pin 793. The first end 791 may rotate around the spring pin 793 but remains coupled to the spring pin 793. The second end 792 of the trigger return spring 790 is coupled to the trigger 710. More specifically, the second end 792 is coupled to the trigger 710 and to a mounting bolt 794 that extends forward from the trigger 710.

[0093] The re-latching leaf spring 795 extends from a first end 796 to a second end 797. The first end 796 is fixedly coupled to the bottom surface 798 of the deck 760, in particular to the deck half 760a of the housing shell 623. The second end 797 engages with the trigger hub 712, in particular to the top surface 799 of the trigger hub 712 (see Figure 43). The re-latching leaf spring 795 also actively engages with a post 800 extending from the inner surface 625 of the housing shell 623.

[0094] To initiate the operation of the trigger-operated material delivery device 610, the user engages the actuator assembly 700. In particular, to transition the actuator assembly 700 from the idle configuration to the engaged configuration, the user activates the trigger 710 by pulling the trigger 710 back toward the handle portion 640 of the housing 620. The trigger 710 first rotates around the post mount 716 in the direction indicated by arrow 701 in Figure 41.

[0095] When the trigger 510 is rotated, the first drive surface 724 of the drive extension 720 applies a substantially upward force to the side wall 744 of the extension 746 of the cam arm 734, causing the cam 730 to rotate in the direction indicated by arrow 703 in Figure 41, substantially in the forward and reverse directions of rotation of the trigger 710, on the cam axis X C It rotates around the center.

[0096] Furthermore, when the trigger 710 is rotated as described above, the second leg 774 of the launch spring 762 is moved backward parallel to the delivery direction Y. In particular, the retainer post 752, which is moved in response to the rotation of the cam 730, pushes back the second leg 774. The second leg 774 is deflected toward the first leg 770, and potential energy is stored in the launch spring 762 in proportion to the distance the second leg 774 is deflected. Furthermore, this backward movement of the second leg 774 causes a simultaneous backward movement of the driver 760, which is translated toward the first end 672 of the deck 670 by the end 775 of the second leg 774. When the driver 760 is moved backward by a threshold distance (away from the delivery end 674), the driver 760 no longer obstructs the transport tube 460, thereby allowing the tablet (not shown) to drop from the transport tube 460 to an unfolded position (not shown) on the deck 670.

[0097] Further backward movement of the trigger 710, provided by the user, causes the free end 728 of the drive extension 720 to move along the lip 748 of the extension 745 of the cam arm 734. The force applied between the drive extension 720 and the extension 745 causes the trigger 710 to translate relative to the post mount 716. In particular, the trigger 710 follows an oblique path indicated by arrow 705 in Figure 41, corresponding to the shape of the elongated slot 718, which controls the translational movement of the trigger hub 712 (and thus the entire trigger 710).

[0098] This upward and forward oblique motion of the trigger 710 also engaged with the re-latch leaf spring 795. In particular, the top surface 799 of the trigger hub 712 deflected the second end 797 of the re-latch leaf spring 795. This forward and upward motion of the second end 797 compressed the re-latch leaf spring 795 against the post 800, causing potential energy to be stored in the re-latch leaf spring 795.

[0099] When the actuator assembly 700 is in the engagement configuration, the substance delivery device 610 is considered engaged and ready to deliver the tablet to the target location, as shown in Figure 44.

[0100] An additional backward movement of the trigger 710 by the user causes the free end 728 of the drive extension 720 to disengage from the lip 748 of the extension 745 of the cam arm 734. Thus, the cam 730 is no longer engaged with the trigger 710. The second leg 774 of the launch spring 762 rapidly releases the potential energy stored therein and "snaps back" to its original position toward the delivery end 674. In the illustrated embodiment, the return movement of the second leg 774 is restricted by the stop pin 779. Once the second leg 774 releases the stored potential energy, its end 775 translates, driving the driver 760 along the deck 670 toward the delivery end 674 and returning it to its initial position. This resulting rapid movement of the driver 760 toward the delivery end 674 propels the tablet toward the deck 670, where it is seated in the deployed position. As a result, the tablet is launched from the delivery end 674 along the deck 670 toward its desired destination. In some embodiments, the material delivery device 610 is configured to launch tablets for a maximum distance of 5 meters, 7 meters, 10 meters, 15 meters, 20 meters, or 30 meters. For example, the size, shape, and other characteristics of the components of the actuation assembly 700 (e.g., the spring constant of the spring 762) can be selected based on the desired launch distance of the tablet.

[0101] Furthermore, after the delivery of the tablet, in order to return the actuator assembly 700 to the idle configuration, the trigger return spring 790 releases the potential energy stored therein, causing the trigger 710 to rotate in the opposite direction of rotation indicated by arrow 701. Simultaneously, the re-latch leaf spring 795 releases the potential energy stored therein, thereby giving the trigger 710 a downward and backward force, translating the trigger 710 along the post mount 716 in the opposite direction of the direction indicated by arrow 705, returning it to its idle position.

[0102] Furthermore, the return motion of the second leg 774 of the launch spring 762 imparts a return force to the cam 730 via the retaining post 752. Simultaneously, the return motion of the trigger 710 results in the return motion of the drive extension 720. The second surface 726 traverses the side wall 744 of the cam arm 734. The combined forces applied by the drive extension 720 and the launch spring 762 cause the cam 730 to rotate in the opposite direction of rotation indicated by arrow 703, returning to its idle position.

[0103] With respect to the substance delivery systems 10 / 210 / 410 / 610 disclosed herein, the tablets 190 / 390 are, in some embodiments, cylindrical in shape with flat or planar surfaces. In other embodiments, the tablets 190 / 390 are cylindrical or disc-shaped with convex surfaces. Tablets 190 / 390 of other shapes are also considered to be within the scope of this disclosure. The tablets 190 / 390 of this disclosure may have diameters or other main dimensions greater than 25 mm, such as 0 mm to 25 mm, 5 mm to 20 mm, 10 mm to 15 mm, 0 mm to 6 mm, 5 to 11 mm, 10 to 16 mm, 15 to 21 mm, 20 to 25 mm or larger. In some embodiments of this disclosure, containers 55 / 255 / 455 are coupled to and detached from the dispensing assembly 50 / 250 / 450 so that each container 55 / 255 / 455 can be filled or store a desired number and arrangement of tablets, and can be replaced, substituted or replenished. Containers 55 / 255 / 455 may have variable design characteristics in many different configurations and dimensions to accommodate this number and arrangement of tablets. Furthermore, transfer tubes 60 / 260 / 460 are coupled to and detached from the dispensing assembly 50 / 250 / 450 and can be replaced with transfer tubes 60 / 260 / 460 of different sizes to accommodate tablets 190 / 390 of different sizes.

[0104] In some embodiments, one tablet 190 / 390 is dispensed onto the deck 70 / 270 / 470 / 670 at a time, but multiple dispensing assemblies 50 / 250 / 350 can be implemented, thereby enabling the simultaneous dispensing of multiple (identical or different) tablets to the same location. Additionally or alternatively, tablet dispensing can be precisely controlled to ensure that continuously dispensed tablets are dispensed to the same location or within a threshold distance from each other.

[0105] Furthermore, to further improve the material dispensing device 10 / 210 / 410 / 610 for accurate and precise use, various components of the material dispensing device 10 / 210 / 410 / 610 can be selected, exchanged, replaced or adjusted, including, but not limited to, the stiffness of the springs 180 / 380 / 552 / 762, the selection of tablets 190 / 390, the shape of the cams 120 / 320 / 520 / 730 (including the use of different types of cams), the size of various components, and so on. In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 32 and 33, the material dispensing device 10 / 210 / 410 / 610 of this disclosure may include one or more angle markers 802 provided on (e.g., printed on) its housing 20 / 220 / 420 / 620. These angle markers 802 facilitate improvement of the angular accuracy of material dispensing by the user of the material dispensing device 10 / 210 / 410 / 610. The angle marker 802, embodied here as a line, may include a mark 803 that identifies an angular offset (from the nominal "straight line" direction) for holding the material delivery device 10 / 210 / 410 / 610 to achieve a desired angular delivery. Thus, the material delivery devices 10 / 210 / 410 / 610 of this disclosure are highly customizable according to their desired application.

[0106] The components of the substance dispensing device 10 / 210 / 410 / 610 are constructed from lightweight materials in exemplary embodiments and may further be constructed from recyclable and / or reusable materials. In some embodiments, the housing 20 / 220 / 420 / 620 is formed from a polymer material.

[0107] Tablets 190 / 390 may contain any desired chemical formulation. In some embodiments, tablets 190 / 390 are hydrolyzable, so that they dissolve or decompose when delivered to a humid environment for application thereto.

[0108] The chemical and substance delivery systems of this disclosure are suitable for use with a variety of chemical products, including, but are not limited to, pesticides such as fertilizers, insecticides, fungicides, anthelmintics, fungicides, acaricides, herbicides, and herbicide antidotes; growth regulators such as insect molting inhibitors and rooting stimulants, chemical sterilizers, signaling substances, repellents, attractants, pheromones, and feeding stimulants; other biologically active compounds that form multicomponent pesticides; or entomopathogenic bacteria, viruses, or fungi.

[0109] Certain features of various embodiments of this disclosure are shown in some drawings and not in others, for convenience only. In accordance with the principles of this disclosure, any feature in the drawings may be referenced and / or claimed in combination with any feature in any other drawing.

[0110] This specification exemplifies the disclosure, including the best mode, and uses examples to enable those skilled in the art to carry out the disclosure, including the manufacture and use of any device or system and the execution of any incorporated method. The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims and may include other examples that a person skilled in the art could conceive. Such other examples are intended to be within the claims if they have structural elements that are not different from the language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that are substantially different from the language of the claims.

Claims

1. A housing including a deck extending along the delivery axis Y toward the delivery end, A container coupled to the housing and configured to dispense tablets onto the deck in the dispensing direction Z, An actuator assembly coupled to the housing, A driver that can be selectively moved along the delivery axis Y of the deck, A spring that is operably connected to the driver and can be selectively positioned in an idle position and an operating position, Actuator operably coupled to the aforementioned driver Actuator assembly including A material delivery device including, The operation of the actuator involves moving the spring from the idle position to the operating position, and translating the driver along the delivery axis Y so as to move it away from the delivery end of the deck. A substance delivery device wherein the operation of the actuator beyond a threshold position causes the spring to move from the operating position to the idle position, and the driver to translate along the delivery axis Y toward the delivery end of the deck and to impart a propulsive force to the tablet.

2. The material delivery device according to claim 1, wherein the handle further includes a handle portion, and the actuator includes a trigger movable toward the handle portion of the housing between a first position and a second position.

3. The material delivery device according to claim 2, wherein the trigger is translatably movable in the delivery direction Y between the first position and the second position.

4. The material delivery device according to claim 2, wherein the trigger is rotatable toward the handle portion between the first position and the second position.

5. The actuator assembly is Cam and, Subordinate verb and The material delivery device according to claim 2, further comprising the rotation of the trigger from the first position to the second position causing the simultaneous rotation of the drive.

6. The material delivery device according to claim 5, wherein the drive extends rearward from the trigger.

7. The material delivery device according to claim 6, wherein the drive is rotatably coupled to the trigger.

8. The material delivery device according to claim 5, wherein the cam is a fixed cam having a concave cam surface, and the drive includes a lateral projection configured to traverse the concave cam surface.

9. The material delivery device according to claim 5, wherein the spring is coupled to the drive while the trigger is rotated from a first position to a second position.

10. The material delivery device according to claim 5, wherein the actuator assembly further includes a drive spring that applies a lateral force to the drive.

11. The material delivery device according to claim 5, wherein the cam is configured to rotate about a camshaft, and the rotation of the drive causes the cam to rotate about the camshaft in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the drive.

12. The material delivery device according to claim 5, wherein the spring is coupled to the cam.

13. A portion of the spring is held between two retaining pins connected to the cam, as described in claim 12.

14. The material delivery device according to claim 2, wherein the spring is a torsion spring including two legs and a winding portion.

15. The material delivery device according to claim 14, wherein one leg of the torsion spring extends through a through hole defined through the driver.

16. The material delivery device according to claim 2, wherein the actuator assembly further includes a trigger return spring configured to apply a return force to the trigger, thereby moving the trigger back to the first position.

17. The material delivery device according to claim 2, wherein the trigger is rotatable toward the handle portion and is translatably movable along an oblique path away from the handle portion between the first position and the second position.

18. The material delivery device according to claim 17, further comprising a leaf spring configured to apply a return force to the trigger, thereby translating the trigger along the diagonal path toward the handle portion, and returning the trigger to the first position.

19. The material delivery device according to claim 2, wherein the housing further includes an angle marker provided on the housing.

20. The actuator includes a manually rotatable crank, The actuator assembly is A cam connected to the crank, the cam including a helical surface and a drop surface, A spring rail extending from a first end to a second end, which is translatably movable in the delivery direction Y, and which is operably connected to the cam such that when the cam is rotated in a first rotational direction, the spring rail translates away from the delivery end, and when the cam is rotated in the first rotational direction, the spring rail translates toward the delivery end as the second end crosses the drop surface. It further includes, The spring includes a torsion spring operably coupled to the spring rail and the driver, The operation of the actuator includes rotation of the manually rotatable crank in the first rotational direction, causing the cam to translate the spring rail away from the delivery end, thereby causing the torsion spring to rotate to the operating position and the driver to translate away from the delivery end of the deck. The substance delivery device according to claim 1, wherein the operation of the actuator beyond a threshold position includes a continuous rotation of the manually rotatable crank beyond a threshold point, which causes the second end of the spring rail to cross the drop surface of the cam, thereby causing the torsion spring to rotate in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction and to cause the driver to translate along the deck toward the delivery end to impart the propulsion force to the tablet.

21. A housing including a handle portion and a deck extending in the delivery direction Y toward the delivery end, A dispensing assembly configured to dispense tablets onto the deck in the dispensing direction Z, An actuator assembly, A driver that can be selectively moved along the delivery direction Y of the deck, A spring that is operably connected to the driver and can be selectively positioned in an idle position and an operating position, A trigger that is movable toward the handle portion of the housing between a first position and a second position. Actuator assembly including A material delivery device including, The movement of the trigger from the first position to the second position moves the spring from the idle position to the operating position and translates the driver along the delivery direction Y so as to move it away from the delivery end of the deck. A substance delivery device wherein continuous movement of the trigger toward the second position and beyond a threshold position causes the spring to move from the operating position to the idle position, and the driver to translate along the delivery direction Y toward the delivery end of the deck and to propel the tablet.

22. The material delivery device according to claim 21, wherein the trigger is translatably movable in the delivery direction Y between the first position and the second position.

23. The material delivery device according to claim 21, wherein the trigger is rotatable toward the handle portion between the first position and the second position.

24. The actuator assembly is Cam and, Subordinate verb and The material delivery device according to claim 21, further comprising the rotation of the trigger from the first position to the second position causing the simultaneous rotation of the drive.

25. The material delivery device according to claim 24, wherein the drive extends rearward from the trigger.

26. The material delivery device according to claim 25, wherein the drive is rotatably coupled to the trigger.

27. The material delivery device according to claim 24, wherein the cam is a fixed cam having a concave cam surface, and the drive includes a lateral projection configured to traverse the concave cam surface.

28. The material delivery device according to claim 24, wherein the spring is coupled to the drive while the trigger is rotated from the first position to the second position.

29. The material delivery device according to claim 24, wherein the actuator assembly further includes a drive spring that applies a lateral force to the drive.

30. The material delivery device according to claim 24, wherein the cam is configured to rotate about a camshaft, and the rotation of the drive causes the cam to rotate about the camshaft in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the drive.

31. The material delivery device according to claim 24, wherein the spring is coupled to the cam.

32. A portion of the spring is held between two retaining pins connected to the cam, as described in claim 31.

33. The material delivery device according to claim 21, wherein the spring is a torsion spring including two legs and a winding portion.

34. The material delivery device according to claim 33, wherein one leg of the torsion spring extends through a through hole defined through the driver.

35. The material delivery device according to claim 21, wherein the actuator assembly further includes a trigger return spring configured to act a return force on the trigger to move the trigger back to the first position.

36. The material delivery device according to claim 21, wherein the trigger is rotatable toward the handle portion and is translatably movable along an oblique path away from the handle portion between the first position and the second position.

37. The material delivery device according to claim 36, further comprising a leaf spring configured to apply a return force to the trigger, thereby translating the trigger along the diagonal path toward the handle portion, and returning the trigger to the first position.

38. The material delivery device according to claim 21, wherein the housing further includes an angle marker provided on the housing.

39. A housing including a deck extending in the delivery direction Y toward the delivery end, A dispensing assembly configured to dispense tablets onto the deck in the dispensing direction Z, An actuator assembly, A manually rotatable crank, A cam connected to the crank, the cam including a helical surface and a falling surface, A spring rail extending from a first end to a second end, which is translatably movable in the delivery direction Y, and which is operably connected to a cam such that when the cam is rotated in a first rotational direction, the spring rail translates away from the delivery end, and when the cam is rotated in the first rotational direction, the spring rail translates toward the delivery end as the second end crosses the drop surface. A driver capable of selectively translating along the deck in the delivery direction Y, and Torsion spring operably connected to the spring rail and the driver. Actuator assembly including A material delivery device including, The rotation of the manually rotatable crank in the first rotational direction causes the cam to translate the spring rail away from the delivery end, and thereby causes the torsion spring to rotate to the operating position and the driver to translate away from the delivery end, A substance delivery device wherein continuous rotation of the manually rotatable crank exceeding a threshold point causes the second end of the spring rail to cross the drop surface of the cam, thereby causing the torsion spring to rotate in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction and to cause the driver to translate along the deck toward the delivery end, thereby imparting propulsion to the tablet.

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