Material delivery device

Abstract

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 configured to dispense a tablet onto the deck. The actuator assembly includes a driver movable along the delivery axis Y, a spring operatively connected to the driver and positionable in an idle position and an activated position, and an actuator operably coupled to the driver. Actuation of the actuator causes the spring to move from the idle position to the activated position, and causes the driver to translate away from the delivery end of the deck. Actuation of the actuator beyond a threshold position causes the spring to move from the activated position to the idle position, and causes the driver to translate toward the delivery end of the deck and impart momentum to the tablet.

Description

MATERIAL DELIVERY DEVICECROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 527,678, filed July 19, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND

[0002] This disclosure is directed to material delivery devices, and more specifically, to hand-held material delivery devices for dispensing products in tablet-based forms.

[0003] Certain agricultural applications may benefit from application of crop protection products or other agrochemicals to a flooded or non-flooded field. In some instances, it may be undesirable for a user to have to enter a flooded or difficult-to-access field in order to disperse such products.

[0004] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the disclosure, which are described and / or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0005] In one aspect, 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 dispense a tablet onto the deck in a dispensing direction Z. The actuator assembly is coupled to the housing and includes a driver selectively movable along the delivery axis Y of the deck, a spring operatively connected to the driver and selectively positionable in an idle position and an activated position, and an actuator operably coupled to the driver. Actuation of the actuator causes the spring to move from the idle position to the activated position, and causes the driver to translate along the delivery axisY away from the delivery end of the deck. Actuation of the actuator beyond a threshold position causes the spring to move from the activated position to the idle position, and causes the driver to translate along the delivery axis Y toward the delivery end of the deck and impart momentum to the tablet.

[0006] In another aspect, a material delivery device includes a housing, a dispensing assembly, and an actuator assembly. The housing includes a deck extending in a delivery direction Y toward a delivery end. The dispensing assembly is configured to dispense a tablet onto the deck in a dispensing direction Z. The actuator assembly includes a driver selectively movable along the delivery direction Y of the deck, a spring operatively connected to the driver and selectively positionable in an idle position and an activated position, and a trigger translatable in the delivery direction Y between a first position and a second position. Translation of the trigger from the first position towards the second position causes the spring to move from the idle position to the activated position, and causes the driver to translate along the delivery direction Y away from the delivery end of the deck. Continued translation of the trigger towards the second position and beyond a threshold position causes the spring to move from the activated position to the idle position, and causes the driver to translate along the delivery axis Y toward the delivery end of the deck and impart momentum to the tablet.

[0007] In yet another aspect, a material delivery device includes a housing, a dispensing assembly, and an actuator assembly. The housing includes a deck extending in a delivery directionY toward a delivery end. The dispensing assembly is configured to dispense a tablet onto the deck in a dispensing 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 operatively connected to the spring rail and the driver. The cam includes a spiral surface and a drop surface, and the spring rail extends from a first end to a second end and is translatable in the delivery direction Y. The spring rail is operatively connected to the cam such that the spring rail translates away from the delivery end as the cam is rotated in a first rotational direction and translates toward the delivery end when the second end traverses the drop surface as the cam is rotated in the first rotational direction. 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 into an activated position and translatethe driver away from the delivery end. Continued rotation of the manually-rotatable crank beyond a threshold point causes the second end of the spring rail to traverse the drop surface of the cam, thereby causing the spring to rotate in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction and translate the driver along the deck toward the delivery end to impart momentum to the tablet.

[0008] Various refinements exist of the features noted in relation to the above- mentioned aspects of the present disclosure. Additional features may also be incorporated in the above-mentioned aspects of the present disclosure as well. These refinements and additional features may exist individually or in any combination. For instance, various features discussed below in relation to any of the illustrated embodiments of the present disclosure may be incorporated into any of the above-described aspects of the present disclosure, alone or in any combination.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. l is a perspective view of a crank-actuated material delivery device.

[0010] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the crank-actuated material delivery device shown in FIG. 1.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a left-side view of the crank-actuated material delivery device shown in FIG. 1.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a right-side view of the crank-actuated material delivery device shown in FIG. 1.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a housing shell of the crank-actuated material delivery device shown in FIG. 1.

[0014] FIG. 6 is a cut-away view of a dispensing system connected to the housing shell shown in FIG. 5.

[0015] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a transfer tube of the dispensing system shown in FIG. 6.

[0016] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an actuation assembly of the crank-actuated material delivery device shown in FIG. 1 .

[0017] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a cam of the actuation assembly shown in FIG. 8.

[0018] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the actuation assembly shown in FIG. 8 in an activated position.

[0019] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the actuation assembly shown in FIG. 8 in an idle position.

[0020] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a trigger-actuated material delivery device.

[0021] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the trigger-actuated material delivery device shown in FIG. 12.

[0022] FIG. 14 is cut-away view of the trigger-actuated material delivery device shown in FIG. 12.

[0023] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a transfer tube of the trigger-actuated material delivery device shown in FIG. 12.

[0024] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a trigger of the trigger-actuated material delivery device shown in FIG. 12.

[0025] FIG. 17 is a top view of the trigger shown in FIG. 16.

[0026] FIG. 18 is a side view of the trigger shown in FIG. 16.

[0027] FIG. 19 is an enlarged perspective view of an inner block of the trigger shown in FIG. 16.

[0028] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a hammer spring, a trigger spring, and a driver of the trigger-actuated material delivery device shown in FIG. 12.

[0029] FIG. 21 is another perspective view of the hammer spring, the trigger spring, and the driver shown in FIG. 20.

[0030] FIG. 22 is a cut-away view of a grip base plate of the trigger-actuated material delivery device shown in FIG. 12.

[0031] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the trigger-actuated material delivery device shown in FIG. 12 with the dispensing assembly and an upper housing portion removed, illustrating an actuation assembly including the hammer spring, trigger spring, trigger, and driver shown in FIGS. 16-21, with the actuation assembly shown in a first position.

[0032] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the trigger-actuated material delivery device shown in FIG. 12 with the dispensing assembly removed, illustrating the actuation assembly shown in FIG. 23 in a first intermediate position.

[0033] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the trigger-actuated material delivery device shown in FIG. 12 with the dispensing assembly and the upper housing portion removed, illustrating the actuation assembly shown in FIG. 23 in a second intermediate position.

[0034] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the trigger-actuated material delivery device shown in FIG. 12 with the dispensing assembly and the upper housing portion removed, illustrating the actuation assembly shown in FIG. 23 in a threshold position.

[0035] FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the trigger-actuated material delivery device shown in FIG. 12 with the dispensing assembly and the upper housing portion removed, illustrating the actuation assembly in the threshold position shown in FIG. 26.

[0036] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the trigger-actuated material delivery device shown in FIG. 12 with the dispensing assembly removed, illustrating the actuation assembly in the threshold position shown in FIG. 26.

[0037] FIG. 29 is a top view of the trigger-actuated material delivery device shown in FIG. 12 with the dispensing assembly and an upper housing portion removed, illustrating the actuation assembly in the first position shown in FIG. 23.

[0038] FIG. 30 is a top view of the trigger-actuated material delivery device shown in FIG. 12 with the dispensing assembly and an upper housing portion removed, illustrating the actuation assembly in the second position shown in FIG. 24.

[0039] FIG. 31 is a top view of the trigger-actuated material delivery device shown in FIG. 12 with the dispensing assembly and an upper housing portion removed, illustrating the actuation assembly in the threshold position shown in FIG. 26-28.

[0040] FIG. 32 is a side view of a second embodiment of a trigger-actuated material delivery device.

[0041] FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the trigger-actuated material delivery device shown in FIG. 32.

[0042] FIG. 34 is a first side view of the trigger-actuated material delivery device shown in FIG. 32 with one housing portion removed.

[0043] FIG. 35 is a second side view of the trigger-actuated material delivery device shown in FIG. 32 with the other housing portion removed.

[0044] FIG. 36 is a partially exploded perspective view of the trigger-actuated material delivery device shown in FIG. 32.

[0045] FIG. 37 is an enlarged perspective view of an actuation assembly of the trigger-actuated material delivery device shown in FIG. 32 with one portion of the housing removed, illustrating the actuator assembly in a first, idle configuration.

[0046] FIG. 38 is an enlarged perspective view of an actuation assembly of the trigger-actuated material delivery device shown in FIG. 32 with one portion of the housing removed, illustrating the actuator assembly in a second, engaged configuration.

[0047] FIG. 39 is an enlarged perspective view of a trigger component of the actuation assembly of the trigger-actuated material delivery device shown in FIG. 32.

[0048] FIG. 40 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a trigger-actuated material delivery device.

[0049] FIG. 41 is a side view of the trigger-actuated material delivery device shown in FIG. 40, with a portion of the housing removed to depict the actuator assembly in a first, idle configuration.

[0050] FIG. 42 is another side view of the trigger-actuated material delivery device shown in FIG. 40, with another portion of the housing removed to depict the actuator assembly in a first, idle configuration.

[0051] FIG. 43 is an exploded perspective view of the trigger-actuated material delivery device shown in FIG. 40.

[0052] FIG. 44 an enlarged perspective view of an actuation assembly of the trigger-actuated material delivery device shown in FIG. 40, illustrating the actuator assembly in a second, engaged configuration.

[0053] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0054] The present disclosure is generally related to material delivery systems for dispensing products in tablet-based forms. In specific embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to material delivery systems that deliver a tablet to a desired location.

[0055] With reference to FIGS. 1-4, a material delivery device 10 is illustrated in the form of a crank-actuated material delivery device for delivering a tablet. Although the material delivery device 10 is shown and described herein with reference to a crank-actuated material delivery device for delivering a tablet, systems and devices consistent with this disclosure may be embodied in other types of material delivery devices and in other combinations including, but without limitation, other crank-actuated devices and material delivery devices with other actuation means.

[0056] In the example embodiment, the material delivery device 10 includes a housing 20, a dispensing assembly 50, and an actuator assembly 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 20 is assembled from two housing shells 22 each having an outer surface 23 and an inner surface 25 (see FIG. 5). When assembled, the inner surfaces 25 of the housing shells 22 define a cavity 21 (see FIG. 5) shaped and sized to receive a portion of the actuator assembly 100 therein. 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 allows the material delivery device 10 to function as described herein. The housing shells 22 may be substantially symmetrical or they may have one or more differing features.

[0057] In the illustrated embodiment, each housing shell 22 includes a plurality of fastener holes 24 for receiving a corresponding plurality of fasteners (not specifically shown) therethrough, to couple the housing shells 22 together. The fasteners may include screws, bolts, pins, or other suitable fasteners. The fastener holes 24 may be threaded or unthreaded, may have a chamfered or straight opening, or may have any other characteristics that allow the material delivery device 10 to function as described herein. The illustrated housing shells 22 additionally include a plurality of interlocking features 29 (see FIG. 5) extending from the respective inner surface 25 of each housing shell 22 that are shaped, sized, and positioned to engage with a corresponding interlocking feature 29 on the other housing shell 22 to further couple the two housing shells 22 together.

[0058] The housing 20 includes a body portion 30 and a handle portion 40. In the illustrated embodiment, the body portion 30 is shaped and sized to house the actuator assembly 100. The handle portion 40 is adapted to be manually held by a user, and may be ergonomically shaped and / or textured to facilitate gripping thereof, for example but without limitation, with stippling, knurling, abrasive surfaces, combinations thereof, or any other suitable ergonomic shape or texture that facilitates gripping the handle portion 40.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 5, the housing 20 additionally includes a deck 70 formed from a respective half deck 70a extending inwardly 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 adelivery axis Y from a first, closed end 72 to a second, open end 74 (also referred to as a delivery end 74).

[0060] The dispensing assembly 50 includes a container 55 and a transfer tube 60. With additional reference to FIG. 6, the container 55 defines a cavity 57 shaped and sized to hold a plurality of tablet-based chemical products - also referred to herein more generally as “tablets,” not shown in FIG. 6 - to be dispensed using the material delivery device 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the container 55 is substantially cylindrical in shape, but may have any other suitable shape. The container 55 extends from a base portion 56 to a mouth portion 58, and includes at least one thread 59 defined along an 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 an inner radial surface of the mouth portion 58, or may not include threads.

[0061] With additional reference to FIG. 7, the transfer tube 60 extends from an inlet portion 62 to a 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 suitable shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet portion 62 includes at least one thread 69 defined along an inner radial surface thereof, and is shaped and sized complementary to the mouth portion 58 of the container 55 such that the mouth portion 58 can be received within and threadably engaged with the inlet portion 62 of the transfer tube 60. In other embodiments, the inlet portion 62 may additionally or alternatively include threads defined along a radial outer surface 67 thereof such that the inlet portion can be received within and threadably engaged with the mouth portion 58 of the container 55. In still other embodiments, neither the inlet portion 62 of the transfer tube 60 nor the mouth portion 58 of the container 55 include threads, and may be connected with a friction fit, an additional adapter or fastener(s), or by 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 tablet powder or debris that may fall from the container 55, to prevent ingress thereof into the housing 20.

[0062] The base portion 66 is planar and substantially rectangular in shape and defines a plurality of fastener holes 66a. The housing 20 additionally includes a correspondingplurality of fastener seats 28 (see FIG. 5) shaped, sized, and positioned such that a fastener may be passed through the fastener hole in the base portion 66 and into the corresponding fastener seat 28 in the housing 20, to secure the transfer tube 60 to the housing 20.

[0063] The transfer tube 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 defines an inner diameter Dd that corresponds to a diameter of a tablet (not shown in FIG. 7). The duct portion 80 additionally defines at least one window 82 enabling a user of the material delivery device 10 to look into the duct portion 80. The at least one window is shaped and sized to permit entry of a tool or a user’s finger to mitigate a blockage in the event of a stuck tablet or foreign body trapped therein.

[0064] In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the housing 20 defines a tablet opening 27 that, when the housing 20 and dispensing assembly 50 are connected as described above, is aligned with the cavity 57 of the container and the duct portion 80 of the transfer tube 60 along a dispensing axis Z. In operation of the material delivery device 10, the tablet opening 27 is positioned directly above the deck 70 such that a tablet passing through the container 55, transfer tube 60, and tablet opening 27 is delivered to the deck 70. The designation “above” or “below” is used herein based on the operational configuration shown in the figures, and is not intended to be limiting.

[0065] With reference to FIG. 8, the actuation assembly 100 includes a manual feature or actuator operable to be selectively actuated and released. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator is a crank 110 manually rotatable about a crankshaft 105 (FIG. 2) that extends through the housing and is aligned with a crank axis X. The crank 110 is removably couplable to the crankshaft 105 and, when connected thereto, extends from the outer surface 23 of the housing 20. The crank 110 may be coupled to the crankshaft through either housing shell 22, such that the crank 110 can be installed and operated on either side of the housing 20 (e.g., with a user’s preferred or dominant hand). The crank 110 includes an arm 112 extending from a first end 111 to a second end 113 such that the crank is rotatable about the crank axis X proximate the first end 111. The crank 110 additionally includes a handle 114 extending from the second end 113 of the arm 112. In some embodiments, the handle 114 is rotatable relative to the arm 112 about an axisparallel to the crank axis X. In other embodiments, the handle 114 does not rotate relative to the arm 1 12.

[0066] The actuation assembly 100 additionally includes a cam 120, a spring rail 140, a driver 160, and a spring 180. The cam 120 is connected (e.g., fixedly) to the crank 110 via the crankshaft 105 such that rotation of the crank 110 about the crank axis X (e.g., in a first rotational direction, indicated by the arrow in FIG. 3) causes simultaneous rotation of the crankshaft 105 and the cam 120 about the crank axis X. In the illustrated embodiment, the cam 120 is a snail cam. In other embodiments, the cam 120 may be any suitable type of cam, for example, but without limitation, an eccentric cam, or a disk cam. With reference to FIG. 9, the cam 120 includes a spiral surface 122, along which a radius of the cam 120 increases from a first radius Ri to a second radius R2, and a drop surface 124, in which the radius decreases from the second radius R2 to the first radius Ri. In the illustrated embodiment, the spiral surface 122 is circumferentially larger than the drop surface 124 such that the radius of cam 120 increases along the spiral surface 122 at a lower rate than the radius decreases in the drop surface 124.

[0067] With reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, the spring rail 140 extends from a first end 142 to a second end 144 and is translatable in a delivery direction parallel to the delivery axis Y (FIG. 6). Similarly, the driver 160 extends from a first end 162 to a second end 164 and is slidably translatable along the deck 70 in the delivery direction Y. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring 180 is a torsion spring 180 that extends 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 inwardly from the inner surface 25 of one of the housing shells 22. The torsion spring 180 passes through an opening 141 in the spring rail 140 and through an opening 161 in the driver 160 that are proximate their respective first ends 142, 162. In other embodiments, the spring 180 may be any other suitable type of spring that enables the material delivery device 10 to function as described herein including, for example and without limitation, a compression spring, a tension spring, or a leaf spring.

[0068] The second end 144 of the spring rail 140 is positioned adjacent to and is biased into contact with the cam 120 via the spring force exerted by the spring 180 on the spring rail 140. The second end 144 of the spring rail 140 maintains contact with the spiral surface 122of the cam 120 as the cam rotates, and, therefore, rotation of the cam 120 causes translation of the spring rail 140 parallel to the delivery direction. For example, as the cam 120 rotates in a first rotational direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 10), the second end 144 of the spring rail 140 maintains contact with the spiral surface 122 of the cam 120 as the radius of the cam spiral surface 122 increases from Ri to R.2. The spring rail 140 consequently translates along the delivery direction away from the delivery end 74 by a distance of R2 - Ri.

[0069] Translation of the spring rail 140 away from the delivery end 74 in turn causes the torsion spring 180 to rotate in the first rotational direction and into an activated position, in which the torsion spring 180 stores an amount of potential energy proportional to the distance by which it deflects. Additionally, the rotation of the torsion spring 180 causes the driver 160 to translate away from the delivery end 74. FIG. 10 illustrates the actuation assembly 100 when the torsion spring 180 is in the activated position, the second end 144 of the spring rail is in contact with the cam 120 at a point where its radius is R2, and both the spring rail 140 and the driver 160 have been translated away from the delivery end 74. The translation of the driver 160 away from the delivery end 74 additionally enables a tablet 190 to drop from the transfer tube 60, through the tablet opening 27, and into a deployment position on the deck 70, as shown in FIG. 10.

[0070] When the cam 120 passes a threshold point, where the second end 144 of the spring rail 140 reaches an end of the spiral surface 122 proximate the drop surface 124, the spring rail 140 will rapidly translate toward the delivery end 74 toward its initial position as the cam radius sharply decreases from R2 to Ri and the spring 180 biases the spring rail 140 towards the cam spiral surface 122. Accordingly, the potential energy stored in the torsion spring 180 is released, causing the torsion spring 180 to return rapidly to its idle position, in which it is undeflected and stores no potential energy. The rotation of the torsion spring 180 in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction from the activated position to the idle position additionally causes the driver 160 to rapidly translate along the deck 70 toward the delivery end 74 and back to its initial position. FIG. 11 illustrates the actuation assembly 100 when the torsion spring 180 has returned from the activated position to the idle position, and the second end 144 of the spring rail 140 is in contact with the cam 120 at a point where its radius is Ri.

[0071] As the torsion spring 180 is released from the activated position to the idle position, the resulting rapid movement of the driver 160 toward the delivery end 74 imparts momentum to the tablet 190 in the deployment position. The tablet 190 is thereby launched along the deck 70 and out the delivery end 74, toward its desired destination. In some embodiments, the material delivery device 10 is configured to launch the tablet 190 up to 5 meters, up to 7 meters, up to 10 meters, up to 15 meters, up to 20 meters, or up to 30 meters. For example, the size, shape, and other characteristics of components of the actuation assembly 100 (e.g., spring constant of spring 180, length of spring 180, change in radius between R2 and Ri of the cam 120, etc.) can be selected based on a desired launching distance of tablet.

[0072] With reference now to FIGS. 12-14, another embodiment of a material delivery device 210 is illustrated in the form of a trigger-actuated material delivery device for delivering a tablet. Although the material delivery device 210 is shown and described herein with reference to a trigger-actuated material delivery device for delivering a tablet, systems and devices consistent with this disclosure may be embodied in other types of material delivery devices and in other combinations including, but without limitation, other trigger-actuated devices and material delivery devices with other actuation means.

[0073] In the example embodiment, the material delivery device 210 includes a housing 220, a dispensing assembly 250, and an actuator assembly 300. In the illustrated 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 manually held by a user, and may be ergonomically shaped and / or textured to facilitate gripping thereof, for example but without limitation, with stippling, knurling, abrasive surfaces, combinations thereof, or any other suitable ergonomic shape or texture that facilitates gripping the handle portion 242. In other embodiments, the housing 220 may be formed from any combination of housing components that allows the material delivery device 210 to function as described herein. The housing additionally includes a deck 270 extending along a delivery axis Y (see FIG. 22) from a first, closed end 272 to a second, open end 274 (also referred to as a delivery end 274).

[0074] Similar to the dispensing assembly 50 of the crank-activated material delivery device 10 described above, the dispensing assembly 250 includes a container 255 and a transfer tube 260. With additional reference to FIG. 14, the container 255 defines a cavity 257 shaped and sized to hold a plurality of tablet-based chemical products - also referred to herein more generally as “tablets,” not shown in FIG. 14 - to be dispensed using the material delivery device 210. In the illustrated embodiment, the container 255 is substantially cylindrical in shape, but may have any other suitable shape. The container 255 extends from a base portion 256 to a mouth portion 258, and includes at least one thread 259 defined along an 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 an inner radial surface of the mouth portion 258, or may not include threads.

[0075] With additional reference to FIG. 15, the transfer tube 260 extends from an inlet portion 262 to a 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 suitable shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet portion 262 includes at least one thread 269 defined along the inner radial surface 265, and is shaped and sized complementary to the mouth portion 258 of the container 255 such that the mouth portion 258 can be received within and threadably engaged with the inlet portion 262 of the transfer tube 260. In other embodiments, the inlet portion 262 may additionally or alternatively include threads defined along a radial outer surface 267 thereof such that the inlet portion can be received within and threadably engaged with the mouth portion 258 of the container 255. In still other embodiments, neither the inlet portion 262 of the transfer tube 260 nor the mouth portion 258 of the container 255 include threads, and can be connected with a friction fit, additional adapter or fastener, or by 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 tablet powder or debris that may fall from the container 255, to prevent ingress thereof into the housing 220.

[0076] The base portion 266 defines at least one locking feature (not labeled) 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 issubstantially cylindrical and defines an inner diameter Da that corresponds to a diameter of a tablet (not shown in FIG. 15). In other embodiments, the duct portion 280 may have any suitable shape and size. The duct portion 280 additionally defines at least one window 282 enabling a user of the material delivery device 210 to look into the duct portion 280 and shaped and sized to permit entry of a tool or a user’s finger to mitigate a blockage in the event of a stuck tablet or foreign body trapped therein.

[0077] When the housing 220 and dispensing assembly 250 are connected as described above and as shown in FIG. 12 and 14, the cavity 257 of the container 255 and the duct portion 280 of the transfer tube 260 are aligned along a dispensing axis Z. The dispensing assembly 250 is positioned directly above the deck 270 such that a tablet passing through the container 255 and transfer tube 260 is delivered to the deck 270. The designation “above” or “below” is used herein based on the operational configuration shown in the figures, and is not intended to be limiting.

[0078] The actuation assembly 300 includes a manual feature or actuator operable to be selectively actuated and released. With reference to FIG. 16, the actuator of the illustrated embodiment is a manually-actuatable trigger 310 translatable (i.e., linearly movable) in the delivery direction Y. The trigger 310 includes a gripper 312 shaped and sized to be gripped by a user, and a slider 320. The gripper 312 and slider 320 may be integrally formed, or they may be fixedly connected by at least one fastener (for example, a fastener received in an opening 314). With additional reference to FIG. 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 an outer base 363 to an outer intermediate point 364, and each outer block 362 extends from the outer intermediate point 364 to an outer actuation surface 365. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer block 362 has a width WOB that is greater than a width WOA of the outer arm 361. With additional reference to FIG. 18, a height hoB of the outer block 362 tapers such that the actuation surface 365 is curved. The outer block 362 has a maximum height hoB.m that is greater than a height hoA of the outer arm 361.

[0079] 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 intermediate point 374, and each inner block 372 extends from the inner intermediate point 374 to an inner actuation surface 375. The inner arm 371 has a constant width WIA, and the inner block 372 has an upper surface width WIB,US that tapers outward from the inner intermediate point 374 to the inner actuation surface 375. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper surface width WIB.US of the inner block 372 at the inner intermediate point 374 is equal to the width WIA of the inner arm 371, and the upper surface width WIB,US of the inner block 372 at the inner actuation surface 375 is equal to a maximum width wiAS,m of the inner actuation surface 375, with the upper surface width WIB.US tapering linearly between the inner intermediate point 374 and the inner actuation surface 375. In further embodiments, the inner arm 371, inner block 372, and inner actuation surface 375 may have any suitable width relative to one another. Each inner tab 370 has a constant maximum height hiT,maxalong a length of the inner arm 371 and inner block 372. With additional reference to FIG. 19, a height hiAs of the inner actuation surface 375 tapers from the maximum height hrr,m of the inner arm 371 to a minimum height hrr,min. The inner block 372 defines an inner surface 379 oriented obliquely relative to the inner actuation surface 375 that tapers in both width and height as described above.

[0080] Each of the inner tabs 370 has a suitably resilient construction such that the tab 370 is capable of being deflected in the presence of an applied force, and returning to an initial, undeflected 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 may deflect the inner tabs 370 laterally away from a centerline CL (Fig. 17) of the slider 320, and removing the force would allow the inner tabs 370 to return to their resting position.

[0081] With reference to FIGS. 20 and 21, the actuation assembly 300 additionally 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 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 (FIG. 21) therebetween. Each of the hammer spring 330 and the trigger spring 340 has a suitably resilient construction such that each spring330, 340 is capable of being axially deflected in the presence of an applied force, and returning to an initial, undeflected position without undergoing permanent deformation when the force is removed.

[0082] The trigger spring 340 is positioned in face-to-face engagement with the hammer spring 330 such that a portion of the hammer spring 330 partially or fully passes through the hammer spring opening 343 in 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 portion 331, 341 of the spring 330, 340. Each fastener opening 336, 346 is shaped and sized to receive a fastener therethrough, and positioned such that the openings 336, 346 of each spring 330, 340 are aligned when the springs 330, 340 are positioned in face-to-face engagement as described above. The springs of 330, 340 of the illustrated embodiment each include two fastener openings 336, 346, but may include any suitable number of fastener openings, for example and without limitation, one, three, or more. In other embodiments, the springs 330, 340 may include no fastener openings.

[0083] With additional reference to FIG. 22, when installed in the material delivery device 210, the hammer spring 330 and the 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 defining a slot 245 shaped and sized to receive and retain the fixed portions 331, 341 of the hammer spring 330 and the trigger spring 340. As such, the fixed portions 331, 341 of the springs 330, 340 are prevented from moving in a delivery direction Y when received in the slot 245. The handle portion 242 additionally includes at least one spring retention opening 246 that, when the springs 330, 340 are received in the slot 245, align with the at least one fastener opening 336, 346 in each spring to permit a fastener (not shown) to be received therein, thereby preventing movement of the springs 330, 340 in the dispensing direction Z (FIG. 14).

[0084] During operation of the actuation assembly 300, the trigger 310 translates in the delivery direction Y between a first, idle position (shown in FIGS. 23 and 29) and a second position, located just beyond an actuated, threshold position (shown in FIGS. 26-28 and 31). When the trigger 310 is in the first position, and with reference to FIGS. 23 and 29, the hammer spring 330 and the trigger spring 340 remain undeflected. In the first position shown in the illustratedembodiment, the outer actuation surface 365 of each outer block 362 of the slider 320 contacts, but does not apply force to, each respective actuation surface 342 of the trigger spring 340. In further embodiments, the outer actuation surfaces 365 do not contact the actuation surfaces 342 of the trigger spring 340 in the first position. In still further embodiments, the outer actuation surfaces 365 both contact and apply force to the actuation surfaces 342 of the trigger spring 340 in the first position, such that the trigger spring 340 is deflected in the first position.

[0085] As a force is applied to the trigger 310 in the direction of the handle portion 242, moving it closer to the handle portion 242, the outer actuation surface 365 of each outer block 362 of the slider 320 applies a force to each respective actuation surface 342 of the trigger spring 340. As more force is applied, the trigger spring 340 begins to deflect (FIGS. 24 and 30) in the direction the force is applied such that the actuation surfaces 342 are oriented obliquely relative to the fixed portion 341 of the trigger spring 340. As the trigger 310 is moved closer to the handle portion 242, the actuation assembly 300 moves into a first intermediate position (FIGS. 24 and 30), in which the inner actuation surfaces 375 of the inner blocks 372 of the slider 320 contact the shoulder 332 of the hammer spring 330. As more force is applied and the trigger 310 moves into a second intermediate position (FIG. 25), the hammer spring 330 begins to deflect in the direction the force is applied such that the shoulder 332 is oriented obliquely relative to the fixed portion 341 of the hammer spring 330.

[0086] As the trigger 310 is moved (e.g., pulled) closer to the handle portion 242, the hammer spring 330 is deflected until it reaches the activated, threshold position (FIGS. 26-28 and 31). As the hammer spring 330 deflects, the upper edge 333 of the shoulder 332 moves downward in the dispensing direction Z until the shoulder 332 is in contact with the lowermost portion of the inner actuation surfaces 375 of the inner blocks 372 of the slider 320. Further application of force to the trigger 310 towards the second position causes the upper edge 333 of the shoulder 332 to deflect downward until the shoulder 332 traverses the lowermost portion of the inner actuation surfaces 375, and disengages the inner actuation surfaces 375. Without the inner actuation surfaces 375 applying force to the shoulder 332 to maintain the hammer spring’s 330 deflection, the energy stored in the hammer spring 330 is released, causing the hammer spring 330 to rapidly move (e.g., fire) from the activated position towards the idle position. As a result, the driver 350 translates along the delivery axis Y toward the delivery end 274 of the deck 270,with the shoulder 332 of the hammer spring passing between the inner tabs 370 of the slider 320 along its centerline CL. AS the hammer spring 330 is released from the activated position to the idle position, the resulting rapid movement of the driver 350 toward the delivery end 274 imparts momentum to a tablet 390 (FIG. 28) that has been dispensed by the dispensing assembly 250 onto the deck 270. The tablet 390 is launched along the deck 270, off of the delivery end 274, and toward its desired destination. In some embodiments, the material delivery device 210 is configured to launch the tablet 190 up to 5 meters, up to 7 meters, up to 10 meters, up to 15 meters, up to 20 meters, or up to 30 meters. For example, the size, shape, and other characteristics of components of the actuation assembly 100 (e.g., spring constant of springs 330, 340, length of springs 330, 340, height h s of inner actuation surface 375, etc.) can be selected based on a desired launching distance of tablet .

[0087] When the force is removed from the trigger 310, the energy stored in the trigger spring 340 is released, causing the trigger spring 340 to return from the second position to the idle position. Consequently, the actuation surfaces 342 of the trigger spring 340 apply a force to the outer blocks 362 of the slider 320, causing the slider 320 to translate from the second position to the first position. As the slider 320 returns to the first position, the inner surface 379 of each inner tab 370 engages the hammer spring 330, causing the inner tabs to deflect laterally away from the centerline CL to allow the hammer spring 330 to pass the inner blocks 372. With additional reference to FIG. 19, the inner surface 379 of each inner block 372 is oriented obliquely to the respective inner arm 371 to enable smooth relative movement between the inner blocks 372 and the hammer spring 330.

[0088] With reference now to FIGS. 32-36, another embodiment of a material delivery device 410 is illustrated in the form of a trigger-actuated material delivery device for delivering a tablet. In particular, FIG. 32 is a side view of the trigger-actuated material delivery device 410, FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the trigger-actuated material delivery device 410, FIG. 34 is a first side view of the trigger-actuated material delivery device 410, with one housing portion removed, FIG. 35 is a second side view of the trigger-actuated material delivery device 410, with the other housing portion removed, and FIG. 36 is a partially exploded perspective view of the trigger-actuated material delivery device 410. Although the material delivery device 410 is shown and described herein with reference to a trigger-actuated material delivery device for delivering atablet, systems and devices consistent with this disclosure may be embodied in other types of material delivery devices and in other combinations including, but without limitation, other trigger-actuated devices and material delivery devices with other actuation means.

[0089] In the example embodiment, the material delivery device 410 includes a housing 420, a dispensing assembly 450, and an actuator assembly 500. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 420 is assembled from two housing shells 422, 423. Each housing shell 422, 423 has a respective outer surface 424 and an inner surface 425 (see FIG. 36). When assembled, the inner surfaces 425 of the housing shells 422, 423 define a cavity 421 (see FIG. 36) shaped and sized to receive a portion of the actuator assembly 500 therein. The housing shells 422, 423 may be substantially symmetrical or they may have one or more differing 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 allows the material delivery device 410 to function as described herein.

[0090] In the illustrated embodiment, each housing shell 422, 423 includes a plurality of fastener holes 426 for receiving a corresponding plurality of fasteners 428 therethrough, to couple the housing shells 422, 423 together. The fasteners 428 may include screws, bolts, pins, or other suitable fasteners. The fastener holes 426 may be threaded or unthreaded, may have a chamfered or straight opening, or may have any other characteristics that allow the material delivery device 410 to function as described herein.

[0091] The housing 420 includes a body portion 430 and a handle portion 440. In the illustrated embodiment, the body portion 430 is shaped and sized to house the actuator assembly 500. The handle portion 440 is adapted to be manually held by a user, and may be ergonomically shaped and / or textured to facilitate gripping thereof, for example but without limitation, with stippling, knurling, abrasive surfaces, combinations thereof, or any other suitable ergonomic shape or texture that facilitates gripping the handle portion 440.

[0092] As shown in FIGS. 34-36, the housing 420 additionally includes a deck 470 formed from a respective half deck 470a extending inwardly from the inner surface 425 of each housing shell 422, 423. Each half deck 470a is constructed as a substantially planar, flat shelf, andextends along a delivery axis Y from a first, closed end 472 to a second, open end 474 (also referred to as a delivery end 474).

[0093] Similar to the dispensing assembly 50 of the crank-activated material delivery device 10 and the dispensing assembly 250 of the trigger-actuated 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 greater detail above, the container 455 defines a cavity shaped and sized to hold a plurality of tablet-based chemical products - also referred to herein more generally as “tablets” - to be dispensed using the material delivery device 410. The transfer tube 460 extends from an inlet portion 462, coupled to the container 455 and receiving tablets therefrom, to a base portion 466, coupled to the housing 420.

[0094] When the housing 420 and dispensing assembly 450 are connected as shown in FIGS. 32 and 33, the dispensing assembly 450 is positioned directly above the deck 470 such that a tablet passing through the container and transfer tube 460 is delivered to the deck 470. The designations “above” or “below,” as well as any other directional designations, are used herein based on the operational configuration shown in the figures, and are not intended to be limiting.

[0095] The actuator assembly 500 is depicted in a first, idle configuration in FIGS. 34, 35, and 37 (depicting an enlarged perspective view of the actuator assembly 500 with the housing shell 422 removed) and in a second, engaged configuration in FIG. 38. The actuator assembly 500 includes a manual feature or actuator operable to be selectively actuated and released, to transition the actuator assembly 500 between configurations. The actuator of the illustrated embodiment is a manually-actuatable 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 illustrated embodiment, the trigger hub 512 and the trigger handle 514 are integrally formed (e.g., as a single molded part). In other embodiments, the trigger hub 512 and the trigger handle 514 are separately formed and coupled together to form the trigger 510.

[0096] A trigger shaft 516 extends through the trigger hub 512 and is coupled to one or more the housing shells 422, 423. In the illustrated embodiment, the trigger shaft 516 is fixedly coupled to and extends from the inner surface 425 of the housing shell 423 (see FIG. 36).In other embodiments, the trigger shaft 516 is coupled to and extends from the inner surface 425 the other housing shell 422.

[0097] The trigger 510 is configured to rotate about a trigger axis XA, which is parallel to a lateral direction X and defined through the trigger shaft 516, in a rotational direction indicated by arrow 518 (see FIGS. 34-36). Specifically, when a user pulls “back” on the trigger 510 to activate the actuator assembly 500, movement of the trigger handle 514 closer to the handle portion 440 of the housing 420 causes simultaneous rotation of the trigger 510 around the trigger shaft 516 and, therefore, around the trigger axis XA.

[0098] The actuation assembly 500 further includes a stationary cam 520, which is coupled to the housing 420. In particular, the cam 520 is fixedly coupled to the housing shell 423 (see FIGS. 34, 36, and 38). In the illustrated embodiment, the cam 520 is attached to the housing shell 423 with fasteners 524. In other embodiments, the cam 520 is otherwise coupled to the housing shell 423, such as using adhesive, welding, or any other suitable attachment mechanism.

[0099] The cam 520 has a concave cam surface defined by a first surface 526 and a second surface 528. The first surface 526 extends generally upward (relative to the orientation of the material delivery device 410 shown in FIGS. 34 and 35) from a surface interface 529 between the first surface 526 and the second surface 528, and has a first slope, such that the first surface 526 extends in the lateral direction X as it extends upward in a vertical or dispensing direction Z. The second cam surface 528 extends generally downward, or opposite the first surface 526, from the surface interface 529 and has a second slope, such that the second surface 528 also extends in the lateral direction X as it extends downward in the vertical direction Z. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second surfaces 526 and 528 are planar, the first surface 526 is longer than the second surface 528, and the first slope is greater or steeper than the second slope, such that the cam 520 has an asymmetric, concave profile. The cam surface may vary in other embodiments, and may have one or more portions thereof that are non-planar (e.g., curved).

[0100] The actuator assembly 500 also includes a follower 522. The follower 522 extends from a first end 532 to a second end 534, and has a through-hole 535 defined therethrough, adjacent to the first end 532. The through-hole 535 is sized and oriented to receive a follower pin536 therethrough (see FIG. 36). The follower 522 is rotatable around the follower pin 536 in a rotational direction indicated by arrow 538 in FIG. 36.

[0101] In addition, the follower 522 includes a protrusion 544 (see FIG. 35) extending laterally or transversely from the second end 534 thereof. The follower 522 has a channel 546 defined in a lateral or side surface thereof, as shown in FIGS. 35 and 36. The channel 546 extends from a first wall 548 to the protrusion 544, which defines a second end of the channel 546. In the illustrated embodiment, a depth of the channel 546, in the lateral direction X, corresponds to an extension of the protrusion 544.

[0102] With reference to FIG. 39, the trigger 510 has a slot 530 defined therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the slot 530 is located, relative to the vertical direction Z, between the trigger hub 512 and the trigger handle 514. The slot 530 is sized and configured to receive the first end 532 of the follower 522 therein. The trigger 510 also has a pin seat 540 defined therein, which extends from the slot 530. The trigger 510 also has a set screw seat 542, which extends from the pin seat 540.

[0103] In the illustrated embodiment, the follower 522 is coupled to the trigger 510 within the slot 530. More specifically, the first end 532 of the follower 522 is inserted into the slot 530, and the through-hole 535 is aligned with the pin seat 540. The follower pin 536 is inserted through the pin seat 540 and through-hole 535 to couple the follower 522 to the trigger 510. The follower pin 536 is fixed within the pin seat 540 to prevent the follower pin 536 from becoming dislodged from the trigger 510 (and, thereby, to prevent the follower 522 becoming dislodged from the trigger 510). In the illustrated embodiment, a set screw (not shown) is inserted into the set screw seat 542 and tightened to fixedly couple the follower pin 536 to the trigger 510.

[0104] With reference again to FIGS. 34-36, the actuator assembly 500 further includes a driver 550 and a firing spring 552. The driver 550 extends linearly from a first end 554 to a second end 556 and is slidably translatable 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 the idle configuration, the driver 550 obstructs an opening in the bottom of the transfer tube 460, preventing any tablet from being released from the transfer tube 460 to the deck 470.

[0105] In the illustrated embodiment, the firing spring 552 is embodied as a torsion spring, and includes a first leg 560, a wound portion 562, and a second leg 564. In other embodiments, the firing spring 552 may be any other suitable type of spring that enables the material delivery device 410 to function as described herein including, for example and without limitation, a compression spring, a tension spring, a leaf spring, and combinations thereof.

[0106] The first leg 560 extends from a first end 566 to the wound portion 562, and the second leg 564 extends from a second end 568 to the wound portion 562. The wound portion 562 is positioned around a spring pin 570. The spring pin 570 extends from the inner surface 425 of the housing shell 423.

[0107] In addition, a spring retention pin 580 extends from the inner surface 425 of the housing shell 423. The spring retention pin 580 is generally cylindrical and includes an annular groove 582 defined therein. The first leg 560 of the firing spring 552 is engaged against the spring retention pin 580. More specifically, adjacent the first end 566 thereof, the first leg 560 is positioned within the annular groove 582 of the spring retention pin 580.

[0108] The second leg 564 of the firing spring 552 extends generally upwards, along the vertical direction Z, when the actuator assembly 500 is in the idle configuration. The second end 568 passes through the through-hole 558 of the driver 550 and is secured therein by an end cap 584. The second leg 564 is also engaged with the follower 522. Specifically, the second leg 564 is received within the channel 546 of the follower 522. When the actuator assembly 500 is in the idle configuration, the second leg 564 rests against a stop pin 586, which extends from the inner surface 425 of the housing shell 423.

[0109] The actuator assembly 500 further includes a trigger return spring 590 and a follower 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 thereto. The second end 592 of the trigger return spring 590 is coupled to the trigger 510. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 39, the trigger 510 has a spring pin seat 594 defined laterally therethrough. Although not shown, the trigger 510 also has a spring slot defined in the delivery direction Y, aligned with the set screw seat 542. To couple the trigger return spring 590 to the trigger 510, the second end 592 of the trigger return spring 590 isinserted into the spring slot, and a spring pin 595 is inserted through the spring pin seat 594 of the trigger 510 and through the second end 592 of the trigger return spring 590.

[0110] The follower 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 FIGS. 36-39, the trigger 510 has a channel 599 defined diagonally through the trigger hub 512. The follower spring 596 is inserted through the channel 599 and secured to the trigger 510, such as by adhesive, a set screw, or any other suitable coupling mechanism. The first end 597 of the follower spring 596 is positioned against a lateral surface of the follower 522.

[0111] To initiate operation of the trigger-actuated material delivery device 410, a user engages the actuator assembly 500. In particular, to transition the actuator assembly 500 from the idle configuration to the engaged configuration, the user actuates the trigger 510 by pulling the trigger back, towards the handle portion 440 of the housing 420. The trigger 510 rotates about the trigger axis XA.

[0112] Because the first end 532 of the follower 522 is coupled to the trigger 510, when the user actuates the trigger 510, the follower 522 follows the rotational motion of the trigger 510. That is, the follower 522 travels arcuately in the rotational direction indicated by arrow 518, about an origin defined by the trigger axis XA.

[0113] Additionally, with the follower 522 coupled to the trigger 510, the second end 534 of the follower 522 is engaged with the surface of the cam 520. When the actuator assembly 500 is in the idle configuration, as shown in FIGS. 33, 34, and 36, the protrusion 544 of the follower 522 contacts the second surface 528 of the cam 520. Therefore, as the trigger 510 is rotated about the trigger axis XA 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 follower 522 moves in a corresponding arcuate path, moving the protrusion 544 across the cam 520. Specifically, the protrusion 544 moves along the second surface 528 to the surface interface 529, and then from the surface interface 529 along the first surface 526. Notably, because the profile of the cam 520 is concave, varying in the lateral direction X, as the protrusion 544 traverses the surfaces 526, 528, the second end 534 of the follower 522 also moves in the lateral direction X. In particular, as the trigger 510 is transitionedfrom the idle to the engaged position, the second end 534 of the follower 522 first moves laterally towards the housing shell 423, then moves laterally away from the housing shell 423 (towards the other housing shell 422). This lateral motion of the follower 522 causes simultaneous lateral motion of the first end 597 of the follower spring 596. Specifically, the follower 522 moves the first end 597 of the follower spring 596 in the lateral direction, and potential energy or tension is built up in the follower spring 596, proportional to the distance by which the first end 597 of the follower spring 596 deflects.

[0114] In addition, as the trigger 510 is rotated as described above, the second leg 564 of the firing spring 552 is moved backwards, parallel to the delivery direction Y. Specifically, the second leg 564 is retained within the channel 546 of the follower 522. As the follower 522 is moved, as described above, the first wall 548 (defining the first end of the channel 546) engages and moves the second leg 564 backwards. The second leg 564 is deflected towards the first leg 560, and potential energy is built up in the firing spring 552, proportional to the distance by which the second leg 564 is deflected. Moreover, this rearward motion of the second leg 564 causes simultaneous rearward motion of the driver 550, which is translated towards the first end 472 of the deck 470 by the second end 568 of the second leg 564. Once the driver 550 is moved a threshold distance backward (away from the delivery end 474), the driver 550 no longer obstructs the transfer tube 460, which enables a tablet (not shown) to drop from the transfer tube 460 into a deployment position (not shown) on the deck 470.

[0115] Also, as the trigger 510 is rotated, the second end 592 of the trigger return spring 590 is pulled backward, generally parallel to the delivery direction Y, while the first end 591 remains in a fixed position. Therefore, potential energy is built up in the trigger return spring 590, proportional to the distance by which the trigger return spring 590 is stretched.

[0116] When the actuator assembly 500 is in the engaged configuration, as shown in FIG. 38, the material delivery device 410 is considered engaged and ready for delivery of the tablet to a target location.

[0117] Further rearward motion of the trigger 510, imparted by the user, causes the actuator assembly 500 to fire or deliver the tablet. Specifically, the follower 522 is deflected further laterally as the second end 534 thereof- that is, the protrusion 544 - traverses the first surface 526of the cam 520 in an upward and lateral direction. In turn, the second leg 564 of the firing spring 552 approaches a lateral end or corner of the first wall 548 defining the channel 546. Once the follower 522 is deflected a threshold distance, the second leg 564 of the firing spring 552 passes beyond the end of the first wall 548, such that the second leg 564 is no longer retained within the channel 546.

[0118] Therefore, the second leg 564 rapidly releases the stored potential energy therein and snaps back or fires towards the delivery end 474, to its original position. In the illustrated embodiment, the return motion of the second leg 564 is restricted by the stop pin 586. As the second leg 564 releases the stored potential energy, the second end 568 thereof rapidly drives the driver 550 along the deck 470 towards the delivery end 474, back to its initial position. This resulting rapid movement of the driver 550 toward the delivery end 474 imparts momentum to the tablet that is seated on the deck 470 in the deployment position. The tablet is thereby launched along the deck 470 and out of the delivery end 474, toward its desired destination. In some embodiments, the material delivery device 410 is configured to launch the tablet up to 5 meters, up to 7 meters, up to 10 meters, up to 15 meters, up to 20 meters, or up to 30 meters. For example, the size, shape, and other characteristics of components of the actuation assembly 500 (e.g., a spring constant of firing spring 552) can be selected based on a desired launching distance of tablet.

[0119] In addition, to return the actuator assembly 500 to the idle configuration after delivery of the tablet, the trigger return spring 590 releases the potential energy stored therein to draw the trigger 510 back to its idle position. This motion of the trigger 510 causes simultaneous motion of the follower 522, downwardly and in a reverse rotational direction back to its idle position. Simultaneously, the follower spring 596 releases the potential energy stored therein and applies a returning lateral force against the follower 522, which causes the follower 522 to move laterally towards the housing shell 423, ensuring the second leg 564 of the firing spring 552 is repositioned within the channel 546 of the follower 522.

[0120] With reference now to FIGS. 40-44, another embodiment a trigger-actuated material delivery device 610 is depicted. Specifically, FIG. 40 is a perspective view of the material delivery device 610, FIG. 41 is a side view of the material delivery device 610, with a portion ofthe housing removed to depict the actuator assembly in a first, idle configuration, FIG. 42 is a second side view of the material delivery device 610, with another portion of the housing removed to depict the actuator assembly in the first, idle configuration, FIG. 43 is a perspective exploded view of the material delivery device 610, and FIG. 44 is an enlarged perspective view of the actuator assembly in a second, engaged configuration.

[0121] In the example embodiment, the material delivery device 610 includes a housing 620, a dispensing assembly (e.g., dispensing assembly 450, not shown in FIGS. 40-44), and an actuator assembly 700. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 620 is assembled from two housing shells 622, 623. Each housing shell 622, 623 has a respective outer surface 624 and inner surface 625 (see FIG. 43). When assembled, the inner surfaces 625 of the housing shells 622, 623 define a cavity 621 (see FIG. 43) shaped and sized to receive a portion of the actuator assembly 700 therein. The housing shells 622, 623 may be substantially symmetrical or they may have one or more differing 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 allows the material delivery device 610 to function as described herein.

[0122] In the illustrated embodiment, each housing shell 622, 623 includes a plurality of fastener holes 626 for receiving a corresponding plurality of fasteners 628 therethrough, to couple the housing shells 622, 623 together. The fasteners 628 may include screws, bolts, pins, nuts, or other suitable fasteners. The fastener holes 626 may be threaded or unthreaded, may have a chamfered or straight opening, or may have any other characteristics that allow the material delivery device 610 to function as described herein.

[0123] The housing 620 includes a body portion 630 and a handle portion 640. In the illustrated embodiment, the body portion 630 is shaped and sized to house the actuator assembly 700. The handle portion 640 is adapted to be manually held by a user, and may be ergonomically shaped and / or textured to facilitate gripping thereof, for example but without limitation, with stippling, knurling, abrasive surfaces, combinations thereof, or any other suitable ergonomic shape or texture that facilitates gripping the handle portion 640.

[0124] As shown in FIGS. 41-43, the housing 620 additionally includes a deck 670 formed from a respective half deck 670a extending inwardly from the inner surface 625 of eachhousing shell 622, 623. Each half deck 670a is constructed as a substantially planar, flat shelf, and extends along a delivery axis Y from a first, closed end 672 to a second, open end 674 (also referred to as a delivery end 674).

[0125] In the illustrated embodiment, the dispensing assembly of the material delivery device 610 is substantially similar to and may be the same as that shown in FIG. 32 with respect to the material delivery device 410. Accordingly, the dispensing assembly is not discussed in further detail with respect to the material delivery device 610. When the housing 620 is connected to a dispensing assembly (e g., the dispensing assembly 450), the dispensing assembly is positioned directly above the deck 670 such that a tablet passing through the dispensing assembly is delivered to the deck 470. The designations “above” or “below,” as well as any other directional designations, are used herein based on the operational configuration shown in the figures, and are not intended to be limiting.

[0126] The material delivery device 610 includes an actuator assembly 700. The actuator assembly 700 includes a manual feature or actuator operable to be selectively actuated and released, to transition the actuator assembly 700 between idle and engaged configurations. The actuator of the illustrated embodiment is a manually-actuatable trigger 710. The trigger 710 includes a trigger hub 712 and a trigger handle 714 fixedly coupled to and extending from the trigger hub 712. In the illustrated embodiment, the trigger hub 712 and the trigger handle 714 are integrally formed (e g., as a single molded part). In other embodiments, the trigger hub 712 and the trigger handle 714 are separately formed and coupled together to form the trigger 710.

[0127] The trigger hub 712 is coupled to the housing 420 using a post mount 716. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the post mount 716 extends through the housing shell 423, the cavity 421, and the housing shell 422 (e.g., through fastener holes 426 defined in the housing shells 422, 423). The post mount 716 is fixed in position using one or more fasteners 428, depicted as a nut in FIG. 40. The trigger hub 712 has an elongated slot 718 defined therethrough. The elongated slot 718 is configured to receive the post mount 716 therethrough. As described further herein, the trigger 710 is configured to both rotate about the post mount 716 and translate relative to the post mount 716, based on the elongated shape of elongated slot 718.

[0128] The trigger 710 also defines a follower extension 720 (also referred to herein as a “follower”). In the illustrated embodiment, the follower extension 720 extends rearwardly, in a delivery direction Y, from a rear surface 722 of the trigger 710. The follower extension 720 has a first, follower surface 724 that is planar and extends in a sloped or diagonal direction away from the rear surface 722, as well as a second surface 726 that is planar and extends orthogonally relative to the rear surface 722. The first follower surface 724 and the second surface 726 meet at a free end 728 of the follower extension 720. The follower extension 720 has a width, in a lateral direction X, that is less than an entire width of the rear surface 722.

[0129] The actuation assembly 700 further includes a cam 730. The cam 730 includes a base 732 and an arm 734 fixedly coupled to and extending from the base 732. In the illustrated embodiment, the base 732 and the arm 734 are integrally formed (e.g., as a single molded part). In other embodiments, the base 732 and the arm 734 are separately formed and coupled together to form the cam 730.

[0130] The base 732 is generally cylindrical and includes a side wall 736 and afoot 739. An annular groove 738 is defined in the side wall 736. The cam base 732 is positioned around a retainer post 741 that extends from the inner surface 625 of the housing shell 623 (see FIG 43) is configured to rotate about a cam axis Xc. The arm 734 is generally planar and includes two parallel, opposing surfaces 740, 742 and a side wall 744 extending therebetween, the side wall 744 defining the cam profile of the cam 730. The arm 734 has an extension 746 that terminates in a lip 748. The arm 734 also has two through-holes 750 defined therethrough. The through-holes 750 are sized and configured to receive respective retainer posts 752 therein. Each retainer post 752 extends laterally from the arm 734, through a respective through-hole 750, and is fixed to the inner surface 625 of the housing shell 623. A gap formed between the two retainer posts 752 is referred to as a retainer gap (not specifically labeled).

[0131] The actuator assembly 700 further includes a driver 760 and a firing spring 762. The driver 760 extends linearly from a first end 764 to a second end 766 and is slidably translatable 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 the idleconfiguration, the driver 760 obstructs the transfer tube of the delivery assembly, preventing any tablet from being released onto the deck 670.

[0132] In the illustrated embodiment, the firing spring 762 is embodied as a torsion spring, and includes a first leg 770, a wound portion 772, and a second leg 774. In other embodiments, the firing spring 762 may be any other suitable type of spring that enables the material delivery device 610 to function as described herein including, for example and without limitation, a compression spring, a tension spring, or a leaf spring.

[0133] The wound portion 772 is fixed in place by a spring pin 776. The spring pin 776 has an annular side wall 778 extending between a first end 780 and a second end 782 of the spring pin 776. A pair of cutouts 784 are defined in the annular side wall 778 adjacent the second end 782. The spring pin 776 is positioned around a retaining post 777 that extends from the inner surface 625 of the housing shell 623 (see FIG 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.

[0134] In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second legs 770, 774 of the firing spring 762 are retained in the cutouts 784 of the spring pin 776, between the spring pin 776 and the cam arm 734. The first leg 770 extends rearward from the wound portion 772 and is retained within the annular groove 738 of the cam base 732. The second leg 774 extends upward from the wound portion 772, along the vertical direction Z, and between the retainer posts 752 (that is, within the retainer gap). A free end 775 of the second leg 774 extends through and is retained within the through-hole 768 of the driver 760.

[0135] The actuator assembly 700 further includes a trigger return spring 790 and a re-latch 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 thereto. 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 a mounting bolt 794 that is coupled to and extends forward from the trigger 710.

[0136] The re-latch leaf spring 795 extends from a first end 796 to a second end 797. The first end 796 is fixedly coupled to a bottom surface 798 of the deck 760, specifically the deck half 760a of the housing shell 623. The second end 797 is engaged with the trigger hub 712, specifically a top surface 799 of the trigger hub 712 (see FIG. 43). The re-latch leaf spring 795 is also actively engaged against a post 800 extending from the inner surface 625 of the housing shell 623.

[0137] To initiate operation of the trigger-actuated material delivery device 610, a user engages the actuator assembly 700. In particular, to transition the actuator assembly 700 from the idle configuration to the engaged configuration, the user actuates the trigger 710 by pulling the trigger 710 back, towards the handle portion 640 of the housing 620. The trigger 710 initially rotates about the post mount 716, in a rotational direction indicated by arrow 701 in FIG. 41.

[0138] As the trigger 510 is rotated, the first follower surface 724 of the follower extension 720 imparts a generally upward force on the side wall 744 of the extension 746 of the cam arm 734, causing the cam 730 to rotate about the cam axis Xc in a rotational direction indicated by arrow 703 in FIG. 41, generally opposite to the rotational direction of the trigger 710.

[0139] In addition, as the trigger 710 is rotated as described above, the second leg774 of the firing spring 762 is moved backwards, parallel to the delivery direction Y. Specifically, the retainer posts 752, which are moved in correspondence with the rotation of the cam 730, force the second leg 774 back. The second leg 774 is deflected towards the first leg 770, and potential energy is built up in the firing spring 762, proportional to the distance by which the second leg 774 is deflected. Moreover, this rearward motion of the second leg 774 causes simultaneous rearward motion of the driver 760, which is translated towards the first end 672 of the deck 670 by the end775 of the second leg 774. Once the driver 760 is moved a threshold distance backward (away from the delivery end 674), the driver 760 no longer obstructs the transfer tube 460, which enables a tablet (not shown) to drop from the transfer tube 460 into a deployment position (not shown) on the deck 670.

[0140] Further rearward motion of the trigger 710, imparted by the user, causes the free end 728 of the follower extension 720 to travel along the lip 748 of the extension 745 of the cam arm 734. The applied force between the follower extension 720 and the extension 745 causesthe trigger 710 to translate relative to the post mount 716. Specifically, the trigger 710 follows an oblique path, indicated by an arrow 705 in FIG. 41, corresponding to the shape of elongated slot 718, which controls the translation of the trigger hub 712 (and, therefore, the entire trigger 710).

[0141] This upward and forward oblique motion of the trigger 710 also engaged the re-latch leaf spring 795. Specifically, the top surface 799 of the trigger hub 712 deflects the second end 797 of the re-latch leaf spring 795. This forward and upward motion of the second end 797 compresses the re-latch leaf spring 795 against the post 800, and potential energy is built up in the re-latch leaf spring 795.

[0142] When the actuator assembly 700 is in the engaged configuration, as shown in FIG. 44, the material delivery device 610 is considered engaged and ready for delivery of the tablet to a target location.

[0143] Additional rearward motion of the trigger 710, by the user, causes the free end 728 of the follower extension 720 to dislodge from the lip 748 of the extension 745 of the cam arm 734. Therefore, the cam 730 is no longer engaged with the trigger 710. The second leg 774 of the firing spring 762 rapidly releases the stored potential energy therein and “snaps back” towards the delivery end 674, to its original position. In the illustrated embodiment, the return motion of the second leg 774 is restricted by a stop pin 779. As the second leg 774 releases the stored potential energy, the end 775 thereof translates drives the driver 760 along the deck 670 towards the delivery end 674, back to its initial position. This resulting rapid movement of the driver 760 toward the delivery end 674 imparts momentum to the tablet that is seated on the deck 670 in the deployment position. The tablet is thereby launched along the deck 670 and out the delivery end 674, toward its desired destination. In some embodiments, the material delivery device 610 is configured to launch the tablet up to 5 meters, up to 7 meters, up to 10 meters, up to 15 meters, up to 20 meters, or up to 30 meters. For example, the size, shape, and other characteristics of components of the actuation assembly 700 (e.g., a spring constant of spring 762) can be selected based on a desired launching distance of tablet.

[0144] In addition, to return the actuator assembly 700 to the idle configuration after delivery of the tablet, the trigger return spring 790 releases the potential energy stored therein to rotate the trigger 710 opposite to the rotational direction indicated by arrow 701.Simultaneously, the re-latch leaf spring 795 releases the potential energy stored therein, which imparts a downward and rearward force on the trigger 710, causing the trigger 710 to translate along the post mount 716 opposite to the direction indicated by arrow 705, back to its idle position.

[0145] Additionally, the return motion of the second leg 774 of the firing spring 762 imparts a return force on the cam 730, via the retention posts 752. Simultaneously, the return motion of the trigger 710 results in return motion of the follower extension 720. The second surface 726 traverses the side wall 744 of the cam arm 734. The combined forces applied by the follower extension 720 and the firing spring 762 cause the cam 730 to rotate opposite to the rotational direction indicated by arrow 703, back to its idle position.

[0146] With respect to material delivery systems 10 / 210 / 410 / 610 disclosed herein, the tablets 190 / 390, in some embodiments, are cylindrical in shape with flat or planar faces. In other embodiments, the tablets 190 / 390 are cylindrical or disk-shaped with convex faces. Other shapes of tablets 190 / 390 are contemplated within the scope of present disclosure. The tablets 190 / 390 of the present disclosure may have a diameter or other major dimension between 0 mm and 25 mm, between 5 mm and 20 mm, between 10 mm and 15 mm, between 0 mm and 6 mm, between 5 and 11 mm, between 10 and 16 mm, between 15 and 21 mm, between 20 and 25 mm, or larger than 25 mm. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the container 55 / 255 / 455 can be coupled to and decoupled from the dispensing assembly 50 / 250 / 450 to be exchanged, replaced, or refilled such that each container 55 / 255 / 455 is provided full, or stocked with the desired number and arrangement of tablets. The container 55 / 255 / 455 may have variable design characteristics to accommodate this number and arrangement of tablets, in numerous different configurations and dimensions. Furthermore, the transfer tube 60 / 260 / 460 can be coupled to and decoupled from the dispensing assembly 50 / 250 / 450 to be replaced with a transfer tube 60 / 260 / 460 of a different size to accommodate a different size tablet 190 / 390.

[0147] In some embodiments, although one tablet 190 / 390 is dispensed onto the deck 70 / 270 / 470 / 670 at a time, multiple dispensing assemblies 50 / 250 / 350 can be implemented, such that multiple (same or different) tablets can be simultaneously dispensed to the same location. Additionally or alternatively, the tablet dispensing can be precisely controlled to ensure thatconsecutively dispensed tablets are dispensed into a same location, or within a threshold distance from one another.

[0148] Even further, various components of the material dispensing device 10 / 210 / 410 / 610 can be selected, exchanged, replaced, or adjusted, to even further refine the material dispensing device 10 / 210 / 410 / 610 for accurate and precise use, including but not limited to the stiffness of the spring 180 / 380 / 552 / 762, the selection of tablets 190 / 390, the shape of the cam 120 / 320 / 520 / 730 (including use of a different type of cam), the size of various components, etc. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 32 and 33, the material delivery devices 10 / 210 / 410 / 610 of the present disclosure may include one or more angle markers 802, provided on the housing 20 / 220 / 420 / 620 thereof (e.g., printed thereon). These angle markers 802 facilitate improved angular precision of material delivery by the user of the material delivery device 10 / 210 / 410 / 610. The angle markers 802, embodied here as lines, may be provided with indicia 803 identifying an angular offset (from a nominal “straight” orientation) at which to hold the material delivery device 10 / 210 / 410 / 610 to achieve a desired angular delivery. Accordingly, the material delivery device 10 / 210 / 410 / 610 of the present disclosure is highly customizable depending on the desired use thereof.

[0149] Components of the material dispensing device 10 / 210 / 410 / 610 are constructed from lightweight material, in the exemplary embodiment, and may further be constructed from recyclable and / or reusable material. In some embodiments, the housing 20 / 220 / 420 / 620 is formed from a polymeric material.

[0150] The tablets 190 / 390 may include any desired chemical formulation. In some embodiments, the tablets 190 / 390 are water-degradable, such that the tablets 190 / 390 dissolve or degrade when dispensing into a wet environment for application thereto.

[0151] The chemical and material delivery systems of the present disclosure are suitable for use with a wide variety of chemical products including, for example and without limitation, agrochemicals, such as fertilizers, insecticides, fungicides, nematocides, bactericides, acaricides, herbicides, herbicide safeners, growth regulators such as insect molting inhibitors and rooting stimulants, chemosterilants, semiochemicals, repellents, attractants, pheromones, feedingstimulants, other biologically active compounds or entomopathogenic bacteria, virus or fungi to form a multi-component pesticide.

[0152] Although specific features of various embodiments of the disclosure may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. In accordance with the principles of the disclosure, any feature of a drawing may be referenced and / or claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing.

[0153] This written description uses examples to illustrate the present disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A material delivery device comprising: a housing comprising a deck extending along a delivery axis Y toward a delivery end; a container coupled to the housing and configured to dispense a tablet onto the deck in a dispensing direction Z; and an actuator assembly coupled to the housing and comprising: a driver selectively movable along the delivery axis Y of the deck; a spring operatively connected to the driver and selectively positionable in an idle position and an activated position; and an actuator operably coupled to the driver; wherein actuation of the actuator causes the spring to move from the idle position to the activated position, and causes the driver to translate along the delivery axis Y away from the delivery end of the deck; and wherein actuation of the actuator beyond a threshold position causes the spring to move from the activated position to the idle position, and causes the driver to translate along the delivery axis Y toward the delivery end of the deck and impart momentum to the tablet.

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

3. The material delivery device of claim 2, wherein the trigger is translatable in the delivery direction Y between the first position and the second position.

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

5. The material delivery device of claim 2, wherein the actuator assembly further comprises: a cam; and a follower, wherein rotation of the trigger from the first position to the second position causes simultaneous rotation of the follower.

6. The material delivery device of claim 5, wherein the follower extends rearward from the trigger.

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

8. The material delivery device of claim 5, wherein the cam is a stationary cam having a concave cam surface, and the follower comprises a lateral protrusion configured to traverse the concave cam surface.

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

10. The material delivery device of claim 5, wherein the actuator assembly further comprises a follower spring that exerts a lateral force on the follower.

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

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

13. The material delivery device of claim 12, wherein a portion of the spring is retained between two retention pins coupled to the cam.

14. The material delivery device of claim 2, wherein the spring is a torsion spring comprising two legs and a wound portion.

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

16. The material delivery device of claim 2, wherein the actuator assembly further comprises a trigger return spring configured to exert a return force on the trigger to transition the trigger back to the first position.

17. The material delivery device of claim 2, wherein the trigger is rotatable towards the handle portion and translatable along an oblique path away from the handle portion, between the first position and the second position.

18. The material delivery device of claim 17, wherein the actuator assembly further comprises a leaf spring configured to exert a return force on the trigger to translate the trigger along the oblique path towards the handle portion, to transition the trigger back to the first position.

19. The material delivery device of claim 2, wherein the housing further comprises angular markers provided thereon.

20. The material delivery device of claim 1, wherein the actuator comprises a manually-rotatable crank, wherein the actuator assembly further comprises: a cam connected to the crank, the cam comprising a spiral surface and a drop surface; and a spring rail extending from a first end to a second end, the spring rail translatable in the delivery direction Y and operatively connected to the cam such that the spring rail translates away from the delivery end as the cam is rotated in a first rotational direction and translates toward the delivery end when the second end traverses the drop surface as the cam is rotated in the first rotational direction,wherein the spring comprises a torsion spring operatively coupled to the spring rail and the driver, wherein actuation of the actuator comprises rotation of the manually-rotatable crank in the first rotational direction, causing the cam to translate the spring rail away from the delivery end and thereby causes the torsion spring to rotate into an activated position and translate the driver away from the delivery end of the deck, and wherein actuation of the actuator beyond a threshold position comprises continued rotation of the manually-rotatable crank beyond a threshold point, which causes the second end of the spring rail to traverse the drop surface of the cam, thereby causing the torsion spring to rotate in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction and translate the driver along the deck toward the delivery end to impart the momentum to the tablet.

21. A material delivery device comprising: a housing comprising a handle portion and a deck extending in a delivery direction Y toward a delivery end; a dispensing assembly configured to dispense a tablet onto the deck in a dispensing direction Z; and an actuator assembly comprising: a driver selectively movable along the delivery direction Y of the deck; a spring operatively connected to the driver and selectively positionable in an idle position and an activated position; and a trigger movable towards the handle portion of the housing between a first position and a second position;wherein movement of the trigger from the first position towards the second position causes the spring to move from the idle position to the activated position, and causes the driver to translate along the delivery direction Y away from the delivery end of the deck, and wherein continued movement of the trigger towards the second position and beyond a threshold position causes the spring to move from the activated position to the idle position, and causes the driver to translate along the delivery direction Y toward the delivery end of the deck and impart momentum to the tablet.

22. The material delivery device of claim 21, wherein the trigger is translatable in the delivery direction Y between the first position and the second position.

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

24. The material delivery device of claim 21, wherein the actuator assembly further comprises: a cam; and a follower, wherein rotation of the trigger from the first position to the second position causes simultaneous rotation of the follower.

25. The material delivery device of claim 24, wherein the follower extends rearward from the trigger.

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

27. The material delivery device of claim 24, wherein the cam is a stationary cam having a concave cam surface, and the follower comprises a lateral protrusion configured to traverse the concave cam surface.

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

29. The material delivery device of claim 24, wherein the actuator assembly further comprises a follower spring that exerts a lateral force on the follower.

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

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

32. The material delivery device of claim 31, wherein a portion of the spring is retained between two retention pins coupled to the cam.

33. The material delivery device of claim 21, wherein the spring is a torsion spring comprising two legs and a wound portion.

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

35. The material delivery device of claim 21, wherein the actuator assembly further comprises a trigger return spring configured to exert a return force on the trigger to transition the trigger back to the first position.

36. The material delivery device of claim 21, wherein the trigger is rotatable towards the handle portion and translatable along an oblique path away from the handle portion, between the first position and the second position.

37. The material delivery device of claim 36, wherein the actuator assembly further comprises a leaf spring configured to exert a return force on the trigger to translate the trigger along the oblique path towards the handle portion, to transition the trigger back to the first position.

38. The material delivery device of claim 21, wherein the housing further comprises angular markers provided thereon.

39. A material delivery device comprising: a housing comprising a deck extending in a delivery direction Y toward a delivery end; a dispensing assembly configured to dispense a tablet onto the deck in a dispensing direction Z; and an actuator assembly comprising: a manually-rotatable crank; a cam connected to the crank, the cam comprising a spiral surface and a drop surface; a spring rail extending from a first end to a second end, the spring rail translatable in the delivery direction Y and operatively connected to the cam such that the spring rail translates away from the delivery end as the cam is rotated in a first rotational direction and translates toward the delivery end when the second end traverses the drop surface as the cam is rotated in the first rotational direction; a driver selectively translatable along the deck in the delivery direction Y; and a torsion spring operatively connected to the spring rail and the driver; wherein 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 into an activated position and translate the driver away from the delivery end; and wherein continued rotation of the manually-rotatable crank beyond a threshold point causes the second end of the spring rail to traverse the drop surface of the cam, thereby causing the torsion spring to rotate in a second rotational direction opposite thefirst rotational direction and translate the driver along the deck toward the delivery end to impart momentum to the tablet.

Images