Claims:I/We Claim:
1. An automatic grain dispensing and weighing apparatus (100), the apparatus (100) comprising:
a frame (102) to provide a rigid support to components of the apparatus (100);
a container (104) attached to the frame (102), wherein the container (104) is having compartments (108a-108n) to store different types of grains;
compartment lids (110a-110n) attached at a bottom opening of the corresponding compartments (108a-108n) of the container (104); and
a board (106) attached to the frame (102), wherein the board (106) comprises:
a vessel (114) to receive a specific type of the grains dispensed from one of, the compartments (108a-108n) of the container (104);
an input unit (118) placed on the board (106), to enable a user to provide an input of a compartment number and a quantity of the grains from the provided compartment number; and
a control unit (122) configured to:
receive the input of the compartment number and the quantity of the grains from the input unit (118);
actuate a motor (112) to open one of, the compartment lids (110a-110n) of the corresponding compartments (108a-108n) based on the received compartment number to dispense the grains onto the vessel (114);
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activate a load sensor (116) to sense a weight of the vessel (114) filled with the grains;
compare the sensed weight of the vessel (114) with the quantity provided by the user; and
close one of, the compartment lids (110a-110n) of the corresponding compartments (108a-108n) when the sensed weight of the vessel (114) is greater than or equal to the quantity provided by the user.
2. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a size of the bottom opening of each of the compartments (108a-108n) is 1.5 Centimeters (cm).
3. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bottom opening is located at a center of each of the compartments (108a-108n).
4. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the input unit (118) is a keypad.
5. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (122) is an Arduino Uno Microcontroller.
6. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the load sensor (116) is installed within the vessel (114).
7. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the motor (112) is a servo motor.
8. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a display unit (120) to display the quantity of the grains provided by the user.
9. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the display unit (120) is a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD).
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10. A method (300) for automatically dispensing and weighing grains, wherein the method (300) comprising steps of:
receiving an input of a compartment number and a quantity of the grains from an input unit (118);
actuating a motor (112) to open one of, compartment lids (110a-110n) of corresponding compartments (108a-108n) based on the received compartment number to dispense the grains onto a vessel (114);
activating a load sensor (116) to sense a weight of the vessel (114) filled with the grains;
comparing the sensed weight of the vessel (114) with the quantity provided by the user; and
closing one of, the compartment lids (110a-110n) of the corresponding compartments (108a-108n) when the sensed weight of the vessel (114) is greater than or equal to the quantity provided by the user.
Date: 24 Feb 2022
Place: Noida
Nainsi Rastogi
Patent Agent (IN/PA-2372)
Agent for the Applicant , Description:BACKGROUND
Field of the invention
[001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a grain dispenser and particularly to an automatic grain dispensing and weighing apparatus and method thereof.
Description of Related Art
[002] A general store in a rural community is a key piece to community and economic development. The general store serves as a single spot for trading of daily need goods. While these types of stores might have gone by many different types of names, such as mercantile, emporiums, village shops, general dealers, or even general merchandise stores. General stores are where one would go to get just about anything and everything one could need, from food and clothing to household goods and even building supplies. The general stores also sell grains and pulses such as rice, wheat, maize, and so forth.
[003] Additionally, these grains are stored in baggage and at a time of sale, a store vendor or a shopkeeper has to measure an accurate weight of the grains as demanded by customers. It is possible for the store vendor of a young age to handle the baggage of heavyweights. However, for an aged store vendor, it becomes difficult to carry and displace the baggage of heavyweights. To overcome this problem, companies started packing their goods in a pre-defined weighted pack of 500 grams, 1 kilogram, 5 kilograms, and so forth which on a contrary increased a selling price of the goods and further this extra price is bound to be paid by the customers.
[004] There is thus a need for an automatic grain dispensing and weighing apparatus that can dispense grains according to the requirements of the customer in a more efficient manner.
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SUMMARY
[005] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide an automatic grain dispensing and weighing apparatus. The apparatus includes a frame to provide a rigid support to components of the apparatus. The apparatus further includes a container attached to the frame. The container is having compartments to store different types of grains. The apparatus further includes compartment lids attached at a bottom opening of the corresponding compartments of the container. The apparatus further includes a board attached to the frame. The board includes a vessel to receive a specific type of the grains dispensed from one of, the compartments of the container. The board further includes an input unit placed on the board, to enable a user to provide an input of a compartment number and a quantity of the grains from the provided compartment number. The board further includes a control unit configured to receive the input of the compartment number and the quantity of the grains from the input unit. The control unit is further configured to actuate a motor to open one of, the compartment lids of the corresponding compartments based on the received compartment number to dispense the grains onto the vessel. The control unit is further configured to activate a load sensor to sense a weight of the vessel filled with the grains. The control unit is further configured to compare the sensed weight of the vessel with the quantity provided by the user. The control unit is further configured to close one of, the compartment lids of the corresponding compartments when the sensed weight of the vessel is greater than or equal to the quantity provided by the user.
[006] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention further provide a method for automatically dispensing and weighing grains. The method comprising steps of: receiving an input of a compartment number and a quantity of the grains from an input unit; actuating a motor to open one of, compartment lids of corresponding compartments based on the
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received compartment number to dispense the grains onto a vessel; activating a load sensor to sense a weight of the vessel filled with the grains; comparing the sensed weight of the vessel with the quantity provided by the user; and closing one of, the compartment lids of the corresponding compartments when the sensed weight of the vessel is greater than or equal to the quantity provided by the user.
[007] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a number of advantages depending on its particular configuration. First, embodiments of the present application may provide an automatic grain dispensing and weighing apparatus.
[008] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide an automatic grain dispensing and weighing apparatus that reduces a workload of general store vendors.
[009] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide an automatic grain dispensing and weighing apparatus that measures an accurate weight of grains and cereals.
[0010] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide an automatic grain dispensing and weighing apparatus that reduces a lifting and movement of heavy grain baggage many times a day.
[0011] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide an automatic grain dispensing and weighing apparatus that is user-friendly and cost-effective.
[0012] These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments described herein.
[0013] The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various
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embodiments. The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:
[0015] FIG. 1A illustrates a block diagram depicting an automatic grain dispensing and weighing apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 1B illustrates a schematic representation of the automatic grain dispensing and weighing apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram depicting components of a control unit of the automatic grain dispensing and weighing apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0018] FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of a method for automatically dispensing and weighing grains, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the
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mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. Optional portions of the figures may be illustrated using dashed or dotted lines, unless the context of usage indicates otherwise.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
[0021] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising", "comprises”, and the like (which are synonymous with "including", "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of", “consists essentially of", and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of", "consists of”, the like.
[0022] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.
[0023] FIG. 1A illustrates a block diagram depicting an automatic grain
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dispensing and weighing apparatus 100 (hereinafter referred to as the apparatus 100), according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus 100 may be configured to accurately dispense grains based on a requirement of a user. According to embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus 100 may be designed to be used in many places such as, but not limited to, a general store, a supermarket, a shopping center, a mall, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any place.
[0024] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus 100 may comprise a frame 102. In an embodiment of the present invention, the frame 102 may provide a rigid support to components of the apparatus 100. The components may be, but not limited to, a container 104, and a board 106. According to embodiments of the present invention, the frame 102 may be constructed of any material such as, but not limited to, a wooden material, a plastic material, a metallic material, a casted material, a High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) material, a Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) material, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any material of the frame 102, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0025] In an embodiment of the present invention, the container 104 may be attached to the frame 102 through an attachment means. According to embodiments of the present invention, the attachment means may be, but not limited to, nuts and bolts, a riveting means, a welding means, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the attachment means, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. According to embodiments of the present invention, the container 104 may be constructed of any material such as, but not limited to, the wooden
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material, the plastic material, the metallic material, a stainless-steel material, the High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) material, the Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) material, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any material of the container 104, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. According to embodiments of the present invention, the container 104 may be of any shape such as, but not limited to, a cubical shape, a cuboidal shape, a cylindrical shape, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any shape of the container 104, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0026] In an embodiment of the present invention, the container 104 may further have compartments 108a-108n (hereinafter referred to as the compartments 108) to store different types of the grains. In an embodiment of the present invention, the compartments 108 may prevent a mixing of the grains stored in the container 104. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the compartments 108 of the container 104 may be adjustable. In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the compartments 108 of the container 104 may be fixed. Each of the compartments 108 may be provided with a compartment number, in an embodiment of the present invention. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the compartment number may be a single digited number. In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the compartment number may be a double digited number. In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the compartment number may be a triple digited number. In a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the compartment number may be of any number of digits. According to embodiments of the present invention, the types of grains stored in the compartments 108 may be, but not limited to, rice, pulses, wheat, maize, and so forth. Embodiments of the
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present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of grains to be stored in the compartments 108.
[0027] In an embodiment of the present invention, each of the compartments 108 may have a bottom opening for dispensing the grains. According to embodiments of the present invention, a size of the bottom opening of each of the compartments 108 may be in a range of 1.3 centimeters (cm) to 1.7 centimeters (cm). In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the size of the bottom opening of each of the compartments 108 may be 1.5 centimeters (cm). According to embodiments of the present invention, the bottom opening may be located anywhere on a bottom of each of the compartments 108 such as, but not limited to, a left side of each of the compartments 108, a right side of each of the compartments 108, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the bottom opening may be located at a center of each of the compartments 108. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any location of the bottom opening of each of the compartments 108.
[0028] In an embodiment of the present invention, the compartments 108 in the container 104 may be provided with compartment lids 110a-110n (hereinafter referred to as the compartment lids 110) that may be attached at the bottom opening of the corresponding compartments 108 of the container 104. The compartment lids 110 may act as a barrier on the bottom opening of the corresponding compartments 108 to prevent the automatic dispensing of the grains, in an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the compartment lids 110 may be opened or closed based on an output generated by a control unit 122.
[0029] In an embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus 100 may comprise a motor 112 that may be actuated to open one of, the
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compartment lids 110 of the corresponding compartments 108 based on the output generated by the control unit 122. The motor 112 may receive operational power from a power supply unit 124, in an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the motor 112 may be driven by a motor driver (not shown). According to embodiments of the present invention, the motor 112 may be of any type such as, but not limited to, a permanent magnet motor, a series motor, a shunt motor, a compound motor, a brushless motor, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the motor 112 may be a servo motor. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the motor 112, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0030] In an embodiment of the present invention, the board 106 may be attached to the frame 102. According to embodiments of the present invention, the board 106 may house components such as, but not limited to, a vessel 114, a load sensor 116, an input unit 118, a display unit 120, the control unit 122, and the power supply unit 124. According to embodiments of the present invention, the board 106 may be constructed of any material such as, but not limited to, the wooden material, the plastic material, the metallic material, the stainless-steel material, the High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) material, the Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) material, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any material of the board 106, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0031] In an embodiment of the present invention, the vessel 114 may receive a specific type of the grains dispensed from one of, the compartments 108 of the container 104. According to embodiments of the present invention, the vessel 114 may be constructed of any material such as, but not limited to, the wooden material, the plastic material, the metallic material, the stainless-steel material, the High-Density Polyethylene
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(HDPE) material, the Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) material, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any material of the vessel 114, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. According to embodiments of the present invention, the vessel 114 may be of any shape such as, but not limited to, the cuboidal shape, the cylindrical shape, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the vessel 114 may be of a cubical shape. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any shape of the vessel 114, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0032] In an embodiment of the present invention, the load sensor 116 may sense a weight of the vessel 114 filled with the grains. According to embodiments of the present invention, the load sensor 116 may be placed anywhere underneath the vessel 114. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the load sensor 116 may be installed within the vessel 114. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any location of the load sensor 116. According to embodiments of the present invention, the load sensor 116 may be of any type such as, but not limited to, a digital load sensor, a beam load sensor, a canister load sensor, a Return-To-Neutral (RTN) load sensor, a single point load sensor, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the load sensor 116, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0033] In an embodiment of the present invention, the input unit 118 may be placed on the board 106. The input unit 118 may enable the user to provide an input of the compartment number and a quantity of the grains, in an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the input unit 118 may be connected to the control unit 122. According to embodiments of the present invention, the input unit 118 may be of any type such as, but not limited to, a keyboard, a numerical
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pad, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the input unit 118 may be a keypad. In another embodiment of the present invention, the input unit 118 may be a voice command receiver unit. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the input unit 118, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0034] In an embodiment of the present invention, the display unit 120 may be adapted to display the quantity of the grains provided by the user using the input unit 118. In an embodiment of the present invention, the display unit 120 may be installed by screwing it onto the frame 102. In another embodiment of the present invention, the display unit 120 may be installed by gluing it onto the board 106. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the display unit 120 may be installed anywhere within a visual proximity of the user. The display unit 120 may be, but not limited to, a Light Emitting Diode (LED) display, an Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) display, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the display unit 120 may be a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD). Further, the display unit 120 may feature a backlight that may be turned on and/or turned off based on a requirement. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the display unit 120 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0035] In an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 122 may be connected to the motor 112, the load sensor 116, and the display unit 120. The control unit 122 may be configured to provide a central processing foundation for processing the user input provided through the input unit 118, in an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 122 may be configured to execute a set of computer-executable instructions to generate the output. According to embodiments of the present invention,
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the control unit 122 may be, but not limited to, a single-core processor, a multi-core processor, a controller, a microcontroller, a microprocessor, a Raspberry Pi, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 122 may be an Arduino Uno Microcontroller. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any configuration of the control unit 122, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0036] In an embodiment of the present invention, the power supply unit 124 may be connected to the motor 112, the display unit 120, and the control unit 122 to supply the operational power. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the power supply unit 124 may be a battery-powered supply. In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the power supply unit 124 may be a wall-outlet power supply.
[0037] In an embodiment of the present invention, the battery-powered supply may be from a rechargeable battery. In another embodiment of the present invention, the battery-powered supply may be from a non-rechargeable battery. According to embodiments of the present invention, the rechargeable battery or the non-rechargeable battery may be of any composition such as, but not limited to, a Nickel-Cadmium battery, a Nickel-Metal Hydride battery, a Zinc-Carbon battery, a Lithium-Ion battery, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any composition of the power supplying battery, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0038] In an embodiment of the present invention, the wall-outlet power supply may be from a grid power line supply. In another embodiment of the present invention, the wall-outlet power supply may be from a generator line power supply. According to embodiments of the present invention, the wall-outlet power supply may be of any rating such as, but not limited to, a 5-volt supply, a 12-volt supply, and so forth. Embodiments
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of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any rating of the wall-outlet power supply.
[0039] FIG. 1B illustrates a schematic representation of the apparatus 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an exemplary scenario, the compartments 108a-108c of the container 104 may be filled with various types of the grains. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a compartment 108a may be filled with the rice. In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a compartment 108b may be filled with the maize. In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a compartment 108c may be filled with the pulses. Further, each of the compartments 108a-108c may be provided with the compartment number that may be 01, 02, 03 respectively.
[0040] Further, the input unit 118 may enable a customer to provide the input of the compartment number and the quantity of the required grains. For example, if the customer requires 5 kilograms (kg) of the rice, then the customer needs to provide the compartment number, that may be 01, and the quantity of the rice that may be 5 kilograms (kg) using the keypad. The provided input may be displayed on the display unit 120 that may be the Liquid Crystal Display (LCD). Also, based on the provided input, the motor 112 may be actuated to open a first compartment lid 110a of the compartment lids 110a-110c to dispense the 5 kilograms (kg) of the rice onto the vessel 114. As soon as, the vessel 114 receives the rice, the load sensor 116 installed within the vessel 114 starts measuring the weight of the vessel 114 until the weight of the vessel 114 reaches the quantity of the rice provided by the customer.
[0041] Further, the motor 112 may be actuated to close the first compartment lid 110a of the compartment 108a to stop dispensing the rice, when the weight of the vessel 114 reaches the quantity of the rice provided by the customer.
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[0042] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram depicting components of the control unit 122 of the apparatus 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The control unit 122 may comprise an input receiving module 200, an input processing module 202, a motor control module 204, a sensor activation module 206, and a data comparing module 208.
[0043] In an embodiment of the present invention, the input receiving module 200 may be configured to receive the input of the compartment number and the quantity of the grains from the input unit 118. The compartment number may be a number of the compartment 108 corresponding to the required grain to be dispensed, in an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the quantity of the grains may be expressed in a unit of grams (g), kilograms (kg), and so forth.
[0044] In an embodiment of the present invention, the input processing module 202 may be configured to process the received input. The input processing module 202 may be configured to generate a motor actuation signal based on the processed input, in an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the input processing module 202 may be configured to transmit the generated motor actuation signal to the motor control module 204.
[0045] In an embodiment of the present invention, the motor control module 204 may be configured to actuate the motor 112 to open a corresponding compartment lid of the compartment lids 110 based on the received motor actuation signal. The motor control module 204 may be configured to actuate the motor 112 to open the corresponding compartment lid of the compartment lids 110 to dispense the grains from the corresponding compartment of the compartments 108 onto the vessel 114.
[0046] In an embodiment of the present invention, the sensor activation
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module 206 may be configured to activate the load sensor 116 to sense the weight of the vessel 114 filled with the grains. The sensor activation module 206 may be configured to transmit the sensed weight of the vessel 114 to the data comparing module 208.
[0047] In an embodiment of the present invention, the data comparing module 208 may be configured to compare the sensed weight of the vessel 114 with the quantity provided by the user. In an embodiment of the present invention, when the sensed weight of the vessel 114 is less than the quantity provided by the user, then the data comparing module 208 may be configured to enable the motor 112 to keep opening the compartment lid of the compartment lids 110 to dispense the grains. In another embodiment of the present invention, when the sensed weight of the vessel 114 is greater than or equal to the quantity provided by the user, then the data comparing module 208 may be configured to generate a lid closing signal. The data comparing module 208 may be configured to transmit the lid closing signal to the motor control module 204.
[0048] The motor control module 204 may be configured to actuate the motor 112 to close the corresponding compartment lid of the compartment lids 110 based on the received lid closing signal, in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0049] FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of a method 300 for automatically dispensing and weighing the grains, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0050] At step 302, the apparatus 100 may receive the input of the compartment number and the quantity of the grains from the input unit 118.
[0051] At step 304, the apparatus 100 may actuate the motor 112 to open the corresponding compartment lid of the compartment lids 110 based on
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the received compartment number to dispense the grains onto the vessel 114.
[0052] At step 306, the apparatus 100 may activate the load sensor 116 to sense the weight of the vessel 114 filled with the grains.
[0053] At step 308, the apparatus 100 may compare the sensed weight of the vessel 114 filled with the grains with the quantity provided by the user. If the sensed weight of the vessel 114 is less than the quantity provided by the user, then the method 300 may return to the step 304. Otherwise, the method 300 may proceed to a step 310.
[0054] At the step 310, the apparatus 100 may actuate the motor 112 to close the corresponding compartment lid of the compartment lids 110.
[0055] Embodiments of the invention are described above with reference to block diagrams and schematic illustrations of methods and systems according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the diagrams and combinations of blocks in the diagrams can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be loaded onto one or more general-purpose computers, special purpose computers, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce machines, such that the instructions which execute on the computers or other programmable data processing apparatus create means for implementing the functions specified in the block or blocks. Such computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instruction means that implement the function specified in the block or blocks.
[0056] While the invention has been described in connection with what is
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presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
[0057] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined in 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 within substantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.