초록 ▼

There is provided a method for counting and dispensing pills, tablets, and capsules which depends on a simple vibrating, sloped, concave-shaped (e.g., V-shaped) trough, having a number of descending steps. The vibration of the trough is controlled and adjusted by a microprocessor. The vibration of t

There is provided a method for counting and dispensing pills, tablets, and capsules which depends on a simple vibrating, sloped, concave-shaped (e.g., V-shaped) trough, having a number of descending steps. The vibration of the trough is controlled and adjusted by a microprocessor. The vibration of the trough is patterned to provide a greater vibratory amplitude at its dispensing end than at its intake end. The difference at each end of the trough in vibratory amplitude is achieved by elastomeric supports that are differently spring dampened. The microprocessor electronically adjusts the input vibration to the trough, such that the flow of materials is adjusted for different types of materials (i.e., tablets of different shapes and/or sizes). This causes the tablets to align accurately within the trough, and sequentially pass a pill detector mechanism in single file. This ensures that the device can handle an extremely varied range of tablet or capsule sizes and shapes.

대표청구항 ▼

A processor-controlled tablet, capsule or pill counting and dispensing system that counts and dispenses a wide variety of tablets, capsules and pills of different sizes and shapes, the steps comprising: means for loading a platform with tablets, capsules, or pills of different sizes and shapes; a pl

A processor-controlled tablet, capsule or pill counting and dispensing system that counts and dispenses a wide variety of tablets, capsules and pills of different sizes and shapes, the steps comprising: means for loading a platform with tablets, capsules, or pills of different sizes and shapes; a platform in operative relationship to said loading means for receiving tablets, capsules, or pills, said platform having an upper end for receiving said tablets, capsules or pills from said loading means, and a lower end for dispensing singulated tablets, capsules, or pills to a counting means; first vibratory means connected to said platform for imparting vibratory pulses to said platform in order to cause singulation of said tablets, capsules, or pills along said platform, thereby separating them so that they can be counted one at a time; means for respectively supporting said platform at said upper end and said lower end, said means having a spring constant at said upper end that is higher than the spring constant at said lower end, whereby said platform is caused to vibrate under the influence of said vibratory means, more strongly at said lower end; and counting means disposed adjacent said lower end of said platform for counting said tablets, capsules, or pills, as they drop from said platform one at a time.