Unit dose dispensing mechanisms

A method for dispensing a vial, the method comprising:

• receiving electrical signals at a dispensing mechanism via a connector from a cabinet in which the dispensing mechanism is installed, the dispensing mechanism defining an opening at the bottom of the dispensing mechanism, the dispensing mechanism comprising:
• a cassette comprising:
• a set of vertical channels of a shape and size to receive and hold a number of vials in vertical stacks, the set of vertical channels extending in a first direction;
• and
• a plurality of rotatable receivers driven by an actuator, each of the rotatable receivers being positioned under a respective one of the vertical channels, each of the plurality of rotatable receivers defining a cavity having an open side, the cavity having a shape and size to receive a vial, and each of the plurality of rotatable receivers having an axis of rotation in a second direction, wherein the second direction is different than the first direction;
• and
• a dispenser comprising:
• the connector;
• and
• the actuator, wherein the cassette and dispenser are separable;
• operating the actuator in response to the received electrical signals to thereby rotate the plurality of rotatable receivers, thereby receiving a vial from one of the set of vertical channels into the cavity of one of the plurality of rotatable receivers;
• and
• dropping the vial from its cavity through the opening when the one or the plurality of rotatable receivers is rotated such that the open side of the cavity has a downward vertical orientation.