Methods and apparatus for automated counting of solids
AssigneeExpress Scripts Strategic Development, Inc.
InventorsIzaak T. Landgraff, Joseph A. Siciliano
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A shim for a solid counting device is provided. The shim includes: a first end, including a first width and a projection extending in a lateral direction; a second end, including a second width greater than the first width; and an elongated body extending in a longitudinal dimension from the first end to the second end. The first width, the second width, and the projection configured to prevent more than one of a plurality of solids simultaneously traveling into an exit channel of the solid counting device.
Claims30
A shim for a solid counting device, the shim comprising:
- a first end, including a first width and a projection extending in a lateral direction;
- a second end, including a second width greater than the first width;
- and
- an elongated body extending in a longitudinal dimension from the first end to the second end,
- the first width, the second width, and the projection configured to prevent more than one of a plurality of solids simultaneously traveling into an exit channel of the solid counting device,
- wherein the shim includes an outer convex surface extending along a constant radius and an inner concave surface extending along an inner radius that shortens from the first end to the second end.
A system for counting solids, the system comprising:
- a vibratory bowl comprising at least an inner bowl surface and an exit opening, the vibratory bowl configured to:
- generate motion of a plurality of solids;
- and
- dispense individual ones of the plurality of solids, via the exit opening, for counting the plurality of solids;
- and
- a shim positioned inside an exit channel extending from the exit opening of the vibratory bowl, the shim comprising:
- a first end, including a first width and a projection extending in a lateral direction;
- a second end, including a second width greater than the first width;
- and
- an elongated body extending in a longitudinal dimension from the first end to the second end,
- the first width, the second width, and the projection configured to prevent more than one of the plurality of solids simultaneously traveling into an exit channel of the vibratory bowl.
A method for counting solids using a solid counting device, the method comprising:
- receiving a plurality of solids to be counted, by a vibratory bowl comprising at least an inner bowl surface, an exit opening, and a channel extending from the exit opening around an edge of the vibratory bowl;
- generating motion to shuffle the plurality of solids toward the channel, by the vibratory bowl;
- separating one of the plurality of solids entering the channel connected to the exit opening, by a shim comprising an elongated body narrowing from a second end to a first end having a projection extending in a lateral direction, the shim being positioned in the channel;
- and
- dispensing the one of the plurality of solids via the exit opening, using the motion, the channel, and the shim.
A shim for a solid counting device, the shim comprising:
- a first end, including a first width and a projection extending in a lateral direction;
- a second end, including a second width greater than the first width;
- an elongated body extending in a longitudinal dimension from the first end to the second end,
- the first width, the second width, and the projection configured to prevent more than one of a plurality of solids simultaneously traveling into an exit channel of the solid counting device;
- and
- a fastener device configured to secure the shim to an inner surface of the vibratory bowl and on a ramp of the exit channel, to prevent travel of a solid beneath the shim.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.