Storage and dispensing station for a blister machine

A small piece good system, comprising:

• a plurality of storage and dispensing stations, each comprising:
• a storage container comprising a coupling device having a lower coupling portion and a holding device comprising an actuation member;
• and
• a dispensing station comprising a rotary drive comprising a hub disposed in a first opening in a top surface of the dispensing station, the rotary drive configured to provide a force-transmitting interaction with the lower coupling portion and an opening member configured to interact with the actuation member of the holding device, the opening member comprising a separate second opening comprising a depression in the top surface of the dispensing station that is disposed outside of and adjacent to an outer perimeter of the first opening in the top surface of the dispensing station,
• wherein the lower coupling portion, the hub, the actuation member and the opening member are configured to provide a first interaction between the lower coupling portion and the hub prior to providing a second interaction between the actuation member and the opening member when arranging the storage container on the dispensing station.

A method of operating a small piece good system, the method comprising:

• providing a dispensing station comprising a hub of a rotary drive disposed in a first opening in a top surface of the dispensing station and an opening member comprising a separate second opening comprising a recess in the top surface of the dispensing station that is disposed outside of and adjacent to an outer perimeter of the first opening in the top surface of the dispensing station;
• providing a storage container comprising a coupling device having a lower coupling portion and a holding device comprising an actuation member;
• arranging the storage container on the dispensing station;
• initiating a first interaction between the lower coupling portion and the hub;
• and
• initiating a second interaction between the actuation member and the opening member.