US 5,671,262 A · Method for counting and dispensing tablets, capsules, and pills

Abstract

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.

Claims11

Dependent claims

A processor-controlled method for counting and dispensing tablets, capsules, or pills of different sizes and shapes, the steps comprising:

a) loading a platform with tablets, capsules, or pills of different sizes and shapes, said platform having an upper end for receiving said tablets, capsules or pills and a lower end for dispensing singulated tablets, capsules, or pills to a counting means;
b) imparting vibratory pulses to said platform in order to cause singulation of said tablets, capsules, or pills along said platform, said vibratory pulses having parameters of vibration that are dependent upon tablet, capsule, or pill characteristics;
c) supporting said platform at said upper end and said lower end with a spring constant at said upper end that is higher than the spring constant at said lower end, in order to cause said platform to vibrate more strongly at said lower end;
and
d) counting said tablets, capsules, or pills, as they drop from said platform one at a time.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Method for counting and dispensing tablets, capsules, and pills

Life of this patent

Method for counting and dispensing tablets, capsules, and pills

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims11