Method and system for high-speed tablet counting and dispensing
First Claim
1. A system for dispensing discrete objects, comprising:
- a) a plurality of primary chambers, each for holding a respective predetermined number of objects;
b) an overflow chamber for holding a variable number of objects;
c) means for inputting a number of the objects to be dispensed; and
d) means for releasing a number of discrete objects from at least one of said primary chambers and said overflow chamber, the sum of the number of objects released from said primary chambers and said overflow chamber not exceeding said number of objects to be dispensed.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A medicament tablet dispensing system and method dispenses any selected number of tablets, up to a maximum number, without a substantial delay associated with counting all of the tablets. A preset number of tablets are counted and stored in dedicated primary chambers. Furthermore, an overflow chamber is provided for temporarily storing and then dispensing tablets which are fed to the primary chamber after the primary chambers are filled with their respective number of tablets. In addition, a direct feed channel is provided for dispensing individually counted tablets. The chambers and direct feed channel can together dispense the selected number. It is also preferable that the chambers have subchambers, and that more than one subchamber be capable of being emptied during a single dispensing operation.
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Citations
10 Claims
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1. A system for dispensing discrete objects, comprising:
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a) a plurality of primary chambers, each for holding a respective predetermined number of objects; b) an overflow chamber for holding a variable number of objects; c) means for inputting a number of the objects to be dispensed; and d) means for releasing a number of discrete objects from at least one of said primary chambers and said overflow chamber, the sum of the number of objects released from said primary chambers and said overflow chamber not exceeding said number of objects to be dispensed. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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Specification