Cap dispensing devices useful in system and method for dispensing prescriptions
First Claim
1. A dispenser for dispensing disk-shaped objects, the dispenser configured to dispense the objects one at a time through an outlet in a predetermined orientation, the dispenser including a stationary pre-staging station beneath the outlet, the pre-staging station configured to dispense an object to a desired location and to house a next object for subsequent dispensing, wherein the next object is separated from the remaining objects in the dispenser;
- wherein the pre-staging station is positioned such that the dispensing of a further object from the dispenser causes the next object housed in the pre-staging station to be dispensed.
5 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus for dispensing disk-shaped objects (such as caps for pharmaceutical vials) of two different sizes comprises: first and second dispensers, the first dispenser containing objects of a first size, and the second dispenser containing objects of a second size, each of the dispensers configured to dispense the objects one at a time through an outlet in a predetermined orientation; a first outlet channel having an inlet disposed adjacent the outlet of the first dispenser; a second outlet channel having an inlet disposed adjacent the outlet of the second dispenser; and a common chute fed by the first and second outlet channels. In this configuration, the apparatus can provide objects of two different sizes to a common location (such as a closure securing station).
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Citations
11 Claims
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1. A dispenser for dispensing disk-shaped objects, the dispenser configured to dispense the objects one at a time through an outlet in a predetermined orientation, the dispenser including a stationary pre-staging station beneath the outlet, the pre-staging station configured to dispense an object to a desired location and to house a next object for subsequent dispensing, wherein the next object is separated from the remaining objects in the dispenser;
wherein the pre-staging station is positioned such that the dispensing of a further object from the dispenser causes the next object housed in the pre-staging station to be dispensed. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A dispenser for dispensing disk-shaped objects, the dispenser configured to dispense the objects one at a time through an outlet in a predetermined orientation, the dispenser including:
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a pre-staging station beneath the outlet, the pre-staging station configured to dispense an object to a desired location and to house a next object for subsequent dispensing, wherein the next object is separated from the remaining objects in the dispenser; and a sensor adjacent the pre-staging station that detects the presence of the next object; wherein the pre-staging station is positioned such that the dispensing of a further object from the dispenser causes the next object housed in the pre-staging station to be dispensed.
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10. A dispenser for dispensing disk-shaped objects, the dispenser configured to dispense the objects one at a time through an outlet in a predetermined orientation, the dispenser including:
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a rotating drum that agitates and singulates the objects for dispensing; and a pre-staging station beneath the outlet, the pre-staging station configured to dispense an object to a desired location and to house a next object for subsequent dispensing, wherein the next object is separated from the remaining objects in the dispenser; wherein the pre-staging station is positioned such that the dispensing of a further object from the dispenser causes the next object housed in the pre-staging station to be dispensed.
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11. A dispenser for dispensing disk-shaped objects, the dispenser configured to dispense the objects one at a time through an outlet in a predetermined orientation, the dispenser including a stationary pre-staging station beneath the outlet, the pre-staging station configured to dispense an object to a desired location and to house a next object for subsequent dispensing, wherein the next object is separated from the remaining objects in the dispenser;
wherein the pre-staging station is positioned such that movement of the dispenser causes;
(a) a further object to be housed in the pre-staging station and (b) the next object to be dispensed to the desired location.
Specification