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Device for dispensing vials useful in system and method for dispensing prescriptions

  • US 8,261,936 B2
  • Filed: 11/14/2006
  • Issued: 09/11/2012
  • Est. Priority Date: 11/14/2006
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for dispensing singulated open-ended objects, the apparatus comprising:

  • a housing having a guide and an internal cavity configured to house open-ended objects, the housing including a dispensing exit;

    a pick-up unit mounted to the housing, the pick-up unit including an endless member and at least one pick-up member attached to the endless member;

    a drive unit;

    wherein the endless member engages the drive unit and the guide for movement relative thereto;

    wherein the at least one pick-up member is mounted to the endless member such that, as the drive unit drives the endless member, the at least one pick-up member travels on a pick-up path, at least a portion of which is within the housing and includes a generally horizontal run and an upward run that merges with the generally horizontal run;

    a delivery chute attached to the housing such that an upper end thereof is fed by the dispensing exit, wherein the delivery chute comprises a tube;

    a capture mechanism associated with the delivery chute, the capture mechanism movable between a capture position, in which an object cannot pass through the tube of the delivery chute, and a passage position, in which an object can pass through the tube of the delivery chute; and

    a controller operably associated with the drive unit and the capture mechanism, the controller being configured to detect when a captured object has passed through the delivery chute and move the capture mechanism back to the capture position responsive thereto.

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