Tablet counting apparatus and method having a time out feature
US11185473B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 31, 2020 |
| Grant date | Nov 30, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 23, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61J2205/60
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A tablet counting apparatus and method and an associated control device are provided to ensure that the same type of tablets is transferred from a canister to a counter following the replacement of one canister with another. In addition to the counter and the replaceable canister, the tablet counting apparatus includes a gate that moves between closed and open positions. The tablet counting apparatus further includes a controller configured, following installation of the canister, to provide an authorization command to authorize the gate to be opened by being moved from the closed position to the open position. The tablet counting apparatus additionally includes a timer responsive to the authorization command. The controller is also configured to be responsive to the timer so as no longer provide the authorization command following expiration of the timer to prevent the gate from being subsequently opened if the gate has not already been opened.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.