Method and system for high-speed discrete object counting and dispensing
US6684914B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 11, 2001 |
| Grant date | Feb 3, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 11, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65B5/103
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A discrete object dispensing system and method dispenses any selected number of objects, up to a maximum number, without a delay associated with counting the tablets. A preset number of objects are counted and stored in dedicated chambers, the combination of the numbers of objects within the chambers being known to comprise any number of objects which is desired for dispensing. According to a preferred system, n chambers are provided, with 20, 21, 22, . . . , 2n−1 tablets provided respectively in the individual chambers. The chambers which together add up to the selected number for dispensing are emptied. Only those chambers which are emptied after dispensing need to be refilled and, as such, only the number of tablets in those storage locations need to be counted. The system may include a plurality of cells, each including a plurality of chambers for a different solid dose medication.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.