Patent ID: 6267265
Filing Date: 2001-07-31
Classification: A61J,B65D

Abstract:
A one-at-a-time pill dispenser, comprising:a receptacle having an open end for receiving pills therethrough, an other end for preventing pills from passing therethrough, and a cavity defined by at least an internal surface of the receptacle extending from the open end and converging towards at least one apex proximate the other end along a path of convergence, the path of convergence selected for receiving at least a pill in a first static normally open receiving mode of operation wherein the internal surface converges toward the at least one apex, frictionally engaging a single pill from the at least a pill within the cavity in the first static normally open receiving mode of operation wherein the internal surface converges toward the at least one apex and for retaining the single pill therein in the first static normally open receiving mode of operation wherein the internal surface converges toward the at least one apex, the path of convergence also selected for allowing the release of the single pill through the open end in response to an external stimulus applied to the dispenser in a dispensing mode of operation, and the path of convergence also selected such that the cavity is capable of frictionally engaging and retaining therein one-at-a-time a plurality of pills having different maximum widths.