Patent ID: 8224482
Filing Date: 2012-07-17
Classification: G07F

Abstract:
1. An automated pill dispensing system, comprising: an output chute configured to hold pill-containing vials; an optical sensor located at a predetermined location in the output chute, the optical sensor comprising an optical emitter and an optical detector configured to be operated cooperatively to output a detection signal indicating a presence or absence of a vial at the predetermined location of the output chute; and a controller coupled to the optical sensor and configured to receive the detection signal output therefrom, detect the presence or absence of the vial at the predetermined location of the output chute in response to the detection signal, and control a next depositing event whereby a next vial is deposited responsive to the detection, wherein the predetermined location comprises a top portion of the output chute, and wherein the controller is configured to control the next depositing event to deposit the next vial in an alternate output chute responsive to detecting the presence of the vial at the top portion of the output chute.