Patent ID: 6681550
Filing Date: 2004-01-27
Classification: B65B,Y10S

Abstract:
An automated packaging apparatus for depositing a predetermined number of pills into a series of containers, comprising:a plurality of rotary slats, wherein each of said plurality of rotary slats is independently rotatable and comprises an outer peripheral edge portion, said rotary slats are configured such that said outer peripheral edge portions together define a common interior space, each of said outer peripheral edge portions defining a plurality of pill apertures extending therethrough, and each of said pill apertures is configured to receive one of the pills from said common interior space at a first position and transmit the pill outside said rotary slats at a second position; a conveyor configured to move a plurality of open containers along a predetermined path of travel and position each of said containers adjacent a respective rotary slat to define a delivery path extending between the second position of said rotary slat and said container; at least one drive motor in driving engagement with said rotary slats for rotating said rotary slats; and a controller connected to said at least one drive motor for controlling said at least one drive motor such that said rotary slats can be independently rotated for different durations.