Patent ID: 8833602
Filing Date: 2014-09-16
Classification: A61J,G07F

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for counting and dispensing pills using multi-staged pill singulation, comprising: a) a hopper for containing a plurality of pills; b) a feed chute proximate said hopper for receiving pills therefrom, said feed chute having a feed chute vibrator operatively connected thereto for preventing pills therein from jamming, and having a feed chute outlet; c) a transport tube proximate said feed chute outlet and having an inlet aperture proximate thereto for receiving pills therefrom; d) a vibrating plate proximate said transport tube, said vibrating plate comprising a vibrating plate electric linear voice-coil motor for imparting vibration at a controlled speed and a sense magnet; e) a detector chute proximate said vibrating plate, said detector chute comprising means for detecting pills moving relative thereto; f) a microcontroller operatively connected to said hopper, said transport tube, said feed chute vibrator, said inlet aperture, and said vibrating plate electric linear voice-coil motor.