Patent ID: 6185901
Filing Date: 2001-02-13
Classification: B65B,Y10S

Abstract:
An automated packaging apparatus for depositing a predetermined number of pills into a series of containers, comprising:a reservoir configured to hold a plurality of pills and defining at least one opening adjacent a lower portion thereof;a plurality of rotary slats each having a peripheral edge portion rotatable into the opening in said reservoir, said peripheral edge portions of said rotary slats each defining a plurality of pill receptacles configured to capture an individual pill at a first position in said reservoir and release the pill at a second position outside of said reservoir;a conveyor configured to move a plurality of open containers along a predetermined path of travel and position each container adjacent a respective rotary slat to define a delivery path extending between the second position of said rotary slat and the container such that the pills are released from said slat and fall along said delivery path into the corresponding container;a plurality of drive motors each in driving engagement with one of said rotary slats for rotating the respective slat; anda controller connected to each of said drive motors for independently controlling said drive motors such that said slats can be rotated for different durations.