Patent ID: 6401429
Filing Date: 2002-06-11
Classification: B65B,Y10S

Abstract:
An automated packaging apparatus for depositing a predetermined number of pills into a container, comprising:a reservoir configured to hold a plurality of pills and defining at least one opening adjacent a lower portion thereof; a rotary slat having a peripheral edge portion rotatable into the opening in said reservoir, said peripheral edge portion 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 after rotation of the slat, said rotary slat defining a frustoconical drive surface adjacent to said peripheral edge portion such that at least a portion of the drive surface is tapered adjacent to said peripheral edge; a rotatable drive motor; a drive shaft connected to the drive motor; and a drive wheel connected to the drive shaft and having a frustoconical drive surface in engagement with the drive surface of the rotary slat such that rotation of the drive motor causes a corresponding rotation of the rotary slat.