Patent ID: 7584018
Filing Date: 2009-09-01
Classification: G05B,G07F,G16H

Abstract:
1. A method, comprising: storing in a bulk storage chamber a volume of a prescription drug to be used to fill individual prescriptions; dispensing said prescription drug from a dispensing chamber which is configured to store and dispense a plurality of units of the prescription drug as directed by a controller; and regulating a feed rate at which the prescription drug is fed from said storage chamber to said dispensing chamber, wherein regulating the feed rate comprises positioning a regulator between the bulk storage chamber and the dispensing chamber; wherein the regulator comprises a metering section defining a plurality of differently sized feed openings and a selection plate defining at least one selection opening, and wherein regulating a feed rate further comprises aligning the at least one selection plate with a respective feed opening while blocking all other feed openings.