A microtablet dispenser is provided herein including: a microtablet reservoir disc including a plurality of wells each formed to accommodate at least one microtablet, the wells being arranged in at least one array; a screen plate having at least one opening shaped to expose all of the wells of one of the arrays when aligned therewith; and, a dose selector plate including a plurality of dosing apertures arranged in a plurality of dosing arrays of different patterns. With one of the arrays being aligned with the at least one opening of the screen plate and with a selected dosing array, the microtablets accommodated in the wells aligned with dosing apertures are free to pass through the corresponding dosing apertures so as to be dispensed therefrom, while the wells of the array not aligned with dosing apertures are obstructed by solid portions of the dose selector plate.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Microtablets, also known as minitablets, are smaller than normal sized tablets having a size generally in the range of 1-4 millimeters. Microtablets allow for greater customization of a dose of drug for a patient, since the prescribed amount can be adjusted in much smaller increments than with standard sized tablets. This may be additionally beneficial for patients who require weaker prescriptions, such as, children, elderly patients, and frail patients.

Due to the small size of microtablets, dose accuracy may be difficult, particularly, as to handling, counting, etc. In addition, depending on a patient's condition, the size of the dose may need to be varied from dose to dose depending on the state of the patient. Microtablet dispensers have been developed in the prior art, such as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,811,054, issued on Nov. 2, 2004, to Moest et al., which provide for the establishment of a single, fixed dose of microtablets. These dispensers, however, do not provide for variability in the dose.

Tablet dispensers have been also developed in the prior art which allow for variability in the number of tablets to dispense. For example, CN 106347870 A, dated Jan. 25, 2017, discloses a dispenser having multiple slidable barriers, with a barrier being selected to define the number of tablets to be dispensed. Also, CN 206704935 U, dated Dec. 5, 2017, discloses a rotatable disc having an adjustable-length channel defined therein, where the length of the channel is adjusted to the number of tablets to be dispensed. These devices, although having variability, are limited in the quantities of tablets that can be selected. The associated hardware constrains the range of the number of dispensable tablets.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A variable, multi-dose microtablet dispenser is provided herein including: a microtablet reservoir disc including a plurality of wells each formed to accommodate at least one microtablet, the wells being arranged in at least one discrete array; a screen plate having opposing first and second faces and at least one opening therethrough shaped to expose all of the wells of one of the arrays when aligned therewith, wherein, the microtablet reservoir disc is located adjacent to the first face of the screen plate with the microtablet reservoir disc being rotationally adjustable relative to one another; and, a dose selector plate including a plurality of dosing apertures extending therethrough, the dosing apertures being arranged in a plurality of dosing arrays, each of the dosing arrays defining a different pattern of the dosing apertures, wherein, the dose selector plate being located adjacent to the second face of the screen plate, the dose selector plate being rotationally adjustable relative to the screen plate. The microtablet dispenser is readied for dispensing a dose with rotational adjustment of the dose selector plate relative to the screen plate to align a selected one of the dosing arrays with a dosing position. With a first of the arrays of the microtablet reservoir disc being in alignment with the at least one opening of the screen plate and with the selected dosing array in the dosing position, the wells of the first array are aligned with the dosing apertures of the selected dosing array based on the pattern of the dosing apertures of the selected dosing array such that the microtablets accommodated in the wells of the first array aligned with the dosing apertures of the selected dosing array are free to pass through the at least one opening and the corresponding dosing apertures so as to be dispensed therefrom, while the wells of the first array not aligned with the dosing apertures of the selected dosing array are obstructed by solid portions of the dose selector plate preventing the dispensing of the microtablets accommodated therein. Advantageously, the subject invention provides for multiple doses, in varying quantities, of microtablets.

As used herein, a “microtablet” is a tablet including one or more pharmaceutically and/or biologically active agents with the tablet having dimensions no greater than 5 millimeters in each of its width, length, and depth, more preferably, having dimensions no greater than 2.8 millimeters in each of its width, length, and depth (as set forth in “Guidance for Industry, Size of Beads in Drug Products Labeled for Sprinkle,” U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), May, 2012).

These and other features of the invention shall be better understood through a study of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference toFIG. 1, a microtablet dispenser is shown and generally designated with reference numeral10. The dispenser10includes a microtablet reservoir disc12, a screen plate14, and a dose selector plate16, which collectively allow for multiple, and variable, doses of microtablets to be dispensed by the dispenser10.

FIG. 1shows additional components beyond the reservoir disc12, the screen plate14, and the dose selector plate16, which may be optionally included with the dispenser10. For example a top housing52may be provided for overlaying over the reservoir disc12, an upstanding handle48may be provided on the dose selector plate14, a dosing plate66that can accommodate a coupling90for housing a spring98and a pawl112, and the microtablet dispenser described herein may include a removable cover82. Such additional features will be discussed below in more detail.

As shown inFIGS. 2, 3 and 4, the reservoir disc12includes a plurality of wells18each formed to accommodate at least one microtablet. The wells18are arranged in a plurality of discrete arrays20. Each of the arrays20corresponds to an administerable dose of the microtablets. A plurality of the arrays20provides the dispenser10with a plurality of doses. For each of the arrays20, the microtablets accommodated by the wells18within the respective array20collectively constitute a maximum quantity of microtablets dispensable as a dose. The subject invention allows for dose setting by a user so that a dose may be set for any quantity ranging from one microtablet to the maximum quantity. The dose can be set from dose to dose to permit the user to change the quantity as needed for each dose.

Preferably, for each of the arrays20, the wells18are arranged along an arc, as represented by arc A inFIG. 2. More preferably, the reservoir disc12includes a central opening22and an outer edge24with the arrays20extending therebetween in parallel.

As shown inFIG. 4, each of the wells18A-18D defines an open channel26for accommodating at least one of the microtablets. It is preferred that the open channels26of all of the wells18be provided with the same inner diameter, and, that the inner diameter be selected to ensure that the microtablets are all oriented within the channels26in one manner. For example, with spherical microtablets, the inner diameter of the channels26may be slightly greater than the diameter of the microtablets. With elongated microtablets, it is preferred that the longitudinal axis of the microtablets be aligned in parallel to the longitudinal axis of the respective channels26; this can be achieved by setting the inner diameter of the channel26slightly greater than a circumference of the microtablets which is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the microtablets (i.e., the circumference which encircles the longitudinal axis). This allows for the microtablets to be oriented in only one manner. As a result, the quantity of microtablets which may be accommodated in each of the wells18will be a direct function of the depth of the wells18, i.e., the depth of the channels26.

It is preferred that within each of the arrays20, the wells18be provided with different depths to allow for the accommodation of different quantities of microtablets. For example, as shown inFIG. 4, for each of the arrays20, six of the wells18may be provided having three different depths: one well of one depth; two wells of a second depth; and, three wells of a third depth. By way of non-limiting example, and as shown inFIG. 5, a first well18A may be provided with a depth to accommodate a single microtablet; second and third wells18B,18C may be each formed to accommodate two microtablets; and, fourth, fifth, and sixth wells18D,18E,18F may be each formed to accommodate five microtablets. This arrangement allows for the selective dosing of one to twenty microtablets. As discussed further below, a user selects the dose and, based on the selection, particular wells are exposed to allow for the dispensing of accommodated microtablets. Depending on which wells are exposed, the total quantity of microtablets being dispensed may be controlled. The following table summarizes which of the wells18A-18F are exposed to provide the noted quantities of microtablets:

Quantity ofMicrotabletsto be DispensedExposed Wells118A218B318A, 18B418B, 18C518A, 18B, 18C618A, 18D718B, 18D818A, 18B, 18D918B, 18C, 18D1018A, 18B, 18C, 18D1118A, 18D, 18E1218B, 18D, 18E1318A, 18B, 18D, 18E1418B, 18C, 18D, 18E1518A, 18B, 18D, 18D, 18E1618A, 18D, 18E, 18F1718B, 18D, 18E, 18F1818A, 18B, 18D, 18E, 18F1918B, 18C, 18D, 18E, 18F2018A, 18B, 18C, 18D, 18E, 18F
It is preferred that, where possible, radially innermost wells be utilized, particularly where multiple options are available. For example, it is preferred that the second well18B be utilized over the third well18C, and that the fourth well18D be utilized over the fifth and sixth wells18E,18F. Further, it is preferred that the combination of the first through third wells18A,18B,18C be utilized as collectively dispensing five microtablets over any of the fourth through sixth wells18D-18F. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the number and depths of the wells18may be varied within the arrays20to cover different quantities of the microtablets. It is preferred that each of the arrays20be similarly configured to have the same quantity of the wells18, arranged in the same fashion (e.g., along the arc A), with the wells18, from array to array, having the same depths in the same arrangement (i.e., the depth at each well position is the same from array to array). The reservoir disc12is rotated in increments to align each of the arrays20with a target spot in allowing for sequential dosing with each of the arrays20representing a dose.

As can be seen inFIG. 3, it is preferred that the wells18of similar depth be arranged in rings about the central opening22on the reservoir disc12. In this manner, the wells18, across all of the arrays20, are arranged in tiers, depending on depth. It is further preferred that the wells18with shortest depth be closest to the central opening22with increasing depth being located radially outward. For example, as shown inFIG. 3, the wells18of shortest depth (e.g., well18A) may be arranged in a ring closest to the central opening22forming a first tier28; the wells18of medium depth (e.g., wells18B,18C) may be arranged in a ring encircling the first tier28to define a second tier30; and, the wells18of greatest depth (e.g., wells18D,18E,18F) may be arranged in a ring encircling the second tier30to define a third tier32.

As shown inFIGS. 2-4, the open channels26of the wells18are open on at least one end to allow for microtablets to be dispensed therefrom. Preferably, the open channels26are open in the planes of the tiers28,30,32. The reservoir disc12may be provided with a generally flat upper face34. Preferably, the wells18extend through the upper face34so that the open channels26are also open in the plane of the upper face34. This arrangement allows for the loading of microtablets into the wells18through the upper face34, during assembly of the dispenser10.

As shown inFIGS. 5-7, the screen plate14includes opposing first and second faces36,38with the reservoir disc12being located adjacent to the first face36. As shown inFIGS. 6 and 7, the screen plate14includes at least one opening40formed to expose all of the wells18of one of the arrays20, shown inFIGS. 2-4, when aligned therewith. The screen plate14may be formed multi-tier to match the tiered profile of the reservoir disc12. With this configuration, as shown inFIG. 6, the at least one opening40may be a plurality of openings spread over the multiple tiers. Each of the openings40is sized to allow passage therethrough of at least one microtablet. Collectively, the openings40are arranged to allow simultaneous passage therethrough of the microtablets accommodated by all of the wells18within one of the arrays20, shown inFIGS. 2-4. Specifically, the at least one opening40is sized to span across one or more of the wells18of one of the arrays20. For example, as shown inFIGS. 5, 6 and 7, one of the openings40may be provided to align with the first well18A, two of the openings40may be provided to align with the second and third wells18B,18C, while one of the openings40may be provided to align with the fourth, fifth, and sixth wells18D,18E,18F. The at least one opening40may be formed in any manner (continuous or discontinuous) which allows for simultaneously exposing all of the wells18of one of the arrays20.

The screen plate14is provided with a central opening42. The at least one opening40may be arranged to radiate outwardly from the central opening42along an arc shaped like the arc A discussed above. Preferably, the screen plate14is solid in all portions outside of the at least one opening40. This allows for the screen plate14to obstruct the wells18which are not aligned with the at least one opening40in preventing uncontrolled dispensing of microtablets.

As shown inFIGS. 8-10, the dose selector plate16includes a plurality of dosing apertures44extending therethrough. Each of the dosing apertures44is sized to permit passage therethrough of microtablets. The dosing apertures44are arranged in a plurality of discrete dosing arrays46. Each of the dosing arrays46defines a different pattern of the dosing apertures44. The dosing arrays46allow a user to select different quantities of microtablets for a dose. This is achieved with, as shown inFIG. 9, the dosing apertures44being arranged within the dosing arrays46to expose wells18to allow for a target number of microtablets to be dispensed. In particular, based on a user-selected dose amount, the corresponding dosing array46is aligned with one of the arrays20with the dosing apertures46only exposing the wells18from which the microtablets are to be dispensed (the non-exposed wells18being obstructed to not dispense microtablets). The dosing apertures44may be arranged along an arc (e.g., along the arc A) within each of the dosing arrays46.

As shown inFIGS. 11-14, the dose selector plate16is located adjacent to the second face38of the screen plate14, which includes opposing first and second faces36,38. The dose selector plate16is rotatable relative to the screen plate14so that the dosing arrays46, shown inFIGS. 8 and 9, are selectively alignable with the at least one opening40, shown inFIG. 7. With rotation of the reservoir disc12relative to the screen plate14, and with rotation of the dose selector plate16relative to the screen plate14, the wells18A-18F may be brought sequentially into alignment with the at least one opening40, shown inFIGS. 6 and 7, of the screen plate14and into alignment with one of the dosing arrays46, shown inFIG. 8, as selected by a user. The at least one opening40provides no obstruction to microtablets dispensing from the wells18in alignment therewith. It is the pattern of the dosing apertures44of the aligned dosing array46that dictates from which of the wells18microtablets may be dispensed.

The dosing arrays46, shown inFIGS. 8 and 9, are configured to correspond to the arrays20, shown inFIG. 5. It is preferred that for a given configuration of the arrays20(number, position, depth of the wells18), the dosing arrays46vary to allow for different quantities of microtablets to be dispensed. By way of non-limiting example, and with use of the array20described above including six of the wells18A-18F to dispense from one to twenty microtablets, twenty of the dosing arrays46may be provided, each set to allow for the dispensing of one to twenty microtablets in one-unit increments. The dosing apertures44of the dosing arrays46are arranged to expose the wells18A-18F noted above to allow for the desired quantity of microtablets. For example, to dose one microtablet, only the first well18A is exposed; this is achieved by providing a first of the dosing arrays46with one of the dosing apertures44positioned to align with the first well18A. Solid portions of the dose selector plate18align with the second through sixth wells18B-18F to prevent microtablets to be dispensed therefrom.FIG. 11shows the dispensing of three microtablets;FIG. 12shows the dispensing of four microtablets;FIG. 13shows the dispensing of five microtablets; and,FIG. 14shows the dispensing of six microtablets. As will be recognized by those skilled in the art, the dosing arrays46are similarly fashioned to accommodate dosing of two through twenty microtablets.

It is preferred that the dosing apertures44, shown inFIG. 9, be arranged in rings on the dose selector plate16in similar fashion to the arrangement of the wells18on the reservoir disc12, shown inFIG. 4, so that the dosing apertures44are alignable with the wells18from array to array. It is also preferred that the dose selector plate16have a profile matching that of the screen plate14, e.g., being multi-tiered. The dosing apertures44may be distributed from tier to tier on the dose selector plate16in similar fashion to how the wells18are distributed from tier to tier on the reservoir disc12. It is preferred that sufficiently low clearance be provided between the dose selector plate16and the screen plate14so that microtablets do not migrate between the dose selector plate16and the screen plate14from one of the wells18which is intended to be obstructed.

An upstanding handle48is provided on the dose selector plate16which is engageable by a user to rotate the dose selector plate16in setting a dose, as shown inFIGS. 8 and 10. The handle48extends through the central opening42, shown inFIGS. 6-7, of the screen plate14and through the central opening22, shown inFIGS. 2-3, of the reservoir disc12. The handle48allows the dose selector plate16to be rotated relative to both the screen plate14and the reservoir disc12. As shown inFIG. 8, indicia50representing different doses may be provided on the handle48. Alignment of indicia50with a pointer or within a window causes the dosing array46corresponding to a desired dose to be aligned with the at least one window40. As shown inFIGS. 8-10, the handle48may be provided integrally with the dose selector plate16. Alternatively, as shown inFIG. 1, the handle48may be provided as a separate component from the dose selector plate16, configured to be non-rotatably mounted to the dose selector plate16.

The dispenser10is readied for dispensing a dose with rotational adjustment of the dose selector plate16relative to the screen plate14to align a selected dosing array46with a predefined dosing position. The dosing position may be a radially fixed virtual location, which allows for consistent dosing from the same location on the dispenser10. The selected dosing array46represents the desired quantity of microtablets for the dose. Thereafter, the at least one opening40and one of the arrays20are caused to align with the selected dosing array46in the dosing position. With this configuration, the wells18are aligned with the dosing apertures44based on the pattern of the dosing array46. Microtablets accommodated in the wells18aligned with the dosing apertures44are free to pass through the at least one opening40and the corresponding dosing aperture46so as to be dispensed therefrom. The wells18not aligned with any of the dosing apertures44are obstructed by solid portions of the dose selector plate16preventing the dispensing of microtablets accommodated therein.

As shown inFIGS. 15-16, a top housing52may be provided for overlaying over the reservoir disc12, shown inFIG. 2, particularly to cover all of the wells18, if exposed, on the upper face34. The top housing52may include an access opening54through which the handle48of the dose selector plate16, shown inFIG. 5, may extend so as to be engaged and rotated for rotationally adjusting the dose selector plate16. As shown inFIG. 5, saw teeth56may be provided about the perimeter of the access opening54, particularly on an interior of the top housing52, which are engageable by matching secondary saw teeth58located about the handle48on the dose selector plate16. As assembled, the saw teeth56and the secondary saw teeth58mesh so as to provide for snap-click incremental adjustment therebetween, preferably, bi-directionally. Each incremental adjustment is preferably set to correspond with a different dosing array46, shown inFIG. 8, being in alignment with the at least one opening40of screen plate14, shown inFIG. 6.

As shown inFIGS. 15 and 16, a dosing window60may be formed in the top housing52through which the indicia50may be viewable by a user. With rotation of the dose selector plate16, the user will view the corresponding dose size through the dosing window60. In addition, a dose counter window62may be provided in the top housing62to allow the user to view the number of the current dose.

As shown inFIG. 2, the reservoir disc12may be provided with dose number indicia64, e.g., along the outer edge24, each associated with one of the arrays20. In this manner, as the arrays20are advanced to dose, the corresponding dose number indicia64are viewable through the dose counter window62to provide the user with an indication of the number of remaining doses. The dispenser10may be provided with thirty of the arrays20so as to provide for a month's worth of drug which is taken once daily. The dose number indicia64may include numbers to represent the dose number and/or colors to indicate the extent of used doses (e.g., green indicating at least a certain number of remaining doses, yellow indicating a mid-range number of remaining doses, and red indicating approaching end of remaining doses).

A dosing plate66, as shown inFIGS. 17-18, may be provided with the dispenser10to facilitate repeated dosing. The dosing plate66includes a base68with an upstanding wall70perimetrically bounding the base68. The top housing52may be secured to the wall70so as to not be rotatable relative to the dosing plate66. The reservoir disc12, the screen plate14, and the dose selector plate16may be sandwiched between the top housing52and the dosing plate66, as shown inFIG. 1.

As shown inFIG. 7, the screen plate14includes at least one downward depending tab72, each received in a corresponding recess74formed in the dosing plate66, ofFIGS. 17 and 18. The interengagement of the tab72and the recess74prevents relative rotation between the screen plate14and the dosing plate66. It is preferred that the tab72be located beyond the perimeter of the dose selector plate16so as to extend past the dose selector plate16into the tab72without impeding rotation of the dose selector plate16. Preferably, a plurality of the tabs72and corresponding slots74be provided spaced apart about the dose selector plate16.

The reservoir disc12is preferably unidirectionally rotatable relative to the dosing plate66. Any known configuration may be provided to achieve this arrangement. By way of non-limiting example, the reservoir disc12may include a downward depending skirt76, located along the outer edge24, having downward facing ratchet teeth78, as shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, configured to be engaged by at least one one-way ramp80located on the dosing plate66, as shown inFIG. 17. With this arrangement, as shown inFIG. 19, the reservoir disc12is rotatable in one direction with the ratchet teeth78riding up sloped side80aof the ramp80to by-pass the ramp80, with rotation in the reverse direction being restricted due to vertical side80bof the ramp80which restricts by-passing of the ramp80in the reverse direction. The unidirection rotation of the reservoir disc12relative to the dosing plate66, as represented by the arrow inFIG. 19, allows only for sequential advancement of the arrays20having full complements of microtablets contained therein. Reverse rotation prevents a partially full array20, such as where a dose was dispensed less than the maximum dose, to re-align with the at least one aperture40to dispense a second time, possibly incorrectly. The skirt76is preferably configured to pass beyond the perimeter of the screen plate14, thus, by-passing both the screen plate14and the dose selector plate16.

As shown inFIG. 20, a removable cover82may be provided for the dispenser10which is removably mountable to the dosing plate66. The dosing plate66preferably includes at least one dosing aperture84through which microtablets dispensed from the dosing apertures44may pass through. The removable cover82includes a base86which may be positioned below the dosing plate66to collect microtablets passing through the at least one dosing aperture84. A user may access the microtablets collected on the base86.

Any configuration which permits removable mounting may be used between the dosing plate66and the removable cover82. It is preferred that the removable mounting require relative rotation between the dosing plate66and the removable cover82. In a preferred arrangement, as shown inFIG. 21, cooperating bayonet lock elements88may be provided to allow for removable mounting, with a bayonet lock channel88abeing defined in an exterior surface of the wall70and a bayonet lock tab88bextending inwardly from the removable cover82formed to slide through the bayonet lock channel88a. The bayonet lock channel88amay be formed with a first, upright section88a′ which is open at the bottom of the wall70to receive the bayonet lock tab88band a second, horizontal section88a″ into which the tab88bmay be seated. Relative rotation between the dosing plate66and the removable cover82is needed to remove the bayonet lock tab88bfrom the bayonet lock channel88a. A plurality of sets of the bayonet lock elements88may be used spaced about the dosing plate66. Alternatively, mating threads may be utilized. As shown inFIG. 17, a locking depression88cmay be provided axially aligned with, but spaced from, the horizontal section88a″. As shown inFIG. 21, the tab88bmay be reversibly rotated into and from the locking depression88c. Receipt of the tab88bin the locking depression88cprovides the dispenser10with a releasable lock for maintaining the removable cover82in a fixed position on the dosing plate66.

The dose selector plate16is preferably selectively fixable to the dosing plate66so that, in a first state, the dose selector plate16is not fixed to the dosing plate66(the dose selector plate16being rotatable relative to the dosing plate66in both directions), and, in a second state, the dose selector plate16is fixed to the dosing plate66such that there is no relative rotation therebetween.

Any configuration to allow for selective fixing of the dose selector plate16to the dosing plate66may be utilized with the subject invention. By way of non-limiting example, as shown inFIGS. 22 and 23, a coupling90is formed to be disposed within an upstanding collar92defined in the dosing plate66so as to be movably adjustable therewithin (FIGS. 17 and 18). The collar92defines at least one channel94with the coupling90defining at least one tab96seated in the channel94of the collar92so as to prevent relative rotation between the coupling90and the dosing plate66.

As shown inFIG. 24, a spring98is provided to urge the coupling90from a first position to a second position relative to the collar92. The spring98is positioned to act against a portion of the dose selector plate16and a portion of the coupling90. As shown inFIGS. 22 and 23, the coupling90includes a button100formed to extend through button opening102of the dosing plate66, shown inFIG. 18. The spring98acts against the coupling90to urge the button100outwardly through the button opening102. A boss103may be provided on the base86of the removable cover82positioned to pressingly engage the button100with the removable cover82mounted to the dosing plate66. As a result, the button100is caused to be depressed with the coupling90being in the first position. With removal of the removable cover82from the dosing plate66, the spring98urges the coupling90downwardly to have the button100extend from the button opening102with the coupling90being urged to the second position.

As shown inFIGS. 10 and 24, the coupling90is preferably tubular having an internal passageway104with the dose selector plate16including a protruding stem106extending into the internal passageway104of the coupling90. The stem106and the coupling90include interengageable elements108,110which when engaged prevent relative rotation between the dose selector plate16and the coupling90. The interengageable elements110may be formed within the internal passageway104of the coupling90. The interengageable elements108,110are preferably engaged with axial movement therebetween along a common axis; for example, the interengageable elements108,110may be meshable teeth or cogs. With the coupling90being in the first position (i.e., with the removable cover82mounted to the dosing plate66), the interengageable elements108,110are not engaged with the dose selector plate16not fixed to the dosing plate66, i.e., being freely rotatable relative to the dosing plate66. With the coupling90being in the second position (i.e., with the removable cover82removed from the dosing plate66), the interengageable elements108,110are axially aligned to be engaged such that the dose selector plate16is fixed to the coupling90and, as such, fixed to the dosing plate66.

As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the dose selector plate16requires rotation by a user to set a dose. Any arrangement may be used to rotate the reservoir disc12from dose to dose. An incremental rotational drive may be provided to cause the reservoir disc12to rotate incrementally for each dose. By way of non-limiting example, and as shown inFIGS. 25-28, a pawl112may be provided to nest on the collar92on the dosing plate66. Preferably, the pawl112includes two flexible arms116, but any quantity of arms may be utilized. The pawl112also includes at least one downward depending actuator tab118, shown inFIG. 27formed to extend through a corresponding rotation slot120formed in the dosing plate66, shown inFIG. 28. As shown inFIGS. 17 and 18, a rotation slot120is formed with sufficient length to allow movement of the actuator tab118resulting in rotating movement of the pawl112. As shown inFIGS. 17, 18 and 26, stop posts122are located on the dosing plate66about the arms116to define a range of movement therefor. Actuator detents124, shown inFIG. 2) are provided on the base86of the removable cover82positioned to rotationally engage the actuator tabs118with the removable cover82being mounted to the dosing plate66. Rotation of the removal cover82relative to the dosing plate66for removal of the removal cover82results in the actuator detents124rotating in engagement with the actuator tabs118, resulting in rotation of the pawl112. The extent of rotation of the pawl112may be limited by the length of the rotation slots120and the positioning of the stop posts122, shown inFIGS. 17 and 18. Ratchet teeth126may be provided along an inwardly facing surface of the skirt76, shown in Figure. The arms116of the pawl112act against the ratchet teeth126with the pawl112rotating so that the reservoir disc12is advanced an increment, as shown schematically inFIG. 29. This allows for one of the arrays20to come into alignment with the at least one opening40. Re-mounting of the removable cover82causes reverse motion of the pawl112. With the reservoir disc12resisting reverse motion, the arms116are caused to by-pass a select number of the ratchet teeth126with no rotation of the reservoir disc12relative to the dosing plate66.

As an additional feature, the screen plate14may be provided to be rotatable relative to the dosing plate66. In particular, the tab72may be formed to extend through the recess74. As shown inFIGS. 20 and 30, cogs128may be provided on the base86of the removable cover82to rotationally engage the tab72. This allows for reversible rotation of the screen plate14relative to the dosing plate66. Advantageously, the screen plate14may be caused to rotate the at least one opening40out of alignment with the array20from which microtablets are dispensed, after the dispensing. This allows for blocking any microtablets remaining in the array20and not allowing dispensing thereof. As shown inFIG. 31, the screen plate14may be rotated to have the at least one opening40in and out of phase with the target array20with the screen plate14being caused to rotate the at least one opening40out of phase with the target array20with the removable cover82being secured to the dosing plate66(for post-use storage) and caused to rotate the at least one opening40into phase with the target array20with the removable cover82being rotated for removal to cause microtablet dispensing.

FIG. 32shows an embodiment of the dispenser10, ready for use. Dispenser10has a top housing52with an upstanding handle48. In this state, the removable cover82is mounted to the dosing plate66. To prepare for use, the dose selector plate16, which is rotatable in both directions in the initial state, is rotated to a desired dosage amount. This readies the dispenser10. Once readied, the removable cover82is caused to rotate relative to the dosing plate66resulting in the dose selector plate16being fixed in the selected position and resulting in the reservoir disc12being rotationally advanced an increment so that one of the arrays20comes into alignment with the at least one opening40and into alignment with the dosing array46corresponding to the selected dose. This causes the microtablets to dispense from the wells18which are exposed by the dosing apertures44of the dosing array46. The microtablets fall, under force of gravity, through the at least opening40, the corresponding dosing apertures44, and the at least one dosing aperture84, shown inFIGS. 17 and 18, formed in the dosing plate66. Maintaining the removable cover82below the dosing plate66allows for the microtablets to collect on the base86of the removable cover. After dosing, the removable cover82is re-mounted to the dosing plate66to allow the process to be repeated. The re-mounting of the removable cover82may cause the at least one opening40to rotate out of phase with the array20from which the microtablets were dispensed. The size of each dose is independently settable with multiple doses being allowed.