Patent GB-607477-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or relating to means for counting or segregating round tablets or similar objects of equal size
IPC: A61J7/02
Filed: 1946-02-05
Abstract: 607,477. Counting-apparatus. SCHUTTEMA, A. Feb. 5, 1946, Nos. 3649, 3650and 3651. Convention dates, March 8, 1941, July 1, 1941 and July 3, 1941. [Class 106 (i)] A device for counting or segregating a definite number of round tablets or like objects of one size comprises a table on which the objects are spread and a measuring fork with an open end forming a collecting space which is bounded by straight lines, adjacent lines forming angles that are even multiples of 30 degrees, so as to collect the objects as the measuring fork is given a to-and-fro motion relatively to the table either manually or mechanically. The device in its simplest form, Fig. 2, comprises a table 1 and a loose measuring fork 2 with an open trapeziumshaped end to receive the tablets 3. The fork is given a slight to and fro motion between ledges 5 formed on the table and projections 6 at the end thereof limit the travel of the fork. The tablets collected can then be conveyed in a known manner to a packing means. In the form shown in Fig. 4, the fork is provided with an upstanding plate 7 at each side connected by a strip 8 to co-operate with a horizontally pivoted plate 9 at the end of the table which, after the excess tablets have been pushed into a collecting box 12, is rotated into position to close the opening 11, further movement of the fork causing the tablets therein to drop through a funnel 13 to a receiving bottle 14. In another form; Figs. 6 and 7, the table 1 is inclined to permit the tablets to slide between guides 2<1> on the table into the measuring fork which is formed by two plates 2 secured to a bar 16 to which can be imparted a to-and-fro motion by mechanical means (not shown). The narrow end of the trapezium is closed by a plate 211 on a pivoted lever 17. A strip 19 of felt or other flexible material, mounted on a pivoted arm 20 with a push button 23, is arranged in front of the trapezium so that when the arm is depressed the strip 19 cuts off excess tablets and at the same time the lever 17 is rocked to raise the end plate 2<11> whereupon the counted tablets glide down to a packing means. In another form, Fig. 8, the measuring fork in its movement contacts projections 6 on a pivoted partition plate 26 carrying two discharge channels 29, 30 for the superfluous and counted tablets respectively. A mechanical form with a reciprocating measuring fork is shown in Fig. 11, the fork 2 being oscillated by 'wavy guide bar 33 on the table and moved longitudinally by an operating rod 36 and connecting rod 34. A rotary mechanical form is shown in Fig. 13 with a plurality of measuring forks 2 connected by arms 42 to a rotary shaft 40. An annular guide 45 with a wavy periphery rocks the measuring forks in their circular path of movement. The tablets are fed from hoppers 47, over screening or cleaning plates 48 and under glass covering plates 49 to the table 1<1>. Apertures are provided in the table for the discharge of the tablets, each of the apertures being associated with means, similar to that described above with reference to Fig. 8 for separating the counted and uncounted tablets.