Patent Publication Number: US-10308386-B2

Title: Medicine dispensing apparatus

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of and is a non-provisional of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/519,955 filed on Jun. 2, 2011, which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to a medicine dispensing apparatus, which fills a vial with medicines based on a prescription datum. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Behind the counter of a drug store and hospital pharmacy, medicine dispensing machines are essential tools for the pharmacists to efficiently fill the vials with the prescribed medicines so that they can quickly deliver the medicines to the customers and patients. Latest machines not only fill the vials with the medicines including tablets, capsules and powders but also label the vials to notify the pharmacist and patient useful information such as who the vial is for and what medicine the vial contains. Now, there is a demand from some users that they want to print more information on the labels. 
     One way to do so is to make the font size smaller. However, many patients are elderly people. These people often have presbyopia and feel difficult to read small letters. Therefore, making the font size smaller is not a good idea. Other ways are necessary to print more information on the labels. 
     One good way to print more information on the label is to make the label larger or to increase the number of labels put on the vial. However, since the label is usually pasted on the lateral surface of the vial, the total width of the labels cannot be larger than the circumference of the vial. Traditionally, the shape of the vials has been cylindrical. In other words, the transverse cross-sectional shape of the vials has been circular. In this case, the maximum width of the label that can be pasted is determined only by the diameter of the vial. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The inventors of the present invention came up with an idea that if the transverse cross-sectional shape of the vial was made polygonal, the area of the lateral surface of the vial would increase without changing the volume of the vial much. Therefore, the inventors of the present invention decided to employ the vial having a polygonal cross-sectional shape for the medicine dispensing apparatus. 
     However, one problem arose while designing the medicine dispensing apparatus. Since the cylindrical vial has an infinite number of symmetry axes in the transverse direction, there is no necessity to orient the vial in the transverse direction. On the other hand, since the polygonal vials have a limited number of symmetry axes in the transverse direction, the transverse orientation of the vial must be fixed to reproducibly attach the label at a specific place of the lateral surface of the vial. Otherwise, the label may be attached sometimes on the edge portion of the polygonal-shaped vial and other times over the corner portion of the vial. 
     The purpose of the present invention is to provide mechanisms that orient the vials in their transverse direction. This enables the medicine dispensing apparatus to reproducibly label the vial having a polygonal cross-sectional shape at a target place. 
     In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the medicine dispensing apparatus contains a stocker, a first vial transporting unit, a vial orienting unit, a labeling unit, a second vial transporting unit, a medicine filling unit, and a vial discharging window. The stocker stocks the vial. The first vial transporting unit transports the vial from the stocker to the labeling unit. The vial orienting unit adjusts an orientation of the vial in vial&#39;s transverse direction so that one corner of the vial faces a predetermined direction. The labeling unit labels the vial. The second vial transporting unit transports the vial from the labeling unit to the medicine filling unit. The medicine filling unit fills the vial with the medicines. The second vial transporting unit also transports the vial from the medicine filling unit to the vial discharging window. And, the vial is discharged out of the medicine dispensing apparatus through the vial discharging window. 
     In this aspect of the invention, the vial orienting unit is provided upstream of the labeling unit. The vial orienting unit may contain a conveyer and a wall. The conveyer conveys the vial in a downstream direction, or a conveying direction, maintaining the vial standing. The wall is placed to be oblique to the conveying direction of the conveyer. And, at least a part of the wall is located over the conveyer. The conveyer and the wall make the vial move along the wall, maintaining the orientation of the vial constant while the vial is moving along the wall. When the vial reaches a predetermined position, at least a front portion of the wall moves and opens a path for the vial to move on the conveyer in the conveying direction. 
     In another aspect of the invention, the vial orienting unit is provided upstream of the labeling unit. The vial orienting unit may contain a conveyer, a first wall and a second wall. The conveyer conveys the vial in its conveying direction. The first wall is placed oblique to the conveying direction of the conveyer. And, at least a part of the first wall is located over the conveyer and configured to contact with a first edge portion of the lateral surface of the vial. The second wall is placed oblique to the conveying direction of the conveyer. And, at least a part of the second wall is located over the conveyer and configured to contact with a second edge portion of the lateral surface of the vial. The first wall and the second wall block the vial from moving in the conveying direction across the first wall and the second wall at a default state. After the first edge portion of the vial touches the first wall and the second edge portion of the vial touches the second wall, the first wall and the second wall open a path for the vial to move in the conveying direction. 
     In yet another aspect of the invention, the vial orienting unit is provided near the labeling unit. The vial orienting unit may contain a gripping device. The gripping device contains at least one arm which has a surface having a shape corresponding to a shape of a portion of a lateral side of the vial. 
     The gripping device may contain a first arm and a second arm. The first arm has a contacting surface, whose shape corresponds to the shape of the edge portion of the lateral surface of the vial. The second arm has a contacting surface, whose shape corresponds to the shape of the corner portion of the lateral surface of the vial. Both the contacting surfaces of the first arm and the second arm may be curved. 
     Alternatively, the gripping device may contain three arms. The arms are configured to press the edge portion of the lateral surfaces of the vial or the corner portion of the lateral surfaces of the vial. It is preferable that the arms are placed approximately in circle. 
     Alternatively, the vial orienting unit may contain a wall and an arm. The arm is facing the wall and configured to move in a direction perpendicular to the wall. The arm has a surface having a shape that fits with the shape of the edge or corner portion of the lateral side of the vial. 
     In yet another aspect of the invention, the labeling unit is configured to paste one label on two edge portions of the vial covering the corner formed between the two edge portions. In such a configuration, the labeling unit may contain a label feeding device and a pair of rollers. The label feeding device can provide the label to a place that is in front of the corner portion of the vial. Each of the rollers can trace the edge portion of the lateral surface of the vial from one corner portion to another corner portion. Each roller may be coupled to an arm. The pair of arms may be pivoted by a shaft so that they can open and close in coordination with the movement of the rollers. 
     Alternatively, the labeling unit may contain a label feeding device and a label transfer device. The label feeding device can feed plural labels. The label transfer device can transfer one label from the label feeding device to one edge portion of the lateral side of the vial and paste the label on the edge portion of the vial. Then, the label transfer device can also transfer another label from the label feeding device to another edge portion of the vial and paste said another label on another edge portion of the vial. The positions where the label transfer device is located is different when the label transfer device is transferring the one label to the first edge portion and when the label transfer device is transferring said another label to the second edge portion. 
     The medicine dispensing apparatus may contain a vial holding unit that holds the vial so that the position and orientation of the vial does not change while the labeling unit is labeling the vial. The labeling unit may engage with the neck portion of the vial to fix the vial. 
     In another aspect of the invention, the vial orienting unit is configured to orient the vial that is lying down. In such a configuration, the vial orienting unit may contain a conveyer having a belt, and a member that lays down the vial. The belt has a curved transverse cross-sectional shape so that the center of the belt is lower than the transverse end of the belt. The member is provided above the conveyer and lays down the vial so that one edge portion of the vial touches the belt of the conveyer. 
     The labeling unit may include plural feeders and plural pressing surfaces. 
     The feeder feeds the label in a direction approximately parallel to the edge portion of the vial. The feeder also places the label near the edge portion. The pressing surface is placed approximately parallel to the edge portion of the vial and presses the label onto the edge portion of the vial. 
     In yet another aspect of the present invention, the vial orienting unit may contain a first sloping surface and a second sloping surface. The first sloping surface protrudes more in a horizontal direction as it goes downward. And, the second sloping surface protrudes more in the horizontal direction as it goes downward. The first sloping surface and the second sloping surface are facing each other. The vial is placed between the first sloping surface and the second sloping surface. And, the first sloping surface and the second sloping surface move toward the vial. Lower portions of the first sloping surface and the second sloping surface go under the vial and lift the vial. The first sloping surface and the second sloping surface stop moving after a first edge portion of the vial contacts with the first sloping surface and a second edge portion of the vial contacts with the second sloping surface. 
     The vial orienting unit may further contain a roller. The roller rotates the vial around a rotational axis that extends in a longitudinal direction of the vial. Moreover, the roller moves along a third edge portion of the vial and presses the label placed on the third edge portion of the vial. 
     In yet another aspect of the invention, the vial orienting unit may contain a first conveyer and a second conveyer. The first conveyer has a first belt and a second belt. The first belt and the second belt extend in a same direction and symmetrically placed across a symmetrical plane, which extends in a vertical direction and a longitudinal direction of the first conveyer. The downstream end of the first conveyer is preferably extending further in the downstream direction compared to the downstream end of the second conveyer. The second conveyer is placed below the first conveyer. The second conveyer has a third belt and a fourth belt. The third belt is preferably placed in parallel to the first belt. The fourth belt is preferably placed in parallel to the second belt. The vial changes its orientation in its transverse direction while the vial is moving from the first conveyer to the second conveyer. The edge portion of the lateral surface of the vial, which has been facing upward in the first conveyer, faces the third belt or the fourth belt after entering the second conveyer. 
     In another aspect of the invention, the vial transporting unit may contain a gripping device, which is equipped with plural arms. The gripping device can grip the vial and carry the vial from proximity of the stocker to proximity of the labeling unit. Furthermore, the gripping device can rotate the vial around the rotational axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the vial and passing approximately the center of the vial. 
     In yet another aspect of the present invention, the vial transporting unit may contain a vial rotating unit. The vial rotating unit may contain a rotational floor and a mouth engaging piece. The rotational floor can rotate around a rotational axis extending in a vertical direction and passing approximately the center of the rotational floor. The vial is configured to be put on the rotational floor. The mouth engaging piece can engage with the opening of the vial. While engaging with the vial, the mouth engaging piece can rotate around the rotational axis extending in the vertical direction and passing approximately the center of the mouth engaging piece. When the mouth engaging piece engages with the vial, the rotational axis of the mouth engaging piece corresponds to the rotational axis of the rotational floor. 
     In yet another aspect of the present invention, the medicine dispensing apparatus may contain a vial orientation detection unit that detects the transverse orientation of the vial. The vial orientation detection unit may contain a light source and a light detector. The light source emits light. The light detector detects the light emitted by the light source. An optical path is formed between the light source and the light detector, and the emitted light passes the optical path. When the vial rotates, the optical path may be perpendicular or parallel to the rotational axis of the vial. The length of the normal line connecting the optical path to the rotational axis of the vial is shorter than the length of line connecting the corner of the vial to the center of gravity of the vial. The length of the normal line connecting the optical path to the rotational axis of the vial is longer than the length of line connecting the middle point of the edge portion of the lateral surface of the vial to the center of gravity of the vial. 
     Alternatively, the vial orientation detection unit may contain a switch provided near the vial and in front of the lateral surface of the vial. While the vial is rotating around the rotational axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the vial, the edge portion of the lateral surface of the vial does not press the switch but the corner portion of the vial does press the switch. 
     Alternatively, the vial orientation detection unit may contain a distance sensor facing to the lateral surface of the vial. The distance sensor can detect the distance between the distance sensor and the lateral surface of the vial. 
     Alternatively, the vial orientation detection unit may contain a camera and a computer, which contains a CPU. The camera captures an appearance of the vial. The computer receives the datum captured by the camera. The computer compares the appearance datum generated by the camera with a reference appearance datum stored in the computer to detect the transverse orientation of the vial. 
     In yet another aspect of the present invention, the medicine dispensing apparatus may contain a vial orientation determining unit, which physically determines the orientation of the vial in the transverse direction of the vial. The vial orientation determining unit may contain a stopper. The front end of the stopper is positioned so that there is a gap between the front end of the stopper and the lateral surface of the vial when the vial is orienting so that the middle of the edge portion of the vial is facing to the front end of the stopper. The front end of the stopper is further configured so that a predetermined place of the lateral surface of the vial hits the stopper while the vial is rotating. 
     Alternatively, the vial orientation determining unit may contain a hole that has a shape similar to a shape of the bottom surface of the vial. The vial falls into the hole when the position of the corner portion of the vial matches to the position of the corner portion of the hole while the vial is rotated over the hole. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a medicine dispensing apparatus. 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of the medicine dispensing apparatus shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is an internal side view of the medicine dispensing apparatus shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is perspective views of the examples of the vials used for the medicine dispensing apparatus. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a first vial orienting unit. 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic plan view to explain the action of the first vial orienting unit. 
         FIG. 7  is a plan view showing the labeling unit and its proximity. 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic plan view to explain the action of the second vial orienting unit. 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic side view showing a vial holding unit. 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic plan view to explain the action of the labeling unit. 
         FIG. 11  is an internal side view of a second embodiment of the medicine dispensing apparatus. 
         FIG. 12  is a schematic perspective and front views to explain the action of the third vial orienting unit and labeling unit. 
         FIG. 13  is a schematic front view to explain the action of the third vial orienting unit and labeling unit. 
         FIG. 14  is a schematic perspective view to explain the action of the third vial orienting unit and labeling unit. 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the medicine dispensing apparatus, in which a cover and components near the cover are removed. 
         FIG. 16  is a schematic plan view of the labeling unit. 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the first vial transporting unit. 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the first vial transporting unit. 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the vial rotating unit. 
         FIG. 20  is a schematic plan and side views to explain the vial orientation detection unit. 
         FIG. 21  is a schematic plan and side views to explain the vial orientation detection unit. 
         FIG. 22  is schematic plan and side views to explain the vial orientation determining unit. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention will be described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. The ensuing description is not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the disclosure. Rather, the ensuing description of the preferred exemplary embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing preferred exemplary embodiments of the disclosure. It should be noted that this invention may be embodied in different forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. 
     In the following, the embodiments of the present invention are explained in detail with sections individually describing:
     § 1. First Embodiment of the Medicine Dispensing Apparatus
       § 1.1 Overview of the Medicine Dispensing Apparatus   § 1.2 Vials Used for the Medicine Dispensing Apparatus   § 1.3 First Vial Orienting Unit
           § 1.3.1 First Embodiment of the First Vial Orienting Unit   § 1.3.2 Second Embodiment of the First Vial Orienting Unit   
           § 1.4 Second Vial Orienting Unit
           § 1.4.1 First Embodiment of the Second Vial Orienting Unit   § 1.4.2 Second Embodiment of the Second Vial Orienting Unit   § 1.4.3 Third Embodiment of the Second Vial Orienting Unit   § 1.4.4 Fourth Embodiment of the Second Vial Orienting Unit   
           § 1.5 Labeling Unit
           § 1.5.1 First Embodiment of the Labeling Unit   § 1.5.2 Second Embodiment of the Labeling Unit   
           
       § 2. Second Embodiment of the Medicine Dispensing Apparatus
       § 2.1 Overview of the Medicine Dispensing Apparatus   § 2.2 Third Vial Orienting Unit
           § 2.2.1 First Embodiment of the Third Vial Orienting Unit   § 2.2.2 Third Embodiment of the Labeling Unit   
           § 2.3 Second Embodiment of the Third Vial Orienting Unit and Fourth Embodiment of the Labeling Unit   § 2.4 Third Embodiment of the Third Vial Orienting Unit and Fifth Embodiment of the Labeling Unit   
       § 3. Third Embodiment of the Medicine Dispensing Apparatus
       § 3.1 Overview of the Medicine Dispensing Apparatus   § 3.2 First Vial Transporting Unit and Vial Rotating Unit
           § 3.2.1 First Embodiments of the First Vial Transporting Unit and Vial Rotating Unit   § 3.2.2 Second Embodiment of the First Vial Transporting Unit   § 3.2.3 Second Embodiment of the Vial Rotating Unit   
           § 3.3 Vial Orientation Detection Unit
           § 3.3.1 First Embodiment of the Vial Orientation Detection Unit   § 3.3.2 Second Embodiment of the Vial Orientation Detection Unit   § 3.3.3 Third Embodiment of the Vial Orientation Detection Unit   § 3.3.4 Fourth Embodiment of the Vial Orientation Detection Unit   
           § 3.4 Vial Orientation Determining Unit
           § 3.4.1 First Embodiment of the Vial Orientation Determining Unit   § 3.4.2 Second Embodiment of the Vial Orientation Determining Unit   
           
       

     § 1. FIRST EMBODIMENT OF THE MEDICINE DISPENSING APPARATUS 
     § 1.1 Overview of the Medicine Dispensing Apparatus 
       FIGS. 1 &amp; 2  show, respectively, a perspective view and a side view of the medicine dispensing apparatus in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention. The medicine dispensing apparatus  1   a  stores various kinds of medicines and vials internally. Once the medicine dispensing apparatus  1   a  receives a prescription datum from the user, the medicine dispensing apparatus  1   a  fills a vial with the medicines specified by the prescription. Then, the medicine dispensing apparatus  1   a  discharges the vial out of the medicine dispensing apparatus  1   a  so that the pharmacist can pick it up. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 &amp; 2 , the medicine dispensing apparatus  1   a  contains a vial stocker  3   a , a labeling unit  2   a , a medicine filling unit  4 , vial discharging windows  50 , a barcode reader  52 , an operation panel  51 , and a shelf  53 . The vial stocker  3   a  stores empty vials. The user can supply vials through a side drawer  31 . The labeling unit  2   a  prints a label and pastes the label on the vial. The user can pull the labeling unit  2   a  out of the medicine dispensing apparatus  1   a  through a front drawer  21 . The medicine filling unit  4  contains plural canisters  41 . Each canister  41  stores a specific kind of medicines and supplies the medicines to the vial. 
     The vial stocker  3   a  is provided inside of the medicine dispensing apparatus  1   a  and is located in the lower and rear portion of said medicine dispensing apparatus  1   a . The labeling unit  2   a  is also provided inside of the medicine dispensing apparatus  1   a  and is located in the lower and front portion of the medicine dispensing apparatus  1   a . The medicine filling unit  4  is provided on the lateral sides of the medicine dispensing apparatus  1   a  and is located in the upper portion of the medicine dispensing apparatus  1   a . The vial discharging windows  50 , the barcode reader  52 , the operation panel  51  and the shelf  53  are provided on the front side, in the upper portion of the medicine dispensing apparatus  1   a.    
     Once the user inputs a prescription datum and instructs the medicine dispensing apparatus  1   a  to dispense the prescribed medicines through the barcode reader  52  and the operation panel  51 , the vial in the stocker  3   a  is sent to the labeling unit  2   a . The labeling unit  2   a  prints a label and paste the printed label on a side surface of the vial. Then, the labeled vial is transported to the medicine filling unit  4 , exactly speaking to one of the canisters  41  that contains the medicines corresponding to the prescription. There, the canister  41  supplies a prescribed number of medicines into the vial. Thereby, the vial is filled with the prescribed medicines. In the next step, the vial is transported to the vial discharging window  50  and discharged out of the medicine dispensing apparatus  1   a  through the vial discharging window  50 . After discharging the vial, the user can pick up the vial filled with the prescribed medicines. The medicine dispensing apparatus  1   a  also contains a shelf  53 , where the user may put the canister  41  to be refilled with a new stock of medicines. 
       FIG. 3  shows the internal architecture of the medicine dispensing apparatus  1   a . As shown in this figure, the medicine dispensing apparatus  1   a  further contains the stocker  3   a , a first vial transporting unit  6 , a first vial orienting unit  100 , a second vial orienting unit  200 , the labeling unit  2   a , a second vial transporting unit  7 , and the vial discharging windows  50 . 
     The first vial transporting unit  6  transports the vial  10   a  from the stocker  3   a  to the labeling unit  2   a . The first vial transporting unit  6  contains a first conveyer  61 , a guide  62 , a second conveyer  63 , a plurality of paddles  64 , a vial erecting unit  65 , and a third conveyer  66 . 
     In this embodiment, the first vial orienting unit  100  approximately or coarsely changes the orientation of the vial  10   a . The second vial orienting unit  200  precisely or finely determines the orientation of the vial  10   a.    
     The second vial transporting unit  7  transports the vial  10   a  from the labeling unit  2   a  to the medicine filling unit  4  and further to the vial discharging window  50 . The second vial transporting unit  7  contains a vial lifter  71 , a pair of horizontal rails  72 , a vertical rail  73 , a vertically moving unit  74 , and a gripping device  75 . 
     The first conveyer  61  is provided in the bottom of the stocker  3   a  so that it inclines upward as it goes to the front side. By the front end of the first conveyer  61 , the guide  62  is provided. Further, by the front end of the guide  62 , the second conveyer  63  is provided. The second conveyer  63  is provided on the internal wall of the stocker  3   a , and it extends in a vertical direction. The plurality of paddles  64  are provided on the second conveyer  63 . The vial erecting unit  65  is provided by the outer front wall of the stocker  3   a , and it is also located near a downstream end of the second conveyer  63  in front of the second conveyer  63 . An upstream end of the third conveyer  66  is located immediately below the vial erecting unit  65 . The third conveyer  66  horizontally extends in frontward-backward directions. A downstream end of the third conveyer  66  is located by the labeling unit  2   a.    
     The first vial orienting unit  100  is provided along the third conveyer  66 . In other words, the first vial orienting unit  100  is provided in an upstream of the labeling unit  2   a  in terms of the vial movement. Furthermore, the second vial orienting unit  200  is provided by the labeling unit  2   a.    
     The vial lifter  71  is also provided near the labeling unit  2   a . One of the horizontal rails  72  is provided near the vial lifter  71 . The other horizontal rail  72  is provided near the ceiling of the medicine dispensing apparatus  1   a . The horizontal rails  72  extend in frontward-backward directions inside the medicine dispensing apparatus  1   a . A bottom end of the vertical rail  73  is coupled to the lower one of the horizontal rails  72 . And, a top end of the vertical rail  73  is coupled to the upper one of the horizontal rails  72 . The vertical rail  73  is movable in the frontward-backward directions along the horizontal rails  72 . The vertically moving unit  74  is provided on the vertical rail  73 . The vertically moving unit  74  is movable vertically along the vertical rail  73 . The gripping device  75  is provided on the vertically moving unit  74 . The gripping device  75  has arms, which can grip the vial  10   a.    
     When the medicine dispensing apparatus  1   a  dispenses the medicines, the empty vial  10   a  in the stocker  3   a  is first conveyed in the frontward direction by the first conveyer  61 . Then, the vial  10   a  drops off from the first conveyer  61  and slips down along the guide  62 . Then, the vial  10   a  reaches one of the plurality of paddles  64 . The plurality of paddles  64  are moving upward by the movement of the second conveyer  63 . Therefore, the vial  10   a  is carried upward with its posture lying using the one paddle  64 . Then, the vial  10   a  eventually reaches the top end of the second conveyer  63 . There, the vial  10   a  goes over the front wall of the stocker  3   a  and enters the vial erecting unit  65 . By the vial erecting unit  65 , the vial  10   a  is moved downward and reaches the third conveyer  66 . During this process, the vial  10   a  is erected by the vial erecting unit  65 . Thus, when the vial  10   a  reaches the third conveyer  66 , the vial  10   a  stands on the third conveyer  66 . In other words, the vial  10   a  sits on the third conveyer  66  with its opening facing upward. Then, the erected vial  10   a  is conveyed to the labeling unit  2   a  by the third conveyer  66 . During this transportation, the transverse orientation of the vial  10   a  is roughly adjusted by the first vial orienting unit  100 . After reaching the labeling unit  2   a , the transverse orientation of the vial  10   a  is accurately adjusted by the second vial orienting unit  200 . Then, the lateral surface of the vial  10   a  is labeled by the labeling unit  2   a.    
     After performing the labeling process, the vial  10   a  is lifted upward by the vial lifter  71 . At the top portion of the vial lifter  71 , the vial  10   a  is grabbed by the gripping device  75 . By the frontward-backward movement of the vertical rail  73  and the upward-downward movement of the vertically moving unit  74 , the vial  10   a  is positioned right by one of the canisters  41 , which contains the prescribed medicines. There, the prescribed number of medicines is supplied to the vial  10   a . After the vial is filled with the medicines, the vial  10   a  is transported to one of the vial discharging windows  50  by the movements of the vertical rail  73  and the vertically moving unit  74 . There, the gripping device  75  releases the vial  10   a . Thereby, the vial  10   a  goes out of the vial discharging window  50 . Now, the vial  10   a  is ready to be picked up by the pharmacist. 
     The details of the stocker  3   a , the first vial transporting unit  6 , the second vial transporting unit  7 , and the vial discharging windows  50  are described in the United States patent application publications US 2012/0042609, US 2011/0178634, US 2012/0031043 and US 2010/0023004 and international application PCT/JP2012/000224. The contents of these disclosures are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     § 1.2 Vials Used for the Medicine Dispensing Apparatus 
     In the first embodiment, the medicine dispensing apparatus  1   a  is designed to employ the vials that have polygonal or oval transverse cross-sectional shapes as shown in  FIG. 4 . For the convenience of the explanation, the word ‘polygonal’ in this specification includes oval. 
     The vial  10   a  shown in  FIG. 4 ( a )  has an approximately triangular transverse cross-sectional shape. Exactly speaking, the vial  10   a  has three curved edges and three rounded corners in the cross-sectional view. The three curved edges have same shape, length and curvature radius. Likewise, the three rounded corners have same shape, angle (approximately 60°) and curvature radius. 
     Three labels  11  can be pasted on the lateral sides of the vial  10   a . For example, the label  11  indicating prescription information such as patient&#39;s name and name of the tablet can be pasted on one side of the vial  10   a . The label  11  indicating information useful for the pharmacists such as prescription number and barcode can be pasted on the other side of the vial  10   a . Lastly, the label  11  showing an advertisement of the drug store can be pasted on the last side of the vial  10   a . Accordingly, the label  11  on each side can provide different kinds of information. 
     The vial  10   b  shown in  FIG. 4 ( b )  has an approximately quadrilateral transverse cross-sectional shape. Exactly speaking, the vial  10   b  has four straight edges and four rounded corners in the cross-sectional view. The four edges have same shape and length. Likewise, the four rounded corners have same shape, angle (approximately 90°) and curvature radius. Four labels  11  can be pasted on the lateral sides of the vial  10   b.    
     The vial  10   c  shown in  FIG. 4 ( c )  has an approximately hexagonal transverse cross-sectional shape. Exactly speaking, the vial  10   c  has six straight edges and six rounded corners in the cross-sectional view. Two of the six edges facing to each other have same shape and length. And, the remaining four edges have same shape and length. The two edges are longer than the remaining four edges and optimal for pasting the labels  11 . 
     The vial  10   d  shown in  FIG. 4 ( d )  has an approximately oval transverse cross-sectional shape. Two labels  11  can be optimally pasted on lateral side portions where the curvature radii are larger. 
     Conventional vials have circular transverse cross-sectional shape. In this case, the vial does not have an orientation in a plan view. On the other hand, the vials  10  explained above may have orientations in a plan view. Therefore, the medicine dispensing apparatus  1   a  needs to first orient the vial  10  in its transverse direction to paste the labels  11  on the edge portion of the vial  10 . Below, the mechanisms to orient the vial  10  are explained in detail. Although the vial  10   a , which has triangular transverse cross-sectional shape, is used as an example in the below explanations, same principles are applied to the vials that have other polygonal cross-sectional shapes. 
     § 1.3 First Vial Orienting Unit 
     § 1.3.1 First Embodiment of the First Vial Orienting Unit 
       FIG. 5  shows a first embodiment of the first vial orienting unit  100   a . Furthermore,  FIG. 6 ( a )  shows a schematic diagram showing how the first vial orienting unit  100   a  orients the vial  10   a . As shown in these figures, the first vial orienting unit  100   a  contains the third conveyer  66 , a fourth conveyer  110 , an oblique wall  120 , a vial detector  130 , and a driving unit  150 . 
     The third conveyer  66  and the fourth conveyer  110  are composed of belt conveyers that extend in the frontward-backward directions. As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 ( a ), the third conveyer  66  and the fourth conveyer  110  are placed in parallel and next to each other. Additionally, the third conveyer  66  and the fourth conveyer  110  are configured to transport the vial  10   a  placed on the conveyer in the downstream direction. 
     The oblique wall  120  is provided over the fourth conveyer  110  and the third conveyer  66  so that it crosses the fourth conveyer  110  and terminates in the third conveyer  66  in the plan view as shown in  FIG. 6 ( a ) . Accordingly, the oblique wall  120  is oblique to the moving direction of the fourth conveyer  110  and the third conveyer  66  at a certain degree α. The middle and rear portion of the oblique wall  120  blocks the above space of the fourth conveyer  110 . The front portion of the oblique wall  120  is located over the third conveyer  66  at a default state. In other words, the front portion of the oblique wall  120  is located between the long edges of the third conveyer  66  at the default state as seen in a plan view. The front portion of the oblique wall  120  is movable toward the long edge of the third conveyer  66 . More specifically, the front portion of the oblique wall  120  is rotatable around a rotational axis located near the long edge of the third conveyer  66  and is extending in the vertical direction so that the width of the path of the third conveyer  66  may be broaden. The width of the front portion of the oblique wall  120  is preferably longer than a width of the edge portion of the lateral surface of the vial. 
     On the front portion of the oblique wall  120  and near an opposing side of the third conveyer  66 , the vial detector  130  is provided. The vial detector  130  is composed of a light source  131  (such as, for example, a laser light emitting diode (LED)) and a photo detector  132 . The light source  131  emits a light toward the photo detector  132 . Once the vial  10   a  reaches a predetermined position, the vial  10   a  blocks the light from reaching the photo detector  132 . Thereby, the controller of the medicine dispensing apparatus  1   a  can detect that the vial  10   a  has reached a predetermined position on the third conveyer  66 . 
     The driving unit  150  provides a driving force to operate the fourth conveyer  110 , the third conveyer  66  and the oblique wall  120 . In other words, the driving unit  150  moves the fourth conveyer  110 , the third conveyer  66  and the oblique wall  120 . These movements are controlled by a controller which is not shown in the drawing. Also, this controller can receive information from the vial detector  130 . 
     Once the vial  10   a  is placed on the fourth conveyer  110  by the vial erecting unit  65  (please refer to  FIG. 3 ), the fourth conveyer  110  conveys the vial  10   a  in the frontward direction, namely a downstream direction. Eventually, one portion of the lateral surface of the vial  10   a  hits the oblique wall  120 . Once the vial  10   a  hits the oblique wall  120 , the vial  10   a  rotates by the moving force of the fourth conveyer  110  so that one edge portion of the lateral surface of the vial  10   a  contacts to the oblique wall  120 . Thereby, the transverse orientation of the vial  10   a  is adjusted so that one corner portion of the lateral surface of the vial  10   a  faces approximately a downstream direction of the fourth conveyer  110  and an opposing edge portion becomes approximately perpendicular to the downstream direction. 
     Furthermore, by the moving forces of the fourth conveyer  110  and the third conveyer  66 , the vial  10   a  slides along the oblique wall  120 , maintaining the one edge in contact with the oblique wall  120  and the one corner portion facing the downstream direction. As the vial  10   a  slides along the oblique wall  120 , the vial  10   a  exits the fourth conveyer  110  and enters the third conveyer  66 , still maintaining the one edge in contact with the oblique wall  120  and the one corner portion facing the downstream direction. Once the vial  10   a  reaches a predetermined position on the third conveyer  66 , the vial detector  130  detects the presence of the vial  10   a . Then, the controller of the medicine dispensing apparatus  1   a  moves the oblique wall  120  out of the third conveyer  66 . Exactly speaking, the controller moves the oblique wall  120  out of the path of the vial  10   a  and opens the path on the third conveyer  66  for the vial  10   a . Then, the vial  10   a  moves on the third conveyer  66  in the downstream direction toward the labeling unit  2   a , maintaining its transverse orientation. In other words, the third conveyer  66  transports the vial  10   a  in its downstream direction, maintaining the one edge of the vial  10   a  in parallel to the oblique wall  120  before moving and the one corner portion of the vial  10   a  facing the downstream direction. After a while, the vial  10   a  reaches the labeling unit  2   a.    
     To make the corner portion of the vial  10   a  face the conveying direction of the fourth conveyer  110 , the angle α formed by the oblique wall  120  before moving and the conveying direction of the fourth conveyer  110  is preferably approximately one half of an interior angle β of the vial  10   a . More specifically, the angle α is preferably at least 0.4 times and at most 0.6 times of the angle β. In the case the transverse cross-sectional shape of the vial  10   a  is approximately equilateral triangle, the angle α is preferably within a range of 24°-36°, and most preferably about 30°. In the case the transverse cross-sectional shape of the vial  10   b  is approximately square (please see  FIG. 4 ( b ) ), the angle α is preferably within a range of 36°-54°, and most preferably about 45°. 
     § 1.3.2 Second Embodiment of the First Vial Orienting Unit 
       FIG. 6 ( b )  shows a second embodiment of the first vial orienting unit  100   b . As shown in this figure, the first vial orienting unit  100   b  contains the third conveyer  66 , a first oblique wall  121 , a second oblique wall  122 , a vial detector  130 , and a driving unit  150  (not shown in  FIG. 6 ( b ) ). 
     The first oblique wall  121  and the second oblique wall  122  are provided over the conveyer  66 . Seen from a plan view, both the first oblique wall  121  and the second oblique wall  122  are oblique to the moving direction of the third conveyer  66  at a certain degree α. Furthermore, the first oblique wall  121  and the second oblique wall  122  are symmetrically placed to each other across the symmetric plane, which vertically extends in the conveying direction of the third conveyer  66  and passes the middle of the first oblique wall  121  and the second oblique wall  122 . 
     In this embodiment, the front end of the first oblique wall  121  and the front end of the second oblique wall  122  contact with each other so that the first oblique wall  121  and the second oblique wall  122  block the path of the vial  10   a  on the third conveyer  66 . In other embodiment, there may be a gap between the front end of the first oblique wall  121  and the front end of the second oblique wall  122 . However, the width of the gap is preferably approximately the same as or less than the maximum width of the vial  10   a.    
     The first oblique wall  121  and the second oblique wall  122  are movable so that the front portions of the first oblique wall  121  and the second oblique wall  122  get out of the path of the vial  10   a  on the third conveyer  66  and unblock the path. 
     Near the front ends of the first oblique wall  121  and the second oblique wall  122 , the vial detector  130  is provided. The vial detector  130  is composed of a first switch  133  and a second switch  134 . The first switch  133  is provided on the first oblique wall  121  and the second switch  134  is provided on the second oblique wall  124 . The first switch  133  and the second switch  134  are provided at a position where the first switch  133  and the second switch  134  touch the vial  10   a  when the vial  10   a  touches both the first oblique wall  121  and the second oblique wall  122  and is prevented from moving in the further downward direction by the first oblique wall  121  and the second oblique wall  122 . 
     Once the vial  10   a  is placed on the third conveyer  66  by the vial erecting unit  65  (please refer to  FIG. 3 ), the third conveyer  66  conveys the vial  10   a  in the downstream direction. Eventually, one portion of the vial  10   a  hits the first oblique wall  121  or the second oblique wall  122 . Once the vial  10   a  hits the wall, the vial  10   a  rotates by the moving force of the third conveyer  66  and changes its transverse orientation. Furthermore, by the moving forces of the third conveyer  66 , the vial  10   a  slides along the first oblique wall  121  or the second oblique wall  122 . Eventually, the vial  10   a  reaches the front portions of the first oblique wall  121  and the second oblique wall  122  and is blocked by the first oblique wall  121  and the second oblique wall  122  from being moved further downstream. 
     Because of the moving force of the third conveyer  66 , the vial  10   a  is stuck on the front portions of the first oblique wall  121  and the second oblique wall  122  with one edge portion contacting with the first oblique wall  121 , the other edge portion contacting with the second oblique wall  122 , and the corner portion formed between the two edges facing downstream. There, one edge portion of the lateral side of the vial  10   a  presses the first switch  133  and the other edge portion presses the second switch  134 . Thereby, the first switch  133  and the second switch  134  become ON and the controller of the medicine dispensing apparatus  1   a  can detect that the vial  10   a  has reached a predetermined position and its orientation has been adjusted to be a designed orientation. Then, the controller moves the first oblique wall  121  and the second oblique wall  122  out of the path of the vial  10   b . Then, the vial  10   a  moves along the third conveyer  66  in the downstream direction toward the labeling unit  2   a , maintaining its transverse orientation. After a while, the vial  10   a  reaches the labeling unit  2   a.    
     To make one corner portion of the vial  10   a  face the conveying direction of the third conveyer  66 , the angle γ formed by the first oblique wall  121  and the second oblique wall  122  is preferably approximately the same as the interior angle β of the vial  10   a . More specifically, the angle γ is preferably at least 0.8 times and at most 1.2 times of the angle β. In the case the transverse cross-sectional shape of the vial  10   a  is approximately equilateral triangle, the angle γ is preferably within a range of 48°-72°, and most preferably about 60°. In the case the transverse cross-sectional shape of the vial  10   b  is approximately square (please see  FIG. 4 ( b ) ), the angle γ is preferably within a range of 72°-108°, and most preferably about 90°. 
     § 1.4 Second Vial Orienting Unit 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5 &amp; 7 , once the vial  10   a  reaches a predetermined position, near the labeling unit  2   a , the third conveyer  66  stops moving. There, the transverse orientation of the vial  10   a  is precisely adjusted by the second vial orienting unit  200 , which is placed near the labeling unit  2   a .  FIG. 8  shows the embodiments of the second vial orienting unit  200 . 
     § 1.4.1 First Embodiment of the Second Vial Orienting Unit 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 ( a ) , the second vial orienting unit  200   a  is composed of a gripping device containing pressing members, namely a first arm  211  and a second arm  212 . The first arm  211  has a contacting surface  213  that faces inward and contacts a lateral surface of the vial  10   a . Likewise, the second arm  212  has a contacting surface  214  that faces inward and contacts a corner portion of the vial  10   a.    
     In a plan view, the contacting surface  213  of the first arm  211  is curved so that the shape of the curvature fits to the shape of the curvature of the edge portion of the lateral surface of the vial  10   a . Furthermore, the contacting surface  214  of the second arm  212  is curved so that the shape of the curvature fits to the shape of the curvature of the corner portion of the lateral surface of the vial  10   a . Accordingly, the curvature radius of the contacting surface  213  of the first arm  211  is larger than the curvature radius of the contacting surface  214  of the second arm  212 . The curvature radius of the contacting surface  213  is preferably at least 0.8 times and at most 1.2 times of the curvature radius of the edge portion of the vial  10   a . The curvature radius of the contacting surface  214  is preferably at least 0.8 times and at most 1.2 times of the curvature radius of the corner portion of the vial  10   a.    
     The first arm  211  and the second arm  212  are configured to move so that the first arm  211  and the second arm  212  become closer to each other. Once the first arm  211  and the second arm  212  begin to press the vial  10   a , placed between the first arm  211  and the second arm  212 , the transverse orientation of the vial  10   a  is adjusted so that the edge portion and the corner portion of the vial  10   a  contact, respectively, to the contacting surface  213  and the contacting surface  214  most fittingly. Thereby, the transverse orientation of the vial  10   a  is precisely determined. 
     § 1.4.2 Second Embodiment of the Second Vial Orienting Unit 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 ( b ) , the second vial orienting unit  200   b  is composed of a gripping device containing pressing members, namely a first arm  221 , a second arm  222 , and a third arm  223 . Each of the first arm  221 , the second arm  222 , and the third arm  223  has an approximately T-shaped profile when seen from a plan view. Also, each of the first arm  221 , the second arm  222 , and the third arm  223  has a contacting surface  224  and a shaft  225 . The contacting surface  224  is formed approximately perpendicular to the shaft  225 . 
     The first arm  221 , the second arm  222 , and the third arm  223  are placed so that they surround the vial  10   a  as seen in a plan view. Furthermore, the angle formed by any two of the first arm  221 , the second arm  222 , and the third arm  223  is approximately 120°. More exactly, the angle formed by any two shafts  225  of the first arm  221 , the second arm  222 , and the third arm  223  is approximately 120°. Furthermore, the angle formed by any two contacting surface  224  of the first arm  221 , the second arm  222 , and the third arm  223  is approximately 60°. 
     In a plan view, the contacting surfaces  224  of the first arm  221 , the second arm  222 , and the third arm  223  are curved so that the shapes of the curvatures fit to the shapes of the curvatures of the edge portions of the lateral sides of the vial  10   a . The curvature radius of the contacting surface  224  is preferably at least 0.8 times and at most 1.2 times of the curvature radius of the edge portion of the vial  10   a . Each of the contacting surfaces  224  is configured to contact with one of the edge portions of the vial  10   a.    
     Each of the first arm  221 , the second arm  222 , and the third arm  223  is configured to move toward the vial  10   a  in a longitudinal direction of the shaft  225 . Once the first arm  221 , the second arm  222 , and the third arm  223  begin to press the vial  10   a , the transverse orientation of the vial  10   a  is adjusted so that the edge portions of the vial  10   a  contact with the contacting surfaces  224  most fittingly. Thereby, the transverse orientation of the vial  10   a  is precisely determined. 
     § 1.4.3 Third Embodiment of the Second Vial Orienting Unit 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 ( c ) , the second vial orienting unit  200   c  is composed of a gripping device containing pressing members, namely a first arm  231 , a second arm  232 , and a third arm  233 . Each of the first arm  231 , the second arm  232 , and the third arm  233  has an approximately Y-shaped profile when seen from a plan view. Also, each of the first arm  231 , the second arm  232 , and the third arm  233  has a contacting surface  234  and a shaft  235 . 
     The first arm  231 , the second arm  232 , and the third arm  233  are placed so that they surround the vial  10   a  as seen in a plan view. Furthermore, the angle formed by any two of the first arm  231 , the second arm  232 , and the third arm  233  is approximately 120°. More exactly, the angle formed by any two shafts  235  of the first arm  231 , the second arm  232 , and the third arm  233  is approximately 120°. 
     In a plan view, the contacting surfaces  224  of the first arm  221 , the second arm  222 , and the third arm  223  are bent so that the bent shapes fit to the shapes of the corner portions of the lateral surface of the vial  10   a . The bent angle of the contacting surface  224  is approximately the same as the interior angle of the vial  10   a . For example, the bent angle of the contacting surface  224  can be set as at least 0.8 times and at most 1.2 times of the interior angle of the vial  10   a , or 48°-72° when the vial  10   a  is triangular, or 72°-108° when the vial  10   b  is rectangular. Each of the contacting surfaces  234  is configured to contact with one of the corner portions of the vial  10   a.    
     Each of the first arm  231 , the second arm  232 , and the third arm  233  is configured to move toward the vial  10   a  in a longitudinal direction of the shaft  235 . Once the first arm  231 , the second arm  232 , and the third arm  233  begin to press the vial  10   a , the transverse orientation of the vial  10   a  is adjusted so that the corner portions of the vial  10   a  contact to the contacting surfaces  234  most fittingly. Thereby, the transverse orientation of the vial  10   a  is precisely determined. 
     § 1.4.4 Fourth Embodiment of the Second Vial Orienting Unit 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 ( d ) , the second vial orienting unit  200   d  is composed of two pressing members, which are a wall  241  and an arm  242 . The arm  242  has an approximately Y-shaped profile when seen from a plan view. Also, the arm  242  has a contacting surface  244  and a shaft  245 . The wall  241  also has a contacting surface  243 . The wall  241  and the arm  242  are placed so as to face to each other and the shaft  245  is approximately perpendicular to the wall  241 . In this way, the vial  10   a  is configured to be located between the wall  241  and the arm  242 . 
     In a plan view, the contacting surface  244  of the arm  242  is bent so that the bent shape fits to the shape of the corner portion of the lateral side of the vial  10   a . The bent angle of the contacting surface  244  is approximately the same as the interior angle of the vial  10   a . The contacting surface  244  is configured to contact the corner portion of the vial  10   a  as well as parts of the edge portions of the vial  10   a  connecting to said corner portion. The width from the bent of the arm  242  to the front end of the arm  242  is preferably more than one third of the width of the edge portion of the lateral surface of the vial  10   a . The contacting surface  243  of the wall  241  is also configured to contact the edge portion of the vial  10   a.    
     The arm  242  is configured to move toward the wall  241  in a longitudinal direction of the shaft  245 . Once the arm  242  begins to press the vial  10   a , the position of the vial  10   a  is adjusted so that the edge portion of the vial  10   a  contacts with the contacting surface  243  of the wall  241 . Furthermore, by the pressing force of the arm  242 , the transverse orientation of the vial  10   a  is adjusted so that the corner portion and the edge portion of the vial  10   a  contact, respectively, with the contacting surfaces  244  and  243  most fittingly. Thereby, the transverse orientation of the vial  10   a  is precisely determined. 
     In other embodiment, the wall  243  may have a curved surface that fits to the curvature of the edge portion of the vial  10   a.    
     § 1.5 Labeling Unit 
     After the orientation of the vial  10   a  is precisely determined by the second vial orienting unit  200 , the vial  10   a  is labeled by the labeling unit  2   a  as shown in  FIGS. 7 &amp; 9 . 
     § 1.5.1 First Embodiment of the Labeling Unit 
     As shown in  FIGS. 7 &amp; 9 , the labeling unit  2   a  contains a printer (not shown in the drawing), a label feeding device  310 , a label pasting device  320 , and a vial holding unit  335 . First, the printer prints a label. Then, the label feeding device  310  feeds the printed label to a position located near the vial  10   a . At last, the label pasting device  320  pastes the label on the lateral surface of the vial  10   a . The vial holding unit  335  holds the vial  10   a  while the labeling unit  2   a  is pasting the label on the vial  10   a.    
     The label feeding device  310  contains a guide flap  311  and a guide roller  312 . A lateral surface of the guide flap  311  is oriented so that the lateral surface is perpendicular to the third conveyer  66 . The lateral surface of the guide flap  311  provides a path along which the label slides. As seen in  FIG. 7 , the tip of the guide flap  311  is sharply angled. It is preferable that the angle δ, which is formed at the end of the guide flap  311  by the lateral surface and its opposing surface of the guide flap  311 , is 60° or less when the vial  10   a  has the triangular cross-sectional shape. The guide roller  312  feeds the label along and out of the guide flap  311 . The guide flap  311  and the guide roller  312  are configured to move horizontally between the positions off the third conveyer  66  and over the third conveyer  66 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , the vial holding unit  335  is provided above the vial  10   a . The vial holding unit  335  can rotate around the rotational axis, which is parallel to a transverse direction of the vial  10   a . Thereby, the vial holding unit  335  can have two postures, one of which is erected and the other one is laid down. When the vial holding unit  335  is laid down, the vial holding unit  335  can engage with the neck portion of the vial  10   a  and press it downwardly. Thereby, the vial  10   a  is prevented from moving or rotating. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 7 , the label pasting device  320  contains a pasting unit  329 , a drive unit  331  and a moving unit  332 . The pasting unit  329  contains a pivot  321 , a pair of first arm  322  and second arm  323 , and a pair of first roller  324  and second roller  325 . The first arm  322  and the second arm  323  are symmetrically placed to each other with respect to the center of the pivot  321 . Axial ends of the first arm  322  and the second arm  323  are pivoted by the pivot  321 . The first roller  324  and the second roller  325  are provided at the circumferential ends of the first arm  322  and the second arm  323  respectively. 
     The pivot  321 , the first arm  322 , and the second arm  323  are coupled to the drive unit  331 . The drive unit  331  provides a driving force so that the first arm  322  and the second arm  323  can rotate around the pivot  321 . The first arm  322  and the second arm  323  can rotate by approximately 90° to change their orientations. In one state, the first arm  322  and the second arm  323  orient approximately perpendicular to the conveying direction of the third conveyer  66  while in an alternative state, the first arm  322  and the second arm  323  orient a direction opposite to the conveying direction of the third conveyer  66 . 
     The drive unit  331  is coupled to the moving unit  332 . The moving unit  332  moves the drive unit  331  so that the drive unit  331  and parts attached to the drive unit  331  change their positions horizontally, between the positions off the third conveyer  66  and over the third conveyer  66 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , after the second vial orienting unit  200   a  precisely adjusts the orientation of the vial  10   a  but while still gripping the vial  10   a  by the first arm  211  and the second arm  212 , the vial holding unit  335  comes down to the neck portion of the vial  10   a  and holds the neck portion. Thereby, the posture of the vial  10   a  is fixed by the vial holding unit  335 . Then, the first arm  211  and the second arm  212  goes away from the vial  10   a.    
     Next, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the pasting unit  329  is moved near the vial  10   a  over the third conveyer  66 . As shown in  FIG. 10 ( a )  (1), the label feeding device  310  is also moved near the vial  10   a  so that the guide flap  311  is positioned right by the vial  10   a . The printed label  11  is fed by the printer (not shown in the drawing) and sent to the guide flap  311 . There, about half of the label  11  is fed out of the guide flap  311  by the guide roller  312 . When the center of the label  11  is positioned approximately right in front of the corner portion of the vial  10   a , as seen in a plan view, the guide roller  312  pauses feeding the label  11 . Along with these movements, the first arm  322  and the second arm  323  are closed so that the first roller  324  and the second roller  325  are positioned in front of the corner portion of the vial  10   a.    
     As shown in  FIG. 10 ( a )  (2), the first arm  322  and the second arm  323  moves toward the corner portion of the vial  10   a  and press the corner portion of the vial  10   a  via the label  11 . Thereby, the label  11  is pressed by the first roller  324  and the second roller  325 . Almost at the same timing, the guide roller  312  resumes feeding the label  11  and the label feeding device  310  goes away from the vial  10   a . Thereby, the label  11  is released from the guide flap  311  but remains on the corner portion of the vial  10   a  because the label  11  is pressed to the vial  10   a  by the first roller  324  and the second roller  325 . By coordinating with the movement of the guide flap  311 , the first arm  322  and the second arm  323  move further toward the vial  10   a.    
     As shown in  FIG. 10 ( a )  (3), the first arm  322  and the second arm  323  further moves deeper toward the vial  10   a . More exactly speaking, they move toward the other corner portions of the vial  10   a . By coordinating with this movement, the first arm  322  and the second arm  323  open so that the first roller  324  and the second roller  325  trace edge portions of the lateral surface of the vial  10   a . During this movement, the first roller  324  and the second roller  325  rotate inwardly so that the first roller  324  and the second roller  325  smoothly move on the edge portions of the vial  10   a  towards the other corner portions of the vial  10   a , while keep pressing the label  11  on the lateral surface of the vial  10   a . Thereby, the label  11  is pasted on the lateral surface of the vial  10   a.    
     As shown in  FIG. 10 ( a )  (4), once the first roller  324  and the second roller  325  reach the other corner portions of the vial  10   a , the first arm  322  and the second arm  323  are pulled back. During this movement, the first roller  324  and the second roller  325  traces the same surfaces of the vial  10   a  as those when the first roller  324  and the second roller  325  moved forward. However, at this time, the movement of the first roller  324  and the second roller  325  are in the opposite direction. Exactly speaking, the first roller  324  and the second roller  325  trace the edge portions of the lateral surface of the vial  10   a  toward the corner portion of the vial  10   a , which is located in the most frontward direction, or the downstream direction. By coordinating with this movement, the first arm  322  and the second arm  323  close. During this movement, the first roller  324  and the second roller  325  rotate outwardly. Thereby, adherence of the label  11  to the vial  10   a  becomes stronger. 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 ( a )  (5), the first arm  322  and the second arm  323  leave the vial  10   a  eventually and go back to their original position. By the above process, one label  11  is pasted on the two edge portions of the vial  10   a  across the corner portion of the vial  10   a.    
     § 1.5.2 Second Embodiment of the Labeling Unit 
       FIG. 10 ( b )  shows a second embodiment of labeling unit  2   a . The labeling unit  2   a  shown in  FIG. 10 ( b )  can paste the label on each edge portion of the vial  10   a  one by one. The labeling unit  2   a  contains a label feeding device  310  and a label transfer device  340 . 
     The label transfer device  340  transfers the label  11  from the label feeding device  310  to the vial  10   a . The label transfer device  340  is equipped with an attaching surface  341 , a vacuum (not shown in the drawing) and nozzles  342 . The nozzles  342  are coupled to the vacuum. Mouths of the nozzles  342  are located on the attaching surface  341 . Furthermore, the nozzles  342  can suck and blow an air through their mouths. Thereby, the label transfer device  340  may take, hold and release the label  11  on and from the attaching surface  341 . Furthermore, the label transfer device  340  can rotate and move horizontally. The label transfer device  340  can go back and forth between the label feeding device  310  and the vial  10   a . The label feeding device  310  can also change its orientation so that the attaching surface  341  can face the edge portion of the lateral surface of the vial  10   a  and the attaching surface  341  and the edge portion become approximately parallel to each other. 
     After adjusting the orientation of the vial  10   a , by the second vial orienting unit  200 , and further holding firmly the vial  10   a  by the vial holding unit  335 , as shown in  FIG. 10 ( b )  (1), the printed label  11  is fed to the front end portion of the guide flap  311  by the guide roller  312 . Then, the label transfer device  340  moves to the label feeding device  310  and thereby the attaching surface  341  comes in contact with the label  11 . Next, the vacuum (not shown in the drawing) is on and the nozzles  342  suck air. Thereby, the label  11  is attached to the attaching surface  341 . 
     Referring next to  FIG. 10 ( b )  (2), the label transfer device  340  moves toward the vial  10   a  and positions itself near a first edge portion of the lateral surface of the vial  10   a , facing the attaching surface  341  to the first edge portion. Then, the attaching surface  341  comes in contact with the first edge portion. Thereby, the label  11  is pasted on the first edge portion. In the next step, the vacuum reverses its air flow and the nozzles  342  blow air toward the surface of the attaching surface  341 . Thereby, the label  11  is further pressed onto the first edge portion. As a result, the pasting may be performed more firmly. Thereafter, the label transfer device  340  leaves the first edge portion. 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 ( b )  (3), another label  11  is fed to the front end portion of the guide flap  311 . The label transfer device  340  moves back to the label feeding device  310  and picks up another label  11 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 10 ( b )  (4), the label transfer device  340  moves to the vial  10   a  again and positions itself in front of a second edge portion of the vial  10   a , facing the attaching surface  341  to the second edge portion. Then, the label transfer device  340  pastes the label  11  on the second edge portion of the vial  10   a . Likewise, the label transfer device  340  may paste another label on a third edge portion of the vial  10   a.    
     In the above embodiment, the label transfer device  340  could go to at least three places, the label feeding device  310 , the first edge portion and the second edge portion of the vial  10   a  without rotating the vial  10   a . In other embodiment, the vial  10   a  may be rotated after one label is pasted and the label feeding device  310  may be configured to go back and forth only between two locations, the label feeding device  310  and a fixed position by the vial  10   a.    
     In yet another embodiment, the attaching surface  341  may be curved so that the shape of curve or a curvature radius of the attaching surface  341  corresponds to the shape or curvature radius of the edge portion of the vial  10   a.    
     § 2. SECOND EMBODIMENT OF THE MEDICINE DISPENSING APPARATUS 
     § 2.1 Overview of the Medicine Dispensing Apparatus 
       FIG. 11  shows the internal architecture of the medicine dispensing apparatus  1   b . As shown in this figure, the medicine dispensing apparatus  1   b  contains a third vial orienting unit  400  instead of the second vial orienting unit  200 . In the first embodiment of the medicine dispensing apparatus  1   a  explained above, the vial  10   a  was conveyed to the labeling unit  2   a  and labeled there with its posture standing, in other words with its opening facing upward. In the second embodiment of the medicine dispensing apparatus  1   b , the vial  10   a  is conveyed to the labeling unit  2   b  and labeled there with its posture lying, in other words with its opening facing horizontally. 
     § 2.2 Third Vial Orienting Unit 
     The third vial orienting unit  400  may orient the vial  10   a  such that it is lying down on a surface. 
     § 2.2.1 First Embodiment of the Third Vial Orienting Unit 
       FIGS. 11 &amp; 12  illustrate a configuration of the third vial orienting unit  400 . As shown in  FIG. 11 , the third vial orienting unit  400  contains a third conveyer  66 ′ and a vial layer  411 . 
     The vial layer  411  is provided over the third conveyer  66 ′ at a height, which corresponds to an upper part of the vial  10   a . The vial layer  411  has a down-facing surface descending in the conveying direction of the third conveyer  66 ′. The vial layer  411  falls and lays down the vial  10   a.    
     As shown in  FIG. 12 , the third conveyer  66 ′ contains a belt  661 . The upper surface of the belt  661  is curved so that the center of the belt  661  is lower than the transverse end of the belt  661 . The shape of the curve of the belt  661  corresponds to the shape of the curve of the edge portion of the lateral surface of the vial  10   a . In other words, the curvature radius of the belt  661  of the conveyer  66 ′ is approximately the same as the curvature radius of the edge portion of the lateral side of the vial  10   a . In this respect, the curvature radius of the belt  661  is preferably at least 0.8 times and at most 1.2 times of the curvature radius of the edge portion of the vial  10   a.    
     After placing the vial  10   a  on the fourth conveyer  110  (please refer  FIG. 5 ) from the first vial orienting unit  100  using the vial erecting unit  65 , the standing vial  10   a  is conveyed in the downstream direction by the fourth conveyer  110 . In this case, the transverse orientation of the standing vial  10   a  is changed by the first vial orienting unit  100  so that one corner portion of the vial  10   a  approximately faces the conveying direction and the opposing edge portion of the vial  10   a  approximately faces the upstream direction. Next, the vial  10   a  enters the third conveyer  66 ′ and further conveyed in the downstream direction by the belt  661 . Eventually, the upper portion of the vial  10   a  hits the vial layer  411 . Thereby, the vial  10   a  falls and lies down on the belt  661 . Since the vial  10   a  is moving in the downstream direction, the vial  10   a  falls toward the upstream direction. In other words, the vial  10   a  is laid down so that the bottom of the vial  10   a  faces the conveying direction and the top of the vial  10   a  faces the upstream direction. Furthermore, since the corner portion of the vial  10   a  faces the conveying direction and the opposite edge portion faces the opposite direction, the corner portion of the vial  10   a  faces upward and the opposite edge portion faces downward and contacts with the belt  661  after lying. As shown in  FIG. 12 ( b ) , since the belt  661  is curved to fit to the edge potion of the vial  10   a , the edge portion of the laid vial  10   a  engages with the belt  661 . Therefore, the orientation of the vial  10   a  is stabilized and accurately determined. This laid vial  10   a  is conveyed to the labeling unit  2   b  by the third conveyer  66 ′. 
     § 2.2.2 Third Embodiment of the Labeling Unit 
     As shown in  FIG. 12 , the labeling unit  2   b  contains a stopper  420 , a first printer  431 , a second printer  432 , a first arm  441  and a second arm  442 . The labeling unit  2   b  can label two edge portions of the lying vial  10   a  at the same time. 
     The stopper  420  contains a body  420  and a rod  422 . The stopper  420  can prevent the vial  10   a  from moving in a downstream direction and precisely determine the upstream-downstream position of the vial  10   a.    
     In this embodiment, the first printer  431  prints a first label  11  and feed the first label  11  to proximity of a first edge portion of the lateral surface of the vial  10   a . Likewise, the second printer  432  prints a second label  11  and feed the second label  11  to proximity of a second edge portion of the lateral surface of the vial  10   a . The exits of the labels  11  on the first printer  431  and the second printer  432  are located near the upper surface of the belt  661 . More precisely speaking, the heights of the exits of the labels  11  on the first printer  431  and the second printer  432  are approximately the same as the height of the upper surface of the belt  661 . Furthermore, the first printer  431  and the second printer  432  are configured to feed the labels  11  in directions approximately parallel to the edge portions of the vial  10   a . In other words, the feeding directions of the labels  11  by the first printer  431  and the second printer  432  are preferably angled by 48°-72°, and more preferably approximately 60° from the horizontal direction. 
     The first arm  441  and the second arm  442  are located above the first printer  431  and the second printer  432  near the exits of labels  11 . Each of the first arm  441  and the second arm  442  has an approximately T-shaped profile when seen from a plan view. Additionally, each of the first arm  441  and the second arm  442  has a contacting surface  443  and a shaft  444 . Furthermore, the contacting surface  443  is provided approximately in parallel to the edge portion of the vial  10   a . The angle formed by the contacting surface  443  and the horizontal plane is preferably about 48°-72°, and more preferably approximately 60°. 
     As shown in  FIG. 12 ( a ) , while the vial  10   a  is moving in the downstream direction by the third conveyer  66 ′, the rod  422  comes out over the third conveyer  66 ′ from the body  420 . Then, the vial  10   a  touches the rod  422 . Thereby, the movement of the vial  10   a  in the downstream direction is prevented and the position of the vial  10   a  is fixed. As shown in  FIG. 12 ( b ) , once the vial  10   a  reaches the predetermined position, the first printer  431  and the second printer  432  prints labels  11  and feed the printed labels right in front of the edge portions of the lateral surface of the vial  10   a . Next, as shown in  FIG. 12 ( c ) , the first arm  441  and the second arm  442  respectively move in the longitudinal directions of the shafts  444 . And, the contacting surfaces  443  presses the labels  11  onto the edge portions of the vial  10   a . Thereby, the labels  11  are pasted on the vial  10   a . After the vial  10   a  is labeled, the rod  422  pulls back out of the conveying path of the vial  10   a . Thereby, the vial  10   a  begins to move in the conveying direction of the third conveyer  66 ′ and gets out of the labeling unit  2   b.    
     § 2.3 Second Embodiment of the Third Vial Orienting Unit and Fourth Embodiment of the Labeling Unit 
       FIG. 13  shows a second embodiment of the third vial orienting unit  400  and a fourth embodiment of the labeling unit  2   c . In this embodiment, the third vial orienting unit  400  is configured to orient the lying vial  10   a  before and while the labeling unit  2   c  is labeling the vial  10   a . As shown in  FIG. 13 , the third vial orienting unit  400  contains a first vial support member  451  and a second vial support member  452  and a roller  453 . Furthermore, the labeling unit  2   c  contains a label feeding device  310 ′, which includes a guide flap  311 ′ and the roller  453 . 
     The first vial support member  451  and the second vial support member  452  are provided on or above the third conveyer  66 . The first vial support member  451  and the second vial support member  452  coordinately support the vial  10   a  so that the vial  10   a  is held with one corner portion of the lateral surface of the vial  10   a  facing downward and one opposing edge portion facing upward. The first vial support member  451  and the second vial support member  452  are provided so that each member may face opposite to each other. On the other hand, the vial  10   a  is configured to be laid down between the first vial support member  451  and the second vial support member  452 . 
     The first vial support member  451  and the second vial support member  452  contain a first sloping surface  454  and a second sloping surface  455 . The first sloping surface  454  and the second sloping surface  455  are facing opposite to each other and placed symmetrically across a symmetrical plane, which is located in the middle of the first sloping surface  454  and the second sloping surface  455  and extends in the vertical direction. The first sloping surface  454  and the second sloping surface  455  are descending downwardly so that the gap between the first sloping surface  454  and the second sloping surface  455  becomes smaller as they go lower. The angle ε formed by the first sloping surface  454  or the second sloping surface  455  and the horizontal plane is preferably 48°-72°, and more preferably approximately 60°. The heights h 1  of the first sloping surface  454  and the second sloping surface  455  are preferably at least 0.8 times and at most 1.2 times of the distance dl from one corner portion of the lateral surface of the vial  10   a  to the opposing edge portion of the vial  10   a.    
     The roller  453  is provided near the upper end of the second sloping surface  455 . The rotational axis of the roller  453  extends in the horizontal direction and in parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vial  10   a . Furthermore, the rotational axis of the roller  453  is positioned above the upper end of the second sloping surface  455 . The roller  453  is movable between the proximity of the upper end of the second sloping surface  455  and the proximity of the upper end of the first sloping surface  454 . The roller  453  has two functions, one is to rotate the vial  10   a , and the other one is to press the label  11  on the vial  10   a.    
     The labeling unit  2   c  has a configuration similar to the configuration of labeling unit  2   a  shown in  FIG. 7 . However, the orientation of the labeling unit  2   c  is different from the orientation of the labeling unit  2   a . While the labeling unit  2   a  is configured to feed the label  11  with its orientation parallel to the vertical direction, the labeling unit  2   c  is configured to feed the label  11  with its orientation perpendicular to the vertical direction. Furthermore, the upper surface of the guide flap  311 ′, which provides a path for the label  11 , is angled to the horizontal direction at a certain degree so that an assumed extension of the upper surface of the guide flap  311 ′ passes near or above the corner portion of the lateral surface of the vial  10   a.    
     As shown in  FIG. 13  (1), the vial  10   a , whose one edge portion is facing downward, is moved by the third conveyer  66  to the label feeding device  310 ′. Once the vial  10   a  is placed between the first vial support member  451  and the second vial support member  452 , the roller  453  positions itself so that it contacts with a lateral surface of the vial  10   a  near the corner portion of the vial  10   a . Also, the first vial support member  451  and the second vial support member  452  move toward the vial  10   a  so that the first vial support member  451  and the second vial support member  452  becomes close to the vial  10   a.    
     Eventually, the lower portions of the first sloping surface  454  and the second sloping surface  455  touch the corner portions of the lateral surface of the vial  10   a . And, the lower portions of the first sloping surface  454  and the second sloping surface  455  go under the vial  10   a , lifting the vial  10   a  above the third conveyer  66 . Coordinating with these movements, the roller  453  rotates and moves in the rotating direction of the vial  10   a , facilitating the vial  10   a  to rotate around its longitudinal axis. As shown in  FIG. 13  (2), eventually the vial  10   a  is rotated by 60°. In this way, a first edge portion of the vial  10   a  contacts with the first sloping surface  454  and a second edge portion of the vial  10   a  contacts with the second sloping surface  455 . Furthermore, the corner portion of the lateral side of the vial  10   a  between the first edge portion and the second edge portion of the vial  10   a  faces downward. Thereby, the transverse orientation of the vial  10   a  is determined. 
     Next, as shown in  FIG. 13  (3), the roller  453  moves off the vial  10   a . Then, as shown in  FIG. 13  (4), the label feeding device  310 ′ feeds the label  11  onto the edge portion of the lateral surface of the vial  10   a  that is facing upward. Next, as shown in  FIG. 13  (5), the roller  453  rotates and moves along the edge portion of the lateral surface of the vial  10   a  from one corner portion to another corner portion, pressing the label  11  onto the edge portion of the vial  10   a . Thereby, the label  11  is pasted on one edge portion of the lateral surface of the vial  10   a.    
     Next, as shown in  FIG. 13  (6), the roller  453  moves and positions itself approximately at the middle of the edge portion of the lateral surface of the vial  10   a , on which the label  11  was pasted. Then, as shown in  FIG. 13  (7), the first vial support member  451  and the second vial support member  452  move away from the vial  10   a . Coordinating with these movements, the roller  453  rotates and moves in the rotating direction of the vial  10   a , facilitating the vial  10   a  to rotate around its longitudinal axis. As shown in  FIG. 13  (8), eventually the vial  10   a  is rotated by 60°, forming approximately 60° of an angle between the labeled edge portion and the horizontal plane. Next, as shown in  FIG. 13  (9), the roller  453  again positions itself so that it contacts with a lateral surface of the vial  10   a  near the corner portion of the vial  10   a.    
     Then, the above-described process, shown in  FIG. 13  (1)-(9), is repeated such that another label  11  is pasted on another edge portion of the lateral surface of the vial  10   a.    
     § 2.4 Third Embodiment of the Third Vial Orienting Unit and Fifth Embodiment of the Labeling Unit 
       FIG. 14  shows a third embodiment of the third vial orienting unit  400  and a fourth embodiment of labeling unit  2   c . As shown in this figure, the third vial orienting unit  400  contains a fifth conveyer  66   a  and a sixth conveyer  66   b . Furthermore, the labeling unit  2   c  contains a label feeding device  310 ′ and a roller  351 . 
     The fifth conveyer  66   a  contains a first belt  662  and a second belt  663 . The first belt  662  and the second belt  663  are provided next to each other so that the transverse cross-sectional shape of the fifth conveyer  66   a  forms a V-shape. The first belt  662  and the second belt  663  extend in the same direction. The first belt  662  and the second belt  663  are placed symmetrically across a symmetrical plane extending in the vertical direction and the longitudinal direction of the fifth conveyer  66   a . The first belt  662  and the second belt  663  are placed so as to form an angle which is approximately the same as an internal angle of the corner portion of the lateral side of the vial  10   a . The angle formed by the first belt  662  and the second belt  663  is preferably about 48°-72°, and more preferably about 60°. The first belt  662  is longer than the second belt  663 . More specifically speaking, the downstream end portion of the first belt  662  is extending longer in the downstream direction than the downstream end portion of the second belt  663 . The difference of the lengths between the first belt  662  and the second belt  663  is preferably at least half of the height of the vial  10   a.    
     The sixth conveyer  66   b  is provided in adjacent to the fifth conveyer  66   a . The sixth conveyer  66   b  is located at a place lower than where the fifth conveyer  66   a  is located. The conveying direction of the sixth conveyer  66   b  is the same as or opposite to the conveying direction of the fifth conveyer  66   a . The sixth conveyer  66   b  contains a third belt  664  and a fourth belt  665 . The third belt  664  is approximately parallel to the first belt  662 . Furthermore, the first belt  662  and the third belt  664  are placed approximately on a same plane. The fourth belt  665  is approximately parallel to the second belt  663 . The distance between the lower long end of the first belt  662  and the higher long end of the third belt  664  is preferably at most equal to the width of the edge portion of the lateral surface of the vial  10   a . Upstream ends of the third belt  664  and the fourth belt  665  is provided near the downstream ends of the first belt  662  and the second belt  663 . The distance between the downstream end of the first belt  662  and the upstream end of the third belt  664 , in a plan view, is preferably at most twice of the height of the vial  10   a . The relation of the third belt  664  and the fourth belt  665  is similar to the relation of the first belt  662  and the second belt  663 . 
     The label feeding device  310 ′ is provided near the fifth conveyer  66   a . The label feeding device  310 ′ feeds the printed label  11  onto the edge portion of the lateral surface of the vial  10   a  that is facing upward. The roller  351  presses the label  11  to paste the label  11  on the vial  10   a.    
     The vial  10   a  is provided on the fifth conveyer  66   a  so that a first edge portion of the vial  10   a  contacts with the first belt  662 , a second edge portion of the vial  10   a  contacts with the second belt  663 , and a third edge portion of the vial  10   a  faces upward and a corner portion of the vial  10   a  opposing to the third edge portion faces downward. The vial  10   a  is conveyed in the downstream direction by the fifth conveyer  66   a . When the vial  10   a  reaches a predetermined position, which is near the label feeding device  310 ′, the fifth conveyer  66   a  stops. Then, the label  11  is provided on the third edge portion of the vial  10   a . Next, the roller  351  rotates and moves along the third edge portion of the vial  10   a . Thereby, the label  11  is pressed on the vial  10   a  and pasted on the third edge portion of the vial  10   a . Then, the fifth conveyer  66   a  resumes conveying the vial  10   a . Eventually, the vial  10   a  is conveyed to the downstream end portion of the fifth conveyer  66   a . There, the vial  10   a  gets out of the second belt  663  and falls off from the fifth conveyer  66   a . During falling, the vial  10   a  rotates by approximately 120° around a rotational axis extending in a longitudinal direction of the vial  10   a . Then, the vial  10   a  reaches the sixth conveyer  66   b  with the pasted label  11  contacting to the fourth belt  665 . Furthermore, the second edge portion of the vial  10   a , which has not been labeled yet, faces upward. The vial  10   a  is conveyed in the downstream direction of the sixth conveyer  66   b  by the sixth conveyer  66   b . Then, the second edge portion of the vial  10   a  is labeled by another labeling unit  2   c  (not shown in the drawing). 
     In an alternative embodiment, a door may be provided at the downstream end of the second belt  663 . The door may be configured to open after the vial  10   a  reaches the door. In other embodiments, a protrusion may be provided on a surface between the first belt  662  and the third belt  664  to facilitate the rotation of the vial  10   a.    
     § 3. THIRD EMBODIMENT OF THE MEDICINE DISPENSING APPARATUS 
     § 3.1 Overview of the Medicine Dispensing Apparatus 
       FIG. 15  shows an internal appearance of a third embodiment of the medicine dispensing apparatus. As shown in this figure, the medicine dispensing apparatus  1   c  contains a vial stocker  3   c , a first vial transporting unit  6 , a fourth vial orienting unit  500 , a labeling unit  2   d , a second vial transporting unit  7 , a medicine filling unit  4 , and a vial discharging windows  50 . 
     The vial stocker  3   c  is provided in the lower and front portion of the medicine dispensing apparatus  1   c . The vials  10   a  are vertically aligned in tandem in the vial stocker  3   c . Each vial stocker  3   c  can stock various sizes of the vials. The labeling unit  2   d  is provided in the lower and middle portion of the medicine dispensing apparatus  1   c . The medicine filling unit  4  is provided in the upper portion and lateral sides of the medicine dispensing apparatus  1   c . The vial discharging windows  50  is provided in the upper portion and front side of the medicine dispensing apparatus  1   c.    
     Once the user inputs a prescription datum and instructs the medicine dispensing apparatus  1   c  to dispense the prescribed medicines, the vial  10   a  having a proper size is selected and dispensed by the vial stocker  3   c . Then, the vial  10   a  is transported by the first vial transporting unit  6  from the vial stocker  3   c  to the fourth vial orienting unit  500 . There, the transverse orientation of the vial  10   a  is adjusted. Then, the vial  10   a  is labeled by the labeling unit  2   d . The labeled vial  10   a  is transferred to the second vial transporting unit  7  by the first vial transporting unit  6 . Then, the vial  10   a  is transported to the medicine filling unit  4  by the second vial transporting unit  7 . There, the vial  10   a  is filled with the prescribed medicines. Lastly, the vial  10   a  is transported from the medicine filling unit  4  to the vial discharging window  50  and discharged out of the medicine dispensing apparatus  1   c  through the vial discharging window  50 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 16 , the labeling unit  2   d  contains a label feeder  361 , a printer  362 , a release-paper peeler  363  and a label presser  364 . The label  11  fed by the label feeder  361  is printed by the printer  362 . Then, the release paper attached on the backside of the label  11  is peeled and wound by the release-paper peeler  363 . The printed label  11  exits the body of the labeling unit  2   c  and fed onto the edge portion of the lateral surface of the vial  10   a . The label presser  364  presses the label  11  onto the edge portion. Thereby, the label  11  is pasted on the vial  10   a.    
     Referring back to  FIG. 15 , the second vial transporting unit  7  contains a horizontal rail  72 , a vertical rail  73 , a vertically moving unit  74 , and a gripping device  75 . The horizontal rail  72  extends in frontward-backward directions of the medicine dispensing apparatus  1   c . The vertical rail  73  extends in upward-downward directions and is coupled to the horizontal rail  72 . The vertically moving unit  74  is coupled to the vertical rail  73 . The gripping device  75  is coupled to the vertically moving unit  74 . The gripping device  75  receives the vial  10   a  from the first vial transporting unit  6  and holds the vial  10   a . The vertically moving unit  74  moves the gripping device  75  in upward-downward directions. Furthermore, the vertical rail  73  moves along the horizontal rail  72  in frontward-backward directions. Thereby, the vial  10   a  is transported from the first vial transporting unit  6  to a place where the prescribed medicines are stored. Furthermore, the vial  10   a  is transported from the medicine filling unit  4  to the vial discharging window  50 . 
     § 3.2 First Vial Transporting Unit and Vial Rotating Unit 
     § 3.2.1 First Embodiments of the First Vial Transporting Unit and Vial Rotating Unit 
     The first vial transporting unit  6  transports the vial  10   a  from the stocker  3   c  to the labeling unit  2   d . Furthermore, the first vial transporting unit  6  can rotate the vial  10   a  around the rotational axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the vial  10   a  and passing approximately the center of the vial  10   a . As shown in  FIG. 17 , the first vial transporting unit  6  contains a gripping device  67 , a support member  675 , and a swing unit  676  (please refer to  FIG. 15 ). The gripping device  67  contains a first arm  671 , a second arm  672 , a third arm  673 , and a driving unit  674 . 
     The first arm  671 , the second arm  672  and the third arm  673  extend in the vertical direction. The first arm  671 , the second arm  672  and the third arm  673  are placed so as to form angles of approximately 120° with respect to each other in a plan view. The first arm  671 , the second arm  672  and the third arm  673  are coupled to the driving unit  674 . The driving unit  674  opens and closes the first arm  671 , the second arm  672  and the third arm  673 . Thereby, the inner wall of the vial  10   a  is pressed by the first arm  671 , the second arm  672  and the third arm  673 . Thus, the vial  10   a  is gripped by the gripping device  67 . Furthermore, the driving unit  674  rotates the first arm  671 , the second arm  672  and the third arm  673  around the rotational axis, which is located approximately at a center position surrounded by the first arm  671 , the second arm  672  and the third arm  673 , and which extends in the vertical direction. Thereby, the vial  10   a  is rotated. Accordingly, the gripping device  67  constitutes one embodiment of the vial rotating unit. 
     The driving unit  674  is supported by the support member  675 . The support member  675  is coupled to the swing unit  676 . The swing unit  676  swings the support member  675  so that the gripping device  67  goes back and forth between the vial stocker  3   c  and the labeling unit  2   d.    
     § 3.2.2 Second Embodiment of the First Vial Transporting Unit 
       FIG. 18  shows the second embodiment of the first vial transporting unit  6 . As shown in this figure, the first vial transporting unit  6  contains a gripping device  68 , a support member  684 , and a swing unit  676  (please refer to  FIG. 15 ). The gripping device  68  contains a first arm  681 , a second arm  682 , and a driving unit  683 . 
     The first arm  681  and the second arm  682  are coupled to the driving unit  683 . The driving unit  683  opens and closes the first arm  681  and the second arm  682 . Thereby, the outer surface of the vial  10   a  is pressed by the first arm  681  and the second arm  682 . And, the vial  10   a  is gripped by the gripping device  68 . 
     The driving unit  683  is supported by the support member  684 . The support member  684  is coupled to the swing unit  676  (please refer to  FIG. 15 ). The swing unit  676  swings the support member  684  so that the first arm  681  and the second arm  682  go back and forth between the vial stocker  3   c  and the labeling unit  2   d.    
     § 3.2.3 Second Embodiment of the Vial Rotating Unit 
       FIG. 19  shows the second embodiment of the vial rotating unit  700 . The vial rotating unit  700  is provided near the labeling unit  2   d  in front of the exit of the label  11 . The vial rotating unit  700  can rotate the vial  10   a  around the rotational axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the vial  10   a  and passing approximately the center of the vial  10   a . As shown in  FIG. 19 , the vial rotating unit  700  contains a base member  710 , a first wall  720 , a second wall  730 , and a third wall  740 . The vial rotating unit  700  also contains a base-rotating unit  711 , a tray  721 , a mouth holder  731 , a first roller  741  and a second roller  742 . 
     The base member  710  has a rectangular plan view shape and is placed horizontally. On a first edge of the base member  710 , the first wall  720  is connected, which is placed vertically. The tray  721  is coupled to the first wall  720 . The tray  721  has a square plan view shape and is placed horizontally. On the tray  721 , a rotational table  722  is horizontally provided. The height of the upper surface of the rotational table  722  is positioned lower than the height of the upper surface of the tray  721 . The rotational table  722  has a circular plan view shape and is freely rotatable around the rotational axis, which extends in the vertical direction and passes through the center of the rotational table  722 . The vial  10   a  is configured to be placed on the rotational table  722  so that the bottom surface of the vial  10   a  is in contact with the rotational table  722 . 
     On a second edge of the base member  710 , which is perpendicular to the first edge, the second wall  730  is connected. The second wall  730  is placed vertically. The height of the second wall  730  is higher than the height of the first wall  720 . The difference between the heights of the first wall  720  and the second wall  730  is preferably larger than the height of the vial  10   a . Furthermore, the height of the second wall  730  is preferably higher than the height of the vial  10   a.    
     On the upper end of the second wall  730 , the mouth holder  731  is provided. The mouth holder  731  holds the upper portion of the vial  10   a . The mouth holder  731  can rotate by 90° around the rotational axis extending in the horizontal direction and parallel to the second wall  730 . In other words, the mouth holder  731  can change its orientation between a vertical orientation and a horizontal orientation. The mouth holder  731  contains an engaging piece  732 , which protrudes downwardly when the mouth holder  731  orients horizontally. The engaging piece  732  has a circular plan view shape and has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the opening of the vial  10   a . The engaging piece  732  is freely rotatable around the rotational axis extending in the direction perpendicular to the mouth holder  731  and passing the center of the engaging piece  732 . When the mouth holder  731  lies down, the engaging piece  732  engages with the neck portion of the vial  10   a . This prevents the vial  10   a  from moving except rotating horizontally. Furthermore, when the mouth holder  731  lies down, the rotational axis of the engaging piece  732  corresponds to the rotational axis of the rotational table  722 . In addition, when the mouth holder  731  and the rotational table  722  rotate simultaneously, the rotational axis of the vial  10   a  matches with the center of gravity of the vial  10   a . Therefore, the rotational axes of the engaging piece  732 , the rotational table  722  and the vial  10   a  and the center of gravity of the vial  10   a  match with one another when the vial  10   a  rotates. 
     On a third edge of the base member  710 , which is perpendicular to the second edge, the third wall  740  is connected. The third wall  740  is placed vertically. The height of the third wall  740  is approximately the same as the height of the second wall  730 . 
     On the third wall  740 , the first roller  741  and the second roller  742  are provided. The first roller  741  and the second roller  742  are aligned in tandem and placed vertically. In other words, the rotational axes of the first roller  741  and the second roller  742  extend in the vertical direction. The first roller  741  and the second roller  742  can rotate the vial  10   a  and are configured to be placed at a position closer to the third wall  740  when the mouth holder  731  is open. The first roller  741  and the second roller  742  are configured to go away from the third wall  740  in coordination with the closure of said mouth holder  731 . Furthermore, the first roller  741  and the second roller  742  are biased toward the center of the vial rotating unit  700 . Therefore, even when the vial  10   a  rotates and the distance from the third wall  740  to the lateral surface of the vial  10   a  increases, the first roller  741  and the second roller  742  are keeping contact with the lateral surface of the vial  10   a  and rotating the vial  10   a.    
     The base-rotating unit  711  is coupled to the bottom side of the base member  710 . The base-rotating unit  711  can rotate the base member  710  horizontally. 
     In other embodiment, the tray  721  may be configured to lift in the upward direction after the vial  10   a  is placed on the tray  721 . In yet another embodiment, the mouth holder  731  may be configured to move downwardly after the vial  10   a  is placed on the tray  721 . In an alternative embodiment, the engaging piece  732  may be configured to be driven to rotate. In yet another embodiment, the vial rotating unit  700  may be incorporated in the second vial orienting unit  200  of the first embodiment of the medicine dispensing apparatus  1   a . The vial rotating unit  700  is optimally placed at the downstream end of the conveyer. 
     Once the gripping device  68 , shown in  FIG. 18 , brings the vial  10   a  on the rotational table  722 , the mouth holder  731  closes. Thereby, the position of the vial  10   a  can be fixed. Next, the vial  10   a  is rotated by the first roller  741  and the second roller  742 . The rotation of the first roller  741  and the second roller  742  is stopped when the vial  10   a  is judged to be precisely placed in a predetermined orientation by the vial orientation detection unit or by the vial orientation determining unit, which will be described further below. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the vial orienting unit is constituted with the gripping device  67  or the vial rotating unit  700  and the vial orientation detection unit or the vial orientation determining unit described below. 
     § 3.3 Vial Orientation Detection Unit 
     The vial orientation detection unit is provided near the labeling unit  2   d  or the vial rotating unit  700  so that the vial orientation detection unit may detect the transverse orientation of the vial  10   a , being rotated by the gripping device  67  or the vial rotating unit  700 . 
     § 3.3.1 First Embodiment of the Vial Orientation Detection Unit 
       FIG. 20 ( a )  shows the first embodiment of the vial orientation detection unit  800   a . The vial orientation detection unit  800   a  contains a first light source  801 , a second light source  802 , a mirror (reflector)  803 , a first light detector  804  and a second light detector  805 . 
     The first light source  801 , the second light source  802 , the first light detector  804  and the second light detector  805  are provided at a same side. The mirror  803  is provided so that the mirror  803  faces opposite to the first light source  801 , the second light source  802 , the first light detector  804  and the second light detector  805  approximately across the vial  10   a  or  10   a′.    
     The first light source  801  and the second light source  802  are composed of light emitting devices that emit a directive beam, such as laser light emitting diode. Furthermore, the first light source  801  and the second light source  802  are arranged so that optical paths of the lights emitted by the first light source  801  and the second light source  802  passes through the corner portion of the lateral surface of the vial  10   a  or  10   a ′ when the corner portion is placed at a position which is closest to the optical path. In this embodiment, the optical path is arranged so that it is perpendicular to the rotational axis of the vial  10   a  or  10   a′.    
     It is also preferable that the optical path is perpendicular to a line which connects the corner portion of the vial  10   a  or  10   a ′ to the center of gravity of the vial  10   a  or  10   a ′, when the corner portion is placed at a position which is the closest to the optical path. Furthermore, it is preferable that a length of a normal line, placed between the optical path and the center of gravity of the vial  10   a  or  10   a ′, be shorter than the line which connects the corner portion of the vial  10   a  or  10   a ′ to the center of gravity of the vial  10   a  or  10   a ′. In addition, it is preferable that a length of a normal line, placed between the optical path and the center of gravity of the vial  10   a  or  10   a ′, be longer than the line which connects the middle point of the edge portion of the vial  10   a  or  10   a ′ to the center of gravity of the vial  10   a  or  10   a ′. In this respect, the length of the normal line placed between the optical path and the center of gravity of the vial  10   a  or  10   a ′ is preferably larger than √{square root over (3)}/6 of the width of the edge portion of the vial  10   a  or  10   a ′ and smaller than √{square root over (3)}/3 of the width of the edge portion of the vial  10   a  or  10   a ′ when seen from a plan view. 
     In a case where the edge portion of the lateral surface of the vial  10   a  or  10   a ′ is closer to the optical path, the light emitted by the first light source  801  or the second light source  802  is not blocked by the vial  10   a  or  10   a ′ because the edge portion cannot be located on the optical path. Therefore, the light reaches the mirror  803 . Next, the light is reflected by the mirror  803 . The reflected light is detected by the first light detector  804  or the second light detector  805 . As the vial  10   a  or  10   a ′ rotates and when the corner portion of the lateral surface of the vial  10   a  or  10   a ′ reaches the optical path, the light is blocked by the vial  10   a  or  10   a ′. Therefore, the emitted light is not detected by the first light detector  804  or the second light detector  805 . Therefore, the transverse orientation of the vial  10   a  or  10   a ′ may be detected as the corner portion of the vial  10   a  or  10   a ′ is located on the optical path. 
     In this embodiment, the second light source  802  is placed at a position which is closer to the rotational axis of the vial  10   a  or  10   a ′ than the position at which the first light source  801  is placed. In other words, the length of the normal line between the optical path formed by the first light source  801  and the center of gravity of the vial  10   a  or  10   a ′ is longer than the length of the normal line between the optical path formed by the second light source  802  and the center of gravity of the vial  10   a  or  10   a ′. With this configuration, the vial orientation detection unit  800   a  can detect the orientations of different sizes of the vials  10   a  and  10   a ′. In the case of  FIG. 20 ( a ) , the vial  10   a ′ is smaller than the vial  10   a . When the corner portion of the vial  10   a ′ reaches the optical path formed by the second light source  802 , the absence of the emitted light is detected by the second light detector  805 . On the other hand, the presence of the emitted light may be still detected by the first detector  804 . Accordingly, the second light detector  805  is suitable for detecting the corner portion of the vial  10   a ′. When the corner portion of the vial  10   a  reaches the optical path formed by the first light source  801 , the absence of the emitted light is detected by both the first light detector  804  and the second light detector  805 . However, since the first light detector  804  is located farther from the vial  10   a  than the second light detector  805 , the absence of the emitted light may be detected later. Accordingly, the first light detector  804  is suitable for a more accurate detection of the corner portion of the vial  10   a.    
     In other embodiments, instead of the mirror  803 , a reflective plate or other kind of reflectors may be used to reflect the light emitted from the first light source  801  or the second light source  802 . 
     § 3.3.2 Second Embodiment of the Vial Orientation Detection Unit 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 20 ( b ) , the vial orientation detection unit  800   b  contains a light source  811 , a mirror  812 , and a light detector  813 . The light source  811  and the light detector  812  are provided above the vial  10   a  while the mirror  812  is provided below the vial  10   a . In this embodiment, the optical path is arranged so that it is parallel to the rotational axis of the vial  10   a . The basic configuration and mechanism used in the vial orientation detection unit  800   b  for detecting the position of the corner portion of the lateral surface of the vial  10   a  is the same as those explained in the case of the vial orientation detection unit  800   a.    
     § 3.3.3 Third Embodiment of the Vial Orientation Detection Unit 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 20 ( c ) , the vial orientation detection unit  800   c  contains a switch (micro switch)  820 . The switch  820  is provided near and in front of the lateral surface of the vial  10   a . Furthermore, the switch  820  is placed at a position where the corner portion of the lateral surface of the vial  10   a  can touch the switch  820  but the edge portion of the lateral surface of the vial  10   a  cannot touch the switch  820 . This is when the vial  10   a  is rotating around the rotational axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the vial  10   a.    
     It is preferable that the distance from the switch  820  to the rotational axis of the vial  10   a  is smaller than the distance from the corner portion of the vial  10   a  to the center of gravity of the vial  10   a . In addition, it is preferable that the distance from the switch  820  to the rotational axis of the vial  10   a  is larger than the distance from the middle point of the edge portion of the vial  10   a  to the center of gravity of the vial  10   a . In this respect, the distance from the switch  820  to the rotational axis of the vial  10   a  is preferably larger than √{square root over (3)}/6 of the width of the edge portion of the vial  10   a  and smaller than √{square root over (3)}/3 of the width of the edge portion of the vial  10   a  as seen in a plan view. 
     In a case where the edge portion of the lateral surface of the vial  10   a  is near the switch  820 , said edge portion does not touch the switch  820 . Therefore, the switch  820  is maintained OFF. As the vial  10   a  rotates, the corner portion of the vial  10   a  approaches to the switch  820 . And, the distance from the lateral surface of the vial  10   a  to the switch  820  becomes closer and closer. As shown in the right portion of  FIG. 20 ( c ) , when the corner portion of the vial  10   a  reaches the switch  820 , the lateral surface of the vial  10   a  comes into contact with the switch  820  and thus presses the switch  820 . Therefore, the switch  820  becomes ON. Thus, it is detected that the corner portion of the lateral surface of the vial  10   a  is located by the switch  820  and the vial  10   a  is orienting in a certain transverse direction of the vial  10   a.    
     § 3.3.4 Fourth Embodiment of the Vial Orientation Detection Unit 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 21 ( d ) , the vial orientation detection unit  800   d  contains a distance sensor  830 . The distance sensor  830  is provided at a place distant from the vial  10   a  by a certain distance. Furthermore, the distance sensor  830  is provided so that it faces opposite to the lateral surface of the vial  10   a . The distance sensor  830  is for example composed of an ultrasonic wave oscillator and an ultrasonic sensor. The distance sensor  830  can measure the period of time from the time when the ultrasonic waves are emitted by the ultrasonic wave oscillator up until the time when the ultrasonic waves are reflected by the lateral surface of the vial  10   a  and reach the ultrasonic sensor. This period of time corresponds to the distance between the distance sensor  830  and the lateral surface of the vial  10   a.    
     Once the vial  10   a  rotates at a constant angular velocity, the distance from the distance sensor  830  to the lateral surface of the vial  10   a  oscillates as if it draws a sine curve as shown in the right portion of  FIG. 21 . It should be noted that when the distance is the shortest, the rotation of the vial  10   a  is stopped. At that time, the corner portion of the lateral surface of the vial  10   a  is facing the distance sensor  830 . Thereby, the transverse orientation of the vial  10   a  is detected. 
     § 3.3.5 Fifth Embodiment of the Vial Orientation Detection Unit 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 21 ( e ) , the vial orientation detection unit  800   e  contains a camera  841  and a computer  842 . The camera  841  is, for example, composed of a CCD camera, a digital camera or an infrared camera that takes pictures of the vial  10   a . In the case of  FIG. 21 ( e ) , the camera  841  is placed in front of the vial  10   a  so that the camera  841  faces opposite to the lateral surface of the vial  10   a  and takes pictures of a side view of the vial  10   a.    
     The computer  842  is coupled to the camera  841 . The computer  842  internally stores a reference picture of the side view of the vial  10   a , in which the corner portion of the vial  10   a  is facing to the camera  841 . The computer  842  performs a pattern matching between the picture taken by the camera  841  and the reference picture stored in the computer. In other words, the computer compares the two pictures and determines if the picture taken presently by the camera  841  matches the reference picture stored in the computer. When the two pictures match, it is determined that the corner portion of the vial  10   a  is facing to the camera  841 . Thereby, the transverse orientation of the vial  10   a  is detected. 
     In some embodiments, the vial orientation detection unit  800   e  may be configured to detect the timing when the edge portion of the lateral surface of the vial  10   a  is facing opposite to the camera  841 . In other embodiments, the camera  841  may be placed above or below the vial  10   a  so that the camera  841  takes pictures of top views or bottom views of the vial  10   a.    
     § 3.4 Vial Orientation Determining Unit 
     The vial orientation determining unit can be provided near the labeling unit  2   d  or the vial rotating unit  700  instead of the vial orientation detection unit. The vial orientation determining unit can mechanically determine the transverse orientation of the vial  10   a  being rotated by the gripping device  67  or the vial rotating unit  700 . 
     § 3.4.1 First Embodiment of the Vial Orientation Determining Unit 
     In the embodiment shown in the left portion of  FIG. 22 ( a ) , the vial orientation determining unit  900   a  contains a stopper  910 , which has a body  911  and a rod  912 . The vial orientation determining unit  900   a  is provided near the vial  10   a  in front of the lateral surface of the vial  10   a . The rod  912  is supported by the body  911  and configured to move toward or away from the lateral surface of the vial  10   a . When the rod  912  is elongated, the front end of the rod  912  may contact with the lateral surface of the vial  10   a  at a predetermined position such as, for example, at or near the corner portion of the vial  10   a . However, the rod  912  is not long enough to touch the position which is closer to the middle of the edge portion of the vial  10   a . When the rod  912  is shortened, the front end of the rod  912  is distant from any position on the lateral surface of the vial  10   a.    
     At the elongated state, it is preferable that the distance from the front end of the rod  912  to the rotational axis of the vial  10   a  is smaller than the distance between the corner portion of the vial  10   a  and the center of gravity of the vial  10   a . In addition, it is preferable that the distance from the front end of the rod  912  to the rotational axis of the vial  10   a  is larger than the distance between the middle point of the edge portion of the vial  10   a  and the center of gravity of the vial  10   a . In this respect, the distance from the front end of the rod  912  to the rotational axis of the vial  10   a  is preferably larger than √{square root over (3)}/6 of the width of the edge portion of the vial  10   a  and smaller than √{square root over (3)}/3 of the width of the edge portion of the vial  10   a  as seen in a plan view. 
     In the embodiment shown in the right portion of  FIG. 22 ( a ) , the driving unit of the vial rotating unit  700  is provided above the vial  10   a  and configured to rotate the vial  10   a  by transmitting the rotational force to the neck portion of the vial  10   a . As shown in the right portion of  FIG. 22 ( a ) , the vial rotating unit  700  contains a motor  733 , a torque limiter  734  and an engaging piece  732 . The torque limiter  734  is coupled to the motor  733  by a first shaft  735 . The engaging piece  732  is coupled to the torque limiter  734  by a second shaft  736 . The engaging piece  732  engages with the neck portion of the vial  10   a.    
     The motor  733  generates a rotational force. This rotational force is transmitted to the engaging piece  732  through the first shaft  735 , the torque limiter  734  and the second shaft  736 . Therefore, the engaging piece  732  rotates around the second shaft  736 . Since the neck portion of the vial  10   a  is engaged with the engaging piece  732 , the vial  10   a  also rotates around the second shaft  736  in coordination with the rotation of the engaging piece  732 . In short, the first shaft  735 , the torque limiter  734 , the second shaft  736 , the engaging piece  732  and the vial  10   a  rotates altogether by the rotational force generated by the motor  733 . 
     While coordinating with this movement, the body  911  of the stopper  900   a  pushes out the rod  912  toward the lateral surface of the vial  10   a . When the middle of the edge portion of the vial  10   a  is close to the front end of the rod  912 , the lateral surface of the vial  10   a  does not contact with the rod  912 . However as the vial  10   a  rotates and the corner portion of the vial  10   a  approaches to the front end of the rod  912 , the gap between the lateral surface of the vial  10   a  and the front end of the rod  912  becomes closer. Eventually, a predetermined position in the lateral surface of the vial  10   a  hits the front end of the rod  912 . Because of the torque limiter  734 , the rotational force transmitted to the vial  10   a  is attenuated. Therefore, the vial  10   a  is prevented from rotating furthermore once the lateral surface of the vial  10   a  hits the rod  912 . When the vial  10   a  is stopped rotating, the corner portion of the vial  10   a  is always positioned at a predetermined place, which is near the front end of the rod  912 . Thereby, the transverse orientation of the vial  10   a  is physically determined. 
     § 3.4.2 Second Embodiment of the Vial Orientation Determining Unit 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 22 ( b ) , the vial orientation determining unit  900   b  contains a pitfall  920 , which is formed by a hole. The pitfall  920  is provided on a tray  721 , which contains a floor surface that contacts with the bottom surface of the vial  10   a . The plan-view shape of the pitfall  920  corresponds to the bottom shape of the vial  10   a , but the plan-view size of the pitfall  920  is slightly larger than the bottom shape of the vial  10   a . It is preferable that the area of the pitfall  920  is larger than the area of the bottom surface of the vial  10   a  but at most 1.2 times larger than the area of the bottom surface of the vial  10   a.    
     The vial rotating unit  700  is provided above the pitfall  920 . The configuration of the vial rotating unit  700  is basically the same as the vial rotating unit  700  described above. One difference is the second shaft  736  is elongatable from the torque limiter  734  by the weight of the vial  10   a . In other embodiments, the second shaft  736  may be biased toward the pitfall  920  so that the second shaft  736  can press the vial  10   a  toward the tray  721 . 
     As the vial rotating unit  700  rotates the vial  10   a , the transverse orientation of the vial  10   a  changes. When the transverse orientation of the vial  10   a  matches with the orientation of the pitfall  920 , the vial  10   a  falls into the pitfall  920 . In other words, when the orientation of the bottom surface of the vial  10   a  matches to the orientation of the pitfall  920 , the vial  10   a  falls into the pitfall  920 . Once the vial  10   a  falls into the pitfall  920 , the vial  10   a  engages with the pitfall  920 . Therefore, the vial  10   a  cannot rotate furthermore as long as the bottom part of the vial  10   a  is inside the pitfall  920 . Thus, the corner portion of the vial  10   a  is positioned at the corner portion of the pitfall  920 , which does not move. Thereby, the transverse orientation of the vial  10   a  is physically determined. 
     In the above-mentioned embodiments, the vial orienting unit was placed in order to adjust the orientation of the vial for its labeling. In other words, the vial orienting unit was placed near or upstream from the labeling unit. However, the vial orienting unit may be placed in other places within the medicine dispensing apparatus. For example, the vial orienting unit may be placed at a place downstream of the medicine filling unit  4 . The vial orienting unit and the labeling unit are optimally placed right next to the vial discharging window  50  to label the vial filled with the medicines before dispensing the vial  10   a . Furthermore, the vial orienting unit can be used for purposes other than labeling. 
     In the above-mentioned embodiments, the vials were used for the explanation purposes. However, the present invention is applicable to other kinds of containers and receptacles. Further, the present invention is also applicable to fill the container or the receptacle with tabular, capsular, granular or powder articles. 
     While the principles of the disclosure have been described above in connection with specific apparatuses/devices and methods, it is to be clearly understood that this description is made only by way of example and not as limitation on the scope of the invention.