Patent ID: 7118007

Claim:
An automated Meds dispenser for systematic sequential dispensing of vials containing Meds at predetermined times, the automated Meds dispenser comprising: a. a base; b. a cover, attachable to the base, the cover including: (1) a delivery port; (2) a control panel; and, (3) a power supply jack; c. a rotatable indexer plate, carried by the base within the cover, the rotatable indexer plate including: (1) a plurality of vial orifices distributed sequentially and spaced equally near the periphery of the rotatable indexer plate in a circular path, the vial orifices sequentially opening to the delivery port, with an area between two of the plurality of vial orifices lacking a vial orifice and defining a HOME position; and, (2) a plurality of indexer orifices distributed sequentially and spaced equally around the rotatable indexer plate in a circular path of smaller radius than the radius of the circular path of the plurality of vial orifices, there being an indexer orifice corresponding to each one of the plurality of vial orifices; d. a drive motor for rotating the rotatable indexer plate; e. an optical sensor switch for sensing alignment therewith of an indexer orifice of the plurality of indexer orifices; f. a solenoid including an actuator shaft arranged to normally engage an indexer orifice of the plurality of indexer orifices and thereby to inhibit rotation of the rotatable indexer plate; and, g. a programmable computer, including a clock, for detecting occurrence of a predetermined time and then instructing the solenoid actuator shaft to disengage, subsequently instructing the drive motor to rotate the rotatable indexer plate until the next sequential indexer orifice of the plurality of indexer orifices is sensed, then discontinue instructing the drive motor to rotate and discontinue instructing the solenoid actuator shaft to disengage, such that a sequential vial orifice is coordinated with the delivery port and any vial of Meds present in the sequential vial orifice is dispensed.