Apparatus and method for packaging pills
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United States of America Patent
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Apr 14, 1998
Grant Date -
N/A
app pub date -
Sep 19, 1996
filing date -
Sep 19, 1996
priority date (Note) -
In Force
status (Latency Note)
Importance
Abstract
A packaging apparatus is provided for placing pills into a series of pill receptacles moved under the apparatus at a predetermined speed by a conveyor. The packaging apparatus includes an escapement mechanism positioned above at least one drop chute and a vertical positioner for moving the drop chute adjacent to the pill receptacles so that pills may be sequentially placed into the pill receptacles. The apparatus includes a first horizontal positioner for moving the drop chute in a horizontal direction parallel to the path of travel of the pill receptacles and at a speed independent of the speed of the pill receptacles so that the lower end of the drop chute can be moved horizontally with respect to a pill receptacle while a pill is being placed therein. The apparatus may also further include a second horizontal positioner for moving the drop chute in horizontal directions transverse to the path of travel. In another aspect, the invention includes a tray for passing pills through openings therein into the escapement mechanism. The tray is moved up and down by an actuator which is capable of reciprocating at a rate independent of the position of the tray to ensure that several pills do not become interlocked and block the openings. Associated methods also form a part of the present invention.
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