Abstract: This disclosure provides a visual analytical method of verifying dispensed pills. In a preferred embodiment, a camera captures one or more parameters of each pill as it travels along a dispense path. The camera stores the parameters, and a processor displays the parameters or evaluates whether the parameters are within a threshold limit for the dispensed pill. If the parameter is outside the threshold, the pill or the receptacle is separated and/or removed. If all the parameters are within the threshold, the pill is stored in a receptacle, and the images are processed and archived for future verification. The process is repeated for each pill in the dispenser. The system captures at least one verification image for every pill dispensed into the receptacle.

Abstract: A self-service system (10) for depositing and dispensing coins (108, 116) with a device for the input (12) of coins (108, 116) and a device for the output (30) of coins (108, 116). Means are provided which provide the coins (108, 116) to be output from the stock (18a to 18d) of the deposited coins (108, 116) in the form of a packed coin pack comprising a large number of coins (108, 116).

Abstract: A feed trough for a grader or other solid object processing system. The feed trough includes a plurality of feed channels, each having at least one flexible flap extending from a discharge end for transitioning a product from the feed channel to a processing region. Two converging flexible flaps may extend from the discharge end and contact a processing channel for guiding product to the processing channel.

Abstract: A medicine inspection device includes an inspection unit for inspecting a medicine disposed on the inspection unit; a vibrator to impart vibration to the medicine disposed on the inspection unit; and a shooting unit capable of photographing the medicine disposed on the inspection unit. The medicine inspection device further includes a medicine information detector capable of detecting at least the quantity or type of the medicine based on an image obtained by the shooting unit and a distribution detector which is configured to detect a distribution of the medicine on the inspection unit based on the image obtained by the shooting unit. The inspection unit includes a plurality of inspection areas where the vibrator independently provides vibration to each inspection area. The medicine inspection device is characterized by operating the vibrator so as to provide vibration in the inspection areas chosen based on the detection result of the distribution detector.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automated high-throughput processing seed requests or orders includes an autonomous single seed counter and packager which operates by pre-programmed criteria. Optional features can include a thresher, a spiral separator, and a label applicator. A conveyance path, controlled automatically, can move the seed to appropriate and desired stations during the processing while maintaining segregation from subsequent seed being processed. Validation of the seed request matching the sample requested occurs prior to processing and information about the seed to process or having been processed can be derived and stored for further use.

Abstract: A system and method for assembling a multiple prescription package having a plurality of different medications is described. The system comprises a pharmacy management system, a selected dosing interval, a filling system, a first automated inspection, a second automated inspection, a container, and a label. The pharmacy management system includes a graphical user interface that receives a prescription order that is associated with a particular patient. The prescription order includes medications in which a first medication that is different from a second medication. The selected dosing interval is selected from the dosing interval group that includes a morning interval, a noon interval, an afternoon interval, and a bedtime interval. The container receives the sealed preliminary packages for the selected dosing interval. The label is affixed to the container so that the label indicates the selected dosing interval.

Abstract: An automated method for dispensing pharmaceuticals particularly tablets and capsules, and other small discrete objects, includes: receiving prescription information, selecting a container, labeling the container, dispensing the tablets or capsules into the labeled container, applying a closure to the filled, labeled container, and offloading the container to a designated location. Preferably, the tablets are dispensed with high speed dispensing bins that employ forced air to agitate and singulate the tablets. The other functions within the system are typically carried out at stations designed to offer speed, flexibility and precision to the dispensing operation.

Abstract: An automated method for dispensing pharmaceuticals particularly tablets and capsules, and other small discrete objects, includes: receiving prescription information, selecting a container, labeling the container, dispensing the tablets or capsules into the labeled container, applying a closure to the filled, labeled container, and offloading the container to a designated location. Preferably, the tablets are dispensed with high speed dispensing bins that employ forced air to agitate and singulate the tablets. The other functions within the system are typically carried out at stations designed to offer speed, flexibility and precision to the dispensing operation.

Abstract: A cash recycler or other currency handling device includes modules for automatically strapping a plurality of bills together and bagging the strapped bills for transport. A user may determine a number of bills to be bundled in a stack or unit. Once the predetermined threshold is met, the bills will be automatically transferred to a strapping area where the bills will be strapped together for storage or transport. Additionally or alternatively, the bills may be strapped together as they enter a cartridge, such as an overflow cartridge. The strapped bills may be transferred to a bagging module where the stacks of bills will be automatically bagged, each bag including a predetermined number of stacks of bills. The bags will then be transferred to storage for transport.

Abstract: The present invention provides a coin handling machine the handling efficiency of which can be improved. On an operation unit 14, either a normal counting mode or a continuous counting mode is selected. Coins are counted by a count processing unit. A count abnormality in the count processing unit is detected by an abnormality detecting unit 68. In a case where a count abnormality is detected by the abnormality detecting unit 68 during count processing, when the normal counting mode is selected, a coin count value is cleared and a quantity error is prevented. In the case where a count abnormality is detected by the abnormality detecting unit 68 during count processing, when the continuous counting mode is selected, the coin count value is held, so that continuous processing is performed even if a count error occurs, so that the handling efficiency is improved.

Abstract: A unit (100) for filling containers (2) with products (1), in particular pharmaceutical products (1), includes a hopper (3, 3a) containing a mass of products (1) in bulk, conveying means (5, 6) aimed at feeding the products (1) leaving the hopper (3) along a predetermined path (P) up to a station (SR), where the containers (2) are filled with the products (1). The containers (2) are fed to the filling station (SR) by transporting means (4, C). A checking station (SC) for checking the products (1) is situated along the path (P) upstream of the filling station (SR). The conveying means (5, 6) include first means (51, 52, 53) consisting of vibrating planes and second conveying means (6). The second conveying means (6) are situated at the checking station (SC) between the conveying/vibrating planes (51, 52, 53) and the filling station (SR).

Abstract: A method is provided to regulate a conveying stream composed of articles of the tobacco-processing industry between at least one tray discharger and connected to at least one feed device by a conveying element that conveys a mass flow of the articles. The feed device has at least one chamber designed to receive the articles, and each chamber has at least two feed units running independently of each other to feed the articles to subsequent apparatuses. Each feed unit has an individual feed rate (P1, P2, . . . Pn). The method includes monitoring a level within the feed device using monitoring elements; sending a signal to each of the at least one tray dischargers for regulating the speed of transport of the conveying element and the feed rate (in articles/min) as a function of a current level within the feed device, and adapting the speed of transport to a desired level.

Abstract: A method of transferring a plurality of tablets of a product from a first blister card comprising a first plurality of blisters to a second blister card comprising a second plurality of blisters includes discharging the plurality of tablets from the first plurality of blisters of the first blister card. Then, each of the plurality of tablets are guided along one of a plurality of passageways defined by a transfer fixture positioned between the first blister card and the second blister card. Finally, the plurality of tablets are received in the second plurality of blisters of the second blister card. The method includes monitoring the deposit of product to the blister card and verifying the contents of the blister card.

Abstract: A tablet supply apparatus including a main body having a case accommodating unit at the upper portion thereof, plural tablet cases provided in the case accommodating unit, each of the tablet cases having tablets accommodated therein, a hopper provided at the lower side of the tablet case in the main body, a nozzle for filling tablets received by the hopper into a container, the nozzle comprising a passage through which tables drop, a shutter which is freely opened and closed so as to allow or prohibit passage of dropping tablets through the nozzle, and a sensor for detecting passage of the tablets dropping through the passage at an upper side of the shutter. Furthermore, a tablet feeder for adding deficient tablets to the hopper comprises plural cells for accommodating tablets and an endless belt on which the cells are arranged on a line side by side.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering desired counts of products to containers. The apparatus includes a conveyor for moving discrete product portions along a path of travel. A force detecting device located along the path of travel measures force applied to the force detecting device. A counter adds one to a product count each time a force in a product identifying range is measured. A directing structure directs the product portions into a first container until the product count reaches a desired container count and directs the product portions into a second container after the product count reaches the desired container count.

Abstract: A packaging apparatus and method are provided for depositing pills into a container. At least one cylindrical rotary slat is rotatable about a longitudinal axis and includes a radially inward portion defining a plurality of pill apertures. Each pill aperture receives a pill from a plurality of pills in an interior space of the respective cylinder at a first angular position of the rotary slat. A negative pressure system applies a negative pressure to the pill apertures to retain the pills therein as the rotary slat rotates at least from the first to a second angular position. An ejection mechanism ejects the pills from the respective pill apertures toward the interior space at the second angular position. A collection mechanism disposed adjacent to the radially inward portion of the rotary slat about the second angular position collects the ejected pills and directs the pills toward the container for deposition therein.

Abstract: A packaging system for packaging a plurality of individual articles into packs and for collecting together a plurality of packs into a packaged unit, the system including a first part where the individual articles are marked utilising a first marking apparatus, a second part where the packs are marked utilising a second marking apparatus, and a third part where the packaged unit is marked utilising a third marking apparatus, and the first part including a packing apparatus for packing the articles into packs and first conveyor for moving the packs from the first part to the second part, and the second part including second conveyor for conveying the packs from the second to the third system part, and the third part including a packaging apparatus which collects the plurality of packs into a packaging unit, wherein each of the first, second and third marking apparatus, and the packaging apparatus which collects the plurality of packs into a packaged unit are connected to a data bus by respective connectors, th

Abstract: The invention relates to an installation for filling weekly blister packs, i.e. packaging units (11), with doses of different medicaments corresponding to the weekly requirements of several patients and to be taken by the respective patient in a certain order according to the day of the week and the time of the day, according to a doctor's prescription. Said installation is provided with output stations (19) associates with the medicaments, for automatically filling all or selected compartments (12) line-by-line. A longitudinal transport device (14) is used to sequentially transport the weekly blister packs to the output stations (16) that are individually associated with the different medicaments. The medicament doses are supplied to the output stations by means of transversal transport devices (17) individually associated with the medicaments.

Abstract: A multipurpose cartoning machine for packets of cigarettes, having a packet conveying assembly wherein a first conveyor feeds single packets, arranged in an orderly succession on edge, to an accumulating station for forming subgroups of packets placed flat one on top of the other, and a second conveyor is associated with the first conveyor to receive the packets conveyed by the first conveyor and to feed the packets to a packing device; the conveying assembly assuming a first configuration wherein the second conveyor is connected to the first conveyor at the accumulating station to receive, from the first conveyor, a succession of subgroups of packets laid flat, and a second configuration wherein the second conveyor is connected to the first conveyor upstream from the accumulating station to receive an orderly succession of single packets positioned on edge.

Abstract: According to a method for selecting and feeding articles to blisters or containers, a first hopper filled with unselected articles feeds a second main hopper with selected size-matching articles, by means of a tapered inlet section. Size non-matching articles get jammed and stopped within the tapered inlet sections and are removed by means of a shutter hinged to each inlet section. A sensor detects when the flow of size-matching articles is interrupted. According to a second embodiment the inlet sections are replaced by swinging tubular portions. The shutters and tubular portions can be operated cyclically, thus avoiding the need for the sensor. An apparatus is also described for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A medicament tablet dispensing system and method dispenses any selected number of tablets, up to a maximum number, without a substantial delay associated with counting all of the tablets. A preset number of tablets are counted and stored in dedicated primary chambers. Furthermore, an overflow chamber is provided for temporarily storing and then dispensing tablets which are fed to the primary chamber after the primary chambers are filled with their respective number of tablets. In addition, a direct feed channel is provided for dispensing individually counted tablets. The chambers and direct feed channel can together dispense the selected number. It is also preferable that the chambers have subchambers, and that more than one subchamber be capable of being emptied during a single dispensing operation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for bagging ice. The apparatus comprises an ice maker for making ice and a hopper for receiving for receiving the ice from the ice maker. The apparatus further includes a roller drum, operatively associated with the hopper, for measuring the ice and delivering of the ice. The roller drum includes an inner rotating drum. A bag delivery mechanism for placing the ice in a bag is also included, with the bag delivery mechanism including a bag supply mechanism, a fan engaged to open the mouth of the bag to receive the product, and a heat sealer that seals the open mouth of the bag once the bag is filled with the ice. A control device is included that manages and monitors the roller drum and bag delivery mechanism and allows transmission of the collected data to the Internet.

Abstract: A sheet package producing system includes at least a cutter module and a packaging module. The cutter module has a cutter blade, for producing X-ray films by cutting a continuous sheet material. The packaging module has packaging robots, for producing a sheet package by packaging the X-ray films stacked on one another. In the sheet package producing system, a first module control unit is incorporated in the cutter module, for controlling the cutter blade. A second module control unit is incorporated in the packaging module, for controlling the packaging robots. A CPU is connected with the first and second module control units removably by a component network, for controlling the cutter module and the packaging module in synchronism.

Abstract: A discrete object dispensing system and method dispenses any selected number of objects, up to a maximum number, without a substantial delay associated with counting all of the tablets. A preset number of objects are counted and stored in dedicated primary chambers. Furthermore, an overflow chamber is provided for temporarily storing and then dispensing tablets which are fed to the primary chamber after the primary chambers are filled with their respective number of tablets. In addition, a direct feed channel is provided for dispensing individually counted tablets. The chambers and direct feed channel can together dispense the selected number. It is also preferable that the chambers have subchambers, and that more than one subchamber be capable of being emptied during a single dispensing operation.

Abstract: A distinctive method and apparatus for accumulating selected articles can include an inputting of a plurality of individual articles (28) from an article supply source (26). Each article can have at least a first major facing surface (30), a first article dimension (32) extending along a first article direction, a second article dimension (34) extending along a second article direction which differs from the first article direction, and an article edge region (36). Each article can be directed to a first conveyor (50), and in a particular aspect, the first article dimension of each article can be aligned along a selected machine-direction (22). Another aspect can include an identifying of an article-set (70) which contains a selected, predetermined number of the articles. Further aspects can include a forming of at least one article-set which contains the selected number articles arranged in a stack or other arrangement suitable for packaging; and a moving of the article-set into a package.

Abstract: There is provided an automated packaging apparatus for depositing a predetermined number of pills into a series of containers. The packaging apparatus includes a plurality of independently rotatable rotary slats. Each rotary slat includes an outer peripheral edge portion and the rotary slats are configured so that the outer peripheral edge portions define a common interior space. Each outer peripheral edge portion also defines an inner surface and a plurality of pill apertures. The pill apertures are configured to receive one of the pills from the common interior space at a first position and transmit the pill outside the rotary slats at a second position. A conveyor is configured to move a plurality of open containers along a predetermined path of travel and position each of the containers adjacent a respective rotary slat to define a delivery path that extends between the second position of the rotary slat and the container. At least one drive motor is in driving engagement for rotating the rotary slats.

Abstract: A produce packaging device for weighing and packaging produce in an appropriate package based upon the produce type and quantity. In one embodiment, the device includes: (1) a scale for receiving and weighing produce to be packaged; (2) produce-type determination circuitry coupled to the scale; and (3) a control module, coupled to the scale and the produce-type determination circuitry and having a packaging database associated therewith, that (i) selects an appropriate package for the produce based upon a quantity received from the scale and a produce-type received from the produce-type determination circuitry, and (ii) causes the appropriate package to be dispensed for use in packaging the produce.

Abstract: There is provided an automated packaging apparatus for depositing a predetermined number of pills into a series of containers. The packaging apparatus includes a plurality of independently rotatable rotary slats. Each rotary slat includes an outer peripheral edge portion and the rotary slats are configured so that the outer peripheral edge portions define a common interior space. Each outer peripheral edge portion also defines an inner surface and a plurality of pill apertures. The pill apertures are configured to receive one of the pills from the common interior space at a first position and transmit the pill outside the rotary slats at a second position. A conveyor is configured to move a plurality of open containers along a predetermined path of travel and position each of the containers adjacent a respective rotary slat to define a delivery path that extends between the second position of the rotary slat and the container. At least one drive motor is in driving engagement for rotating the rotary slats.

Abstract: An apparatus for counting and packing solid foods comprising a table device for holding the solid foods to be counted and packed, plural vacuum nozzles, a flexible vacuum pad, and adsorption confirmation sensors. The apparatus also includes an arm holding the vacuum nozzles. The vacuum nozzles are displaceable in horizontally in a right and left direction and in a vertically up and down directions. The vacuum nozzles are configured to adsorb and convey the solid foods from the table to a packing device. A vacuum breaking channel is used to cease adsorption by compressed air.

Abstract: This invention provides a mechanism for receiving flat articles, such as mail, moving in a travel path with a substantially horizontal orientation and for dropping selected such articles into either a single receptacle positioned below the mechanism or into a plurality of receptacles spaced along the length of the travel path, while maintaining the substantially horizontal article orientation for all such articles. The mechanism includes a holding station for each receptacle into which each article to be dropped is initially deposited, the holding station being just below the travel path, a retractable floor for the holding station and a driver selectively operable for rapidly retracting the floor in a substantially horizontal direction to permit articles accumulated in the holding station to drop substantially vertically into the corresponding receptacle. The driver may be activated in response to the holding station being filled by a selected amount.

Abstract: A discrete object dispensing system and method dispenses any selected number of objects, up to a maximum number, without a delay associated with counting the tablets. A preset number of objects are counted and stored in dedicated chambers, the combination of the numbers of objects within the chambers being known to comprise any number of objects which is desired for dispensing. According to a preferred system, n chambers are provided, with 20, 21, 22, . . . , 2n−1 tablets provided respectively in the individual chambers. The chambers which together add up to the selected number for dispensing are emptied. Only those chambers which are emptied after dispensing need to be refilled and, as such, only the number of tablets in those storage locations need to be counted. The system may include a plurality of cells, each including a plurality of chambers for a different solid dose medication.

Abstract: There is provided an automated packaging apparatus for depositing a predetermined number of pills into a series of containers. The packaging apparatus includes a plurality of independently rotatable rotary slats. Each rotary slat includes an outer peripheral edge portion and the rotary slats are configured so that the outer peripheral edge portions define a common interior space. Each outer peripheral edge portion also defines an inner surface and a plurality of pill apertures. The pill apertures are configured to receive one of the pills from the common interior space at a first position and transmit the pill outside the rotary slats at a second position. A conveyor is configured to move a plurality of open containers along a predetermined path of travel and position each of the containers adjacent a respective rotary slat to define a delivery path that extends between the second position of the rotary slat and the container. At least one drive motor is in driving engagement for rotating the rotary slats.

Abstract: The apparatus for dispensing change and packing cash in a change pack, according to the present invention, comprises: a data input device for inputting change data; a change data divider for calculating an amount of cash corresponding to the change data based on the change data input from the data input device, comparing the calculated amount of cash with a predetermined reference value, and dividing the change data into a plurality of pack data so that the amount of cash corresponding to each divided change data is below the reference value, when the calculated amount of cash exceeds the reference value; and a change pack producer for producing the change pack based on the change data when the change data is not divided, and producing the change pack based on the divided pack data when the change data is divided by the change data divider.

Abstract: A device for packaging sheet-like folded packages in an overlapping shingled relationship from a delivery conveyor into boxes having an opening without changing the direction of the flow of packages. The device includes a frame, a feeder and a packer mounted on the frame for receiving the packages from the delivery conveyor at a receiving end thereof and for selectively receiving and carrying boxes therein, respectively. The feeder includes a first conveyor for conveying packages through the feeder in the package flow direction and a detector for detecting each package entering the feeder. The packer includes a second conveyor for conveying downwardly the boxes adjacent to the feeder in a box direction generally transverse relative to the package flow direction to stack up and fill in the boxes by successively falling therein after passing through the box openings in the package flow direction.

Abstract: A coin wrapping machine includes a rotatable disk for feeding coins toward a coin passage by centrifugal force produced by the rotation thereof, a disk motor for rotating the rotatable disk, a transporting belt for transporting the coins along the coin passage, a belt motor for driving the transporting belt, a coin stacker, a coin wrapping device having a plurality of wrapping rollers, a wrapping roller motor for driving the wrapping rollers, a pair of crimp claws, a crimp claw motor for moving the pair of crimp claws, and a driving speed controller for controlling the disk motor, the belt motor, the wrapping roller motor and the crimp claw motor based on the denomination of the predetermined coins. According to this coin wrapping machine, it is possible to stack and wrap coins having different shapes, diameters, thickness and the like efficiently and as desired.

Abstract: This device includes a single enclosure (7) containing and carrying the reservoir (A), the dispenser (B), and the distributor (C) made of cylindrical and rotary brushes (39a to 39c), and the dispenser (B) having two parallel flaps (15, 16) which come into closure contact against the upstream transverse wall (12a) of the enclosure (7), near to the blister sheet (5), and are linked, by their posterior ends, to independent motors (18, 19) able to move the flaps in one direction or the reverse, the control of the opening and closing of each flap (15 and 16) reacting, in respect of the upper flap (15), to a volumetric sensor (34) detecting the quantity of tablets accumulated in the buffer bay (40) and, in respect of the lower flap, to a sensor (38) disposed above the blister sheet (5), upstream of the first brush (39a).

Abstract: A sheet package producing system includes at least a cutter module and a packaging module. The cutter module has a cutter blade, for producing X-ray films by cutting a continuous sheet material. The packaging module has packaging robots, for producing a sheet package by packaging the X-ray films stacked on one another. In the sheet package producing system, a first module control unit is incorporated in the cutter module, for controlling the cutter blade. A second module control unit is incorporated in the packaging module, for controlling the packaging robots. A CPU is connected with the first and second module control units removably by a component network, for controlling the cutter module and the packaging module in synchronism.

Abstract: A coin wrapping machine includes a discriminator for discriminating whether or not a coin is acceptable, a denomination of the coin when the coin is acceptable and whether or not the denomination of the coin coincides with that specified and counting coins of the specified denomination, a coin stacking device for stacking coins of the denomination to be wrapped, a reference stacked coin height data memory for storing reference stacked coin height data for each denomination of coins stacked by the coin stacking device, and a coin number discrepancy detecting device including a comparator for comparing a height of stacked coins and the reference stacked coin height data for each denomination stored in the reference stacked coin height data memory, the discriminator being made responsive to inclusion in coins of the specified denomination of new issue coins and past issue circulating coins for discriminating whether each coin is a new issue coin or a past issue circulating coin, determined based on a count made

Abstract: An automatic turret bagging machine utilizes a turret transport mechanism having four article receiving compartments to receive liquid pouches, herein milk pouches, oriented longitudinally therein. An indexing motor drives the turret transport mechanism between an article loading position, an article discharge position, an intermediate position and an article unloading position. A control plate is synchronized with the turret transport mechanism and provides a support for a follower bearing member secured to the trap door of each of the compartments whereby to retain and release articles loaded in the compartments. The control plate also has a formation which automatically recloses the trap doors of the compartment upon reaching a predetermined position and simultaneously repositions the follower bearing member with a lower surface of the control plate.

Abstract: A system is provided for automatically dispensing prescriptions according to a patient's order. The system includes at least one line of machines that can automatically fill a patient's prescription order with countable oral solid medication under the control of an appropriate control system. The system includes containers provided to store the oral solid medication. One or more medication-containing containers are detachably coupled to a vibratory dispenser according to a patient's order. The vibratory dispenser automatically vibrates the container to dispense a predetermined amount of medication from the container into the vial according to the patient's order. Labeling and capping apparatus may be provided to apply a patient-specific label to the vial and to apply a cap or closure to the vial. Vials containing medication according to the patient's order may be collected in accumulation receptacles prior to delivery to a patient.

Abstract: Regarding the counting and packing process combining a vacuum nozzle and an adsorption confirmation sensor together, a method and apparatus for counting and packing the solid foods having characteristics of uncertainly shaped, with irregular surface, with wet surface, being adhesive, soft, and easy to be broken, without requiring pre-positioning and sort transportation of the solid foods, and enabling to speedily and precisely count and pack predetermined numbers of the solid foods within a settled time interval are proposed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and device for the automatic loading of e.g. commissioned goods in the form of articles into or onto individual transport containers such as cardboard boxes or pallets. The goods, all or some of which may be commissioned, are conveyed to at least one pre-defined loading point past which the transport containers continuously move. The goods are placed in or on the appropriate transport container at the loading point. The supplying and loading of the goods and the movement of the transport containers are controlled in timely, i.e. synchronized, fashion by a control unit.

Abstract: The apparatus for dispensing change of the present invention comprises: a data input device for inputting change data; a base sheet supplier for supplying a base sheet; a top sheet supplier for supplying a top sheet; a cash deliverer for delivering cash based on the change data input to the data input device; and a change pack producer for producing a change pack by packing the cash delivered by the cash deliverer between the base sheet supplied by the base sheet supplier and the top sheet supplied by the top sheet supplier.

Abstract: A coin wrapping machine includes a discriminator for discriminating whether or not a coin is acceptable, a denomination of the coin when the coin is acceptable and whether or not the denomination of the coin coincides with that specified and counting coins of the specified denomination, a coin stacking device for stacking coins of the denomination to be wrapped, a reference stacked coin height data memory for storing reference stacked coin height data for each denomination of coins stacked by the coin stacking device, and a coin number discrepancy detecting device including a comparator for comparing a height of stacked coins and the reference stacked coin height data for each denomination stored in the reference stacked coin height data memory, the discriminator being made responsive to inclusion in coins of the specified denomination of new issue coins and past issue circulating coins for discriminating whether each coin is a new issue coin or a past issue circulating coin, and the coin number and discrepan

Abstract: As a substrate (10) is carried on a conveyor (20), an image analysis system (40) detects its presence and derives the various data, at least indicative of the footprint. The footprint data are used in selecting appropriate packaging components. Data may also indicate the transverse location and/or orientation and/or alignment of a substrate, and be used to control position adjustors for adjusting one or more of these. Data may also serve for categorizing the substrate, e.g., in terms of size or color. Such data may be used to control rejection of products, or categorization, e.g., by selection of distinguishable packaging.

Abstract: The present invention tablet filler device with enhanced quality control features includes a tablet hopper and an agitating drum functionally connected to the hopper and adapted to regulate and orient gravity outflow of tablets. There is a gravity feed chute connected to and downstream from the hopper to singularly align and feed tablets, and a rotatable starwheel having slots to receive tablets individually from the feed chute so as to move tablets to a filling outlet for gravity feed to a container filling station.

Abstract: The apparatus for dispensing change of the present invention comprises: a data input device for inputting change data; a base sheet supplier for supplying a base sheet; a top sheet supplier for supplying a top sheet; a cash deliverer for delivering cash based on the change data input to the data input device; and a change pack producer for producing a change pack by packing the cash delivered by the cash deliverer between the base sheet supplied by the base sheet supplier and the top sheet supplied by the top sheet supplier.

Abstract: The apparatus for packing cash in a change pack based on input change data of the present invention comprises: a contractor register for registering a contractor; a store register for registering a store of the contractor; a cash-register register for registering a cash register of the store; and a data input device for registering change data by at least one of store and cash register and by day

Abstract: The apparatus for dispensing change and packing cash in a change pack, according to the present invention, comprises: a data input device for inputting change data; a change data divider for calculating an amount of cash corresponding to the change data based on the change data input from the data input device, comparing the calculated amount of cash with a predetermined reference value, and dividing the change data into a plurality of pack data so that the amount of cash corresponding to each divided change data is below the reference value, when the calculated amount of cash exceeds the reference value; and a change pack producer for producing the change pack based on the change data when the change data is not divided, and producing the change pack based on the divided pack data when the change data is divided by the change data divider.

Abstract: In an automated prescription pill dispensing system, a multiplicity of pill dispensers are provided each operable to count out and dispense pills from supply hoppers. The dispensers are controlled by a computer which selects up to five of the dispensers to operate and control the selected pill dispensers to count out pills simultaneously. The pill dispensers dispense the pills into the first set of output hoppers, from which the pills can be released into a second output hopper under the control of the computer. The computer will release the pills from the second output hopper corresponding to a selected pill dispenser through a snout into a pill vial in response to sensing the presence of a pill vial at the snout. The computer controls a prescription label printer to print prescription labels for the pill vials. The computer also controls indicator lights to indicate which dispensing cell is selected and ready to have pills released from the second output hopper corresponding thereto.