Abstract: A tablet counter and packaging module including a rotary disc with tablet apertures spaced thereabout, the tablet apertures configured to receive a tablet; a negative pressure system configured to retain the tablets in the tablet apertures; ejection devices to selectively eject one or more of the tablets from the corresponding tablet apertures; a plurality of ejection receptacles configured to collect the tablets ejected by the ejection devices; an inspection system operably engaged with the rotary disc and at least one of the ejection devices, the inspection system being configured to analyze tablets retained within the tablet apertures to determine if one or more tablet characteristics associated with the tablet; and the ejection devices configured to eject the tablet from a tablet aperture based on the determined at least one tablet characteristic.

Abstract: A packaging apparatus and method for depositing pills into a series of containers is provided. A cylindrical rotary slat is rotatable about a first axis and comprises radially inward and outward portions, the radially outward portion defining pill apertures for receiving pills therein at a first angular position. A negative pressure system is configured to apply a negative pressure to the pill apertures to retain the pills therein. Two ejection devices are in communication with the pill apertures at a second angular position and a third angular position of the rotary slat to eject the respective pills outwardly from the pill apertures. A plurality of collection mechanisms is disposed adjacent to the radially outward portion about the second and third angular positions, and is configured to collect the pills ejected from the pill apertures and to direct the pills toward the respective series of containers for deposition therein.

Abstract: A tablet counter and packaging module including a rotary disc with tablet apertures spaced thereabout, the tablet apertures configured to receive a tablet; a negative pressure system configured to retain the tablets in the tablet apertures; ejection devices to selectively eject one or more of the tablets from the corresponding tablet apertures; a plurality of ejection receptacles configured to collect the tablets ejected by the ejection devices; an inspection system operably engaged with the rotary disc and at least one of the ejection devices, the inspection system being configured to analyze tablets retained within the tablet apertures to determine if one or more tablet characteristics associated with the tablet; and the ejection devices configured to eject the tablet from a tablet aperture based on the determined at least one tablet characteristic.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a pill delivery apparatus. The method includes providing an inner core having an outer surface and providing an outer sleeve comprising an opening defined therethrough, the outer sleeve having an inner surface. Further, the method includes defining a passageway on the outer surface of the inner core such that positioning the outer sleeve over the inner core defines a delivery chute for delivering a plurality of pills between the passageway and the inner surface of the outer sleeve.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a pill delivery apparatus. The method includes providing an inner core having an outer surface and providing an outer sleeve comprising an opening defined therethrough, the outer sleeve having an inner surface. Further, the method includes defining a passageway on the outer surface of the inner core such that positioning the outer sleeve over the inner core defines a delivery chute for delivering a plurality of pills between the passageway and the inner surface of the outer sleeve.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a pill delivery apparatus. The method includes providing an inner core having an outer surface and providing an outer sleeve comprising an opening defined therethrough, the outer sleeve having an inner surface. Further, the method includes defining a passageway on the outer surface of the inner core such that positioning the outer sleeve over the inner core defines a delivery chute for delivering a plurality of pills between the passageway and the inner surface of the outer sleeve.

Abstract: A packaging apparatus and method for depositing pills into a series of containers is provided. A cylindrical rotary slat is rotatable about a first axis and comprises radially inward and outward portions, the radially outward portion defining pill apertures for receiving pills therein at a first angular position. A negative pressure system is configured to apply a negative pressure to the pill apertures to retain the pills therein. An ejection device is in communication with the pill apertures at a second angular position of the rotary slat to eject the respective pills outwardly from the pill apertures. A collection mechanism is disposed adjacent to the radially outward portion about the second angular position, and is configured to collect the pills ejected from the pill apertures and to direct the pills toward the series of containers for deposition therein.

Abstract: A pill delivery and packing apparatus having a feeder tube for delivering pills is provided. The feeder tube has a helical delivery chute that extends between an inlet side and an exit side of the tube. The delivery chute has a helical inner contour and a rectangular cross section that corresponds to the shape of the pills. The helical delivery chute is configured such that each of the pills rotates while proceeding through the delivery chute, whereby such rotation of the pills prevents jamming of the pills in the delivery chute. Independently extendable pins are used to alternately block and open the delivery chute, thus providing an escapement mechanism for dispensing pills. The tube also has an outer surface defining a helical outer contour that guides a rotatable tray on which pills are disposed. Associated apparatuses and methods are also provided.

Abstract: A packaging apparatus and method for depositing pills into a series of containers is provided. A cylindrical rotary slat is rotatable about a first axis and comprises radially inward and outward portions, the radially outward portion defining pill apertures for receiving pills therein at a first angular position. A negative pressure system is configured to apply a negative pressure to the pill apertures to retain the pills therein. An ejection device is in communication with the pill apertures at a second angular position of the rotary slat to eject the respective pills outwardly from the pill apertures. A collection mechanism is disposed adjacent to the radially outward portion about the second angular position, and is configured to collect the pills ejected from the pill apertures and to direct the pills toward the series of containers for deposition therein.