Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a compacted powder shaped to comprise: a) a substantially annular girdle having opposing circumferential edges, the girdle having a diameter (x); and b) a dome protruding from each of the opposing circumferential edges of the girdle, wherein the height of each dome (hd) from the circumferential edge is, individually, about 0.18x to about 0.28x.

Abstract: A device for dispensing articles, the device comprising: a conveying member comprising n receptacles, of which n?m are suitable for receiving articles, the receptacles being movable between an article receiving position and an article dispensing position; a sensor for sensing the presence of articles in the receptacles, the sensor positioned between the receiving position and the dispensing position; wherein m of said receptacles is a blank receptacle which is unable to receive an article and the sensor is unable to distinguish an empty receptacle from a blank receptacle such that the maximum number of detectable articles conveyed once n receptacles have passed the sensor is n?m, where m is at least 1.