Abstract: The present specification describes a medicine dispensing system for automatically dispensing medication at a predetermined time. The system includes a cartridge that carries a strip of medicine pouches. When the cartridge is dropped into a dispensing unit, it automatically aligns with the dispensing unit without requiring any installation work from the user. The automatic alignment is enabled because of self-aligning features manufactured in the cartridge housing.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for dispensing articles includes a dispensing outlet, laterally opposed, elongate first and second guide walls defining a singulating channel therebetween, a dispensing path extending through the singulating channel to the dispensing outlet, and a drive system. The drive system includes a belt and a belt actuator operable to drive the belt. The dispensing apparatus is configured to convey articles on the belt in a dispensing direction along the dispensing path toward the dispensing outlet to be dispensed. The singulating channel is configured to singulate the articles as the articles are conveyed along the dispensing path and through the singulating channel toward the dispensing outlet to be dispensed. The first guide wall extends laterally across the singulating channel at an oblique angle to vertical to overhang at least a portion of the singulating channel and engage articles conveyed along the singulating channel.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for dispensing articles includes a dispensing outlet, laterally opposed, elongate first and second guide walls defining a singulating channel therebetween, a dispensing path extending through the singulating channel to the dispensing outlet, and a drive system. The drive system includes a belt and a belt actuator operable to drive the belt. The dispensing apparatus is configured to convey articles on the belt in a dispensing direction along the dispensing path toward the dispensing outlet to be dispensed. The singulating channel is configured to singulate the articles as the articles are conveyed along the dispensing path and through the singulating channel toward the dispensing outlet to be dispensed. The first guide wall extends laterally across the singulating channel at an oblique angle to vertical to overhang at least a portion of the singulating channel and engage articles conveyed along the singulating channel.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for dispensing articles includes a dispensing outlet, laterally opposed, elongate first and second guide walls defining a singulating channel therebetween, a dispensing path extending through the singulating channel to the dispensing outlet, and a drive system. The drive system includes a belt and a belt actuator operable to drive the belt. The dispensing apparatus is configured to convey articles on the belt in a dispensing direction along the dispensing path toward the dispensing outlet to be dispensed. The singulating channel is configured to singulate the articles as the articles are conveyed along the dispensing path and through the singulating channel toward the dispensing outlet to be dispensed. The first guide wall extends laterally across the singulating channel at an oblique angle to vertical to overhang at least a portion of the singulating channel and engage articles conveyed along the singulating channel.

Abstract: An offloading unit for an automated pharmaceutical machine that dispenses filled, capped pharmaceutical vials includes at least one offload location; at least one tote to receive the vials at each offload location, the tote assigned for distribution to a remote pharmacy location; at least one sensor to detect the presence or absence of the tote; and at least one sensor to detect a fill level of the vials in the tote.

Abstract: An offloading unit for an automated pharmaceutical machine that dispenses filled, capped pharmaceutical vials includes at least one offload location; at least one tote to receive the vials at each offload location, the tote assigned for distribution to a remote pharmacy location; at least one sensor to detect the presence or absence of the tote; and at least one sensor to detect a fill level of the vials in the tote.

Abstract: The present specification describes a medicine dispensing system for automatically dispensing medication at a predetermined time. The system includes a cartridge that carries a strip of medicine pouches. When the cartridge is dropped into a dispensing unit, it automatically aligns with the dispensing unit without requiring any installation work from the user. The automatic alignment is enabled because of self-aligning features manufactured in the cartridge housing.

Abstract: The present specification describes a medicine dispensing system for automatically dispensing medication at a predetermined time. The system includes a cartridge that carries a strip of medicine pouches. When the cartridge is dropped into a dispensing unit, it automatically aligns with the dispensing unit without requiring any installation work from the user. The automatic alignment is enabled beacuse of self-aligning features manufactured in the cartridge housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing solid pharmaceutical articles includes a dispensing bin having a solid pharmaceutical article storage chamber therein, and a sensor system. The sensor system includes a sensor having first and second electrodes in the storage chamber, and a controller coupled to the sensor. The sensor is configured to generate a detection signal indicative of a capacitance. The controller is configured to detect a presence of one or more solid pharmaceutical articles in the storage chamber based on the capacitance indicated by the detection signal. Related methods and computer program products are also discussed.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a cap onto a cylindrical container includes a main stage and three clamps. Each of the clamps is pivotally attached to the main stage and rotatable about a respective axis of rotation. The axes of rotation of the clamps define an outer circle having a center. Each of the clamps comprises a generally planar body and an arcuate edge and can be used to both center a cap and grip and rotate a vial for attachment of the cap.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a cap onto a cylindrical container includes a main stage and three clamps. Each of the clamps is pivotally attached to the main stage and rotatable about a respective axis of rotation. The axes of rotation of the clamps define an outer circle having a center. Each of the clamps comprises a generally planar body and an arcuate edge and can be used to both center a cap and grip and rotate a vial for attachment of the cap.