Abstract: A programmable machine for dispensing items, such as pills or capsules, in timed sequence has a cylindrical container element provided with a series of item receiving and dispensing compartments extending spirally therealong and opening into its circumferential surface for alignment with a discharge opening in a stationary cylindrical shell within which the container element is mounted for both rotary and axial movement concentrically over and along a microprocessor controlled, stepper motor, so as to sequentially bring the individual compartments into precise alignment with the discharge opening of the shell to discharge their contents into a delivery tray. The container element is mounted for spiral movement on and along a stationary spiral trackway as it is rotated. The compartments may be filled by turning the machine upside down and inserting items through the discharge opening.

Abstract: Mechanism for dispensing medication or other items in timed sequence over an extended period of time has a programmable, electronic, information storage and control system monitored by sensors associated with item delivery parts of the mechanism. The mechanism comprises individual cylinders provided with corresponding circles of item-receiving compartments and stacked on and keyed to a column of individual blocks that are affixed against relative axial movement but are independently rotatable on a shaft that is itself axially movable to determine from which cylinder dispensing shall take place. Through-openings in the respective cylinders are adapted to be aligned as a chute for compartment filling and dispensing purposes. The block and shaft arrangement is useful in other types of mechanism and is considered as a subcombination of the overall invention.