Abstract: A method of verifying the seating and securing of a closure on a container includes the steps of: (a) positioning a container on a stage of an automated capping station; (b) bringing a closure into contact with the container; (c) detecting the nature of a physical relationship between the container and the closure; (d) responsive to step(c), relatively moving the closure and the container if step (c) indicates seating of the closure on the container is proper; and (e) detecting the nature of a physical relationship between the closure and the container to determine whether the closure is properly secured.

Abstract: In a method for communication between a master node and a plurality of slave nodes connected by a bus therebetween, a first interrupt request is asserted by one of the plurality of slave nodes via a primary interrupt line. The plurality of slave nodes are electrically connected by the primary interrupt line. A unique delay time for requesting an interrupt is associated with each of the plurality of slave nodes. A second interrupt request is asserted by the one of the plurality of slave nodes via a secondary interrupt line electrically connecting the plurality of slave nodes. The second interrupt request is asserted in response to successfully asserting the first interrupt request and after the unique delay time associated with the one of the plurality of slave nodes. A message is then transmitted from the one of the plurality of slave nodes to the master node via the bus.

Abstract: An automated pill dispensing system includes an output chute configured to hold pill-containing vials and an optical sensor located at a predetermined location in the output chute. The optical sensor includes an optical emitter and an optical detector configured to be operated cooperatively to output a detection signal indicating a presence or absence of a vial at the predetermined location of the output chute. A controller is coupled to the optical sensor and is configured to receive the detection signal therefrom, detect the presence or absence of the vial at the predetermined location of the output chute in response to the detection signal, and control a next depositing event whereby a next vial is deposited in the output chute responsive to the detection. Related methods of operation are also discussed.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating the securing of a cap onto a cylindrical container includes a base and a plurality of blades, each of the blades including a sharp edge and being mounted to the base such that the sharp edge is exposed. The blades are mounted in a generally circular arrangement, with the sharp edges generally radiating from a central portion of the base, such that the sharp edges are positioned to engage a circumferential edge of a cap as it is being secured to the cylindrical container. In this configuration, the apparatus can firmly hold the cap as the cylindrical container (such as a pharmaceutical vial) is rotated to secure the cap onto the container.