Abstract: A pill feeder accepts a quantity of pills and organizes the pills into a single file where each pill is output in a controlled orientation at a controlled rate. The apparatus includes a moving surface, such as a rotating disk, to receive and move pills past one or more gates that separate and orient groups of pills into a single file. The gates can start at a closed position and open until a pill has passed the gate. In one embodiment, a mixer counter-rotates relative to the rotating disk to prevent jams of the pills. The single file of pills is then guided out to an exit chute via an exit path. An alternative exit path provides an alternative route via which the pills exit the pill feeder. Multiple sensors can control the movement of the gates and the rate at which the pills exit the pill feeder.

Abstract: A pill feeder accepts a quantity of pills and organizes the pills into a single file where each pill is output in a controlled orientation at a controlled rate. The apparatus includes a moving surface, such as a rotating disk, to receive and move pills past one or more gates that separate and orient groups of pills into a single file. The gates can start at a closed position and open until a pill has passed the gate. In one embodiment, a mixer counter-rotates relative to the rotating disk to prevent jams of the pills. The single file of pills is then guided out to an exit chute via an exit path. An alternative exit path provides an alternative route via which the pills exit the pill feeder. Multiple sensors can control the movement of the gates and the rate at which the pills exit the pill feeder.