Abstract: A device for printing and sorting elements comprising at least one conveyor for conveying the elements, at least one printer for printing an identifying element on the elements at least one identifying device for identifying whether each element has been properly printed at least one reject chute for optionally rejecting at least one of the elements and at least one accept chute for accepting the remaining elements. The printer can be in the form of at least one but possibly a plurality of inkjet printers which can be assembled in a staggered manner to print an identifying element such as a code or an insignia on each of these elements. The elements can be held in place by an air pump or a vacuum, so that these elements such as pills or tablets do not vibrate when printed. In addition additional air pumps may be used to reject a particular tablet.

Abstract: A system for dispensing items comprising a base and at least one wheel rotatably coupled to the base. There is also at least one actuator slidably disposed the wheel. This actuator is for retaining the item to be dispensed from the system. There is also at least one optical recognition system disposed adjacent to the wheel. This optical recognition system is for identifying at least one characteristic of the item to be dispensed to selectively actuate the actuator to dispense the item to be dispensed. The optical recognition system can be in the form of a camera or an electric eye to recognize a visual feature of an item to be dispensed such as a tablet or a pill.

Abstract: A device for the precise distribution of items such as tablets. This device can include a base, a container, a plurality of distribution channels and a plurality of springs disposed adjacent to the distribution channels. The device can also include a plurality of push pins and cams for driving the push pins up. The base includes a wheel which contains the distribution channels. The springs are coupled to the wheel adjacent to the distribution channels. These springs are controlled by the push pins which drive against the springs to push the springs away from the distribution channels. The cams trigger the movement of the push pins at particular locations on the base so that as the wheel rotates, the push pins cross over the cams wherein the cams drive the push pins up allowing a tablet to simultaneously enter and leave the distribution channel. This movement of the wheel allows precise distribution of tablets out of the device and into receiving systems.

Abstract: A system for dispensing items comprising a base and at least one wheel rotatably coupled to the base. There is also at least one actuator slidably disposed the wheel. This actuator is for retaining the item to be dispensed from the system. There is also at least one optical recognition system disposed adjacent to the wheel. This optical recognition system is for identifying at least one characteristic of the item to be dispensed to selectively actuate the actuator to dispense the item to be dispensed. The optical recognition system can be in the form of a camera or an electric eye to recognize a visual feature of an item to be dispensed such as a tablet or a pill.

Abstract: A device for the precise distribution of items such as tablets. This device can include a base, a container, a plurality of distribution channels and a plurality of springs disposed adjacent to the distribution channels. The device can also include a plurality of push pins and cams for driving the push pins up. The base includes a wheel which contains the distribution channels. The springs are coupled to the wheel adjacent to the distribution channels. These springs are controlled by the push pins which drive against the springs to push the springs away from the distribution channels. The cams trigger the movement of the push pins at particular locations on the base so that as the wheel rotates, the push pins cross over the cams wherein the cams drive the push pins up allowing a tablet to simultaneously enter and leave the distribution channel. This movement of the wheel allows precise distribution of tablets out of the device and into receiving systems.