Abstract: A method for forming a hopper in a storage structure includes mounting a form to a storage structure which bounds a compartment. The form can be flexible or rigid. A layer of cementitious material is applied over an exterior surface of the form so as to produce a rigid side wall. The rigid side wall has an interior surface bounding a progressively constricting flow channel that communicates with the compartment of the storage structure. In one embodiment, the layer of cementitious material is applied by spraying.

Abstract: A braking system for an escalator having multiple rates of deceleration. When electrical protective devices (EPD) indicate that the escalator should be stopped, the main controller makes a determination as to whether the maximum rate of deceleration should be applied or the lower rate of deceleration. The brake is then controlled according to this determination to prevent a sudden stopping of the escalator when it is not necessary. The EPDs may be divided into two or more groups for different rates of deceleration. A provision may be made for multiple signals at once. If the main controller fails to provide a deceleration rate, the braking controller automatically defaults to the maximum rate. This system may also be used with moving walkways or other conveyors.

Abstract: A handrail-drive for an escalator or moving walk drives the handrail through frictional contact with an outside surface of the handrail. Press-on rollers engaging the inside of the handrail may be employed to press the handrail against a drive-wheel of the drive. The force of the rollers may be adjustable. The drive-wheel may include a gas-filled tire on a rim and can be driven by a motor, a step-chain wheel, or a step-chain drive.

Abstract: A centering device provided with cleaning elements for cleaning a movable centering rod, and for preventing infiltration of dirt. The cleaning elements comprise at least one annularly-shaped scraping member provided with angularly spaced apart cross-cuts, which divide the scraping member into circular sections having inner scraping edges. The scraping member is locked against a conical shoulder in such a way as to be elastically yieldable, making the inner scraping edges of the sections adhere to the centering rod.

Abstract: A printed circuit board conveying system is provided comprising a printed circuit board conveyor and a printed circuit board support. The printed circuit board support is positioned to support a major portion of the printed circuit board between opposite lateral edge portions of the board and comprises a support base, a spacer, and a spacer securement. A printed circuit board processing system including the conveying system is also provided. The conveying system couples a printed circuit board loader to a stencil printer, a pick and place machine, and a reflow oven.

Abstract: A configurable storage system particularly suited for use with clean-environment conveyors is disclosed. The storage system includes modular conveyor track elements which may be provided parallel to and adjacent a ceiling mounted conveyor highway. Conveyor elements may be provided as one-way paths which, when provided with plural transfer elements with respect to a conveyor highway, enable the rotation of a work-piece from a storage matrix to a transfer path and back to the storage matrix. Adjacent storage conveyor elements may be used to realize loops of storage elements. A single storage conveyor element may be shared by multiple loops of storage elements. The modularity of the present system enables the realization of plural, nested loops of storage elements. Control over such systems may be provided locally, centrally or some combination of both, and may adjust the behavior of individual storage conveyor elements based on a variety of factors.

Abstract: A screw conveyor for the transport of, for example, pieces of clothing hanging on clothes hangers, comprises a screw shaft train (22) which may be rotated about the shaft axis (24) thereof, with a transport groove system (26), machined into the outer surface thereof along the shaft axis (24) in the form of a screw. The clothes hangers may be hung in the transport groove system (26), using the hanger hooks (20) thereof and axially transported by rotation of the screw shaft train (22). According to the invention, the transport groove system (26) comprises at least one primary transport groove (46, 48), from which a secondary transport groove (52, 54), preceding the primary transport groove (46, 48) in relation to the transport direction (16) of the goods for transport, branches at a branching position (62).

Abstract: A conveyor system having an expansion conveyor interposed between some of a plurality of conveyors of a conveying unit to extend the conveying line when trouble is detected at a receiving unit. Upon detection of trouble the extruder revolution speed and the conveyor speed are changed to reduce the conveying speed not to carry molded products to the receiving unit.

Abstract: A conveyor belt cleaning apparatus includes a debris-removal stage, a washing stage, a rinsing stage, and a water removal stage all positioned in a multi-chambered drawer with each of the four stages is provided with an isolated bin within that drawer. The various stages within the conveyor belt cleaning apparatus provide for the continuous or on-demand cleaning of a conveyor belt in order to remove any debris and fluids from the belt thereby providing a clean belt surface for use by the grocery store customer. The device may be installed as a new element in a check stand, or it may be retrofitted to an existing check stand.

Abstract: A conveyor belt with advertising is fabricated by coating at least one flexible belting member with a vinyl size coating. A white base coat is applied over the vinyl size coating. Special white PVC coated belting material is also used. A variety of printing processes are used to print advertising images on the belting member. These processes include silkscreen, flexographic, offset and digital inkjet printing. The belting member may be coated with a clear coating material and cured under ultraviolet lighting. The belting members may be made in lengths shorter than the entire length of the conveyor belt with removable attachment means, permitting individual advertising images to be replaced without replacing the entire conveyor belt. Methods for fabricating the belting members including ink formulations, handling and drying steps are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to transporting rollers (22) for transporting essentially flat articles, to holding-down means (23) for pressing the articles onto transporting rollers (22), and to a transporting system (30). In this case, the transporting roller (22) is of at least two-part configuration and comprises a spindle element and at least one track element (1), the latter enclosing the spindle element in a tubular manner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a test tube carrier (4) for transporting test tubes in a transport system, said carrier (4) comprising a base (8) having a recess made thereto for accommodating the bottom of a test tube/vial (1), and support members (9, 10) adapted to the carrier base (8) for clamping a test tube (1) inserted in said recess and supporting the same. The support members (9, 10) are permanently affixed to said carrier base (8) and comprise elongated portions with their free ends bent toward the vertical center axis of the carrier base and said upper ends providing a support surface (22) for making supportive contact to the test tube. The bottom of the carrier base recess for accommodating a test tube is advantageously made flat and the carrier base is provided with test tube support members whose support surfaces (22) extend to at least two different heights from the top level of the carrier base (8).

Abstract: Apparatuses designed to provide support to a conveyor belt in a new manner. In a first illustrative embodiment, a conveyor belt is supported by a number of magnets. A first set of magnets are disposed on the edges of the conveyor belt, and a second set of magnets are disposed on a support apparatus for the conveyor belt. The first and second sets of magnets interact to create repulsive forces that provide both lateral and vertical support to the conveyor belt. Tension provided by the lateral forces can help the belt move smoothly and with less wear than the support provided by existing support idlers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a belt conveyor capable of greatly reducing friction resistance between side portions of a belt and troughs, comprising troughs (5), a belt moving above the troughs (5) along a longitudinal direction thereof, belt bending members (12) provided outside on both sides of the belt in the width direction so as to be located upstream of an entrance (5a) of the troughs, for abutting with both side portions of the belt to be bent upwardly, load cells (14) for detecting a reactive force exerted by the belt with which the belt bending members (12) make contact, guide rails (16) engaged to cause the belt bending members (12) to be displaced to be fixed at a desired position so as to bend the side portions of the belt or restore the bent belt, and rails (20) for moving the guide rails (16) along the longitudinal direction of the belt.

Abstract: A conveyor construction that includes a conveyor frame assembly formed from a pair of spaced side frame members interconnected with each other by spaced cross members. The upper bed of the conveyor frame assembly is formed from individual bed plate strips attached to each of the cross members. The width of the conveyor frame assembly can be modified by the proper selection of the number of bed plate strips. The conveyor frame assembly includes a separate tensioning assembly and tracking adjustment assembly. The tracking adjustment assembly is adjusted separate from the tensioning assembly such that additional tension applied to the conveyor belt does not affect the previously selected tracking adjustment. The conveyor construction includes a center drive unit having only a single drive roller, a guide roller and a tensioning roller. The tensioning roller position is controlled by a pair of spaced tensioning cylinder.

Abstract: A curved belt conveyor includes at least two zones, each of which may be defined by a motorized roller and at least one idler roller which are positioned along and between opposite sidewalls of the conveyor, and a continuous belt reeved around the rollers. The conveyor includes a tracking means for tracking the belt on the rollers. The tracking means is substantially contained between the sidewalls of the conveyor and laterally inward of the outer and inner ends of the rollers. The tracking means may comprise a tracking roller positioned along a lower surface of one of the rollers and may engage the lower run of the belt with an upper surface of the tracking roller to maintain the belt in a proper position around the rollers.

Abstract: A display and storage container formed from a substantially flat sheet of board-type material which is foldable into a packaging container having an interior space which is sized and dimensioned to receive a particular product when positioned therewithin and further including a pocket or cavity formed adjacent one of the side walls associated with the packaging container. The top wall portion of the present container likewise includes an opening for allowing a person to smell the scent or fragrance associated with a scented product positioned within the container.

Abstract: A device for storing and displaying a plurality of DVD cases and the like comprising a plurality of parallel rigid L-shaped profiles pivotably connected, characterized in that the convex side of each L-shaped profile includes at least one adhesive layer to fixedly attach at least one DVD case by the spine side or by its adjacent back side area, hence allowing the front covers of the case to pivot freely.

Abstract: A packaging system for a door knob assembly is disclosed which includes a clear or translucent extruded tubular member for encasing a door knob, lever, deadbolt or other door hardware or accessory. A pair of end caps are disposed at opposite ends of the tubular member for defining a packaging volume therein. The particular door hardware contained within the packaging system may be supported on an insert which further provides a storage volume within the packaging system for additional components of the lockset. Retaining flanges extend from the end caps for releasably securing the packaged door hardware within the packaging system.

Abstract: An improved corner guard for use on a pre-hung door assembly. The corner guard of the present invention is designed for use with a pre-hung door assembly that includes a door secured within a three-sided door frame in which the two vertical frame members extend in an offset manner below the bottom edge of the pre-hung door. In a preferred embodiment, the corner guard includes a bumper member for imposing a gap between adjacent stacked assemblies. A substantially flat transition flange member is attached to one end of the base of the bumper member, and together, the transition flange member and bumper member base form a retention barrier surface across the front corner region of the pre-hung door assembly to maintain the door securely seated within the door frame. A fixed side flange is affixed to the other end of the bumper member and extends approximately perpendicularly with respect to the bumper member base surface such that a right angle inner surface corner contour is formed therebetween.

Abstract: A tool for dispensing plastic fasteners from a fastener clip, each plastic fastener in the fastener clip having a cross bar coupled to a common runner bar by a stub. The tool comprises a gun shaped casing having a front, a rear and a top. A guide groove extends down from the top for receiving the fastener clip. A hollow slotted needle is mounted in the front of the gun shaped casing, the hollow needle having an inlet opening in communication with the guide groove and an outlet opening. The hollow needle includes an anti-back and a knife edge. An ejector slide is disposed within the gun shaped casing and movable back and forth therein. A feed slide is disposed within the gun shaped casing and movable back and forth therein. A feed cam is disposed inside the casing is rotably mounted at one place onto the casing and pivotally mounted at another place onto the feed slide. The feed cam includes a front surface having a pair of outwardly extending spaced apart pins.

Abstract: When a syringe has been used, it can be entered, needle tip first, down into a spigot (10) until the skirt of the needle assembly plugs firmly into the spigot, being held by ribs (12). The capsule can then be worked free and removed. Thereupon, a cover (14) is rotated in either direction and one of a pair of lugs (16) enters an adjacent slot (13) in the spigot (10). As the cover (14) is turned further, the lug (16) acts as a wedge and forces the needle assembly down. As the lug passes across the spigot (10), it finally presses the needle assembly clear, and that assembly drops into the main body of the container.

Abstract: An attache style toolbox with an outer frame includes two hollow half bodies (10) to hold multiple tools and an outer frame (20) to hold the two half bodies (10). Each half body (10) has multiple strips (12) formed on an outer periphery of the half body (10) and multiple through holes (147) defined inside the half body (10). The outer frame (20) is composed of two shells (22), and each shell (22) accommodates one half body (10) and has two strip recesses (224) mating with the strip (12) on the half body (10). Each shell (22) further has multiple retaining posts (29) extending inward to respectively engage the multiple through holes (147) and be held together by threaded rods. Therefore, the outer frame (20) is firmly combined with the two half bodies (10) to provide protection and attractiveness to the attache style toolbox.

Abstract: A modular packaging system for shipping and displaying vertically stacked product containers. The system comprises a top cap, a plurality of corrugated trays with openings formed therein for receiving the bottoms of the product containers and restricting their movement, a bottom tray, a pallet, and vertical support posts that key inside the bottom tray and top cap and through the middle trays to help lock the system together. The entire assembly may be held together with banding and wrapped in a transparent plastic film to protect the product from dust and damage during shipment.

Abstract: A configuration of a flat carrier with a chip module in a padded envelope, which can be transported in a transport device in the direction of one of the envelope's side edges, includes disposing the chip module in the padded envelope such that wire connections in the chip module extend over a side of the semiconductor chip that runs parallel to the transport device. Such a configuration is made possible by the fact that the flat carrier is applied in a standard way to a further carrier, which is folded in a suitable way.

Abstract: A flexible card holder and display which enables a plurality of cards to be attached, transported, displayed, and stored. The card holder comprises a sheet of thin, tear-resistant material into which a plurality of slits have been cut. The slits are arranged so as to receive portions of cards, thereby releasably retaining the cards on the sheet. A variety of slit configurations may be employed. The card holder is lightweight, portable, and foldable into a variety of compact configurations. Stress relieving apertures are provided to prevent the development of tears in the flexible card holder and display. The card holder may be provided with an aperture at one end to enable the card holder to be suspended, thus displaying cards which are releasably attached thereto. The card holder further may be adapted to store in a multiring binder. Removable stiffeners may also be employed to facilitate hanging the device upon removal from the binder.

Abstract: A packaging system for multiple discrete foodstuffs includes a first container having a first opening, a removable element closing the first opening and a first outer shape and first dimension; a second container having a second opening, a removable element closing the second opening and a second outer shape and second dimension, the first container being stacked atop the second container; and, a binder at least partially encircling and removably securely holding the first and second containers together to form a multi-container combination with a main outer shape and main dimension substantially identical to the first and second outer shapes and dimensions.

Abstract: in a pill case 1 comprising left and right side walls 4a, 4b, a rear wall 5 continued from the left and right side walls 4a, 4b and a bottom plate 6 provided between the left and right side walls 4a, 4b in the upper position of the lower ends of the left and right side walls 4a, 4b having an inclined face 9 obliquely upwardly inclined toward the front side from the rear wall 5, and the pill case 1 storing blister packs 30 put on the inclined face 9 of the bottom plate 6, a drawer 3 is placed in a space positioned below the bottom plate 6 and defined by the left and right side walls 4a, 4b and the bottom plate 6, so that the drawer 3 can be drawn toward the front. On the inside of left and right side walls 4a, 4b is provided at least a pair of opposed vertical groves 22.

Abstract: Packaging elements are formed by holders suitable for transport and storage of delicate goods such as fruit, sweets such as chocolate, flowers, glass objects, Christmas decorations, electronic components and the like. The holders are separated from each other by a standing wall. Recommended for larger objects such as apples and the like are holders with the upper part in folded-back form, particularly those wherein the rib profiling of the upper and lower parts take an integral form and thereby enclose firmly the object for transporting (FIG. 4b). Smaller objects can advantageously be transported on a mattress of upper parts of smaller holders (FIG. 5b).

Abstract: A one-piece gift box that includes an angled gift support. Gift restraints are provided for restraining the gift on the gift support. Preferably, the gift is in the shape of a card, such as the shape of a credit card, and is preferably what is known as a giftcard, similar to a gift certificate.

Abstract: A centrifuge with combinations of multiple features is disclosed. In one aspect, a centrifuge for removing more dense material from a fluid medium includes a fluid separation wall placed within a sleeve. The fluid separation wall rotates around the axis of rotation. A receptacle aids in separation of the more dense material from the fluid medium. The receptacle defined in a part by a respective geometry and a respective shape. An opening extends from the void area to the outer surface to transport the more dense material to the containment zone. An excitation apparatus associated with the receptacle creates a vibration within the receptacle. The centrifuge may further include a valve ring including a valve orifice the valve ring having a first position which blocks the more dense material from exiting the receptacle and a second position that allows the more dense material to move into the containment zone.

Abstract: A method is provided for fixedly joining a cloth, a cloth-like fabric or a synthetic mesh to a filter plate using a flanged cloth connector ring. The flanged cloth connector ring is attached to the filter cloth around the feed port of the cloth and inserted into a receiving channel in the filter plate. A locking ring or a distribution ring may be inserted into the channel adjacent to the connector ring to retain the connector ring and attached filter cloth in place. Filter cloths may be individually and independently attached to each side of a filter plate using a cloth connector ring.

Abstract: A display system for displaying retail products which includes a display board and at least one package One of the display board and package includes a peg engageable in a keyhole-shaped slot in the other of the display board and package. The package is formed from a blank which includes a plurality of fold lines and tabs. The product is placed on the blank and the blank is folded around the product. Tabs are secured together to lock the package in place. The display board includes at least one hole near its uppermost edge to hang it from a display in a retail environment.

Abstract: A connecting structure for sectional rack includes a plurality of vertical posts, horizontal shelves, and connecting members. Each of the vertical posts is provided with at least one row of engaging holes, with which upper and lower hooks at an end of each connecting member are engaged. A pad is attached to each connecting member, so that a first side of the pad fitly bears against the vertical post. A second side of the pad opposite to the first side is a downward and outward inclined surface. Each of the horizontal shelves has an outer cover provided at each corner thereof for putting on the connecting member, so that an internal inclined surface of the outer cover pushes the inclined surface of the pad against the vertical post to enable a firm connection of the shelf, the connecting member, and the vertical post to one another.

Abstract: A shelf unit for a metallic locker including at least one set of legs, and a first shelf lying horizontally in the metallic locker on top of the set of legs. Each leg set includes at least three legs having a foot at their bottom and a head at their top, at least one of the legs being magnetic for attaching to the side wall of the metallic locker. A kit consisting of the components of the shelf unit is also provided.

Abstract: The improved plastic container and preform is light weight and includes a base, a cylindrical sidewall projecting upwardly from the base, and a neck finish projecting upwardly from the sidewall and having an opening to the inside of the container. The neck finish includes an inwardly oriented stepped area adjacent the opening.

Abstract: A two-part hinge closure having a lower part which has a surrounding outer wall and which can be placed on a container, and has a cap which has an outer wall and which can be joined to the lower part in a hinged manner. The lower part and the cap are separately produced and can be assembled together. In an assembled and closed state, the outer walls are situated above each other in an aligned manner, at least in the hinge area of both hinge closure parts. Both closure parts can be joined to one another by a snap hinge having at least one spring element and at least one coupling piece. When the closure is in a closed state, the at least one spring element and the at least one coupling piece are at least almost aligned with the outer wall of the closure part on which they are formed as one piece.

Abstract: A system and method of constructing a substantially decorative article without the need for fasteners. In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the decorative article is a woven basket. One or more retainers are provided to retain the material used to construct the outer surface of the decorative article. Each retainer is provided with a channel for receiving one end of the material used to construct the surface of the decorative article. The channels are able to retain the ends of the material used to construct the surface of the decorative article without the need for fasteners. If the material used to construct the surface of the decorative article is sufficiently rigid, the decorative article will be self-supporting. If the material used to construct the surface of the decorative article is not sufficiently self-supporting, supports may be located between the retainers.

Abstract: A pressure cap for a fixed neck of an automobile radiator is provided with an outer cap component and with an inner cap component which has a flow connection between the inside and the outside of the tank and a valve arrangement for releasing and blocking the flow connection. The invention allows the bias of the pressure-relief valve body to be adjustable while the temperature inside the tank can be measured directly and the action of the pressure-relief/vacuum valve body remains constant, it is provided that the bias with which the pressure-relief valve body is pressed against the sealing seat can be adjusted by means of a thermal drive in the form of an expansion-material membrane capsule which has a temperature sensor that passes through the cap axis and extends into the tank's neck, and it is also provided that the vacuum valve body is arranged eccentrically in relation to the cap axis.

Abstract: A cover for a disposable oil filter. The cover includes a flexible insert for inserting into the flow hole of the oil filter, a cover plate fitting around the insert for pressing against the oil filter seal, and a fastener for retaining the plate against the filter seal. The insert includes a flexible head which may be pressed through the filter flow hole but which will prevent the insert from pulling back through the flow hole. The fastener is used to clamp the cover plate against the filter seal.

Abstract: A containment vessel formed from at least two rigid panels placed in a parallel plane having a spacer positioned between the panels wherein a containment area is formed along an upper surface of the spacer and inner surface of the rigid panels. The spacer can be formed into any shape with a distal end and proximal end of the spacer forming an inlet to the containment area. The containment vessel employs a reusable securement fastener allowing for the disassembly of the panels and replacement or reshaping of the spacer to form different shaped containment areas. The containment vessel can be pre-shaped or fixed.

Abstract: A pallet container includes a bottle, an enclosure for the bottle as well as a plastic pallet. The enclosure is a grid connected to a plastic pallet by having a lower horizontal circumferential rod received in a laterally opening circumferential groove in the plastic pallet. The rod can be locked through the use of a side plate.

Abstract: In the support arrangements for a semi-membrane tank walls described in the specification, the top and side walls of a semi-membrane tank are provided with stiffener members and a surrounding tank support structure has support members which are connected to the stiffener members through support assemblies which provide vertical support for the tank walls while permitting relative motion in the horizontal direction. Each support assembly includes a bracket affixed to one of the support members and a spool affixed to a wall stiffener along with a thermally insulating block having an end portion slidably received in the bracket and having an internal groove extending in a direction orthogonal to the sliding motion of the end portion. The enlarged head of the spool affixed to the stiffener is received in the groove, thereby permitting relative motion of the tank wall with respect to the support structure and two orthogonal directions while providing load support for the tank wall in the vertical direction.

Abstract: A collection device for the collection and disposal of cigarette butts, cigar butts, and other small combustible debris found in and around smoking areas. The collection device includes a body member within which is defined a receptacle chamber and a funnel-shaped throat passage communicating with the receptacle chamber. The body member has an attached throat passage extension that has side portals which communicate with the throat passage. As debris is received through the side portal, it is directed along the throat passage and into the receptacle chamber for collection.

Abstract: The present invention provides multi-walled food storage containers in which the cavity between the walls may be filled by individual users. In particular, the present invention provides users with the ability to insert written storage notes, date of storage and/or preparation instructions in between the walls of the container. In this manner, the notes are not subject to smearing, smudging or erasure from mishandling, nor are they susceptible to damage from condensation or frost. The food storage containers may further include designated regions within the multi-walled structure in which one or more regions includes a cellular structure that provides additional rigidity and insulation for long-term storage of food. Alternately, one or more regions between the walls may be filled with a fluid or gas to provide additional insulation.

Abstract: A barrel body with a cross-section surface that approaches the shape of a square with slightly embossed side surfaces and rounded corner areas. The barrel body can be equipped with stiffening elements that run vertically and/or horizontally.

Abstract: An automated method for dispensing pharmaceuticals particularly tablets and capsules, and other small discrete objects, includes: receiving prescription information, selecting a container, labeling the container, dispensing the tablets or capsules into the labeled container, applying a closure to the filled, labeled container, and offloading the container to a designated location. Preferably, the tablets are dispensed with high speed dispensing bins that employ forced air to agitate and singulate the tablets. The other functions within the system are typically carried out at stations designed to offer speed, flexibility and precision to the dispensing operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stack of wipes for use in a reach-in wipes dispenser having a dispensing opening, and related method. The stack includes a plurality of wipes stacked upon each other. Each wipe is separably joined to an adjacent wipe to form a joint therebetween. For at least 50% of the wipes in the stack of wipes, dispensing a top wipe from the stack of wipes causes an adjacent following wipe to at least partially be drawn upwards towards and/or through the dispensing opening, and the top wipe completely separates automatically from the following wipe at the joint before the following wipe completely passes through the dispensing opening, and when the top wipe completely separates automatically from the following wipe the following wipe falls back towards the stack of wipes and is positioned within the dispenser and below the dispensing opening.

Abstract: A vend mechanism for transferring articles, or prizes, to a receiving area of a vending machine accessible from outside the machine, including an amusement game machine, has a plurality of conveyors arranged radially on each of a plurality of spaced plates. A first drive mechanism is provided to rotate an assembly of the plates so that a selected column of conveyors is in alignment with the receiving area and, for each plate, a second drive mechanism is provided to operate the conveyor that is in the transferring orientation so that an article, or prize, on the conveyor is transferred to the receiving area.

Abstract: An automated method for dispensing pharmaceuticals particularly tablets and capsules, and other small discrete objects, includes: receiving prescription information, selecting a container, labeling the container, dispensing the tablets or capsules into the labeled container, applying a closure to the filled, labeled container, and offloading the container to a designated location. Preferably, the tablets are dispensed with high speed dispensing bins that employ forced air to agitate and singulate the tablets. The other functions within the system are typically carried out at stations designed to offer speed, flexibility and precision to the dispensing operation.