Abstract: The various processes of a plant are segmented into separate process blocks that are connected to one another using fluid conduits or electrical connections. Each process block is specialized to perform specific tasks in an assembly line manner to achieve an overall goal. For example, multiple distillation process blocks could be daisy-chained to create fuel from crude oil. Each process block is generally small enough to be mounted on a truck or a flatbed for easy transport, allowing for an assembly line of process blocks to be transported anywhere in the world with ease.

Abstract: A modular house building system has floor module supports; floor modules; wall modules; window panel modules; door panel modules; and fasteners, wherein the modules are connected to one another in any of a number of configurations using the fasteners to form a chosen modular house configuration; wherein the wall, window panel, and door panel modules each include horizontal planks, vertical planks that define an outer perimeter of each the module, and interstitial planks connected between the vertical planks that are used to increase the strength of each the module, and are connected together in any one of a plurality of configurations to form each respective module in a pre-chosen dimension and configuration.

Abstract: An inhabitable space frame (100) can define and support inhabitable living space within, around and projecting from the exterior of the perimeter of the space frame (100). The space frame (100) includes a vector matrix of strut members (105) that defines a plurality of interconnected basic tetrahedral modules (110) and, optionally, a plurality of prime octahedral modules (115). At least a part of each prime octahedral module (115) in the plurality of prime octahedral modules (115) is adjacent to at least two of the basic tetrahedral modules (110). Use of one or more right triangular faces, or planes, within a repeating geometry of a vector matrix enables an interior of the space frame (100) to be inhabitable, with horizontal floors and vertical walls aligned with associated strut members (105).

Abstract: In a foundation assembly, a moisture barrier is placed on a footing and a foundation wall is on the moisture barrier. The moisture barrier thus isolates the foundation wall from the footing. The footing defines a keyway. The moisture barrier comprises a waterproof layer, a bottom layer attached to bottom side of the waterproof layer, and a top layer attached to the top side of the waterproof layer. The waterproof layer blocks passage of water therethrough. The bottom layer is for attaching the moisture barrier to the footing, and comprises a material that attracts water and binds to cement. The moisture barrier comprises a keyway portion sufficiently flexible and configured to fit the keyway in the footing. When the keyway portion fits to the keyway on the footing, it defines a secondary keyway for receiving a key portion of the foundation wall.

Abstract: A laminate stair tread cover includes a core fiberboard member, a paper element fixedly disposed on the top of the core fiberboard layer, a metallic oxide coating fixedly disposed on the paper layer and an adhesive layer fixedly disposed on the rear bottom of the core fiberboard layer. Elements of the core fiberboard layer can define a substantially squared-off void capable of receiving a base stair tread. The present invention can be applied to existing staircases in one aspect of the present invention as a retrofitting method.

Abstract: A stairway having an alternating series of risers and treads wherein two risers and a tread form a step structure for use in constructing the stairway. The step structure including a first riser having a front portion and a rear portion, a tread having a support surface and an opposite surface, a second riser having a front portion and a rear portion, and wherein the tread is positioned between the rear portion of the first riser and the front portion of the second riser and wherein the second riser of one step structure becomes the first riser of the next-up step structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a light-weight load-bearing structure, reinforced by core elements (2) of a strong material constituting one or more compression or tension zones in the structure to be cast, which core (2) is surrounded by or adjacent to a material of less strength compared to the core (2), where the core (2) is constructed from segments (1) of core elements (2) assembled by means of one or more prestressing elements (4). The invention further relates to a method of casting of light-weight load-bearing structures, reinforced by core elements (2) of a strong material constituting one or more compression or tension zones in the structure to be cast, which core (2) is surrounded by or adjacent to a material of less strength compared to the core (2), where the core (2) is constructed from segments (1) of core elements (2) assembled and hold together by means of one or more prestressing elements (4).

Abstract: An elongated timber or lumber member (10) for an elongated, thermally insulating building construction element assembly (20) formed by first and second ones of said elongated timber or lumber member assembled along respective elongated adjoining surfaces (11) facing each other, said elongated timber or lumber member having a first fitting side (13) on a side located opposite to its elongated adjoining surface, said fitting side being spaced from said adjoining surface by timber or lumber of a respective thicknesses, and said fitting side being provided with a tongue or a groove (14A, 14B) to allow a plurality of the elongated, thermally insulating construction element assemblies to be juxtaposed to each other in alignment in a tongue and groove arrangement to form a thermally insulating building surface.

Abstract: A transparent substrate having a glazing function, provided with a thin-film multi-layer coating, which acts on solar radiation, applicable, for example, in the architectural or automotive fields. The multilayer coating comprises at least two absorbent functional layers each flanked by two transparent layers comprising a dielectric material. Preferably, the functional layers are based on a metal belonging to the group consisting of: niobium, tantalum, molybdenum and zirconium, and the metal or at least one of the functional layers may be partially or entirely nitrided.

Abstract: A fire-resistant assembly may be attached to a wall frame assembly of a building and configured to transfer loads from a load-bearing assembly into the wall frame assembly. The assembly provides for a desired amount of fire resistance by virtue of a fire-resistant filler and provides for a desired amount of structural capacity by virtue structural sheets that form a cavity for the filler. In addition, a load-limited connector may be coupled to the assembly to transfer loads from the load-bearing assembly up to a desired load threshold.

Abstract: A structural wall has a self-supporting wall externally being provided with laths for attachment of a base plate for an outer plaster layer. The base plate consists of a wood composite material comprising polyurethane mixed with wood wool and is having good insulating ability. To utilize the insulating properties of the base plate and provide for a better fire rated wall, the spacing between the laths, originally being a air-gap, is filed with a rock wool mat having drainage facility for moisture at the side facing the base plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to landscaping products (e.g. retaining wall building materials, landscaping stones/boulders, pavers . . . ) and wall veneering products that provide a replica image of a natural stone, rock, brick or wood surface. Such landscaping and veneering products are easily installable due to its lightweight characteristics and engagable design. The present invention further includes methods of use for such landscaping and veneering products and also includes systems for assembling such products to provide pleasing landscaping and wall veneering arrangements. The present invention also includes methods of manufacture of these imaged stone products, which ensures the natural appearance of stone, rock, brick or wood by imaging a natural surface, such as stone or a rock, preparing a mold from that image to mass produce a replica of that particular surface and applying a coating to the surface of the replica to provide the appearance and texture of the natural stone or rock.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing board insulation into granules of loosefill insulation are provided. The apparatus includes an upper unit having inlet and outlet ends. The inlet end is configured to receive board insulation. The upper unit is configured to break the board insulation into small pieces. A lower unit is connected to the upper unit. The lower unit is configured to receive the small pieces of board insulation exiting the upper unit. The lower unit includes a plurality of conditioning mechanisms configured to condition the small pieces thereby resulting in granules of loosefill insulation. The lower unit further includes a distribution mechanism configured to distribute the granules of loosefill insulation into an airstream. A distribution hose is connected to the lower unit and configured to convey the granules from the apparatus to a building insulation cavity. The granules are configured for use as loosefill insulation within the building cavity.

Abstract: Floor panel (1) comprising a backing (2) which exhibits a plastics material that is pliable and flexible at the temperature at which a floor is used, comprising a decorative layer (3) disposed above the backing (2), comprising complementary mechanical locking means (8, 9, 13, 14), which are provided at least two edges of the panel (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 11, 12), interact in the locked state of two floor panels (1) and counteract movement apart of the floor panels (1), wherein at least one of the locking means (8, 9, 13, 14) is provided at least in certain regions with at least one adhesive (K1, K2).

Abstract: A basic insulation covering for arrangement between a subfloor and walkable floor coverings that can be laid thereover is described. The arrangement comprising a plug-in connector at at least two sides of the basic insulation covering elements for smooth and expansive connection of the basic insulation covering elements, the plug-in connector having a structured or profiled surface at least in sections on at least one side on borders of the plug-in connector that engage in one another.

Abstract: A unitary molded panel simulates the appearance of a plurality of boards. A body of molded material has a plurality of elongated board elements each with a top face, a pair of opposed end faces, and a pair of opposed side edges. The end faces define a thickness of the board elements. The board elements are parallel to one another and spaced apart so as to define a width of the body. Connection elements each extend between and interconnect the side edges of adjacent board elements. The connection elements provide the only connection between adjacent board elements. Each connection element has a pair of opposed ends and an upper surface extending between the ends. The entirety of the upper surface of each connection element is spaced below the upper plane. Each of the ends is spaced inwardly from the end faces of the adjacent board elements.

Abstract: Metal profiles used as top and bottom tracks with legs spaced apart a width to accommodate wall stud framing and resilient channel attached to at least one side of the stud framing One of the profile legs having a minimum of one return flange aiding in holding studs in place during construction and assembly life cycle. Intumescent material attached to a portion of at least one of the legs located proximate to the overhead (ceiling) structure or floor structure.

Abstract: A prefabricated curtain-wall system comprises an assembly of reinforced concrete panels. The reinforcement of the concrete is provided by a grid of horizontal and vertical metal rods, tied together where they cross. Connection between two adjacent panels utilizes an external bracket with two bolts, each bolt mating with a nut protruding from a slotted bracket embedded in each of two adjacent panels The embedded brackets have eyelets for passage of a rod of the reinforcing grid. The lowermost panels of the system are anchored to the building foundation, thus the load of the entire curtain wall system and the embedded reinforcing grid can be transmitted to the foundation. The system incorporates means of adjusting the fitting together of panels to compensate for minor deviations in the dimensions and elevations of construction elements.

Abstract: A modular system for a façade structure for a building comprising panels and panel retaining elements for mounting the panels to the building and method for producing said facade.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ceiling tile unit comprising a tile body made of mineral fibre material, a surface layer and a guide. The tile body has a front side, a rear side and at least one side edge, and the surface layer is arranged on said front side of said tile body. A groove is provided in said rear side of said tile body dividing said tile body into a first tile body section and a second tile body section. Said guide is adapted to form a fold guidance for inclination of said first tile body section in relation to said second tile body section by folding about an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of said groove. The invention further relates to a method for forming a ceiling tile unit.

Abstract: Producing grid tees with a range of service duty, reflected in the use of various gauge sheet stock, that exhibit an effective uniform thickness at their cross tee slots by locally altering a grid tee in the area of its cross tee receiving slot or slots so that the grid tee has a uniform effective thickness at these area(s) that can be standardized across a manufacturer's range of tee load ratings. Preferably, a grid tee is permanently stamped with an indentation or dimple adjacent the cross tee slot and a cross tee connector has a lead edge area arranged to seat against the bottom of the indentation.

Abstract: A bundle of laminated shingles is provided. The bundle includes a plurality of shingles having an overlay laminated with an underlay. The overlay has a tab portion with cutouts normally exposed on a roof and a headlap portion. The headlap portion has a lower zone adjacent the tab portion and an upper zone adjacent said lower zone. The lower zone has substantially no granules adhered thereto. The bundle defines a central area that substantially encompasses the lower zones of the stacked shingles. The shingles are stacked such that every other of the shingles is inverted and turned 180 degrees relative to an adjacent shingle. The shingles are double-layered, wherein the lack of granules in the lower zones of the stacked shingles results in the central area of the bundle having a height substantially identical to a height of a remainder of the bundle outside of the central area.

Abstract: A mortar-less building block system including interlocking building blocks, joist hangers, truss brackets, and insulation member disposed exterior to the block; the block having a front face and a back face, a top face and a bottom face, and a protrusion side face and a recess side face all connected to form the building block; the front face and the back face each have a pair of longitudinal recesses, the top face having a pair of longitudinal recesses aligned with the longitudinal recesses of the front face and the back face, and the top face further having a transverse recess centrally located on the top face transversely intersecting the pair of longitudinal recesses, creating intersection points; the recess side face having a transverse recess aligned with the transverse recess of the top face, and the protrusion side face having a transverse protrusion designed to mate with the transverse recess of an other of the building block; the bottom face having at least one transverse protrusion for mating with

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to panel systems, including panel systems that provide one or more tensioned panel portions.

Abstract: Semi-floating floorboards/building panels having mechanical joint systems, a core with curved edge portions so the surface layer on top of the core will be located below the panel surface, and where the edges of the floorboard have a bevel such that in which the joint system, when two floorboards are joined and pressed towards each other, the surface layer 31 and a part of the core 30 of the joint edge portion 19 in the second joint edge 4b overlaps the surface layer 31 that is substantially parallel to the horizontal plane of the first joint edge 4a of the other floorboard. Further, floorboards/building panels are produced by machining the surface structure with a plurality of core grooves 20, 20? and applying the surface layer 31 on the upper side of the core 30 to at least partly cover a floor element. A pressure is applied and the surface layer 31 forms around the core grooves 20, 20?.

Abstract: A tile structure and a tile assembly comprising a plurality of substantially equivalent, interconnected tile structures disposable in covering relation to a floor or other surface area. Each tile structure comprises outer and under layers fixedly secured in longitudinally and transversely offset relation to define a connecting groove and a connecting tongue extending along opposite longitudinal and transverse peripheral portions thereof. The connecting tongue on each of the plurality of tile structures is cooperatively dimensioned and configured to fit within the connecting groove on a next adjacently disposed tile structure. Secure interconnection between the tile structures is facilitated by a pressure sensitive or dry adhesive composition disposed on one surface at least partially within the connecting groove, while the remaining surfaces of the connecting tongue and groove are initially adhesive-free.

Abstract: Providing a half precast slab even in a case where the thickness of the slab in the site condition is too thick to apply conventional precast construction techniques. A half precast slab including a plurality of floor concrete form members and, each floor concrete form member being provided with: a bottom slab of a long length, in response to the floor concrete form member; a pair of side walls installed upright along each longitudinal edge of the bottom slab, in response to the floor concrete form member; thereby, each floor concrete form member is arranged so as to be parallel to each other and be tightly connected to the adjacent floor concrete form member, along the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of each floor concrete form member; the height of the side walls other than the side walls on the most outer edge sides of the whole floor concrete form members is set at a common height that is smaller than the height of the side walls on the most outer edge sides.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to interlocking building block with continuously curved surface profiles suitable for general wall construction, and, when using desireably dense materials, particularly suitable for constructing walls capable of significantly blocking electromagnetic radiation, such as photon, gamma, and neutron radiation.

Abstract: A stayed connection for a wind turbine (1) where the wind turbine (1) tower (4) comprises an upper pipe-shaped tower portion (12) and a lower tower portion (14) and where the upper pipe-shaped tower portion (12) is connected to the lower tower portion (14) by means of a stayed connection (16), and wherein the stayed connection (16) comprises pipe-shaped diagonal stays (18) extending from the lower tower portion (14) and in toward the outside of the upper pipe-shaped tower portion (12), as the diagonal stays (18) at their toward the upper pipe-shaped tower portion (12) facing end portion (28) are compressed and connected directly or via a plate portion (30) to the upper pipe-shaped tower portion (12) by means of a welded connection.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a novel moment resisting connection system, for use, but not limited to, with a pony-truss bridge system. The connection system comprises multi-hollow sections that can be, but are not limited to, extruded aluminum and a joint or node connector that can be casted, milled, forged or made by any other means.

Abstract: A seismic clip for suspended ceiling grid tees that offers high strength, rigidity, versatility and ease of assembly while improving the ability of a clip to self-align with a grid tee. The clip includes a lanced tab that serves to establish and maintain alignment of the clip body and the tee to which it is assembled whereby a tendency of a clip to be tilted upwardly relative to the tee is eliminated or greatly reduced. The alignment tab serves to initially align the clip and tee either when it is assembled by snapping it over the tee or by sliding the tee endwise into the clip. The tab is configured so that it does not unduly add to the assembly force level when the clip is snapped over the tee or when the tee and clip are slipped endwise together.

Abstract: Anchoring systems for use in cavity wall structures having an inner wythe and an outer wythe constructed of rubble stone are disclosed. The anchoring system employs an anchor fastened to or set within the inner wythe that extends into the cavity and connects to a J-hook. A vertically adjustable veneer tie enwraps the J-hook, limiting lateral movement and front-to-back displacement, and is set within the bed joint of the outer wythe. The anchoring system minimizes cavity size and provides stability for an uncoursed outer wythe equivalent to that of anchoring systems for standards coursed bed joints.

Abstract: A system and method of stabilizing and strengthening wall structures constructed with hollow core cementitious blocks that have not been filled with concrete. Relatively small ports are drilled at the grout line every 4-6 courses along the vertical plain of one hollow core and this and every second core is then filled with a high density expanding resin thus filling the core there by providing sufficient strength and rigidity, yet flexibility to the wall structure to withstand significant seismic activity.

Abstract: Tab cutting apparatus designed to assist in floor leveling, the tab cutting apparatus including a base designed for movement along the surface of a floor. A framework is affixed to the base and supports a vertically movable portion above the base. The framework and vertically movable portion include height control apparatus capable of moving the movable portion vertically relative to the framework. Height sensing apparatus is affixed to the movable portion. A cutting element is affixed to the movable portion and positioned at a fixed distance below the height sensing apparatus. The cutting element is designed to cut an upright ribbon or rod portion of a leveling tab.

Abstract: A method of installing distribution systems such as needed piping, ductwork, electrical wiring, and other systems in a new construction having a structural ceiling and floor, comprises the steps of: providing a frame module of main and cross frame members; assembling the modules on site directly below the final placement position; installing ductwork, piping, electrical wiring, and other distribution systems in the modules; fabricating and attaching upper wall portions to the modules; lifting modules with attached upper wall portions towards the structural ceiling; attaching support columns to the structural ceiling and floor; and mounting the modules onto the support columns, such that the support columns support the modules .

Abstract: Methods of attaching roof tiles are disclosed. The methods may be used to attach a new roof or to upgrade an existing roof. The methods include the use of mechanical fasteners and polymer adhesives, including foamable adhesives.

Abstract: The process of tiling a floor is disclosed in which the leveling of the tile members being attached to a floor or counter top includes selecting and attaching a plurality of tile height spacers to each piece of tile. Each tile height spacer has a plurality of feet extending from one side thereof and an adhesive coating on the other side having a protective cover thereover. The adhesive cover is removed from the tile so that the tile height spacer can be attached to the bottom of a tile member for pressing the tile member and tile height spacers attached thereto into the tile bonding agent applied to the floor for leveling the tile.

Abstract: Structural columns are fastened to one another vertically. Wall panels may be fastened to the structural columns so that load is transferred through the structural columns rather than vertically between the wall panels.

Abstract: [Problem] To realize a predetermined “aseptic level of the containers” without introducing a container sterilizing machine and to reduce the burden for adjusting the temperature of the preform. [Means for Solution] A metal mold for molding, wherein a space width (t2) of at least the body portion in the space width for forming a thickness of from the body portion to the bottom portion of the preform is set to lie in a range of 1.18 to 2.11 times as great as a space width (t1) for forming a thickness of an upper end portion of the mouth portion of the preform. At the time of the compression molding, the preform is taken out in the state of a high temperature from a compression-molding machine 31 and is fed to a bottle-producing unit C while maintaining the state of a high temperature. Further, the inner surfaces of a clean box I in which the units are placed and the outer surfaces of the units are sterilized, and the interior of the clean box I maintains a positive-pressure state with the filtered clean air.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and apparatus for dispensing a predetermined fixed amount of pre-stretched packaging material based upon load girth. A non-rotating ring carries a belt driven by a motor. A packaging material dispenser is mounted on a rotating ring, and the rotating ring may include a pulley that connects to the band, such that the rotating ring is driven by the drive belt. Based upon the girth of the load to be wrapped, an amount of pre-stretched packaging material to be dispensed for at least a portion of a revolution made by the rotating ring is determined. Good wrapping performance in terms of load containment (wrap force) and optimum packaging material use is obtained by dispensing a length of pre-stretched packaging material that is between approximately 90% and approximately 120% of load girth. Once the amount of packaging material to be dispensed per revolution is determined, a ratio of rotating ring drive to final pre-stretch surface speed (i.e.

Abstract: An aseptic packaging system includes a film unwind device; a fitment feed device for feeding a plurality of fitments; an apparatus for attaching each of the fitments to a second surface of the film; an assembly for sterilizing the film and optionally each of the fitments; an assembly for drying the film and optionally each of the fitments; and a vertical form/fill seal apparatus for making packages from the sterilized film and each of the fitments, each package comprising a pouch comprising a first and second transverse seal, a first and second fold, an interior and exterior surface, and a longitudinal seal; and an external fitment sealed to the exterior surface of the pouch; and a sterilized product disposed in the pouch. An aseptic process and package are also disclosed.

Abstract: An aseptic packaging system includes a film unwind device; a fitment feed device for feeding a plurality of fitments; an apparatus for attaching each of the fitments to the film; an assembly for sterilizing the film and each of the fitments; an assembly for drying the film and each of the fitments; and a vertical form/fill seal apparatus for making packages from the sterilized film and each of the sterilized fitments, each package comprising a pouch comprising a first and second transverse seal, a first and second fold, an interior and exterior surface, and a longitudinal seal; and a sterilized internal fitment sealed to the sterilized interior surface of the pouch; and a sterilized product disposed in the pouch. An aseptic process and package are also disclosed.

Abstract: This application is directed toward an improved method of synthesizing cationic siloxane prepolymers as well as a specific cationic siloxane prepolymer having improved compatibility with monofunctional siloxanyl methacrylate monomers and medical devices containing the cationic siloxane prepolymer.

Abstract: A packaging method for packaging fluid (P) in a fluid dispenser comprising a fluid reservoir (1) defining an opening (13), and a fluid dispenser member (2), such as a pump or a valve, for mounting in leaktight manner on the opening (13) of the reservoir, an inert gas, such as nitrogen or argon, being present in the reservoir above the fluid (P) while the dispenser member (2) is being mounted in leaktight manner on the opening (13) of the reservoir, such that the fluid (P) is in contact with the inert gas in the reservoir (1); the method being characterized in that the step of mounting the dispenser member (2) in leaktight manner on the opening (13) of the reservoir (1) is performed under a vacuum, the inert gas is evacuated, at least in part, from the reservoir during this evacuation step, such that the reservoir is subjected to an inert-gas vacuum.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a non-rectilinear flexible package comprising an in-line process including application and selective sealing of a semi-rigid strip to an inner wall of the package and further including a dual-stage die-cutting technique to remove and cut a non-linear shape into a formed web of film. The semi-rigid strip is sealed to one interior wall of the package but not the other to provide a reinforced opening to the package through which a material can be dispensed. Additionally, the dual stage die-cutting method comprises first cutting and removing a portion of the web material prior to filling the package and again cutting and removing a portion of the web material after filling, resulting in a package having a narrowed neck adjacent the closed reinforced opening at an upper portion of the package and a body of the package that is tapered towards the reinforced opening.

Abstract: An apparatus for wrapping a stack of objects with a film has first and second supplies of films and a pull-down device shiftable vertically along the stack of objects. A film-feed head has a drive roller rotatable about an axis in the film feed head and first and second pairs of counterrollers angularly offset from each other relative to the drive-roller axis. The drive roller and the pairs of counterrollers are relatively shiftable between end positions in each of which one of the pairs is spaced from the drive roller and the other pair is engaged with the drive roller. The first and second films pass between the respective first and second pairs and the drive roller. An actuator can shift the first and the second pairs of rollers relative the drive roller for pinching the films against the drive roller and, on rotation of the drive roller.

Abstract: An apparatus for wrapping a stack of objects with a film has a film supply holding the film and a support including only two vertical masts adjacent the film supply and juxtaposed with the stack to be wrapped. A pull-down device is shiftable vertically along the two masts next to the stack. A film-feed head is also shiftable vertically along the two masts. The film extends from the supply through the film-feed head to the pull-down device. A film-storing means or looper is provided in the film-feed head for storing a variable length of the film in the head.

Abstract: A new system of packaging and offering precious gems for sale are disclosed. A precious gem and an abbreviated certificate of authenticity about that gem are sealed within an at least partly see-through security case. The sealed security case is secured inside of an enclosed compartment in a security carton, and the gem and the abbreviated certificate of authenticity are visible through one or more windows in the security carton. Additional information about the gem is stored in a storage compartment in the security carton, which is separately accessible from the enclosed compartment. A retailer displays and offers the gem for sale directly to end consumers in the display package, and the consumer is assured by the display package that the gem has the characteristics disclosed on the abbreviated certificate of authenticity without requiring an intermediate local jeweler to verify the characteristics.

Abstract: A multi-pharmaceutical dispensing station includes a circular platform around which a plurality of individual dispensers is arrayed at a convenient loading height. Each dispenser accepts a single bulk canister containing one pharmaceutical. Cylindrical, empty prescription containers carry labels bearing indicia of the patient and pharmaceutical to be dispensed into each container. Sensors detect the indicia and direct the containers to the proper dispenser which fills them with the type and quantity of a pharmaceutical according to the indicia. Incident containers first drop into a dispersion wheel which translates them around the circular station and aligns them with a vertical chute leading to the correct dispenser. After filling, the containers are urged onto a moving, circular table which conveys them to automatic closing and sealing apparatus. Once closed and sealed, the containers exit the dispenser station through pneumatic tubing which conveys them to verification, sorting and shipping stages.

Abstract: An automated dispenser receives a canister of small objects secured atop the dispenser using a bar-code matched gate operated by a central controller. A hopper below the gate directs small quantities of objects into a charge block which urges them into a circular counter and atop a movable plate forming the bottom of the counter. The plate bears slots around its perimeter adjacent the cylindrical walls of the counter. The central controller operates a servo motor to rotate the plate in measured increments, urging a precise count of objects into a port through which they fall one at a time into a receptacle. Means on the cylinder walls orients objects so that only a single one at a time may fall into each slot, thereby preventing overfilling. An exit sensor counts the objects as they fall to verify quantity and guard against under-filling.