Abstract: A sensor device is provided to detect a filling status of a consumable in a dispenser, the consumable being web material, and the filling status relating to a spatial extension of the consumable in the dispenser. The sensor device includes a capacitive sensor having an elongated and planar sensor area; and a first measurement section configured to measure the filling status of the dispenser. The capacitive sensor includes a first channel and a second channel. The first measurement section is configured to measure the filling status of the dispenser based on changes in capacitance detected by the first channel and the second channel.

Abstract: A programmable pill dispensing device, system, and methods are provided. A programmable pill dispensing device may be used to automatedly dispense a pill, such as a prescription medication, at a programmed predetermined time.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices for deterring drug abuse and methods thereof. More particularly, the disclosure relates to devices for deterring drug abuse by using physical deterrents and/or deterrent substances, including a mechanism that releases a deterrent substance when improper access of the drug is attempted, and methods thereof.

Abstract: Particles are sorted into paths based on a measurable parameter by forming them into a stream in at least one duct carried on a body rotating around an axis where the duct is shaped so that the particles are accelerated to cause the particles separated into the duct to be aligned one after another in a row in the duct. The parameter of the particles are measured in the aligned stream one after the other and the particles are directed into one of a plurality of paths as determined by the measurement. In one arrangement the body comprises a disk member having a front face facing a supply conduit and the duct lies in a radial plane of the disk member. In one arrangement the measurement of the parameter is carried out by one or more measurement devices either carried on the disk or outside the edge of the disk.

Abstract: A security gate for a retail store shelf having one or more products includes a header and at least one hinge arranged in a horizontal alignment with the header. A rigid frame is connected to the header with the at least one hinge and a guard is positioned across the rigid frame, the guard preventing a user from removing the products. A latching mechanism connects the rigid frame to the header and urges a customer to use two hands to open the security gate.

Abstract: A sensor system for evaluating an item as it moves includes a sensor assembly including a plurality of emitters and a plurality of detectors disposed about an item movement path. A controller is configured for selectively operating the sensor assembly to set up a first active detection pattern through the item movement path by sequentially and rapidly checking an occlusion status of each of a first plurality of emitter to detector light paths that make up the first active detection pattern, such that only one emitter to detector light path of the first plurality of emitter to detector light paths is checked for occlusion at a given instance.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling and tracking computer devices using a secure communication path between a central database and a device control-file watchdog program. One or more device control-files can be generated to control, limit and track a computer device using a device control-file watchdog program. The system sets limits on the computer device to ensure the user operating the computer device stays within a restricted set of usage limitations. The device control-file watchdog program protects the one or more device control-files and additionally can report on all activities performed by the computer device to the central database.

Abstract: An inventory control system is described that includes a tool storage device including a drawer or a tray providing a pallet, wherein the pallet includes storage locations for objects; a sensing device configured to form an image of the storage locations; and a data processor configured to determine presence or absence of the pallet and presence or absence of objects within the storage locations of the pallet using the information from the image.

Abstract: An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to a method of scheduling maintenance for a pharmaceutical dispensing device, comprising: receiving a request to perform said maintenance; automatically generating at least one proposed maintenance time window matching production goals of said pharmaceutical dispensing device and mechanical capability of said pharmaceutical dispensing device and said maintenance and said request; and responding to said request with said at least one proposed maintenance time window.

Abstract: The method, which is for use by a business of the type having patrons which at least periodically place the same order by smart phone or similar device, comprises the steps of: including, as part of the fulfillment of an order placed via a smart phone or similar device, a near-field communication interface; associating the order with at least one of the near-field communication interface and the device which placed the order; and operating a fulfillment system in a manner such that, if an interface is activated with the device that placed the order in which the interface was included, the system facilitates a repeat of that order.

Abstract: A plunger head for a fluid injection device includes a transducer disposed in the plunger head to measure a compressive force when applied to the plunger head. The plunger head also includes a power source and a microcontroller disposed in the plunger head. The microcontroller is coupled to the power source and the transducer, and the microcontroller is coupled to enter a high-power mode in response to sensing application of the compressive force to the plunger head.

Abstract: A medicine dispensing apparatus comprises a medicine containing/dispensing unit (11) for supplying medicines of various kinds; a medicine wrapping part (45) for wrapping the medicine supplied from the medicine containing/dispensing unit (11) for every one dose package by a dispensing paper (S); a medicine wrapping hopper (73) for falling down the medicine for one dose package into a dispensing paper S in the medicine wrapping part (45) and a medicine check part (5) for determining depending on a photographed image of the medicine wrapping hopper (73) whether or not the medicine is adheres to the introduction part.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system and method for using a mobile device to assist with the efficient and secure delivery of item. The mobile device can assist an item deliver to lock or unlock secure item delivery receptacles. The mobile device can also notify an item deliverer about particular delivery conditions associated with particular delivery endpoints. The mobile device can further help the item deliverer to determine whether or not he or she is delivering the item to the correct location.

Abstract: A system and associated method are provided for dispensing lottery tickets at retail establishments. A lottery ticket terminal is in communication with a retail POS register and accepts a request for purchase of a particular lottery ticket selected from a plurality of different lottery tickets. A dispenser array is in communication with the terminal and includes a plurality of separate bins having a different respective lottery tickets stored. The lottery tickets have a machine readable code printed thereon and each bin includes a scanner disposed to read the code as the tickets are dispensed from the bin by an electronic drive mechanism. The lottery ticket terminal transmits a purchase signal for dispensing a particular lottery ticket that is routed to the respective bin containing the particular lottery ticket. The bin transmits a signal that is routed to a central lottery server for each lottery ticket dispensed from the bin, the signal identifying the lottery ticket from the scanned code.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring pharmaceutical articles from a counting machine to containers advancing along a conveyor line comprises a first series of tubular elements and at least one second series of tubular elements able to receive the pharmaceutical articles internally thereof. The apparatus comprises a first looped movement organ for moving the first tubular elements and at least one independently activatable second looped movement organ for moving the second tubular elements both, a stepped fashion and continuously, and each defining a looped movement pathway for the tubular elements comprising a first straight path portion below the counting machine so that the tubular elements can be halted for receiving therefrom the counted articles, and a second straight path portion above the conveyor line, so that the tubular elements can be moved at the same velocity above the containers and release the articles therein.

Abstract: Computer program products, methods, systems, apparatus, and computing entities for enhanced cargo screening capabilities are provided.

Abstract: Merchandise security systems and methods are provided. In one example, a merchandise security system includes a plurality of electronic keys and a plurality of merchandise security devices located within a retail store. Each electronic key and each merchandise security device is configured to store one or more serial numbers. In addition, each electronic key is configured to be authorized for communication with one or more merchandise security devices within the retail store. An electronic key is configured to communicate with a merchandise security device for locking, unlocking, arming, and/or disarming the merchandise security device when the serial numbers match.

Abstract: Mechanisms for dispensing items such as medications and medical supplies. Different mechanisms may be tailored to dispensing different kinds of items, for example medications in single dose packages, vials, syringes, or other similarly-shaped items. The dispensers may be placed in a dispensing unit that includes a lockable restock drawer and a dispense drawer into which items are dispensed by the dispensing mechanisms. The various kinds of dispensing mechanisms may be installed in the restock drawer in any workable proportion and arrangement. The dispensing mechanisms include multiple sensing technologies for tracking and inventory of items and for accurate sensing of items as they are dispensed.

Abstract: A data center supporting a network system for vending products to customers and associated vending methods are provided. The network system includes a data center and a plurality of vending stores remotely located from the data center and connected to the data center through a network interface. The vending stores also include an automated dispensing mechanism for immediate dispensing of purchased products to the customers. The data center may include an enterprise resource planning module and the vending stores may contain user interfaces for collecting inventory and maintenance data during stocking and maintenance.

Abstract: A lottery ticket dispenser array includes individual ticket bins defined by a respective housing for receipt of a supply of interconnected lottery tickets. Each bin has an electronic drive mechanism that dispenses the lottery tickets through a slot is defined in a back side of each bin housing. A separation device is adjacent the slot. A calibration slot is defined through a member internal to the housing and is located such that the lottery tickets pass alongside the calibration field in a travel path through the slot. A receiver is disposed internal to the housing opposite to the calibration slot to receive light that passes through the slot. The receiver and the drive mechanism are in communication with a control system.

Abstract: Merchandise security systems and methods are provided. In one example, a merchandise security system includes a plurality of electronic keys and a plurality of merchandise security devices located within a retail store. Each electronic key and each merchandise security device is configured to store one or more serial numbers. In addition, each electronic key is configured to be authorized for communication with one or more merchandise security devices within the retail store. An electronic key is configured to communicate with a merchandise security device for locking, unlocking, arming, and/or disarming the merchandise security device when the serial numbers match.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method for a banknote recycler to perform a self-audit of the contents of the recycler's recycling cassettes without the assistance of a human operator. The method involves the transforming of the deposit cassette into a temporary recycling cassette after the deposit cassette has been emptied of its contents. The banknotes are validated and counted as they are moved from the recycling cassette into the empty deposit cassette, which serves as the banknote storage area. After the audit of the recycling cassette is complete, the banknote recycler is then instructed to move the notes from the deposit cassette back into the appropriate recycling cassette. These same steps can be performed for each recycling cassette in the banknote recycler that is desired to be audited.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a framework for facilitating a medical emergency workflow. In accordance with one aspect, a code cart is paired with a computer system. The code cart may include tracking tags attached to the code cart and cart items. The computer system may include a data collector for scanning the tracking tags and an application. The application may be executable by a processor to perform steps including receiving, from the data collector, information associated with the code cart and one or more selected cart items, and updating a medical emergency record based at least in part on the received information.

Abstract: A system, device and method provide for the printing of an instant, scratch-off lottery ticket product on demand at a retail location. In various embodiments, a pre-activation printing process applies an active thermal layer and other coatings on a ticket substrate, but excludes any game indicia or security codes. An activator printer thermally applies game indicia and/or security code(s) at a retail location according to ticket selections made by a user and further according to data generated via a central host, wherein the activator printer applies the indicia and code(s) at least partially under one or more security coatings on the ticket substrate, where the coatings had been applied during the pre-activation process.

Abstract: A flap mechanism (2) has a housing (10), a flap aperture (21) formed on the housing (10), and a flap element (20) that at least partially closes the flap aperture (21) in a closed position and can be transferred from the closed position to an open position for at least partially freeing the flap aperture. The flap element (20), in the open position, protrudes at least with an end portion (200) from the housing (10). At least one light element (22) is arranged on the flap element (20) and generates a gleam of light on the end portion (200) of the flap element (20) at least in the open position of the flap element (20).

Abstract: A cabinet system for securely storing items includes a cabinet housing, a controller, and at least one drawer unit. The cabinet housing has a locking mechanism, and the controller is in communication with the cabinet housing and configured to operate the locking mechanism. The drawer unit is designed to be releasably locked at least partially within the cabinet housing by the locking mechanism, and slidable within a portion of the cabinet housing when released by the locking mechanism. The drawer unit includes at least one storage compartment, a cover, memory, and a power source. The storage compartment is configured to store at least one item therein. The cover is movable to an open configuration and a closed configuration. When the cover is in the closed configuration, the cover limits access to the item of the storage compartment. The memory is powered by the power source and is configured to store data associated with a movement of the cover.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medication dispenser that comprises a first container for holding medication packages to be dispensed, and conveying means for conveying medication packages from the first container to an outlet of the medication dispenser, the conveying means comprising a first conveyor that is arranged in connection with the outlet and is capable of conveying a medication package in a first and a second conveying direction, so that a medication package can be conveyed to the outlet and retracted inside the medication dispenser. The first conveyor comprises two opposing belt conveyors between which a medication package is arranged to be conveyed, both of the belt conveyors comprising an endless belt and a plurality of rollers around which the endless belt is arranged. The invention also relates to a method for dispensing medications.

Abstract: In a method for controlling physical access to a computing device a first access request to a room containing the computing device is received. In response, a processor determines that the first access request is valid based on the room and the date and time of the first access request and unlocks a door to the room to permit entry to the room. Subsequently, a second access request to a cabinet that is located in the room and contains the computing device is received. In response, a processor determines that the second access request is valid based on the cabinet and the date and time of the second access request and unlocks the cabinet to permit access to the computing device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dispensing cabinet and a method for the controlled dispensing of objects. The dispensing cabinet comprises a housing, a storage unit which is arranged in the housing and has a plurality of storage spaces for the objects and an input member for selecting an object to be dispensed and for inputting object- and/or user-related data. On the housing a dispensing opening is provided, on which several lockable access doors are arranged. A drive member moves a storage unit inside the housing, wherein a storage space containing the selected object can be positioned at the dispensing opening. Furthermore, a control unit is provided, with which the drive member can be controlled in order to position the selected object in front of the dispensing opening and the access door in front of the storage space containing the desired object can be unlocked to give access to a user.

Abstract: A method and an administration system (CCMS) are proposed for monitoring of disposal processes for funds (GM) which are accepted by at least one money acceptance system (CP) and which are removed from the monetary cycle, wherein inventory data (B1, B2) about the disposed funds (GM) are detected. The administration system (CCMS) has a first data interface (IF1) in order to receive first inventory data (B1) from the at least one money acceptance system (CP) and has a second data interface disposal device (WTU) which disposes of the funds (GM) from the monetary cycle. In addition, the administration system (CCMS) has at least one computing unit which compares the first and the second inventory data (B1, B2) with each other, and depending on this comparison, generates results data (R) for at least one device (BK) which administers the ownership of the funds (GM).

Abstract: The invention refers to a system and a process for the measure and collection of consumables consumption and performance data to build a reliable, real-time database and to monitor the consumption and performance of a consumable tool through its life cycle. A system according to the invention comprises a) first storage means to store data concerning the consumables; b) means to capture the performance data; c) second storage means to store performance data during operation of the consumable when is mounted on a machine; d) means to transfer in real-time the performance data to the said second storage means; e) process means to assess the performance of the tool and on the basis of the said assessment to instruct or not the withdrawal of the tool; and output means to deliver the said instruction to a user of the system.

Abstract: An apparatus includes one-side reels rotatably arranged, one-side tapes wound around the one-side reels, a drum arranged to rotate in one direction to wind and store a medium with the medium being laid over the one-side tapes and in an opposite direction to pull out the wound medium, and retainers opposed to the one-side tapes with respect to the medium wound by or pulled out from the drum for abutting against a surface of the medium to hold the medium, the one-side tapes having a tape width shorter than the width of the medium corresponding to the length of the medium in a direction perpendicular to a transfer direction of the medium, the one-side tapes being arranged in parallel and spaced with a spacing shorter than the width of the medium in a direction of the width of the medium to abut against another surface of the medium.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling containers with pharmaceutical articles comprises a transfer element (1) arranged to receive articles from a conveyor (V) and to transfer them to a mouth (I) of an article accumulating conduit (C) positioned above a container. A sensor (8, 9) detects article characteristics and counts the articles. A mobile element (2) has a first curved surface (21) and a second curved surface (22), the element being movable between a first orientation (P1), in which the first curved surface enables an advancement of articles detected as being whole towards the mouth (I) of the accumulating conduit (C), and a second orientation (P2), with the second curved surface (22) arranged to prevent a continuity of advancement for the articles detected as not being whole, diverting these away from the mouth of the accumulating conduit (C).

Abstract: An upper case with a stopper projection that extends downward between an outlet and a dispensing standby space, in a situation where a container body is closed. A lower case with a pusher member that is positioned on a side opposed to the stopper projection with respect to the dispensing standby space, in a situation where the container body is closed, the pusher member being configured to, during an operation for opening the upper case, push a tablet located in the dispensing standby space toward the outlet. During the operation for opening the upper case, the stopper projection is configured to get over a side surface of the tablet located in the dispensing standby space, and is configured to stop an outlet-side surface of a tablet succeeding to the tablet having been located in the dispensing standby space. A sensor unit detects passage of one tablet to the outlet.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems for radio frequency identification (RFID)-enabled information collection are disclosed, including an enclosure, a collector coupled to the enclosure, an interrogator, a processor, and one or more RFID field sensors, each having an individual identification, disposed within the enclosure. In operation, the interrogator transmits an incident signal to the collector, causing the collector to generate an electromagnetic field within the enclosure. The electromagnetic field is affected by one or more influences. RFID sensors respond to the electromagnetic field by transmitting reflected signals containing the individual identifications of the responding RFID sensors to the interrogator. The interrogator receives the reflected signals, measures one or more returned signal strength indications (“RSSI”) of the reflected signals and sends the RSSI measurements and identification of the responding RFID sensors to the processor to determine one or more facts about the influences.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical product dispensers (e.g., in the shape of a common ink pen) are operable to indicate information regarding a dosing schedule of a pharmaceutical product dispensable from the dispenser. Embodiments of the dispensers may include a plurality of dosing segments, each corresponding to a different dose of the pharmaceutical product. Actuation of an actuator may result in interaction between the actuator and the pharmaceutical product storage area such that a dose of pharmaceutical product contained in the pharmaceutical product storage area is dispensed, along with a corresponding advancement of the plurality of dosing segments. The dispenser may also include one or more locks to prevent unauthorized access to the pharmaceutical product (e.g., by a child or the like). Furthermore, the pharmaceutical product dispenser may include a disabling mechanism to permanently disable actuation of the actuator of the dispenser.

Abstract: When the present time of a clock circuit is a medication time recorded in advance in a SD card, a notice that the medication time has come is given by a voice output portion or the like. Presence/absence of a medicine package in each block of a medicine package case is sensed by a medicine package sensor. The time point and the presence/absence of the medicine package are recorded in the SD card. A notice corresponding to the presence/absence is output. At a time except for the medication time, taking-out of the case, opening/closing of the cover, taking-out and return of the medicine package are recorded in the SD card based on detection signals from the medicine package sensor, medicine package case sensor, and case cover opening/closing sensor. A notice corresponding to the sensed situation is output.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a body forming an external shape, a containing unit for containing a pill packet including pills to be taken, a driving assembly provided below the containing unit and applying a force for pushing the pill packet in one direction, a guide bar for providing a transfer path of the pill packet transferred by an operation of the driving assembly, an elevation bar provided above the guide bar and capable of descending or ascending toward the pill packet, a cylinder assembly for allowing the elevation bar to elevate, a discharge box for containing the pills when the pills are separated from the pill packet by the elevation bar, and a first outlet to be an opening of the discharge box.

Abstract: A method of using a device for encouraging adherence to a medication schedule and proper administration technique includes placing the device on a surface. The device includes a body, a timer associated with the body for measuring and displaying an elapsed time since an immediately prior medication dose was administered; and a button on the body that, when depressed relative to the body, resets the timer. The button is sized and shaped for accommodating a medication container used to store or activate the medication. The button and the body are configured for cooperating with the medication container for facilitating mixing of the medication. The method further includes engaging the medication container with the button and resetting the timer.

Abstract: A tablet division feeder includes a moving unit to move a tablet T, a fixing blade located in a movement path of the tablet T, and a support plate extending from the fixing blade such that divided tablets T2 on the fixing blade are transferred and kept onto the support plate. The fixing blade divides the tablet T into upper and lower divided tablets as the tablet T is moved in such a manner that the lower divided tablet T1 is discharged and the upper divided tablet T2 is transferred from the fixing blade to the support plate by the moving unit and kept on the support plate. The upper divided tablet T2 is discharged from the support plate as the upper divided tablet T2 is further moved by the moving unit in such a manner that the upper divided tablet T2 is discharged from the moving unit.

Abstract: Methods and systems for facilitating initiation of resupply orders for consumable commodities include using a stand-alone electronic or audio-generating device incorporated into retail product packaging. The stand-alone device is equipped with a rudimentary processor or logic circuit, a memory, and a wireless transmitter. A simple user interface/activation device such as a push button or membrane switch is coupled to the logic circuit or processor. The stand-alone device is incorporated into or with product packaging, and may be configured with a resupply code at or after a point of sale. A user may activate the user interface of the device when the product needs resupplying, causing the resupply code to be transmitted to an access point or terminal that initiates a reorder sequence for the product.

Abstract: A detecting/counting device for pharmaceutical/parapharmaceutical articles has a sliding support groove (15) having a first lateral wall (15A) and a second lateral wall (15B) and a bottom. A first capacitive sensor (C1) has a first armature (C1A) parallel to the first lateral wall (15A) and a second armature (C1B) parallel to the second lateral wall and connected to a first reference potential Vref1 by a first circuit (O1). A second capacitive sensor (C2) has a first armature (C2A) parallel to the first lateral wall and a second armature (C2B) parallel to the second lateral wall and connected to a second reference potential Vref2 by a second circuit (O2). A data processing unit (E) receives signals from the first circuit and the second circuit during transit of an article, indicating the shape of the articles, and compares them with reference ranges to determine whether the article is whole.

Abstract: The present invention is a pill dispensing method and apparatus wherein a first rotor rotates pills about a rotation axis along a first part of a spiral path at a first rotational speed whereupon the pills move spirally away from the rotation axis. A second rotor receives the pills from the first rotor and rotates the pills about the rotation axis along a second part of the spiral path at a second, greater rotational speed whereupon the pills move spirally away from the rotation axis toward a discharge chute which dispenses the pills into a pill bottle or a storage container. A counter can be provided for counting pills that exit the discharge chute or opening.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing solid pharmaceutical articles includes a dispensing bin having a solid pharmaceutical article storage chamber therein, and a sensor system. The sensor system includes a sensor having first and second electrodes in the storage chamber, and a controller coupled to the sensor. The sensor is configured to generate a detection signal indicative of a capacitance. The controller is configured to detect a presence of one or more solid pharmaceutical articles in the storage chamber based on the capacitance indicated by the detection signal. Related methods and computer program products are also discussed.

Abstract: An atypical pill dispensing apparatus. The atypical pill dispensing apparatus may include a pill depository, a pill transporter, and a controller. The pill depository accommodates atypical pills. The pill transporter includes: a housing including an inlet opening formed on one side to be provided with the atypical pills from the pill depository, and a discharging opening formed on the other side to discharge the atypical pills; a screw with one end disposed corresponding to the inlet opening and the other end disposed corresponding to the discharging opening so as to transport the atypical pills along a spiral when rotating; and a screw driver to rotate the screw. The controller enables the pill transporter to control the transportation of the atypical pills.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing medication is provided. The apparatus includes a case configured to comprise a medication packet container in which medication packets containing medications prescribed for a patient are seated, and a medication packet discharging opening through which the medication packets are externally discharged; a medication packet discharging component configured to discharge the medication packets from the medication packet container one by one; and a controller configured to control the medication packet discharging component to discharge the medication packets one by one from the medication packet container.

Abstract: Unitary extractor system for products in dispensing machines for food and drinks, the products being deposited in corresponding compartments of a series of trays, which present a centrally open laminar base, with a belt provided with a plurality of toothed projections being fitted in relation to the open central part of the laminar base, the unitary extractor system for the product to dispense being defined by a single pusher (10) secured to a belt (5) provided with a plurality of projections, this securing being materialized by means of a rotary arm of the pusher restrained by a spring, with its lower end being positioned between two curved projections of the belt (5), the pusher (10) remaining in its initial position backed on to the product (11) that is most internal of all the products aligned in the corresponding compartment (3) of a tray (2), each of the compartments (3) presenting in its upper part a pair of lateral strips (6) converging towards the center.

Abstract: A data generating device for use with a coin mechanism of a bulk vending machine, is provided. In all of the embodiments, the invention uses a standard coin mechanism of a bulk vending machine, which in its normal operation is received into an opening in the bulk vending machine, and a data generating device in working relation with the coin mechanism. The data generating device, will be able to receive, store and generate various types of information relevant to owners/operators of bulk vending machines, including but not limited to, day and/or time of particular vends, particular machine from which the vend took place, particular location/owner/operator of machine from which each vend originated, and the identity of the person collecting the money from the machine, while also allowing for the multiple hook-up of numerous data generating devices positioned on numerous machines found in one location so as to achieve a report on all vends from all machines.

Abstract: A dispensing cartridge may be improved by the inclusion of an actuator and an agitator. Specifically, activation of the actuator may move the agitator within the cartridge to agitate the items and to direct one of the items into a position for dispensing. Concurrently, activation of the actuator may move a cap of the cartridge to align a dispensing hole with the position for dispensing, thereby allowing for the dispensing of a single item.

Abstract: This invention relates to modifications to the traditional manually operated pill counting tray that is broadly used throughout the world to provide features that permit semi-automatic operation that is faster and more accurate than manual-only operation when counting pharmaceutical pills. The tray modifications are based on electronic weight-based sensing technology including the addition of (1) a weighing load sensor to determine the weight of the pills to be counted, (2) a microprocessor that can convert the measured weight of the pills to a pill count, and (3) an output display to show the number of pills counted. This apparatus includes novel features to improve pill counting speed and accuracy that are only possible when employing electronic counting.