Article dispensing – With discharge assistant – Plural or combined with manipulating means
Reexamination Certificate
2006-10-24
2006-10-24
Crawford, Gene O. (Department: 3651)
Article dispensing
With discharge assistant
Plural or combined with manipulating means
C221S208000, C221S224000, C221S237000, C221S238000
Reexamination Certificate
active
07124912
ABSTRACT:
A pill delivery and packing apparatus having a feeder tube for delivering pills is provided. The feeder tube has a helical delivery chute that extends between an inlet side and an exit side of the tube. The delivery chute has a helical inner contour and a rectangular cross section that corresponds to the shape of the pills. The helical delivery chute is configured such that each of the pills rotates while proceeding through the delivery chute, whereby such rotation of the pills prevents jamming of the pills in the delivery chute. Independently extendable pins are used to alternately block and open the delivery chute, thus providing an escapement mechanism for dispensing pills. The tube also has an outer surface defining a helical outer contour that guides a rotatable tray on which pills are disposed. Associated apparatuses and methods are also provided.
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Alston & Bird LLP
Aylward Enterprises, Inc.
Collins Michael K.
Crawford Gene O.
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