A metering device is for the volumetric metering of micro-tablets or the like and for transferring metered partial amounts of the micro-tablets into target containers. The metering device includes a metering unit with volumetrically specific metering chambers and a feed container, which is disposed above the metering unit in the direction of gravity. The feed container has an upper filling opening, lateral container walls and a lower container bottom with transfer openings for transferring the micro-tablets into the metering chambers. At least one retaining bottom is disposed in the feed container between the filling opening and the container bottom. The retaining bottom covers the transfer openings in the container bottom, at least one through-gap for the micro-tablets being formed at the side of the retaining bottom.

A kiosk according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a housing; a touch screen configured to receive input information from a user; a label printer configured to print output information from the kiosk; a pill drop opening; a pill chute; a drive tube having entry and exit openings, wherein the drive tube has an axis extending through a longitudinal axial centerline thereof, and has an inside surface comprising a helical flute, wherein the entry opening is in communication with the pill chute, and wherein the exit opening is higher than the entry opening such that the axial centerline of the drive tube is inclined; a motor configured to rotate the drive tube to separate and convey pills received through the pill drop opening and the pill chute; and an optical counter configured to count the pills as the pills fall from the exit opening of the drive tube.

A kiosk according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a housing; a touch screen configured to receive input information from a user; a label printer configured to print output information from the kiosk; a pill drop opening; a pill chute; a drive tube having entry and exit openings, wherein the drive tube has an axis extending through a longitudinal axial centerline thereof, and has an inside surface comprising a helical flute, wherein the entry opening is in communication with the pill chute, and wherein the exit opening is higher than the entry opening such that the axial centerline of the drive tube is inclined; a motor configured to rotate the drive tube to separate and convey pills received through the pill drop opening and the pill chute; and an optical counter configured to count the pills as the pills fall from the exit opening of the drive tube.

A medication dispensing device comprises a case having a front panel, a back panel and sidewalls. The case defines a medication holding area and a dosage holding area. A first gate is located between the medication holding area and the dosage holding area and is operable to allow the dosage to pass from the medication holding area to the dosage holding area. A second gate is operable to allow the dosage to pass from the dosage holding area to the patient. The device further includes a battery, a patient authentication device and a central processing unit (CPU). Upon proper patient authentication, the CPU instructs the first gate to open to pass the dosage to the dosage holding area, the first gate to close upon passage of the dosage, the second gate to open to dispense the dosage, and the second gate to close.

A medication dispensing device comprises a case having a front panel, a back panel and sidewalls. The case defines a medication holding area and a dosage holding area. A first gate is located between the medication holding area and the dosage holding area and is operable to allow the dosage to pass from the medication holding area to the dosage holding area. A second gate is operable to allow the dosage to pass from the dosage holding area to the patient. The device further includes a battery, a patient authentication device and a central processing unit (CPU). Upon proper patient authentication, the CPU instructs the first gate to open to pass the dosage to the dosage holding area, the first gate to close upon passage of the dosage, the second gate to open to dispense the dosage, and the second gate to close.

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.

The present invention provides a pill tray that allows a user to efficiently and reliably verify the contents of an automatically filled prescription. Design features that avoid the presence of sharp edges and allow visualization of the entire surface of the pill tray help reduce and/or eliminate the risk of commingling of pills between separate prescriptions.

The present invention provides a pill tray that allows a user to efficiently and reliably verify the contents of an automatically filled prescription. Design features that avoid the presence of sharp edges and allow visualization of the entire surface of the pill tray help reduce and/or eliminate the risk of commingling of pills between separate prescriptions.

A medication adherence and monitoring system and method for use with pill packet dosing is provided. The system is configured to mount on a medication reservoir that stores a stream of pill packets. The system utilizes a processor in conjunction with an optical scanner, to read scannable codes on the stream of pill packets to configure the system and track extraction of the pill packets from the reservoir when they pass by the optical scanner as the pill packets are extracted from the reservoir through an opening in a housing that spans or covers a storage container for the pill packets. The system further provides prompting and feedback for the extraction of the pill packets while monitoring compliance with the dosage schedule for the user.

A medication adherence and monitoring system and method for use with pill packet dosing is provided. The system is configured to mount on a medication reservoir that stores a stream of pill packets. The system utilizes a processor in conjunction with an optical scanner, to read scannable codes on the stream of pill packets to configure the system and track extraction of the pill packets from the reservoir when they pass by the optical scanner as the pill packets are extracted from the reservoir through an opening in a housing that spans or covers a storage container for the pill packets. The system further provides prompting and feedback for the extraction of the pill packets while monitoring compliance with the dosage schedule for the user.