FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an automatic packager for medications. More particularly, the present invention relates to a feed mechanism for providing medications to an automatic packager.

SUMMARY

One embodiment provides a cartridge for an automatic packager including a reservoir for storing a plurality of medications and a wheel including a bottom portion placed in the reservoir. The wheel is rotatable with respect to the reservoir. The cartridge also includes a scooping member provided on the wheel to rotate with the wheel and singulate a medication from the reservoir.

Another embodiment provides a cartridge mechanism for an automatic packager including a platform configured to receive a medication from a cartridge and a camera system. The cartridge mechanism also includes an electronic processor coupled to the camera system. The electronic processor is configured to control the camera system to capture an image of the platform and determine whether an expected medication was delivered to the platform based on the image. The electronic processor is also configured to dispense the medication from the cartridge in response to determining that the expected medication is delivered to the platform. The electronic processor is further configured to return the medication to the cartridge in response to determining that the expected medication is not delivered to the platform.

Another embodiment provides a method of dispensing medications from a cartridge using a cartridge mechanism. The method includes delivering a medication to a platform of the cartridge mechanism and controlling, using the electronic processor, a camera system to capture an image of the platform. The method also includes determining, using the electronic processor, whether an expected medication was delivered to the platform based on the image. The method includes dispensing the medication from the cartridge in response to determining that the expected medication is delivered to the platform and returning the medication to the cartridge in response to determining that the expected medication is not delivered to the platform.

