Abstract: A linear ratchet apparatus has a toothed rack mounted for linear movement along an axis defining a forward direction and a reverse direction. A number of latches mutually spaced at intervals in a direction parallel to the axis are mounted for linear reciprocation perpendicular to the axis and are forcibly biased into contact with the teeth of the rack. The mating surfaces of the teeth and latches are shaped such that in normal operation, the latches override the teeth allowing the rack to be moved in the forward direction. Shear engagement between at least one of the latches and at least one of the teeth limits reverse travel of the rack to not more than a predetermined maximum backlash distance which can be specified as desired based on the number and spacing of the latches and the width of the teeth of the rack. A release member coupled to the latches can be actuated to enable reverse movement of the rack.

Abstract: A system for check weighing the content of a blister strip which includes a guide adapted to receive a blister strip comprised of at least one blister, a punch aligned with the guide for receiving the at least one blister, an actuator engaged with the punch for driving the punch toward the blister strip, whereby the blister is punched from the blister strip, and a balance adapted to receive the punched blister for weighing the punched blister and generating a weight signal after subtracting a predetermined value representing the weight of an empty blister. An alternative method of determining the content of a blister strip comprises reflecting a beam of energy off of a blister strip and determining the height of the blister from the reflected energy. The measured height is compared to a predetermined height to derive the amount of powder contained therein.

Abstract: An axial force measurement apparatus (40) comprises a head member (42) adapted for receiving force imparted by an external force-applying source, and a transducer (44) such as a load cell for measuring the amount of force applied to the head member (42). Electronic circuitry (61) for receiving, processing, storing and/or sending electrical information generated by the transducer is provided either externally to the measurement apparatus (40), or is integrated with the apparatus (40). The apparatus (40) can be used to calibrate the valve crimping station (75) and/or the test firing station (125) of a metered dose delivery canister production line. The apparatus (40) is designed to emulate an actual canister (12).

Abstract: A system for check-weighing a metered dose powder inhaler blister comprises a guide (12) adapted to receive a blister strip (14) comprised of at least one blister, a punch (20) aligned with the guide (12) for receiving the at least one blister; an actuator (26) engaged with the punch (20) for driving the punch toward the blister strip (14), whereby the blister (18) is punched from the blister strip; and a balance (32) adapted to receive the punched blister (18) for weighing the punched blister (18) and generating a punched blister weight for the at least one blister.

Abstract: A spinal restraint includes a rigid board and a flat, elongated strap for tying a patient to the board. The strap includes means for attachment to the board on both ends of the strap and is length-adjustable. The board has a spacer which holds the board slightly above a flat surface upon which it is placed. The patient is quickly and securely tied to the board by lacing the strap from side to side over the patient, progressively placing portions of the strap into diagonal slots extending inwards from the periphery of the board. The strap or straps is ultimately secured at the patient's shoulders. At the shoulders the strap is placed over portions of a head restraint pad extending onto the patient's shoulders. The system, including the board, strap and head restraint is length-adjustable to accommodate patients of various sizes.