Abstract: A dosing disc capsule machine has a tamping pin carried in a mounting block for extending into openings in a dosing disc to compact powder in the openings to form a plug. The plug is then transferred into a capsule body by an ejection pin. In accordance with the invention, a load cell is positioned above the tamping pin in the mounting block for measuring the compressive force exerted on the powder by the tamping pin. The load cell occupies the space normally occupied by the overload spring in such dosing disc capsule machines. Thus, modification of the tamping pin is not necessary, and the simple substitution of parts makes it possible to interchange the instrumentation from one machine to another. Further, the modifications are minor and do not affect the normal operation of the machine.

Abstract: The oxidation--and color-stability of certain ace inhibitors is optimized when they are formulated with a stabilizer and at least one lubricant and/or excipient.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the hardness of capsule plugs, granules and pellets, in which a power stand (11) has a base (12) and gear motor (15) for driving a replaceable probe (25) toward a test subject supported on the base. A test subject holder (27) is placed on the base for holding the test subject, and comprises spaced apart first and second support plates (28, 30) fixed relative to one another with a third support plate (29) movable therebetween to define a space variable between zero and a predetermined maximum. Accordingly, a test subject may be held on the support for testing in a selected one of a variety of modes, including crushing, bending and cutting, depending on the spacing of the plates and the probe selected.

Abstract: The cyclization and hydrolysis of certain ACE inhibitors is minimized when they are formulated with a stabilizer and at least one lubricant and/or excipient.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cutting a pipe into a multiplicity of small pieces are provided wherein the pipe is fed by rotating the pipe about its longitudinal axis and simultaneously moving the pipe in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pipe, and wherein individual pieces are sequentially cut from an end of the pipe as it is being fed.

Abstract: The problems of tackiness and long curing times usually associated with the treatment of dosage forms are overcome via the use of a new curing process. That process involves: (1) coating a drug with a sustained release formulation, (2) immediately coating with a water-soluble overcoat, (3) drying, and (4) recovering the coated dosage form.

Abstract: An apparatus for rejecting an improperly installed plug-on unit, including a circuit controlling device, in an electric power distribution and metering system having a box-like enclosure. A pair of supports are attached to opposing sides within the enclosure with top surfaces substantially parallel to the back of the enclosure so that the plug-on unit can be secured thereto. The circuit controlling device includes a circuit breaker with plug-on jaws, a receptacle and a neutral connector at one end of the plug-on unit which plugs into a jaw of a ground assembly on the back of the enclosure. A plurality of U-shaped interference brackets are welded across the width of the enclosure above the top surface of one support where the end of the plug-on unit containing the neutral connector must be mounted. Each bracket includes a 30.degree.