Abstract: Apparatus for producing image bearing filled gelatin capsules (12 and 16) for directing gelatin ribbon (2,4) from respective casting drums to an encapsulation station (6). Along the path of at least one ribbon (4) is a transfer station (18) at which images are applied to the ribbon. The images are applied in a pattern which corresponds to the pattern of capsules formed from the ribbon at the encapsulation station (6). Both the rollers (8) at the encapsulation station, and a support roller at or adjacent the transfer station are positively drive, and a control system ensures that the peripheral speed of a support roller (16) in the transfer station (18) is the same as the speed of the ribbon into and through the encapsulation station. The drive motor for the respective support roller in the transfer station is preferably a stepping motor, adjustable to advace or retard relative to the ribbon spped in the encapsulation station (6).

Abstract: The invention herein relates to a method and apparatus for forming (or cold-forming) an embossed blister from a laminated film wherein an indicia is formed on the base of the blister. In particular, the invention involves a single pass process of combining the formation of a blister and the formation of an indicia (embossing) on the blister, wherein the blister-forming pin contains a face with an indicia and is adapted to controllably stretch the laminated film during blister formation to minimize stretching of the film at the base of the blister. The invention is particularly useful in manufacturing processes which involve the formation of blisters having laminated films which contain a metal foil and polymer layer, wherein improved control in the stretching of the laminate during blister formation is desirable.

Abstract: This invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for oral administration comprising a carrier and, as active ingredient, an opioid (? receptor) agonist, such as fentanyl, or a salt thereof, characterized in that the composition is in the form of a fast-dispersing dosage form designed to release the active ingredient rapidly in the oral cavity. A process for preparing such a composition and the use of such a composition as an analgesic, for the treatment of chronic pain and/or breakthrough pain, as an anesthetic premedication, for the induction of anesthesia, as a sedative and/or for the treatment of anxiety are also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to a nutritional beverage substantially free of chemical pesticides, antibiotics, hormones, herbicides, non-genetically modified plants and chemical solvents that utilizes organic brown rice syrup and organic rice protein concentrate as major components and a source of calcium selected from various calcium salts, including mono-, di- or tricalcium phosphate, calcium lactate gluconate and mixtures thereof. The beverage preferably also contains water soluble vitamins, oil soluble vitamins and flavors. The use of rice protein concentrate stabilized with a blend of guar and CMC gums, and brown rice syrup provides a beverage with a smooth texture, a pleasant taste and a light, refreshing mouthfeel. The beverage also has excellent physical stability over shelf life.

Abstract: A laminated film in which a metal foil is sandwiched between two polymeric films is cold formed to define one or more blisters, and the base of the blister stamped with indicia, in two discrete stages. The blister is formed in the first stage using a standard technique of advancing a pin in a direction transverse relative to the plane of the film. According to the invention, once the blister forming stage is completed, indicia are stamped into the base of the blister in the second stage by advancing a die from one side thereof to clamp the blister base against a mold held against the other side. The direction of the die and disposition of the die and mold may be selected such that the indicia project inwardly or outwardly from the blister base.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is a process for increasing the achievable concentration of a pharmaceutically active ingredient relative to fill composition viscosity for dosage units. The process is particularly useful in the preparation of soft gelatin capsules containing ibuprofen, naproxen, indomethacin, and acetaminophen, as the pharmaceutically active ingredient. As a result of the process, lesser quantities of composition ingredients other than the pharmaceutically active ingredient are needed to accomplish the same therapeutically effective dosage, thereby significantly increasing the concentration of the pharmaceutically active ingredient resulting in either a reduction in overall fill volume and dosage unit size or an increase in concentration of pharmaceutically active ingredient per dosage form.

Abstract: The use of a pharmaceutical composition for oral administration comprising a carrier and active ingredient selected from a dopamine agonist, testosterone and mixtures thereof, the composition being in the form of a fast-dispersing dosage form designed to release the active ingredient rapidly in the oral cavity for the manufacture of a medicament for treatment of male erectile dysfunction.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions comprising a modified starch and a carrageenan, especially iota-carrageenan, where the compositions are suitable for use in manufacturing soft capsules.

Abstract: Disclosed are suspensions suitable for encapsulation in gelatin capsules, comprising a solid phase consisting of solid particles having a mean diameter of at least about 149 &mgr;m, and a liquid phase capable of suspending the solid phase, the suspension having a predetermined rheology at a temperature suitable for encapsulation into gelatin capsules.

Abstract: This invention relates to a nutritional beverage substantially free of chemical pesticides, antibiotics, hormones, herbicides, non-genetically modified plants and chemical solvents that utilizes organic brown rice syrup as a major component and a source of calcium which is natural milk mineral, or calcium lactate gluconate and mixtures thereof. The beverage preferably also contains water soluble vitamins, oil soluble vitamins, flavors and organic protein. The use of brown rice syrup and natural milk mineral in a preferred embodiment of the beverage provides a beverage with a smooth texture, a pleasant taste and a light, refreshing mouthfeel. The beverage also has excellent physical stability over shelf life.