Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing certain physical attributes of a medicinal tablet is provided in which the apparatus automatically positions the tablet in a proper orientation for a hardness test. In the test apparatus, the tablet to be tested is introduced to a linear guide track which moves the tablet from a thickness tester station to a weight tester station and finally to a hardness tester station. In the hardness tester station, the orientation of the tablet is visually inspected by means of a camera. A processing unit compares the orientation of the tablet with a predetermined orientation for a similarly-shaped tablet. The position of the tablet is then rotated so that the tablet is properly oriented. A ram and anvil are then brought into contact with the tablet and the ram and anvil are progressively forced together until the tablet is crushed. The maximum force needed to crush the tablet is measured and recorded.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a generally cylindrical two-layer, vertically-compressed tablet having a longitudinal axis longer than its diameter is provided in which a generally cylindrical die cavity is provided on a die table with the longitudinal axis of the die cavity being vertically disposed. An upper punch provided above the die cavity rides on an upper cam assembly which controls the movement of the upper punch to and from the die cavity. A lower punch provided below the die cavity rides on a lower cam assembly which raises and lowers the lower punch relative to the die cavity. In operation, the lower punch is positioned and a first powder is added in a metered amount to the die cavity. The upper punch then tamps down the first powder within the die cavity. The lower punch is positioned to receive a metered amount of a second powder in the die cavity above the first powder.

Abstract: A medicinal tablet mechanical configuration is provided that permits prolonged absorption of a medicinal dosage through the gastro-intestinal tract of warm blooded animals. The tablet is formed with a solid core unit that contains the medically beneficial drug and an outer unit that maintains its physical and chemical integrity during the dosage life of the core unit. The medicinal tablet is formed in a die by first placing a quantity of powder from which the outer unit is formed into the die. The core unit is next positioned within the die so that portions of the surface of the core unit abut the die. The remainder of the powder to form the outer unit is then placed in the die and the contents of the die are subjected to a compressive force by die punches inserted into the die so that the tablet is formed.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a generally cylindrical two-layer, vertically-compressed tablet having a longitudinal axis longer than its diameter is provided in which a generally cylindrical die cavity is provided on a die table with the longitudinal axis of the die cavity being vertically disposed. An upper punch provided above the die cavity rides on an upper cam assembly which controls the movement of the upper punch to and from the die cavity. A lower punch provided below the die cavity rides on a lower cam assembly which raises and lowers the lower punch relative to the die cavity. In operation, the lower punch is positioned and a first powder is added in a metered amount to the die cavity. The upper punch then tamps down the first powder within the die cavity. The lower punch is positioned to receive a metered amount of a second powder in the die cavity above the first powder.