Abstract: Inhaler testing apparatus includes a frame, a rotatable carousel rotatably mounted on said frame and that support tubes each having a closed end and an open end, an inhaler retaining apparatus on said frame that retains an inhaler being tested, and actuating mechanisms on the frame for moving the inhaler retaining apparatus in two directions, for shaking and actuating the inhaler being tested. A control unit controls rotation of the carousel and the actuating mechanisms to move the carousal relative to the inhaler being tested to cause controlled shaking of the inhaler and delivery of material from the inhaler into each tube. Analysis of the material in the tubes constitutes a test of the inhaler.

Abstract: Combined dissolution rate and permeation rate testing apparatus includes temperature-controllable testing cell units arranged on a housing frame. Each testing cell unit includes a donor chamber receivable of dissolution media, a receptor chamber receivable of bodily fluid, gaskets that retain a membrane between the two chambers, and controllable mixers that mix the fluid in the receptor chamber. A flow control arrangement operatively circulates dissolution media through the donor chamber and enables sampling of the dissolution media. Another flow control arrangement operatively circulates bodily fluid through the receptor chamber. An analysis unit analyzes dissolution media removed from the donor chamber and bodily fluid removed from the receptor chamber to provide data about dissolution of a pharmaceutical product dissolved in the dissolution media and permeation of the pharmaceutical product through the membrane into the bodily fluid.

Abstract: Dissolution tester assembly that tests pharmaceutical tablets includes a frame that operatively supports a vessel having an interior into which a tablet is placed, a camera assembly supported by the frame and including a shaft having a hollow portion and an end that extends into the vessel interior, and an imaging system for imaging the tablet during the dissolution process to enable display of the images on a monitor. The imaging system includes a first camera positioned in the hollow portion of the shaft and oriented to image downward toward a bottom of the vessel, and/or a second camera positioned on the frame at a location directly below the vessel and oriented to image upward toward the bottom of the vessel. An attachment, such as a paddle for stirring or a basket for retaining the tablet, may be positioned at the end of the shaft in the vessel.

Abstract: Combined dissolution rate and permeation rate testing apparatus includes temperature-controllable testing cell units arranged on a housing frame. Each testing cell unit includes a donor chamber receivable of dissolution media, a receptor chamber receivable of bodily fluid, gaskets that retain a membrane between the two chambers, and controllable mixers that mix the fluid in the receptor chamber. A flow control arrangement operatively circulates dissolution media through the donor chamber and enables sampling of the dissolution media. Another flow control arrangement operatively circulates bodily fluid through the receptor chamber. An analysis unit analyzes dissolution media removed from the donor chamber and bodily fluid removed from the receptor chamber to provide data about dissolution of a pharmaceutical product dissolved in the dissolution media and permeation of the pharmaceutical product through the membrane into the bodily fluid.

Abstract: Brush head for cleaning a vessel and use in an automatic dissolution vessel cleaning apparatus which includes a rotatable shaft defining a through passage, an upper end of which is operatively connected to a vacuum source, an inflow housing having at least one channel through which cleaning fluid is pumped and to which the shaft is rotatably mounted, and a brush assembly mounted on the shaft below the housing such that a lower end of the passage is situated below the brush assembly. In use, when the brush head is inserted into the vessel, cleaning fluid is directed through the channel(s) into the vessel while the shaft rotates causing the brush assembly to rotate and clean an inner wall of the vessel with fluid in the vessel being drawn into the passage via its lower end upon coupling of its upper end to the vacuum source.