Abstract: A preblend for making lactase tablets is prepared containing about 1-99% (preferably about 200-60%) by weight lactase and about 1-99% (preferably about 40-80%) by weight microcrystalline cellulose. Lactase used in the preblend may be in combination with up to about 4 parts (preferably about 0.5-2 parts) by weight cutting agent such as sugars, starches, cellulose, and inorganic salts for each part by weight lactase. About 0.5-4% by weight lubricant such as magnesium stearate may be present in the preblend. A preferred preblend contains about 9.6 weight percent lactase and about 90 weight percent microcrystalline cellulose, or about 2000 to about 9000 FCC lactase units and from about 40 to about 80 weight percent microcrystalline cellulose. Another preferred preblend contains about 9.6 weight percent lactase, about 30.0 weight percent microcrystalline cellulose and about 59.4 weight percent mannitol. Each preblend may also contain magnesium stearate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a core of predominately microcrystalline cellulose, on which an active drug is layered onto the core via solution coating. The coated particles have a narrower particle size distribution than coated granules provided by other processes. An optional final coating of a pharmaceutically acceptable polymeric coating is provided to provide tastemaking or controlled release, and protection of the drug-layered particles.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for forming absorbent products and the improved absorbent products formed thereby are disclosed. In a first embodiment of the present invention, a rotary die is used to cut ellipsoidal and hyperbolic-shaped from a single sheet of material and these shapes are overlaid to form an absorbent structure. The shapes are chosen such that there is no waste of the material and yet the resulting absorbent structure is of a useful shape. Methods are also disclosed whereby two sets of rotary dies are used to simultaneously cut two sheets of material into an arcuate segment and the arcuate segments are overlaid atop each other to form useful absorbent structures. In either embodiment, powders such as superabsorbents may be added to one or more of the surfaces of the components used to construct the absorbent structures.

Abstract: The present invention includes a first coating section, a second coating section and a device for transferring products from the first to the second sections. The first section includes a feeding and loading station for depositing products onto product holders retained in product carrier plates. The products are advanced to a first dipping station in the first section to coat a first portion of the product. The plates are then advanced to a first rotating station in the first station and rotated at least one revolution for spreading the coating over that first portion. The plates are then advanced to a dryer that extends over the first section of the coating apparatus and the coating is dried. The transfer device transfers the products to the second section of the coating apparatus in such a manner to expose the uncoated portion of the products. The plates are then advanced to identical dipping and rotating stations and dryer as in the first section.