Abstract: The invention is a fragrance sample container comprised of a central cosmetic-containing portion substantially surrounded by a peripheral portion having thickened edges. The entire container is preferably made of soft-gelatin. The thickened edges of the peripheral portion, made of solid gelatin, serve to distribute and absorb the planar force of a weight applied to the container, in order to prevent the central cosmetic-containing portion from rupturing under the pressure of the weight. The invention is particularly useful in the distribution to potential customers of sample unit doses of fragrances or other cosmetics through the mails or in magazines.

Abstract: This invention is comprised of printed shaped bodies and sheets comprising gelatin or having at least an outer surface comprised of at least 5% gelatin or chemically modified gelatin, the shaped bodies and sheets being printed with ink by an ink jet. In particular, the ink applied to the shaped bodies and sheets by the ink jet contains an aluminum and/or calcium compound in addition to dyes and/or pigments, or an aluminum and/or calcium dye compound, and optionally non-volatile proportions of solubilizers and/or dispersants. Further, where the ink contains an aluminum compound, the ink is preferably adjusted to alkaline condition. The invention allows shaped bodies or sheets of gelatin to be printed with ink that is unlikely to be transferred in the form of "ghost images" to adjacent shaped bodies or sheets.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for increasing the solubility of acetaminophen alone or in combination with antihistamines, antitussives, decongestants, and expectorants to form a clear solution for encapsulation into a softgel. The acetaminophen is solubilized alone or in combination with the above ingredients by mixing with polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, water, polyvinylpyrrolidone and potassium (or sodium) acetate. This invention increases the solubility of the acetaminophen to obtain the same size softgel for a 325 mg dose as is presently available for a 250 mg dose softgel product. The disclosed solvent system is useful because it provides for a highly concentrated solution of acetaminophen capable of encapsulation in a small enough capsule to permit easy swallowing.

Abstract: Knurled surfaces such as raised ribs are provided on the shell of a soft gelatin capsule in order to enhance gripping and manipulation of the capsule. The capsule has a removable tab at one end thereof which may also be provided with a knurled surface. One embodiment of the invention is a capsule used for delivery of medicaments to an external body surface. An alternative embodiment of the capsule is disclosed for insertion into a body orifice. The composition of the capsule includes a starch or starch derivative which gives the capsule a drier feel and increases the coefficient of friction of the surface of the shell, further improving the capsule's handling characteristics.

Abstract: The invention permits the application of an identifying mark onto a freeze-dried tablet without the need for application of pressure or for printing directly on the tablet. The invention comprises the preparation of a freeze-dried unit that is embossed with an identifying mark such as a manufacturer's logo, medicinal component strength, or other information relating to the unit. The desired identifying mark is first embossed onto the base of a container such as a blister pocket. Liquid suspension is then filled into the container and freeze-dried therein. The resulting freeze-dried unit in the container is thereby embossed with substantial copy of the identifying mark that was embossed on the base of the container. The embossed identifying mark on the base of the container remains thereon as well, providing at reduced manufacturing cost the added ability to learn the identifying mark on the enclosed freeze-dried unit without opening the blister pack.

Abstract: A softgel having a texture on at least a portion of its surface and a process and apparatus for the manufacture thereof.