Abstract: An automated tablet dissolution apparatus adapted for use with tablet sinkers. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a dissolution vessel and an automated mechanism for agitating the contents of the dissolution vessel. The apparatus also includes an automated mechanism for measuring a desired volume of media, heating and degassing the volume and then dispensing the volume into the vessel, an automated mechanism for sampling the contents of the dissolution vessel, an automated mechanism for dispensing a tablet (and sinker, if desired) into the dissolution vessel, an automated mechanism for heating the dissolution vessel, and an automated mechanism for imaging the contents of the dissolution vessel. In addition, the apparatus includes an automated mechanism for emptying the contents of the dissolution vessel.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a dissolution vessel removably seated within an aluminum platen. The apparatus also includes an assembly for automatically measuring a desired volume of media, heating and degassing the volume of media and then dispensing the volume of media into the dissolution vessel. In addition, the apparatus includes a carousel having a plurality of compartments, the carousel being rotatably mounted on a stage, the stage being alignable with the vessel. According to one mode of operation, an open-top, cage-type basket is placed in one or more compartments of the carousel, each basket containing a tablet intended for dissolution. The apparatus additionally includes a shaft aligned with the vessel, the bottom end of the shaft being adapted to frictionally fit together with a basket.

Abstract: A tablet extractor includes a housing which defines a cylindrical chamber having a bottom wall and a side wall. A relief is formed in a sector of the chamber side wall which creates a relatively sharp knife edge. An impeller rotatably mounted in the housing includes a rigid finger which extends along the chamber, that finger having a leading face which extends generally radially and a radially outer surface which follows closely the unrelieved portions of the chamber side wall. There is an opening in the bottom wall of the chamber and a second opening in the chamber side wall. When the impeller is rotated so that the finger rotates toward the knife edge, the extractor can recirculate liquid and a tablet and parts thereof entrained in the liquid through the chamber for mixing and can position the tablet while in the chamber for impaction against the knife edge to pulverize the tablet. A complete automated extraction and analysis workstation incorporating the tablet extractor is also disclosed.