Abstract: A single-use nesting cup for use with mechanical comminution devices having a spinning drive mechanism for pulverizing pills into powder is disclosed. Each cup has a textured base surface that provides for a more efficient grinding and crushing of pills inserted between two such cups when an upper cup is spinningly brought to bear down on a bottom cup. The textured surface of each cup base has a symmetric three-dimensional wave design with each wave arcing along a curve from an outer cylindrical wall of the cup spiraling in toward a center point of the base of each cup. The crest and troughs of each wave act as grinding edges while the overall symmetric wave design acts to maintain the one or more pills and it's powdered form in the center of the bottom cup.

Abstract: A sensor detects the presence of an upper cup in a pair of cups, between which pills are crushed by machine. Operation of the crushing machine is prevented if the upper cup is absent, and enabled if the upper cup is present. The sensor may be a photodiode that is sensitive to a beam of laser light that is directed over the lower cup. The beam passes when the upper cup is absent and is blocked by the upper cup when present. An optional sensor may be included to detect whether the drawer containing the cups and pills is closed, which is used as a further condition that must be satisfied before crushing can be started. Also, an interlock can be included to prevent the drawer from opening during the crushing process. By ensuring the presence of the upper cup, the escape of powdered medication can be prevented.

Abstract: A sensor detects the presence of an upper cup in a pair of cups, between which pills are crushed by machine. Operation of the crushing machine is prevented if the upper cup is absent, and enabled if the upper cup is present. The sensor may be a photodiode that is sensitive to a beam of laser light that is directed over the lower cup. The beam passes when the upper cup is absent and is blocked by the upper cup when present. An optional sensor may be included to detect whether the drawer containing the cups and pills is closed, which is used as a further condition that must be satisfied before crushing can be started. Also, an interlock can be included to prevent the drawer from opening during the crushing process. By ensuring the presence of the upper cup, the escape of powdered medication can be prevented.

Abstract: A single-use nesting cup for use with mechanical comminution devices having a spinning drive mechanism for pulverizing pills into powder is disclosed. Each cup has a textured base surface that provides for a more efficient grinding and crushing of pills inserted between two such cups when an upper cup is spinningly brought to bear down on a bottom cup. The textured surface of each cup base has a symmetric three-dimensional wave design with each wave arcing along a curve from an outer cylindrical wall of the cup spiraling in toward a center point of the base of each cup. The crest and troughs of each wave act as grinding edges while the overall symmetric wave design acts to maintain the one or more pills and it's powdered form in the center of the bottom cup.