Abstract: A system to warm contents in a tray is provided. The system includes an induction heating system a resting surface, and a temperature detector disposed upon the resting surface such that a pan that is disposed upon the resting surface contacts the temperature detector. The temperature detector includes an RTD and associated wiring, a first housing that receives the RTD, and a grommet disposed around the first housing. The temperature detector additionally includes a cylindrical second housing that supports and receives a portion of the first housing therewith and through a first end of the second housing. The grommet includes an arcuate portion that is biased in a direction upwardly from the resting surface, the arcuate portion comprises a central opening through which the first housing extends, wherein the central opening defines an inner circular surface that is disposed between the first and second housings.

Abstract: Methods and arrangements for forming a color gradient on a pharmaceutical dosage forms such as tablets are disclosed. In preferred aspects of the invention, a coating layer is applied to a tablet core so that the coating layer is different from the color of the tablet core. The coating layer is etched by one or more lasers to remove selected portions thereof and reveal the core. Removal of selected portions of the coating layer, while other portions remain unetched by the laser(s), causes a variation in the color of the coating layer. The color of the tablet core may be visible at locations at which portions of the coating layer have been entirely removed while the color of the coating layer, i.e., the color of any of the color coatings thereof, is visible at locations at which portions of the coating layer have been only partially removed or not removed at all.

Abstract: Method for printing on a pharmaceutical tablet by etching a printing plate to form a pattern of etchings therein within an area corresponding to an outline of the tablet, varying the ink-retaining volumes of the etchings in a pre-determined manner and in a direction across the etching pattern from one side to an opposite side, placing ink into the etchings, and transferring ink from the etchings in the etched printing plate onto an outer surface of the tablet. Variations in the ink-retaining volumes of the etchings cause a larger amount of ink to be transferred from etchings having a larger ink-retaining volume than from etchings having a smaller ink-retaining volume during the ink transfer stage. This causes different changes in the color of the outer surface of the tablet dependent on the amount of ink being transferred.