Laser tablet treatment system with dual access to tablet
US5294770A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 14, 1992 |
| Grant date | Mar 15, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 14, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB23K26/0838
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Tablet treating system 10 treats a series of pharmaceutical tablets 50T with pulses of laser energy 24P within at least one predetermined treatment site 50S on each tablet. A tablet conveyer 12 continuously moves individual tablets along a tablet path 10P. A Laser 14 provides the pulses of laser energy along a stationary laser path which crosses the tablet path defining a stationary intersection zone 14Z common to both paths. The tablet path has periodic treatment windows 20W during which the treatment sites 50S on the moving tablets pass through the stationary intersection zone. The operation of the laser has periodic laser ready windows 24W during which the laser may be fired. A controller 16 is responsive to the movement of the tablet conveyer and to the operation of the laser for activating the laser and treating the tablets. The controller activates the laser when a tablet is passing through the intersection zone and the tablet treatment window coincides with the laser ready window. The controller does not activate the laser and rejects the tablet when the tablet treatment window does not coincide with the laser ready window. An abort mechanism 18 proximate the collection end …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.