Patent ID: 7030338
Filing Date: 2006-04-18
Classification: A61J,B23K

Abstract:
1. A pharmaceutical laser drilling system for creating an opening in a coating on a dosage form having a first side and a second side, said system comprising: (a) a laser drilling station; (b) a laser capable of producing a laser beam, said laser beam being conducted through a laser beam delivery assembly capable of focusing said laser beam at said laser drilling station; (c) a first link conveyor comprising a plurality of first links, each of said first links being capable of receiving a dosage form; (d) a second link conveyor comprising a plurality of second links, each of said second links being capable of receiving said dosage form, said second link conveyor being operatively interconnected with said first link conveyor to receive said dosage form from said first link conveyor and capable of transporting said dosage form to said laser drilling station; (e) a first color sensor located adjacent said first link conveyor and capable of sensing the color of at least one of said first side and said second side of said dosage form and of generating a signal representative of the color; and (f) a rejection station located along said first link conveyor capable of ejecting said dosage form in response to said signal generated by said first color sensor.