Patent ID: 7971749
Filing Date: 2011-07-05
Classification: B65B

Abstract:
1. Apparatus for releasing tablets from a blister pack having a plurality of tablets contained in corresponding blisters, the apparatus comprising abutment means, receiving means for receiving a blister pack with any selected one of a plurality of blisters of the pack in registry with the abutment means, the receiving means comprising a pair of opposed jaws, the jaws being moveable relative to one another, either one of the abutment means or the receiving means being moveable to cause a collapsing force to be exerted on a selected blister thereby to release a tablet from the blister, wherein the apparatus includes first biasing means integrally formed with a jaw for urging the receiving means into engagement with the blister pack, and the receiving means is so arranged that said engagement releasably retains, and locates, the blister pack in position relative to the abutment means prior to the release of the tablet, and wherein the first biasing means comprises a resiliently flexible substantially u-shaped connecting arm that is operable to bias the jaws into a neutral position, in which they are spaced apart and opposed so as to be able to receive a blister pack, allowing a user to move the opposed jaws against the action of the first biasing means by inserting a blister pack into the space between the jaws, wherein the abutment means comprises a plunger moveably mounted on a jaw of the receiving means, wherein the apparatus includes a further biasing means which acts between the plunger and the jaw in which it is mounted so as to urge the plunger away from the other jaw, the further biasing means comprising a resiliently compressible sleeve which extends around the plunger, and wherein the apparatus includes a base for supporting the jaws on a supporting surface, the base including an opening and a chute for conveying a tablet released from a blister pack to the opening.