Patent ID: 6024247
Filing Date: 2000-02-15
Classification: B65B

Abstract:
A DEBLISTERING machine for expelling solid dosage forms from a blister pack which comprises at least one column of blisters, each blister having a width transverse to the direction of the column and a length parallel to the direction of the column, said deblistering machine comprising:(a) a roller having a longitudinal axis of rotation and means for rotating said roller about the axis, said roller having an inner core and a cover thereon with a non-slip surface;(b) a stationary plate having a thickness, a width parallel to the direction of the roller axis and a length transverse to the plate width, said plate having at least as many slots as there are columns of blisters, each of said slots having a width parallel to the rotational axis of the roller and the width of the slot being at least as large as the width of a blister, each of said slots also having a length transverse to the slots width and being at least as large as the length of a blister, said plate being situated to provide a throat between the cover and the plate into which the blister pack may be fed and through which the blister pack may pass as a result of rotation of the roller, said plate having a guide to ensure that each column of blisters is aligned with corresponding slots; and(c) a tine associated with each slot, wherein the tine protrudes through the slot from a side distal to the roller, and a tip of said tine is slightly proud of a plane passing through a face of the slotted plate, said face being adjacent to the roller.