Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. Pat. No. 8,062,015 (application Ser. No. 12/234,249, filed Sep. 19, 2008), entitled “Tablet Press Assembly,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention is related generally to a tablet press. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Presses used for tablet manufacturing are known in the art. Tablet presses wherein an item such as a tablet or core part is placed onto a rotary press die table are also known. For example in some tablet presses, tablet cores are placed within a bed of powder on a rotary press die table and then compressed to create a tablet. 
     SUMMARY 
     In a first exemplary embodiment, an internal feed wheel assembly is provided with a tablet insert chute and a rotatable bowl top. The tablet insert chute has an exit aperture. The rotatable bowl top has an inner periphery, a plurality of notches, and a plurality of core feed apertures extending therethrough. The exit aperture is positioned proximal to the inner periphery of the bowl top. Each notch is designed and sized to receive a single tablet and is in communication with the inner periphery and a corresponding core feed aperture. 
     Another exemplary embodiment provides a transfer assembly having a plurality of core retention elements and at least one core feed aperture. The core retention elements are coupled together to form a loop and positioned in a press assembly so as to be rotatable. Each of the core feed aperture is sized to communicate a tablet core therethrough. At least one the core retention elements is positioned in line with at least one core feed aperture. 
     Yet another exemplary embodiment provides a press assembly having a plurality of core retention elements connected together to form a loop and positioned in a press assembly so as to be rotatable. The plurality of core retention elements are positioned above a plurality of die bores of a press turntable. A plurality of core retention elements each receives a differing amount of an upper punch. 
     Still another exemplary embodiment provides press assembly having a tablet insert chute with an exit aperture. The press assembly also has a rotatable bowl top with an inner periphery, a plurality of notches, and a plurality of core feed apertures extending therethrough. The exit aperture of the tablet insert chute is positioned proximal to the inner periphery of the bowl top. Each notch is designed and sized to receive a single tablet and is in communication with the inner periphery and a corresponding core feed aperture. A plurality of core retention elements are also provided. The core retention elements are connected together to form a loop positioned in a press assembly so as to be rotatable. Each core feed aperture is sized to communicate a tablet core therethrough. At least one of the core retention elements is positioned in line with at least one of the core feed aperture. At least one of the core retention elements is positioned above at least one die bore of a die turntable. 
     Another exemplary embodiment provides a press assembly having a tablet insert chute with an exit aperture. The press assembly is further provided with a rotatable bowl top with an inner periphery, a plurality of notches, and a plurality of core feed apertures extending therethrough. The exit aperture of the tablet insert chute is positioned proximal to the inner periphery of the bowl top. Each notch is designed and sized to receive a single tablet and is in communication with the inner periphery and a corresponding core feed aperture. A plurality of core retention elements is also provided. The core retention elements are connected together to form a loop and positioned in a press assembly so as to be rotatable. A plurality of push pins are provided contacting a push pin cam and in line with at least one notch and corresponding core feed aperture and at least one core retention element. At least one core retention element is positioned above at least one powder bore of a die turntable and at least partially receiving an upper punch at least one core retention element is positioned above a smooth table surface. 
     Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a method of transporting tablets in a press assembly. The method provides interiorly feeding a tablet into a notch of a rotating top and temporarily maintaining the tablet in the notch. 
     Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides another method of transporting tablets in a press assembly. The method provides a step of causing one of a plurality of rotating attached core retention elements to be placed in proximity to a core feed aperture in line with a tablet. Another step provides communicating a tablet through said core feed aperture into the core retention element when the core retention element is in proximity to the core feed aperture. The method further provides moving the core retention element above a die bore and communicating the tablet from the core retention element and into the die bore. 
     Still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides method of placing tablets in a die bore of a press turntable. The method provides a step of communicating a tablet into a notch of a rotating top in line with a core feed aperture and causing a core retention element to be momentarily placed in proximity to the core feed aperture. The method further provides a step communicating the tablet from the notch, through the core feed aperture, and into the core retention element when the core retention element is in proximity to the core feed aperture. Another step moves the core retention element above the die bore and communicating the tablet from the core retention element and into the die bore. 
     Yet another embodiment provides an internal feed wheel assembly for a tablet press assembly having a base portion and a tablet insert chute coupled to the base portion and having an exit aperture. The embodiment is also provided with a bowl top rotatably coupled to the base portion, the bowl top has an upper surface, a lower surface and an inner periphery. A plurality of notches are disposed on the lower surface and in communication with the periphery. A first set of a plurality of apertures extend through the upper surface and are in communication with the plurality of notches. The exit aperture of the tablet insert chute is positioned proximal to the inner periphery of the bowl top. Each of the plurality of notches is geometrically dimensioned to receive a single tablet. 
     Yet another embodiment provides an internal feed wheel assembly for a tablet press assembly having a base portion with a tablet trap and a tablet insert chute coupled to the base portion. A bowl top is rotatably coupled to the base portion, the bowl top has an upper surface, a lower surface and an inner periphery. A plurality of notches are disposed on the lower surface and in communication with the inner periphery. A first set of a plurality of apertures are provided extending through the upper surface and in communication with the plurality of notches. The tablet trap is positioned proximal to the inner periphery of the bowl top. The tablet insert chute exit aperture is located proximal to both the tablet trap and the inner periphery of the bowl top. 
     In yet another embodiment, a tablet press assembly is provided having a first base portion, and a second base portion. A tablet insert chute is provided coupled to the first base portion and has an exit aperture. A bowl top is rotatably coupled to the first base portion. The bowl top has an upper surface, a lower surface and an inner periphery. A plurality of notches are disposed on the lower surface and in communication with the inner periphery. A first set of a plurality of apertures extend through the upper surface and are in communication with the plurality of notches. A press turntable is rotatably mounted to the second base portion. The press turn table has multiple upper punches, multiple lower punches, and multiple apertures. Multiple core retention elements are provided, each adapted to move between at least a first position proximal to the bowl top and a second position proximal to the press turntable 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in the following Figures. 
         FIG. 1  is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a core press assembly. 
         FIG. 2  is a top perspective view of the core press assembly of  FIG. 1  with a housing, base, and doors removed. 
         FIG. 3  is a top perspective view showing an internal feed wheel assembly, transfer assembly, a press turntable, a tablet slide, and a tablet insert chute of the core press assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a top perspective view of the internal feed wheel assembly of 
         FIG. 3  with a bowl top exploded away and also shows a tablet feed stop and the tablet insert chute and a portion of the tablet slide of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is a bottom perspective view of a portion of the bowl top of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  is a top view of the internal feed wheel assembly of  FIG. 3  shown with a partial section of portions of the bowl top. 
         FIG. 7  is a top perspective view of the internal feed wheel assembly and transfer assembly of  FIG. 3  and also shows the tablet insert chute and a portion of the tablet slide of the core press assembly of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 8  is a top perspective view of the internal feed wheel assembly, transfer assembly, tablet insert chute, and a portion of the tablet slide of  FIG. 3 , shown with a partial section of the internal feed wheel assembly and transfer assembly. 
         FIG. 9  is top perspective view of a portion of the transfer assembly of  FIG. 3  with one core retention element and chain spacer removed from a pair of apertures of a belt, one core retention element in its assembled state in a pair or apertures of a belt with a chain spacer and snap ring, and one core retention element and a snap ring exploded away from a pair of apertures of a belt with a chain spacer. 
         FIG. 10  is a side view of the press turntable of  FIG. 3  with a portion of the transfer assembly of  FIG. 3  shown. 
         FIG. 11  is a top perspective view of a portion of the press turntable of  FIG. 3  with a portion of the transfer assembly of  FIG. 3 , shown with a partial section of the press turntable and transfer assembly. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     It is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless limited otherwise, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” “in communication with” and “mounted,” and variations thereof herein are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings, and mountings. In addition, the terms “connected” and “coupled” and variations thereof are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. Furthermore, and as described in subsequent paragraphs, the specific mechanical configurations illustrated in the drawings are intended to exemplify embodiments of the invention and that other alternative mechanical configurations are possible. 
     Referring now in detail to the drawings, wherein like numerals indicate like elements throughout the several views, there are shown in  FIGS. 1-11  various aspects of a core press assembly. Referring to  FIG. 1 , Core press assembly  10  has an assembly for feeding tablet cores to a tablet insert chute. In some embodiments the assembly for feeding tablet cores is a feeder and vibrator assembly  20 , which may be placed in a number of locations, but is preferably located atop housing  12 , which sits atop a base  16 . Housing  12  and base  16  may take on a number of embodiments. Both are primarily provided for structural support, and may also be provided for safety and/or cleanliness among other things. Optionally, one or more doors  13  attached to housing  12  may be provided for selectively enclosing or accessing constituent parts of core press assembly  10 . Also provided in some embodiments are powder feeds  14  and  15  that collect powder and communicate that powder to powder bores  76  of a press turntable  70  both before and after tablet cores are placed in each powder bore  76 . Powder may be communicated using tubing (not shown) or the like. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-4 , an embodiment of feeder and vibrator assembly  20  is described with more detail. A feeder  21  comprises a generally funnel shaped structure for capturing a plurality of tablet cores and directing them into a feeder chute  22 . Feeder chute  22  directs each tablet core into a vibratory bowl feeder  23  that is attached to a vibratory base  24 . Vibratory bowl feeder  23  retains a plurality of tablet cores  1 . Vibratory base  24  vibrates vibratory bowl feeder  23 , thereby moving the tablet cores  1  toward a tablet slide  26  that is in communication with the vibratory bowl feeder  23 . Each tablet core  1  is fed one by one into tablet slide  26 , continues down tablet slide  26  and eventually reaches a tablet insert chute  27 , as best shown in  FIG. 4 . The tablet insert chute  27  comprises an aperture  25  to transfer tablet cores from the tablet insert chute  27 . In some embodiments, the tablet insert chute  27  comprises a tablet feed stop  28  that may transition between a closed and an open position to either prevent tablet cores from exiting tablet insert chute  27  or enable tablet cores to exit tablet insert chute  27 , respectively. Tablet feed stop  28  is an arm that interacts with piston  29  to actuate between an open and closed position and selectively block a tablet insert chute aperture  25  of tablet insert chute  27 . 
     With continuing reference to  FIG. 4 , tablet insert chute aperture  25  is shown with a tablet core  1  therein and with tablet feed stop  28  in the open position. In other embodiments, other tablet feed stops may be provided that either prevent tablet cores from exiting tablet insert chute aperture  25  or enable tablet cores to exit tablet insert chute aperture  25 . For example, some embodiments may use a sliding arm or a differently positioned piston  29  than that of the shown embodiment. Tablet feed stop  28  enables the feeding of tablet cores to an internal feed wheel assembly  30  that may be halted for repair, experimentation, troubleshooting, a halt in production, or other reason. Other tablet insert chutes that vary from the shown embodiment may be provided for delivering tablets to internal feed wheel assembly  30 . Other constituent parts of feeder and vibrator assembly  20  besides tablet insert chute  27  may likewise vary while still enabling delivery of tablets to internal feed wheel assembly  30 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 3-8 , an internal feed wheel assembly  30  is located internal to housing  12  for safety and cleanliness. Internal feed wheel assembly  30  comprises a bowl top  32 , a bowl bottom  42 , and a base portion  41 . The bowl bottom  42  is rotatably mounted to the base portion  41 . The bowl top  32  is mounted to the bowl bottom  42 . The base portion  41  comprises a tablet trap  37  and a mount  45  for the piston  29 . The base portion further comprises a push pin track  45  for a plurality of push pins  36 . The push pin track  45  at least partially retains the push pins  36  and guides their movement. 
     Internal feed wheel assembly  30  receives tablet cores from tablet insert chute  27  or otherwise and transfers those tablet cores to a transfer assembly  50  that may also be located internal to housing  12 . In some embodiments, and as will be described in more detail below, internal feed wheel assembly  30  is also driven by transfer assembly  50 . 
     As best illustrated with reference to  FIGS. 4 and 6 , when core press assembly  10  is assembled, the exit of tablet insert chute  27  is in close proximity to an inner periphery of a bowl top  32  of internal feed wheel assembly  30 . As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , bowl top  32  may comprise a plurality of inward facing grooves  33  on its lower surface and in communication with its inner periphery. Each groove  33  may be sloped and extend to a back notch  34 . The bowl top  32  further comprises a plurality of core feed apertures  35  that are disposed on the bowl top upper surface and in communication with a corresponding back notch  34 . Each back notch  34  is in line with one of a plurality of core feed apertures  35 . As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 6 , core feed apertures  35  are equidistantly spaced and extend radially around bowl top  32 . Twenty core feed apertures  35  are provided in the embodiments shown. With reference to  FIG. 6 , when tablet feed stop  28  is in the open position and bowl top  32  is rotating, as each inward facing groove  33  passes tablet insert chute  27  a single tablet core  1  exits tablet insert chute  27  and is transferred to the back notch  34  corresponding to each inward facing groove  33 . 
     As explained in more detail herein, bowl top  32  and bowl bottom  42  rotate when core press assembly  10  is in use and will be rotating when each tablet core  1  is transferred from tablet insert chute  27  or otherwise to back notch  34 . Bowl top  32  and internal feed wheel assembly  30  will rotate in a clockwise direction when viewed from above, although this could easily be varied. The close proximity of the inner periphery of bowl top  32  and the exit of tablet insert chute  27 , and the gently sloping nature of inward facing groove  33  ensure that a tablet core will not fully exit tablet insert chute aperture  25  until it is in close proximity to the core feed aperture  35  and notch  34  corresponding to the particular inward facing groove  33 . As bowl top  32  rotates, only one tablet core  1  will be transferred to each notch  34 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4 ,  6 , and  8 , each tablet core  1  will be maintained in notch  34  of inward facing groove  33  below a core feed aperture  35  by virtue of a centrifugal force that results from the rotation of bowl top  32 , and also by virtue of a tablet trap  37 . Tablet trap  37  originates near tablet insert chute  27  and extends partially around internal feed wheel assembly  30  such that it is in close proximity to the inner periphery of bowl top  32 . Tablet trap  37  ensures each tablet core  1  is maintained in its corresponding notch  34  from the time it exits tablet insert chute  27  until it is transferred to transfer assembly  50 . In some embodiments, a surface  39  is also provided below bowl top  32  and a plurality of push pins  36  extend at least partially through surface  39 . Bowl top  32 , surface  39 , and plurality of push pins  36  are coupled to each other. Portions of each push pin  36  extend through apertures  31  in surface  39  to access notch  34  and core feed aperture  35 . Surface  39  and the plurality of push pins  36  move in synchronization with the bowl top  32 , such that a given push pin  36  is always in line with a corresponding notch  35  and core feed aperture  34 . The push pins  36  are retained between the push pin track  45  and their interaction with the push pin apertures  31 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , a transfer assembly  50  is also provided comprising a plurality of core retention elements  52  that are coupled to one another. Transfer assembly  50  forms a continuous loop and is installed in core press assembly  10  such that core retention elements  52  may interact with at least a portion of bowl top  32 , as well as die bores  72  and upper punches  78  of a press turntable  70  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). In some embodiments, transfer assembly  50  moves through interaction of upper punches  78  and transfer cogs  56 . As will be explained in more detail below, as upper punches  78  are rotating, they are inserted into and contact transfer cogs  56  to, among other things, move transfer assembly  50  and transfer any tablet core retained by core retention element  52  into a powder bore  76 . This interaction between transfer cogs  56  and upper punches  78  moves transfer assembly  50  substantially in synchronization with upper punches  78 . 
     In the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , core retention elements  52  are connected to one another by being secured in equally spaced apertures  53  of a belt link  54 . Multiple belt links  54  connect together, as shown in  FIG. 9 , to form a continuous belt loop. A link spacer  55  is located between opposed apertures  53  of belt link  54 . Core retention element  52  comprises a transfer cog  56  housing a core holder  57  and a core push pin  58 . Core retention element  52  fits through opposed apertures  53  of belt link  54 , causing transfer cog  56  to be partially surrounded by chain spacer  55 . A snap ring  59  mates with a base of transfer cog  56  that will be located below a bottom aperture of opposed apertures  53 , when core retention element  52  is placed through opposed apertures  53 . By virtue of snap ring  59  and a flange portion of transfer cog  56  that rests on or near a top aperture of opposed apertures  53 , each core retention element  52  remains in position. Different shapes and sizes of core holder  57  and core push pin  58  may be housed in transfer cog  56  to accommodate tablet cores of varying sizes. Other constituent parts of core press assembly  10 , such as, but not limited to, bowl top  32  and tablet insert chute  27 , may likewise be adjusted or replaced to accommodate tablet cores of varying sizes. 
     A belt link  54  and chain spacers  55  are utilized to connect a plurality of transfer cogs  56 . A plurality of gears  64  having cogs that project between chain spacers  55  are positioned to help move and/or guide transfer assembly  50  when it is moved by upper punches  78  of press turntable  70 . The cogs on each of plurality of gears  64  are spaced to fit between chain spacers  55  and to help appropriately guide transfer assembly  50  along its continuous loop. In some embodiments, the plurality of gears  64  may additionally or alternatively drive the plurality of transfer assemblies  50 . In some embodiments, shaped surfaces with a low frictional coefficient may be provided in lieu of plurality of gears  64  to help guide transfer assembly  50 . Also in some embodiments, the plurality of core retention elements  52  may have a different configuration for transporting tablet cores and may be connected otherwise than with belt  54  to form transfer assembly  50 . Vacuum  43  may also be provided in some embodiments near the inner periphery of bowl top  32 , at a position where tablet cores are not retained in notch  34 , in order to suck and/or blow any debris from bowl top  32 . 
     When transfer assembly  50  is moved by upper punches  78  of press turntable  70  or otherwise, the bowl top  32  is also rotated. In some embodiments, the core retention elements  52  interact with a plurality of equally spaced teeth  40  positioned between core feed apertures  35  to cause bowl top  32  to rotate. Twenty teeth  40  are provided in the embodiment of bowl top  32  shown. During at least a portion of the period when core retention elements  52  interact with bowl top  32  to cause it to rotate, one or more core retention elements  52  will be positioned above one or more corresponding core feed apertures  35 . 
     The push pins  36  are located below bowl top  32  and in line with each notch  34  and each core feed aperture  35 . At some point while core retention elements  52  are so positioned, the rotation of bowl top  32  causes push pins  36  to contact push pin cam  38 . Push pin cam  38  gradually forces each push pin  36  in an upward direction. Each push pin  36  then contacts one tablet core  1  held in bowl top  32  in line with each push pin  36 . Each push pin  36  also forces each tablet core  1  through each core feed aperture  35  and into core retention element  52 , where it is temporarily retained by core holder  57 . In some embodiments, each inward facing groove  33 , tablet trap  37 , and each push pin  36  help maintain each tablet core  1  in line with its corresponding core feed aperture  35  from the time each tablet core  1  is released from tablet insert chute  27  until the time each tablet core  1  has been communicated to core retention element  52 . 
     With continuing reference to  FIGS. 3 and 8 , once a tablet core  1  is transferred to a core retention element  52 , it is retained in core holder  57 . During which, core retention element  52  moves across a relatively smooth, preferably Teflon coated, surface  44  towards one of a plurality of die bores  72  of press turntable  70 . When a tablet core  1  is inserted into core retention element  52 , core push pin  58  is caused to be displaced at least somewhat out of core holder  57  as shown in  FIG. 8 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , each core retention element  52  is eventually positioned above and synchronized with a die bore  72  of press turntable  70 . Each die bore  72  retains an interchangeable die  73  that comprises a powder bore  76 . The dies  73  are interchangeable to accommodate a variety of powder bore  76  sizes and geometries. As shown in  FIG. 11 , each powder bore  76  has been prefilled with a bed of powder  77  or the like by means generally known in the art. Each bed of powder  77  may be communicated from powder feed  14  into each powder bore  76  and tamped down prior to being positioned proximal to core retention element  52 . The upper punch  78  and the powder bore  76  are substantially aligned about a common vertical axis (not shown). 
     In some embodiments, at least a portion of the travel of an upper punch  78  and a corresponding core retention element  52  may be synchronized, such that punch  78  and core retention element  52  are substantially aligned along a vertical axis (not shown). The core retention elements  52  are directed into alignment with the upper punch  78  and powder bore  76 . As the upper punch  78  moves along (from left to right when viewing  FIG. 11 ), it comes in contact with transfer cog  56 . Transfer cog  56  is generally cylindrical in shape with an opening to allow an upper punch  78  to enter the cylinder. As the upper punch  78  moves into the cylinder, at least a portion of the transfer cog  56  contacts a leading surface of the upper punch  78 . This interaction transfers a force from the upper punch  78  to the transfer cog  56  thereby moving the transfer cog in synchronization with the upper punch  78 . 
     As the core retention element  52 , powder bore  76 , and upper punch move along, the upper punch  78  contacts the upper punch tamp cam  79 . This contact pushes the upper punch  78  down to contact the core push pin  58 . As a result, core push pin  58  is driven down and contacts tablet core  1 , causing it to be discharged from core holder  57  and onto the corresponding powder bore  76  and powder bed  77 . In some embodiments, upper punch  78  is gradually driven down over a number of stages onto core push pin  58  and gradually places any tablet core retained by transfer cog  56  into a bed of powder in its respective die bore  72 . For example, upper punch tamp cam  79  may be gradually sloped such that it drives a given upper punch  78  down over a plurality of stages. Thus, at any given time six consecutive upper punches  78  would be contacting and being forced down by upper punch tamp cam  79 , with a leading upper punch  78   f  being driven down the farthest and a trailing upper punch  78   a  driven down the least. This allows any tablet core  1  to be more slowly and accurately discharged from core holder  57  than if each upper punch  78  is driven down more quickly, such as over only one stage. 
     A plurality of lower punches  88  are also preferably provided that coincide with and are substantially in line with each upper punch  78 . In some preferred embodiments one end of each lower punch  88  forms the base of each powder bore  76 . In these embodiments, a lower cam track  80  may be provided. At least a portion of the lower cam track  80  may be gradually sloped to contact and pull down each lower punch  88 . The lower punch  88  is pulled down as its corresponding upper punch  78  is driven down onto core push pin  58  and a tablet core  1  is discharged into powder bore  76 . Pulling lower punch  88  down increases the volume of the powder bore  72 . Thus, allowing room for any powder present in die bore  72  that may be displaced by insertion of a tablet core  1 . 
     This gradual placement of a tablet core  1  over several stages ensures accurate placement of a tablet core  1  in die bore  72  and in the bed of powder present in die bore  72 . Moreover, gradual placement of tablet core  1  and the use of lower cam track  80  enables a tablet core to be accurately placed in a variety of positions in the bed of powder and resultantly in the finished tablet. Upper punches  78  may contact upper punch tamp cam  79  over a number of stages besides six, the number of which may depend on a variety of factors, such as, but not limited to, the size of tablet core and the size of the finished tablet. 
     After an upper punch  78  has been driven down by upper punch tamp cam  79  and caused core push pin  58  to discharge a tablet core, the upper punch  78  is lifted out of the corresponding transfer cog  56 , such as by lifting track  74 . Core retention element  52  then continues in a loop towards internal feed wheel assembly  30  and bowl top  32  to be refilled with another tablet core  1 . The upper punch  78  and its corresponding powder bore  76  and lower punch  88  then preferably continue around press turntable  70  for further processing. In some embodiments, the given powder bore  76  is filled with an additional quantity of powder or the like, preferably by virtue of powder communicated from powder feed  15 . Then, each upper punch  78  encounters an upper punch cam  75  that forces upper punch  78  downward into powder bore  76  and compresses tablet core  1  and any present powder between upper punch  78  and lower punch  88  into a singular tablet. 
     The foregoing description of structures and methods has been presented for purposes of illustration. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise steps and/or forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is understood that while certain forms of the core press assembly have been illustrated and described, it is not limited thereto except insofar as such limitations are included in the following claims and allowable functional equivalents thereof.

Technology Category: 7