Abrégé

In known machines only a portion of the cycle time is used for pill comminution. The machine disclosed herein has two separate drive mechanisms. A first mechanism is used for creating a crushing force on the pills. A second mechanism is used to rotate one of a pair of cups between which the pills are held. The crushing mechanism is biased upwards to a position from which crushing starts upon application of the crushing force, at the start of the cycle. Safety sensors allow operation of the machine only when the pills are properly loaded and the lid closed. During operation, signals from a vibration sensor may be monitored. When vibration falls below a threshold, indicating completion of pill comminution, the machine automatically stops.

Classes IPC  ?

• A61J 7/00 - Dispositifs pour administrer les médicaments par voie buccale, p. ex. cuillèresDispositifs pour compter les pilulesDispositions pour l'indication ou le rappel du moment où l'on doit prendre des médicaments

Abrégé

A sensor detects the presence of an upper cup in a pair of cups, between which pills are crushed by machine. Operation of the crushing machine is prevented if the upper cup is absent, and enabled if the upper cup is present. The sensor may be a photodiode that is sensitive to a beam of laser light that is directed over the lower cup. The beam passes when the upper cup is absent and is blocked by the upper cup when present. An optional sensor may be included to detect whether the drawer containing the cups and pills is closed, which is used as a further condition that must be satisfied before crushing can be started. Also, an interlock can be included to prevent the drawer from opening during the crushing process. By ensuring the presence of the upper cup, the escape of powdered medication can be prevented.

Classes IPC  ?

• A61J 3/02 - Dispositifs ou procédés spécialement conçus pour donner à des produits pharmaceutiques une forme physique déterminée ou une forme propre à leur administration la forme de poudres
• A61J 3/00 - Dispositifs ou procédés spécialement conçus pour donner à des produits pharmaceutiques une forme physique déterminée ou une forme propre à leur administration
• B02C 19/08 - Pilons et mortiers
• B02C 19/18 - Utilisation d'effets physiques auxiliaires aidant la désagrégation, p. ex. ultrasons, irradiation

Abrégé

A sensor detects the presence of an upper cup in a pair of cups, between which pills are crushed by machine. Operation of the crushing machine is prevented if the upper cup is absent, and enabled if the upper cup is present. The sensor may be a photodiode that is sensitive to a beam of laser light that is directed over the lower cup. The beam passes when the upper cup is absent and is blocked by the upper cup when present. An optional sensor may be included to detect whether the drawer containing the cups and pills is closed, which is used as a further condition that must be satisfied before crushing can be started. Also, an interlock can be included to prevent the drawer from opening during the crushing process. By ensuring the presence of the upper cup, the escape of powdered medication can be prevented.

Classes IPC  ?

• B02C 25/00 - Systèmes de commande spécialement adaptés au broyage ou à la désagrégation
• A61J 7/00 - Dispositifs pour administrer les médicaments par voie buccale, p. ex. cuillèresDispositifs pour compter les pilulesDispositions pour l'indication ou le rappel du moment où l'on doit prendre des médicaments

Abrégé

A pill crusher has a paper cup receptacle having an upwardly open, frusto- conical recess for receiving a paper cup, a plunger having a frusto-conical shape complimentary to that of the recess, the plunger being above and coaxial with the recess, an electric motor and a reciprocating drive transmission between the electric motor and the plunger for displacing the plunger into and out of the recess. The reciprocatory drive transmission comprises a worm and nut drive transmission for rotating the plunger while displacing the plunger into the receptacle. A drive control connected to the electric motor controls the motor so as to displace the plunger into and out of the recess.

Classes IPC  ?

• A61J 3/02 - Dispositifs ou procédés spécialement conçus pour donner à des produits pharmaceutiques une forme physique déterminée ou une forme propre à leur administration la forme de poudres
• B02C 19/22 - Broyeurs comportant des dispositifs de broyage en forme de vis

Abrégé

A sensor detects the presence of an upper cup in
a pair of cups, between which pills are crushed by machine.
Operation of the crushing machine is prevented if the upper cup is
absent, and enabled if the upper cup is present. The sensor may
be a photodiode that is sensitive to a beam of laser light that is
directed over the lower cup. The beam passes when the upper cup is
absent and is blocked by the upper cup when present. An optional
sensor may be included to detect whether the drawer containing
the cups and pills is closed, which is used as a further condition
that must be satisfied before crushing can be started. Also, an
interlock can be included to prevent the drawer from opening
during the crushing process. By ensuring the presence of the upper
cup, the escape of powdered medication can be prevented.

Classes IPC  ?

• A61J 3/00 - Dispositifs ou procédés spécialement conçus pour donner à des produits pharmaceutiques une forme physique déterminée ou une forme propre à leur administration
• A61J 3/02 - Dispositifs ou procédés spécialement conçus pour donner à des produits pharmaceutiques une forme physique déterminée ou une forme propre à leur administration la forme de poudres
• B02C 19/08 - Pilons et mortiers
• B02C 19/18 - Utilisation d'effets physiques auxiliaires aidant la désagrégation, p. ex. ultrasons, irradiation