Edward A Witkoske

US Patent:

62441469, Jun 12, 2001

Filed:

Jan 19, 2000

Appl. No.:

9/487085

Inventors:

Anne Frances Arthur - Kalamazoo MI
Douglas Jay Dehaan - Portage MI
Clifford R. Jepsen - Mendon MI
Phillip F. Ni - Mattawan MI
Donald L. Vermeulen - Portage MI
Edward A. Witkoske - Plainwell MI

Assignee:

Pharmacia & Upjohn Company - Kalamazoo MI

International Classification:

B26D 700

US Classification:

83 23

Abstract:

A tablet shearing apparatus includes a support frame comprising a top frame member having an opening, a stationary plate secured to the top frame member. The stationary plate includes apertures extending about substantially the entirety of the opening of the top frame member. A movable plate including apertures is disposed above the stationary plate. A drive cylinder is connected through a linkage arm and an actuator arm to the movable plate. A tablet tray having apertures for receiving tablets can be positioned above the movable plate to transfer tablets to the apertures of the movable plate and the stationary plate so that, when individual tablets are supported in the apertures of both the stationary plate and the movable plate, the drive cylinder moves the movable plate relative to the stationary plate and shears the tablets. The tablet shearing apparatus also includes a tablet release gate having keyhole shaped apertures. A wide end of the keyhole shaped apertures enables tablet portions to fall through after movement of the release plate to an appropriate position.