Capsule compounding system and method

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a capsule extracting plate comprising a generally planar main body and a plurality of irregularly spaced pillars extending from the main body including, a first pair of adjacent pillars separated by a first distance, and a second pair of adjacent pillars separated by a second distance that is different from the first distance.

Description

CAPSULE COMPOUNDING SYSTEM AND METHODTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a capsule compounding system and method and, in some embodiments, to a capsule extracting plate that is useful with a capsule tray to extract filled pharmaceutical or nutritional supplement capsules for quality assurance testing.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The disclosure relates to a capsule extracting plate for assisting an operator that is sampling a subset of a batch of filled pharmaceutical or nutritional supplement capsules for quality assurance (“QA”) testing. Empty capsules are arranged in a capsule tray to be filled and then a portion of each batch of filled capsules must be extracted from the capsule tray for testing. It is difficult and time consuming for an operator to extract the filled capsules using existing systems. Some operators use a tweezer or similar device to pull the capsules out of the capsule tray but using tools of this nature risks damage to the filled capsule.SUMMARY

[0003] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a capsule extracting plate comprising a generally planar main body, and a plurality of irregularly spaced pillars extending from the main body including, a first pair of adjacent pillars separated by a first distance, and a second pair of adjacent pillars separated by a second distance that is different from the first distance. In some embodiments, the main body includes at least one tab having a registration aperture configured to align with a post on a capsule tray. In some embodiments, the plurality of pillars are clustered in a plurality of regions on the main body, each region having an equal number of pillars. In some embodiments, the plurality of regions consists of five regions. In some embodiments, each of the five regions consists of six pillars. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of regions includes a geometric center and, the geometric center of one of the regions is equidistant from the geometric center of all other regions in the plurality of regions. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of regions includes a geometric center and, the geometric center of one of the regions is i) a first distance from the geometric center of each of two other regions in the plurality of regions; and ii) a second distance from the geometric center of a least one additional region in the plurality of regions.In some embodiments, each of the plurality of regions includes a geometric center and the each of the geometric centers are connectable in a saltire configuration. In some embodiments, the first pair of adjacent pillars is distinct from the second pair of adjacent pillars. In some embodiments, an outer profile of the main body is one of substantially rectangular or substantially square. In some embodiments, the main body includes a perimeter wall with a cutout. In some embodiments, the main body includes a pair of cutouts centrally located on opposing perimeter walls. In some embodiments, the cutout includes interior walls defining sides of a triangle, sides of a rectangle or sides of a square. In some embodiments, the plurality of pillars includes a planar surface extending from planar main body that is parallel to a perimeter wall of the planar main body. In some embodiments, each pillar has a generally square cross section or a generally circular cross section. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of pillars has a length defined by a distance between an upper surface of the pillar and an upper surface of the main body, wherein the length of each pillar is substantially the same. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of regions have a common cross- sectional area. In some embodiments, the main body has a vertical centerline along a vertical axis and a horizontal centerline along a horizontal axis and an the pillars are disposed in is floppedsymmetry about the vertical axis. In some embodiments, the capsule tray includes an aperture matrix comprising a plurality of capsule holding apertures. In some embodiments, each pillar has four filleted edges extending from the main body. In some embodiments, a number of the plurality of pillars is at least 10% of the number of apertures in the aperture matrix. In some embodiments, a number of the plurality of pillars is equal to 10% of the number of apertures in the aperture matrix. In some embodiments, an area of each region takes up about 10% of a total area of the aperture matrix. In some embodiments, the capsule extracting plate includes a row of equally spaced pillars, disposed proximate an outer edge of the main body. In some embodiments, the plurality of pillars are removable and replaceable on the main body. In some embodiments, the main body has a thickness of about about 0.25 in., about 0.30 in., about 0.35 in., about 0.40 in., about 0.45 in., about 0.50 in., about 0.55 in., about 0.60 in., about 0.65 in., or about 0.70 in. In some embodiments, the main body has a length of about 8 in., about 9 in., about 10 in., about 11 in., about 12 in., about 13 in., about 14 in., or about 15 in. In some embodiments, the main body has a width of about 4 in., about 5 in., about 6 in., about 7 in., about 8 in., about 9 in., about 10 in., or about 11 in. In some embodiments, the plurality of pillars extend from one side of the main body and an opposing side of the main body is substantially flat.

[0004] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for of selecting quality assurance samples, comprising providing a capsule tray having a plurality of evenly spaced capsuleapertures, disposing a capsule within each of the capsule apertures, and causing a subset of the capsules to simultaneously displace from the capsule tray.

[0005] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for of selecting quality assurance samples, comprising aligning a capsule extracting plate with a capsule tray including a plurality of filled capsules, and closing a distance between the capsule extracting plate and the capsule tray until a plurality of capsules are displaced relative to the capsule tray.

[0006] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method of aligning a capsule tray with a capsule extracting plate, comprising providing a capsule tray including a plurality of filled capsules, providing a capsule extracting plate including a plurality of registration apertures configured to align with posts on a capsule tray, and lining up the posts on a capsule tray with the registration apertures.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The following detailed description of embodiments of the capsule extracting plate, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings of an exemplary embodiment. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

[0008] In the drawings:

[0009] Fig. l is a top view of a capsule extracting plate in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a capsule extracting plate in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] Fig. 3 is a bottom view of a capsule extracting plate in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] Fig. 4 is a side view of a capsule extracting plate in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] Fig. 5 is a side view of a capsule extracting plate in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure in use with a capsule tray.

[0014] Fig. 6 is a side view of a capsule extracting plate in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure in use with a capsule tray.

[0015] Fig. 7 is a side view of a capsule extracting plate in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure in use with a capsule tray.

[0016] Fig. 8 is a top view of a capsule tray illustrating regions for capsule sampling for quality assurance testing in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of capsule extracting plate in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure in use with a capsule tray.

[0018] Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a capsule extracting plate in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Fig. 11 is a top view of a capsule extracting plate in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Fig. 12 is a bottom view of a capsule extracting plate in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Fig. 13 is a side view of a capsule extracting plate in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure in use with a capsule tray.

[0022] Fig. 14 is a side view of a capsule extracting plate in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure in use with a capsule tray.

[0023] Fig. 15 is a side view of a capsule extracting plate in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure in use with a capsule tray.

[0024] Fig. 16 is a side view of a capsule extracting plate in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure in use with a capsule tray.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Described herein are embodiments of capsule extracting plates that provide an ergonomic and quick way for an operator to extract a specific sample size of filled pharmaceutical or nutritional supplement capsules for quality assurance testing.

[0026] Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like reference numerals indicate like elements throughout, there is shown in Figures 1 to 9 a capsule extracting plate, generally designated 1, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. There is also shown in Figures 10 to 16 a capsule extracting plate, generally designated 100, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Referring to Figures 1-7, embodiments of the disclosure relate to a capsule extracting plate 1 comprising a generally planar main body 6 and a plurality of irregularly spaced pillars 4 extending from the main body 6. In Figs. 1-7, pillars 4 are arranged in a predetermined pattern. In one predetermined pattern, a first pair of adjacent pillars 42a and 42b are separated by a firstdistance d and a second pair of adjacent pillars 44a and 44b separated by a second distance x that is different from the first distance d. In some embodiments, the pillars 4 are moveable such that a revised pattern may be configured. In such embodiments, a user could insert pillars 4 into the main body 6 in a custom orientation. In some embodiments, the removable pillars 4 may be secured in the main body 6 with an interference fit. In some embodiments, the removable pillars 4 may be threaded and can be screwed into the main body 6. In some embodiments, the first distance d is greater than the second distance x. In some embodiments, the first distance d is less than the second distance x. In some embodiments, the first distance d is equal to the second distance x.

[0028] In some embodiments, multiple pairs of adjacent pillars are separated by the same distance. In some embodiments, no pairs of adjacent pillars are separated by the same distance. In some embodiments, the first pair of adjacent pillars is distinct from the second pair of adjacent pillars.

[0029] In some embodiments, edge pillars 43 are positioned along at least one edge 14 of main body 6 such that a center point of each edge pillar along an edge of main body 6 when connected forms a line that is parallel to the edge. Some embodiments have an equal number of edge pillars 43 positioned along a plurality of edges of main body. For example, in Fig. 1, four edge pillars are positioned along left edge 14a and right edge 14b. As illustrated in Fig. 1, the four pillars on each edge may be equally spaced.

[0030] In some embodiments, a region proximate a comer of the main body 6 includes a pillar 4. In some embodiments, there are two pillars 4a, 4b located near the center of the main body 6. In some embodiments, there is one pillar 4 located at the center of the main body 6.

[0031] In some embodiments, the pillars 4 are removable and replaceable on the main body 6. The pillars 4 maybe removable and replaceable in different positions. In some embodiments, the plurality of pillars 4 extend from one upper surface 15 of the main body 6 and the opposing side of the main body 6 is substantially flat.

[0032] In some embodiments, the main body 6 has a vertical centerline 11 (e g., bisecting a long edge of main body 6) along a vertical axis and a horizontal centerline 12 (e.g., bisecting a short edge of main body 6) along a horizontal axis. In some embodiments, the pillars 4 are disposed in floppedsymmetry about the vertical centerline 11. In some embodiments, the pillars 4 are symmetrical about the vertical axis. In some embodiments, the pillars 4 are symmetrical about the horizontal axis. In some embodiments, there are an equal number of pillars 4 disposed on each side of the vertical centerline 11. In some embodiments, there are more pillars 4 on one side of the vertical centerline 11. In some embodiments, there are an equal number of pillars 4 on each side of the horizontalcenterline 12. In some embodiments, there are more pillars 4 on one side of the horizontal centerline 12. In some embodiments, there are no pillars 4 along the vertical centerline 11 or the horizontal centerline 12.

[0033] In some embodiments, the main body 6 includes four quadrants 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d segregated by the horizontal centerline 12 and the vertical centerline 11. In some embodiments, each quadrant 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d has an equal number of pillars. For example, the quadrants may include seven pillars 4 having a predetermined pattern. In some embodiments, only two of four quadrants have an equal number of pillars 4. For example, two of the quadrants (e.g., 6b, 6d) may include eight pillars 4 each. In Fig. 1, two of the quadrants 6a, 6c have seven pillars 4 each. In some embodiments, the pillars 4 are arranged in the same pattern in each quadrant 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d. In some embodiments, the pillars 4 are arranged in a different pattern in each quadrant 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d. In some embodiments, two of the quadrants (e.g., 6a, 6c in Fig. 1) have a pattern that arranged symmetrically with each other. In some embodiments, four quadrants may include two pairs of symmetrical patterns. For example, in Fig. 1, quadrants 6b, 6d have a symmetrical pattern to each other and quadrants 6a and 6c have a symmetrical pattern to each other. In some embodiments, the pillars 4 are arranged in a symmetrical pattern about both the horizontal centerline 12 and the vertical centerline 11. In some embodiments, each quadrant 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d has substantially the same surface area. In some embodiments, each quadrant 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d has its own distinct surface area, different from each of the other three quadrants.

[0034] In some embodiments, the capsule extracting plate 1 includes at least two tabs 3 having a registration aperture 7 configured to align with a post on a capsule tray. In some embodiments, capsule extracting plate 1 includes two or more tabs 3. Two or more tabs, in some embodiments, are helpful and / or necessary for proper alignment. The two or more tabs may be located on a single side of capsule extracting plate 1 or multiple sides (e.g., Fig. 10). In some embodiments, tray 2 includes a plurality of tabs 3 extending from the main body 6. In some embodiments, capsule extracting plate 1 includes two tabs 3 extending from (e.g., and coplanar with) the main body 6. In some embodiments, tab 3 is about midway between the vertical centerline 11 and an outer edge 14 of the main body 6. In some embodiments, tab 3 is located proximate an outer edge 14 of the main body 6. In some embodiments, tab 3 is located proximate the vertical centerline 11 of the main body 6. In some embodiments, the plurality of tabs 3 are located on the same side of the horizontal centerline 12. In some embodiments, the plurality of tabs 3 are located on opposite sides of the horizontal centerline 12. In some embodiments, there is a plurality of tabs 3 on both sides of the horizontal centerline 12. In some embodiments, the plurality of tabs 3 are located on the same sideof vertical centerline 11. In some embodiments, the plurality of tabs 3 are located on opposite sides of the vertical centerline 11. In some embodiments, there is a plurality of tabs 3 on both sides of the vertical centerline 11 . In some embodiments, there is a plurality of tabs 3 on at least two sides of the outer perimeter of the main body 6. In some embodiments, the registration aperture 7 is circularly shaped, rectangular shaped, or square shaped.

[0035] In some embodiments, (e.g. shown in Fig. 8), the plurality of pillars 4 are clustered in a plurality of regions on the main body 6. In some embodiments, each region has an equal number of pillars 4. In some embodiments, each region has a different number of pillars 4. In some embodiments, the plurality of regions consists of five regions. In some embodiments, the plurality of regions includes less than five regions. In some embodiments, the plurality of regions includes more than five regions. In some embodiments, each of the five regions consists of six pillars 4. In some embodiments, each of the five regions consists of five or less pillars 4. In some embodiments, each of the five regions consists of seven or more pillars 4.

[0036] In some embodiments, each of the regions includes a geometric center. The geometric center of one of the regions may be equidistant from the geometric center of at least on other or all other regions in the plurality of regions. In some embodiments, the geometric center of one of the regions is not equidistant from the geometric center of all other regions in the plurality of regions. In some embodiments, the plurality of regions includes a geometric center and, the geometric center of one of the regions is a first distance from the geometric center of each of two other regions in the plurality of regions, and a different second distance from the geometric center of a least one additional region in the plurality of regions.

[0037] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of regions includes a geometric center and each of the geometric centers are connectable in a saltire configuration. In some embodiments, each of the geometric centers are connectable in a square configuration. In some embodiments, each of the geometric centers are connectable in a circular configuration. In some embodiments, each of the geometric centers are connectable in a rectangular configuration. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of regions have a common cross-sectional area. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of regions have different cross-sectional areas. In some embodiments, four of the regions have a common cross-sectional area and the 5thregion has a different cross-sectional area. In some embodiments, the plurality of regions are evenly dispersed on the main body 6.

[0038] In some embodiments, an outer profile of the main body 6 is substantially rectangular. In some embodiments, an outer profile of the main body 6 is substantially square. In some embodiments, an outer profile of the main body 6 is circular or oval shaped. In some embodiments,the main body 6 includes a perimeter wall with a cutout 5. In some embodiments, the main body 6 includes a pair of cutouts 5 centrally located on opposing perimeter walls. In some embodiments, the pair of cutouts 5 are on the same perimeter wall. In some embodiments, the main body 6 includes a plurality of cutouts 5 on opposing perimeter walls.

[0039] In some embodiments, the cutout 5 includes interior walls 8 defining sides of a triangle, sides of a rectangle or sides of a square. In some embodiments, the cutout 5 includes two faces 13 that are parallel to the vertical axis and are adjacent the outer perimeter of the main body 6. In some embodiments, there is a pillar 4 located adjacent to the face 13. In some embodiments, the cutout 5 includes an acute angle. In some embodiments, the cutout 5 includes a right angle. In some embodiments, the cutout 5 includes an obtuse angle. In some embodiments, the narrowest point of the main body 6 is at the vertical axis.

[0040] In some embodiments, the plurality of pillars 4 includes a planar surface 9 extending from planar main body 6 that is parallel to a perimeter wall of the planar main body 6. In some embodiments, the plurality of pillars 4 includes planar surfaces 9 extending from planar main body 6 that are slanted such that each pillar 4 is a pyramid shape. In some embodiments, pillar 4 has a generally square cross section or a generally circular cross section. In some embodiments, pillar 4 has a generally rectangular cross section. In some embodiments, one or more of pillars 4 includes a non-rectangular cross section. In some embodiments, at least some of the pillars 4 have a pyramid shape. In some embodiments, the pillars 4 in each of the four comers of the main body 6 include a pyramid-shaped pillar 4. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of pillars 4 have a similar cross-sectional area. In some embodiments, some pillars 4 have a larger cross- sectional area than other pillars 4. In some embodiments, pyramid shaped pillars are configured to provide more strength at the base of the pillar and breakage is therefore reduced or eliminated from the main surface. In some embodiments, a plurality of pillars 4 has a length 10 defined by a distance between an upper surface 17 of the pillar 4 and an upper surface 15 of the main body 6. In some embodiments, the length 10 of each pillar 4 is substantially equal. In some embodiments, the length 10 of at least two pillars 4 is unequal. In some embodiments, pillars 4 include filleted edges 27. In some embodiment, pillar 4 includes four filleted edges extending from the upper surface 15. One benefit of some filleted shapes is the ability to engage no more than one capsule while the main pillar 4 body is wide enough to provide strength and prevent breakage from the main body 6. In some embodiments, pillar 4 has four planar surfaces 9 extending from the upper surface 15. Planar surface 9 may be arranged to define a square cross section of pillar 4. In some embodiments, a top surface 17 of pillar 4 is configured to engage a capsule. In some embodiments, a top surface 17 ofpillar 4 includes a dimple that is configured to engage a capsule (e.g., in a shape configured to register with the capsule shape).

[0041] Referring to Figures 8 and 9 in some embodiments the capsule tray 2 includes an aperture matrix 24 comprising a plurality of capsule holding apertures 21. In some embodiments, when the capsule tray 2 is registered in the capsule extracting plate 1, the capsules 22 stand proud the same height h from the capsule tray 2. In some embodiments, when the capsule tray 2 is registered in the capsule extracting plate 1, the capsules 22 stand proud at different heights h from the capsule tray 2. In some embodiments, when the capsule tray 2 is registered in the capsule extracting plate 1, over half of the capsules 22 are pushed upwards out of the capsule tray 2 to height h while the remaining capsules 22 remain at a reduced height r. In some embodiments, when the capsule tray 2 is registered in the capsule extracting plate 1, less than half of the capsules 22 are pushed upwards out of the capsule tray 2 to height h while the remaining capsules 22 remain at a reduced height r. In some embodiments, about 5%, about 10%, about 15%, about 20%, about 25%, or about 30% of the capsules 22 are pushed upwards out of the capsule tray 2 to height h while the remaining capsules 22 remain at a reduced height r when the capsule tray 2 is registered in the capsule extracting plate 1. In some embodiments, when the capsule 22 is raised to stand proud of the capsule tray 2 at height h, about 50%, about 55%, about 65%, about 70%, or about 75% of the overall surface area of the capsule is exposed when the capsule tray 2 is registered in the capsule extracting plate 1.

[0042] In some embodiments, 14thof the surface area of the capsule 22 is exposed at the reduced height r when the capsule tray 2 is not registered in the capsule extracting plate 1. In some embodiments, 1 / 10thof the surface area of the capsule 22 is exposed at the reduced height r when the capsule tray 2 is not registered in the capsule extracting plate. In some embodiments, none of the capsule 22 is exposed at the reduced height r.

[0043] In some embodiments, a number of the plurality of pillars 4 of the capsule extracting plate is at least 10% of the number of apertures 21 in the aperture matrix 24. In some embodiments, capsule extracting plate in includes at least one pillar 4 that corresponds to each row in the aperture matrix 24. In some embodiments, capsule extracting plate 1 includes at least one pillar 4 that corresponds to every other row in the aperture matrix 24. In some embodiments, capsule extracting plate 1 includes at least one pillar 4 that corresponds to every column in the aperture matrix 24. In some embodiments, capsule extracting plate 1 includes at least one pillar 4 that corresponds to every other column in the aperture matrix 24. In some embodiments, a number of the plurality of pillars of capsule extracting plate 1 is equal to about 5%, about 10%, about 15%, or about 20% of the numberof apertures in the aperture matrix 24. In some embodiments, there are 10 pillars, 15 pillars, 20 pillars, 25 pillars, 30 pillars, 35 pillars, 40 pillars, 45 pillars, or 50 pillars on extracting plate 1. In some embodiments, an area of region 23 takes up about 5%, about 10%, about 15%, or about 20% of a total area of the aperture matrix 24. In some embodiments, the capsule extracting plate 1 includes a row of equally spaced pillars 4, disposed proximate an outer edge 14 of the main body 6. In some embodiments, there are 3, 4, 5, or 6 equally spaced pillars disposed proximate an outer edge 14 of the main body 6.

[0044] In some embodiments, the capsule extracting plate 1 includes a rigid material. In some embodiments, the capsule extracting plate 1 includes polycarbonate epoxy resin, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polylactic acid (PLA), polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a polycarbonate, or metal. In some embodiments, the capsule extracting plate 1 could be fabricated by 3D printing, epoxy resin molding or injection molding.

[0045] In some embodiments, the main body 6 has a thickness of about 0.1 in., about 0.15 in., about 0.20 in., about 0.25 in., about 0.30 in., about 0.35 in., about 0.40 in., about 0.45 in., about 0.50 in., about 0.55 in., about 0.60 in., about 0.65 in., or about 0.70 in. In some embodiments, the main body 6 has a length of about 3 in., about 4 in., about 5 in., about 6 in., about 7 in., about 8 in., about 9 in., about 10 in., about 11 in., about 12 in., about 13 in., about 14 in., or about 15 in. In some embodiments, the main body 6 has a width of about 4 in., about 5 in., about 6 in., about 7 in., about 8 in., about 9 in., about 10 in., or about 11 in.

[0046] In some embodiments pillar 4 has a cross sectional width of about 0.15 in., about 0.20 in., about 0.25 in., about 0.30 in., about 0.35 in., about 0.375 in., about 0.40 in., about 0.45 in., or about 0.50 in. In some embodiments pillar 4 has a cross sectional length of about 0.15 in., about 0.20 in., about 0.25 in., about 0.27 in., about 0.30 in., about 0.35 in., about 0.40 in., about 0.45 in., about 0.50 in., about 0.55 in., about 0.60 in., or about 0.65 in.

[0047] In some embodiments, the capsule extracting plate 1 is compatible with at least the Torpac ProFiller 1100 ® and Torpac ProFiller 3700 ® capsule filling systems, but also may be compatible with other capsule filing machines.

[0048] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for of selecting quality assurance samples including providing a capsule tray 2 having a plurality of evenly spaced capsule apertures 21, disposing a capsule 22 within capsule apertures 21 and causing a subset of the capsules 22 to simultaneously displace from the capsule tray 2.

[0049] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for of selecting quality assurance samples of capsules 22 comprising aligning a capsule extracting plate 1 with a capsule tray 2 including a plurality of filled capsules 22 and closing a distance between the capsule extracting plate 1 and the capsule tray 2 until a plurality of capsules 22 are displaced relative to the capsule tray 2.

[0050] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method of aligning a capsule tray 2 with a capsule extracting plate 1 comprising providing a capsule tray 2 including a plurality of filled capsules 22, providing a capsule extracting plate 1 including a plurality of registration apertures 7 configured to align with posts 25 on a capsule tray 2, and lining up the posts 25 on a capsule tray 2 with the registration apertures 7.

[0051] Referring to Figs. 10- 16, there is shown an embodiment of a capsule extracting plate generally designated 100, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The capsule extracting plate 100 may be generally the same as plate 1 discussed above except that the main body 106 may be generally rectangular-shaped. In some embodiments, the plate 100 may be generally the same as plate 1 discussed above except that the main body 106 may be generally square-shaped. In some embodiments, As shown in Fig. 10, for example, pillars 104 are arranged in a predetermined pattern. In one predetermined pattern, a first pair of adjacent pillars 142a and 142b are separated by a first distance d and a second pair of adjacent pillars 144a and 144b (e.g., Fig. 11) separated by a second distance x that is different from the first distance d.

[0052] In some embodiments, the pillars 104 are moveable such that a revised pattern may be configured. In some embodiments, the first distance d is greater than the second distance x. In some embodiments, the first distance d is less than the second distance x. In some embodiments, the first distance d is equal to the second distance x.

[0053] In some embodiments, multiple pairs of adjacent pillars are separated by the same distance. In some embodiments, no pairs of adjacent pillars are separated by the same distance. In some embodiments, the first pair of adjacent pillars is distinct from the second pair of adjacent pillars.

[0054] In some embodiments, edge pillars 143 (e.g., Fig. 11) are positioned along at least one edge 114 of main body 106 such that a center point of each edge pillar along an edge of main body 106 when connected forms a line that is parallel to the edge. Some embodiments have an equal number of edge pillars 143 positioned along a plurality of edges of main body. For example, in Fig. 11, three edge pillars are positioned along left edge 114a and right edge 114b.

[0055] In some embodiments, a region proximate a corner of the main body 106 includes a pillar 104. In some embodiments, the pillars 104 are removable and replaceable on the main body 106. The pillars 104 maybe removable and replaceable in different positions. In some embodiments, the plurality of pillars 104 extend from one upper surface 115 of the main body 106 and the opposing side of the main body 106 is substantially flat.

[0056] In some embodiments, the capsule extracting plate 100 includes at least two tabs 3 having a registration aperture 7 configured to align with a post on a capsule tray. In some embodiments, capsule extracting plate 100 includes plurality of tabs 103 extending from the main body 106. In some embodiments, capsule extracting plate 100 includes two tabs 103 extending from the main body 106. In some embodiments, tab 103 is located proximate an outer edge 114 of the main body 106. In some embodiments, the plurality of tabs 103 are located on the same outer edge 114. In some embodiments, the plurality of tabs 103 are located on opposite outer edges 114. In some embodiments, there is a plurality of tabs 3 on two opposing outer edges 114. In some embodiments, the plurality of tabs 3 on at least two outer edged 114 of the outer perimeter of the main body 106. In some embodiments, the registration aperture 107 is circularly shaped, rectangular shaped, or square shaped.

[0057] In some embodiments, the main body 106 has a vertical centerline (e.g., bisecting a long edge of main body 1066) along a vertical axis. In some embodiments, the pillars 104 are disposed in flopped- symmetry about the vertical centerline. In some embodiments, the pillars 104 are symmetrical about the vertical axis. In some embodiments, there are an equal number of pillars 104 on each side of the vertical centerline. In some embodiments, there are more pillars 104 on one side of the vertical centerline.

[0058] In some embodiments, there are an equal number of pillars 104 on each edge 114 of the main body 106. In some embodiments, there three pillars 104 on each edge 114 of the main body 106. In some embodiments there is a region of pillars 104 located near the center of the main body 106. In some embodiments, there are two pillars 104 in the center region. In some embodiments, there are eight pillars 104 located around a perimeter of the main body 106 and two pillars 104 located near the

[0059] In some embodiments, the plurality of pillars 104 includes a planar surface 109 extending from planar main body 106 that is parallel to a perimeter wall of the planar main body 106. In some embodiments, the plurality of pillars 104 includes planar surfaces 109 extending from planar main body 106 that are slanted such that each pillar 104 is a pyramid shape. In some embodiments, pillar 104 has a generally square cross section or a generally circular cross section. Insome embodiments, pillar 104 has a generally rectangular cross section. In some embodiments, one or more of pillars 104 includes a non-rectangular cross section. In some embodiments, at least some of the pillars 104 have a pyramid shape. In some embodiments, the pillars 104 in each of the four comers of the main body 106 include a pyramid-shaped pillar 104. In some embodiments, pyramid shaped pillars are configured to provide more strength at the base of the pillar and breakage is therefore reduced or eliminated from the main surface. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of pillars 104 have a equal cross-sectional area. In some embodiments, some pillars 104 have a larger cross- sectional area than other pillars. In some embodiments, the pillars 104 located near a comer of the main body 106 have a larger cross- sectional area than other pillars 104. In some embodiments, a plurality of pillars 104 has a length 110 defined by a distance between the top surface 117 of the pillar 104 and an upper surface 115 of the main body 106. In some embodiments, the length 110 of each pillar 104 is substantially equal. In some embodiments, the length 110 of at least two pillars 104 is unequal. In some embodiments, pillars 104 include filleted edges 127. In some embodiment, pillar 4 includes four filleted edges extending from the upper surface 15. One benefit of some filleted shapes is the ability to engage no more than one capsule while the main pillar 104 body is wide enough to provide strength and prevent breakage from the main body 106. In some embodiment, pillar 104 includes four filleted edges extending from the upper surface 115. In some embodiments, pillar 104 has four planar surfaces 109 extending from the upper surface 115. Planar surfaces 109 may be arranged to define a square cross section of pillar 104.

[0060] In some embodiments, a top surface 117 of pillar 104 is configured to engage a capsule. In some embodiments, a top surface 117 of pillar 104 includes a dimple that is configured to engage a capsule (e.g., in a shape configured to register with the capsule shape).

[0061] In some embodiments, the capsule extracting plate 100 includes a rigid material. In some embodiments, the capsule extracting plate 100 includes polycarbonate epoxy resin, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polylactic acid (PLA), polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a polycarbonate, or metal. In some embodiments, the capsule extracting plate 100 could be fabricated by 3D printing, epoxy resin molding or injection molding.

[0062] In some embodiments, the main body 106 has a thickness of about 0.1 in., about 0.15 in., about 0.20 in., about 0.25 in., about 0.30 in., about 0.35 in., about 0.40 in., about 0.45 in., about 0.50 in., about 0.55 in., about 0.60 in., about 0.65 in., or about 0.70 in. In some embodiments, the main body 106 has a length of about 3 in., about 4 in., about 5 in., about 6 in., about 7 in., about 8 in., about 9 in., about 10 in., about 11 in., about 12 in., about 13 in., about 14 in., or about 15 in. Insome embodiments, the main body 106 has a width of about 4 in., about 5 in., about 6 in., about 7 in., about 8 in., about 9 in., about 10 in., or about 11 in.

[0063] In some embodiments pillar 104 has a cross sectional width of about 0.15 in., about 0.20 in., about 0.25 in., about 0.30 in., about 0.35 in., about 0.375 in., about 0.40 in., about 0.45 in., or about 0.50 in. In some embodiments pillar 104 has a cross sectional length of about 0.15 in., about 0.20 in., about 0.25 in., about 0.27 in., about 0.30 in., about 0.35 in., about 0.40 in., about 0.45 in., about 0.50 in., about 0.55 in., about 0.60 in., or about 0.65 in.

[0064] In some embodiments, the capsule extracting plate 100 is compatible with at least the Torpac ProFiller 1100 ® and Torpac ProFiller 3700 ® capsule filling systems, but also may be compatible with other capsule filing machines.

[0065] The term “about” or “approximately” is used herein to provide literal support for the exact number that it precedes, as well as a number that is near to or approximately the number that the term precedes. In determining whether a number is near to or approximately a specifically recited number, the near or approximating unrecited number may be a number, which, in the context in which it is presented, provides the substantial equivalent of the specifically recited number. It should be appreciated that all numerical values and ranges disclosed herein are approximate values and ranges, whether “about” is used in conjunction therewith. It should also be appreciated that the term “about,” as used herein, in conjunction with a numeral refers to a value that may be ±0.01% (inclusive), ±0.1% (inclusive), ±0.5% (inclusive), ±1% (inclusive) of that numeral, ±2% (inclusive) of that numeral, ±3% (inclusive) of that numeral, ±5% (inclusive) of that numeral, ±10% (inclusive) of that numeral, or ±15% (inclusive) of that numeral. It should further be appreciated that when a numerical range is disclosed herein, any numerical value falling within the range is also specifically disclosed.

[0066] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the exemplary embodiments shown and described above without departing from the broad inventive concepts thereof. It is to be understood that the embodiments and claims disclosed herein are not limited in their application to the details of construction and arrangement of the components set forth in the description and illustrated in the drawings. Rather, the description and the drawings provide examples of the embodiments envisioned. The embodiments and claims disclosed herein are further capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways.

[0067] Specific features of the exemplary embodiments may or may not be part of the claimed invention and various features of the disclosed embodiments may be combined. Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms “a”, “an” and “the” are not limited to one element but instead should beread as meaning “at least one”. Finally, unless specifically set forth herein, a disclosed or claimed method should not be limited to the performance of their steps in the order written, and one skilled in the art can readily appreciate that the steps may be performed in any practical order.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A capsule extracting plate comprising: a generally planar main body; and a plurality of irregularly spaced pillars extending from the main body including, a first pair of adjacent pillars separated by a first distance, and a second pair of adjacent pillars separated by a second distance that is different from the first distance.

2. The capsule extracting plate of claim 1, wherein the main body includes at least one tab having a registration aperture configured to align with a post on a capsule tray.

3. The capsule extracting plate of claim 1, wherein the plurality of pillars are clustered in a plurality of regions on the main body, each region having an equal number of pillars.

4. The capsule extracting plate of claim 3, wherein the plurality of regions consists of five regions.

5. The capsule extracting plate of claim 4, wherein each of the five regions consists of six pillars.

6. The capsule extracting plate of claim 3, wherein each of the plurality of regions includes a geometric center and, the geometric center of one of the regions is equidistant from the geometric center of all other regions in the plurality of regions.

7. The capsule extracting plate of claim 3, wherein each of the plurality of regions includes a geometric center and, the geometric center of one of the regions is i) a first distance from the geometric center of each of two other regions in the plurality of regions; and ii) a second distance from the geometric center of a least one additional region in the plurality of regions.

8. The capsule extracting plate of claim 3, wherein each of the plurality of regions includes a geometric center and the each of the geometric centers are connectable in a saltire configuration.

9. The capsule extracting plate of claim 1, wherein the first pair of adjacent pillars is distinct from the second pair of adjacent pillars.

10. The capsule extracting plate of claim 1, wherein an outer profile of the main body is one of substantially rectangular or substantially square.

11. The capsule extracting plate of claim 1, wherein the main body includes a perimeter wall with a cutout.

12. The capsule extracting plate of claim 1, wherein the main body includes a pair of cutouts centrally located on opposing perimeter walls.

13. The capsule extracting plate of claim 11, wherein the cutout includes interior walls defining sides of a triangle, sides of a rectangle or sides of a square.

14. The capsule extracting plate of claim 1, wherein the plurality of pillars includes a planar surface extending from planar main body that is parallel to a perimeter wall of the planar main body.

15. The capsule extracting plate of claim 1, wherein each pillar has a generally square cross section or a generally circular cross section.

16. The capsule extracting plate of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of pillars has a length defined by a distance between an upper surface of the pillar and an upper surface of the main body, wherein the length of each pillar is substantially the same.

17. The capsule extracting plate of claim 3, wherein each of the plurality of regions have a common cross-sectional area.

18. The capsule extracting plate of claim 1, wherein the main body has a vertical centerline along a vertical axis and a horizontal centerline along a horizontal axis and an the pillars are disposed in is flopped- symmetry about the vertical axis.

19. The capsule extracting plate of claim 2, wherein the capsule tray includes an aperture matrix comprising a plurality of capsule holding apertures.

20. The capsule extracting plate of claim 1, wherein each pillar has four filleted edges extending from the main body.

21. The capsule extracting plate of claim 19, wherein a number of the plurality of pillars is at least 10% of the number of apertures in the aperture matrix.

22. The capsule extracting plate of claim 19, wherein a number of the plurality of pillars is equal to 10% of the number of apertures in the aperture matrix.

23. The capsule extracting plate of claim 19, wherein an area of each region takes up about 10% of a total area of the aperture matrix.

24. The capsule extracting plate of claim 10, wherein the capsule extracting plate includes a row of equally spaced pillars, disposed proximate an outer edge of the main body.

25. The capsule extracting plate of claim 1, wherein the plurality of pillars are removable and replaceable on the main body.

26. The capsule extracting plate of claim 1, wherein the main body has a thickness of about about 0.25 in., about 0.30 in., about 0.35 in., about 0.40 in., about 0.45 in., about 0.50 in., about 0.55 in., about 0.60 in., about 0.65 in., or about 0.70 in.

27. The capsule extracting plate of claim 1, wherein the main body has a length of about 8 in., about 9 in., about 10 in., about 11 in., about 12 in., about 13 in., about 14 in., or about 15 in.

28. The capsule extracting plate of claim 1, wherein the main body has a width of about 4 in., about 5 in., about 6 in., about 7 in., about 8 in., about 9 in., about 10 in., or about 11 in.

29. The capsule extracting plate of claim 1, wherein the plurality of pillars extend from one side of the main body and an opposing side of the main body is substantially flat.

30. A method for of selecting quality assurance samples, comprising: providing a capsule tray having a plurality of evenly spaced capsule apertures; disposing a capsule within each of the capsule apertures; and causing a subset of the capsules to simultaneously displace from the capsule tray.

31. A method for of selecting quality assurance samples, comprising: aligning a capsule extracting plate with a capsule tray including a plurality of filled capsules; and closing a distance between the capsule extracting plate and the capsule tray until a plurality of capsules are displaced relative to the capsule tray.

32. A method of aligning a capsule tray with a capsule extracting plate, comprising: providing a capsule tray including a plurality of filled capsules; providing a capsule extracting plate including a plurality of registration apertures configured to align with posts on a capsule tray; and lining up the posts on a capsule tray with the registration apertures.

Images