EP1966585A2 — Integrated dissolution processing and sample transfer system

USPTO Abstract

System and method for dissolution testing. The system (100) includes multiple dissolution vessels (110) and a dose carrier (130) positioned above the dissolution vessels. The dose carrier holds multiple removable carousels (132) that receive individual doses for dissolution tested. Carousels that receive tablets or sinkers typically have a first configuration (132a) , while carousels that receive baskets typically have a second configuration (132b) . The two different configurations of carousels are interchangeable on the same dose ring. The system further includes a drive head positioned above the dose carrier, the drive head having a basket arbor (142) and a mixing paddle (143) removably and interchangeably attached. A sample transfer device (170) integral with the system transfers sample aliquots having volumes in the range of 50 μ l to 1 ml from the dissolution vessels to wells (182) of an external receptacle (180) .