DE-BLISTERING APPARATUS AND METHOD

摘要

An apparatus (10) for removing an item (58) from a blister pack (50), the blister pack (50) comprising a first web (52) having a deformable blister (56) formation thereon for retaining an item (58), the item (58) being enclosed inside the blister (56) by a frangible web (54) affixed to the first web (52), the apparatus comprising means for tensioning (104) the blister pack between first (102) and second (109) spaced-apart support means and a bearing surface (110) arranged to move relative to the blister pack, wherein moving the bearing surface (110) relative to the blister pack causes the bearing surface (110) to apply a force (R) to the blister (56) sufficient to deform it and to cause the item (58) enclosed therein to rupture the frangible web (54). A method of removing one or more items (58) from a blister pack (50) is also disclosed. The apparatus and/or method are preferably automated.