Dosage control systems automated

Fortunately, automated fiber-optic probe-based dissolution systems have begun to appear for these solid dosage-form applications. One such system uses dip-type UV transflectance fiber-optic probes, each coupled to a miniature photodiode array (PDA) spectrophotometer to measure drug release in real time. This fiber-optic dissolution system can analyze immediate- and controlled-release formulations. The system is more accurate and precise than conventional dissolution test systems, and it is easier to set up than conventional manual sampling or automated sipper-sampling systems with analysis by spectrophotometry or HPLC. 

An automated drop-on-demand system with real-time gravimetric control for precise dosage formulation has been developed (48). The modular drug dispensing system includes a microdispensing valve unit and is fully automated. Volumes ranging from nl to yl can be dosed with high accuracy. 

From temperature sensors up to dosage pumps, most equipment can be connected by the operator just by plugging in adapted cord sets. The whole automation hardware is included in one compact unit. Because of its modularity, the system can grow vdth the requirements of the user - from a small data-logging system up to a complex process control unit. 

Automation, both in the laboratory ( ) and in industry (29), became noticeable around 1900. Most, but not all of the early devices were entirely mechanical. Mention may be made of a water-softening system, patented in 1906, that claimed to electrophotometrically analyze the feed water and to automatically adjust the dosages of lime and soda ( ). Nowadays computerization can control a single instrument, a fully-automated laboratory, or an entire factory. 

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