a pill crusher has a paper cup receptacle having an upwardly open , frusto - conical recess for receiving a paper cup , a plunger having a frusto - conical shape complimentary to that of the recess , the plunger being above and coaxial with the recess , an electric motor and a reciprocating drive transmission between the electric motor and the plunger for displacing the plunger into and out of the recess . the reciprocatory drive transmission comprises a worm and nut drive transmission for rotating the plunger while displacing the plunger into the receptacle . a drive control connected to the electric motor controls the motor so as to displace the plunger into and out of the recess .