IT202100003656A1 - APPARATUS AND METHOD OF CUTTING FOR CAPSULES - Google Patents

Description

Description of industrial invention

Apparatus and cutting method for capsules

Background of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a cutting apparatus and method, in particular for cutting container caps, for example for caps made of plastic material and usable for closing containers, such as for example bottles.

[0002] Specifically, but not exclusively, the invention relates to cutting a side wall of a capsule to make a safety ring, or guarantee band, intended to break when the capsule is first opened.

[0003] In particular, reference is made to an apparatus constructed as in the preamble of the first claim. Such an apparatus? known, for example, from the patent publication EP 3103 603 A1.

[0004] ? it is known to perform a circumferential cut on a capsule by rolling the capsule on a fixed knife, to form, on a wall of the capsule, a preferential breaking line which defines the guarantee band.

[0005] In this regard, the prior art ? improvable.

[0006] In particular, ? It is desirable to feed the capsule to the knife so that the capsule, when it contacts the knife, is properly oriented with respect to the knife, particularly if an extended cut is to be made along one wall of the capsule less than 360?, i.e. ? not for a full circumference, to start and end the cut at two desired points on the wall.

Summary of the invention

[0007] A purpose of the invention? to provide an apparatus and/or a method for cutting caps for containers alternative to those known.

[0008] A purpose? solve the aforementioned problem of the prior art.

[0009] A purpose? allow the cutting of caps for containers suitable for accurately creating a safety ring on the cap.

[0010] A purpose? facilitate the cutting of ?tethered? capsules, i.e. capsules that remain attached to the container after opening.

[0011] An advantage? to provide a constructively simple and economical cutting apparatus for cutting container caps.

[0012] An advantage? to allow the?precise execution of one or more? cuts on a wall of a capsule in predefined points of the wall itself.

[0013] In one example, a cutting apparatus comprises a rotating carousel, two or more? unit? feed units rotated by the carousel to feed the caps to the cutting means, and sensor means for detecting an orientation of each cap before the cap reaches the cutting means, each unit? feed system comprising a lower support for carrying a cap and an upper mandrel which engages the cap as the cap rolls on the cutting means, each lower support being capable of rotation about its own axis of rotation and being configured to receive a motion of rotation by motor means so as to vary an orientation of the capsule based on the detection of the sensor means.

Brief description of the drawings

[0014] The invention can be better understood and implemented with reference to the attached drawings which illustrate some non-limiting examples of implementation, in which:

figure 1 ? a section in vertical elevation of a first example of an apparatus made in accordance with the present invention;

figure 2 shows an enlarged detail of the apparatus of figure 1;

figure 3 ? a section in vertical elevation of a second example of an apparatus made in accordance with the present invention;

figure 4 shows an enlarged detail of the apparatus of figure 3;

figure 5 shows another enlarged detail of the apparatus of figure 3;

figure 6 shows a further enlarged detail of figure 4;

figure 7 ? a section in vertical elevation of a third example of an apparatus made in accordance with the present invention;

the figure 8 ? a plan view of one of the above examples of apparatus;

figure 9 ? a plan view of a fourth example of an apparatus made in accordance with the present invention;

figures 10 and 11 show outlines of the shape of the cam means for guiding the support of the capsule in translation in a vertical direction;

figure 12 ? a plan view showing some superimposed diagrams of apparatuses made in accordance with the present invention;

figures 13 and 14 are two sections in vertical elevation of two examples of lower support for a capsule which can be used in the aforesaid apparatuses.

Detailed description

[0015] With reference to the figures mentioned above, it should be noted that, for simplicity? of exposition, analogous elements of different embodiments have been indicated with the same reference number.

[0016] With 1 ? Overall, a cutting apparatus for cutting capsules 2 has been indicated. The cutting apparatus 1 can? be used, in particular, to cut caps 2 made of plastic material and suitable for closing containers, such as for example bottles. The cutting unit 1 can? be used, in particular, for cutting a side wall of a capsule 2 to make a safety ring, or guarantee band, intended to break when the capsule is first opened. The cutting unit 1 can? be used, in particular, to make ?tethered? capsules, i.e. capsules that remain attached to the container after opening.

[0017] The cutting apparatus 1 can? comprise, in particular, feeding means for feeding the capsules 2. The cutting apparatus 1 can? comprising, in particular, cutting means 3 for making a guarantee band on each capsule 2 fed by the feed means. The supply means can comprise, in particular, one or more unit? of power supply 4 each of which ? movable along a path where the cutting means 3 are arranged. In some figures the cutting means 3 are not shown, for simplicity? of representation, even if the cutting means 3 are in fact present in all the embodiments described herein. Each unit? of power 4 pu? be configured, in particular, to feed at least one capsule 2.

[0018] The cutting means 3 can comprise, in particular, one or more? blades or knives superimposed on each other and arranged along a section of the (circumferential) path of the capsules 2 and can be configured to perform one or more? cuts on the capsule. The cutting means 3 can comprise, in particular, one or more? vertical and/or oblique blades or knives configured, in particular, to make tethered capsules.

[0019] The feeding means can comprise, in particular, at least one carousel 5 rotating around a carousel rotation axis. Carousel 5 can? be, in particular, willing to support the units? power supply 4. The carousel rotation axis can? be set in rotation by motor means (for example a motor of known type).

[0020] Each unit? of power 4 pu? be, in particular, mobile along a closed-loop path, as in the specific examples in which the various units? feeders 4 are arranged on the carousel 5 angularly spaced from each other.

[0021] Each unit? of power 4 pu? comprising, in particular, a mandrel 6 rotatable about a mandrel rotation axis. Spindle 6 can? be, in particular, configured to engage with the cap 2 while the cap rolls on the cutting means 3. The mandrel 6 can? be, in particular, configured to engage with an internal surface of the capsule 2 facing upwards (as in the examples illustrated, in which each capsule 2 comprises a skirt portion, or a side wall, closed by a closure wall arranged below and open at the top).

[0022] The cutting apparatus 1 can? comprise, in particular, motor means 7 configured to rotate the spindle rotation axis when the spindle is? engaged with the cap 2 while the cap rolls on the cutting means 3.

[0023] The motor means 7 which rotate the spindle rotation axis could be, in particular, the same motor means configured to rotate the carousel rotation axis. The motor means 7 which rotate the spindle rotation axis could be, in particular, adjusted according to a desired relative phasing in relation to a phasing of the motor means configured to rotate the carousel rotation axis.

[0024] The cutting apparatus 1 can? comprising, in particular, motion transmission means 8 configured in such a way that a rotation of a rotation axis of the motor means 7 causes, for each spindle, a rotation of the spindle rotation axis. The motion transmission means 8 can comprise, in particular, one or more? flexible members arranged (on pulleys) to connect the axis of rotation of the motor means 7 and the axis of rotation of the spindle (as in the attached figures). In other embodiments, not illustrated, the motion transmission means can comprise, in particular, a system with one or more? gears (in addition to or in place of the aforementioned one or more flexible members), or a kinematic chain of another type.

[0025] Each unit? of power 4 pu? comprising, in particular, a support 9 rotatable about a support rotation axis.

[0026] Support 9 can? be, in particular, configured to engage the respective cap 2 and to receive a rotation motion from actuator means 10 configured to vary an orientation of the cap 2 with respect to the axis of rotation of the support before the cap 2 reaches the cutting means 3, so that the cap 2 meets the cutting means 3 with a desired orientation with respect to the cutting means themselves.

[0027] Support 9 can? be, in particular (as in the examples described here), configured to engage the capsule 2 by means of suction retention means (for example of known type). Support 9 can? be configured, in particular, to engage an external surface of the capsule 2 facing downwards (in particular the external surface of the closing wall of the capsule arranged below).

[0028] Support 9 can be, in particular (as in the examples described here), capable of performing an axial motion (for example vertical) in both directions in relation to the respective spindle 6 so as to approach and move away from the respective spindle 6 (which can be fixed in the vertical direction).

[0029] The axial movement of the support 9 can be, in particular (as in the examples described herein), guided by cam means. The cam means can comprise, in particular, a coupling between a fixed shape 11 and a mobile tappet, in which the tappet ? mobile together with the support 9 (for example ? integral with the support 9).

[0030] The fixed shape 11 can be, in particular, extended in a circumferential direction. In figure 10 ? shown is an example of a profile of the shape 11 (developed on a plane) and of the respective path of a capsule 2 guided by the cam means, considering a movement of the carousel 5 in one direction (for example clockwise). In figure 10 the motion of the capsule 2 is represented from top to bottom.

[0031] With 12 ? represented the section of the route in which pu? the adjustment of the angular position (phasing) of the capsule takes place by means of the rotation (operated by the actuator means 10) of the support 9 which carries the capsule 2 on the basis of the detection of the orientation of the capsule 2 performed by sensor means 13.

[0032] In figure 11 ? an example of a profile of the shape 11 (developed on a plane) and of the respective path of a capsule 2 is shown, considering a motion of the carousel 5 in the opposite direction (for example counterclockwise), whereby the motion of the capsule 2 is represented from below upward.

[0033] The cutting apparatus 1 can? include, in particular, at least one control group which in turn can? comprise, in particular, the aforementioned sensor means 13 configured to detect an orientation of each capsule 2.

[0034] The control group can comprise, in particular, the aforesaid actuator means 10 configured to vary an orientation of a respective capsule 2. The control group can? comprising, in particular, control means configured to control the actuator means 10 on the basis of a detection by the sensor means 13.

[0035] The control means can comprise, in particular, electronic and programmable control means (for example an electronic processor) and provided with computer instructions implemented on the programmable electronic means.

[0036] The sensor means 13 can comprise, in particular, optical sensor means, for example of the camera type. The sensor means 13 can comprise, in particular, at least one sensor (camera), in particular fixed, arranged along the path taken by the units? power supply 4.

[0037] The control group can be configured, in particular, in such a way as to vary the orientation of each cap 2 before the cap reaches the cutting means 3, so that? the cap 2 reaches the cutting means 3 with a desired orientation with respect to the cutting means 3 to start the cut in a desired point of the cap 2.

[0038] The actuator means 10 can comprise, in particular, for each unit of power supply 4, at least one motor (for example an electric motor) disposed on the carousel 5, so to be rotated by the carousel itself, and operatively associated with the respective rotating support 9.

[0039] For each unit? feed tube 4, the respective rotating support (lower than the mandrel 6) receives a rotation motion from the respective motor to vary the orientation of the capsule 2 and reach the desired angular position.

[0040] ? It is possible to envisage embodiments provided with the aforementioned motion transmission means 8, configured in such a way that, while the cap 2 rolls on the cutting means 3 to perform the cut, a rotation of the rotation axis of the motor means 7 causes a rotation of each spindle rotation axis.

[0041] The respective support can be, in particular, configured in such a way that, while the cap 2 rolls on the cutting means 3, the axis of rotation of the support is fixed (with the cap 2 which will slide with respect to the underlying support 9) or in such a way that, while the capsule 2 rolls on the cutting means 3, the support rotation axis rotates in an idle manner (so that the capsule 2 may not slide with respect to the underlying support 9).

[0042] ? is it possible, however, to provide examples of construction in which each unit? of power 4 ? configured in such a way that, while the cap 2 rolls on the cutting means 3, the actuator means 10 (the respective motor of the supply unit 4) activate the support rotation axis, while the spindle rotation axis ? rotatable in an idle manner (for example without the arrangement of the aforesaid motion transmission means 8 to connect the spindle rotation axis to a motorized rotation axis).

[0043] Support 9 can be accomplished in various ways. In particular, support 9 pu? comprise a simple lower plate (as in figure 2) which interacts in contact, in support relationship (with retention by means of suction), with the end portion? flat part of the capsule (arranged below in these examples) without substantially interacting with the lateral skirt portion.

[0044] Support 9 can comprising, in particular (for example as in figure 6), a cup-shaped plate for laterally containing, at least in part, the capsule, with the possibility of to interact with the lateral skirt portion. Support 9 can? comprising, in particular, elastic means (for example such as those visible in figures 6, 13 and 14) to allow a sprung movement of the support 9 itself. The glass shape and/or the possibility? of a springy movement can favor the retention of the capsule, especially when the support 9 rotates driven by motor means.

[0045] Support 9 can? be provided with engagement means (for example a knurling) configured to engage with counter-engagement means (for example a fixed counter-knurling) arranged in the cutting area to favor the rolling movement (without sliding) of the cap on the means of cut.

[0046] Support 9 can? comprising, in particular (for example as in figures 13 and 14), lateral containment means for the capsule provided with movable portions (for example with hinged movement) with the possibility of to assume a closed configuration, in which they laterally contain the lateral portion of the capsule, and an open configuration, in which they leave the capsule free.

[0047] As mentioned, support 9 can comprising, in particular, elastic means configured for the sprung movement of the support. These elastic means can be arranged, in particular, between the support plate of the capsule and a tubular element which can be mobile axially and that can? bring the lateral containment means (as in figure 13). ? it is possible to provide, for example as in figure 14, that the elastic means are arranged, in particular, in such a way that the tubular element is interposed between the support plate of the capsule and the elastic means.

[0048] In operation, a cutting method is implemented which can comprising, in particular, the step of feeding the caps 2 to the cutting means 3 to make a guarantee band or, safety ring, on each cap 2, the step of detecting an orientation (or angular arrangement) of each cap 2, and the step of varying an orientation of each capsule 2 on the basis of the aforementioned detection. The aforementioned step of varying the orientation of the cap 2 is performed before the cap reaches the cutting means 3, so that it is cut. each capsule 2 reaches the cutting means 3 with a desired orientation, or angular position, with respect to the cutting means 3.

[0049] The cutting apparatus 1 can? be designed, in particular, to perform one or more? cuts on the (lateral) wall of the cap 2, in particular, as mentioned, in order to make a guarantee ring intended to break when the cap is first opened.

[0050] In operation, initially each capsule 2 to be cut reaches the respective unit? of feed 4 with a random orientation with respect to the axis of rotation of the support.

[0051] The sensor means 13 are arranged to determine the effective orientation (or ?phase?) of each capsule 2, in particular the angular position of the capsule 2 with respect to the axis of rotation of the support, along the capsule path before the means of cut.

[0052] As mentioned, does carousel 5 support plurality? of units feed tubes 4, which are angularly spaced from each other. The various units? therefore, the feeders 4 are movable around the carousel rotation axis along a circumferential path.

[0053] Each unit? supply 4 ?, as mentioned, provided with a support 9 (lower) which can? comprising, in particular, a plate for holding, for example by means of a vacuum, a cap 2 positioned thereon.

[0054] Depending on the orientation of the cap 2, which is detected by the sensor means 13, the electronic control means of the cutting apparatus 1 are configured to rotate the support 9, around the support rotation axis, by the engine of the respective unit? feeder 4, in order to position the capsule in a desired phase (relative angular position) with respect to the cutting means 3 before performing the subsequent cut.

[0055] Furthermore, the support 9 is also guided in translation, towards the respective spindle 6 (that is, upwards), in a direction (vertical) parallel to the axis of rotation of the support, through the profile of the shape 11 of the cam means.

[0056] The feeding of the capsules 2 therefore comprises a movement which includes an adjustment of the angular position, a sort of "angular phasing", by means of a rotation of the lower support 9 which carries the capsule 2, combined with a translation towards the ?top of the lower mount 9.

[0057] The adjustment in rotation takes place through the actuation of the actuator means 10 (for example an electric motor for each supply unit 4), and the approach in translation takes place through the profile of the template 11.

[0058] Shape 11 ? shaped and arranged so as to guide a return of the support 9 to the lowered position (i.e. with a downward movement) to pick up another capsule 2.

[0059] The upper spindle 6, which can? be fixed in the vertical direction, ? actuated in rotation around the spindle rotation axis by means of the motor means 7 and the motion transmission means 8 which connect the spindle 6 to the aforementioned motor means 7.

[0060] The feeding means can comprise, in particular, an input device 14 (for example an input carousel, see figure 8) for inserting the caps 2 into the cutting carousel 5 (rotating clockwise in figure 8) to upstream of the sensor means 13.

[0061] The feeding means can comprise, in particular, an exit device 15 (for example an exit carousel, see figure 8) for extracting the capsules 2 from the cutting carousel 5 downstream of the cutting means 3 (not shown in figure 8) arranged along the path of the capsules between the sensor means 13 and the outlet device 15.

[0062] The input device 14 can? comprise, in particular, a linear conveyor (see figure 9), as an alternative or in addition to the infeed carousel, for inserting the caps into the cutting carousel 5 (rotating counterclockwise in figure 9) upstream of the sensor means 13.

[0063] The output device 15 can? comprise, in particular, a linear conveyor (see figure 9), as an alternative or in addition to the outfeed carousel, for extracting the capsules 2 from the cutting carousel 5 downstream of the cutting means 3 arranged along the path of the capsules 2 between the sensor means 13 and the output device 15.

[0064] The cutting apparatus 1 can? be, in particular, connected in a continuous line with a folding apparatus 16 (for example of the carousel type, as in figure 12) arranged to receive the capsules 2 coming from the cutting apparatus 1 and to perform a folding of the guarantee band for each capsule 2.

[0065] Figure 12 shows a plant for processing capsules with a capsule inlet 17, a capsule outlet 18 and a schematic superimposition of a plurality of capsules of carousels for transporting the capsules arranged between the capsule entrance 17 and the capsule exit 18.

[0066] The plurality of transport rides can? include, in particular, the input device 14, the cutting carousel 5, an intermediate carousel 19, the folding apparatus 16 and the output device 15.

[0067] The input device 14 delivers the caps 2 to the cutting carousel 5. The cutting carousel 5 can? alternatively include a large carousel or a small carousel. The cutting carousel 5 delivers the capsules 2 to the intermediate carousel 19. The intermediate carousel 19 delivers the capsules 2 to the folding apparatus 16.

[0068] The folding apparatus 16 can? alternatively include a large carousel or a small carousel. The folding apparatus 16 releases the capsules 2 to the outlet device 15.

[0069] ? It is possible to provide various combinations: large cutting carousel 5 and large folding apparatus 16, large cutting carousel 5 and small folding apparatus 16, small cutting carousel 5 and large folding apparatus 16, small cutting carousel 5 and folding apparatus 16 small. In specific embodiments, the cutting carousel 5 ? large and the? folding apparatus 16 pu? be big or small. In specific embodiments, the cutting carousel 5 can? be placed before the folding apparatus 16, or can? be arranged after the folding apparatus 16, with reference to the direction of advance of the capsules being processed.

[0070] In a cutting phase, the cap 2 is brought (in phase, i.e. with a desired orientation or angular position) by the lower support 9 in contact with the upper mandrel 6. Subsequently, when the capsule 2 arrives at the cutting means 3, ? It is possible to provide that the mandrel 6 rotates together with the cap 2 which rolls without slipping on the cutting means 3.

[0071] During the cutting phase, ? It is possible to envisage that the motor of the lower support 9 is switched off (it had previously been switched on only to allow the lower support 9 to carry out the aforementioned phasing of the capsule 2) and that the capsule 2, with its bottom surface, cannot slide with respect to to the plate of the support 9 (if the motor of the lower support 9 is left off in neutral), or it can slide with respect to the plate of the support 9 (if the motor is not in neutral).

[0072] The carousel 5 rotates the plurality of units of supply 4, for each of which an (optical) detection of the relative capsule 2 positioned on the support 9 (in particular on the housing plate) is carried out.

[0073] The detection provides, in particular, the detection of geometric elements or characteristics of the capsule 2, suitable for determining an angular position of the capsule with respect to a vertical axis.

[0074] The rotation of the capsule 2, i.e. the adjustment movement of the angular position of the capsule, takes place via the actuator means 10, i.e. the motor associated with each respective unit? feed tube 4, which actuator means 10 are kinematically connected to the support 9 (cap housing plate, with the cap 2 integral in rotation with the plate).

[0075] The adjustment rotation will be equal to the angle such as to bring the capsule 2 to a reference angular position, i.e. a desired angular position which will allow? cap 2 to meet the cutting means 3 (fixed) in a precise point of the cap itself.

[0076] Therefore, capsule 2 will be able to be adequately fed to the cutting means 3, on which it can? roll without crawling.

[0077] Will the cutting action of the cutting means 3 on the cap start? at the desired point of the capsule 3, in virtue? of the previously performed angular position adjustment.

[0078] The cutting phase can be performed with the upper mandrel 6 which is rotated and which sets the cap 2 in rotation, thus accompanying the the rolling movement of the cap 2 on the cutting means 3 (knife/s), while the lower support 9 remains stationary (with the cap 2 sliding on the plate), or is disconnected from the drive so as to be idle in rotation.

[0079] Alternatively, the cutting phase can be performed with the lower support 9 which is rotated and which rotates the capsule 2, thus accompanying the the rolling movement of the capsule 2 on the cutting means 3 (knife/s), while the upper mandrel 6 can? be devoid of motorization so as to rotate idle, essentially only acting as a counter element for the cutting means 3.

[0080] It should be noted that, for both the solutions just described (active upper spindle or passive upper spindle) the spindle rotation axis can be coaxial with the geometric axis of the capsule 2, or could? be eccentric with respect to the geometric axis of capsule 2 (ie not coaxial).

Claims (14)

1. Cutting attachment (1), comprising: - feed means for feeding capsules (2); - cutting means (3) to make a guarantee band on each capsule (2) fed by said feeding means; - a control unit with sensor means (13) to detect an orientation of each capsule (2), actuator means (10) to vary an orientation of each capsule (2), and control means configured to control said actuator means (10 ) on the basis of a detection by said sensor means (13); characterized by the fact that said control group ? configured in such a way as to vary the orientation of each capsule (2) before the capsule reaches said cutting means (3) so that? the cap (2) reaches said cutting means with a desired orientation with respect to said cutting means (3). 2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said supply means comprises at least one unit? feed (4) movable along a path where said cutting means (3) are arranged, said at least one unit? (4) being configured to feed at least one capsule (2) and comprising a mandrel (6) rotatable about a mandrel rotation axis, said mandrel (6) being configured to engage with the capsule (2) while the capsule rolls on said cutting means (3); said mandrel (6) being configured, in particular, to engage with an internal surface of the cap (2) facing upwards. 3. Apparatus according to claim 2, comprising drive means (7) configured to rotate said spindle axis of rotation when said spindle (6) is? engaged with the cap (2) while the cap rolls on said cutting means (3). 4. Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said supply means comprise a carousel (5) rotatable about a carousel rotation axis and arranged to support said at least one unit? supply (4), said apparatus comprising motion transmission means (8) configured in such a way that a rotation of a rotation axis of said motor means (7) causes a rotation of said spindle rotation axis; said apparatus being configured, in particular, in such a way that said carousel rotation axis is coaxial or coincident with said rotation axis of said motor means (7). 5. Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said motion transmission means (8) comprise one or more? flexible bodies and/or one or more? gears arranged to connect said axis of rotation of said motor means (7) and said axis of rotation of the spindle. 6. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said supply means comprises at least one unit? supply (4) configured to feed at least one capsule (2), called at least one unit? (4) comprising a support (9) rotatable about a support rotation axis, said support (9) being configured to engage the capsule (2) and to receive a rotational motion from said actuator means (10) to vary an orientation of the capsule (2) with respect to said axis of rotation of the support before the capsule (2) reaches said cutting means (3) so that? the cap (2) meets said cutting means with a desired orientation with respect to said cutting means (3). 7. Apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said support (9) is configured to engage the capsule (2) with suction holding means; said support (9) being configured, in particular, to engage an outer surface of the capsule facing downwards. 8. Apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, wherein it dictates at least one unit? feed (4) comprises a mandrel (6) rotatable about a mandrel rotation axis, said support (9) being capable of performing an axial motion in both directions with respect to said mandrel (6) so as to approach, and moving away from said mandrel (6); said axial motion of said support (9) being guided, in particular, by cam means; said cam means comprising, in particular, a fixed shape (11) and a tappet coupled with said support (9). 9. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said feed means comprises two or more? unit? power supply (4) each of which ? configured to feed at least one capsule (2), called two or more? unit? feeders (4) being movable along a closed loop path and being, in particular, arranged on a revolving carousel (5); each of these two or more? unit? of feeding (4) being realized, in particular, as ? made said at least one? unit? feed tube (4) according to any one of claims 2 to 8. 10. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said feeding means comprise a carousel (5) rotating about a carousel rotation axis, said carousel (5) being arranged to support two or more? unit? power supply (4) each of which ? configured to feed at least one capsule (2) to said cutting means (3), each of said two or more? unit? (4) comprising a mandrel (6) rotatable about a mandrel rotation axis, said mandrel (6) being configured to engage with the capsule (2) while the capsule rolls on said cutting means (3), said mandrel (6) being configured to engage with an internal surface of the capsule (2) facing upwards, said actuator means (10) comprising, for each of said two or more? unit? supply (4), at least one motor carried by said carousel (5), each of said two or more? unit? (4) comprising a support (9) rotatable about a support rotation axis, said support (9) being configured to engage the capsule (2) and to receive a rotational motion from the respective said motor to vary an orientation of the capsule (2) with respect to said axis of rotation of the support before the capsule (2) reaches said cutting means (3) so that? the capsule meets said cutting means with a desired orientation with respect to said cutting means (3), said support (9) being configured to engage an outer surface of the capsule (2) facing downwards. 11. Apparatus according to claim 10, comprising motion transmission means (8) configured in such a way that, while the capsule (2) rolls on said cutting means (3), a rotation of a rotation axis of motor means (7 ) causes a rotation of said spindle rotation axis, said support (9) being configured in such a way that, while the cap (2) rolls on said cutting means (3), said support rotation axis is fixed or rotates in a manner crazy. 12. Apparatus according to claim 10, wherein each of said two or more? unit? of power supply (4) ? configured in such a way that, while the capsule (2) rolls on said cutting means (3), the respective said motor drives said support rotation axis, while said spindle rotation axis ? madly spinning. 13. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said sensor means (13) comprise optical means, for example camera means, and/or wherein said actuator means (10) comprise at least one motor moved along a path by said supply means together with the capsule (2), and/or wherein said control means comprises programmable electronic means and computer instructions implemented on said programmable electronic means. 14. Cutting method, in particular implemented by a cutting apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, said method comprising the steps of: - feeding capsules (2) to cutting means (3) to create a guarantee band on each capsule (2); - detecting an orientation of each cap (2); And - varying an orientation of each capsule (2) on the basis of said detection; characterized by the fact that said change is performed before the cap (2) reaches said cutting means (3) so that? the cap reaches said cutting means with a desired orientation with respect to said cutting means (3).