JPS6024845A - Capsule connecing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus is disclosed for sealing capsules, of the type comprised of telescopically engaging capsule halves. The apparatus uses a longitudinally extended base with a movable conveyor mounted thereon. A capsule dispenser such as a hopper is located at the infeed end of the conveyor. A fluid applicator means is located downstream of the capsule dispenser and applies an adhesion-promoting fluid to the capsules. At least one capsule washing means located downstream of the fluid applicating means, applies a washing fluid to the outer surfaces of the capsule to wash away excess adhesion-promoting fluid. The capsules are passed through a drying tunnel where excess washing fluid is evaporated from the outer surfaces of the capsules. A dielectric energy means is located downstream of the drying means, and participates in the sealing of the capsules by the application of dielectric energy to promote the bonding of the adjacent overlapping capsule walls. A collecting means is located downstream of the dielectric energy means, and at the discharge end of the conveyor, and receives the fully treated capsules. The apparatus may use one or two conveyors and can in all its embodiments attain capsule processing rates of up to 1 million capsules per hour.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION (Industrial Field of Application) The present invention provides a method for telescopically engaging half-capsules containing edible raw materials. The invention relates to the preparation of such capsules, and in particular to a device for permanently joining the capsule halves together to provide tamper-evident and tamper-evident effects on the capsules.

(Conventional technology) The above capsules are well known and have been widely used for many years.

Such capsules are generally made of an edible natural substance of gelatin and are generally circular tubes, each sealed at one end and telescopically engaged, containing multiple meters of material in a coaxial arrangement. It is possible to hold it. Generally, the capsules are utilized in the pharmaceutical and food industries to carry edible and pharmaceutical active ingredients such as medicines, vitamin preparations, and other solid and liquid foods. The raw material of the capsule is usually hydrophilic and is broken down in the intestines after ingestion.

One of the long-standing difficulties with the use of the above-mentioned capsules is the functionality of the capsules and the sometimes
x vm L, the contents of the capsule may leak or be lost. Accordingly, the prior art incorporates a number of methods directed to maintaining the bond between the capsule halves. The problem of dislocated halved turnip leech 1 has become more acute in recent years, given that it is often reported that certain mulberry capsules are deliberately disassembled and poisonous drugs such as cyanide are mixed into them. ing. This deliberate act is successful because the capsules are poorly bonded and leave no evidence of embellishment. In other words, the slip fit between the capsule halves easily collapsed and the capsule cap was removed, allowing the intruder to insert a small lethal dose of DH Ab or other rupturing agent into the capsule. .

The above-mentioned incident describes a method for preventing fraudulent activities in capsules by encapsulating appropriate fraudulent activity display means in some parts of the industry and in society as a whole, and other related matters. 1111 shots of the device t [Konu 4 and aroused new interest ICo this I'tjl fJm L this.
] One solution is already known and is available from US CON&
Akira'r No. 1.861, 04. It was disclosed in '7 issue (X
Ru. In this patent, 1. A circular band of hardened gelatin is placed at the seam 1n between each half-capsule consisting of the body and the 21-piece 81-piece that receives it.

Use of a hardened gelatin band (so that it is visible to the naked eye)
h<b) Capsule seal to indicate release.

However, in the said patent, 1 is omitted - 1"L7 knob j
The law and the capsule G that was processed by it were discovered to have committed a fraudulent act by separating part of the capsule from the cap and changing the contents of the capsule, and then putting the cap and body part back in place. This method has been found to be imperfect, as it is possible to reattach the capsule by wrapping the band around it to prevent it from forming.

Yet another disadvantage of the above-mentioned method is that the material used to form the band is 13! ] do. Gelatin is commonly used, and the use of gelatin is difficult to control.
It is known that il[. As a result, early hands were often irregular, cracked, somewhat discontinuous, and generally uneven in appearance. Also, when gelatin bands are used, moisture tends to penetrate into the capsule contents, which in some cases destabilizes the capsule and significantly reduces the shelf life of the contents. Dear fj1, if the drying system used in connection with the use of gelatin bands does not function properly, the band portion of the capsule will become too loose and the capsule will become deformed, especially if the gelatin band is not used properly. After ejecting the capsules of human feet into the storage drum, the number of defective capsules increases as the number of defective capsules increases.

Another method that is currently widely used is essentially a method of baking (in this case, the heating probe is attached to the contact wall of the J-buil body with a capsule cap). Apply enough pressure to press the outside of the capsule's V-tube part, apply it, and press both sides of the capsule and body. Let them adhere to each other.

This method has the disadvantage that local heating causes deformation of the cell structure, which increases the rejection rate of the capsules. The form of adhesion formed by this method is extremely localized, and it is difficult to detect vibrations if the cell is damaged and a dissecting knife or sword-shaped probe is used. 1 halved capsule
m! It becomes easy to add contaminants.

The equipment used in the band winding method is very expensive and limits production. Similarly, the equipment used in the baking method is
In addition to the baking equipment, a low-speed machine for holding the two-culm medium coupler must be installed separately. 230
A method for permanently bonding capsules is disclosed in (1999), which utilizes capillary penetration of the interstices between the polymeric walls of assembled capsules. One of several adhesion-promoting fluids suitable for use on the capsule wall is removed and placed in the gap, and after the capsule is exposed to inductive energy, such as by microwave heating, the capsule is brought into contact with the capsule. The walls are bonded together. The adhesion promoting fluid includes a liquid with a high dielectric constant, such as a lower alcohol.

In conjunction with this new technology, there is a desire for a device that can rapidly and continuously join human capsules on a corporate scale.

Since there is no known device that can perform the above operations continuously, the present invention provides a device that specifically meets this need.
-ru.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION The main object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for joining capsules that have been assembled into LCs.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such an apparatus for effecting permanent adhesion between the respective polymeric half-capsules at high speed operation.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide such a device which is simple in structure and operation.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide such a device that is inexpensive to operate. .

(17Is of the Invention) An apparatus according to the invention is disclosed for permanently adhering nested half-capsules made of plastic resin to the charging end and the J.
1 (with the JI exit end to the right) a base extending in the hand direction, a conveyor means for transferring capsules placed on the base and extending from the charging end to the discharging end, and a processing means disposed in relation to the charging end. a turntable dispensing means for holding the capsule; a fluid applying means disposed downstream of the turntable dispensing means for applying an adhesion promoting fluid to the outer surface of the capsule; at least one capsule cleaning means disposed downstream of the means for washing excess adhesion promoting fluid from the capsule; a drying means downstream of the capsule cleaning means; and a drying means downstream of the drying means. It consists of a dielectric energy supply means arranged and an accumulation means arranged upstream of the dielectric energy supply means for collecting and storing or otherwise handling the finished capsule.

The capsule distributor includes a hopper into which unbound capsules are loaded for uniform distribution along the conveyor means. A large lifting platform and adjustable vibration hopper are available.

The fluid dispensing means comprises a spray distributor assembly having a dispensing head, the dispensing head having at least 61, preferably a plurality of dispensing holes, the dispensing holes being arranged so that the capsules are on the conveyor means. The spray distributor assembly is positioned to direct a spray of adhesion promoting fluid onto the cube as it passes by. (1) Fluid 1!'1
The conveyor means passes through the tank.
,stomach. Similarly, the capsule cleaning means may utilize the same (+]? assembly as the fluid (=J supplying means. If it is the same or different as described in l!'U bJ, then.

The drying means of the present invention consists of (1) an air flow that passes through the conveyor means, and is provided in conjunction with an air circulation means such as a fan or blower so that a large amount of air can flow. . If desired, a heater can be installed in conjunction with the air circulation means in which hot air is utilized within the airflow channel. The controller is then connected to the J, and the controller is set so that it can be changed into a hot I island leading to the Q4J fixed capsule to be processed.

One means of dielectric energy is input (2 I J3 J, exit [1
It consists of an A-bun HL t with an A-bun, the population and the exit being positioned such that the conveyor means passes through the A-bun.
An energy emitter such as ``Nila 1'' or ``Microwave Heating'' is placed within the DX chamber to facilitate the entrainment of the contacting half-capsules.
When the capsule passes, it is positioned to direct the combined waveform energy to the cab building.

The collecting means is a container or other capsule handling device in which the capsules are immediately conveyed from the device according to the invention to another station for packaging and shipping the capsules. Alternatively, the collecting means may be a container holding the human capsules after the addition of nonobrel. When the capsules are filled with liquids, the collecting means may be used to transport the capsules to the loading end of the device so that the capsules can be treated in one go.

In another embodiment, the conveyor means comprises a single conveyor or multiple conveyors. , in the latter embodiment, the first conveyor extends from the charging end associated with the dispensing means beyond the drying means to the iJl exit end. A second conveyor is disposed in relation to the discharge end of the first conveyor and allows dielectric energy to pass through the means. The 11J Special /j:4M SeiC・ that was water-controlled here placed the second 11 channel below the first one, and the negative '! The conveyance direction of the second conveyor is opposite to the conveyance direction of the first conveyor, and is directed toward the filling end of the first conveyor.

According to the present invention, a
,J,i. For example, the means for providing fluid
When performing one operation, a fluid cooling fJI device, a solvent recovery tank,
For cold systems, it is desirable to use contact-promoting liquids at low humidity. Before removing all process fluids, a large amount of cleaning solution is needed to help remove excess water that has been dispensed into the fluid pumping means. Cabrel washing sedation is used.

Similarly, drying means can be used in a wide variety of ways, including vacuum, infrared heating, or simple adulteration to remove residual traces of contact-promoting liquids and cleaning fluids, as described below. Driven by circulation.

(Effects of the Invention) The bonding apparatus of the present invention is capable of high-speed operation and processes approximately one million capsules per hour. The equipment is constructed and easy to operate, minimizing maintenance and other operating costs.Furthermore, by employing dielectric heating with a lightning generator in the range of 10 to 15 KW (7),
The energy requirement H1 is similarly reduced. Of course, the apparatus of the present invention is most effective when used in accordance with the prior application method described above.

(Embodiment) Referring to FIG. 1, the capsule joining device of the present invention includes a base 2 having a charging end 4 and a first end 6 extending in the longitudinal direction from the right. A conveyor means 8 is mounted on the base 2 and extends from the loading end 4 to the discharge end 6 as shown. Cubbill dispensing means 10 are shown above charging end 4 and are used in conjunction with conveyor 8 . Although not shown here, the Kabubiru distribution means 10 can hold a large amount of capsules, and discharges a certain number of Kabubiru onto the conveyor means 8.

The fluid 4"J"j means 12 are associated with the conveyor means 8 and are arranged downstream of the capsule dispensing means 10? It is done. )'IlS body A] Giving means 12 LJ, Kabubil is the 2Aj body ('J
10. The adhesion promoting fluid is cooled as it passes through the means.
t”iJuru.

At least 61 fllJ capsule cleaning means, such as capsule cleaning means 14, are arranged in -TZ flow of the hand 8212 in close proximity to the fluid extraction means 12, one thread into the conveyor means ε3. One step of the operation of the apparatus of the present invention (in the row, the excess σ given by the turnbill cleaning means 14 (Y, 1) giving means 12) Tangent: rt (i, N 1f
Fl? A large amount of washing flow to remove R1 is also used to distribute the solvent in the pile.
In another embodiment, a small number of capsule cleaning means 14 are provided, the first means being sequentially bonded (
The second means is used to distribute the fluid to aid in the removal of the fluid, the second means serving in turn to remove all of the process fluid from the outside of the capsule. zu.

The device according to the invention likewise comprises a drying means 16 arranged below the capsule washing means '14 in conjunction with the conveyor means 8. Drying means 16 are provided to remove any excess moisture or fluid remaining on the outside or inside of the capsules after the capsules have exited the capsule cleaning means 14. Dielectric energy means 18 are likewise provided on the conveyor. arranged downstream of the drying means 16 in conjunction with the means 8 for receiving the dried pellets emerging from the drying means 16 and subjecting the capsules to dielectric energy for contact coating polymerization according to the method outlined below. After 11 ↓, an accumulation means 20 is arranged in connection with the discharge end 6 to provide a means for collecting electrical energy for storage, shipping or further processing of the turnip hill. Accept the capsule that comes out from 18.

This will be explained in more detail with reference to FIG.

The device according to the invention is shown schematically in the drawings. Base 2 is
The device of the invention can be constructed of any size consisting of an essentially longitudinally extending table or the like to provide a continuous horizontal report. =1 conveyor means 8 is connected to means not shown here, and endless bell 1- is driven remotely.
Contains 22.

Similarly, the particular conveyor means may be replaced by other conveyor structures that are already known and commercially available. Therefore, since the present invention is not limited to any particular conveyor structure in terms of operation, there are no figures here that define a particular conveyor.

Capsule dispensing means 10 includes a hopper 24 forming a conventional constriction at the bottom for releasing the capsules into the bells 1-22 soil.

In particular, a vibrating hopper is selected and used to operate to distribute an even, single layer of turnips onto the belt 22. In this way, each capsule will receive the same treatment as it passes through the device.

The fluid (=J supplying means 12 is the fluid spray distributor assembly 26
, the assembly having a distribution manifold 28 positioned to extend above bell l-22. One or more distribution holes 30 (only one shown) are provided along the manifold 28 to direct a spray of adhesion promoting fluid down the capsule as the turnip hill is transferred through the assembly 26. It is designed to point towards.

The spray assembly 26 is attached to the spray shield 3 as shown.
2 and is suitably ventilated in a manner not shown here to prevent excessive leakage into the air if it is desired to restrict the circulation of the adhesion promoting fluid into the air.

Platform and spray distributor assemblies 26 where the adhesion promoting fluid is explosive, such as when using Hexage or petroleum needles.
The whole can be suitably encased and explosion-proofed by the installation of suitable insulators and other known safety devices.

The spray distribution body 26 may be provided with a solvent tank 34 to provide a constant fQ of adhesion promoting fluid and to provide a recirculating source of adhesion promoting fluid if desired. Operated in conjunction with distribution manifold 28. In the latter case, a suitable drain is provided near the bells 1-22 to drain excess adhesion promoting fluid back to the solvent tank 34.

The capsule cleaning means 14 is constructed similarly to the capsule dispensing means 10. The cleaning means therefore includes spray distributor assembly 362, distribution manifold 38, distribution holes 40. Spray shield 42. A solvent tank 44 is provided. Each of these components operates in the same manner as the corresponding component iA described in connection with the fluid application means 12, but the difference bv in ll[l- at that station is due to the large amount of cleaning fluid or solvent It is sprayed onto the outer surface of the capsule to remove excess adhesion promoting fluid while leaving the adhesion promoting fluid in the desired location on the half-capsule.

As previously mentioned, multiple capsule cleaning means can be used. In this case, it is desirable to perform a first wash with a solvent for the adhesion promoting fluid to begin removing the adhesion promoting fluid from the turnip hill. Thereafter, the capsule can be thoroughly washed with a cleaning fluid according to the procedure described to remove all adhesion promoting fluid and, in this case, solvent, from the surface of the capsule.

Although a single capsule cleaning means is thus illustrated, the second spray dispenser assembly of assembly 36 is connected downstream from assembly 36 to bells 1-22 as shown. The illustrated assembly 36 may provide a solvent solution for the adhesion promoting fluid and the second spray distributor assembly may provide a cleaning fluid or solvent as described. Therefore, although the installation of the plurality of turnip cleaning means 14 is not shown in the drawings, since such installation itself is obvious to the person concerned, the above-mentioned plurality of turnip cleaning means 1 to
It is within the scope of the present invention to provide.

Both the fluid-imparting means 12 and the cabbage cleaning means 14 (herein referred to in conjunction with the spray distributor assembly), each of which is processed by passing it through a conveyor on which the capsules are placed. in tank or trough)14
It is possible to grow. In such cases, the conveyor may be modified in a number of conventional ways to ensure that the capsules remain uniformly dispersed as the turnips pass through the conveyor. For example, the bell 1 22 can be provided with regularly spaced cross-crossing partitions or barriers so that a predetermined number of capsules remain within a designated area on the belt. Alternatively, the belt may be passed through the vat at very small acute angles. If so, there is no danger that the capsules will collect on the conveyor and probably fall from the conveyor into the tank. Therefore, although not shown in detail herein, the present invention encompasses other fluid dispensing means in addition to the fluid dispensing means illustrated herein.

Still referring to FIG. 1, a drying means 16 located downstream of the capsule cleaning means 14 receives the fluid treated pressure barrel and continues to remove excess water from the surface of the capsule. The drying means 16 includes an airflow tunnel 46 extending longitudinally over the belt 22, which airflow tunnel 46 circulates the airflow past the capsule to dryly cover the capsule. Examples 1~
The channel 46 generates an air flow (indicated by small arrows) countercurrent to the direction of transport of the capsules along the direction of transport of the belt 22 (indicated by the large arrow). Accordingly, the tunnel 46 has an entrance blennium 48, which has an entrance blennium 48.
8 is not exemplified here, but there is initial circulating air inside)'Il≧
It is of enlarged size to accommodate. Similarly, the exit or discharge blennium 50 is opposite 9 of the tunnel 46;
located at the point where the airflow is recirculated or otherwise exhausted.

The tunnel 46 illustrated in FIG. 1 is a recirculation system with a circulation means or blower 52 located near the inlet blennium 48. As an option, if it is desired to circulate heated air through the air filter 46, a heating means or heating coil 54 may be disposed upstream of the blower 52. Although not shown, it is regulated by a thermostat to precisely control the temperature of the circulating air.

The drying temperature is thus varied to suit the individual capsule bonds to be bonded. Further, the air leaving the tunnel in a state containing a considerable amount of moisture is appropriately dried by passing through the heating means 54. Therefore, if desired, the drying means 1G can be rotated in a closed loop. Of course, the invention is not limited to this specific construction and operation, since the heel 46 receives heated air from another source and is not necessarily operated with air circulation.

The dielectric energy means 18 is connected to the conveyor belt 2 as shown.
2, and performs the final adhesion of the capsule in accordance with the process described later in the cylinder. A dielectric energy means 18 is positioned to receive a conveyor belt 22 as shown to effect the final adhesion of the capsules in accordance with a process briefly described below. The dielectric tunnel means 18 has an oven inlet Db8a3 and an A-bun outlet 60 adapted to receive the bells 1 to 22 on which the capsules are placed.
'71 consists of a dielectric oven 56. 2+ - Bun 56
Inside is a schematically illustrated dielectric energy emitter 6
It includes a Δ-sonch I7 member 62 with a right side of 4. A wide variety of dielectric ovens are suitable for capsule bonding purposes. For example, dielectric energy emitter 64 can be used to emit microwave or radio frequency energy at various energy levels. When bonding gelatin capsules containing powdered gelatin, the energy emitter 64 is set to emit energy in the range of 1 to 15 KW. This processing i1 has been found to be sufficient for the processing amount of
, with much greater processing power. Capsule) 11S
The residence time is extremely short, and the fibers coming out of the oven 56 are completely bonded.

After the dielectric energy is 18 to 111, the capsule is 1
No. 1 exit end 6 is reached, where the capsule is deposited in a 42-pulse means 20. This accumulation means 20 consists of a receptacle 66 on the upper side. From this point on, the cabbage is stored for further processing on January 1, or transported for packaging d3 and ideation. When capsules containing various liquids are processed through the device of the invention, 100% of the halved capsules
It is desirable to repeat the process multiple times to ensure a fluid-tight connection. In such a case, the accumulation means 20 may include a conveyor or other transport means (not shown here) 1' to automatically return these capsules (processed) to the capsule dispensing means 10 for further passage through the apparatus. It's starting to move away. The specific structure of such 41 integration means may vary within the scope of the present invention.

- The apparatus schematically illustrated in FIG. 1 and described above is only one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 2 below,
Another embodiment of the invention clearly within the spirit and scope of the invention is shown in perspective view. Referring now to FIG. 2, this device basically differs from the device of FIG. 724.1
It is located on a separate main base 7/I and extends from the insertion end 7G starting just before the hopper 78 to the discharge end 80 located beyond the airflow channel 82. A conveyor 84 of L) 812 extends below the first conveyor 72 and runs in the opposite direction through a dielectric oven 86.
Hiiragi is at 8. The second conveyor 84 is 1-output 0M
7j 17 end 90 which accepted capsules from 180 and finally processed 7j capsule = Lucta 8
8 is provided. As shown in the figure, the ejection end 8o and the insertion end 9o are appropriately equipped with a JJI ejection chute 94J3 and receiving shoes 1 to 9G, each with one sword flj.
Qai 80 J3 Yo? J' Charging Dmit 90 M
I'1M i"J'#f is arranged to facilitate the passage of the capsules from the first conveyor 72 to the second conveyor 84.
Place the dielectric oven 86 /J < m 1 ] > hair 72 ノ JJf fJj Qa 80 ni J5 so that it is in the Liebaut position weighing against the main base 7-/l (
R is made.

The fluid attachment means 98d3 and the capsule cleaning means 100 are the same as those shown in FIG. iSei J3 J: Bisaku J11
are equivalent, so the device 1v (shown in FIG. 2) has almost the same effect in other respects. Thus, the plurality of respective distribution holes 106 and 108 are visible. Similarly, the airflow channels 1 to 82 are shown in FIG.

Although the air flow 1 Hennel 82 is not shown to add the heating means and air 1f circulation means to the value 1 as appropriate, these elements can be reduced to just 1iii ``C'' in the same manner as shown in FIG. 1.
Therefore, the disclosure d3 and descriptions already mentioned herein apply thereto.1 Further, with reference to FIG. 2, each conveyor 72. ;
j, ta C yo - ta ta 114.116 to A! (ffI′i
J3, the motor 114.11
6tJ! 4; According to the first conveyor (14) notification, each conveyor is driven by a drive roller connected to the roller i18.120f7). Regarding other points, the structure of = 1 bearing 72° 8/1 is similar to this i j
According to 14~ of Shintsu F. (A3, the environment of the present invention does not provide any specific claim scope with respect to the conveyor structure part).

The operation of the device of the invention will now be described with reference to a particular method of joining the capsules. A number of capsules are loaded into a capsule dispensing means or collar, which is then transferred to the bell 1 of the conveyor to further distribute the capsules. For most capsule bonding applications, J3 is used, and the belt width is 18 inches.

The capsules are then transferred to the fluid application means where they pass through the spray distributor assembly and below the distribution holes. At this point 114, a contact promoting fluid such as methanol or a mixture of methanol and carbon tetrachloride is applied to the capsule and penetrates into the gap between the adhesive parts of the halved capsule.

The capsule is immediately passed through a capsule cleaning means where the fluid ("J" means) is immediately passed through a capsule cleaning means where - as an example, a similar spray distributor assembly can be used with hexine 9 petroleum ether or (Jζ This fluid is applied in order to remove the excess adhesion-promoting flow remaining on the outer surface of the capsule so that the turnip hill wall does not suffer any subsequent damage (=l). .

In another embodiment, as already described, a plurality of capsule cleaning means or spray distributor assemblies can be provided;
In this case, a first cleaning fluid is applied to assist in removing the adhesion promoting fluid.

For example, when the adhesion-promoting fluid is a solution of isopropanol in water, a first wash fluid of pure isopropanol can be used as an aid in removing the isopropanol solution from the surface of the capsule.

A cleaning solution such as carbon tetrachloride, hekylin, d3 and petroleum ether is then applied to the remaining adhesion promoting fluid as well as the first
The capsule is sprayed to remove residual solvent used as a cleaning fluid.

Similarly, if the adhesion-promoting fluid includes gelatin in methanol, methanol may be used as the first wash fluid, followed by a second wash selected from Fushiki Tetrachloride, etc. Use fluid.

After the capsules exit the Kabubil dispensing means, they enter a drying tunnel where they are atomized by an air current. This airflow [as illustrated, is countercurrent with respect to the direction of transport of the turnip hill.

In certain embodiments, dry 1 to 6 mm length
ft, air volume 800cfm, temperature range 90° to 10
It is 0'C. Dry for 1 to 7 minutes (usually on the order of 1 minute or less, and this time is sufficient to evaporate or volatilize the excess and unnecessary fluid present on the outer surface of the capsule). That's enough time.

The capsule is then passed through a dielectric energy source. This dielectric energy means is operated at an energy release level of 107 IJ'fL15 KW to generate sufficient heat to bond or bond the capsule walls together, as described. In this regard, the contacting promoting fluid has a dielectric constant b, thereby absorbing the dielectric energy and causing a local dissolution or solvation of the contact wall of the capsule, preventing quenching and fluid Forms a tight weld or bond that achieves both 1θ and 1θ.

Also, as described, when the capsule is loaded with various corrugations i11, the capsule may be passed through the wooden limb iv1 several times in order to achieve a complete fluid-tight bonding of the nojp cell walls.

The capsules emerging from the dielectric energy means are transferred to the discharge end of the conveyor, where they are piled up into collecting means (as appropriate), such as receivers and other structures as described. Alternatively, if excess moisture is likely to remain on the capsule, another drying means is disposed between the dielectric energy means and the concentrating means, and the capsule is subjected to an additional drying cycle. I can do it. Such a drying stage may be of the type exemplified here, or may consist of an air-drying t'l, an infrared heating device a, or other known means suitable for this purpose. Invention A includes all of these alternative drying means within the scope of the invention.

1 and 2 - (The apparatus described and illustrated is
Further changes may be made if special handling is used and no compromise is made. Therefore, for certain capsules in which the advancing fluid and cleaning fluid are susceptible to discoloration and otherwise deterioration of the capsule wall, contact at a temperature lowered to -20°C A-G. 7ilf[It is desirable to use a distributor for the forward fluid3. In such cases, the fluid application means is modified to include a fluid cooling system, such as a refrigeration or heat exchange coil, to pre-cool the adhesion promoting fluid to the desired temperature before applying the fluid to the capsule. . Similarly, as illustrated, the fluid application means and capsule cleaning means may include solvent tanks and other recyclers to conserve the respective fluids and to prevent them from unnecessarily escaping into the surrounding work environment. Utilize a solvent recovery system that includes circulation means.

From the above, it can be seen that the device of the present invention has simple IiQ construction and operation. Due to the characteristics of the device and breather,
As described, it becomes possible to perform capsule processing on the human finger. Therefore,
If the conveyor bell 1 is operated at a speed of 20 to 30 rt/min and the other operating parameters specified above are set to ?15+! Of course, depending on the particular configuration of the capsule, various parameters may vary and the device of the invention may be modified accordingly.

The invention is not limited to the examples described and illustrated herein, which merely illustrate the best mode for carrying out the invention, and the shapes of the individual parts.

The details of the size, arrangement, and operation V[ may be changed as appropriate.

Rather, it is intended that the invention encompasses all modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention and as defined in the claims.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of an apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an apparatus according to another embodiment of the invention. In the figure, 4 is a charging end, 6 is a discharge end, 8 is a conveyor means, 1
0 is a capsule dispensing means, 12 is a fluid application means, 14 is a capsule washing means, 16 is a drying means, 18 is a dielectric energy means, 20 is an accumulation means, 22 is a bell l-124 is a hopper, 26 is a fluid spray distributor assembly, 28 is a distribution manifold, 30 is a distribution hole, 32 is a spray shield,
34 is a solvent tank; 36 is a distribution spray distributor assembly;
38 is a distribution manifold, 40 is a distribution hole, 42 is a spray shield, 4/I is a solvent tank, 46 is a tunnel, 4
8 is an inlet plenum, 50 is a JJI outlet plenum, 52 is a blower, 154 is a heating coil, 5G is a dielectric oven, 64
is a dielectric energy emitter, 72 is a first conveyor, 7
/1 is the main base, 76 is the charging end, 78 is the small collar - 180
8/I is the second conveyor, 86 is the dielectric oven, 88 is the collector, 90 is the charging end, 92 is the 1)1 output end, 9/'I is the 1-1 output side 1-1, 96 is receiving shoe 1
98 is a fluid pipe means, 100 is a capsule cleaning means, 102 and 104 are distribution manifolds, 106 and 1
08 is the distribution hole, 110 is the inlet Blenheim, 112I or JJ
This is Blenheim from I. Patent No. 71 Applicant Cabrell Bond Incorporated

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] (1) A: a longitudinally extending base having a charging end and a discharge end; a conveyor means extending to an end; and capsule dispensing means communicating with said conveyor means at said loading end for dispensing an equal number of said capsules onto said conveyor means; (2) D. fluid application means (3) communicating with said conveyor means downstream of said capsule dispensing means for applying an adhesion promoting fluid to said capsules; at least one capsule cleaning means in communication with and for removing excess fluid from said capsules; F. drying means downstream of said capsule cleaning means and in communication with said conveyor; a dielectric energy means downstream of the drying means and communicating with the conveyor means for promoting adhesion of the capsule halves to each other; A device for joining capsules consisting of a half-split turnip and a chill that engages with the insert, said capsule dispensing means comprising a vibrating wheel collar. Capsule joining apparatus according to claim 1. 1) a distributing means, comprising at least one adhesive distributing means arranged to direct the adhesion 1y advance toward the capsules on the conveyor means; 4. The cabrel joining device of claim 1 comprising a fluid spray distributor assembly having a distribution hole. (4) said capsule cleaning means directing a spray of cleaning fluid to the capsules on said conveyor means. Capsule joining device according to claim 1, comprising an X'L body hX for a fluid spray distributor, comprising at least one distribution hole arranged opposite to each other. (5) The drying means comprises: A turnip hill jointing device according to claim 1, comprising an airflow tunnel extending 3 meters past the conveyor means, and air circulation means connected to the airflow tunnel so as to allow the airflow to pass through the airflow tunnel. (6) The capsule bonding apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the drying means comprises the air circulation means (two connected air heating means). (7) The dielectric energy means comprises chi 11. an oven having an inlet and an outlet for passing said conveyor into said chamber; 2. The Turnip-Hill junction apparatus of claim 1, comprising a dielectric energy emitter in said chamber arranged as follows. (8) The capsule bonding apparatus according to item 7, wherein the dielectric energy emitter comprises a microwave heating unit. (9) The Cub-Hill bonding device according to claim 7, wherein the dielectric energy emitter comprises a radio frequency heating unit. (10), the conveyor means comprises an endless belt extending from the charging end to the output end of υ1; A capsule joining device according to claim 1, comprising a receiver, (12) said conveyor means having an input end extending from said capsule dispensing means beyond said drying means; a first conveyor having a discharge end; and B, a JJI having a charging end communicating with the JJI exit end of said first conveyor and communicating with said dielectric energy and beyond to said receiver. The capsule joining device of claim 1, comprising a second conveyor extending to an exit end. (13) The second conveyor, the dielectric energy means, and the receiver are connected to the first conveyor. arranged downstream and extending in a direction toward the charging end of the first conveyor;
A capsule joining device according to claim 12. (1/l), a plurality of capsule washes comprising a first capsule wash means downstream from the fluid application means, and successively a plurality of capsule wash means each downstream of the first capsule wash means; A capsule joining device according to claim 1, comprising means. (1!i) The Cubhill joining device according to claim 14, comprising two capsule cleaning means. (16)', a plurality of 7J cells comprising a first capsule cleaning means downstream from the fluid applying means, and successively comprising capsule cleaning means mutually disposed downstream of the first turnip cleaning means; 13. A capsule joining device as claimed in claim 12, including cleaning means. (17) The Cub Hill joining device according to claim 16, comprising two capsule cleaning means.